The city forester shall have and exercise the following duties pertaining to public trees and shrubs:
A. Pruning Or Removal: To prevent indiscriminate pruning or removal of public trees and shrubs.
B. New Plantings: To regulate and locate new plantings of public trees and shrubs in accordance with the "City Forestry Standards Of Practice And Specifications".
C. Secure Compliance: To order persons to comply with the duties placed upon them by this chapter.
D. Advise: To assist and advise code enforcement officers and other city employees regarding trees and shrubs on public and private property.
E. Supervision: To supervise all activities by city employees and contractors in the planting, maintenance, and removal of public trees and shrubs. To supervise does not require the city forester to be physically present to directly monitor such activities.
F. Issue Permits: To issue all tree and shrub permits in accordance with section 7-10-6 of this chapter.
G. Conditions Of Permit: To affix reasonable conditions to the granting of a permit hereunder and supervise work done under the permit.
H. Replacement Of Public Trees And Shrubs For Public Improvement: If replacement of public trees or shrubs is required, it shall occur within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the public improvement has been completed, or within the appropriate planting season at the discretion of the city forester.
I. Removal Of Trees Or Shrubs For Nuisance Abatement: To remove or require removal of any public tree or shrub in whole or part that is so hazardous, diseased, or insect ridden as to be deemed a nuisance.
J. Notification Of Future Tree Or Shrub Removal On Public Property: To provide written notification via certified mail with return receipt requested and regular mail to the abutting property owner at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to any scheduled removal. Unclaimed or returned mail shall not constitute improper notification. The notification shall provide that the abutting property owner must contact the city within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of the mailing if the property owner has any questions or concerns regarding the tree or shrub removal. Notification shall not be required for the removal of a public tree or shrub in an emergency situation as determined by the city forester. Notification shall also not be required if the abutting property owner requested the removal of the public tree or shrub. No right is conferred upon or provided to the abutting property owner due to notification of removal. (Ord. 2083, 2-23-2015)