(A) Name. A tree board shall be created and shall be known as the "Kingstree Beautification Committee."
(B) Members. The Beautification Committee shall have nine members, citizens and residents of the town, approved by the Mayor and Town Council. One advisory, nonvoting staff member shall be appointed in addition to the nine members.
(C) Quorum. A quorum shall consist of five voting members. The Beautification Committee shall take no action in the absence of a quorum.
(D) Compensation. The Beautification Committee members shall serve without compensation. The town, upon receipt of appropriate receipts and documentation, shall reimburse reasonable expenses incurred by members and approved by the Committee.
(E) Term of office. The term of office for the Beautification Committee members shall be at the pleasure of the Town Council. Members may serve no more than two terms.
(F) Officers, regulations, and proceedings. The Beautification Committee shall elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The Beautification Committee shall make its own rules and regulations above and beyond those listed herein, shall keep minutes of its meetings, shall keep records of its activities through correspondence, photographs, articles, and written summaries.
(1) Chairman. The Chairman shall be elected by members of the Beautification Committee and shall serve a term of one year. The Chairman shall be responsible for setting each meeting's agenda and for conducting the meetings.
(2) Vice-Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall be elected by the members of the Beautification Committee and shall serve a term of one year. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman shall carry out the responsibilities of the Chairman.
(3) Secretary. The Secretary shall be elected by the members of the Beautification Committee and shall serve a term of one year.
(G) Responsibilities generally. The responsibilities of the Beautification Committee shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Advise the town in all tree-related matters;
(2) Serve as a source of information about proper tree maintenance techniques and community tree management policies;
(3) Make recommendations for public tree establishment, maintenance, protection, and removal;
(4) Investigate and apply for donations and grant funding from public and private sources for community forestry related projects;
(5) Provide regular community tree care educational programs and information about the value of trees and proper tree maintenance to town staff and citizens;
(6) Review this chapter and provide recommendations for changes to the Planning and Zoning Department and in turn to Town Council at least every two years;
(7) Promote and support the Tree City USA program; and
(8) Prepare an annual report to the City Council that includes the past year's accomplishments and planned activities.
(H) Meetings. The Beautification Committee shall meet monthly. Special meetings may be held in addition to the regular meetings. At least seven days public notice shall be given in the local newspaper prior to each regularly scheduled or special meeting. Members absent for more than three consecutive meetings or more than one-third of the regularly scheduled meetings per year may be replaced by recommendation of the Beautification Committee to the Town Council. The Secretary shall advise Town Council of any members recommended to be replaced or any member that has resigned and ask Town Council to appoint a new member to fill the un-expired term of the vacating member.
(I) Sub-committees. The Beautification Committee may, at its discretion, create sub-committees to assist in conducting its business. The members of these committees may or may not be members of the Beautification Committee.
(Ord. 2014-01, passed 3-17-14)