A. Created; Established: There is hereby created and established, an urban forestry committee for the city, which shall consist of no more than seven (7), but a minimum of five (5) members, citizens and residents of this community, as defined by the city limits, and at least one member of the city council, who shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member.
B. Term Of Office; Vacancy: The term of the seven (7) persons to be appointed by the mayor shall be three (3) years from their appointment. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, the successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.
C. Officers, Rules And Regulations, Records, Quorum: The committee shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep a journal of its proceedings. A majority of the current membership shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.
D. Compensation: Members of the committee shall serve without compensation.
E. Responsibilities: It shall be the responsibility of the committee to study, investigate, counsel and develop and/or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, including planting, culture, and removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, streets, alleys, and other lands owned or managed by the city. As a part of said plan, the committee may also, upon request, provide guidance and make recommendations regarding planting and tree care on private property within the city. Such plan will be presented annually to the city council and, upon their acceptance and approval, shall constitute the official comprehensive urban forest plan for the city. The committee, when requested by the city council, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.
F. Duties And Authority:
1. Duties Of The Urban Forestry Committee:
a. To develop a comprehensive city forestry plan;
b. Maintain an accurate inventory of existing trees on city property;
c. Assist the city in providing information to the public;
d. Assist the city in implementing Arbor Day celebrations and activities;
e. Encourage and solicit donations and other funding for the city tree program;
f. Identify and implement landscaping projects which improve the city forest; and
g. Assist the council in planning, reviewing and making recommendations to the city forestry budget.
2. Authority And Control Over Trees: The urban forestry committee will have the power to meet and review and then recommend to the city council any and all policies that pertain to the city urban forestry program. The mayor and council will have complete authority and control over all trees on or within the city properties. (Ord. 683, 11-14-2000; amd. 2009 Code)