(A) Policy. It shall be the policy of the Urban Forestry Program to:
(1) Encourage the establishment of large trees to the extent practicable and aesthetically pleasing;
(2) Encourage new tree plantings on public and private property to ensure a rich and diverse urban forest into perpetuity;
(3) Encourage proper tree care to maintain safe and healthy trees;
(4) Provide flexibility in tree selection and planting based on site conditions, zoning and objectives;
(5) Make every effort to replace or repair public facilities without removing or damaging adjacent trees; and
(6) Annually coordinate the city’s Arbor Day proclamation, and observance, in order to retain Tree City USA status.
(B) Responsible official. The Urban Forester, or other person designated by the City Manager, shall be the responsible official for administering the Urban Forestry Program. The UFB and the City Department of Public Works shall provide advice and assistance to the Urban Forester in carrying out his or her duties. Responsibilities of the Urban Forester shall be identified in the corresponding position description.
(C) Coordination. The Urban Forester and other city departments shall endeavor to share plans, specifications, requests, ideas, and other data affecting the city’s urban forest, in a timely and cooperative manner, to provide for coordination and the most feasible use of all public lands and resources.
(D) Performance evaluation.
(1) The Urban Forester shall collect and maintain all records and data necessary to objectively evaluate progress toward the purpose, intent and goals of the Urban Forestry Program. The Urban Forester shall prepare an annual report. The report shall be submitted to the UFB for approval and then presented to the Director of Public Works. The annual report shall be submitted to the Mayor and City Commissioners.
(2) The annual report shall include:
(a) The number, location and type of projects subject to the Urban Forest Program;
(b) The number of trees planted and removed;
(c) The cost of the Urban Forest Program;
(d) Opportunities for improvement of the Urban Forestry Program; and
(e) Progress towards the goals of the Urban Forestry Master Plan.
(Ord. O-20-20, passed 9-15-2020)