The Commissioner of Shade Trees is authorized to inspect any tree within the City reported or supposed to be infected with the Dutch Elm disease or the virus disease Phloem Necrosis commonly known as Elm Blight. If upon such inspection the Commissioner determines that such tree is infected with either of the diseases, he or she shall, if the tree is in any public street, ground or place within the City, immediately remove and burn the same in such manner as to prevent as fully as possible the spread of such disease. If such tree is located on private property, the Commissioner shall immediately serve upon the owner of such property a written notice that such tree is so infected and that the same must be removed and burned under the supervision of the Commissioner within five (5) days of the service of notice. If such owner cannot be found, a copy of the notice shall be posted upon the infected tree. If the tree is not so removed and burned within five (5) days after the service or posting of notice, the Commissioner shall cause the tree to be so removed and burned. The cost of removal and burning shall be reported to the owner of the property, if he or she can be found, and also Council. If the cost is not paid within thirty (30) days of such report, Council may assess the same as in other cases of the abatement of nuisances.
(Ord. No. 1779-48. Passed 10-18-48)