To promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare as well as the aesthetic beauty of the streetscapes by providing for the management of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees within the Village.
The interest in having and maintaining tree-lined streetscapes did not always exist in the Village. In the days before there was an appreciation of all the many benefits of growing trees, a good tree was considered one that had been cut and used for some worthwhile purpose, i.e., building or burning. In post-Civil War pictures of the Village, there are few trees in evidence along the streets. A change in attitude started in the 20th century. In the period 1929 to 1931 a joint effort of the Village government and the Clark Foundation brought about the planting of 3,000 trees in the Village. About 40 years later, through the efforts of Fran Cannon and others, the Village Trustees created a Conservation Advisory Committee to assist the Village in maintaining the beauty of the streetscapes. Recommendations were made by this committee on the type and location of trees to be planted and yearly evaluation of all trees for necessary pruning/removal. For many years this committee also campaigned for funds to support the purchase of new trees. This effort allowed between 15 and 25 trees to be planted each year. In 1984, the Village tree efforts were recognized by the National Arbor Day Association, and Cooperstown became a "Tree City USA." This recognition has continued every year since, along with a ceremonial planting of an Arbor Day tree. In 1998, a memorial tree program was initiated in which individuals/organizations could contribute to the purchase and planting of a tree in memory of an individual, including a plaque indicating this event placed in the Village Library.
[Amended 7-24-2017 by L.L. No. 11-2017]
A. The Tree Committee is an advisory committee to the Village Board/Mayor on all items related to Village trees.
B. The Committee consists of a minimum of five members: a representative of the Department of Public Works, a Village Trustee and a minimum of three at-large members, preferably but not necessarily residents of the Village. All appointments will be made by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Trustees and will be for a term of two years, with option for renewal.
C. The Tree Committee will conduct inventories of existing trees, decide which trees should be removed (and why), investigate possible diseases, establish the cultivars and locations for new tree plantings, and recommend an annual tree budget. In addition, it will plan yearly Arbor Day ceremonies, apply for Tree City status, and promote by educational means, including newspaper articles, the concept of the benefits of trees to the health and welfare of community residents and visitors.
D. In situations where removal requests are received from residents, the Tree Committee will investigate and recommend a course of action to the Trustees, who in such cases have final decision authority.