§ 24-28. Duties.

(a)

It shall be the responsibility of the tree board to study, investigate, consider and develop or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. Such plan will be presented annually to the city council and upon its acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive city tree plan for the city.

(b)

The tree board, when requested by the city council, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.

(c)

The tree board shall serve as an advisory board to the city council with the following duties and responsibilities:

(1)

To facilitate the planting, growth and protection of trees within the city.

(2)

To foster the communication among the citizens of the city that would provide the needed protection of trees and to coordinate active measures to support their health and growth within the city.

(3)

To conduct a tree survey of existing trees along streets and on public property within the city.

(4)

To investigate available grants, loans or contributions from other governmental agencies, public or private corporations, or individuals; and to recommend the expenditure of any proceeds toward the accomplishment of the board's purpose.

(5)

To conduct continuing research, planning and feasibility studies required to support the purpose stated in this chapter.

(d)

The tree board shall also be responsible for developing an official street tree species list comprised of three (3) groups of trees: small trees, medium trees and large trees. No trees other than those included in the list may be planted as street trees without permission of the landscape manager.

(e)

The tree board will be responsible for establishing guidelines for the spacing of city trees in accordance with the three (3) species size classes in the official street tree species list. These guidelines will cover spacing between street trees, the distance street trees may be planted from curbs or curblines and sidewalks, the distance street trees may be planted from any street corner, the location of the street trees relative to overhead and underground water lines, sewer lines, transmission lines or other utilities, and any other areas involving the spacing of street trees, park trees or city-owned trees.

(f)

The tree board shall submit an annual report of its activities and recommendations to the city council.

(Code 1977, § 25.5-12)

Cross reference

Utilities, Ch. 25.