(A) Creation. There is hereby created a Swansboro Community Tree Board.
(B) Composition and appointment. The Community Tree Board shall consist of three to five citizens who shall reside within the town’s planning jurisdiction, provided that a majority of the members shall reside within the town and that no more than one member may, due to special qualifications in thefields of forestry, silviculture, or horticulture, reside outside this area. The members shall, if feasible, include persons with experience, education, or special interest in fields related to forestry or horticulture. Each member shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Board of Commissioners, and shall serve staggered two-year terms as specified at the time of appointment. All members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners. The members shall serve without compensation, except for any reimbursement of town-approved expenses incurred in carrying out their duties.
(C) Organization and operation. The Board shall select its own officers, adopt its own rules of procedure, and keep minutes of its proceedings. A majority of its members shall be a quorum for the conduct of business.
(D) Duties and responsibilities. The Community Tree Board shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(1) To develop a plan for the care, preservation, growth, planting, management, and removal of trees within street rights-of-way, municipal parks, and other municipal properties.
(2) To support and facilitate the planting, growth, and protection of trees within the town, utilizing available public and private resources.
(3) To periodically conduct and analyze surveys of street trees and other trees within the community to determine the composition and condition of the urban forest.
(4) To provide, sponsor, and facilitate the dissemination of information to the public, tree companies, public utilities, and state agencies concerning the proper care, pruning, protection, planting, and removal of trees, particularly street trees and other trees on public property. This effort may include the organization of workshops and the preparation of publications.
(5) To develop official street tree species recommendations to guide plantings on public rights-of-way and public properties.
(6) To provide advisory assistance to private property owners concerning the appropriate care, planting, and removal of trees.
(7) To provide recommendations regarding the development, adoption, and revisions of ordinances and policies relating to community trees.
(8) To assist in the administration of public tree care regulations as may be separately provided by law.
(9) To annually submit, no later than April 15 of each year, a written report of its activities and accomplishments, as well as the use of any funds appropriated for its use.
(E) Resources. The Board shall have such financial resources as may be appropriated in the annual budget and such staffing assistance as may be approved by the Town Manager. Any non-municipal resources that the Board desires to utilize shall be approved by the Town Manager or, if the Manager regards it as necessary, by the Board of Commissioners.
(Ord. 2010-08, passed 2-16-10; Am. Ord. 2012-06, passed 5-15-12)