(A) The arborist is given full jurisdiction, authority, control, supervision, and direction of all trees which now or which may hereafter exist upon any public place in the city; and over all trees which exist upon any private property when, in the arborist’s opinion, such trees constitute a menace to public property, public safety, or public welfare of the city.
(B) If in the opinion of the arborist, a tree located on private property does constitute a menace, requiring the tree to be removed, the arborist shall issue a written justification to the property owner. Said notice shall provide no less than 30 days for the private property owner to remove the tree. If the private property owner does not remove the tree in the timeframe established, the Municipal Administrator or his or her designee may cause the tree to be removed at the expense of the city. Thereupon, the expense of removal and all related costs, calculated in accordance with the formula on file with the Public Works Director, shall be billed to the property owner by regular mail. Upon failure to reimburse the city this amount within 30 days thereafter, the Council shall make written return to the County Auditor along with a request that such amount be entered upon the tax duplicate, to become a lien upon such lands from and after the date of entry, and to be collected as other taxes and returned to the city according to law.
(C) The arborist is also given full jurisdiction, authority, and control in connection with the issuing of permits hereinafter provided for. In the exercise of any of the powers herein granted, the arborist shall have the authority to delegate all or such part of his or her power and duties with respect to supervision and control of trees to the arborist’s subordinates and assistants in the employ of the city as the arborist may from time to time determine.
(1980 Code, § 99.02) (Ord. 7241, passed 5-3-2004; Am. Ord. 8677, passed 5-21-2018)