Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Online only
This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.
What happened
11 items of legislation were taken up.
- 6 recommended to be approved
- 3 kept in committee
- 1 accepted
- 1 recommended to be placed on file
Agenda 11 items
Notices from the agenda
This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Ewen-Campen at 6:31 pm and adjourned at 7:37 pm on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Pineda Neufeld, Clingan, Strezo, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed, and 0 absent. Councilor Clingan joined the meeting at 6:45 pm. Others present: Charles Breen - Fire Chief, Shumeane Benford - Police Chief, Public Safety Consultant for the Housing Authority - Charles Femino, Madalyn Letellier - Legislative Services Manager.
There was a discussion about the reappointment process before reviewing any candidates. It was clarified that these positions are not considered Civil Service, with appointments made by Chief Femino through the Mayor as special officers. Historically, reappointments were not made annually, but background checks were submitted to the previous mayor’s administration. However, after discrepancies were found when Mr. Femino returned as Chief in 2021, it was decided that reappointments would be presented to the committee more regularly moving forward. An indemnification agreement was also established, ensuring that officers are not considered city employees, and that an insurance policy is in place to protect the city from any legal repercussions of their actions. Councilor McLaughlin raised the issue of approving or rejecting candidates, and Mr. Femino explained that the process is new, involving the Law office and the Somerville Housing Legal Team. He noted that the current officers have been employed for many years and are in good standing. Chair Ewen-Campen asked about the role of the Councilors in the process, and Chief Benford clarified that the Mayor is the legal appointing authority, with the law governing the process. Regarding complaints about officers, it was explained that complaints would go to the Director of Housing, who would forward them to Mr. Femino for investigation before any disciplinary actions are taken. Chair Ewen-Campen inquired if complaint records could be reviewed in an executive session, and Mr. Femino clarified that, for the officers before the committee, there are no written complaints. Going forward, a process will be implemented to keep records, allowing Councilors to review them prior to reappointments. Councilor McLaughlin asked if the vote before the committee was impacted by any of these factors. Chair Ewen-Campen and Councilor Clingan agreed that they would like to seek an opinion from the Solicitor’s office before proceeding with a vote. All Councilors agreed. Lastly, Councilor Pineda Neufeld asked if the Housing Authority is bound by the Welcoming City ordinance, which prohibits cooperation with ICE. Mr. Femino confirmed that the same policies in place for the Somerville Police Department also apply to Somerville Housing Officers.
(Posted online: 3/2825 at 3:15 PM)
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_d9k2rkemQM6eTF4XJyS98g 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 March 5, 2025.
Roll call: 5 aye
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAye
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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2.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Saulnier to the position of Fire Captain.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Breen spoke to the candidate for promotion, who is currently serving as an acting captain. The Chief highlighted the candidate\rquote s qualifications, including his education and active involvement in the community. Chair Ewen-Campen asked how long the candidate had been acting in the role and what distinguishes being a captain. Mr. Sauliner, the candidate, responded that he has been acting as captain for about two years and shared the extensive knowledge he has gained since working in the fire prevention department, along with the valuable skills he has developed during that time.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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3.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Mark Wall to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Breen introduced the candidate that is currently acting as Lieutenant on Engine 6. Mr. Barry expressed his gratitude for being part of the fire department. When Chair Ewen-Campen asked how long he has been an acting captain, Mr. Barry shared that it has been about three years, during which he has filled in for long-term leave, vacancies, or retirements.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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4.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Patrick Barry to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Breen introduced the candidate that is currently acting as Lieutenant on Engine 6. Mr. Barry expressed his gratitude for being part of the fire department. When Chair Ewen-Campen asked how long he has been an acting captain, Mr. Barry shared that it has been about three years, during which he has filled in for long-term leave, vacancies, or retirements.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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5.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Joseph Laudano to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Breen shared the candidate has been a member of the fire department since 2015, is an EMT, has a bachelor\rquote s degree from Temple University, has worked as a football coach, and has experience in both the Recreation and Department of Public Works(DPW). He is currently serving as an acting lieutenant in the Homeland Security Division.\par When Chair Ewen-Campen asked what it means to serve in the homeland security role, Mr. Laudano explained that his duties include checking meters for radiation calibration to detect any unusual occurrences in the city, managing grants, and taking the opportunity to learn more in this field.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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6.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Troy Saulnier to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Breen shared that the candidate has been a member of the fire department since 2017, is an EMT, holds an associate's degree in fire science, coaches hockey at Somerville High School, and is currently acting captain on Engine 6.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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7.
Requesting confirmation of the promotion of Eric Collins to the position of Fire Lieutenant.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Chief Breen introduced the candidate, stating that he has been a member of the fire department since 2018, is an EMT, holds a bachelor\rquote s degree in criminal justice, and is currently serving as an acting lieutenant on Engine 2.\par \pard\f1\par }
Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
- Ben Ewen-CampenAye
- Matthew McLaughlinAye
- Kristen StrezoAye
- Jesse ClinganAbsent
- Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
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8.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Sean Browne as Somerville Housing Authority Police Officer.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 Mr. Femino introduced the candidate, who has been a member of the department for 30 years, joining Somerville Housing in 2007, and works the evening shift. EC asked the candidate to speak about his experience, and Officer Browne described the job as feeling like a family and shared that the city\rquote s diverse community makes his work enjoyable every day.\par Councilor McLaughlin inquired how Officer Browne handles the city\rquote s diverse population. He explained that while there is a learning curve, approaching people with compassion is key. When asked about precautions taken while driving, Officer Browne emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings and driving safely through the streets.\par Councilor Clingan asked about an average shift, and Officer Browne responded that no two shifts are the same, as the work is call-based, and he tries to contact each constituent and building.\par Councilor Pineda Neufeld asked how Officer Browne works with residents whose first language is not English. He explained that he collaborates with the Somerville Police Department (SPD), who have officers on shifts that speak various languages. If that\rquote s not an option, they use a language line, and if that\rquote s unavailable, they try to connect with neighbors or relatives to assist in communication, exploring various solutions.\par \pard\f1\par }
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9.
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Michael De Bethencourt as Somerville Housing Authority Police Officer.
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10.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alfred William Rymill III as Somerville Housing Authority Police Officer.
{\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-328\slmult0\tx720\tx2640\cf1\f0\fs24 The candidate, who graduated from UMass Lowell in 2010, has been serving as a housing police officer since 2019. When asked about his experience, he described the work as community-oriented and noted the diversity in the area, where he is exposed to many different backgrounds and gets to know everyone by name, building strong relationships.\par Councilor McLaughlin asked how the candidate deals with the city\rquote s diverse population. Mr. Rymill emphasized that he treats everyone the same, regardless of their background. When asked about caution while driving and traffic safety, the candidate explained that they try to obey and enforce the rules of the road, while also being available to assist the Somerville Police Department (SPD) when needed.\par Councilor Pineda Neufeld inquired about working with residents whose first language is not English. The candidate echoed the approach of the previous officer, explaining that communication with diverse populations is key, and using resources like language lines or working with SPD officers who speak different languages helps bridge any gaps.\par Councilor Clingan asked about what an average shift looks like, and the candidate shared similar thoughts of the previous answer.\par \pard\f1\par }
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11.
Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Alfred Rymill III as Housing Authority Police Officer.