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BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of North Adams as follows: Article XX Sustainability & Tree Commission 1 For law of the commonwealth as to shade trees generally, see G.L. c 87. Sec. 2-114 Establishment; appointment; composition; terms of office; compensation. A Sustainability & Tree Commission is hereby established and shall consist of seven members, who shall be residents of the City. The Mayor shall appoint the members of the Commission, one of whom shall be elected from the body as Chair. Their terms shall be three years in length, and so arranged that the terms of at least two members shall expire each year on the first day of January. Such members shall serve without compensation. In the interest of promoting youth participation in sustainability practices, the Mayor is encouraged to appoint at least one youth/young adult member, defined as a person less than 25 years of age at the time of appointment. The Mayor may, at their discretion, appoint members with relevant expertise or demonstrated interest in areas including environmental stewardship, urban forestry, climate resilience, energy, conservation, public health, agriculture, or sustainability. Sec. 2-115 Meetings. The Sustainability & Tree Commission shall meet as frequently and at such times and places in the City as may be necessary for the proper exercise of its powers and duties. Sec. 2-116 Powers and duties. The Sustainability & Tree Commission shall have general supervision of all ornamental and shade tree planting and removal on lands owned by the City and may advise on such planting and removal on lands adjacent to public ways in the City. The Commissioner of Public Services shall be charged with the care of shade trees within the limits of public ways in the City, but said Commissioner shall from time to time consult with the Commission as to actions taken pursuant to G.L. c.87. In addition, the Commission shall serve in an advisory and planning capacity to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and ecological health within the City. Its powers and duties shall include, but not be limited to the following: 1. Studying, investigating, and making recommendations regarding the protection, planting, care, maintenance, preservation, and removal of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation within the City, except as otherwise provided by law. 2. Studying, investigating, and making recommendations regarding mitigating the disparate impact of climate change on the City, with a focus on historically under-served neighborhoods. 3. Advising City officials on policies, programs, and practices that promote sustainability, including: energy efficiency and renewable energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural resource conservation, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation and management, biodiversity and habitat protection, and sustainable land use and development. 4. Developing and recommending plans, goals, and strategies to enhance the City's environmental performance and resilience. 5. Promoting public education and community engagement related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. 6. Seeking grants, partnerships, and other resources to support sustainability initiatives, subject to applicable law. 7. Collaborating with other City boards, departments, and regional entities on matters related to sustainability. Sec. 2-117 Records and report. The Sustainability & Tree Commission shall keep a detailed record of its acts and proceedings and shall make an annual report to the Mayor and City Council in connection with such record, including recommendations for future actions to advance sustainability within the City. By Order of the City Council Ashley Shade, President Tina Leonesio, City Clerk Ad# 104738 09/12/2026