Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee

PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing was conducted by the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee on Wednesday, August 03, 2011 at 7:40 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Vice Chairman Kathy Vitale presided. Members of the Committee present: Alderman Kathy Vitale, Vice Chairman Alderman Arthur T. Craffey, Jr. Alderman Paul M. Chasse, Jr. Members Not in Attendance: Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons, Chairman Also in Attendance: Alderman-at-Large David W.Deane Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly Chairman Vitale Alderman Clemons sent in a message. He is away on vacation. I believe everybody has a message attached to their agenda. R-11-139 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CHARTER RELATIVE TO FILLING VACANCIES IN THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS, AND BOARD OF EDUCATION Alderman Deane I believe our ordinances require an explanation of the resolution that is to be brought forth to the public hearing by someone that is intimately close to it. I believe that would be Alderman Melizzi- Golja, would give a description. Although there is not a throng of folks here to listen, it is still part of our ordinances anyway. I think it is a good thing so at least people listening and watching at home would understand. Chairman Vitale If Alderman Melizzi-Golja would like to give an explanation. Alderman Melizzi-Golja Thank you Alderman Vitale. I would just say that the letter from Alderman Clemons dated July 28, 2011 also provides an explanation, and I assume that this information will be available to the public also and posted. As everyone knows, Mr. Kelley resigned from the Board of Education, and so there needs to be an election to fill the vacancy that was left as a result of his resignation, and that election will occur in November along with the regular election. In looking at that situation, Mr. Hallowell, the Chair of the Board of Education, approached me and he and the City Clerk Mr. Bergeron and I had conversations about concerns about making sure voters’ wishes were clearly reflected in the results of that election because the way the Charter stands and what will happen in November is that voters will receive two ballots; one for the regular election, which will have Board of Education members on it and a second ballot to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Kelley. What could happen, depending upon who is on each of those ballots, is you could have someone PEDC-Public Hrgs – 04/19/11 Page 2 elected to fill two-months of a vacancy who will not go on to fill the position on the regular board. In working with the City Clerk this Charter amendment was proposed so that whoever is the top vote getter in the regular election would then fill the vacancy. That is what is being proposed. As Alderman Clemons outlined, it is just going to streamline the process and certainly save money in terms of special elections to fill vacancies. This resolution will also include the Board of Aldermen, the Board of Public Works, the Fire Commission along with the Board of Education. Chairman Vitale Does anybody have any questions at all? Even though there is nobody in the audience I will go ahead and ask the questions: TESTIMONY IN FAVOR – None TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION – None TESTIMONY IN FAVOR – None TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION – None The Public Hearing was declared closed at 7:43 p.m. Alderman Arthur T. Craffey, Jr. Committee Clerk