Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 7 PM
Online only
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
10 items of legislation were taken up.
- 8 recommended to be approved
- 1 accepted
- 1 recommended to be discharged with no recommendation
Agenda 10 items
Notices from the agenda
The meeting took place virtually via Zoom and was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chair Pineda Neufeld and adjourned at 8:02 PM on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Mbah, Sait, Burnley, McLaughlin and Pineda Neufeld), none against and none absent. Others present: Chief Fire Engineer Charles Breen, SFD Deputy Chief Sean Tierney, Director of Human Resources Anne Gill, Hannah Carrillo – Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese – Legislative Clerk. .
(Posted online: 3/25/24 at 8:30 AM)
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ERHEmQURwO9ZndQNQFqrQ Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
In keeping with the decisions of the Civil Service Commission, this committee is required to consider candidates for civil service positions solely on the basis of their relative ability, knowledge, and skills. The commission’s decisions and basic merit principles outlined in the Personnel Administrations rules prohibit the arbitrary and capricious rejection of a candidate, including for political reasons, and demand a standard of “neutrally applied public policy” as guidance for our review. Committee members are encouraged to adhere to this standard while considering all candidates, regardless of civil service status.
Roll Call
Note: The Committee may meet in Executive Session to review protected personnel information or to discuss matters related to individual candidates pursuant to MGL c30A s21(a)(1).
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1.
Approval of the Minutes of the Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee Meeting of January 31, 2024.
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAbsent
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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2.
City Clerk requesting confirmation of the appointment of Natasha Frazier to the position of Assistant Clerk of Committees.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 TimesNewRoman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\li1\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx722\tx2760\f0\fs24 City Clerk Wells introduced candidate Natasha Frazier and gave a brief summary of her experience. Councilor Mbah gave a glowing endorsement of the candidate based on her performance in the position, so far.\par \pard\qj\f1 Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\f0\fs20\par \pard\cf1\f2\fs24\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAbsent
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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3.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Sergio Rodriguez to the position of Firefighter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, Sergio Rodriguez and said that he was a graduate of Somerville High School and holds an associate degree from Bunker Hill Community College. \par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate why he wanted to be a fire fighter and Mr. Rodriguez replied that it\rquote s what he\rquote s always wanted to do.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what the candidate is looking forward to and what he sees as being a challenge. Mr. Rodriguez replied that he looks forward to helping people and gaining experience in the position.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\f1\fs20\par \pard\cf1\f0\fs24\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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4.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of William Deeks to the position of Firefighter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, William Deeks and said that he holds a bachelor\rquote s degree from Lesley College.\par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate why he wanted to be a fire fighter and Mr. Deeks said that he met many people from the city while working as a chef in Davis Square and he wanted to do more for them and the city.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what the candidate is looking forward to and what he sees as being a challenge. Mr. Deeks responded by saying that he\rquote s looking forward to serving the community and making a difference.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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5.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Nicholas Cantone to the position of Firefighter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, Nicholas Cantone and said that he is a licensed construction supervisor and that will be helpful in the performance of his duties.\par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate why he wanted to be a fire fighter and Mr. Cantone replied that he wants to serve and give back to the community.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what the candidate is looking forward to and what he sees as being a challenge. Mr. Cantone said that he\rquote s a \lquote hands on\rquote person and he thinks that his construction background will help him to perform the challenging job of a fire fighter.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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6.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of John Tivinis to the position of Firefighter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, Tivinis who is an auto mechanic in a family business in the city and who is also pursuing a degree in Fire Science.\par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate why he wanted to be a fire fighter and Mr. Tivinis said it was his dream job and having grown up in Somerville, he wanted to serve the Somerville community and give back to it.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what the candidate is looking forward to and what he sees as being a challenge and Mr. Tivinis replied that he\rquote s excited to be going into the field and learning more about the city and \lquote learning the ropes\rquote of the job.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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7.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Jack Haigis to the position of Firefighter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, Jack Haigis who holds a master\rquote s degree in Fire Rescue Executive Leadership and who served as a fire fighter in Arlington ,VA.\par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate why he wanted to be a fire fighter and Mr. Haigis replied that his father was a fire fighter. He went on to say that he likes working with hands so he got a degree in Mechanical Engineering and then secured a fire fighting position in the small town where he grew up. He said that he moved to Somerville and fell in love with the community.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what the candidate is looking forward to and what he sees as a challenge. Mr. Haigis replied that he\rquote s eager to learn more about fire fighting in a densely populated city with older houses.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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8.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Derek Doane to the position of Firefighter.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, Derek Doane who is a graduate of Somerville High School, served in the U.S. Army and works as an electrical apprentice.\par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate why he wanted to be a fire fighter. Mr. Doane said that he grew up in Somerville, as did his parents and grandparents and always wanted to be a fire fighter and help people.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what the candidate is looking forward to and what he sees as a challenge and Mr. Doane said that he\rquote s looking forward to learning new things and ways to help people.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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9.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Kenneth Silva to the position of Fire Deputy Chief.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chief Breen presented the candidate, District Chief Kenneth Silva, who joined the department in 2006 and is currently serving as Acting Deputy Chief. D.C. Silva is an Air Force veteran, a registered nurse, and holds a master\rquote s degree in Public Administration Emergency Services.\par Councilor Mbah asked the candidate what some of the things are he would change and where he sees the department going and how he would bring it to that next level. D.C. Silva explained that serving in his current position has presented a higher level of challenges. Now, he deals with the variety of development being built in the city and is trying to add technological changes in the fire safety office. Additionally, being a senior officer, he looks forward to taking on more responsibility. Councilor Mbah asked about his leadership style and D.C. Silva said he tries to be a hybrid leader, i.e., not an autocrat, but not a pushover either. He likes to be charismatic and get people to work for him because they want to, not because he told them to. He gave credit to the people in his office for the amount of work that is getting done, rather than to himself.\par Chair Pineda Neufeld asked what challenges might be ahead for him and the department and D.C. Silva said that it\rquote s important to be competent by keeping up with the latest developments in fire fighting, e.g., lithium ion batteries, and to be calm and when directing fire fighters on scene. He said that there\rquote s a lot of homework to do to keep up as a student of the city in order to be aware of what\rquote s going on. He said that he\rquote s excited about taking on more responsibility.\par \pard\qj Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that the appointment would not be official until it is approved by the City Council at its next meeting on April 11, 2024.\par \par \pard\cf1\f1\par }
Roll call: 5 aye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
- Naima SaitAye
- Wilfred N. MbahAye
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10.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Anandavalli Thiagarajan to the Public Library Board of Trustees.
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2760\f0\fs24 Chair Pineda Neufeld explained that there will not be an interview for this position and that the item will be reported out without a recommendation so that the full Council may vote on it.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }