Committee Report - C of A - 6-30-15 — File 199594

Confirmation of Appointments Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 7/6/2015 June 30, 2015 REPORT OF THE CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Maryann M. Heuston Chair Present Robert J. McWatters Vice Chair Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Others present: Deputy Police Chief Stephen Carabino, Solicitor Frank Wright 1. Approval of the May 27, 2015 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 196343: Adriana Bedry submitting comments re: a constable. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198252: Assistant City Solicitor responding to legal questions raised about the appointment of Constables. Deputy Chief Carabino stated that CORI checks are done for all constable applicants. Discussions were held on whether to appoint constables outside of the City of Somerville, since some cities and towns only appoint constables that are residents in their own city/town. The committee received a draft ordinance on appointing constables along with information about the number of active constables in the City of Somerville and relevant information from other cities and towns on this matter. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198484: Requesting the re-appointment of Robert Sweeney as Constable. Mr. Sweeney appeared and agreed to an open session without counsel. Mr. Sweeney stated that he recalled the day that services were provided to Ms. Bedry and said that he found out a couple of weeks ago about the unhappiness of the service. The City Clerk provided a copy of a letter

Confirmation of Appointments Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 7/6/2015 from Ms. Bedry for the committee to review. A copy was also provided to Mr. Sweeney at the meeting. Committee members questioned Mr. Sweeney about his records, process and procedures as a constable and inquired if there have been any other complaints lodged against him in other communities (as a constable). The committee would like Ms. Bedry to appear before the committee to respond to questions about the case. Mr. Sweeney will have an opportunity to come back before the committee to discuss this case, as well. The committee directed that the City Clerk contact Ms. Bedry to request that she attend the July 9th meeting. The Clerk of Committees was directed to check with the City Clerk on whether there may be a public meeting at the BOA meeting on July 9th. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198524: Requesting a review of Edwin Torres' Constable License. On a roll call vote of 4 in favor, 0 against and 1 absent, the committee voted to go into Executive Session to discuss this matter with Mr. Torres, who agreed to be present without counsel, Deputy Chief Carabino and City Solicitor Frank Wright. The only vote taken in Executive Session was the roll call vote to adjourn the session. Mr. Wright recommended this matter remain in committee. Chairman Heuston stated that she would like to have a public hearing on this matter on July 9th. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE