(a) The City Council hereby creates a "Tree Advisory Board," hereinafter referred to as the "Board."
(1) Duties. The Board shall act in an advisory capacity to the office of the City Manager and shall:
A. Coordinate and promote Arbor Day activities;
B. Create, review and update a five-year plan to plant and maintain trees on municipally owned and maintained public property;
C. Support public awareness and education programs relating to trees;
D. Work in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department, the Public Works Department, the Department of Development, the Legal Department, the Planning Commission, and other City/County agencies and commissions as requested by the City Manager and as needed.
E. Review City department concerns relating to tree care on municipally owned public property;
F. Submit an annual report of its activities to the City Council;
G. Assist with the annual application to renew the Tree City USA designation;
H. Recommend a list of tree species for planting on municipally owned City property, and a list of prohibited species for such property; and
I. Assist in preparing and evaluating bid documents for Municipal projects concerning trees and landscaping for City of Wheeling projects; and
J. Other duties that may be assigned by the office of the City Manager.
(2) Membership. The Board shall consist of not less than seven (7) nor more than ten (10) members appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. Members of the Board will serve without compensation.
A. Members shall be residents of the City of Wheeling and/or Ohio County or the entities or agencies which they serve shall have a nexus to such geographic area.
(i) Of the members, at least one shall:
1. Have specialized knowledge and expertise regarding tree management and care.
2. Be a sitting member of City Council as selected by Council.
3. Be an official representative of the Public Works Department
(ii) Of the members at least three (3) shall be interested residents from various neighborhoods
B. Term of office. Board members shall be appointed for three-year staggered terms. Members may serve consecutive terms as approved by the Mayor. If a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, a successor shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council.
C. Officers. The 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.
D. Meetings. The Board shall meet a minimum of four (4) times each year. All meetings shall be open to the public with executive sessions as necessary. The Board chair may schedule additional meetings as needed.
(Ord. 15867. Passed 4-18-23.)