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: Feb 29, 2016 Time: 6:00 PM Location: City Council Chamber 375 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA CITY AUDITOR 1. - CITY AUDITOR 1.1. 2016 / 123 - SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE 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, FEBRUARY 29, 2016 at 6:00PM. The purpose of which is to meet as the Committee of the Whole in order to conduct interviews with three finalists for the position of City Auditor; the first beginning at 6:00PM. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND. Roll Call 9 present (6:00 PM). M. Kennedy presiding. Mayor Kennedy opened meeting and read posted notice. M. Kennedy outlined the order of questioning of the candidates. M. Kennedy introduced Sheila Ruth who made opening remarks regarding her education and job experience. C. Belanger questioned her regarding MUNIS and supervision ability. C. Elliott questioned her regarding IRS audits; municipal accounting; management of staff; payroll practice; and review of city contracts. M. Kennedy questioned her regarding CPA pursuit; Plan E form of government; ability to attend meetings; and supervision of employees. C. Leahy questioned her regarding coming to Lowell; teaching positions; Council oversight; overseeing City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 3) office personnel; and MUNIS. C Leary questioned her regarding handling constructive criticism; reviews of her at prior employment; and ability to handle nine bosses. C. Mercier questioned her regarding visits to Lowell; IRS and teaching jobs; Plan E; various municipal accounting procedures; attending meetings; and greatest asset she possess. C. Milinazzo questioned her regarding outline of first couple of weeks on the job to review procedures; handing of federal grants; future accounting procedures; and membership in any professional organizations. C. Rourke questioned her regarding federal audits done; reporting ability; detection of accounting irregularities; and detection of fraud. C. Samaras questioned her regarding private company audits done; team approach; supervision of current office with experience; and correction of dated procedures. Ms. Ruth provided closing remarks. M. Kennedy introduced Bryan Perry who made opening remarks regarding education, job experience, independent position and vision for office. C. Samaras questioned him regarding assessors’ position; municipal experience; supervision of knowledgeable employees; and adjusting to Council oversight and dealing with department heads. C. Rourke questioned him regarding Lawrence General budget; reporting ability; cost control; and detecting irregularity or fraud. C. Milinazzo questioned him regarding first steps on job to review checks and balances; job experience; bonding; and performing payroll procedures. C. Mercier questioned him regarding work at board of assessors; having a second job; attending meetings; accounting procedures; borrowing; financial forecasting; payroll ability; Plan E; and supervision. C. Leary questioned him regarding his current job; settling disagreements; working with staff; and Plan E form of government. C. Leahy questioned him regarding attraction to job; and working without contract. M. Kennedy questioned him regarding time frame when he could start; attending meetings; supervision skills; and the fact that the job is a three year appointment. C. Elliott questioned him regarding his CPA; public accounting certification; public versus private accounting; budget reporting; reconciliation; challenges in the position; and operating system at his current employment. C. Belanger questioned him regarding municipal experience; Lawrence General budget; and supervision skills. Mr. Perry provided the Council with closing remarks. M. Kennedy introduced John Linnehan who provided opening remarks to Council outlining personal history and career. Mr. Leary questioned him regarding private versus public auditing; challenges of the job; handing criticism; gran review; supervision; and Plan E government. C. Mercier questioned him regarding payroll; meetings; private practice; MUNIS; accounting procedures; communication skills; assets to the position; and working with departments. C. Leahy questioned him regarding attraction to the position; working for nine bosses; current work; and MUNIS. C. Milinazzo questioned him regarding first days on job to get up to speed; current business; grants; and review of independent audit done. C. Elliott questioned him regarding reconciliation of cash; areas of accomplishments on his resume; working on City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 3 of 3) management letter; and reports. C. Rourke questioned him regarding prior municipal experience; reporting on private companies; and identifying discrepancies. C. Belanger questioned him regarding prior positions; and challenges of the job. C. Samaras questioned him regarding supervision ability; handling criticism; municipal experience; and working with City Council in conjunction with department heads. M. Kennedy questioned him regarding city audits done by his firm; start date; supervision ability; meetings attendance; and second job. Mr. Linnehan provided Council with closing remarks. M. Kennedy commented on the procedure going forward. C. Belanger noted there should be a vote. Motion by C. Leahy, seconded by C. Mercier to vote on selection of the City Auditor for March 8, 2016. So voted. ADJOURNMENT 2. - Time for meeting to stand adjourned. Motion to adjourn by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Samaras. So voted. Adjourn at 8:30 PM. Submitted by: Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov