City Council - Appointment Committee

Appointments Committee Meeting In-person meeting at 50 Payson Ave., 2nd floor Small Conference Room Meeting Minutes: February 20, 2024 Approval of the minutes, none Councilor Riley called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. At room #1 Members Present: Chair Councilor Riley, Councilor Gomez, Councilor Smith Also in Attendance: Lindsey Rothchild, Jishava Patel, Desiree Gribi, Kathryn Carey, Marie Ferraro Councilor Riley started the meeting by talking about the licensing board requirements and the reason why Brian Moody can't be appointed to this board, Brian Moody is registered as an Independent voter and to be in that position residents have to be in one of the two political parties, democrat or as republicans. The motion was made by Councilor Smith and seconded by Councilor Gomez to remove Brian Moody from the appointments process, vote was 2-0 with 1 abstaining Public Speak Time: none New Business: Lindsey Rothschild Affordable & Fair Housing Partnership 12/31/2024 Councilor Riley stated that he sent an email to the mayor about this particular appointment and some concerns about it because Linsey is a realtor and she is the realtor working with the Mayor's property, the mayor did not respond to Councilor Riley's email. Councilor Riley stated that the committee received two letters of support for this appointment, Councilor Gomez stated that the Mayor understands that the mayor has the authority to appoint Lindsey, and Councilor Smith asked about how Lindsey can handle stuff situations because in the past Lindsey spoke about her experience at the city council, Lindsey responded that this is a different role and her issue with the council is with just a councilor that believes they have power and they abuse other using that power. Councilor Riley asked he how being a realtor can help in this new role and she said she know because she is a realtor she needs affordable housing in Eastampton and she's going to use her knowledge to help in this committee. The motion by Councilor Smith seconded by Councilor Gomez voted 3-0 in Favor Marie Ferraro Council on Aging 12/31/2024 Councilor Brad explained to the committee and the public the requirements to be in the Council of Aging. Marie talked to the committee and she said that she cares about the senior population and realizes how much the city changed and she wants a give something back to the community, She stated that she believes now more than ever that the council on aging has relevance in our community . Marie served as a volunteer in similar programs and she believes that we need more social services she stated that those social services are needed in this community. The motion by Councilor Smith Seconded by Councilor Gomez voted 3-0 in favor Kathryn Carey Council on Aging 12/31/2025 Kathryn talked was at the meeting and she stated that she has lived in Easthampton since 1987 and has been visiting the senior center for years she familiar with the programs they provide, she applied to be on the council of aging because the director of the center encourages her to apply, Councilor Riley asked her how she can help in this new role and she stated that with her experience from her previous jobs, she has the knowledge to help. The motion was made by Councilor Smith and seconded by Gomez and the vote was 3-0 in favor Desiree Gribi Parks & Recreation Commission 12/31/2026 Desiree stated that she grew up playing sports and she's currently serving on various boards in our city. She stated that our park is amazing and she said that she can help to make the park and the programs at the park better . Councilor Riley asked her how she would be working with the dog and skate park committees and she stated she was ready to work and listen to everyone and their suggestions or concerns. Jishava Patel Parks & Recreation Commission 12/31/2026 Jishava moved to Easthampton in 2021, Jishava moved to Easthampton because she saw Easthampton as her home. She talked about the importance of being connected to the community, she wants a create spaces to work with the community listening to them and see how they can include new ideas at the park, Based on her experience she can be a facilitator between residents and the commission and to the Park and rec director, she wants work on how the commission can utilize spaces at the park in a better way. The motion by Councilor Smith seconded by Councilor Gomez voted 3-0 in favor Bruce Homestead Commission on Disability 12/31/2024 The motion was made by Councilor Smith and seconded by Councilor Gomez Voted was 3-0 in favor Motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Smith at 7:32 and seconded by Councilor Gomez and the vote was unanimous in favor 3-0 Respectfully submitted by Councilor Gomez