City Council - Human Resources Committee

City of Chicopee City Council Human Resources Committee Approved 9-12-2017 Members James Tillotson Gary Labrie Stan Walczak Timothy McLellan William Zaskey MINUTES July 18, 2017 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, Fourth Floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Members Present Tillotson, Labrie, Walczak, McLellan, Zaskey Also Present Dan Garvey (Associate City Solicitor), Councilor Laflamme, Councilor Krampits, Councilor Zygarowski, Councilor Brooks, Councilor Vieau, Councilor Courchesne. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM In compliance with the Open Meeting Law the Chairman asked if anyone in the audience was recording the meeting. Hearing none the meeting continued. ITEM #1 Ward 1 vacant City Council seat Councilor Tillotson stated according to the charter and Attorney Marshall; whoever gets appointed in the City Council meeting of the whole in August will serve until the end of January 2017. Councilor Tillotson stated that he did not receive any withdrawal letters from Joel McAuliffe and Matthew Toczek. He stated that Katie Robidoux is out of town on vacation. She did call and let me know. Councilor Tillotson stated as of now we have two candidates here tonight, Dino Brunetti and James Tanhouser, Jr. Councilor Tillotson asked Dino Brunetti why he wants to serve on the City Council again. Dino Brunetti stated that when this opportunity arose and he found out the process was going to happen he asked the City Council for their support. He stated he was a City Councilor for ten years and still has issues that he wanted to get done and never were processed. He also stated that no one should be left without representation in Ward 1. He stated he knows the people and he still has issues that need to get done and he would come into this position with the experience. He stated he would also like the opportunity to serve under Mayor Kos. 1 Councilor Labrie asked what do you feel in the last four months were the biggest issues in ward 1. Dino Brunetti stated there are several road issues that haven’t been addressed. A big stop sign has been knocked down and not put back up. The blight condition of some of the neighborhoods. Councilor Walczak asked how long have you’ve been a resident and a homeowner in the City of Chicopee. Dino Brunetti answered he has been a resident of the City of Chicopee for sixty years and a homeowner and tax payer for forty years. He stated that he raised four children through the school system and takes pride in the City of Chicopee. He stated that my roots are here, I have a lot of family and close friends and my wife teaches at Pope Francis in the City. Councilor Tillostson asked why do you want to serve on the City Council. James Tanhouseer, Jr. stated that he sees and opportunity on a vacant seat and as somebody who has been very interested in Public and Elected Official matters for the City. Since eighteen years old I’ve been involved whether it’s running for the City Council, running for School Committee as I currently am or being a member of the Historical Commission which I currently am. I also interned for the Mayor’s office during high school. I learned so many things that not only make me love this city, but give me that urge that as soon as I see an opportunity that I can help my city or my constituents, I have to go after the opportunity. Councilor Tillotson stated that you are not a candidate for this position. James Tanhouser, Jr. stated I am not a candidate for this position but I am for the School Committee for ward 1. Councilor Labrie asked what do you feel is the most important issues in ward 1. James Tanhouser, Jr. stated that I would like to echo Mr. Brunetti’s words. I do believe the issues he brought up with roads and potholes. Most importantly the constituents that I talked to felt a lack of representation. They felt that their voice wasn’t heard by the current Councilor at hand. If I had this opportunity that would be an issue that I would be able to resolve by going door to door and addressing these issues to bring in front of the Board on more of a regular basis as they were. Councilor Walczak asked how long have you been a resident of the City. James Tanhouser, Jr. stated my entire life, twenty two years and seven months. Councilor Tillotson read a letter from Katie Robidoux. He also read some of her resume. Councilor McLellan motion to Recommend Dino Brunetti – Councilor Zaskey 2nd the motion – motion passed Committee vote 5 – 0 favorable. ITEM #2 Minutes – June 26, 2017. Motion made by Councilor McLellan and second by Councilor Walczak to approve. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM 2