Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee
Virtual
Agenda — 17 items
- 1 (Posted online: 3/2825 at 3:15 PM)
- 1 This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Ewen-Campen at 6:31 pm and adjourned at 7:37 pm on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Pineda Neufeld, Clingan, Strezo, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed, and 0 absent. Councilor Clingan joined the meeting at 6:45 pm. Others present: Charles Breen - Fire Chief, Shumeane Benford - Police Chief, Public Safety Consultant for the Housing Authority - Charles Femino, Madalyn Letellier - Legislative Services Manager.
- 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d9k2rkemQM6eTF4XJyS98g Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov. In keeping with the decisions of the Civil Service Commission, this committee is required to consider candidates for civil service positions solely on the basis of their relative ability, knowledge, and skills. The commission’s decisions and basic merit principles outlined in the Personnel Administrations rules prohibit the arbitrary and capricious rejection of a candidate, including for political reasons, and demand a standard of “neutrally applied public policy” as guidance for our review. Committee members are encouraged to adhere to this standard while considering all candidates, regardless of civil service status.
- 3 Roll Call
- 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Meeting of March 5, 2025.
- 2. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Saulnier to the position of Fire Captain.
- 3. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Wall to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
- 4. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Patrick Barry to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
- 5. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Joseph Laudano to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
- 6. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Troy Saulnier to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
- 7. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Collins to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
- 10 There was a discussion about the reappointment process before reviewing any candidates. It was clarified that these positions are not considered Civil Service, with appointments made by Chief Femino through the Mayor as special officers. Historically, reappointments were not made annually, but background checks were submitted to the previous mayor’s administration. However, after discrepancies were found when Mr. Femino returned as Chief in 2021, it was decided that reappointments would be presented to the committee more regularly moving forward. An indemnification agreement was also established, ensuring that officers are not considered city employees, and that an insurance policy is in place to protect the city from any legal repercussions of their actions. Councilor McLaughlin raised the issue of approving or rejecting candidates, and Mr. Femino explained that the process is new, involving the Law office and the Somerville Housing Legal Team. He noted that the current officers have been employed for many years and are in good standing. Chair Ewen-Campen asked about the role of the Councilors in the process, and Chief Benford clarified that the Mayor is the legal appointing authority, with the law governing the process. Regarding complaints about officers, it was explained that complaints would go to the Director of Housing, who would forward them to Mr. Femino for investigation before any disciplinary actions are taken. Chair Ewen-Campen inquired if complaint records could be reviewed in an executive session, and Mr. Femino clarified that, for the officers before the committee, there are no written complaints. Going forward, a process will be implemented to keep records, allowing Councilors to review them prior to reappointments. Councilor McLaughlin asked if the vote before the committee was impacted by any of these factors. Chair Ewen-Campen and Councilor Clingan agreed that they would like to seek an opinion from the Solicitor’s office before proceeding with a vote. All Councilors agreed. Lastly, Councilor Pineda Neufeld asked if the Housing Authority is bound by the Welcoming City ordinance, which prohibits cooperation with ICE. Mr. Femino confirmed that the same policies in place for the Somerville Police Department also apply to Somerville Housing Officers.
- 8. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Sean Browne as Somerville Housing Authority Police Officer.
- 9. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Michael De Bethencourt as Somerville Housing Authority Police Officer.
- 10. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alfred William Rymill III as Somerville Housing Authority Police Officer.
- 11. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alfred Rymill III as Housing Authority Police Officer.
- 16 Note: The Committee may meet in Executive Session to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1).