(a) The program of the Shade Tree Commission is to study, formulate and develop plans for the placing, planting, maintenance, and preservation of trees and shrubs in and along the streets of the Village and on all public property owned by the Village.
(b) To effect the regulation of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs in the streets, and on public property owned by the Village, the Commission shall establish and may subsequently amend, subject to ratification by Council, guidelines for the sizes, types and species of trees and shrubs it determines are suitable for specified locations. Arboricultural specifications and standards of practice and a Master Street Tree Plan may constitute such guidelines.
(c) Once established, such guidelines shall govern the planting of trees as provided for in Chapter 1127 of the Codified Ordinances of the Village. The Planning Commission shall refer the part of the improvement plan pertaining to street trees of any subdivision to the Shade Tree Commission for its approval. As an alternate, the developer may request the Shade Tree Commission to develop the Street Tree Plan and/or plant the trees with all costs to be paid by the developer. To ensure the planting of such trees, the developer will post a bond in an amount determined by the Village Administrator upon recommendation of the Commission.
(d) The Commission shall prepare a budget for the funds the Village may designate or receive to implement plans for placing, planting, maintaining and preserving of trees and shrubs in the streets of and on the public property owned by the Village.
(e) The Commission will act as Trustee for any property, assets or funds donated to the Village for the planting or preservation of trees and shrubs, whether or not the donor has designated the Commission as such Trustee. The Commission is hereby conferred the powers and the duties necessary to carry out the purpose of the Trust.
(f) The Commission may publish and distribute pertinent educational materials to the residents of the Village. Any costs associated with such effort is subject to the approval of Council.
(g) When requested to do so, the Commission may advise residents of the Village as to the placing, planting, and removal of trees and shrubs on their private property.
(Ord. 2020-01. Passed 4-14-20.)