Trees contribute to the quality of life of urban dwellers and are a valuable and beautiful asset throughout the City. Trees stabilize the soil, help control water pollution, preserve and foster air quality by removing carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants, abate visual and noise pollution, reduce energy costs by providing shade, and provide a natural habitat for wildlife. Not only do trees provide welcome shade to people, they also provide a psychological boost to urban dwellers, and add color and vitality to the urban landscape.
The Urban Forestry Commission will serve in an advisory capacity to assist the Mayor, Cleveland City Council, Urban Forestry Section of the Division of Park Maintenance, and the City Planning Commission in ensuring the many benefits trees provide to citizens of the City by making recommendations related to:
(a) Maintaining the health of trees in our parks, rights-of-way and other public spaces and reducing the risk associated with trees;
(b) Increasing public education and support for urban forestry;
(c) Providing for the planting of new and replacement trees to preserve and expand the tree canopy;
(d) Maintaining the tree canopy and protecting trees during construction and development; and
(e) Establishing policy and regulations governing the protection, management, and conservation of trees and vegetation in the City; and
(f) Generating funds from the foundation community, corporate community, the citizens of the City, the private sector, and government grants to support urban forestry.
(Ord. No. 702-2020. Passed 6-6-22, eff. 6-13-22)
Note: Pursuant to Sections 9 and 10 of Ord. No. 521-2024, any references to the Division of Park Maintenance and Properties and Commissioner of Park Maintenance and Properties shall be amended to read Division of Park Maintenance and Commissioner of Park Maintenance.
(a) There is hereby established the Cleveland Urban Forestry Commission, which shall consist of fifteen (15) members, eight (8) of whom shall be appointed by, the Mayor, and seven (7) of whom shall be appointed by City Council.
(b) The members of the Commission shall include the following:
(1) a representative from the Urban Forestry Section of the Division of Park Maintenance, Department of Parks and Recreation;
(2) a representative from the Department of City Planning;
(3) the Chief of the Office of Sustainability, or his or her designee;
(4) a representative from the Division of Engineering and Construction, Mayor's Office of Capital Projects;
(5) a representative from the Department of Public Utilities;
(6) Council Member or representative appointed by the Council President;
(7) a certified arborist;
(8) a representative from an electric company;
(9) a developer who has completed projects in the City;
(10) three (3) resident representatives, one (1) being a youth between the ages of eleven (11) and seventeen (17) who has permission from his or her parent or legal guardian;
(11) a representative from an environmental justice organization; and
(12) two (2) representatives from a non-profit or non-governmental organization whose mission is to advocate for preservation or enhancement of urban forests, wildlife habitat, or similar natural systems.
(c) The Mayor shall appoint those members from the City Departments, the youth resident representative, the representative from an electric company, and the representative from an environmental justice organization. The Council shall appoint all other members.
(d) Other than the representatives of City Departments, the term of the members shall be three (3) years; provided that of the initial appointments, four (4) members shall serve three (3) years and four (4) members shall serve two (2) years. If a vacancy occurs during the term of any member, the Mayor or Council President, depending on who appointed the outgoing member, shall appoint a successor to serve the unexpired portion of that term.
(e) The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
(Ord. No. 702-2020. Passed 6-6-22, eff. 6-13-22)
Note: Pursuant to Sections 9 and 10 of Ord. No. 521-2024, any references to the Division of Park Maintenance and Properties and Commissioner of Park Maintenance and Properties shall be amended to read Division of Park Maintenance and Commissioner of Park Maintenance.
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