(A) It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Board to study, investigate, counsel and develop and/or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. The plan will be presented annually to the Town Board and upon its acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive town tree plan.
(B) The Tree Board, when requested by the Town Board, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.
(C) The Tree Board shall furthermore serve as an advisory board to the Town Board with the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) To facilitate the planting, growth and protection of trees within the town;
(2) To foster the communication among the citizens of the town that would provide the needed protection of trees and to coordinate active measures to support their health and growth within the town;
(3) To conduct a tree survey of existing trees along streets and on public property within the town;
(4) To investigate available grants, loans or contributions from other governmental agencies, public or private corporations or individuals; and to recommend the expenditure of any proceeds toward the accomplishment of the Board's purpose; and
(5) To conduct continuing research, planning and feasibility studies required to support the purposes stated herein.
(D) The Tree Board shall also be responsible for developing an official street tree species list comprised of three groups of trees: small trees, medium trees and large trees. No trees other than those included in the list may be planted as street trees without permission of the Tree Board.
(E) The Tree Board will be responsible for establishing guidelines for the spacing of town trees in accordance with the three species size classes in the official street tree species list. These guidelines will cover spacing between street trees, the distance street trees may be planted from curbs or curb lines and sidewalks, the distance street trees may be planted from any street corner, the location of the street trees relative to overhead and underground water lines, sewer lines, transmission lines or other utilities and any other areas involving the spacing of street trees, park trees or town-owned trees.
(F) The Tree Board shall submit an annual report of its activities and recommendations to the Town Board and shall submit copies of the minutes and proceedings of its regular and special meetings.
(1989 Code, § 16-25; 2003 Code, § 9-3.6)