City Council - Appointment Committee

Appointment Committee Meeting Minutes: August 11, 2021 Councilor Rothschild called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm Members Present: Councilor Lindsey Rothschild, Councilor Erica Flood, Councilor James P Kwiecinszki Also in Attendance: Councilor Homar Gomez, Jason Tirrell, Lisa Jaffe Approval of Minutes: Motion (Flood) to approve minutes from 08/04/21, Second (Kwiecinszki), 3-0, motion passes. Minutes Approved Public Speak Time: No public comments New Business: New Mayoral Appointments: NAME POSITION/BOARD TERM EXPIRES Jason Tirrell / Parks & Recreation Commission Dec. 31, 2023 Candidate answers the standard questions posed, some higlights: I’d like to expand my role in the city, involved as President of the Little League, grew up in the park paying ball and going to camp there. This is a great fit for me. I’ve gotten to know the parks and recs folks through my involvement, I am part of the working group, also through my employment at Williston Northampton School. Councilor Kwiecinszki – thrilled with JT’s experience with little league and Williston Councilor Flood – thanks JT for his work on the Ben Campbell memorial and ceremony JT naming of Biardi field for Bob Biardi one of his first accomplishments when coming to little league. Councilor Gomez – here in support of JT, has worked with him many years and more than happy to encourage the committee to approve his appointment Lisa Jaffe / Zoning Board of Appeals (Associate) Dec. 31, 2022 Candidate answers the standard questions posed, some highlights: interested to become more involved in the city, resident since 2016, came to the area for grad school and decided to stay. Recently bought a house in the city. Has family members involved in similar work in the places they live in and professionally. Background in social worker, supervisor with DCF, uses policy a lot in current role, ability to interpret policy will help me in this position. Empathy, Compassion and Fairness all strong skills that will be helpful in their new role. Councilor Kwiecinszki – thrilled to have a social worker on ZBA with Urban Planner in the family, great experience Councilor Flood – impressed with their resume and grateful they have stepped up to this role Roberley Bell / ECA Coordinating Committee Dec. 31, 2023 Candidate answers the standard questions posed, some highlights: lives in Pelham but has studio in cottage street bldg. spent 20 years in Rochester with architecture students. Feels they have the vision and experience to bring the community together, was born here went to school here, went away and came back. experience in public art and residencies and fundraising, grant writing. Moved to Easthampton just before the pandemic hit so has had limited engagement with the community at large  Councilor Flood – confirms we are able to appoint someone who resides outside of the city but has a studio in the city to the committee. Answer is Yes. Brian Hiltpold / Parks & Recreation Commission Dec. 31, 2021 Candidate not present: Brief discussion of candidate’s qualifications. Application and written responses are included in the minutes for public to reference. Candidate is filling a vacated seat so a short term. Motion (Kwiecinszki) to recommend appointment of the following with term expirations: Jason Tirrell / Parks & Recreation Commission Dec. 31, 2023, Lisa Jaffe / Zoning Board of Appeals (Associate) Dec. 31, 2022, Roberley Bell / ECA Coordinating Committee Dec. 31, 2023, Brian Hiltpold / Parks & Recreation Commission Dec. 31, 2021. Second (Rothschild) 3-0. Motion Passes. City Council Appointments: Discussion of candidates and that this is primarily a ceremonial vote. Motion (Flood) to recommend the appointment of Hetal Patel as City Auditor with term expiring May 5, 2024 Second (Kwiecinszki). 3-0. Motion passes. Motion (Flood) to recommend the appointment of Kathy Smith as Asst. City Auditor with term expiring May 5, 2024. Second (Kwiecinszki). 3-0. Motion passes. Motion to adjourn (Kwiecinszki) Second (Flood) Unanimously passes 3-0. 5:30 pm Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Erica Ann Flood Clerk to the Appointment Committee