Shade Tree Commission still waiting on mayor’s sign-off for applicant Jonathan Hootman

During new-business discussion, Speaker 1 told the commission they are hoping for action on an application from Jonathan (Hoop/Hoot)man to fill one of four open Shade Tree Commission vacancies and said the mayor had seen the application but expressed reservations. "The last I heard is that he had seen it... and he had reservations about appointing him or was unsure about appointing him," Speaker 1 said.

Speaker 4 offered to reach out to the mayor to provide support and help expedite the process: "Would it be alright if I maybe reach out to the mayor and see if I can provide any support...to kinda expedite this and get it moving along?" Speaker 1 accepted the offer.

Speaker 1 said the applicant’s resume (described in the meeting as about 10 pages long) documents wildlife and forestry experience and that the candidate is committed to serving. Members emphasized the need to fill seats to reduce quorum strain: Speaker 1 noted the commission has multiple vacancies and would benefit from broader representation.

No formal appointment or vote occurred during the meeting; members agreed to follow up with the mayor’s office and to accept assistance from Speaker 4 in contacting administration.