[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Springfield 7-13-1994 as Ord. No. 802. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Board of Commissioners of Springfield, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, does hereby create the Springfield Township Shade Tree Commission. This Commission shall have five members composed of five residents of the township who shall be appointed by the Board of Commissioners who shall serve without compensation. At least one member should have a relevant technical background, such a registered landscape architect, horticulturist or arborist.
The purpose of the Shade Tree Commission is to promote the beautification of public spaces and encourage good planting and landscaping of private spaces in the township. In addition, the Commission will strive to:
A. 
Develop a shade tree planting plan that meets the tree planting requirements of the Montgomery County Open Space Preservation Program.
B. 
Provide a source of expertise available to residents for private planting and landscaping activities and that assists the township in its review of proposed land developments.
C. 
Encourage public/private partnerships in tree planting and similar township beautification activities.
D. 
Encourage special planting programs, such as an Avenue of Trees Program or designating an official tree of Springfield.
E. 
Encourage volunteerism among interested citizens.
When first established, the Board of Commissioners shall appoint to the Commission two members to serve for terms of one year, two members to serve for terms of two years and one member to serve for a term of three years. On the expiration of a term, a successor shall be appointed by the Board to serve a term of three years. Vacancies in the office of Shade Tree Commissioner shall be filled by the Board for the unexpired term. The Commission shall meet from time to time as members determine to be necessary, such meetings being duly advertised and open to the public.
A. 
The Commission shall have the responsibility to plan and make recommendations for the planting, replacement, removal, protection and needed maintenance of shade trees on public roads and in public spaces in the township and to make similar recommendations for planting and landscaping of land developments in accordance with the landscaping provisions of Chapter 95, Subdivision of Land. It shall specifically be responsible for implementing new tree planting in accordance with the tree planting provisions of the Montgomery County Open Space Program. All plans and recommendations of the Commission shall be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for review and approval.
B. 
Installation, maintenance, replacement or removal of all new and existing planting provided as part of land development or provided in public areas shall meet all applicable standards of Chapter 95, Subdivision of Land. The Commission may recommend that the owner(s) of property be required to remove trees or parts thereof that, because of disease or a similar adverse condition, threaten to injure or destroy shade trees in a public right-of-way or other public space.
C. 
Whenever the Commission formally recommends that the township plant, transplant, remove or prune shade trees on any street or public area, notice of the work proposed shall be announced at a Board of Commissioners meeting. The announcement shall specify in detail the public streets or public areas upon which the proposed action will occur.
A. 
The Commission shall elect its own Chairman and Vice Chairman and create and fill such other offices as it may determine. Officers shall serve annual terms and may succeed themselves.
B. 
The Commission shall annually report in full its transactions, expenses and related activities for the last fiscal year of the township. This report shall be submitted to the Township Board of Commissioners for review and approval.