(a) To enhance the quality of life and the present and future health, safety, and welfare of all citizens, to enhance property values, and to ensure proper planting and care of trees, plants, and shrubs on public property, a Tree Advisory Board is hereby created. The Tree Advisory Board shall have the authority and responsibility of managing public tress, plants, and shrubs, to establish practices governing the planting and care of tress, plants, and shrubs on public property, and to make provision for the emergency removal of tress, plants, and shrubs on private property under certain conditions.
(b) The Tree Advisory Board shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the Mayor and serve without compensation. Members of the Tree Advisory Board shall be appointed for three-year staggered terms. If a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, a successor shall be appointed by the Mayor. The Tree Advisory Board shall annually select one of the members to serve as chair, may appoint a second member to serve as vice-chair, and may appoint a third member to serve as secretary.
(c) The Tree Advisory Board shall meet a minimum of four times each year. All meetings shall be open to the public. The chair of the Tree Advisory Board may schedule additional meetings as needed.
(d) The Tree Advisory Board shall act in an advisory capacity to the Safety Service Director and shall:
(1) Coordinate and promote Arbor Day activities;
(2) Review and update a five-year plan to plant and maintain tress, plants, and shrubs on public property.
(3) Support public awareness and education programs relating to tress, plants, and shrubs;
(4) Review City department concerns relating to the care of tress, plants, and shrubs;
(5) Submit an annual report of its activities to City Council at City Council's first regular meeting in January;
(6) Assist with the annual application to renew the Tree City USA designation;
(7) Develop a list of recommended tress, plants, and shrubs for planting on public property and a list of prohibited species; and
(8) Other duties that may be assigned by City Council.
(Ord. 20-041. Passed 11-30-20.)