Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee

Virtual

Agenda — 21 items

1. 1 (Posted online: 1/28/24 at 8:30 AM) Original (Posted online: 1/98/24 at 9:15 AM) Revised
2. 1 This meeting was held via Zoom, was called to order by Chair Pineda Neufeld at 7:01 pm and adjourned at 9:33 pm with a roll call vote of all in favor (Councilor Mbah, Councilor Sait Councilor Burnley, Councilor McLaughlin and Chair Pineda Neufeld), none against, and none absent. Others present: Hannah Carrillo – Mayor’s Office, Cindy Amara – Solicitor’s Office, Jason Piques – Solicitor’s Office, Nicholas Salerno – Elections, James Donovan – SPD, Stephanie Widzowski – Clerk of Committees. The committee voted to enter executive session at 8:55 to discuss items 23-1802, 23-1799, and 23-1798 with a roll call of 4 in favor (Councilor Mbah, Councilor Sait, Councilor Burnley and Chair Pineda Neufeld) and 1 absent (Councilor McLaughlin). Open session reconvened at 9:26 pm with all members present. No votes were taken in executive session.
3. 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_h8Jfpi2qRfywBX2xtW_0bw 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.
4. 3 Roll Call
5. 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Meeting of December 6, 2023. Accepted Pass
6. 8 For Committee Discussion
7. 2. That the City Solicitor appear before the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters to discuss the scope and role of the Committee in confirming various appointments. 24-0116 Recommended to be marked work completed
8. 10 For Committee Interview
9. 3. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Austin Brower to the Board of Elections Commissioners. 24-0084 Recommended to be approved Pass
10. 4. Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Matthews to the position of Fire District Chief. 24-0017 Recommended to be approved Pass
11. 5. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Matthew Lorizio to the position of Police Officer. Recommended to be approved Pass
12. 6. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Guylerna Pierre to the position of Police Officer. Recommended to be placed on file Pass
13. 7. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Igor Bitencourt to the position of Police Officer. Recommended to be approved Pass
14. 8. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brian Clancy to the position of Police Officer. Recommended to be approved Pass
15. 9. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of John Tivinis to the position of Police Officer. Recommended to be placed on file Pass
16. 18 For Committee Approval
17. 10. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Mary Battinelli as Constable. Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation Pass
18. 11. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan Bishop as Constable. Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation Pass
19. 12. Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Darcy Haynes as Constable. Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation Pass
20. 13. Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Laurie Brandt to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Recommended to be discharged with no recommendation Pass
21. 23 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).