(A) The Forestry Advisory Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Manager on issues regarding the city’s urban forest and arboreal resources. On matters presented to it for approval, the City Council may adopt, reject, modify or amend the recommendations of the Board.
(B) It shall be the responsibility of the Forest Advisory Board to study, investigate, counsel and develop and update periodically a written community forestry plan for the care, preservation, trimming, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of the city’s trees and shrubbery. The plan shall include an inventory of the existing trees on public rights-of-way, parks and other public property. The Board shall submit the plan to the Planning Commission for review and comment on conformance with the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan. Upon approval of the recommended plan by the City Council, it shall constitute the official community forestry plan and become a part of the city’s comprehensive plan.
(C) In addition to matters as the City Council or City Manager may assign, the Forestry Advisory Board shall carry on the following activities:
(1) Develop standards of tree maintenance and other specifications to foster the city’s tree population, protect person and property against injury, provide for safe and efficient passage of person, vehicles and utilities through recognized rights-of-way;
(2) Propose the legislation as may be needed and practicable to pursue the ends for which the Board was created;
(3) Plan and coordinate an annual Arbor Week observance each year in cooperation with schools, conservation organizations and other interested parties;
(4) Research and recommend policies regarding trees and other vegetation on private property in those cases where open space or landscaping is required as a condition for approval of development under the city’s land use regulations;
(5) Monitor the licensure of tree service companies practicing in the city and initiate action toward enforcement of applicable ordinances;
(6) Identify potential landscaping projects that will improve the community forest and to recommend policies to identify, publicize and preserve historic and notable trees on both public and private property; and
(7) Assist the community and its officials in disseminating information about the protection, maintenance and improvement of the city’s tree population.
(D) The Forestry Advisory Board may, in its discretion, undertake and participate in cooperative projects, including but not limited to:
(1) Recycling of leaves, chips, firewood and other by-products of tree maintenance;
(2) Development and use of a tree bank, in cooperation with other public and private agencies; and
(3) Encouraging and soliciting donations, grants and other funding for community forestry programs and for special projects.
(Ord. 3032, passed 12-16-97; Am. Ord. 3156, passed 4-5-05; Am. Ord. 3163, passed 8-16-05)