Tree warden promoted to DPW director but will continue tree duties, commission told

The Northampton Urban Forestry Commission heard from its chair that they have been promoted to Director of Public Works and will continue in the statutory role of tree warden while operational forestry duties move to a new superintendent.

"I took the promotion to the director of public works, so I'm no longer the superintendent of the Forestry Parks and Cemetery Division. I am gonna remain the tree warden in my role as the director," the chair said, explaining that day-to-day forestry operations and nursery logistics will be handled by Bill Sullivan, who has taken the superintendent role.

The chair described how plant deliveries and nursery work will continue to flow through the Forestry, Parks and Cemetery division and urged commissioners to route requests through the office for assignment. The chair also said they will report back after a scheduled meeting with City Council members about a draft tree protection ordinance and broader canopy issues.

Commissioners asked practical questions about office location and interim meeting leadership if the chair is unable to attend. The chair said meetings could be led by staff or another commissioner on a special-meeting basis but noted that meeting notices, recording access and minutes still require city support. The chair gave the department's main office address and invited commissioners to visit in person.

Looking ahead, the chair flagged two pending public shade-tree hearings: one for 1005 Parkland Road and another related to a multi-home project at the end of Glendale Road. The chair said they will work with applicants and report back to the commission when hearings are scheduled.