[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Maple Bluff 6-11-1996
(§ 1.28 of the 1986 Code); amended in its entirety 4-17-2001.
Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known, cited and referred to as the "Village of
Maple Bluff Urban Forestry Ordinance."
It is hereby declared a matter of public policy that Maple Bluff has
a significant stand of mature trees throughout its residential and open spaces.
These trees are a primary defining element of Maple Bluff that significantly
contributes to the sense of community and quality of life in the Village.
Trees identified by the Forestry Committee are those to which the Village
has designated special status. These trees are to be protected as a defining
element for future Maple Bluff residents.
The Director of Public Works shall serve as the Village Forester.
A.Â
The Urban Forestry Committee shall consist of seven members,
including the Chairman who shall be a member of the Village Board of Trustees,
five citizen members and one representative of the Maple Bluff Country Club.
Committee members shall be appointed annually for two-year overlapping terms.
Appointments shall be made by the Village President subject to confirmation
by the Village Board. The Village Forester shall serve as staff liaison to
the Committee.
B.Â
The Urban Forestry Committee shall designate its own
officers and make its own rules and regulations. The Village Clerk-Treasurer
or his/her designee shall assist the Committee in the preparation of a record
of its proceedings. A simple majority of its members shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of its business.
C.Â
The Urban Forestry Committee shall be advisory to the Village
Board of Trustees on matters of public policy. The Committee is responsible
for maintaining a list of trees approved for planting on public property and
shall make recommendations to the Village Forester as to future planting locations.
The Committee shall create and update an inventory of Village-owned trees
and shall have responsibility for designating any trees having special status.
(1)Â
This Committee will operate as a service and advisory
arm only. The Committee will provide information and consultation to Village
residents concerning the planting, pruning, and maintenance of trees and shrubs.
The Committee will provide information about species and correct planting
when requested. The Committee wants to be viewed as a resource that will work
in tandem with Village residents to encourage and enhance the natural beauty
of our Village.
(2)Â
It shall be the responsibility of the Urban Forestry
Committee to develop and update on an annual basis a written plan for the
care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, or removal of trees and
shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas of the Village. Such
plan shall be presented annually to the Village Board and, upon its acceptance
and approval, shall constitute the Official Comprehensive Village Tree Plan
and shall be submitted in support of any Village application for federal,
state or private funding for tree planting or maintenance, in support of the
Village's application for designation as a "Tree City" or for similar purposes.
The Urban Forestry Committee may conduct such other study or investigation
or may make such other recommendation or report as may be necessary to effectuate
the purposes of this chapter.
(3)Â
The Committee shall include within its plan a list of
species to be planted on Village property, and no other species may be planted
on Village property without the approval of the Urban Forestry Committee.
The plan shall also specify the spacing for trees to be planted on Village
Property and the distance from street corners, fireplugs, utility lines, curbs
and sidewalks for such plantings.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:[1]
Refer to § 202-4 of this chapter.
The individual or entity appointed by the Village President pursuant
to the provisions of this chapter.
Includes all property owned by the Village of Maple Bluff, including,
without limitation, public parks, rights-of-way, and Village Center grounds,
but excluding the property leased to the Maple Bluff Country Club.
A.Â
The Urban Forestry Committee shall, in its discretion,
advise the Village Forester or other relevant Village officer of any tree
or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which is injurious to public
utility lines or public improvements or is affected with any injurious fungus,
insect, or other pest or disease.
B.Â
It shall be unlawful for any person to plant, remove,
damage, or disturb any tree on Village Property without first obtaining consent
of the Village Forester upon the advice and consent of the Urban Forestry
Committee.
It shall be unlawful for any person to prune or mutilate any tree located
on Village property.
The Urban Forestry Committee shall propose to the Village Board of Trustees
rules, regulations and specifications concerning the trimming, spraying, removal,
planting, pruning, and protection of trees on Village property which the Committee
deems necessary and in the public interest.
