September 16, 2026 - Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission Packet

City of Verona 111 Lincoln Street Verona, WI 53593 (608) 845-6495 veronawi.gov PARK, RECREATION, AND FORESTRY COMMISSION DATE: WEDNESDAY , SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 TIME: 5:30 PM LOCATION: VERONA COMMUNITY CENTER 130 N. FRANKLIN ST. VERONA, WI 53593 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Public Comment 4. Approve the minutes of the August 19, 2026 meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. 5. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Special Event Application – Verona Little League Trunk or Treat 6. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Proposed revision of City of Verona Ordinance Title 6 - Tree & Shrub Ordinance 7. Updates from Departments 8. Adjourn Tyler Powers - Chairperson POSTED: September 14, 2026 POSTED: Verona City Hall Verona Public Library Miller’s Market All agendas are posted on the City website at: https://www.veronawi.gov/AgendaCenter/Park-Recreation-Commission-14 WRITTEN COMMENTS: You can send comments to the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission on any matter, either on or not on the agenda, by emailing mwegner@veronawi.gov or in writing to Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission, 130 N. Franklin, Verona, WI, 53593. Notice: If you need an interpreter, materials in alternative formats, or other accommodation to access the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (608) 845-6495 at least 48-hours preceding the meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your request. Notice is hereby given that a majority of the City Council may be present at the meeting of the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility. City of Verona 111 Lincoln Street Verona, WI 53593 (608) 845-6495 veronawi.gov PARK, RECREATION, AND FORESTRY COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 TIME: 5:30PM LOCATION: VERONA COMMUNITY CENTER 130 N. FRANKLIN STREET VERONA, WI 53593 1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 5:31 pm by T. Powers. 2. Roll Call Tyler Powers, Phil Hoechst, Beth Tucker Long (5:33), Geoff Guist, Angela Guthrie. Absent: None 3. Public Comment: Daryl Hinz representing the Verona Pickleball Club. Advocating for capital budget funds for pickleball related projects. 4. Approve the minutes of the July 15, 2026 meeting of the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission. Motion to approve by B. Tucker Long, seconded by G. Guist. Motion carried 5-0. 5. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Mobile Sauna Proposal • Presentation by Rebecca & Nathan Koerschner o Multiple question by staff following presentation ▪ Have they pursued other locations in other municipalities? • Madison Parks and Dane County Parks ▪ Is this stand alone or possibly with other events? • Not anticipated to be part of any other events ▪ Food and/or beverages? • Just water ▪ Water disposal? • Considered “grey” water by Dane County, so there is a need to dispose of water via sanitary sewer ▪ Security needs? • Sauna anticipated to be left on site, locked. They would carry private insurance ▪ Reservation System? • On-line, in advance ▪ Winter logistics? • Problematic as all parks have water drained. Cutting a hole in the ice at Fireman’s could also be difficult. • The Commission members suggested working with Recreation staff to see if this could be part of a Recreation Dept offering (Vendor set up as many other activities are). No action taken 6. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Skatepark Revised Design • Staff presented the revised design to Commission members. o Discussion around inclusion of art options o No objections to features or layout Motion by B. Tucker Long, seconded by G. Guist to approve the revised skatepark design as presented. Motion carried 5-0. 7. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Dancing with the Arts Special Event • ArtHouse 360 fundraising event to be held at Century School Park Motion by B. Tucker Long, seconded by T. Powers to approve the special event permit as presented. Motion carried 5-0. 8. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Proposed revision of City of Verona Ordinance Title 6 - Tree & Shrub • Revised ordinance presented and discussed by Commission members. o Initiated by the need to change the tree payment, plan, and planting process taken with developers and new developments o Revisions to items regarding insect and disease issues as well as approved tree lists • Two formatting items were identified that would need to be cleaned up prior to approval Motion by B. Tucker Long, seconded by P. Hoechst to approve the proposed ordinance changes with the noted formatting changes and refer to Common Council for final approval. Motion carried 5-0. 9. Discussion Re: Proposed revision of City of Verona Ordinance to remove and replace references to the City Forester with the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry title • All ordinance references to “City Forester” need to be changed to “Director of Parks and Urban Forestry” Motion by T. Powers, seconded by B. Tucker Long to approve the proposed ordinance changes and refer to Common Council for final approval. Motion carried 5-0. 10. Discussion Re: 2027 Verona Parks & Recreation Proposed Capital Budget • Presentation of the proposed capital budget by staff and discussion by the Commission. o Prioritization as presented was generally acceptable by Commission members. ▪ Raise the rubber matting item at Century School higher ▪ Community Center items also to be moved up higher in the priority listing o If necessary, there may be an option to push back playground equipment back a year, but this would result in delays to the overall replacement schedule o There may also be an option to only replace the Harriet Pickleball Courts in kind (currently 4 courts) or even to 6 courts rather than the proposed 8 courts. Motion by B. Tucker Long, seconded by T. Powers to approve the proposed Capital Budget. Motion carried 5-0. 11. Discussion Re: 2027 Verona Parks, Forestry & Recreation Proposed Operating Budgets • Presentation of the proposed operating budgets by staff and discussion by the Commission. o Proposed increases revolve around utility rate increases, increases in gas prices o Recreation increases also reflect higher participation rates in the after school program, which is offset by higher revenues. Motion by B. Tucker Long, seconded by T. Powers to approve the proposed Recreation Operating Budget. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by B. Tucker Long, seconded by A. Guthrie to approve the proposed Forestry Operating Budget. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by T. Powers, seconded by P. Hoechst to approve the proposed Parks Operating Budget. Motion carried 5-0. 11. Adjourn Moved by P. Hoechst and Seconded by A. Guthrie to adjourn. Motion Carried 5-0. Time 7:21 p.m. Tyler Powers - Chairperson CITY OF VERONA ORDINANCE NO. 26-1112XXXX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 6 IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF VERONA, WISCONSIN The Common Council of the City of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin do ordain that various sections within Title 6 in the code of ordinances, City of Verona, Wisconsin is amended and reads as follows: Sec. 6-4-1 Statement of Policy and Applicability of Chapter. The City of Verona regulates and establishes policies for the control of planting, removal, maintenance and protection of trees and shrubs in or upon all public areas and terrace areas of the City to eliminate and guard against dangerous conditions which may result in injury to persons using the streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public areas; to promote and enhance the beauty and general welfare of the City; to prohibit the undesirable and unsafe planting, removal, treatment, and maintenance of trees and shrubs located in public areas; and to guard all trees and shrubs both public and private within the City against the spread of disease, insects or pests. (a) Power to Regulate Trees and Shrubs. (1) The Common Council has empowered the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry to plant, transplant, remove, trim, treat and otherwise care for and protect all trees, shrubs, and plants on all public lands not specifically delegated to other City boards, all to insure public safety and to preserve and enhance the beauty of such public lands. (2) Public lands under the jurisdiction of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry includes, but is not limited to, all lands within the lines of public streets and alleys in the City, more specifically the terrace strip between the lot line and curb or improved portion of any public street or alley. (3) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry is further empowered to require landowners to remove, trim or treat specified trees, shrubs or plants under certain conditions and to prohibit the planting of certain trees or tree species, shrubs or plants on private lands within the City of Verona. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-2 Definitions. Whenever the following words or terms are used in this Chapter, they shall be construed to have the following meanings: (a) Boulevard, Median, or Terrace Areas. Any area within the legal street right-of-way that is not hard surfaced for the purposes of curb, gutter, street or sidewalk. (b) Evergreen Tree. Any woody plant normally having one (1) stem or trunk and bearing foliage in the form of needles and crowns which extend from ground level throughout its entire height. (c) Major Alteration. Trimming a tree beyond necessary trimming to comply with this Chapter. (d) Public Areas. All public parks and other lands owned, controlled or leased by the City except the terrace areas. (e) Public Nuisance. Any tree or shrub or part thereof which, by reason of its condition, interferes with the use of any public area; infected with a transmittable, fatal plant disease; infested with injurious insects or pests; injurious to public improvements or endangers the life, health, safety or welfare of persons or property. . (f) Person. Person, firm, association or corporation. . (g) Public Trees and Shrubs. All trees and shrubs located or to be planted in or upon public areas. (h) Shrubs. Any woody vegetation or a woody plant having multiple stems and bearing foliage from the ground up. . (i) Tree. Any woody plant, normally having one (1) stem or trunk and bearing foliage or crown well above ground level. (k) Street Tree Planting Plan (j) Street Tree Planting Plan. A document submitted as part of the City/Developer Agreement process showing locations, size and species of trees to be planted within the right of way. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-3 Authority of Director of Parks and Urban Forestry to Enter Private Premises. (a) Entrance to private premises The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their authorized representative may enter upon private premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of examining any tree or shrub located upon or over such premises and carrying out any of the provisions of this Chapter. If a request to inspect such trees or shrubs is denied by the person responsible for the property, an inspection warrant may be obtained pursuant to Sec. 66.122, Wis. Stats. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-4 Interference with the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry Prohibited. No person shall interfere with the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their authorized representative while they are engaged in carrying out any work or activities authorized by this Chapter. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-5 Abatement of Tree Disease Nuisances. (a) Tree Diseases a Public Nuisance. Whereas the Common Council has determined that there are many trees growing on public and private premises within the City, the loss of which would substantially depreciate the value of public and private property, impair the use and enjoyment of public and private premises and erode the tax base of the City, and that the health and life of such trees is threatened by fatal diseases the Common Council hereby declares its intention to control and prevent the spread of such disease and the insect pests and vectors which carry such diseases to be public nuisances. (b) Definitions. As used in this Section, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context: (1) Public Nuisance means: a. Any tree deemed a structural or vision risk, or at risk of infecting/infesting adjacent trees with fatal detrimental plant diseases or insect pest. b. Any tree or part thereof which by reason of its condition and location is hazardous or dangerous to persons and property using or upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, park or other public place, including the terrace. c. Any tree which, in the opinion of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, is damaged beyond repair. d. Any tree or shrub which interferes with a City authorized construction project and the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, or their designee, deems it infeasible to alter construction plans or adequately protect it from construction damage. (2) Public Property means owned or controlled by the City, including, without limitation because of enumeration, public sites, parks, playgrounds, streets, alleys, sidewalks, boulevards, and terrace or improved portion of any public way. (c) Inspection. (1) Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall inspect or cause to be inspected all premises and places within the City to determine whether any public nuisance exists thereon. (2) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, shall have authority to enter upon private premises at reasonable times for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of this Section. (d) Abatement of Nuisances. (1) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall order, direct, supervise and control the abatement of public nuisances as defined in this Section by spraying, removing, burning or by other means which they determine to be necessary to prevent as fully as possible the spread fatal tree diseases or the insect pests or vectors know to carry such diseases. (2) Whenever the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, after inspection or examination, shall determine that a public nuisance as herein defined exists on public property in the City, they shall abate or cause the abatement of said nuisance in such manner as to destroy or prevent as fully as possible the spread of, other fatal tree diseases, or the insect pests or vectors known to carry such disease. (3) a. When the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall determine with reasonable certainty that a public nuisance exists upon private premises, they shall immediately serve or cause to be served personally or by registered mail upon the owner of such property, if they can be found, or upon the occupant thereof, a written notice of the existence of such nuisance and of a time and place for a hearing, not less than ten (10) days after service of such notice, on the abatement action to be taken. Such notice shall describe the nuisance and recommend procedures for its abatement, and shall further state that unless the owner shall abate the nuisance in the manner specified in the notice, or shall appear at the hearing to show that such nuisance does not exist or does not endanger the health of trees in the City, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall cause the abatement thereof at the expense of the property served. If the owner cannot be found, such notice shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City. b. If, after hearing held pursuant to this Subsection, it shall be determined by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry that a public nuisance exists, it shall forthwith order the abatement thereof. Unless the property owner abates the nuisance as directed within five (5) days after such hearing, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall proceed to abate the nuisance and cause the cost thereof to be assessed against the property in accordance with the procedures provided in this Section. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry may extend the time allowed the property owner for abatement work. Sec. 6-4-6 Planting of Trees and Shrubs. (a) Responsibility. The size and genus, species and variety of trees and shrubs to be planted in terraces, tree banks and boulevards and the manner of planting shall be approved by the Director of the Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, or the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission before commencement of such work. All planting, maintenance and trimming of trees in terraces shall be the responsibility of the City of Verona. (b) Tree Sizes. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, shall review the tree planting plan to ensure there are a desirable mix of tree species for planting in boulevards and terraces according to their normal mature height: (1) Large trees: Over forty (40) feet; (2) Medium trees: Twenty-five (25) to forty (40) feet; and (3) Small trees: Fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) feet. (c) Planting Size. (1) All when planted, shall be at least eight (8) feet high and have a minimum trunk diameter of one and one-half (1½) inches at a point six (6) inches above the ground. (d) Location. (1) There shall be a distance of thirty-five (35) feet to fifty (50) between terrace area trees depending upon the size of tree and other factors. Terrace trees shall be planted equal distance between the sidewalk or proposed sidewalk and back of the curb or proposed back of curb. In terrace areas less than four (4) feet wide, planting will not be permitted No trees or shrubs shall be planted within any street corner, street lightstreetlight or within any “clear sight triangle,” as defined in the subdivision ordinance. (2) Small sized trees shall be planted at least eight (8) feet from driveways and large or medium sized trees shall be planted at least ten (10) feet from driveways. Trees shall also be planted at least ten (10) feet from curb box/water shutoffs. Trees shall not be planted within twenty-five (25) of any streetlight. (3) Evergreen trees or shrubs shall not be planted in a terrace area. (4) It shall be unlawful to plant or maintain shrubbery, ground cover or other plants not considered to be a deciduous leaf tree within terrace areas whose growth is in excess of eight (8) inches in height above the top of the nearest curb. (5) Tree grates shall be provided for terrace trees surrounded by concrete by the City and shall be level with adjacent concrete. (e) Minimum Opening to be Maintained. Unless otherwise provided for in a written permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, there must be at least nine (9) square feet of open ground about the base of each tree three (3) inches in diameter one (1) foot above the ground, and for each one (1) inch of increase in such diameter there must be an increase of at least one (1) foot of open ground around each such tree. (f) Permitted Species. Only trees from the approved street tree planting plan esplans shall be planted in a public terrace. Trees must bearbe listed by their commercial name and grouped by suitability for various terrace strip widths. (g) Unlawfully Planted Trees. Trees, plants or shrubs planted within any terrace or planting easement without the authorization and approval of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, may be removed. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall notify the abutting owner in writing, listing the unlawfully planted trees, plants or shrubs, ordering their removal, and establishing a reasonable time within which such removal shall be accomplished. In the event that removal is not to be accomplished within the time specified, the City may remove such trees, plants or shrubs and assess the costs thereof to the owner. (h) Public Area Plantings (1) Subdivision or Plat of Record, or Certified Survey Map. Public area plantings shall be under the control of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry. A determination shall be made as to the best suited species at a particular planting site in regard to growth habits, shape, form, health, disease and pest resistance, conflicts with wires, lights, pavements, traffic, pedestrians, sewers, water mains, space availability and environmental pollution. The locations for plantings shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. Except as hereinafter provided, the cost of planting, removal, maintenance and protection of all trees and shrubs in public areas shall be borne by the City. The cost of terrace, boulevard and traffic circle plantings shall either be wholly the responsibility of the City or may be shared by the City and a permit holder (subdivider, builder contractor, etc.) as determined by the policy of the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission then in effect. (2) New Subdivisions. Plats or Certified Survey Maps that create new public right-of- way shall include with their development drawings a tree planting plan approved by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. The plan shall provide for trees to be installed in terraces, boulevards, and traffic circles and the plan shall be subject to all provisions of this Ordinance. The cost of preparing and implementing this plan shall be borne by the subdivider. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-7 Trimming. (a) Trees and shrubs standing in or upon any terrace, public area or upon any private premises adjacent to any public right-of-way or public areas shall be kept trimmed so that the lowest branches projecting over the public street or alley provide a clearance of not less than fourteen (14) feet. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee may waive the provisions of this Section for newly planted trees if it determines that the tree or shrub do not interfere with public travel, obstruct the light of any streetlight or endanger public safety. (b) The necessity and type of pruning on all public trees may be determined by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. (c) Clearance from sidewalk to lower branches shall not be less than ten (10) feet. All trees standing upon private property in the City, the branches of which extend over the line of the street, shall be trimmed so that no branch shall grow or hang over the lines of the sidewalk lower than ten (10) feet above the level of the sidewalk. (d) In order to control the spread of Oak Wilt and or Dutch Elm Disease, no living Oak or Elm tree may be pruned within the City of Verona between April 15 and October 15 without a permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. Permits for pruning Oak or Elm trees during this period will be granted only for special situations and will require that all wounds be adequately protected from infection. This requirement applies to all Oak or Elm trees within the City of Verona, both public and private. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-8 Trees and Shrubbery Obstructing View at Intersection or View of Traffic Signs. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, no person shall maintain, plant or permit to remain on any private or public premises situated at the intersection of two (2) or more streets or alleys in the City any hedge, tree, shrub or other growth which may obstruct the view of the operator of any motor vehicle or pedestrian approaching such intersection. (b) It is unlawful for any person to plant, cause to grow, allow to grow or maintain any trees, bushes, shrubbery or vegetation of any kind which is an obstruction to the clear and complete vision of any traffic sign or driveway approach to a street in the City. It shall be the duty of every owner of such tree, bush, shrubbery or vegetation to remove such obstruction. (c) Any shrub, tree or other plant which obstructs the view at an intersection or the view of a traffic sign shall be deemed to be dangerous to public travel and the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee may order, by written notice, the owner or occupant of any private place or premises on which there stands a tree or shrub which unreasonably interferes with or encroaches upon the street or sidewalk, to take such steps as are necessary to remove such interference. If such owner or occupant fails, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice, to take such necessary steps, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall order City employees to remove the interference. The cost of removing the interference shall be levied and collected as a special tax upon the property upon which or in front of which such tree or shrub stands. (d) Any person who is an owner or occupant or firm or corporation failing to obey the written notice of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry as specified in Subsection (c) above shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a forfeiture as established in Section 1-1-7 of this Code of Ordinances. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Cross reference(s)—Section 13-1-90. Sec. 6-4-9 Removal of Trees and Stumps. (a) Dangerous, Obstructive and Infected Trees. Any tree or part thereof, whether alive or dead, which the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, shall find to be infected, hazardous or a nuisance so as to endanger the general public or other trees, plants or shrubs growing within the City, or to be injurious to sewers, sidewalks or other public improvements whether growing upon public or private premises, shall be removed, trimmed or treated by the owner of the property upon or adjacent to which such tree or part thereof is located. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall give written notice to said owner to remedy the situation which shall be served personally or posted upon the affected tree. Such notice shall specifically state the period of time within which the action must be taken, which shall be determined by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry on the basis of the seriousness of the condition of the tree or danger to the public. If the owner shall fail to remove, treat or trim said tree within the time limited, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall cause the tree to be removed, treated or trimmed and shall report the full cost thereof to the City Clerk, who shall thereupon enter such cost as a special charge against the property. (b) Removal Standards. In cutting down trees located in public and terrace areas, the tree must be removed with the root stump grubbed out, or ground out to a depth of at least nine (9) inches below grade measured in a straight line with the normal grade of sidewalk to top of nine (9) inches below grade measured as a straight line, normal grade of sidewalk to top of curb. All wood and debris must be removed from the street prior to the end of each working day and all holes shall be filled to normal grade level with topsoil as soon as practicable. The abutting property owner shall have a right of first refusal to keep the wood, provided such wood is not diseased. (c) Private Planting and Removal. No person, firm, organization or corporation shall plant, injure, trim, remove or destroy any tree or shrub located in or upon any public place except qualified contractors under contract to the City of Verona to perform specified work. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-10 Prohibited Acts. (a) Damage to Public Trees. No person shall, without the consent of the owner in the case of a private tree or shrub, or without permits from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, in the case of a terrace-area tree, public tree or shrub, perform or cause to be performed by others any of the following acts: (1) Secure, fasten or run any rope, wire, sign, unprotected electrical installation or other device or material to, around or through a tree or shrub. (2) Break, injure, mutilate, deface, kill or destroy any tree or shrub or permit any fire to burn where it will injure any tree or shrub. (3) Permit any toxic chemical, gas, smoke, oil or other injurious substance to seep, drain or be emptied upon or about any tree or shrub or place cement or other solid substance around the base of the same. (4) Remove any guard, stake or other device or material intended for the protection of a public tree or shrub, or close or obstruct any open space about the base of a public tree or shrub designed to permit access of air, water and fertilizer. (5) Attach any sign, poster, notice or other object on any tree, or fasten any guy wire, cable, rope, nails, screws or other device to any tree; except that the City may tie temporary "no parking" signs to trees when necessary in conjunction with street improvement work, tree maintenance work or parades. (6) Cause or encourage any fire or burning near or around any tree. (7) Except with a written permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee to place or maintain upon the ground any stone, brick, cement or other impervious substance in such manner as may obstruct the free access of air or water to the roots of any tree, shrub or plant in or upon any public way or public place. (b) Excavations. All trees on any terrace or other publicly owned property near any excavation or construction of any building structure or street work shall be sufficiently guarded and protected by those responsible for such work as to prevent any injury to said trees. No person shall excavate any ditches, tunnels or trenches, or install pavement within a radius of ten (10) feet from any public tree without a permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. (c) Interference With Forester. No person shall: (1) Interfere with or prevent any acts of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their authorized representative employees while he/she is engaged in the performance of duties imposed by this Section. (2) Refuse to permit the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their representative to enter upon their premises at reasonable times to exercise the duties imposed by this Section. (d) Penalties. Violations of Section 6-4-10(a), (b), or (c) shall be subject to forfeiture under Section 1-1-7(a), City of Verona, Code of Ordinances. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-11 Appeal from Determinations or Orders. Any person who receives a determination or order under this Chapter from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, and objects to all or any part thereof shall have the right to appeal such determination or order, subject to the provisions of Title 4 of this Code of Ordinances, to the Common Council within seven (7) days of receipt of the order and the Common Council shall hear such appeal within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice of the appeal. After such hearing, the Common Council may reverse, affirm or modify the order or determination appealed from and the grounds for its decision shall be stated in writing. The Common Council shall, by letter, notify the party appealing the order or determination of its decision within ten (10) days after the hearing has been concluded. The Council shall file its written decision with the City Clerk. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-12 Tree Costs Chargeable to Lands. (a) Assessment. With the exception of terrace tree planting in new subdivisions, the entire cost of planting, removal, spraying, trimming or treatment of trees, shrubs and plants on all public lands shall be levied as a tax on all property within the City. Tree planting in new subdivisions is referenced in Section 14-1-60(b). (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-13 Adoption of State Statutes. Sections 27.09 and 86.03, Wis. Stats., are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-14 Planting of Trees Under Utility Lines. (a) It is prohibited to plant trees that reach a maximum, mature height of greater than eighteen (18) feet underneath any overhead electric wires. (b) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, shall review a street tree planting to ensure proposed appropriate trees to be planted underneath overhead electric wires will be permitted. (c) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee, shall notify any person violating this Section in writing, list the unlawfully planted tree, and order its removal. In the event that removal is not to be accomplished within ten (10) days, the City may remove such tree, and assess the costs thereof to the owner. shall review proposed street tree plantings to ensure that tree species selected for planting beneath overhead electric wires are appropriate and approved for that location. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) The foregoing ordinance was duly adopted by the Common Council of the City of Verona at a meeting held on __________, 2026, effective upon passage and publication as required by law. CITY OF VERONA ______________________________ Luke Diaz, Mayor _______________________________ Holly Licht, City Clerk ADOPTED: PUBLISHED: CITY OF VERONA ORDINANCE NO. 26-XXXX AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 6 IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF VERONA, WISCONSIN The Common Council of the City of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin do ordain that various sections within Title 6 in the code of ordinances, City of Verona, Wisconsin is amended and reads as follows: Sec. 6-4-1 Statement of Policy and Applicability of Chapter. The City of Verona regulates and establishes policies for the control of planting, removal, maintenance and protection of trees and shrubs in or upon all public areas and terrace areas of the City to eliminate and guard against dangerous conditions which may result in injury to persons using the streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public areas; to promote and enhance the beauty and general welfare of the City; to prohibit the undesirable and unsafe planting, removal, treatment, and maintenance of trees and shrubs located in public areas; and to guard all trees and shrubs both public and private within the City against the spread of disease, insects or pests. (a) Power to Regulate Trees and Shrubs. (1) The Common Council has empowered the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry to plant, transplant, remove, trim, treat and otherwise care for and protect all trees, shrubs, and plants on all public lands not specifically delegated to other City boards, all to insure public safety and to preserve and enhance the beauty of such public lands. (2) Public lands under the jurisdiction of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry includes, but is not limited to, all lands within the lines of public streets and alleys in the City, more specifically the terrace strip between the lot line and curb or improved portion of any public street or alley. (3) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry is further empowered to require landowners to remove, trim or treat specified trees, shrubs or plants under certain conditions and to prohibit the planting of certain trees or tree species, shrubs or plants on private lands within the City of Verona. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-2 Definitions. Whenever the following words or terms are used in this Chapter, they shall be construed to have the following meanings: (a) Boulevard, Median, or Terrace Areas. Any area within the legal street right-of-way that is not hard surfaced for the purposes of curb, gutter, street or sidewalk. (b) Evergreen Tree. Any woody plant normally having one (1) stem or trunk and bearing foliage in the form of needles and crowns which extend from ground level throughout its entire height. (c) Major Alteration. Trimming a tree beyond necessary trimming to comply with this Chapter. (d) Public Areas. All public parks and other lands owned, controlled or leased by the City except the terrace areas. (e) Public Nuisance. Any tree or shrub or part thereof which, by reason of its condition, interferes with the use of any public area; infected with a transmittable, fatal plant disease; infested with injurious insects or pests; injurious to public improvements or endangers the life, health, safety or welfare of persons or property. (f) Person. Person, firm, association or corporation. (g) Public Trees and Shrubs. All trees and shrubs located or to be planted in or upon public areas. (h) Shrubs. Any woody vegetation or a woody plant having multiple stems and bearing foliage from the ground up. (i) Tree. Any woody plant, normally having one (1) stem or trunk and bearing foliage or crown well above ground level. (j) Street Tree Planting Plan. A document submitted as part of the City/Developer Agreement process showing locations, size and species of trees to be planted within the right of way. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-3 Authority of Director of Parks and Urban Forestry to Enter Private Premises. (a) Entrance to private premises The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their authorized representative may enter upon private premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of examining any tree or shrub located upon or over such premises and carrying out any of the provisions of this Chapter. If a request to inspect such trees or shrubs is denied by the person responsible for the property, an inspection warrant may be obtained pursuant to Sec. 66.122, Wis. Stats. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-4 Interference with the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry Prohibited. No person shall interfere with the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their authorized representative while they are engaged in carrying out any work or activities authorized by this Chapter. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-5 Abatement of Tree Disease Nuisances. (a) Tree Diseases a Public Nuisance. Whereas the Common Council has determined that there are many trees growing on public and private premises within the City, the loss of which would substantially depreciate the value of public and private property, impair the use and enjoyment of public and private premises and erode the tax base of the City, and that the health and life of such trees is threatened by fatal diseases the Common Council hereby declares its intention to control and prevent the spread of such disease and the insect pests and vectors which carry such diseases to be public nuisances. (b) Definitions. As used in this Section, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context: (1) Public Nuisance means: a. Any tree deemed a structural or vision risk, or at risk of infecting/infesting adjacent trees with fatal detrimental plant diseases or insect pest. b. Any tree or part thereof which by reason of its condition and location is hazardous or dangerous to persons and property using or upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, park or other public place, including the terrace. c. Any tree which, in the opinion of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee is damaged beyond repair. d. Any tree or shrub which interferes with a City authorized construction project and the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee deems it infeasible to alter construction plans or adequately protect it from construction damage. (2) Public Property means owned or controlled by the City, including, without limitation because of enumeration, public sites, parks, playgrounds, streets, alleys, sidewalks, boulevards, and terrace or improved portion of any public way. (c) Inspection. (1) Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall inspect or cause to be inspected all premises and places within the City to determine whether any public nuisance exists thereon. (2) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall have authority to enter upon private premises at reasonable times for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of this Section. (d) Abatement of Nuisances. (1) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall order, direct, supervise and control the abatement of public nuisances as defined in this Section by spraying, removing, burning or by other means which they determine to be necessary to prevent as fully as possible the spread fatal tree diseases or the insect pests or vectors know to carry such diseases. (2) Whenever the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee after inspection or examination, shall determine that a public nuisance as herein defined exists on public property in the City, they shall abate or cause the abatement of said nuisance in such manner as to destroy or prevent as fully as possible the spread of other fatal tree diseases, or the insect pests or vectors known to carry such disease. (3) a. When the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall determine with reasonable certainty that a public nuisance exists upon private premises, they shall immediately serve or cause to be served personally or by registered mail upon the owner of such property, if they can be found, or upon the occupant thereof, a written notice of the existence of such nuisance and of a time and place for a hearing, not less than ten (10) days after service of such notice, on the abatement action to be taken. Such notice shall describe the nuisance and recommend procedures for its abatement, and shall further state that unless the owner shall abate the nuisance in the manner specified in the notice, or shall appear at the hearing to show that such nuisance does not exist or does not endanger the health of trees in the City, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall cause the abatement thereof at the expense of the property served. If the owner cannot be found, such notice shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City. b. If, after hearing held pursuant to this Subsection, it shall be determined by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry that a public nuisance exists, it shall forthwith order the abatement thereof. Unless the property owner abates the nuisance as directed within five (5) days after such hearing, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall proceed to abate the nuisance and cause the cost thereof to be assessed against the property in accordance with the procedures provided in this Section. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry may extend the time allowed the property owner for abatement work. Sec. 6-4-6 Planting of Trees and Shrubs. (a) Responsibility. The size and genus, species and variety of trees and shrubs to be planted in terraces, tree banks and boulevards and the manner of planting shall be approved by the Director of the Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee or the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission before commencement of such work. All planting, maintenance and trimming of trees in terraces shall be the responsibility of the City of Verona. (b) Tree Sizes. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall review the tree planting plan to ensure there are a desirable mix of tree species for planting in boulevards and terraces according to their normal mature height: (1) Large trees: Over forty (40) feet; (2) Medium trees: Twenty-five (25) to forty (40) feet; and (3) Small trees: Fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) feet. (c) Planting Size. (1) All when planted, shall be at least eight (8) feet high and have a minimum trunk diameter of one and one-half (1½) inches at a point six (6) inches above the ground. (d) Location. (1) There shall be a distance of thirty-five (35) feet to fifty (50) between terrace area trees depending upon the size of tree and other factors. Terrace trees shall be planted equal distance between the sidewalk or proposed sidewalk and back of the curb or proposed back of curb. In terrace areas less than four (4) feet wide, planting will not be permitted No trees or shrubs shall be planted within any street corner, streetlight or within any “clear sight triangle,” as defined in the subdivision ordinance. (2) Small sized trees shall be planted at least eight (8) feet from driveways and large or medium sized trees shall be planted at least ten (10) feet from driveways. Trees shall also be planted at least ten (10) feet from curb box/water shutoffs. Trees shall not be planted within twenty-five (25) of any streetlight. (3) Evergreen trees or shrubs shall not be planted in a terrace area. (4) It shall be unlawful to plant or maintain shrubbery, ground cover or other plants not considered to be a deciduous leaf tree within terrace areas whose growth is in excess of eight (8) inches in height above the top of the nearest curb. (5) Tree grates shall be provided for terrace trees surrounded by concrete by the City and shall be level with adjacent concrete. (e) Minimum Opening to be Maintained. Unless otherwise provided for in a written permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee there must be at least nine (9) square feet of open ground about the base of each tree three (3) inches in diameter one (1) foot above the ground, and for each one (1) inch of increase in such diameter there must be an increase of at least one (1) foot of open ground around each such tree. (f) Permitted Species. Only trees from the approved street tree planting plans shall be planted in a public terrace. Trees must be listed by their commercial name and grouped by suitability for various terrace strip widths. (g) Unlawfully Planted Trees. Trees, plants or shrubs planted within any terrace or planting easement without the authorization and approval of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee may be removed. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall notify the abutting owner in writing, listing the unlawfully planted trees, plants or shrubs, ordering their removal, and establishing a reasonable time within which such removal shall be accomplished. In the event that removal is not to be accomplished within the time specified, the City may remove such trees, plants or shrubs and assess the costs thereof to the owner. (h) Public Area Plantings (1) Subdivision or Plat of Record, or Certified Survey Map. Public area plantings shall be under the control of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry. A determination shall be made as to the best suited species at a particular planting site in regard to growth habits, shape, form, health, disease and pest resistance, conflicts with wires, lights, pavements, traffic, pedestrians, sewers, water mains, space availability and environmental pollution. The locations for plantings shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. Except as hereinafter provided, the cost of planting, removal, maintenance and protection of all trees and shrubs in public areas shall be borne by the City. The cost of terrace, boulevard and traffic circle plantings shall either be wholly the responsibility of the City or may be shared by the City and a permit holder (subdivider, builder contractor, etc.) as determined by the policy of the Park, Recreation and Forestry Commission then in effect. (2) New Subdivisions. Plats or Certified Survey Maps that create new public right-of- way shall include with their development drawings a tree planting plan approved by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. The plan shall provide for trees to be installed in terraces, boulevards, and traffic circles and the plan shall be subject to all provisions of this Ordinance. The cost of preparing and implementing this plan shall be borne by the subdivider. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-7 Trimming. (a) Trees and shrubs standing in or upon any terrace, public area or upon any private premises adjacent to any public right-of-way or public areas shall be kept trimmed so that the lowest branches projecting over the public street or alley provide a clearance of not less than fourteen (14) feet. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee may waive the provisions of this Section for newly planted trees if it determines that the tree or shrub do not interfere with public travel, obstruct the light of any streetlight or endanger public safety. (b) The necessity and type of pruning on all public trees may be determined by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. (c) Clearance from sidewalk to lower branches shall not be less than ten (10) feet. All trees standing upon private property in the City, the branches of which extend over the line of the street, shall be trimmed so that no branch shall grow or hang over the lines of the sidewalk lower than ten (10) feet above the level of the sidewalk. (d) In order to control the spread of Oak Wilt and or Dutch Elm Disease, no living Oak or Elm tree may be pruned within the City of Verona between April 15 and October 15 without a permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. Permits for pruning Oak or Elm trees during this period will be granted only for special situations and will require that all wounds be adequately protected from infection. This requirement applies to all Oak or Elm trees within the City of Verona, both public and private. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-8 Trees and Shrubbery Obstructing View at Intersection or View of Traffic Signs. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, no person shall maintain, plant or permit to remain on any private or public premises situated at the intersection of two (2) or more streets or alleys in the City any hedge, tree, shrub or other growth which may obstruct the view of the operator of any motor vehicle or pedestrian approaching such intersection. (b) It is unlawful for any person to plant, cause to grow, allow to grow or maintain any trees, bushes, shrubbery or vegetation of any kind which is an obstruction to the clear and complete vision of any traffic sign or driveway approach to a street in the City. It shall be the duty of every owner of such tree, bush, shrubbery or vegetation to remove such obstruction. (c) Any shrub, tree or other plant which obstructs the view at an intersection or the view of a traffic sign shall be deemed to be dangerous to public travel and the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee may order, by written notice, the owner or occupant of any private place or premises on which there stands a tree or shrub which unreasonably interferes with or encroaches upon the street or sidewalk, to take such steps as are necessary to remove such interference. If such owner or occupant fails, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice, to take such necessary steps, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall order City employees to remove the interference. The cost of removing the interference shall be levied and collected as a special tax upon the property upon which or in front of which such tree or shrub stands. (d) Any person who is an owner or occupant or firm or corporation failing to obey the written notice of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry as specified in Subsection (c) above shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a forfeiture as established in Section 1-1-7 of this Code of Ordinances. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Cross reference(s)—Section 13-1-90. Sec. 6-4-9 Removal of Trees and Stumps. (a) Dangerous, Obstructive and Infected Trees. Any tree or part thereof, whether alive or dead, which the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall find to be infected, hazardous or a nuisance so as to endanger the general public or other trees, plants or shrubs growing within the City, or to be injurious to sewers, sidewalks or other public improvements whether growing upon public or private premises, shall be removed, trimmed or treated by the owner of the property upon or adjacent to which such tree or part thereof is located. The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall give written notice to said owner to remedy the situation which shall be served personally or posted upon the affected tree. Such notice shall specifically state the period of time within which the action must be taken, which shall be determined by the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry on the basis of the seriousness of the condition of the tree or danger to the public. If the owner shall fail to remove, treat or trim said tree within the time limited, the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry shall cause the tree to be removed, treated or trimmed and shall report the full cost thereof to the City Clerk, who shall thereupon enter such cost as a special charge against the property. (b) Removal Standards. In cutting down trees located in public and terrace areas, the tree must be removed with the root stump grubbed out or ground out to a depth of at least nine (9) inches below grade measured in a straight line with the normal grade of sidewalk to top of nine (9) inches below grade measured as a straight line, normal grade of sidewalk to top of curb. All wood and debris must be removed from the street prior to the end of each working day and all holes shall be filled to normal grade level with topsoil as soon as practicable. The abutting property owner shall have a right of first refusal to keep the wood, provided such wood is not diseased. (c) Private Planting and Removal. No person, firm, organization or corporation shall plant, injure, trim, remove or destroy any tree or shrub located in or upon any public place except qualified contractors under contract to the City of Verona to perform specified work. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-10 Prohibited Acts. (a) Damage to Public Trees. No person shall, without the consent of the owner in the case of a private tree or shrub, or without permits from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee in the case of a terrace-area tree, public tree or shrub, perform or cause to be performed by others any of the following acts: (1) Secure, fasten or run any rope, wire, sign, unprotected electrical installation or other device or material to, around or through a tree or shrub. (2) Break, injure, mutilate, deface, kill or destroy any tree or shrub or permit any fire to burn where it will injure any tree or shrub. (3) Permit any toxic chemical, gas, smoke, oil or other injurious substance to seep, drain or be emptied upon or about any tree or shrub or place cement or other solid substance around the base of the same. (4) Remove any guard, stake or other device or material intended for the protection of a public tree or shrub, or close or obstruct any open space about the base of a public tree or shrub designed to permit access of air, water and fertilizer. (5) Attach any sign, poster, notice or other object on any tree, or fasten any guy wire, cable, rope, nails, screws or other device to any tree; except that the City may tie temporary "no parking" signs to trees when necessary in conjunction with street improvement work, tree maintenance work or parades. (6) Cause or encourage any fire or burning near or around any tree. (7) Except with a written permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee to place or maintain upon the ground any stone, brick, cement or other impervious substance in such manner as may obstruct the free access of air or water to the roots of any tree, shrub or plant in or upon any public way or public place. (b) Excavations. All trees on any terrace or other publicly owned property near any excavation or construction of any building structure or street work shall be sufficiently guarded and protected by those responsible for such work as to prevent any injury to said trees. No person shall excavate any ditches, tunnels or trenches, or install pavement within a radius of ten (10) feet from any public tree without a permit from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee. (c) Interference With Forester. No person shall: (1) Interfere with or prevent any acts of the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their authorized representative employees while he/she is engaged in the performance of duties imposed by this Section. (2) Refuse to permit the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry or their representative to enter upon their premises at reasonable times to exercise the duties imposed by this Section. (d) Penalties. Violations of Section 6-4-10(a), (b), or (c) shall be subject to forfeiture under Section 1-1-7(a), City of Verona, Code of Ordinances. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-11 Appeal from Determinations or Orders. Any person who receives a determination or order under this Chapter from the Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee and objects to all or any part thereof shall have the right to appeal such determination or order, subject to the provisions of Title 4 of this Code of Ordinances, to the Common Council within seven (7) days of receipt of the order and the Common Council shall hear such appeal within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice of the appeal. After such hearing, the Common Council may reverse, affirm or modify the order or determination appealed from and the grounds for its decision shall be stated in writing. The Common Council shall, by letter, notify the party appealing the order or determination of its decision within ten (10) days after the hearing has been concluded. The Council shall file its written decision with the City Clerk. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-12 Tree Costs Chargeable to Lands. (a) Assessment. With the exception of terrace tree planting in new subdivisions, the entire cost of planting, removal, spraying, trimming or treatment of trees, shrubs and plants on all public lands shall be levied as a tax on all property within the City. Tree planting in new subdivisions is referenced in Section 14-1-60(b). (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-13 Adoption of State Statutes. Sections 27.09 and 86.03, Wis. Stats., are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) Sec. 6-4-14 Planting of Trees Under Utility Lines. (a) It is prohibited to plant trees that reach a maximum, mature height of greater than eighteen (18) feet underneath any overhead electric wires. (b) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall review a street tree planting to ensure proposed appropriate trees to be planted underneath overhead electric wires will be permitted. (c) The Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, or their designee shall review proposed street tree plantings to ensure that tree species selected for planting beneath overhead electric wires are appropriate and approved for that location. (Ord. No. 02-643, § 1, 5-28-02) The foregoing ordinance was duly adopted by the Common Council of the City of Verona at a meeting held on __________, 2026, effective upon passage and publication as required by law. CITY OF VERONA ______________________________ Luke Diaz, Mayor _______________________________ Holly Licht, City Clerk ADOPTED: PUBLISHED: