Discussion and Consideration of Approving a Professional Service Agreement with Samara Natural Resources Consulting for the Urban Forestry Development Grant and Council Action as Needed — K-4

AGENDA ITEM # K-4 AGENDA INFORMATION TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION DATE: July 16, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Discussion and Consideration of Approving a Professional Service Agreement with Samara Natural Resources Consulting for the Urban Forestry Development Grant and Council Action as Needed ACTION: Motion Background The City of Tiffin was recently awarded an Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban Forestry Development Grant, funded through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, to advance the City's long-term urban forestry initiatives. The grant supports the development of a comprehensive urban forestry program focused on improving public safety, strengthening the City's tree canopy, building internal staff expertise, and establishing a long- term management strategy. To assist with implementation of the grant, staff solicited a proposal from Samara Natural Resources Consulting, a firm specializing in urban forestry planning, tree management, and municipal forestry programs. Under the proposed agreement, Samara will provide professional services including: • Development of a comprehensive Urban Forestry Management Plan with species diversity guidelines, canopy coverage goals, maintenance standards, planting strategies, invasive species management recommendations, policy review, and a 10–20 year implementation roadmap. • Assistance with updating and analyzing the City's GIS-based tree inventory in coordination with the Iowa DNR. • Canopy and heat-vulnerability analysis to identify priority planting locations. • Public engagement through two public meetings and an Arbor Day tree planting event. • Four hands-on staff training workshops covering proper pruning, planting, and tree safety practices. • Assistance with preparing one City employee for International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification. • Field assistance with tree pruning, hazard reduction, and strategic tree planting identified in the City's grant application. The project is anticipated to begin in July 2026 and conclude in late 2027 with completion of the Urban Forestry Management Plan and adoption by the City Council. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the Professional Services Agreement with Samara Natural Resources Consulting in an amount not to exceed $26,600. The proposed services will fulfill key 1