Committee Report - C of APM - 10-18-18 — File 206866

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 10/22/2018 October 18, 2018 REPORT OF THE CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Jefferson Thomas ("J.T.") Scott Chair Present Stephanie Hirsch Vice Chair Present Wilfred N. Mbah Alderman at Large Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Present Ben Ewen-Campen Ward Three Alderman Present Others present: Chief Fire Engineer Charles Breen - SFD, Christopher Major - SFD, Ellen Collins - Personnel, Julie McKenzie - Law, Frank Wright - Law, Annie Connor - Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese - Legislative Clerk. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 5:37 PM by Chairman Scott and adjourned at 6:27 P.M. 206809: Requesting the appointment of Seamus Lynch to the position of Fire Fighter. Chief Breen introduced Seamus Lynch, a graduate of Saint Clement’s and told the committee that the candidate is certified in CPR and defibrillator use. Presently, Mr. Lynch is employed by the City of Somerville as a housing specialist and he believes that his on the job exposure to housing inspections, smoke alarms, sprinklers and fire doors will help in his role as a fire fighter. He told the committee that he fire fighters in his family and that he has always had a desire to work in the public safety field. Mr. Lynch was previously sworn into the city’s Police Department, however, he was injured on the second day of the training academy. As a result, he applied for a position in the Fire Department. Ms. Collins was asked about the process to fill the police position vacated by Mr. Lynch. Alderman Ewen-Campen questioned the candidate regarding his thoughts on reporting inappropriate behavior and following all city policies. Chief Breen commented that all new fire fighters are apprised of city policies during their first two weeks on job. The committee unanimously voted to enter Executive Session to discuss this candidate’s appointment, further. (Aldermen Scott, Hirsch, Mbah, Davis and Ewen-Campen all voted to enter Executive Session.) The committee returned from Executive Session and Chairman Scott stated that the only vote taken in Executive Session was on the motion to adjourn and return to the open session. The committee meeting was recessed from 6:00 to 6:05 PM Mr. Wright was asked why the candidate’s updated background information was not made available to the committee and he replied that his recollection was that there would be a statement provided to

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 2 of 2 Printed 10/22/2018 the committee verifying that the background check was done and that the committee could question the candidate on his background and then ask the representative from the Personnel Department if the candidate’s response was consistent with the information in the back ground check. Alderman Davis said that the committee could not look at back ground information for candidates when they were added to the reserve list, but could for the updated background check when brought forward as appointment to permanent fire fighter. Chairman Scott stated that he remembers clearly that this information was provided in other cases, adding that he's uncomfortable when procedures established by the committee are changed by the Administration. Alderman Ewen-Campen asked what the difference was between telling the committee the information and showing them the written information and Mr. Wright replied that the information would not be shared, since the candidate would be asked questions and then Personnel would be asked if the candidate’s response was consistent with the back ground information. Chairman Scott will review the minutes of prior Executive Sessions to determine how this issue was handles previously. RESULT: APPROVED 206810: Requesting the appointment of Troy Martini to the position of Fire Fighter. Chairman Scott reviewed the candidate's resume and asked several questions and Alderman Hirsch asked about his recollections of attending Somerville High School. Mr. Martini told the members that, due to the diversity of the city, his time at SHS taught him about other peoples' lifestyles and cultures. The committee unanimously voted to enter Executive Session to discuss this candidate’s appointment, further. (Aldermen Scott, Hirsch, Mbah, Davis and Ewen-Campen all voted to enter Executive Session.) The committee returned from Executive Session and Chairman Scott stated that the only vote taken in Executive Session was on the motion to adjourn and return to the open session. Alderman Davis asked Mr. Martini to visit SHS and share his experiences with the students. RESULT: APPROVED