A.
Intent and purpose. Trees in a community provide many unique services
and values. Trees recycle air and water, absorb pollution, buffer
noise, and provide shade, air cooling, and windbreak protection. They
also help control flooding and erosion of topsoil. Trees enhance property
values and the beauty of the community as well as provide critical
habitat for birds and other wildlife species. There is hereby established
in the Village of Dobbs Ferry a Tree Commission to protect the character
of Dobbs Ferry as a well-treed village, consistent with its being
a "Tree City."
B.
Establishment and organization.
(1)
In accordance with the findings set forth above, there is hereby
established in the Village of Dobbs Ferry a Tree Commission to consist
of at least three members appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval
of the Board of Trustees.
(2)
One member shall be a Village officer or employee. The other members
shall be from the public at large.
(3)
Tree Commission members shall serve three-year terms.
(4)
The Mayor shall select one of the members of the Tree Commission
to serve as Chairperson, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.
(5)
In the creation of the Tree Commission, the appointment of members
to the Commission shall be for terms so fixed that one member's term
shall expire at the end of the Village official year in which such
members were initially appointed. The remaining members' terms shall
be so fixed that one member's term shall expire at the end of each
official year thereafter.
(6)
If a vacancy shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, the
Mayor shall appoint a new member for the unexpired term.
C.
Powers and duties. The Tree Commission shall have the following powers
and duties:
[Amended 4-26-2022 by L.L. No. 1-2022]
(1)
To adopt rules and regulations for its operation and to follow said
rules and regulations in the conduct of its official business.
(2)
To advise the Village Board of Trustees and other boards on matters
affecting the preservation and protection of trees throughout the
Village.
(3)
To develop and conduct a program of public information in the community
to foster increased understanding of proper tree husbandry to protect
the health of trees in the Village.
(4)
To conduct studies, surveys and inventories of significant trees
within the Village of Dobbs Ferry as may be necessary to carry out
the general purposes of this chapter.
(5)
To seek to coordinate, assist and unify the efforts of private groups,
institutions and individuals within the Village of Dobbs Ferry in
accord with the purposes of this chapter.
(6)
To prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and informational
pamphlets in accord with the purposes of this chapter.
(7)
To review each application for a tree removal permit referred in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter and to make recommendations
concerning the removal and/or the replacement of trees to the Board
of Trustees, the Planning Board and/or the Land Use Officer.
(8)
To request the opinion of qualified consultants, including a qualified
arborist, to help meet obligations under this chapter.
(9)
To prepare a list of appropriate trees to be planted within the Village,
with preference given to indigenous tree types, as well as a list
of invasive species that should not be planted within the Village.
(10)
To advise on the replacement of trees lost by age or damage
to assure that the new trees planted will be of a species, type and
size that will thrive and be appropriate in the specific location,
as well as not interfere with view vistas, disturb paved areas and
curbs, block visibility at street intersections, or interfere with
utility wires.
(11)
To advise on tree trimming in an effort to maintain healthy
trees with attractive canopies, while also maintaining safety, particularly
with utility wires, and valued vistas and views.
(12)
The Tree Commission, on its own or upon recommendation or receipt
of a nomination from the public, shall prepare a proposed list of
trees with historic or unique value and provide such list to the Board
of Trustees for consideration and adoption by resolution. Upon adoption
a copy of such list shall be provided to the Village Clerk who shall
maintain such list as a Village record. Said list should not be deemed
all-inclusive or complete and may be periodically reviewed and updated
as set forth herein.
(13)
To carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time
to time by the Board of Trustees.
