[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village
of Suffern 7-8-2013 by L.L. No. 8-2013. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The intention of the Board of Trustees in adopting this chapter
is to establish the Suffern Tree Advisory Board, which shall be responsible
for advising and educating on issues pertaining to trees and wooded
plants in the Village of Suffern and to maintain the status of the
Village as "Tree City USA."
There is established for the Village of Suffern a citizens'
advisory board to be known as the "Suffern Tree Advisory Board."
[Amended 2-5-2018 by L.L.
No. 2-2018]
The Suffern Tree Advisory Board shall consist of a minimum of
five members, but no more than eight members, who live or work in
the Suffern area and whom the Mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation
by the Board of Trustees. The members shall serve without compensation
for services performed. One member of the Tree Advisory Board shall
be the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works.
The term of the members of the Tree Advisory Board shall be
up to one year. In the event a vacancy shall occur during the term
of any member, his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired
portion of the term. The first Board shall serve as follows: one member
shall be the head of the Village's Department of Public Works,
two members shall serve for two years each, and two members shall
serve for three years each.
A.
The Board shall have at least one regular meeting three times per
year. The Board shall determine meeting dates and times. Special meetings
may be held as often as the Board deems necessary or as directed by
the Mayor or Village Board.
B.
For purposes of conducting the Board's business, exercising
its powers and for all other purposes, a quorum of the Board shall
consist of three or more members. Any action taken by a majority of
those present, when those present constitute a quorum at any regular
or special meeting of the Board, shall be deemed and taken as the
action and decision of the Board.
C.
The Board shall elect such officers as it deems necessary to conduct
business. The Board shall adopt such rules of procedure as it deems
necessary.
D.
The Board shall keep written minutes of all meetings held and all
business transacted. All records of the Board shall be open to public
inspection, except those that may be exempt from public disclosure
under Village/state law.
The Tree Advisory Board shall acquire authorization from the
Board of Trustees prior to undertaking any project. The duties of
the Tree Advisory Board shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
A.
Promoting the responsible planting of trees on public and private
property.
B.
Promoting public education about trees.
C.
Promoting proper tree maintenance.
D.
Advocating trees within the Village of Suffern.
E.
Providing for aesthetics within the Village of Suffern through the
formulation and implementation of tree programs.
F.
Developing programs and projects while working with other community
groups to enhance Village beautification.
G.
Developing innovative and joint funding for tree projects from a
variety of sources.
H.
Providing the Mayor and Board of Trustees with a twice-yearly report
regarding Tree Advisory Board activities.
I.
Developing, maintaining and providing a Tree Standard Manual for
proper tree planting, maintenance and care of trees and wooded plants,
by development of landscaping and/or tree local laws within the Village,
as well as reviewing project plans for compliance with said local
laws as requested by Village staff.
By adopting this chapter, the Board of Trustees agrees to maintain
the status of the Tree City USA Program by meeting the four standard
requirements:
