There is created and established a city tree board for the city which shall consist of five members, citizens and residents of this city or within a three mile radius of the corporate city limits, who shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the commission

(Code 1977, 2.92.010; Ord. 984; Code 2022)

(a)   The term of the five persons to be appointed by the mayor shall be three years except that the term of two of the members appointed to the first board shall be for only one year and the term of two members of the first board shall be for two years. In the event that a vacancy occurs during the term of any member, his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.

(b)   Members of the board shall serve without compensation.

(Code 1977, 2.92.020)

(a)   It shall be the responsibility of the board to study, investigate, counsel and develop and/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 commission and upon their acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive city tree plan for the city.

(b)   The board, when requested by the commission, shall consider, investigate, make finding, report and recommend upon any special matter of question coming within the scope of its work.

(Code 1977, 2.92.030)

The board shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations, and keep a journal of its proceedings. A majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.

(Code 1977, 2.92.040)

It is unlawful for any person to prevent, delay, or interfere with the city tree board, or any of its agents or servants while engaging in and about the planting, cultivating, mulching, pruning, spraying, or removing of any street trees, park trees, or trees on private grounds, as authorized in this chapter and chapter 12.

(Code 1977, 2.92.050)

The city commission shall have the right to review the conduct, acts, and decisions of the city tree board. Any person may appeal from any ruling or order of the city tree board to the city commission who may hear the matter and make final decision.

(Code 1977, 2.92.060)