[HISTORY: Adopted by the Commissioners of the Town of Ridgely 9-8-2003
by Ord. No. 250. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The policy of the Commissioners of Ridgely regarding the removal or destruction of roadside trees and trees on Town-owned land shall be as set forth in a certain statement of policy attached hereto as Exhibit A.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Exhibit A is included at the end of this chapter.
A.
There shall be a commission, known as the "Ridgely Tree
Commission," to be comprised of five persons, appointed by the Commissioners
of Ridgely and serving for the term of five years, except that the initial
appointments will be as follows: one individual for a one-year term; one individual
for a two-year term; one individual for a three-year term; one individual
for a four-year term and one individual for a five-year term. After which
all subsequent appointments will be for a five-year term. Such members shall
be selected from among citizens who have expressed an interest in the beneficial
effects of maintaining and improving the community through afforestation.
[Amended 9-12-2005 by Ord. No. 281]
B.
The Ridgely Tree Commission is charged with the task
of making recommendations to the Commissioners of an appropriate location
for, and desirable species to be used in, replacing and, where appropriate,
adding to the number of roadside trees and trees on Town land, as well as
meeting state requirements for afforestation when granting permits for the
subdivision and development of land.
The Ridgely Tree Commission may, when requested, advise the Ridgely Planning Commission regarding the implementation of the Town's local forest conservation program (Chapter 98, Forest Conservation, Code of Ridgely) adopted pursuant to Section 5-1603 of the Natural Resources Article. However, nothing herein shall deprive the Ridgely Planning Commission, or the Department of Natural Resources when such duties have been assigned to that department, of final authority for review of developers' plans under Chapter 98.
[Added 9-12-2005 by L.L. No. 281]
Any individual or agent of any individual violating the provisions of
this chapter will be issued a municipal citation and a fine not to exceed
$100 per offense, payable to the Commissioners of Ridgely, and will be required
to pay all costs incurred by the Town of Ridgely in the replacement of any
trees illegally removed without formal approval of the Ridgely Tree Commission
or its designated representatives.
