There is hereby created and established a City Tree Board for the City of Rose Hill. The board shall consist of five members, citizens and residents of the City, who shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the governing body. The Tree Board shall be advisory to the City Council.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)
The term of the 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 one year, and the term of two of the members of the first board shall be for two years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)
Members of the tree board shall serve without compensation for their services. However, the members may receive reimbursement for their out-of-pocket expenses, including travel when related to tree board activities, when authorized and approved beforehand by the governing body.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)
It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Board to study, investigate, counsel, develop and/or update annually, and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposal of trees, shrubs or other plants in parks, along the street rights-of-way and other public places of the City, and to trees, shrubs and plants located on private property that constitute a hazard or threat to the general public. A tree inventory prepared by the Kansas Forest Service shall serve as the guide for removal or disposition of trees. Such a plan will be presented annually to the governing body for their approval. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Tree Board to promote the education and awareness of the citizens in the area The board, at its discretion shall work independently and/or with whatever educational organizations it deems appropriate for the purpose of assisting the dissemination of information on tree planting, tree problems, tree care and maintenance, and its long range plans and vision for the local city forest. The Tree Board will be available for consultation to any private citizen with regard to any aspect that might affect the city forest. In all of its activities and duties the Tree Board shall endeavor to cooperate and consult with other organizations within the city which may at times, have an interest in matters pertaining to the city forest. The Tree Board, when requested by the City Administrator, shall consider, investigate, and make finding report and recommendations to the governing body upon any special matter or questions coming within the scope of its work. The Tree Board shall create and maintain a list of recommended trees for planting in public areas. This list shall be available to the citizens upon request to aid in the selection of trees for private properties. The list of recommended trees shall be updated periodically to reflect new developments or species that will have favorable characteristics for inclusion in the city forest.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)
The Tree Board shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations which shall be subject to the approval of the governing body, and keep records of its proceedings. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)
It shall be unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with the city or any of its representatives or agents while engaging in and about the planning, planting, cultivating, mulching, pruning, spraying or removing of any tree within the city forest, as authorized by this article.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)
The governing body shall have the right to review the conduct, acts and decisions of the Tree Board. Any person may appeal from any ruling or order of the city to the governing body who may hear the matter and make final decisions.
(Ord. 491; Code 2017)