[Adopted by L.L. No. 2-1986 (Ch. 7, Arts.
I and II, of the 1978 Code)]
The Board of Trustees declares that the protection,
preservation and maintenance of trees is necessary to protect the
health and general welfare of the residents of the Village of New
Paltz since trees are aesthetically appealing, provide environmental
benefits and generally enhance the quality of life in the Village.
The Board of Trustees hereby establishes a Shade Tree Commission,
in accordance with the authority granted by Village Law § 17-1732,
to exercise responsibility for the care and control of shade and ornamental
trees and shrubbery on lands owned by the Village and promulgates
regulations for the protection of trees throughout the Village.
The Board of Trustees of the Village of New
Paltz hereby creates a commission which shall be known as the “Village
of New Paltz Shade Tree Commission,” hereinafter called the
“Commission.”
[Amended 9-1-2004 by L.L. No. 7-2004]
A.
The Commission shall consist of five members who shall
be appointed by the Board of Trustees and who shall serve for a term
of three years, to commence at the start of the official year of the
Village, except that two of the initial members appointed shall hold
office for a term of one year and two years, respectively, and the
successors of all three initial appointees shall thereafter be appointed
for full terms of three years. The fourth and fifth members the Commission
shall be appointed to one- and two-year terms, respectively, and successors
to said terms shall be appointed for full terms of three years. Vacancies
on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment except that a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration
of term of office shall be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired
term.
B.
Persons residing within the Village of New Paltz who
are interested in the improvement and preservation of environmental
quality shall be eligible for appointment as a member of the Commission.
However, no person shall serve on the Commission who is a member of
the Board of Trustees of the Village.
The Board of Trustees shall designate a member of the Commission to act as Chairman thereof. The Commission's members shall elect from among themselves a recording secretary. The Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for its meetings. It shall file an annual report as provided in § 9-14 of this article.
The Commission shall be responsible for the regulation, planting, care and control of all shade and ornamental trees and shrubbery of lands owned by the Village and the use of the premises surrounding such shade and ornamental trees and shrubbery to the extent of enabling their proper growth, care and protection. The Commission shall be responsible for planting, replanting, removal, trimming, spraying and general care of such trees and shrubbery. The Commission shall also exercise such additional duties as may be delegated to it by the Board of Trustees. The Commission shall also be responsible for the administration of the regulations set forth in Chapter 191, Trees, of this Code.
The Commission shall submit an annual report
to the Board of Trustees not later than the first day of March of
each year, concerning the activities and work of the Commission and,
from time to time, shall submit such reports and recommendations as
may be necessary to fulfill the purpose of this article.
The members of the Commission shall receive
no compensation for their services as members thereof, but may be
reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance
of their duties within the appropriations made available therefor.
