(a) There shall be created a commission to be known and designated as "Shade Tree Commission" composed of five (5) members. The members shall consist of the Mayor, one City Council Member selected by Council and three citizens appointed by the Mayor.
(b) The term of the Commission members shall be three years, provided that the initial terms of the appointed citizens shall be one, two and three years as designated by the Mayor.
(c) Members of the Shade Tree Commission may be compensated at a per meeting rate established by Council, and shall be entitled to reimbursement for any and all approved expenditures in carrying out the function of the Commission.
(d) The purpose of the Commission is to contribute to the public health, safety and welfare by preserving and protecting tree growth as part of the Village's ecological system and to promote the preservation and replacement of major trees and to regulate tree planting in the tree lawns along public streets.
(e) The powers of the "Shade Tree Commission" shall be as follows:
(1) To study the problems and determine the needs of the Village of Centerburg, Ohio in connection with its tree maintenance and planting program.
(2) To recommend:
A. The type and kind of trees to be planted upon various Village streets or in parks;
B. Rules and regulations governing the planting, maintenance, removal, fertilization, pruning, and bracing of trees on the streets or other public sites in the Village;
C. Planting, maintenance, pruning, and removal of trees growing in any public area of the Village;
D. A master street tree plan specifying the species of tree to be planted on each of the streets or other public sites of the Village;
E. Desirable legislation for the tree maintenance and planting program to be considered by the Village Council; and
F. Penalties or other corrective action to be imposed on any person for violation of this chapter.
(3) To disseminate news and information regarding the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees within the corporate limits on public property, including tree lawns.
(4) To hold regular meetings on at least a quarterly basis and special meetings as deemed necessary.
(f) Within a reasonable time after the appointment of the members, the Commission shall meet and elect a chairman. The Village Administrator or his designee shall act as the secretary. The Commission shall then adopt rules and procedures and agree to times for holding regular or special meetings as the Commission deems advisable and necessary to perform its duties. (Ord. 2006-19. Passed 8-7-06.)