(A) Establishment; membership. There is created and established a Tree Commission for the city which shall consist of no more than 5 members. These members shall be appointed by the Mayor. The Commission shall also include 3 members of the City Administration, the Safety-Service Director, Street Superintendent, and the Park Director, who shall serve as ex officio members.
(B) Term. The term of the persons to be appointed by the Mayor shall be for 3 years. The term of the members of the first Commission shall be staggered into 1-, 2-, and 3-year terms as the Mayor so designates.
(C) Compensation. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
(D) Purpose and objectives. The primary purposes and objectives of the City Tree Commission shall include the following:
(1) To study the problems and determine the needs of the city relative to a municipal tree care and tree planting program, to submit to City Council the minutes of each Tree Commission meeting, and to make at least 1 appearance a year with an annual report of the Commissions activities and programs.
(2) To establish the recommended species and varieties of trees to be planted in the city rights-of-way or parks.
(3) To disseminate news and information regarding the selection, planting and maintenance of trees within the corporate limits, whether the same be on private or public property.
(4) To hold regular and special meetings at which the subject of trees insofar as it relates to the municipality may be discussed by the members of the Commission, officers, and all others interested in the tree program.
(5) The Commission, when requested by City Council or the Mayor, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.
(E) Meetings and procedure.
(1) The Commission shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations and keep a journal of its proceedings. A simple majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. All plans, findings, advises, reports and recommendations made by the Commission shall be in writing.
(2) Members of the Tree Commission shall attend a minimum of 50% of the regularly scheduled meetings of said Commission in a calendar year. In the event that a member fails to meet said standard of attendance the position shall be vacant and a person shall be appointed for the balance of the term.
(1981 Code, § 98.11) (Ord. 6755-96, passed 2-10-1997)