City names Jody Lathwell urban forester; planning, public meetings, and winter projects outlined

At the Jan. 16 meeting the Euclid Shade Tree Commission heard a staff update from the Planning & Development Department announcing that Jody Lathwell joined city staff as the urban forester on Jan. 13 and will assume reporting responsibilities to the commission once settled.

The planning update listed ongoing winter projects including Hero Park, Upland Sims, Russell Avenue Park and Lakeshore Boulevard. Staff said the city will schedule and publish public notices for an urban forestry comprehensive planning public meeting on Saturday, Feb. 15 (10 a.m. to noon) at Euclid High School; the meeting room was not finalized in the record. The department also said a Davey Resource Group‑facilitated public meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15 and encouraged commission participation in steering committee and stakeholder meetings.

Jody Lathwell, speaking in her new capacity, thanked commissioners and described the move from commissioner to urban forester as a quick transition; she asked commissioners to attend the upcoming public meetings and noted the Sims Park Reimagined open house on Feb. 1 (1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Hen Mansion) as another opportunity for commission input.

The Planning & Development update said the service department continued to address winter storm damage across the city’s street and park trees. Staff also said potential partnerships with the Student Conservation Association were being vetted.

Treasurer report included a commission balance of $2,976.60 as of Jan. 16, 2025 and no outstanding receipts. Committee and outreach notes listed work on Arbor Day preparations and possible use of AI-assisted minute‑taking and document migration from personal drives to a shared commissioner file area.

Ending Commissioners welcomed Lathwell and agreed to publicize and attend the Feb. 1 and Feb. 15 public meetings to provide input on the Sims Park reimagining and the urban forestry comprehensive plan.