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<br /> ~1r PAGE 2 TREET TREE OPERATIONS <br /> Under the public works department, the street tree program will be placed <br /> in the roa fund operation which is financed by state gas tax. The program <br /> 1 will becom part of the Public Works Maintenance Division. <br /> Prese tly, the parks department's X360,000 tree program is supported by <br /> general fu ds. As long as the street tree program remains entirely in the <br /> general fu d, progress will be slow in providing the needed resources to care <br /> j for the gr wing inventory of trees, Smith said. <br /> i <br /> ~ Admin'stering the street tree program out of public works will benefit the <br /> street tre program and the public for a number of reasons, Smith said. <br /> Road funds will enable the city to acquire much needed equipment sooner, permit <br /> processing can be coordinated with the building permit division, and existing <br /> public wor 's staff resources can be tapped when needed for assistance with <br /> park tree aintenance, Smith added. <br /> the t ansfer includes moving seven full time positions from the parks <br /> ' department to the public works department. One of the positions is currently <br /> vacant. <br /> The ublic works department plans to hire an urban forester in the vacant <br /> position in the near future to oversee the administration and planning func- <br /> tions of he program, and provide staff support to the Eugene Tree Commission. <br /> i <br /> Both the parks and public works department will continue to work together <br /> to ensure a smooth transition and little disruption to providing service to the <br /> public. P rsons with tree-related questions should contact the Public Works <br /> Maintenan a office at 687-5220 beginning July 1. <br /> i <br /> <br />