Chapter 10.95
CITIZENS’ TREE BOARD
Sections:
10.95.010 Board created – Membership.
10.95.020 Officers of board – Meetings – Forum.
10.95.030 Powers and duties.
10.95.010 Board created – Membership.
A. There is hereby created a citizens’ tree board consisting of up to seven members plus one alternate. Citizens must be Edmonds residents. It is recommended the board include citizens from throughout the city (representing different watersheds and neighborhoods). Additionally, those with professional or hobbyist interest/experience in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat enviroscaping are preferred; these may include arborists, botanists, horticulturists, native plant experts, master gardeners, wildlife experts, and related. The members shall be appointed in the following manner: Within 30 days after the ordinance codified in this chapter is passed, the city shall draft and publish an announcement seeking applicants for board membership. The standard city of Edmonds citizen board and commission application will be used. Prospective board members will have 30 days to submit their application. Initially, each councilmember will appoint one tree board member within 30 days following the close of the application period. The alternate member shall be appointed by the council president or mayor (as determined by the council). The selections shall be made based on the qualifications described per the applications; councilmembers may also interview applicants at their discretion. Subsequent to the initial appointments, recommendations for renewal/replacements, when required, will be made by the full council.
B. The term of appointment shall be four years. However, initially, to ensure transitional consistency three members shall be appointed to four-year terms and four members (plus the alternate) shall be appointed to two-year terms. Councilmembers whose terms expire in 2011 shall appoint members to initial two-year terms. Councilmembers whose terms expire in 2013 shall appoint members to initial four-year terms. Thereafter, appointments shall coincide with the terms of newly elected councilmembers. Each member, at his or her discretion, may seek renewal for one additional term. [Ord. 3807 § 1, 2010].
10.95.020 Officers of board – Meetings – Forum.
Members of the commission shall meet and organize by election, from the members of the board, a chair and vice chair and other officers as may be determined by the board. It shall be the duty of the chair to preside at all meetings. The vice chair shall perform this duty in the absence of the chair. A majority of the filled positions on the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board is expected to meet monthly or as otherwise agreed to by the board. The regular public meeting of the board shall be held at such time or place as may be determined by the chair or a majority of the members of the board. [Ord. 3807 § 1, 2010].
10.95.030 Powers and duties.
A. The board is empowered to advise and make recommendations to the mayor and city council and, as appropriate, to the planning board and other boards or commissions of the city on such matters including but not limited to:
1. Developing a tree ordinance designed to preserve and protect existing trees, encourage planting of additional trees, safeguard trees on parcels where construction or renovation is occurring or planned to occur, and encouraging the Edmonds citizenry to become active stewards of the urban forest.
2. Increasing community outreach and education regarding the value of trees, proper selection of trees, and correct methods for planting of and caring for trees.
3. Working with civic, religious, and citizen groups to organize invasive plant removal and native vegetation planting in accord with the department of parks, recreation and cultural services.
4. Coordinating with other citizen groups to specific projects.
5. Facilitating relevant grant applications supporting ecology and watershed protection projects.
6. Sponsoring an annual Arbor Day Event.
7. Working towards achievement of Tree City USA® status.
B. The board shall provide an annual report to the city council in December of each year. [Ord. 3807 § 1, 2010].