(a) The Safety Service Director shall administer the operational aspects of the Public Tree Care Ordinance, including for example, responsibility for tasks such as planting, pruning, maintaining, and removing trees, plants, and shrubs within the public right-of-way of all City streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, parks, and public grounds owned or controlled by the City, as may be necessary to insure safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such City owned or controlled streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, parks, and public grounds.
(b) The Safety Service Director, in compliance with Council's approved policy, process and procedures for such work, including obtaining permission and a release to access and perform work from the owner of property upon which hazardous tress are located, may remove or prune a tree on private property that threatens the safety, health, and welfare of members of the public who may use a City street, sidewalk, park, or public right-of-way. Additionally, in accordance with Council's approved policy, process and procedures for such work, the Safety Service Director shall have the right to prune or remove a tree or shrub that obstructs the view of any traffic sign, street light, or security light when it is determined that the tree or shrub in its existing condition creates a safety hazard for those that may use the City's streets or right-of-ways.
(c) No person shall remove, prune, destroy, or cause the removal, pruning, or destruction of a tree, shrub, or plant located on City property, including those located in any City park, without first having obtained written permission for such removal, pruning, or destruction from the Safety Service Director or his or her designee.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any individual, organization, or entity to attach any cable, wire, rope, sign, or any other object to any tree, plant, or shrub located on City property, including those in City parks, without written permission from the Safety Service Director or his or her designee.
(e) Any person who violates this section shall be deemed guilty of a minor misdemeanor for the first offense and misdemeanor of the third for each subsequent offense.
(Ord. 20-041. Passed 11-30-20.)