Committee Report - C of APM - 7-6-21 — File 212169

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 1 of 6 Printed 7/7/2021 July 6, 2021 REPORT OF THE CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL MATTERS COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mary Jo Rossetti Chair Present Jefferson Thomas ("J.T.") Scott Vice Chair Present Wilfred N. Mbah City Councilor at Large Present Jesse Clingan Ward Four City Councilor Present Kristen Strezo City Councilor at Large Present Others present: Deputy Chief Chris Major - SFD, Hannah Carrillo - Legislative Liaison, Denise Molina Capers - RSJ, Kim Wells - Asst. Clerk of Committees, Peter Forcellese - Legislative Clerk. The meeting took place virtually via GoToWebinar and was called to order at 6:01 PM by Chair Rossetti and adjourned at 8:48 PM on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Clingan, Strezo, Scott and Rossetti), 0 against and 0 absent. Approval of the April 27, 2021 Minutes The minutes were approved on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Clingan, Strezo, Scott and Rossetti), 0 against and 0 absent. RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the May 11, 2021 Minutes The minutes were approved on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Clingan, Strezo, Scott and Rossetti), 0 against and 0 absent. RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the May 18, 2021 Minutes The minutes were approved on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Clingan, Strezo, Scott and Rossetti), 0 against and 0 absent.

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 2 of 6 Printed 7/7/2021 RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the May 20, 2021 Minutes The minutes were approved on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Clingan, Strezo, Scott and Rossetti), 0 against and 0 absent. RESULT: ACCEPTED 211747: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Holly Simione to the Commission for Person with Disabilities. Director Denise Molina Capers introduced the candidate and said that Ms. Simione would be a wonderful addition to the Commission. Chair Rossetti noted that the candidate's resume was outstanding. Councilor Clingan spoke of Ms. Simione as a fighter for those who can't speak for themselves. Councilor Mbah asked the candidate to speak about her reasons for seeking this position and she spoke about the need to feel safe in the city and making the city accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities. She gave her thoughts on public safety, 311, having a plan of action, accountability, etc. Councilor Strezo asked Ms. Simione what her plans are for Somerville as a Commissioner going forward and she replied that traffic calming is needed, bridges need to be open and accessible and streets/sidewalks need to be repaired to make them passable. Councilor Scott said he looks forward to having the candidate serve on the Commission. Councilor Clingan moved for approval. The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 211413: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Arlen Weiner to the Commission for Women. Director Denise Molina Capers introduced the candidate and said that Ms. Weiner has been volunteering on the Commission since 2020. Ms. Weiner has lived in the city on and off and has resided here since 2017. Councilor Scott asked what brought her to the Commission and she explained that she worked with the Cambridge Commission for Women and sought to continue this work in Somerville. Councilor Mbah asked what the candidate sees as the main challenge and she stated that securing a full time Executive Director for the Commission is at the top of the list, adding that the Commission needs to be responsive to the community it serves. Chair Rossetti noted that Director Molina Capers wants to have the Commission involved in the selection of an Executive Director. Councilor Clingan commented that Ms. Weiner brings a wealth of skills to the table. Chair Rossetti noted the candidate's comfort level with technology and hopes that it can be used to get information about the Commission out to the public. Chair Rossetti moved for approval.

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 3 of 6 Printed 7/7/2021 The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 211412: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Kimberly Sheridan to the Commission for Women. Director Denise Molina Capers introduced the candidate and said that Ms. Sheridan has also been a volunteer with the Commission since 2020. Councilor Clingan spoke about the candidate's exemplary resume. Councilor Mbah aked what the challenges are and how she would use her skills and Ms. Sheridan commented that the lack of members and volunteers on the Commission is holding it back from performing its duties. Councilor Strezo asked about funding and the candidate explained that it's always better to diversify funding and it's also a good way to bring people into the organization. She would like to build up fundable programming. Chair Rossetti commented that the candidate will bring strength to the fundraising needs of the Commission. Chair Rossetti moved for approval. The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 211966: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Timothy Bakey to the position of Fire Captain. Deputy Chief Major introduced the candidate and Chair Rossetti informed him that he was free to make an opening statement, if desired, and would be interviewed in open session and in Executive Session and would then return to open session to conclude the interview. Councilor Clingan asked the candidate what the three most important things are that should be expected from a captain and the candidate replied that they are leadership, reliability and resourcefulness. Councilor Mbah asked what some of the challenges are in the department and the candidate said that low frequency/high rise risks are a real potential for injury, so ongoing training is always needed. Chair Rossetti expressed her concern for the department's staff given the heat and the numerous recent fires in the city, not to mention the many high-rise buildings being constructed. Chair Rossetti confirmed that the candidate received and understood the notice of possible executive session and was willing to enter into executive session. The item was laid on the table until all of tonight’s open session interviews were completed. After the last Fire Department candidate was interviewed in open session, the Committee voted unanimously at 7:29 PM to enter into Executive Session to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1). The Committee returned from Executive Session and reconvened this meeting at 8:03 PM. Chair Rossetti announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than the vote to return to the regular meeting.

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 4 of 6 Printed 7/7/2021 Chair Rossetti moved for approval. The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 211967: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Barry Hamilton to the position of Fire Lieutenant. Deputy Chief Major introduced the candidate and Chair Rossetti informed him that he was free to make an opening statement, if desired, and would be interviewed in open session and in Executive Session and would then return to open session to conclude the interview. Councilor Clingan asked the candidate what the three most important things are that should be expected from a lieutenant and the candidate replied that they are a strong command presence, leadership skills, and having the trust of co-workers and subordinates. Councilor Strezo asked about the candidate's peer counseling and the candidate explained that it's more of a peer support program to provide resources to those who need it or maybe to just sit and listen to a fellow fire fighter. Chair Rossetti confirmed that the candidate received and understood the notice of possible executive session and was willing to enter into executive session. The item was laid on the table until all of tonight’s open session interviews were completed. After the last Fire Department candidate was interviewed in open session, the Committee voted unanimously at 7:29 PM to enter into Executive Session to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1). The Committee returned from Executive Session and reconvened this meeting at 8:03 PM. Chair Rossetti announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than the vote to return to the regular meeting. Chair Rossetti moved for approval. The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 211968: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Andrew Guralnick to the position of Fire Lieutenant. Deputy Chief Major introduced the candidate and Chair Rossetti informed him that he was free to make an opening statement, if desired, and would be interviewed in open session and in Executive Session and would then return to open session to conclude the interview. Councilor Clingan asked the candidate what the three most important things are that should be expected from a lieutenant and the candidate replied that they are setting an example, loyalty and respect. Councilor Mbah asked about the challenges of the department and the candidate stated that staffing levels are low and call volume is high and that combination leads to personnel getting fatigued. Councilor Mbah asked what the candidate believes is his strongest attribute and he replied that his time in the military helped to mold him as a leader. Asked about where he might need

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 5 of 6 Printed 7/7/2021 improvement, the candidate said that each day brings another learning opportunity to do the job better. Chair Rossetti noted the candidate's service to the city and country. Chair Rossetti confirmed that the candidate received and understood the notice of possible executive session and was willing to enter into executive session. The item was laid on the table until all of tonight’s open session interviews were completed. After the last Fire Department candidate was interviewed in open session, the Committee voted unanimously at 7:29 PM to enter into Executive Session to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1). The Committee returned from Executive Session and reconvened this meeting at 8:03 PM. Chair Rossetti announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than the vote to return to the regular meeting. Chair Rossetti moved for approval. The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 211969: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Brendan Noonan to the position of Fire Lieutenant. Deputy Chief Major introduced the candidate and Chair Rossetti informed him that he was free to make an opening statement, if desired, and would be interviewed in open session and in Executive Session and would then return to open session to conclude the interview. Councilor Clingan asked the candidate what the three most important things are that should be expected from a lieutenant and the candidate replied that they are patience, the ability to listen and wisdom. Chair Rossetti confirmed that the candidate received and understood the notice of possible executive session and was willing to enter into executive session. The item was laid on the table until all of tonight’s open session interviews were completed. After the last Fire Department candidate was interviewed in open session, the Committee voted unanimously at 7:29 PM to enter into Executive Session to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1). The Committee returned from Executive Session and reconvened this meeting at 8:03 PM. Chair Rossetti announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session other than the vote to return to the regular meeting. Chair Rossetti moved for approval. The candidate was advised that the committee’s recommendation would be before the City Council on July 8th for approval. The meeting was recessed at 8:11 PM and reconvened at 8:20 PM. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 212147: In his capacity as President, recommending the appointment of Kimberly Wells to

Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Page 6 of 6 Printed 7/7/2021 the position of City Clerk. Chair Rossetti noted that Ms. Wells went through an interview process and was recommended for this position by the City Council’s interview committee. Councilor Mbah thanked Ms. Wells for her work with the City Council and asked how she would help to move things into the future. She explained that transparency is an important part of good government as are the people and she looks forward to evaluating the use of software in various parts of the job. Councilor Clingan thanked Ms. Wells for stepping up to take on this position. Councilor Scott commented that the City Clerk's Office is the front line of the city and he has confidence that Ms. Wells will advocate for her staff and the city. Chair Rossetti stated that Ms. Wells exudes confidence and professionalism in her work. Ms. Wells said she's thankful to step into an already well-run system. Chair Rossetti moved for approval. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES: Rossetti, Scott, Mbah, Clingan, Strezo 209518: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jennifer Mancia as Executive Director of the Women's Commission. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 211298: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jennifer Mancia as Executive Director of the Women's Commission. RESULT: WITHDRAWN 211299: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nency Salamoun as Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission. The candidate is no longer employed by the city. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 210490: Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Hayley Bermel to the Commission for Women. The candidate asked that she not be considered for this position. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE Referenced Material: • Sheridan Kimberly_Resume_2021_Redacted (with 211412)