[Adopted 11-1-2005 by L.L. No. 15-2005]
This article shall be known as the "Tree Conservation
Advisory Commission Act." This article shall apply to creation of
a Tree Conservation Advisory Commission and to the appointment, terms,
functions and powers of the members appointed to serve on the Commission.
[Amended 12-14-2010 by L.L. No. 16-2010]
The Town Board hereby finds and determines that trees and woodlands
have a vital ecological and aesthetic role in the community and the
preservation and enhancement of the Town’s trees and woodlands
is a benefit to current residents, future generations and all wildlife.
For the purposes of the management and conservation of the Town-wide
forest in the Town, it is necessary to create a Tree Conservation
Advisory Commission to advise the Town Board, Conservation Board and
Planning Board in carrying out the goals of the Comprehensive Zoning
Plan with respect to tree conservation and to function as the Town’s
community forest ombudsmen, including but not limited to providing
education and outreach programs to the public. The Tree Conservation
Advisory Commission shall report to the Town Board, the Conservation
Board and the Planning Board on the status and health of the Yorktown
forest on an annual basis. The Tree Conservation Advisory Commission
shall be responsible for overseeing the establishment, regular updates
and implementation of a Town-wide forest management plan, to be adopted
by the Town Board.
This article is enacted under the authority of Subparagraphs
a(12) and d(13) of the Municipal Home Rule Law, § 10(1)(ii),
and Municipal Home Rule Law § 22.
A.
The Town Board hereby establishes an advisory commission to the Town
Board as shall be known as the Tree Conservation Advisory Commission.
B.
The membership of the Tree Conservation Advisory Commission shall
be comprised of five residents of the Town of Yorktown as may be appointed
by the Town Board. An additional resident will be appointed as an
alternate. The chairperson(s) shall be appointed by the Town Board.
The term of each member shall be three years from date of appointment,
unless otherwise provided by the Town Board at the time of appointment.
C.
The Town Board may authorize and budget for such expenses of the
Tree Conservation Advisory Commission as may be necessary and proper.
Meetings of the Tree Conservation Advisory Commission shall
be held as such Commission may determine, from time to time. Notice
of such meetings shall be posted and published in accordance with
the Open Meetings law of the State of New York.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Public Officers Law § 100
et seq.
Powers and duties are as follows:
A.
Develop a tree preservation ordinance.
B.
Develop a tree management plan that promotes tree conservation and
serves as a guide to educate citizens.
C.
Coordinate official Arbor Day activities in the Town of Yorktown.
D.
Enhance community awareness concerning the protection and conservation
of trees by providing information on legal mechanisms for preservation
and on the role of Town government and other organizations in facilitating
tree conservation.
E.
Recommend strategies and actions to the Town Board, Planning Board
and Conservation Board which will further the goal of tree conservation.
F.
Coordinate activities to achieve and maintain Town of Yorktown Tree
City USA designation.
G.
The Tree Conservation Advisory Commission shall coordinate its activities
with the Yorktown Conservation Board and Highway Department.
H.
Determinations and actions by the Tree Conservation Advisory Commission
shall be made by majority vote. A quorum shall consist of three members
of the Tree Conservation Advisory Commission. Ultimately, the decision
regarding which trees are to be conserved rests with the Town Board.
I.
The Tree Conservation Advisory Commission shall report to the Town
Board on its activities at least semiannually.
