Urban Forestry Commission votes to meet monthly on first Wednesday

The Northampton Urban Forestry Commission voted to change its regular meeting date to the first Wednesday of each month after members discussed scheduling conflicts caused by the chair's new responsibilities.

A commissioner moved to alter the commission's recurring meeting schedule from the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays to the 1st Wednesday of each month; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote with all present voting yes. The chair explained that if additional meetings are needed during busy planting periods the commission can hold special or subcommittee meetings but must comply with posting and recording requirements for hybrid participation.

Members discussed options for in-person meetings (city hearing room or council chambers) and the logistics of providing a hybrid option for the public. Commissioners asked whether another commissioner or city staff could convene and run an interim meeting if the chair is unavailable; the chair said staff like Bonnie can help start a meeting and that the commission can set up special meetings as needed.

The motion passed by roll call; the chair said they would coordinate with staff to update the city's agenda center and the commission's recurring meeting entry.