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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Voigt, Asst. Chief of Staff
DATE: April 20, 2018
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance approving an amendment to Chapter 47, Entitled "Trees, Shrubs and Weeds" to modify Sec. 47-6 “Tree board; establishment, composition, appointment of members, duties."
PURPOSE:
Attached is an ordinance proposing to amend the membership section of Chapter 47, Sec. 47-6.
BACKGROUND:
The Tree Board was established by the City Council to advise and consult the arborist on matters related to Chapter 47, "Trees, Shrubs and Weeds". The Tree Board is an inter-disciplinary advisory body that provides feedback on policies concerning trees on public and private property; selection, planting, maintenance and when appropriate removal of trees and shrubs within the city as it relates to existing ordinances.
The board also participates in and provides feedback on educational and informational programs as needed and assists with the city's annual Arbor Day celebration. The board also reviews and responds to citizen complaints and concerns as it pertains to trees.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed changes to the Tree Board composition will bring it in to alignment with the departmental changes made in 2017. The ordinance also proposes to eliminate the two-term limitation for community members appointed to the board.
IMPACT STATEMENT :
The proposed change will allow the board to function in a more efficient and effective manner.
cc:
Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Rick Mervine, Member
Alderman Judd Lofchie, Member
Alderman Carl Franco, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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An Ordinance Amending Chapter 47, entitled "Trees, Shrubs and Weeds", of the Aurora Code of Ordinances to modify certain provisions therein contained (Sec. 47-6. - Tree board; establishment, composition, appointment of members, duties.)
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Chapter 47, entitled "Trees, Shrubs and Weeds" in order to update and improve certain Sections of said Ordinance to better carry out the purpose and intent of said Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois,
Section One: That the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois finds as fact all of the preamble recitals of this Ordinance.
Section Two: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling, upon its passage and approval.
Section Three: That all Ordinances or part of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed insofar as any conflict exists.
Section Four: That any section, phrase or paragraph of this Ordinance that is construed to be invalid, void or unconstitutional shall not affect the remaining sections, phrases or paragraphs of this Ordinance which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section Five: That Chapter 47, entitled “Trees, Shrubs and Weeds” of the Aurora Code of Ordinances, is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 47-6. - Tree board; establishment, composition, appointment of members, duties.
(a) There is hereby established and created in the city a tree board, which shall be composed of nine (9) eleven (11) members as follows:
the director of neighborhood services, representatives of the Public Works Department from the following divisions:
Street maintenance
Engineering
Downtown Services/Horticulturist
Parks
the director of public property, representatives of the Development Services Department from the following divisions:
Planning and Zoning
the assistant director of public property,
the director of public works,
the assistant director of public works,
the planning director,
the superintendent of water and sewer maintenance,
the director of parks and recreation,
One (1) Alderman
and the mayor or his designee,
and two (2) community members having a demonstrated knowledge or interest in urban forestry to be appointed by the mayor. for no more than two (2) consecutive two-year terms. The mayor shall designate the chairperson of the tree board.
(b) The tree board shall perform the following duties:
(1) The board shall advise and consult the arborist on any matter pertaining to this chapter and its enforcement. The topics under which this advice and consultation may be given may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
a. Approval, alteration or revision to the Arboricultural Specifications Manual, and alterations or revisions of the Urban Forestry Plan;
b. The review of policies concerning trees on public and private property; selection, planting, maintenance, and removal of trees and shrubs within the city as it relates to all or existing ordinances;
c. Establishment of educational and informational programs;
d. Development of policies and procedures regarding the arborist's duties.
e. Recommendation of requirements for tree care providers in the community.
(Ord. No. O92-96, § 1, 11-17-92; Ord. No. O97-77, § 1, 9-23-97; Ord. No. O08-78, § 1, 8-12-08)