The City Council shall appoint a Tree Board consisting of not less than five (5) and no more than nine (9) adults. Each member shall be a resident of the City of Columbus. Each member shall be a fee owner or a contract-for-deed purchaser of a homestead within the City of Columbus.
A. TERMS. Members shall be appointed for staggered terms. Depending upon the actual number of members, the City Council should appoint approximately one-third of the members for a term of one (1) year, one-third for a term of two (2) years, and one-third for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, the term of each member shall be three (3) years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. If the office of any Tree Board Member becomes vacant, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the City Council. All members shall serve without compensation, but shall be granted reimbursement for expenses incurred in performance of official duties.
B. EX OFFICIO MEMBERS. One member of the City Council, the Town Manager, and the City Forester shall serve as ex officio members of the Tree Board.
C. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION.
1. The Tree Board shall serve as an advisor to the City Council, the City Planning Commission, and to the City Forester as to the proper content and administration of these regulations.
2. The Tree Board shall ensure that the City does everything necessary to establish and maintain its designation as “Tree City - USA” under the rules and regulations of the National Arbor Day Foundation of Nebraska City, Nebraska, including preparing and conducting an Arbor Day observance by the City.
3. The Tree Board shall research, prepare, and recommend a program of tree planting to the City Council for adoption by resolution. This may include recommendations jointly prepared with the Park Board for plantings or arboretums in City parks.
4. The Tree Board shall research, prepare, and recommend a City forestry budget to the City Council for inclusion in the annual budget. Funds for the Shade Tree disease control program shall be included in the budget request.
5. The Tree Board shall research and prepare permit standards, maintenance standards, and design standards to guide the City Forester in his administration of Article IV of this Chapter. These standards shall be submitted to City Council for approval and adoption, and may be revised from time to time by resolution of City Council.
6. The Tree Board shall research and prepare such additional standards and drawings necessary to aid the Zoning Administrator and City Forester in their administration of Article VI, especially with respect to the details necessary for a complete tree maintenance plan under § 20-603. These standards shall be submitted to City Council for approval and adoption, and may be revised from time to time by resolution of City Council.
[Section 20-210 amended by Ord. No. 07-02, effective March 1, 2007, amended by Ord. No. 07-04, effective July 26, 2007, amended by Ord. No 09-04, effective March 19, 2009, amended by Ord. No. 13-01, effective January 31, 2013.]