Council discusses creating tree commission

Avon City Council discussed legislation on Sept. 7 to establish an eight-member tree commission as part of the process in meeting the requirements to become a Tree City USA.

The eight-member commission would function in support of studying legislation for a comprehensive plan for the proper planting of new and replacement trees and maintaining the health of existing trees.

One member would be required to be a certified arborist appointed by the mayor and would serve in a non-voting capacity.

The additional seven members would consist of one member of council, the mayor (or his appointee) and five additional members appointed by the mayor.

The members will serve terms of different lengths: one member will serve a one-year term; one will serve a two-year term; one for a term of three years; one will serve a four-year term and one will serve a five-year term.

Mayor Bryan Jensen called the development a positive move for the city and said after previous resistance to the concept, he believes residents will be pleased.

“Putting this together is an education, recommendation board more than anything else,” the mayor said.

“I think it’s well overdue, and I think this will show our residents we are serious about putting something together like this.”

Avon Ward 2 Councilman Dennis McBride said three quarters of the trees in his subdivision are dead or dying and hopes the tree commission can provide assistance to homeowners.

“Hopefully this ordinance will save homeowners and homeowners associations. It should save everyone money down the road.”

To correspond with the legislation, Law Director John Gasior said council would have to move forward on formally creating the part-time position of arborist for the City of Avon.

The members of the tree commission will be appointed by motion after the creation of the commission.

The Tree City USA program administered by the Arbor Day Foundation specifies four standards including the establishment of a tree board or commission, a tree care ordinance, the establishment of a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and the observance of an Arbor Day celebration and associated proclamation.

With the community forestry program, Avon must demonstrate a commitment toward the planting, care and removal of city trees.

“Our intent is not to be the tree police, but to be the tree advisor,” said arborist Richard Varga, who has been advising council on the process.

Council President Brian Fischer referred to the proposal to council’s legal committee, who will determine the next steps in the process.