City Council - Rules & Government Relations Committee

Minutes City Councilor Rules & Government Relations Committee 3/18/2024 Attendees: R&GR Committee members: Councilor JP Kwiecinski, chair Councilor Jason “J.T.” Tirrell Other Attendees: Councilor Koni Denham Councilor Owen Zaret Councilor Tamara Smith Councilor Brad Riley Meeting called to order at 6:30pm 1. Approval of minutes – none 2. Mayor’s communication – none 3. Public Speak – Councilor Denham started by reiterating the version of a cease fire resolution that her and councilor Gomez had worked on. Many members of the public voiced their opinions on the cease fire, more seemingly for it than against it. Some Easthampton residents, as well as, residents from Northampton and Springfield voiced their displeasure with the resolution that was presented. Once the public, almost 20 people, both present and remote, had a chance to voice their opinions the councilors who were present were given the opportunity to speak. Councilor Riley did not feel as though it was the councils job to deal with international affairs. Councilor Zaret expressed he wanted to possibly edit the current proposed resolution and then presented his own version of a cease fire resolution which he read aloud. Chair Kwiecinski then tried to summarize much of what was being said. Councilor Denham then asked to speak once again and proceeded to get very passionate and emotional regarding the topic. She expressed her frustration after putting so much work into this resolution. Councilor Tirrell voiced that he needs to further educate himself on the topic and he did not feel comfortable voting on this topic without the whole Rules & Government Relation Committee there, Councilor Gomez was not in attendance. Councilor Tirrell made a motion to continue the discussion at the next meeting. Motion was seconded by councilor Kwiecinski, motion passes 2-0. Councilor Tirrell made a motion to adjourn which was seconded by councilor Kwiecinski. Motion passes 2-0