Borough of New Hope, PA Chapter 52 Shade Tree Commission

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of New Hope 11-9-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-14. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Trees — See Ch. 245.

§ 52-1 Commission established; appointment and tenure of members; alternate members.

A. A Shade Tree Commission is hereby established. The Commission shall be composed of three residents of the Borough, who shall be appointed by Council, and shall serve without compensation. The terms of the members first appointed shall expire on the last day of December 2007, December 2008, and December 2009. On the expiration of the term of any Commissioner, a successor shall be appointed by Council to serve for a term of five years. The Council shall fill vacancies in the office of Commissioner for the unexpired term.

B. Council may appoint at least one but no more than three residents of the Borough to serve as alternate members of the Commission. The term of office of an alternate member shall be five years. If, by reason of absence or disqualification of a member or members, a quorum or a full complement of members is not reached, the Chairperson of the Commission shall designate as many alternate members of the Commission to sit on the Commission as may be needed to provide a quorum or a full complement of members. Any alternate member of the Commission shall continue to serve on the Commission in all proceedings involving the matter or case for which the alternate was initially appointed until the Commission has made a final determination of the matter or case. When seated pursuant to the provisions of this section, an alternate shall be entitled to participate in all proceedings and discussions of the Commission to the same and full extent as provided by law for Commission members, including specifically the right to cast a vote as a voting member and shall have all the powers and duties set forth in this section and as otherwise provided by law. Any alternate may participate in any proceeding or discussion of the Commission but shall not be entitled to vote as a member unless designated as a voting alternate member by the Chairperson pursuant to this section.

§ 52-2 Powers.

The Commission shall have the authority to make and enforce regulations for the care and protection of the shade trees of the Borough; however, no such regulations shall be in force until approved by Council and enacted by ordinance. The Commission shall have the authority to issue permits and to enforce the provisions of Chapter 245, Trees, of this Code, as provided by law. Borough Council shall approve the annual budget for the Commission. The Commission shall not have authority to enter into any contract or to incur any obligation binding upon the Borough.

§ 52-3 Annual inspection and annual report.

The Commission shall annually inspect all shade trees within the Borough and shall file a report with Council on the condition of the shade trees and any needed maintenance. The inspection shall be conducted in late summer, and the report shall be filed by the first day of November. The Commission shall submit an annual report to the Council accounting for its transactions and expenses for the last fiscal year of the Borough and stating the Commission's accomplishments and recommendations for future activities, programs and annual budgets.