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RTM Explanatory Comments for December 8, 2008
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REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
TOWN OF GREENWICH

EXPLANATORY COMMENTS FOR
                                                                                              DECEMBER  2008  MEETING


ITEM NO:                1
DEPARTMENT:     First Selectman 
CONTACT:              Alfred C. Cava    203-622-7716            acava@greenwichct.org
REFERRED TO:      Finance, Town Services, Labor Contracts Committees
VOTES:  
RESOLVED, that the sum of  $123,930 for the fiscal year 2008-09 be and the same is hereby appropriated to carry out the terms of the negotiated two-year collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Greenwich and the Silver Shield Association, Inc. of the Town of Greenwich.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Representative Town Meeting of the Town of Greenwich hereby approves such provisions of the agreement, if any, which may be in conflict with any charter provisions, special act, ordinance, rule, or regulation of the Town of Greenwich within the meaning of Connecticut General Statutes, Section 7-474.

EXPLANATORY COMMENTS BY THE FIRST SELECTMAN

The Town and the Silver Shield Association have reached an agreement on a successor collective bargaining agreement to the agreement that expired on June 30, 2007.  The successor agreement is for a two-year term retroactive to July 1, 2007 expiring on June 30, 2010.  The Silver Shield Association represents 152 employees in the ranks of police officer, Sergeant and Lieutenant.

The agreement provides for general wage increases of 3.5% retroactive to July 1, 2007 and 3.75% effective July 1, 2009.    The Silver Shield agreed to a number of the Town’s proposed health care changes.   These changes include an increase in the amount of cost share of the premiums paid by employees for all health plan options and increasing the employee co-pays for the prescription drug plan to $5/$25/$40 from $5/$15/$30.  These changes in health care are consist with terms negotiated with other Town and Board of Education bargaining units.  
A summary of all negotiated changes is included with the materials submitted to RTM.
I believe that the agreement is in the best interest to both the Town and to the covered employees.
Attachments- Separate Packet
Summary of Negotiated Changes
Comptroller Letter
Cost Analysis – Summary and Detail
Black lined version of the collective bargaining agreement, available at Town Clerk’s office.


ITEM NO.:               2
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine    622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES:                    Board of Selectmen 3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Building Committee.

ALFRED DiSAPIO

Explanatory Comments
Alfred DiSapio.  10 Alexander Street, Greenwich.  New nomination to the Nathaniel Witherell Building Committee.
Past member Inland Wetlands Commission.  Member, American Society of Quality Control, Member American Society of Mechanical Engineers, President American Society of Cosmetic Chemists.


ITEM NO.:               3
DEPARTMENT:      Selectmen
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine    622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen 3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Building Committee.

WILLIAM HUGHES

Explanatory Comments
William Hughes.  9 Ridgebrook Road, Greenwich.  New nomination to the Nathaniel Witherell Building Committee.
SVP, Global Communications – software, information management.  25 years experience in communications, public relations and marketing.


ITEM NO.:                 4
DEPARTMENT:       Selectmen     
CONTACT:                Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:        Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES:                       Board of Selectmen  3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

DAVID G. ORMSBY

Explanatory Comments
David G. Ormsby.  14 Partridge Hollow Road, Greenwich.  Renomination as a regular member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.
B.A.  – Amherst College, J.D. – Harvard Law School  
Former Trustee, Greenwich Library, former President of Library Board.  Former Board of Ethics member, former  Chairman of Board of Manager, Camp Dudley YMCA, Inc.  Director – Haig Point Club and Community Association.  


ITEM NO.:               5
DEPARTMENT:      Selectmen      
CONTACT:               Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:       Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen  3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

LLOYD BANKSON

Explanatory Comments
Lloyd Bankson.  26 Indian Point Lane, Riverside.  Renomination as a regular member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

Princeton and NYU Business School
Managing Director of Venture Capital Company
Goose Management Program 2006


ITEM NO:                6
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine     622-7710              
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Town Services Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen   3-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Board of Ethics for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

LOUIS P. PITTOCCO
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Louis P. Pittocco.  20 Carleton Street, Greenwich.    Renomination as a regular member of the Board of Ethics for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

University of Bridgeport – Bachelor of Science, Accounting, St. John’s University School of Law – Juris Doctor.
Attorney in Private Practice.  Alternate Public Member arbitrating labor grievances for the Connecticut State Board of Arbitration and Mediation.  Attorney for Greenwich Housing Authority.

ITEM NO:                7
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine    622-7710              
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Town Services Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen   3-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Board of Ethics for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

PAUL deBARY
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Paul deBary.  One White Birch Lane, Cos Cob.  Renomination as a regular member of the Board of Ethics for a term beginning April 1, 2009 and expiring 3/31/12.

A.B. – Columbia College, M.B.A., Columbia School of Business, J.D., Columbia Law School.
Managing Director of  Marquette deBary, Inc., financial advisory company.  


ITEM NO.:               8
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES:                    Board of Selectmen 3-0-0


RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed an alternate member of the Historic District Commission to fill an unexpired which began 4/1/06 and expires 3/31/11.

STEPHEN BISHOP

Explanatory Comments
Stephen Bishop.  265 Taconic Road, Greenwich.  New nomination as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term expiring 3/31/11.
B.S. from University of Connecticut; law degree, Drake University.   Attorney/Partner in law firm.  Consulting Attorney and member of OGYC.
Past President of Stamford Historical Society, HSTG Historic Plaque Committee.



ITEM NO.:               9
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine   622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen 3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/14.

LLOYD N. HULL   

Explanatory Comments
Lloyd N. Hull.  60 Sumner Road, Greenwich.  Renomination as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/14.
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) B.S. Economics, New York Law School, J.D.
Self-employed Attorney – practice in Town.    Member - American, Connecticut, Greenwich and New York City Bar Associations.
RTM member since 1977, Round Hill Association – Director and Past President, Tri-State Airport Noise Mitigation Committee, Selectman’s Water Resources Committee and RTC.


ITEM NO.:               10
DEPARTMENT:      Selectmen      
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:       Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen 3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/13.

JOHN R. CONTE

Explanatory Comments~
John R. Conte.  32 Dairy Road, Greenwich.  Renomination as a member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/13.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design – Professional development courses in Horticulture and Design.  S.U.N.Y. at Farmingdale – Associate Degree.  
CT State licensed Landscape Architect, CT State Licensed Arborist.  Principle, Chief Landscape Architect – Conte & Conte, LLC.  Board member – Boy Scouts of America, Greenwich Green and Clean, Family Centers, Inc. and past Planning Council member – United Way.


ITEM NO.:               11
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen 3-0-0


RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/13.

LAWRENCE PERRY            
                
Explanatory Comments
Lawrence Perry.  51 Valleywood Road, Cos Cob.  Renomination as a member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/013.
BA Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Northwestern University, Juris Doctor degree from IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law.  Partner in NY law firm and member of the Democratic Town Committee.


ITEM NO.:               12
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Health & Human Services
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen 3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Board of Social Services for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/12.

MARYANN RAMOS

Explanatory Comments
Maryann Ramos. 35 Homestead Road, Greenwich.  New nomination as a regular member of the Board of Social Services for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/12.
Health Care Education, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, Environmental Sciences and Occupational Health, Columbia University School of Public Health, B.S.Physician Assistant, B.A. Biology, Rutgers University.
Former Physician Assistant – Department of Defense.  Past, member, Vice Chair and Secretary on the Board of Health.


ITEM NO.:               13
DEPARTMENT:     Selectmen       
CONTACT:              Peter Crumbine  622-7710
REFERRED TO:      Appointments, Health & Human Services
VOTES:                     Board of Selectmen 3-0-0

RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Commission on Aging for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/12.

JOHN M. MORRIS

Explanatory Comments
John M. Morris.  49 Lockwood Avenue, Old  Greenwich.  New nomination as a regular member of the Commission on Aging for a term beginning 4/1/09 and expiring 3/31/12.
Dartmouth College.  Retired from career in corporate public relations.  Past United Way of Greenwich board member and residential campaign chair.


ITEM NO:                14
DEPARTMENT:     Public Works                                    1209PW03
CONTACT:              Richard Feminella, Superintendent         (203) 622-7844                        rfeminella@greenwichct.org
REFERRED TO:      Finance, Public Works Committees
VOTES:                     BET Vote pending

RESOLVED, that the Town of Greenwich, Department of Public Works, Sewer Division be allowed to accept a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sum of $190,080 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Grant Account Number F361-59650-29089, known as “Wet Weather/Nutrient Removal”.

EXPLANATORY COMMENTS

These funds will be used in conjunction with the current year appropriation of $475,000 in Account No. K361-59650-29089, “Wet Weather/Nutrient Removal”.  The goal of this project is to reduce the total nitrogen loading discharged during wet weather events from the Grass Island Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Long Island Sound by performing the following:

To develop a wet weather operations plan
To automate existing non-motorized aeration tank gates to control the biological nitrogen removal (BNR) processes during peak wet weather flows

In recent years, the Town of Greenwich has evaluated the sewer system and identified inflow and infiltration sources that contribute to increased wastewater volume that comes into the WWTP.  Currently there are ongoing projects that are attempting to address the excess flows entering the WWTP.  During storm weather events Grass Island WWTP wet weather flows can approach 3 times the average flow.  During such events a washout of the biomass (measured as total suspended solids) from the secondary treatment system occurs due to hydraulics, resulting in poor nitrogen removal and a discharge of high nitrogen levels to the Long Island Sound.  For example, the total nitrogen discharged as a result of the April 2007 Nor’easter resulted in five times the 2006 monthly average of total nitrogen discharged to the Long Island Sound.  This was a significant contributing factor to the Town of Greenwich having to purchase nitrogen credits as opposed to receiving monies at the end of the year.

Since the BNR process requires more total suspended solids (TSS) to operate effectively, the potential for increasing the TSS levels discharged during high flows is significant.  This project will focus on small scale equipment modifications and operational improvements in order to conserve biomass (TSS) during peak wet weather flows, thereby resulting in a decreased total maximum daily load of nitrogen to the Long Island Sound.


ATTACHMENT:
  Letter of Grant Award.
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ITEM NO:                15
DEPARTMENT:      Public Works                                   1209PW02
CONTACT:              Alan E. Monelli, Superintendent   (203) 622-7743  amonelli@greenwichct.org
REFERRED TO:       Finance, Public Works, Town Services
VOTES:                     October 20, 2008  BET, 12-0-0

RESOLVED, that the sum of $350,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Capital Account Number Z345-59560-29042, known as “Glenville Fire Station”.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS

Interim funds in the amount of $ 350,000 are being requested to cover the projected construction contingency of undertaking this project.   This project was originally approved as part of the FY06/07 budget under account number Z345-59560-27040 for $2,200,000.  This amount contained funds for the projected construction cost of $1,754,765, construction contingency at 20%, $345,235 and station outfitting costs of $100,000.  

The completed plans for the rehabilitation of the station were bid in November 2007 and the low bid received at that time was $2,895,000.  In a effort to bring the cost of this project closer to the original budget, DPW in cooperation with the Fire Department and the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company made adjustments to the proposed plan that removed the need for an elevator, reduced the square footage of the construction as well as created a solution for the temporary quartering of the career staff and fire apparatus.  Based on this revised plan,  the project was re-estimated in January 2008 as follows: $ 2,275,000 for construction, $475,000 for construction contingency (20%), and the station outfitting for $100,000.  Based on the available funds of the original account, an additional $740,000 was required.  This amount was approved as part of the FY08/09 budget under account number Z345-59560-29042.

Between the estimate date of January 2008 and the re-bid in September 2008, the cost of oil exceeded its all time high.  This, in combination with already rising prices in steel, concrete, copper and sheetrock, has led to a 20% increase in construction costs during this time period.  DPW has observed this increase with other projects in 2008.

The competitive low bid received by the Town in September totaled $2,775,246.  While there are sufficient funds in the account to award the contract, the funds available for contingency have been reduced to $72,000 or less than 3% of the contract amount.

To restore a contingency value close of 15%, an additional funding request of $350,000 is required.  Since the construction period will exceed 365 days, the outfitting costs for the station will be requested as part of the FY09/10 CIP.   


Project Account Status:
Account Number          Budget           Balance
Z345-59560-27040        $2,200,000      $2,107,693
Z345-59560-28023        $   740,000     $   740,000
                        $2,940,000      
Total Available Funds           $2,847,693
Low Bid                                 $2,775,246
Account Balance                         $     72,447    

Interim Request for
Contingency                             $   350,000
Based on 9/12/08 Low Bid  
Account Balance                           $     72,447

Funds available for
Contingency (~15%)                        $   422,447

ITEM NO:                16
DEPARTMENT:     Parks & Recreation
CONTACT:             J Siciliano                           622-6472                                       jsiciliano@greenwichct.org          
REFERRED TO:      Land Use, Legislative & Rules, Parks & Recreation Committees
VOTES:
  
     RESOLVED:  Be it Ordained and Enacted by the Representative Town Meeting that: the Greenwich Ordinance entitled Chapter 13, “Trees and Vegetation” of the Greenwich Municipal Code is hereby amended in the following sections as follows:


CHAPTER 13.  TREES, SHRUBS AND VEGETATION.

§13-1.  Purposes.
§13-2.   Definitions.
§13-3.   Urban/Community Forestry Management Plan.
§13-4.   Tree Warden as Liaison to Other Municipal Departments.
§13-5.   Public Utilities.
§13-6.   Trees on Town-owned Property.
§13-7.   Trees; Property of Town.
§13-8.   Effect of Chapter.
§13-9.  Prohibition.
§13-10. Permits.
§13-11. Work.
§13-12. Emergencies.
§13-13. Penalties.
§13-14. No Exemption.
§13-15. Interfering with Planting, Maintenance and Removal.
§13-16. Tree Protection During Construction Activities.
§13-17. Hazardous Trees, Shrubs and Vegetation Abutting Town-Owner Property.


Sec. 13-1.      Purposes :

The purposes of this Ordinance are:

a)      To promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the residents by providing for the regulation of the planting, maintenance, protection and the removal of trees, shrubs and other vegetation within the Town of Greenwich.

b)      To recognize and appreciate that trees produce oxygen, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, provide air purification, prevent soil erosion, control flooding, assist in water purification, contribute to the quality of life by providing cooling shade, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce noise levels, and aesthetically enhance the landscape.

c)       To preserve and protect trees and their canopies as an important environmental and cultural resource that enhances the Town’s natural character and heritage.

d)       To protect the people in the Town of Greenwich from personal injury and property damage caused by the improper planting, maintenance, protection or removal of trees and shrubs located within the Town of Greenwich.  

e)  To protect property values by maintaining a healthy and vigorous community forest.


Sec. 13-2.      Definitions.

a)      Tree Warden (aka Town Forester): The Greenwich Tree Warden shall be the Superintendent of the Parks & Trees Division of the Department of Parks & Recreation, and shall have all the powers, duties and authority provided by The Public Shade Trees and Tree Protection Examining Board  Statute (Connecticut General Statues Sec. 23-59) as may be hereafter amended, and by this Ordinance.  

b)      Deputy Tree Warden (aka Assistant Town Forester): The Greenwich Deputy Tree Warden shall be appointed by the Tree Warden.   

c)      Urban / Community Forest:  The natural resource of all Town-owned trees upon street right-of-ways, parks, school campuses, open space properties, and grounds of Town facilities taken collectively comprise the Town’s Urban / Community Forest.

d)      Town-owned Property:   Any and all real property owned by the Town of Greenwich.

e)      Hazardous Tree:  In relation to a tree or tree part, shall mean defective, diseased or dead, and posing an unreasonable risk of failure or fracture with the potential to cause injury to people or damage to property.

f)      Property Owner:   The owner of record of any parcel of land.

g)      Tree: A woody plant, usually with one main trunk, reaching a height of at least fifteen feet when mature.

h)      Shrub:  A woody plant, branched from the base, generally less than fifteen feet in height when mature.

i)      Vegetation: All other plants, including vines, not defined as trees or shrubs.

j)      Greenwich Arboricultural Specifications and Policy Manual:  A manual to be prepared, and to be amended from time to time, by the Tree Warden pursuant to this ordinance containing regulations and standards for the planting, maintenance, removal and the protection of trees, shrubs and  vegetation upon Town-owned property

k)      Person:   Any person, firm, corporation or other entity,  including any public utility.


l)      Urban / Community Forestry Management Plan: The long range management plan and resulting annual work plans prepared by the Tree Warden from data collected by the Urban /Community Forestry Inventory.

m)      Public Nuisance: Any  tree, shrub or other vegetation “which [is]
      hazardous or injurious to the public health, safety and welfare or which    
      cause[s] substantial depreciation in the value of real property in the
neighborhood”, as defined by the Town of Greenwich Nuisance Ordinance [Greenwich Municipal Code, Chapter 6C-2(h)].


Sec. 13-3.      Urban / Community Forestry Management Plan.

       The Tree Warden shall prepare, in coordination with the Conservation Commission, a long-range, comprehensive strategic plan for the administration and management of a community forestry program.


Sec. 13-4.      Tree Warden as Liaison to Other Municipal Departments.

The Tree Warden shall serve as liaison to all Town Departments, agencies, and the Board of Education on all matters relating to individual trees and forest  resources, and may provide technical assistance as appropriate.

Any Town Department or agency shall notify the Tree Warden of any applications for new curb, gutter, sidewalks or driveway installations, utility installations or other improvements which might require the removal of or cause injury to any Town-owned tree.


Sec 13-5.       Public Utilities.

a)      Any public utility maintaining any overhead wires or underground pipes or conduits shall obtain permission from the Tree Warden before performing any maintenance work on the wires, pipes, or conduits which would cause injury to Town-owned trees. The public utility shall in no way injure, deface, prune, or scar any tree until its plans and procedures have been approved by the Tree Warden.

b)      When maintaining Town-owned trees, a public utility must observe good arboricultural practices, as specified by the Pruning Standards located in the current version of the Greenwich Arboricultural Specifications and Policy Manual.

Sec. 13-6.      Trees  on  Town-owned Property; permit; grant.

        (a)     No person shall plant any tree, shrub or vegetation within the limits of any  Town-owned property without having first obtained a permit to do so from the Tree Warden. Written application for such permission shall be made to the Tree Warden setting forth the size, species, typed and location of each tree, shrub or for which such permission is requested.

        (b)     The Tree Warden shall consider the effect of planting the specific trees, shrubs or vegetation upon the general welfare of the community and upon the present and future use, safety, maintenance, development and improvement of Town-owned property for all lawful purposes.

        (c)     Subject to the direction and control of the Directory of Parks and Recreation, the Tree Warden shall grant or deny the applications upon the basis of such considerations. (Ords. & Reg., §7-2, 8/17/48)


Sec. 13-7.      Trees; Property of the Town.

        Any tree, shrub or vegetation planted within the limits of  Town-owned property shall become the property of the Town.
(Ords. & Reg., §7-2, 8/17/48.)

Sec. 13-8        Effect of Chapter.
        Nothing in this Chapter and no permit granted pursuant to this Chapter shall be deemed to prejudice any rights which the Town may now or hereafter have with respect to trees, shrubs, and vegetation planted within the limits of Town-owned property (Ords. & Reg., §7-4, 8/17/48.)

Sec. 13-9.      Prohibition.
        Except as otherwise provided in Sec. 13-10 and 13-11 of this Chapter, no person shall cut, trim, prune, remove, injure or interfere with any tree, shrub or vegetation, including the branches, trunk root system or crown thereof, in whole or in part, within the limits of any public road, park or public grounds within Town property without a permit from the Tree Warden.
(10/15/1990.)

Sec. 13-10.     Permits.
        Permits are issued in conformity with  Connecticut General Statutes 23-65(f).  Application for permits must be made on application forms provided for such purpose by the Tree Warden.  Permits expire thirty (30) days after the date of issue unless otherwise noted thereon by the Tree Warden.
(10/15/1990.)

Sec. 13-11.     Work.

All work performed on such trees, shrubs or vegetation shall be done in strict accordance with the permit and under the direction of the Tree Warden.

Sec. 13-12.     Emergencies.
        Work which, in the opinion of the Tree Warden, is of an emergency nature, such as failure of gas, water or electric utility lines, may be performed as orally prescribed by the Tree Warden at the expense of the person requesting same.
(10/15/1990.)


Sec. 13-13.     Penalties.
        
        Any person violating any provision of this Chapter shall be fined in accordance with the penalties set forth in Connecticut General Statutes sec. 23-61f


Sec. 13-14.     No Exemption.

        Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to exempt any person from the application of any other applicable statute, ordinance, regulation or rule.
(10/15/1990).

Sec. 13-15.  Interference with Planting, Maintenance, and Removal.

No person shall interfere with the Tree Warden or persons acting under his authority while engaged in planting, mulching, pruning, removing or maintaining any tree, shrub or vegetation on Town-owned property.


Sec. 13 –16.  Tree Protection During Construction Activities.

All trees on Town-owned property that are designated for preservation shall be protected in accordance with the Tree Protection Specifications section of the Arboricultural Specifications and Policy Manual.


Sec. 13-17.  Hazardous Trees, Shrubs and Vegetation Abutting Town-Owned Property.

Any tree or part of the tree or any shrub or other vegetation that poses an unreasonable risk to any right-of-way or to Town property and is determined to pose imminent threat to the public health, safety or welfare by the Tree Warden shall be determined to be a “nuisance” and is to be abated by the Town in accordance with the Town of Greenwich Nuisance Ordinance (Greenwich Municipal Code, Chapter 6C).  

RESOLVED:  Be it Ordained and Enacted by the Representative Town Meeting that: the Greenwich Ordinance entitled Chapter 6C, “Nuisances” of the Greenwich Municipal Code is hereby amended in the following sections as follows:

Sec. 6C-2.  Definitions.

(g)     Nuisance shall mean the existence of a condition involving any one (1) or more of the following items: trees, shrubs or vegetation which are hazardous or injurious to the public health, safety and welfare or which would cause substantial depreciation in the value of real property in the neighborhood, building and construction materials, landscape and fill materials, demolition debris, motor vehicle parts, fixed- and rotary wing aircraft and parts, boats and boat parts, tires, appliances, furniture, metal, plastic, cardboard or glass containers, paper and rags which are inoperative, abandoned or discarded; which are found in substantial quantities in or upon any premises and are visible  from any third-party residential premises; and which are hazardous or injurious to the public health, safety  and welfare or which cause substantial depreciation in the value of real property in the neighborhood . . .

Powers and duties of wardens.  The town or borough tree warden shall have the care and control of all trees and shrubs in whole or in part within the limits of any public road or grounds and within the limits of his town or borough, except those along state highways under the control of the Commissioner of Transportation and except those in public parks or grounds which are under the jurisdiction of the park commissioners, and of these the tree warden shall take the care and control if so requested in writing by the park commissioners.   Such care and control shall extend to such limbs, roots or parts of trees and shrubs as extend or overhang the limits of any such public road or grounds.  The tree warden shall expend all funds appropriated for the setting out, care and maintenance of such trees and shrubs.  The tree warden shall enforce all provisions of law for the preservations of such trees and shrubs and of roadside beauty.  The tree warden shall remove or cause to be removed all illegally erected signs or advertisements, placed upon poles, trees or other objects within any public road or place under the tree warden’s jurisdiction.  The tree warden may prescribe such regulations for the care and preservation of such trees and shrubs  as the tree warden deems expedient and may provide therein for a reasonable fine for the violation of such regulations; and such regulations, when approved by the selectmen or borough warden and posted on a public signpost in the town or borough, if any, or at some other exterior place near the office of the town or borough clerk, shall have the force and effect of town or borough ordinances.  Whenever,  in the opinion of the tree warden, the public safety demands the removal or pruning of any tree or shrub under the tree warden’s control, the tree warden may cause such tree or shrub to be removed or pruned at the expense of the town or borough and the selectmen or borough warden shall order paid to the person such work such reasonable compensation therefore as may be determined and approved in writing by the tree warden.  Unless the condition of such tree or shrub constitutes an immediate pubic hazard, the tree warden shall, at least ten days before such removal or pruning, post theron a suitable notice stating the tree warden’s intention to remove or prune such tree or shrub.  If any person, firm or corporation objects to such removal or pruning, such person, firm or corporation may appeal to the tree warden in writing, who shall hold a public hearing at some suitable time and place after giving reasonable notice of such hearing to all persons known to be interested therein and posting a notice thereof on such tree or shrub.  Within three days after such hearing, the tree warden  shall render a decision granting or denying the application, and the party aggrieved by such decision may, within ten days, appeal therefrom to the superior court for the judicial district within which such town or borough is located.  The tree warden may, with the approval of the selectmen or borough warden, remove any trees or other plants within the limits of public highways or grounds under the tree warden’s jurisdiction that are particularly obnoxious as hosts of insect or fungus pests.

Any person, firm or corporation, other than a tree warden or his deputy, who desires the cutting or removal, whole or in part, of any tree or shrub or part thereof within the limits of any public road or grounds, may apply in writing to the town tree warden, the borough tree warden or the Commissioner of Transportation or other authority having jurisdiction thereof for a permit to do so.  Upon receipt of such permit, but not before, he may proceed with such cutting or removal.  Before granting or denying  such permit, such authority may hold a public hearing as provided in section 23-59, and when the applicant is a public utility corporation, the party aggrieved by such decision may, within ten days, appeal therefrom to the Department of Public Utility Control, which shall have the power to review, confirm change or set aside the decision appealed from and its decision shall be final.  This shall be in addition to the powers granted to it under section 16-234, provided, if an application for such permit has been made to other a tree warden or the Commissioner of Transportation or other authority and denied by him, an application for a permit by for the same relief shall not be made to any other such authority,.  Upon approval of such a permit by the Commissioner of Transportation, he shall notify the tree warden for the town in which the tree is located.  Upon any approval fo such a permit by the Commissioner of Transportation, the permittee shall notify the tree warden for the town in which the tree is located prior to cutting any such tree.

Sec. 6C-6(a)(5):  A statement that failure, neglect, or refusal to abate such nuisance within the thirty (30) days specified shall subject the owner or owners to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.

Sec. 6C-6(a)(5): A statement that failure, neglect, or refusal to abate such nuisance within the thirty (30) days specified shall subject the owner or owners to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.









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