The Director of Public Works is authorized and empowered to give a written notice to the owner of any such tree, limb, branch or part thereof, or to the agent of such owner, or to the occupant of the premises upon which such tree, limb, branch or part thereof is growing, to trim or remove any such tree, limb, branch or part thereof. Such notice may be personally served upon the owner, his agent or the occupant of the property or may be mailed by registered mail addressed to such owner, agent or occupant at his last known address.
Upon the failure, neglect or refusal of any such owner, agent or occupant so notified to trim or remove such tree, limb, branch or part thereof within ten days after receipt of the written notice herein provided for, the Public Works Director shall have the option to either:
(a) Cause a warrant to be issued against any person owning or occupying the premises upon which such tree, limb, branch or part thereof is growing, or
(b) Order the trimming and removal of such tree, limb, branch or part thereof by the City.
(1) Charge included in tax bill. When the City has effected the trimming or removal of such tree, limb, branch or part thereof, the actual cost thereof, plus accrued interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per year from the date of the completion of the work, if not paid by the owner, agent or occupant prior thereto, shall be charged to the owner of such property on the next bill for the service charges forwarded to such owner by the City and the charge shall be due and payable by the owner at the time of payment of such bill for service charges.
(2) Lien for charges. Where the full amount due the City is not paid by the owner, agent or occupant within sixty days after the cutting and removal of such tree, limb, branch or part thereof, the City Finance Director shall record in the office of the Clerk of the County Commission a sworn statement showing the cost and expense involved incurred for the work, the date, place and property on which the work was done and the name of the owner thereof. Recordation of such sworn statement shall constitute a lien upon the property in favor of the City and the payment thereof may be enforced as other liens are enforced under the laws of the State. (Ord. 15867. Passed 4-18-23.)