The City is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving as voting members and alternate members on the new Tree Preservation Board. Residents can email Janet Tews, Administrative Assistant to the City Clerk at jtews@indianharbour.org or drop off their resumes at City Hall. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 1, 2024. Staff anticipates the City Council selecting the Tree Preservation Board members at the March 12, 2024 Council meeting.
Membership: The City Tree Preservation Board shall consist of five voting members and two alternates to be appointed by the City Council. The members of said board shall be residents of the city and shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council. Members shall abide by Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.
Term of Office: The initial appointments to the City Tree Preservation Board shall be as follows:
• Two members appointed for a term of three years.
• Two members appointed for a term of two years.
• One member appointed for a term of one year.
After that all appointments shall be made for a term of three years and any member may be reappointed from term to term upon approval of the City Council. Appointments to fill any vacancy shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term of office. Any member who fails to attend two of three successive meetings without cause and/or prior approval of the Chairperson shall automatically forfeit her or his appointment and the City Council shall promptly fill such vacancy.
Compensation: Members of the Tree Preservation Board shall serve without compensation.
Meetings: The Tree Preservation Board shall establish a regular meeting schedule no less than once a quarter. The first meeting shall be Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Operation: Members of the Tree Preservation Board shall annually elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson by majority vote to preside over the board’s meetings. The chairperson and vice-chairperson may participate in all deliberations and vote on all issues. A majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.
Duties and Responsibilities: The Tree Preservation Board shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) Plan and host Indian Harbour Beach’s annual Arbor Day Ceremony.
(b) Promote best practices in tree selection, planting, care, and trimming.
(c) Promote the identification, preservation, and protection of champion trees.
(d) Develop tree-related programs, incentives, partnerships, and rewards promoting positive Tree City USA citizenship.
(e) Consult with City staff, upon request, regarding the selection, care, and maintenance of trees on City property.
(f) Develop and present annually a written community tree management program and supporting work plan with which, upon acceptance by the City Council, shall constitute the official Comprehensive Tree Plan for the City of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.
(g) Make recommendations to the City Council upon any matter coming within the scope of its work, as deemed necessary.
(h) Other duties as assigned by the City Council.
The adopted Tree Preservation Ordinance can be viewed at https://indianharbourbeach.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7
