City Council

Council President Councillors-at-Large Mark C. Bodanza John Dombrowski Claire M. Freda Council Vice President Susan Chalifoux Zephir Gail P. Feckley Thomas F. Ardinger Ward Councillors Ward 1 – Gail P. Feckley Ward 2 – Pauline M. Cormier Ward 3 – David R. Cormier Ward 4 – Mark C. Bodanza Ward 5 – Peter A. Angelini CITY OF LEOMINSTER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2021 6:00 PM JOHN P. MAHAN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS The City Council meeting on February 10, 2021 will be held virtually, by a conference telephone call only. All City Councillors, and members of the public interested in participating in the public forum, or a scheduled public hearing, are requested to call the following number : +1 (669) 224-3412 and enter the following code 944-429-597 (Please note: the call in number and code are different than the call in number and code from the last meeting conducted on February 8, 2020). The meeting will begin promptly at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The conference phone call will be moderated by the City Council President and all discussion will be strictly limited to matters on the agenda. It is expected that the audio phone call will be broadcast on Leominster Access Television. All documents relative to the agenda can be viewed at the following link: https://www.leominster-ma.gov/cals/default.asp PUBLIC FORUM, 6:00 P.M The public forum is an opportunity for any member of the audience to speak on a matter specifically listed on the Council Agenda. Speakers will be asked to come to the microphone and state their formal name and address along with identifying the specific item(s) they wish to address. Each speaker is respectfully asked to keep their comments within a two (2) minute timeframe. The Council will not be responding or answering any questions; however, at the discretion of the Council President, clarification may be given.  Council President Bodanza asked three times whether anyone from the public wanted to speak for or against any item listed on the agenda. No one spoke. I. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL, 6:00 P.M. The special meeting of the City Council opened at 6:00PM. II. ROLL CALL OF COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE Council President Bodanza, Council Vice President Feckley, Councillor Freda, Councillor Dombrowski, Councillor Chalifoux Zephir, Councillor Angelini, Councillor Ardinger, Councillor Pauline Cormier and Councillor David Cormier present. Others Present: Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk III. INTERVIEWS OF CANDIDATES REFERRED BY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, 6:00 P.M. Councillor Feckley informed the Council of the process that occurred to narrow down the three finalists. She informed the Council that the three finalists presented had excellent experience and diverse skills. Councillor Feckley had each candidate introduce themselves to the City Council. Christina Ellis, introduced herself and outlined her experience as a head paralegal for a law firm in Athol. Lila Fernandez, introduced herself and outlined her experience as a agent for the housing authority for seven years. Dianne Reardon, introduced herself and outlined her experience as the current Town Clerk of Lancaster. Councillor David Cormier asked the candidates to describe an instance where they experienced conflict and how they handled it. Ms. Ellis explained an instance where she had a client who was unhappy about a court case. She explained how she took the time to listen to them and how she handled the instance professionally. The client was able to calm down and continue with the process. Ms. Fernandez explained that she had a client who was upset about the rent calculation for their housing. She explained how she took them aside, went over Page 2 the process step by step to show them how she got to the outcome. It helped them calm down. Ms. Reardon explained how she has worked with angry citizens at the counter on numerous occasions and has listened to their needs and offered help the best way she could to appease them. Councillor David Cormier asked each candidate whether they have had to manage other employees. Ms. Ellis explained that she had one subordinate. Ms. Fernandez explained she did not have any subordinates currently but has had them in the past. Ms. Reardon explained that she has one subordinate and also manages many election workers regularly. Councillor Chalifoux Zephir asked the candidates to describe what interests them about the position. Ms. Ellis explained that it would prove to be a growth opportunity that would challenge her. Ms. Fernandez explained that it was the ability to assist a wider ranged set of clientele in the community. Ms. Reardon explained that it would offer her an opportunity to grow and expand on skills that she currently uses on a smaller scale. Councillor Chalifoux Zephir asked each candidate whether or not they have had to support other departments or people within their current organizations. Ms. Ellis explained most of her support was to clientele. Ms. Fernandez explained most of her support was to clientele. Ms. Reardon explained that most of her support was to different Town Departments and citizens. Councillor Ardinger asked the candidates three questions, what they see their biggest challenge being if they were to get the job, how their former associates would describe them, and what their biggest asset was. Ms. Ellis explained her biggest challenge would be learning how to facilitate elections. She explained her former associates would describe her as Page 3 hardworking, high quality, supportive and a people person. She explained her biggest asset was her patience. Ms. Fernandez explained her biggest challenge would be familiarizing herself with the City Council meetings. Her former associates would describe her as detailed, hardworking, and someone who liked to better themselves. She explained her biggest asset was her experience with the community and that she was bilingual. Ms. Reardon explained her biggest challenge would be the enormity and multiplication of what she does now to a grander scale. She explained her former associates would describe her as dependable, loyal, ambitious, and willing to learn. She explained her biggest asset was her familiarity with the job, she knows the basics. Councillolr Angelini asked the candidates if they were asked to interview someone to fill their current position what qualities would they look for in that person. Ms. Ellis explained she would look for someone well versed in customer service. Ms. Fernandez explained she would look for someone who meets deadlines well and can handle a large case load. Ms. Reardon explained she would look for someone with good organization skills, attention to detail, patience and transparency. Councillor Pauline Cormier asked each candidate how they would handle a person of authority? If they were given a request from a supervisor and then another request from a different supervisor, how would they handle it? Ms. Ellis explained she would speak with her direct supervisor and try to come to a compromise with both parties. Ms. Fernandez explained she would speak to her direct supervisor. Ms. Reardon explained she would speak with her direct supervisor and try to come to a compromise with both parties. Councillor Freda asked the candidates whether they ever applied for a municipal position before. Ms. Ellis said no. Ms. Fernandez said yes. Page 4  Ms. Reardon said yes. Councillor David Cormier made a motion to hire Dianne Reardon. Councillor Angelini seconded the motion. IV. POSSIBLE SELECTION OF NEW ASSISTANT CITY CLERK Discussion of Final Candidates for Assistant City Clerk Position. Confirm the appointment of the finalist for the Assistant City Clerk Position. Councillor David Cormier made a motion to hire Dianne Reardon. Councillor Angelini seconded the motion. Councillors Bodanza, Feckley, David Cormier, Pauline Cormier, Ardinger, Dombrowski and Chalifoux Zephir all congratulated the candidates for a job well done. They all agreed experience in this case was of the utmost importance and that Ms. Reardon held the qualifications for the position. Councillor Freda expressed concern that this did not go back to Ways and Means and was not looked into further. Roll Call Vote: 8-1 (Councillor Freda Nay) Dianne Reardon was confirmed as the new Assistant City Clerk. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. COMMUNITY CALENDAR VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:33PM. Katelyn Huffman, City Clerk Page 5