There shall be a Landscape and Design Commission consisting
of seven members who shall be appointed by the Mayor with confirmation
by the Common Council. The term of office of each Commissioner shall
be three years from the first day of January following their appointment,
except that the term of office of Commissioners first appointed to
the Landscape and Design Commission shall be staggered so that three
members shall be appointed for three-year terms, two members for two-year
terms, and two members for one-year terms. The Commissioners shall
serve without compensation, except the Council may authorize compensation
for expenses. The Landscape and Design Commission shall, at the beginning
of each year, elect one of its members as Chairperson.
The Landscape and Design Commission shall have the following
powers and duties:
A. To study, investigate, counsel, develop and oversee a written plan
for the care, preservation, pruning, planting and/or replanting of
trees and shrubs in parks, along streets, and in other public areas,
which shall be considered the Comprehensive City Tree Plan.
B. To advise the Common Council or any other body, department, official
or agency having jurisdiction with respect to any subject of the Comprehensive
City Tree Plan or to any policy or procedure relating thereto, to
the end that the Comprehensive City Tree Plan shall serve as a guide
for public policies, procedures and actions relating to the subjects
thereto.
C. To collect information on tree species and location.
D. To develop and maintain a list of desirable and undesirable trees
for planting along streets.
E. To study and consider the implementation of and all proposed amendments
to the Tree Ordinance of the City and to submit, prior to the adoption of the
Tree Ordinance or any amendment thereto by the Common Council, a definite
recommendation thereon.
F. To act on any matter on which the Landscape and Design Commission
is required or authorized to act by provisions of this article or
any ordinance of the City or any general law or any action of the
Common Council.
G. To educate the public and increase public awareness as to the appropriate
and proper manner of planting, maintenance, pruning and care of trees
and shrubs.
H. To create and maintain an environment that preserves and enhances
the public appearance, character and traditions of our neighborhoods
and our City.
I. To promote the concept of beautification to citizens, government
officials, and leaders of commercial, religious and private organizations,
including the recognition of efforts to enhance the appearance of
our City.
J. To fund such beautification projects from monies appropriated by
the City government, donated from private and commercial sources and
other fundraising projects as may be approved by the City.
K. To develop beautification projects or activities within the City.