A Tree Committee is hereby established as a
standing committee of the Town of Bel Air to be organized and function
as stated within the following article.
The purpose of the Tree Committee shall be as
follows:
A.
To preserve and protect existing trees and forest
within the Town of Bel Air.
B.
To promote planting and maintenance of trees located
within the Town.
C.
To protect trees located in public areas from undesirable
and unsafe practices.
D.
To guard trees against the spread of disease and pests.
E.
To prevent damage to any public sewer or water main,
street, sidewalk or other public property resulting from tree locations/plantings.
The Tree Committee shall consist of not fewer
than three nor more than five members who shall be appointed by the
Board of Town Commissioners. Members shall serve staggered three-year
terms, with initial appointments of one, two and three years. Thereafter,
appointments shall be made on a three-year basis. In the event that
a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, a successor shall
be appointed by the Board of Town Commissioners for the unexpired
portion of the term. A majority of the members shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. Any member who is absent from
three consecutive meetings, without notifying the Chairman in advance
of such meeting, shall forfeit membership.
A.
The Committee shall elect officers on an annual basis.
All members of the Committee appointed by the Board of Town Commissioners
are eligible to hold office.
B.
The Committee shall have the following officers:
(1)
Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings
of the Committee and perform all such duties as are incidental to
the office of Chairman and are properly required of him/her.
(2)
Vice Chairman. In the absence of the Chairman, he/she
shall exercise all the functions of the Chairman and shall be vested
with all of his/her powers.
C.
The majority of the members shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business. The Committee shall adopt rules and
bylaws governing its action and keep a record of its proceedings.
Regular meetings shall be held monthly at such
time and place as the members shall designate, unless otherwise determined
by the Committee officers. An annual meeting for the election of the
Committee officers shall be held in April or at the earliest date
possible following the appointment/confirmation of membership by the
Board of Town Commissioners. Additional meetings may be called by
the Chairman, as required. The purpose of the meetings shall be stated
in the written or verbal notice. Members of the Committee shall serve
without compensation.
The powers and duties of the Tree Committee
shall be as follows. The Committee shall:
A.
Prepare a Comprehensive Tree Plan for the Town of
Bel Air. Such plan shall be presented annually to the Board of Town
Commissioners; upon acceptance by the Board, the plan shall become
the Official Comprehensive Tree Plan of the Town of Bel Air. The Comprehensive
Tree Plan for the Town should address the preservation, pruning, planting,
removal and disposition of trees in the public areas of the Town.
B.
Make findings and prepare reports and recommendations
upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its
work.
C.
Study problems and determine the needs of the Town
in connection with the street planting, protection and maintenance
program.
D.
Assist in dissemination of news and information regarding
selection, planting and maintenance of trees within areas subject
to the jurisdiction of the Town, whether on private or public property,
and make recommendations for legislation concerning the tree program
and activities.
E.
Investigate alternative funding sources for planting
and maintenance of trees and shrubs on public lands.
