City Council - Appointment Committee

Appointment Committee Meeting Minutes: June 8, 2021 Councilor Rothschild called the meeting to order at 3:03pm Members Present: Councilor Lindsey Rothschild, Councilor Erica Flood Also in Attendance: Lindsi Mailler, Brad Riley Approval of Minutes: Motion (Flood) to approve minutes from 5/27/21, Second Rothschild, 2-0 motion passes Public Speak Time: Lindsi Mailer – was present to let the Appointment committee members know she is here to serve us and help us with the onboarding process for volunteers. July 15th new city website is scheduled to launch, there will be an application online for volunteers interested in serving on committees. Lindsi is open to any suggestions for improving the process. Wants to make it easy for people to join and help make their community a better place. Brad Riley – the process to apply was easier than expected. Mayoral Appointments: NAME POSITION/BOARD TERM EXPIRES Brad Riley Housing Authority Dec 31, 2022 Discussion with applicant regarding his background and experience: Brad Riley – grew up in a single parent household that relied on social services, wants to bring his personal experience and professional experience to serve the community. Working on his second Master’s Degree in this area of housing and social services. He explained a recent epidemiology project/study that dealt with high density housing in Matappan, MA along the MBTA service lines. All touched on his studies in social epidemiology. Councilor Flood – thanked Brad for his time and for bringing his personal story to the forefront. Stated our community is lucky to have him step forward to serve in this capacity. Brad will begin his service by reviewing previous minutes and doing site visits to see the conditions of the housing authority managed properties. Also mentions he has a positive psychology certification and brings that experience to his work in the community. Councilor Rothschild – is looking forward to following up with Brad after he has had a chance to familiarize himself with the Housing Authority. Brad moved to Easthampton about 10 years ago. A few years in he really felt a connection and decided this is “home”. He was involved with Nancy Follensbee previously regarding eradicating school lunch debt for students in Easthampton. Was involved with replacing the “Our Neighbor” signs when they were being stolen a few years back. Housing Partnership member for approximately the last 15 months. Found the partnership through the Easthampton government website. Councilor Flood asked about his involvement with a philanthropic medical program in Haiti created by Paul Farmer of Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Daily physicals are paid for through his donation to the program. Motion (Flood) to recommend Brad Riley to the Housing Authority with term ending Dec. 31, 2022, Second (Rothschild), 2-0 motion passes. Motion to adjourn (Flood) Second (Rothschild). Unanimously passes 2-0. 3:28pm Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Erica Ann Flood Clerk to the Appointment Committee