Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 07-31-2023
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion and possible adoption of Ordinance No. 3795 amending Section 5.2.B.4.a (Approved Tree List) of the City of Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance; repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith; and declaring an emergency
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Background:
Modifications to the Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance are proposed in regards to the removal of Callary Pear trees from the approved tree list. The proposed modifications are to Section 5.2.B.4.a (Approved Tree List) of the City of Broken Arrow Zoning Ordinance.
The Callery pear, is a species of pear tree native to China and Vietnam and is most commonly known is this area as a Bradford Pear tree. The Callery pear is a weak tree and is easily damaged by ice and wind, commonly resulting in utility outages. Callery pear flowers also produce an unpleasant smell.
Due to its ability to invade and outcompete native plants, the callery pear has been determined by the Oklahoma Wildlife and Conservation Department to be a significant threat to native grasslands and grassland wildlife. It also poses a threat in forested areas where it grows in the understory and competes with native trees for water, minerals, and space.
Staff has been in contact with the City’s horticulturist, who is in agreement with removing the Callery Pear from the approved tree list. Planning Commission in their meeting of June 22, 2023 reviewed the proposed modification and recommended an Ordinance be drafted for City Council’s consideration. A preview ordinance was reviewed by the City Council on July 17, 2023.
Cost: $0
Funding Source: No requirement
Requested By: Kevin Maevers, Community Development Director
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: Ordinance No. 3795
Recommendation:
recommend
Adopt Ordinance No. 3795 and approve the emergency clause.
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