[Adopted 2-13-2012 by L.L. No.1-2012]
There is hereby created and established a Dewitt Tree Committee ("Committee"). The purpose of the Committee shall be to serve as standing committee of the DACC to implement the intent of the Town of Dewitt Tree Ordinance set forth in Chapter 175, Trees, of The Code of the Town of Dewitt ("Tree Ordinance") and to develop and administer the Urban Forestry Management Plan ("UFM Plan") as contemplated in the Tree Ordinance.
A. 
The Committee shall consist of seven members, who are citizens and residents of the Town. Two of the seven members must also be sitting members of the DACC. The members shall be appointed by the Supervisor. Members shall come from different interest groups, including homeowners, tree professionals, and planners. Two of the seven members must have training or education in Arboriculture. In addition, the Director of Sustainability, the Town Naturalist and other employees of the Town may serve as ex-officio members.
B. 
Terms of office. Each member's term of office shall be two years, except that the term of three of the members appointed to the first committee shall be one year, and the term of four members of the first committee shall be two years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, a successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.
The Committee shall be a standing committee of the DACC. The Committee shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations, and keep a journal of its proceedings. The Committee shall report to the DACC. Four members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The business of the Committee shall be conducted in person at meetings open to the public. However, attendance of members at the public meeting may be by electronic means. Committee members shall serve without compensation.
A. 
The Committee shall study, investigate, and develop a written UFM Plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, removal or disposition of trees and other vegetation in parks, along streets, and in public and semipublic areas and for health and safety purposes on private property. The UFM Plan developed by the Committee shall be recommended to the DACC for adoption, and the DACC shall adopt same without modification or modify or amend and so adopt said UFM Plan for presentation to and adoption by the Town Board in accordance with Chapter 175. Upon adoption of a UFM Plan by the Town Board, the Committee shall administer the UFM Plan in conjunction with Chapter 175 of the Code. The UFM Plan shall be reviewed and updated from time to time by the Committee and appropriately adopted by the DACC and Town Board in accordance with this article and Chapter 175.
B. 
The Committee shall promote and supervise the development of a tree inventory for street trees, trees on Town lands, and such other areas as directed by the DACC. The inventory shall be maintained and updated on an ongoing basis under the authority of the Director of Sustainability and supervision of the Town Naturalist.
C. 
The Committee shall consider, investigate, report and recommend upon any law, policy, or guideline or any special matter concerning trees and other vegetation within the Town.
D. 
Tree stewards. The Committee shall establish and provide for training of volunteers to plant, prune, and inventory public and semipublic trees. The Town Naturalist will coordinate the volunteer program.
E. 
Tree maintenance. The Committee shall make recommendations and advise the Town regarding any action pertaining to public and private tree maintenance for disease, and public health and safety.
F. 
Education. The Committee, under the supervision of the Town Naturalist, shall develop an educational policy to promote retaining and increasing the quality and quantity of the canopy of private trees.
This article shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.