Committee Report - C of APM - 2-10-16 — File 200708

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 2/11/2016 February 10, 2016 REPORT OF THE CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS 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 Absent Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Absent Others present: Alderman McLaughlin, Alderman Niedergang, Patrick Sullivan - SFD, Paul Trant - SPD, William Roche - Personnel, Goran Smiljic - ISD, Charles Quigley - Engineering, Doug Kress - HHS, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:50 PM by Alderman Heuston and adjourned at 8:15 PM. Document List: none Approval of the January 13, 2016 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 198974: That the Administration and the Director of Personnel provide this Board with the ethnic and racial breakdown of the city's workforce and its boards and commissions. Mr. Roche stated that he provided the requested information last May. Alderman McWatter's motion that the Administration provide the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters with a diversity breakdown of all Boards and Commissions along with a plan to fill vacancies, was approved. Alderman Niedergang stated that he likes hiring non-white individuals and would like to see the city's plan to fill vacancies with non-whites.

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 2/11/2016 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 199168: Personnel Director responding to #198974, to provide an ethnic and racial breakdown of the city's workforce and its boards and commissions. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 200556: Requesting the appointment of Raymond Busi to the position of Permanent Firefighter, effective March 6, 2016. Chief Sullivan told members that retirements have created a shortage of personnel in the department. Mr. Busi was interviewed for the stated position. RESULT: APPROVED 200602: Requesting the confirmation of Charles Quigley as City Engineer. Mr. Quigley was interviewed for the position he currently holds and discussed what he is working on. He would like to get 10 miles of roadway re-paved per year and is working with consultants on improving the city's sewer system. Members made inquiries about the position's salary, the city's infrastructure, the street re-paving selection process and the junior engineer's position. Alderman Niedergang requested a copy of the 5-year street paving list. RESULT: APPROVED 200605: Requesting the confirmation of Goran Smiljic as Superintendent of Inspectional Services. Mr. Smiljic was interviewed for the position he now holds and spoke about dumpster inspectors, vacant positions and how additional resources are used. Asked about the salary structure, Mr. Smiljic replied that Somerville pays less than other cities, making it difficult to fill positions. Alderman Heuston would like to have additional staff in the department. RESULT: APPROVED 200606: Requesting the confirmation of Doug Kress as Director of the Board of Health. Mr. Kress was interviewed for the position he currently holds and discussed human rights, commissions, funding sources, the Council on Aging, Teen Empowerment and homelessness. He noted that the city doesn't have anyone assigned to deal with homeless issues. Chairman Heuston spoke about the need for social workers and Alderman McWatters spoke about the growing opioid problem and the need for prevention. Mr. Kress informed members that the city has received a grant to be used for drug prevention initiatives. Alderman McLaughlin expressed concern about substance abuse and feels that the HHS Department is wearing too many hats. He questioned why the Council on Aging and the Veterans Services Department are under HHS and asked that a race dialogue take place by March. Mr. Kress discussed how seniors are contacted, adding that LGBT and veterans are also working with seniors.

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 2/11/2016 RESULT: APPROVED 200612: Requesting the confirmation of Bryan Bishop as Director of Veterans Services. Mr. Bishop was interviewed for the position he currently holds and discussed his background, visiting veterans in their homes, targeting young veterans to engage them, locating veterans, upcoming ceremonies and working with the state and federal governments to secure benefits for veterans. He favors making multiple dedications at the same time, preferably on Armed Services Day. Mr. Bishop stated that Memorial Day is about remembering, not parades, and he would prefer that any parade be held the day before Memorial Day. Alderman McLaughlin stated that he does not like having the Veterans Services department falling under the HHS Department. RESULT: APPROVED 200613: Conveying, with President White, a request to jointly analyze the Board's and Administration's administrative needs. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200662: Requesting the appointment of Police Officer Michael Holland to the rank of Sergeant. Officer Holland was interviewed by the committee. RESULT: APPROVED 200663: Requesting the appointment David Ruff to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 200664: Requesting the appointment Roger Desrochers to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 200665: Requesting the appointment Michael Marra to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 200666: Requesting the appointment Gurpreet Singh to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 200667: Requesting the appointment Daniel Haley to the position of Police Officer.

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 2/11/2016 RESULT: APPROVED 200668: Requesting the appointment Michael Carroll to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 200669: Requesting the appointment Robert Hartsgrove to the position of Police Officer. RESULT: APPROVED 200670: Requesting the appointment of William Carr as a Special Police Officer. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE