A. If the owner fails to comply with the notice provisions, the city shall have the authority to cause the abatement of the nuisance and charge the cost of abatement to the offender.
B. Whenever the city has paid for or has caused to be accomplished the trimming, cutting, destroying and/or removal of trees, weeds, grass, deleterious, unhealthful growths, rubbish, or other noxious matter as set forth herein, the actual cost thereof, plus accrued interest at the rate of five percent (5%) per year from the date of the completion of the work shall be charged to the owner of such property, who shall be given thirty (30) days' written notice specifying the amount due and stating that any portion of said amount unpaid at the end of the thirty (30) days shall be filed as an assessment against the property, and collectable as provided hereunder.
C. If the full amount due is not paid within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice, the expenses may be certified to the city clerk and transmitted to the county treasurer, and be collected by special assessment upon the property to the extent provided by law. Any such certificate, upon being recorded at the office of the county recorder shall become a lien against the property to the extent provided by law. The city may also seek recovery of its expenses, including costs and reasonable attorney fees, by civil action filed in a court of competent jurisdiction.
D. Where it has been determined that a public tree has been damaged or removed unlawfully the offending person or firm shall be assessed the cost of repair or replacement. The city forester shall determine that cost using accepted plant appraisal methods as set forth in the current edition of the "Guide For Plant Appraisal", published by the International Society of Arboriculture. (Ord. 2812, 2007)