Board seeks arborist support, asks code enforcement to address overhanging limbs on Windham Parkway

The Prospect Forestation Board used its Feb. 12 meeting to plan a search for an arboriculture expert to help with code enforcement and to direct staff to follow up on a tree hazard reported on Windham Parkway.

Board member Linda (Speaker 3) said the board has drafted a description of responsibilities and is looking for a semi-retired arborist without commercial affiliations to avoid conflicts. "We're gonna find somebody, and we're gonna make it work," Linda said, adding that the board would pre-screen candidates and then meet with city officials as part of a city contract arrangement.

The board also discussed a reported safety hazard: two limbs overhanging the sidewalk and possibly the street at 7106 Windham Parkway in the Sutherland neighborhood. Speaker 2 confirmed the limbs are on private property and fall under clearance and code enforcement. The board agreed to have Mike Thomas contact the homeowner; members said photos sent in a prior email may not have attached and asked the sender (Ron) to resend them.

Administrative actions at the meeting included approving last month’s minutes and adjourning the session. Speaker 2 initiated the motion to approve the minutes; Speaker 4 confirmed the motion, and Speaker 3 called for a voice approval. Speaker 1 moved to adjourn later in the meeting and Speaker 3 seconded; the board adjourned after the motion was accepted.

What happens next: The board asked that the photo and address (7106 Windham Parkway) be re-sent and that Mike Thomas follow up with the homeowner to confirm whether the limbs remain and to take any necessary clearance action. The board also plans to continue screening candidates for a contract arborist and will report progress at the next meeting.