(a) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure environmentally sensitive site planning to further the preservation of mature trees and natural areas; to protect trees during construction; to facilitate site design and construction which contribute to the long term viability of existing trees; to control the removal of trees when necessary; and, to enable the Village of Richton Park to receive and maintain designation as a Tree City USA.
(b) Planning and Zoning Commission. The Village of Richton Park Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), as established in Chapter 260 of the Village Code, shall serve as the Tree Board. It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Board to update and administer the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP).
(c) Administrative Official.
(1) The Public Works Director or his designee shall serve as the Administrative Official for this chapter and oversee the duties of any forestry staff in the implementation of this chapter, the UFMP and in service to the Tree Board.
(2) The Administrative Official shall enforce the rules and regulations of the Standard of Care and shall direct the planting, maintenance, and removal of all public trees in the Village.
(3) The Administrative Official shall achieve and maintain certification as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.
(d) Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP). The Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) is a document that establishes arboricultural standards, methods and priorities for the management of the urban forest of the Village. The UFMP is adopted and amended by the Tree Board and administered by the Administrative Official.
(e) Minimum Tree Program Budget. At the start of each fiscal year, the Village shall budget at least two dollars ($2.00) per capita annually for the restoration and upkeep of its urban forest. By way of example, if at the start of a given fiscal year the Village has a population of 13,000 residents, then the Village shall budget a minimum of twenty-six thousand dollars ($26,000) ($2.00 x 13,000) to be used for the following purposes:
(1) Educating the public on the benefits of conservation and environmental preservation;
(2) Planting, maintaining, and managing trees and landscaping on public property in the Village;
(3) Creating, restoring and expanding wooded property within the Village;
(4) Purchasing of conservation easements and/or environmental preserves; and
(5) Other purposes specifically described in this chapter.
(Ord. 1787. Passed 6-27-22.)