(A) Whenever the Tree Inspector finds with reasonable certainty that the infection, or danger of infection, exists in any tree or wood on any public or private property, the Tree Inspector shall proceed as follows:
(1) The Tree Inspector or City Code Enforcement Officer shall provide a written notice to the owner of the property upon which the infected tree is located informing the owner that the tree must be removed within a specified period of time through specified removal methods.
(2) If the owner does not remove the tree within the time period listed in the written notice, the Director of Public Works shall order the work performed by city staff or day labor.
(3) After the city removes the tree, the city shall send an invoice to the property owner requiring payment of all city costs related to removal of the tree, including contractor, consultant and city staff costs. The owner must pay the city's bill within 30 days of receipt.
(4) If the owner fails to pay the city's invoice, the city may levy the costs of tree removal against the property as a special assessment under M.S. § 429.101 and other pertinent statutes for certification to the County Auditor and collection the following year along with current taxes.
(B) No damage shall be awarded the owner for destruction of any tree, wood or part thereof pursuant to this section.
(C) Property owners removing boulevard trees that are dead or diseased may be eligible for a 25% reimbursement from the city. Prior approval from the City Administrator is required. The city may assess up to 50% of the city's cost of removing a boulevard tree.
(Prior Code, § 10.20) (Am. Ord. 2007-007, passed 5-7-2007)