The Arbor Committee shall perform the following duties:
(a) Within a reasonable time after the appointment of the Arbor Committee, the members shall meet, appoint a Chairperson and adopt rules of procedure for regular and special meetings to fulfill the duties imposed upon it by this chapter.
(b) The Committee shall advise and consult the Chairperson of the Arbor Committee pertaining to the Martinsville Tree Ordinance and its enforcement.
(c) The Committee shall develop, if deemed necessary by the Committee, and make alterations or revisions to, the Arboricultural Specifications Manual and the Urban Forestry Plan.
(d) The Committee shall adopt policies and develop and implement a program for the selection, planting, maintenance and removal of trees, shrubs and other plants within the City.
(e) The Committee shall oversee the expenditure of funds.
(f) The Committee shall establish educational and informational programs.
(g) The Committee shall issue permits required by this chapter.
(h) The Committee shall fulfill and maintain requirements for eligibility in the Tree City, USA Program.
(i) The Committee shall advise and consult the City Council concerning necessary amendments to this chapter.
(j) Upon the request of any person who disagrees with a decision of the Chairperson, the Committee shall hear all issues of any dispute which may arise between the Chairperson and any such person, whenever such issues involve matters of interpretation or enforcement of the Arboricultural Specifications Manual or the Urban Forestry Plan or of interpretation or enforcement of this chapter, including any dispute regarding the issuance of permits, or the concurrence or nonconcurrence of the Chairperson in permits required under the ordinances or laws of the City, or the abatement of nuisances. The decision of a majority of the members of the Arbor Committee, with regard to such disputes, shall be binding upon the Chairperson. Appeals of the decision of the Chairperson shall be made by written notice of appeal to the Arbor Committee within ten days of the action or decision of the Chairperson. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the jurisdiction of any court of law with respect to such disputes.
(Ord. 94-11-3. Passed 11-9-94.)