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Citizen advocacy groups have been valuable allies in the <br /> promotion of progressive urban forestry programs in other <br /> major municipalities in North America. Residents are <br /> especially enthusiastic about promoting and assisting with <br /> tree planting programs. <br /> Timely, personalized response to citizen service requests <br /> through the inspection process is strongly correlated with <br /> resident satisfaction with arboriculture programs. A polite, <br /> timely response to all requests is a key aspect of urban <br /> forestry public relations. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: A PROACTIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION SYSTEM {TILL REWIRE AN ESTIMATED $40 , 000 <br /> ANNUALLY TO IMPLEMENT. <br /> 13.2 Policy Recommendations: Specialty maintenance should only be <br /> performed by the Vancouver Park Board at the cost of the <br /> petitioner(s) and with the consent of the adjoining <br /> resident(s) or property owner(s) when the work will not <br /> compromise accepted arboricultural standards •for tree care. <br /> Specialty maintenance is defined as any operation which <br /> is beyond the scope of work-required for•. public safety or <br /> horticultural reasons, including such operations as pruning <br /> for view enhancement, pruning for commercial sign clearance, <br /> or pruning because a tree excessively shades a resident's <br /> property in the opinion of the resident. <br /> The city is required to maintain trees for public safety <br /> and for the health of the tree. Horticultural pruning and <br /> safety trimming are obligations of the city. Pruning or other <br /> tree maintenance strictly for aesthetics as requested by <br /> citizens is not the obligation of the city. For this reason, <br /> any tree maintenance in this non - obligatory category must be <br /> approved by the city and adjacent property owners and paid for <br /> by the person(s) requesting the work. <br /> • Standard arboriculture standards must not be compromised <br /> • <br /> in performing specialty pruning. Accepted National Arborist <br /> Association (NAA) pruning standards must be followed. No more <br /> than one -third of the crown may be removed and topping, <br /> shearing and framing are not acceptable practices. <br /> The procedure for individuals, agencies or organizations <br /> (herein -after referred to as 'petitioner') to follow for <br /> requesting specialty maintenance follows: <br /> '• * Petitioner(s) must write a letter to the VPB requesting <br /> that a specific tree or trees be pruned. <br /> * The General Manager (or designee) must meet with the <br /> petitioner(s) at the site and inspect the trees. <br /> -13- <br />