The Council has determined that the health of several species and varieties of shade trees within the municipal corporate limits are threatened by fatal shade tree diseases known as Dutch Elm Disease (caused by Ceratocystis ulmi) and Oak Wilt Disease (caused by Ceratocystis fagacearum). It has further determined that the loss of shade trees as a result of shade tree diseases from public and private property would substantially depreciate the value of property within the city and impair the safety, good order, general welfare, and convenience of the public. It is declared to be the intention of the Council to control and prevent the spread of shade tree disease and to conduct a program of shade tree disease control.
(Am. Ord. 121, passed 9-16-1991)