§ 54-139. Urban Tree Commission.

There is hereby established the Urban Tree Commission to advise and assist the Tree Warden on all matters concerning public street trees, including but not limited to the selection of trees for street tree plantings, planting and pruning of trees, treatment of disease and the preservation and regular maintenance of trees. The Urban Tree Commission members shall serve without compensation and be appointed by the Mayor.

A. 

Powers and duties.

(1) 

Through the Board of Park Commissioners, in conjunction with the Director of Community Maintenance and the Tree Warden, the Urban Tree Commission is authorized to promulgate the rules, regulations and policies necessary to implement this division and the Tree Maintenance Plan.

(2) 

The commission shall:

(a) 

Coordinate the City's Arbor Day and educational urban forestry programs.

(b) 

Assist City officials and citizens in the dissemination of information regarding the benefit of trees, as well as the protection, maintenance, removal and planting of trees on City streets.

(c) 

Annually review the Tree Maintenance Plan that sets forth the standards for planting and maintenance of public shade trees along City streets.

(d) 

Regularly revise the Tree Maintenance Plan and review the implementation of the policies that it encompasses.

(e) 

Provide input into resolutions of public tree issues when requested by the Tree Warden.

(f) 

Keep an inventory and database of City street trees.

(g) 

Submit an impact statement to the Mayor and City Council or other City agencies, when requested by the City Engineer and/or the Tree Warden, on the effect of any construction project on existing trees or the ability to plant trees in that area in the future.

(h) 

Work with the Tree Warden to seek grants or other assistance concerning the preservation and maintenance of trees.

B. 

Composition.

(1) 

There shall be seven voting members of the Urban Tree Commission. Two of the original appointees shall serve for one year, two for two years and three for three years. The commission shall offer recommendations for replacement when an opening exists. The Tree Warden or such other municipal official/entity responsible for the urban forest should serve as the eighth nonvoting member.

(2) 

Commissioners are as follows:

(a) 

Certified Arborist.

(b) 

Landscape Architect.

(c) 

Member of the Fall River Street Tree Planting Program.

(d) 

Member of the Planning Division or Conservation Commission.

(e) 

Citizen interested in preservation and care of trees.

(f) 

Member of the business community.

(g) 

Board of Park Commissioners member (designated by the Chairman of the Park Board).

(h) 

Tree Warden.

C. 

Ongoing education. Attendance at one or more urban forestry or similar programs per year is required.

D. 

Certified arborist/firm. The City shall hire by contract or permanent employment a certified arborist to act in harmony with and support the Board of Park Commissioners in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and Tree Warden.