City Council

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Regular Meeting Minutes Date: May 12, 2014 Time: 6:00 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA MAYOR’S BUSINESS 1. - MAYOR'S BUSINESS 2. 2014 / 363 - SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE MAY 12, 2014 Notice is hereby given, as required by Rule 6 of the City of Lowell City Council Rules, that the Lowell City Council will hold a Special Meeting of the Lowell City Council in the Council Chambers on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM. The purpose of which is to meet as the Committee of the Whole in order to conduct interviews with two of the five finalists for the position of City Auditor of Lowell; the first beginning at 6:00PM. The public is invited to attend. Roll Call 9 present (6:00 PM). M. Elliott presiding. Mayor Elliott opened meeting and read posted notice. M. Elliott introduced Ms. Hannah York via Skype and outlined procedures for the interview. There were some technical difficulties with Skype during the course of the interview. Ms. York made opening statement outlining her current job and responsibilities along with her educational background. C. Belanger questioned Ms. York regarding her current budget; MUNIS; time frame for job acceptance. M. Elliott questioned Ms. York regarding what attracted City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 3) her to the job; external audit findings; job experience; management experience. C. Kennedy questioned Ms. York regarding CPA status in Massachusetts; supervision experience; appointment position; team leading style; Plan E government; reporting ability; starting date. C. Leahy questioned Ms. York regarding MUNIS; understanding of Lowell. C. Martin questioned Ms. York regarding past accomplishments; team leadership; debt issues; voter approvals; investment team structure. C. Mercier questioned Ms. York personal history; assets and qualities for the job; Schedule “A”; balance sheets; municipal budgeting; enterprise funds; Plan E government; vendor contracts; payroll; free cash; DOR involvement. C. Milinazzo questioned Ms. York regarding auditor position; reporting to Council; budget sessions; contract. C. Rourke questioned Ms. York regarding independent audit interaction; current employment with promotions; dealing with fraud and waste issues. C. Samaras questioned Ms. York regarding personnel issue; county budget; past problem solving; audit deadlines. Ms. York made a closing remark and interview was completed at 7 PM. Mr. Christopher Fortuna was introduced by M. Elliott and gave an opening statement outlining his employment and responsibilities as well as family background and education. C. Belanger questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding knowledge of Lowell; employment history; financial software; budget workings. M. Elliott questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding payroll; reporting requirements; private sector experience. C. Kennedy questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding supervision capability; work description; management style; contract; starting date. C. Leahy questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding current company; interest in job; MUNIS. C. Martin questioned Mr. Fortuna resume; independent audits; management letter; recent experience benefits; management of people. C. Mercier questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding education degrees; interest and experience in government employment; Plan E government; assets and qualities for the job. C. Milinazzo questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding background; time frame for entering position; professional licenses benefits; financial experience. C. Rourke questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding fraud and waste procedures; identifying areas of concern. C. Samaras questioned Mr. Fortuna regarding strengths and weaknesses; handling stress and pressure; ability to take on difficult projects. Mr. Fortuna made closing remark and noted his ability to do the job. Interview was concluded at 7:44 PM. M. Elliott commented on the final interview for the position. The body discussed matter and agreed on the final interview would be Thursday May 15, 2014 at 5 PM and the information would be forwarded to the candidate to confirm. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 3) ADJOURNMENT 3. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to adjourn by C. Martin, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. Adjourn at 7:45 PM. Submitted by: Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov