City Council - Appointment Committee

Appointment Committee Meeting Minutes: January 13, 2021 Councilor Rothschild called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Members Present: Councilor Lindsey Rothschild, Councilor Erica Flood, Councilor James P. (JP) Also in Attendance: Councilor Homar Gomez Approval of Minutes: Councilor Kwiecinski moved to approve meeting minutes with suggested amendments for 11/18/20, 12/2/20 and 12/23/20. Councilor Flood second motion. Vote taken, Minutes were unanimously approved. Public Speak Time: No comments from the public. Continuing Business: Mayoral Re-Appointments: Discussion of Candidates for re-appointment. Name Board/Committee Term Expires Austin Sanders Board of Public Works Dec. 31, 2023 Chris Korczak EDIC Dec. 31, 2023 Paul St. Pierre, Jr. EDIC Dec. 31, 2023 Paul St. Pierre, Jr. Parks & Recreation Commission Dec. 31, 2023 Ted Pawlikowski Veterans Council Dec. 31, 2023 Councilor Kwiecinski moved to approve all candidates as presented for re-appointment. Councilor Flood second motion. Vote taken, all candidates unanimously approved for re-appointment. New Business: Discussion about proposal to amend Council Rule 11H – Role of the Appointments Committee (to establish process & communication), main focus of tonight’s discussion was on mayoral appointments and multimember volunteer committees. Councilor Gomez discussed concern and agreed guidelines are necessary and helpful in process but offered that democracy requires the exercise of free speech and therefore the process should allow for free speech in exercising our due diligence. Councilor Rothschild voiced a concern that the process remain respectful and fair for all candidates, suggested that a set of questions could make for an environment free from bias and discrimination. Councilor Flood requested a reading of Rule 11H as it currently stands. Councilor Rothschild read Rule 11H aloud. Discussion of protocol continued including consideration of a letter of interest and resume, along with a potential list of standardized questions to help create a non-biased process and interview environment. Lengthy discussion ensued of process past and present and how to make things more clear in the future. Action Item: Councilor Rothschild will reach out to the Mayor’s office to research the protocol at first point of contact with interested candidates and to suggest a form letter be integrated into process. Also to suggest an online point of entry be added to the process for submitting an inquiry. Councilor Kwiecinski moved to adjourn, second by Councilor Flood. Unanimously approved by vote. Meeting adjourned at 6:17 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Erica Ann Flood Clerk to the Appointment Committee