The Board shall have and exercise the following powers and duties:
1. Study, investigate, develop, update annually, and oversee the administration of a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees, shrubs, or other foliage in City parks, along streets, and in other public areas. Such plan will be presented annually to the Council and upon acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive City Tree Plan.
2. Develop standards for tree maintenance and other specifications to foster the City’s tree population.
3. Assist in distributing and disseminating information about the protection, maintenance, and improvement of the City’s tree population.
4. Provide technical advice and assistance to developers, builders, contractors, and others in the selection and protection of trees during the development of property within the City, including the development of wooded areas.
5. Develop and implement a public education program about the impacts of storm water discharges and measures which residents can implement to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff, as set forth in the North Liberty municipal separate storm sewer system permit.
6. Sponsor an annual creek cleanup program in which debris in the waterways located in the City is removed.
7. Promote integration of the City’s tree and storm water programs with other governmental agencies and commissions, including (but not limited to) the school districts, Johnson County, and other surrounding municipalities.
8. When requested by the Council, make a study and report findings and recommendations on any special question coming within the scope of the Board’s work.
9. Propose such legislation to the Council as may be necessary and practical to pursue the ends for which the Board was created.
10. Monitor and initiate action regarding the enforcement of applicable ordinances.
11. To hear and decide appeals under Chapters 155 and 156 of this Code, as set out in more detail in those chapters.
(Ord. 2016-17 - May 17 Supp.)