(a) The Tree Commission shall have the power to study, investigate, plan, advise, report and recommend to Council or the Mayor any action, program, plan or legislation which the Commission finds or determines to be necessary or advisable for the care, preservation, trimming, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees or shrubs in public ways, streets, alleys, parks or other property owned by the village.
(b) (1) The Commission shall have the authority and jurisdiction for regulating the planting and maintenance and removal of public trees or shrubs on streets and street rights-of-way and any other village-owned property to ensure safety or preserve the aesthetics of such public sites, in accordance with the permit system contained in Chapter 1024, and in conformity with any ordinances specifying plans and locations of plantings.
(2) Notice of pending permit applications and hearing on such applications shall be posted in a manner similar to that for village legislation.
(c) The Commission shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep a journal of its proceedings. A majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. All plans, findings, advice, reports and recommendations made by the Commission shall be in writing and designate by name those members of the Commission approving or concurring therein. Members who do not so approve or concur therein may, as a part of such report, state their reasons therefore.
(d) The Commission, when requested by Council or the Mayor, shall consider, investigate, make findings and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.
(e) The Tree Commission may, where trees on public property have been severely damaged by storms, or other causes, or certain trees are located under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, permit the topping of trees.
(Ord. 86-31, passed 9-2-1986; Am. Ord. 98-49, passed 12-7-1998)