City Council - Rules & Government Relations Committee

Minutes City Councilor Rules & Government Relations Committee 3/27/2024 Attendees: R&GR Committee members: Councilor JP Kwiecinski, chair Councilor Homar Gomez Councilor Jason “J.T.” Tirrell Meeting called to order at 6:30pm 1. Approval of minutes – none 2. Mayor’s communication – none 3. Public Speak – Over 20 residents from Easthampton came to speak passionately in support of the cease fire resolution as written which was presented by Councilors Denham and Gomez. Overwhelming support was for the committee to vote to bring this debate to the full city council for a vote. Many residents shared personal stories that directly tied them to the conflict in Israel. It was mentioned that Bill Newman, on his radio show recently, had said that this version of a cease fire resolution was the best he had read so far. Councilor Gomez spoke regarding his support of the resolution, stressing that everyone ultimately wants the same thing, an end to the fighting. The importance of remaining open minded and not letting our desire to make this resolution perfect be our ultimate downfall. Councilor Gomez said that he supported the idea of this going in front of the full council. Councilor Tirrell said that there would be no way to please everyone, concessions would need to be made by everyone for this to progress. The goal for everyone involved is the same, an end to the fighting. He said that he would support this move to the full council for a vote. Councilor Gomez made a motion to move this version of the cease fire resolution, as written, to the full council. Motion was seconded by councilor Tirrell, motion passes 3-0. Councilor Gomez made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Tirrell. Motion passes 3-0.