There is hereby created and established the Urban Tree Commission of the City of Mt. Healthy.
(A) Purposes and objectives. The primary purposes and objectives of the Urban Tree Commission shall include the following:
(1) The Commission, when requested by City Council, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter or question regarding the street or park trees.
(2) To hold regular and special meetings at which the subject of trees insofar as it relates to the municipality may be discussed by the members of the Commission, officers, personnel, and Council committees of the municipality and all others interested in the tree program.
(3) To disseminate news and information regarding the selection, planting and maintenance of trees within the corporate limits, whether the same be on private or public property.
(4) To establish the recommended species and varieties of trees to be planted in the boulevards.
(5) To implement an Arbor Day observance on an annual basis.
(6) To establish and maintain, on an annual basis, an inventory of City street trees.
(B) Membership and terms.
(1) The Commission shall consist of five members. Additionally, one member of Council and the Mayor shall act as advisory members of the Commission.
(2) The Mayor, subject to approval of the City Council shall appoint all members of the Commission.
(3) The Chairperson of the Commission shall preside over all meetings of the Commission and act as parliamentarian. The Vice-Chairperson shall assume the duties of the Chairperson in his or her absence.
(4) Appointments to the Commission shall be for three-year terms, provided that the term for one of the members appointed to the first Commission shall be for year and two of the members appointed to the first Commission shall be for two years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of said term.
(5) The Commission members shall serve without compensation.
(6) Any Commission member who has unexcused absences from three consecutive meetings or more than 50% of the regular meetings on an annual basis may be removed by the Tree Commission.
(C) Meetings and procedures. The Commission shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep journals of its proceedings. A simple majority of the members shall be a quorum for transaction of business. All plans, findings, advice, reports, and recommendations of the Commission shall be in writing.
(Ord. 11-1622, passed 12-6-11)