(A) The Public Works Director may cause or order to be removed any tree or part thereof on private or government/institutional property which is unsafe, injurious to the public welfare or which, by reason of its nature, is injurious to sewers or other public improvements or is infested with an injurious fungus, insect or other pest.
(B) The Public Works Director may enter upon government/institutional property in the town to spray, or otherwise treat or cause or order to be sprayed or otherwise treated, any tree infected or infested by any parasite, insect or pest when it shall be necessary to do so to prevent the breeding or scattering of any parasite or animal pest and to prevent danger there from to persons or property or to trees planted on town property.
(C) Whenever, in the opinion of the Public Works Director, the removal of a tree or shrubbery or government/institutional property shall be necessary, under the provisions of this section, the Public Works Director shall have the power to remove such tree or shrubbery or cause or order the same to be done upon notice and an opportunity to be heard to the property owner.
(D) Prior to exercising the authority conferred by this section, the Public Works Director shall give the owner notice and an opportunity to correct the condition by requesting that corrective action be taken. The request shall be in writing to the owner of the property in question and shall be acted upon within 30 days (or a lesser period of time if an imminent threat to life or property exists, from the date of the receipt of the request.) If, after 30 days or such less time period, the owner has not corrected the condition or undertaken action that would lead to a timely correction of the condition, the Public Works Director may enter upon the property, perform the work necessary to correct the condition and bill the owner for the actual costs incurred. In situations involving an imminent threat to the public health, safety or welfare, the town may act without prior notification to the property owner but notice shall be given within a reasonable time.
(Ord. passed 9-11-2006)