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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR - Trvl - 07 WCIS of Arborists Annual Conf.CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Approve Out -of -State Travel for Landscape Specialist SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E. Director of Public Works DATE: May 10, 2007 CONTENTS: Seminar Description Recommendation: TP By minute motion, approve out-of-state travel for the Landscape Specialist to attend the 2007 Western Chapter International Society of Arborists (ISA) Annual Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, July 28-August 1, 2007. Discussion: The tree population is a significant factor in the City of Palm Desert's high -quality urban environment. The management of this valuable and ever-expanding resource requires that City staff stay current with advances in arboriculture. The Landscape Manager and Landscape Specialist, both certified arborists, in the past have alternated attendance to the Western Chapter of the ISA yearly conference; the Landscape Specialist is scheduled to attend this year's conference. The Landscape Specialist is developing the City Urban Forestry Ordinance, which is part of the requirement for becoming a Tree City USA. She will use this opportunity to network with other urban foresters, certified arborists, and other tree care professionals, in order to stay current with new technology in the field of arboriculture. In addition, two-thirds of the required 30 hours of continuing education units for an arborist re -certification will be available at the Western Chapter ISA Annual Conference. This will eliminate the need to attend other seminars for the necessary continuing education units. The five-day course fee is $365 plus approximately $2,000 for travel -related expenses (airfare, hotel, meals, etc.) for an estimated total cost of $2,365. Funds are available in the Public Works Conference/Seminars/Workshops Account No. 110-4614-453-3120. Approve Out -Of -State Travel for the Landscape Specialist May 10, 2007 Page 2of2 Therefore, staff recommends that City Council, by minute motion, approve out-of-state travel for the Landscape Specialist to attend the 2007 Western Chapter International Society of Arborists (ISA) Annual Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, July 28-August 1, 2007. Prepared by: Departm Approv Ho er Croy ACM for De Mark Greenwbbd, P.E. Director of Public Works Carlos L. Ortega nt Services City Manager i iC.ITY COUNCIL ACTION t. / / x ;APPROVED / DENIED Paul i +sue rtECEIVED OTHER Finance Director 'MIMING DATE 5--//}.-r,'"7 AYES : ��i'fslQ� Fer3L6Ly) Finer -I- , Noss: N Onc, ABSENT: ABSTAIN: mt. VERIFIED BY: e.-D01- Original on File witnJCity Clerk's Office L1