(A) Generally. There is hereby created and established a City Tree Board for the City of Madison Lake, which shall consist of 5 members, citizens and residents of this city, who shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation. The City Maintenance Superintendent and Planning Director shall serve as ex officio members of the Board. The City Clerk-Treasurer shall provide clerical assistance. Area foresters shall also serve as advisors.
(B) Board officers; regulations; quorum. The Board shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations, and keep a journal of its proceedings. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(C) Term of office. The term of 5 persons appointed by the Mayor shall be 3 years, except that the term of 2 of the members appointed to the Board shall be for only 1 year and the term of 2 members of the first Board shall be for 2 years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any members; his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.
(D) Board power and duties. The Board shall have the following power and duties:
(1) Determine and establish the rules and regulations for the conduct of the Board as the members shall deem advisable; provided, however, that the rules and regulations shall not be in conflict with this chapter or other city, state, or federal law;
(2) Recommend the adoption and alteration of all rules, regulations, and ordinances which it shall from time to time deem in the public interest and most likely to enhance and beautify the urban footrest, and for the purposes of carrying out this subchapter;
(3) Recommend the broad matters of policy regarding the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees and other vegetation on city property;
(4) Recommend policies for the review and approval of capital projects where trees or other vegetation will be planted or removed on city property;
(5) Recommend policies for the review and approval of projects on private property where open space and/or landscaping is required as a condition for the development, and recommend policies for the enforcement of approved plans;
(6) Assist the urban forester in encouraging landscaping installation and maintenance on private property by providing information on the value of landscaping and on the proper planting and care of trees and other vegetation;
(7) Identify landscaping projects that will enhance the urban forest and advocate incorporating of the projects into the capital planning process;
(8) Recommend policies and procedures to identify, mark, publicize, and preserve historic and notable trees on both public and private property;
(9) Assist the urban forester in promoting appreciation of trees and the urban forest through annual Arbor Day observances and other activities;
(10) Review those portions of the city budget allocated for the planting and care of trees and other vegetation, and advise the City Council on the appropriateness of the funding levels;
(11) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the position of City Forester, recommend a procedure to select a replacement;
(12) Encourage improvement, of the urban forest, through planning and policy development;
(13) Assist city departments in every way possible to enhance the urban forest in the city; and
(14) In all instances, serve as an advocate of the city urban forest.
(E) Forester. The city shall seek the advise of foresters available with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Blue Earth County.
(Ord. 176, passed 7-19-1993)