(A) There is hereby created the Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Committee, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee."
(B) The Committee is established for the following purposes:
(1) To advise the Division on issues affecting Louisville Metro's protection of trees and appropriate levels of tree canopy;
(2) To provide consultation and assistance to the Division in the creation and updating of the Community Forestry Management Plan;
(3) To promote the value of a healthy community tree canopy and the maintenance of healthy trees in Louisville Metro;
(4) To participate in Arbor Day activities and other educational outreach events regarding trees;
(5) To periodically review the policies and standards of the Division and provide recommendations to assure reflection of current best practices for tree planting and tree maintenance; and
(6) To provide recommendations to the Mayor and Metro Council as to needed amendments to this chapter, the Louisville Metro Land Development Code, and the Comprehensive Plan.
(C) The Committee shall consist of 15 members and shall be appointed as follows:
(1) A member of the Metro Council to be appointed by the Metro Council President.
(2) Fourteen individuals to be appointed by the Mayor, and approved by Metro Council, as follows:
(a) Two Certified Arborists;
(b) One registered, Kentucky- licensed landscape architect;
(c) One local representative of the nursery industry;
(d) One local representative of an environmental interest organization;
(e) One local representative of a public utility operating overhead electric or telecommunication lines;
(f) One local representative of a public utility operating underground facilities;
(g) One local representative of the Building Industry Association of Louisville;
(h) One local representative of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors;
(i) One local representative of the Jefferson County League of Cities;
(j) One local representative of Greater Louisville, Inc.; and
(k) Three members from the community at large representing geographically diverse areas of Louisville Metro.
(3) No company or entity shall have more than one representative on the Committee.
(D) A member may be removed from office by the Mayor or Metro Council pursuant to KRS 67C.143 for misconduct, inefficiency, or willful neglect of duty. The Mayor must submit a written statement to the member setting forth the reasons for removal.
(E) Members shall serve without compensation.
(F) The appointment term of each Committee member shall be three years, except for initial appointment terms, which shall be staggered as follows: five members appointed to one-year terms; five members appointed to two-year terms; and four members appointed to three-year terms.
(G) All members shall serve until their successor is appointed and qualified. In filling vacancies prior to the expiration of the stated term of membership, the appointment of a successor shall be for only the unexpired term.
(H) The Committee shall meet not less than three times annually in a space provided by Louisville Metro Government.
(I) A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meetings of the Committee.
(J) The Committee shall adopt bylaws and other rules as it deems necessary for its organization and proceedings consistent with the laws, ordinances and resolutions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government.
(K) The Committee may create standing and temporary committees for such purposes and needs as may arise in the performance of the Committee's duties.
(L) Staff assistance to the Committee shall be provided by the Division.
(M) The Committee shall elect a Chair from its members. The Chair shall be elected annually.
(N) The Committee is subject to the Kentucky Open Meetings and Open Records laws.
(Lou. Metro. Ord. No. 221-2017, approved 12-14-2017)
Editor’s Note:
Upon the expiration of the term now being served by the current members of the Tree Advisory Committee on November 29, 2024, new appointees, and those reappointed to the Committee, shall serve staggered terms as follows: five members shall be appointed on one-year terms; five members shall be appointed to two-year terms; and four members shall be appointed to three-year terms. All subsequent appointed terms shall be three years. (Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 30-2024, approved 3-11-2024)