(A) Duties. The city shall have the right to maintain and/or remove trees while performing maintenance duties within any public right-of-way or easement. Maintenance duties shall include, but are not limited to, sidewalk, path, utility and street maintenance and/or repair. The city shall notify property owners adjacent to trees that may be impacted by the performing of maintenance duties. In cases of emergency maintenance within a public right-of-way or easement, the city shall attempt to contact adjacent property owners when trees may have to be maintained and/or removed, but shall also consider the general health, safety and welfare of the community with respect to hazards that may exist.
(B) Charges for services. The city may charge the abutting property owner or legal possessor the cost incurred by the city for maintenance and/or removal of trees located within any right-of-way or easement. Any charges not paid within 30 days of the due date stated on the city’s invoice shall be deemed delinquent and subject to collection as a special assessment to be collected in accordance with M.S. § 429.101.
(C) Removal of hazard tree. Any hazard tree on any private property, which if it fell may land within any public right-of-way or property owned by another person or entity, shall be removed immediately and in no case more than 15 days after being served notice by the city to remove the tree. Any such tree shall be deemed a public safety hazard and public nuisance and subject to the provisions for special charges assessment as set forth in division (B) herein.
