The commission reported formation of an ad hoc committee to review and update the city’s tree‑protection fines and related code provisions, aiming to modernize penalties and improve enforcement.

Commissioner Rutta (ad hoc committee lead) told the commission the group met Sept. 16 and drafted a scope of work that includes updating fines for unauthorized tree removal or pruning, construction‑related tree damage, failure to comply with replanting requirements, and escalating penalties for repeat offenders. The committee proposed a four‑month timeline to deliver recommended changes and said it will compare the city’s schedule with regional best practices.

Commission members urged the committee to consider implementation pathways while drafting fines — for example, identifying a small number of high‑priority fines that could be advanced quickly via an emergency ordinance while more complex changes are developed for regular ordinance or code update. Staff noted tree code changes also require planning‑commission review and that the committee should produce cost and enforcement assessments alongside fine schedules.

Public commenters supported moving quickly. Melanie urged the commission to maintain momentum and finish changes “by the end of the year” given previous cases of egregious violations. Commissioners and staff discussed incentives for good tree stewardship as part of the scope as well as the distinction in the current code between protected native species (protected at 6 inches diameter) and other trees (protected at 10 inches and above). The committee said it will return with recommended fines, implementation options and a proposed schedule for planning‑commission and council review.