(a) The program of the Shade Tree Commission is to study, formulate and develop plans for the placing, planting and preservation of trees and shrubs in the streets of, and on public property owned by, the City.
(b) To effect regulation of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs in the streets of, and on public property owned by, the City, 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 1228, Appendix C, Paragraph (C) of the Subdivision Regulations. The Planning Commission shall refer the part of the improvement plan pertaining to the street trees of any subdivision to the Shade Tree Commission for its approval. As an alternative, the developer may request the 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 street trees, a bond shall be posted by the developer, in such amount as determined by Council upon recommendation of the Commission.
(d) The Service Director can provide to the commission, if requested, the fiscal year's budget or remaining funds. The Service Director can inform the Commission to the prioritization of the funds towards tree removal, tree trimming, and the replanting of new tree's within the City's public right-of-way.
(e) The Commission shall act as trustee for any property, assets or funds donated to the City 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 duties necessary to carry out the purposes of the trust.
(f) The Commission may publish and distribute pertinent educational materials to residents of the City. Any costs incurred by such an effort are subject to approval by Council.
(g) When requested to do so, the Commission may advise other boards and commissions as to its recommendations for the placing, planting, and removal of trees and shrubs related to said applicant. The Commission shall issue its findings to the requesting board or commission no later than thirty calendar days after said board or commission's request for advice.
(Ord. 71-85. Passed 12-23-85; Ord. 26-2022. Passed 3-14-23.)