Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 6 PM

Agenda 6 items

1. 1.
   22-1459 Order Recommended to be marked work completed

   That the City Solicitor update this Council on the 8/11/22 Civil Service Commission decision Fairchild, Matthew v. City of Somerville, and the impact on the confirmations process.

   {\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\f0\fs24 Chair Pineda Neufeld asked Mr. Zessin how he would recommend the committee shift its appointment process after this decision. Mr. Zessin explained that the Civil Service Commission was trying to balance Matthew Fairchild\rquote s rights with the Council\rquote s right to review appointments. They did not state that the Confirmation of Appointments committee could not conduct a review, but there needs to be good reason when bypassing a candidate. He said that their ruling affects the scope and direction of review. He also talked about how the anti-discrimination statute and the Americans with Disabilities Act impose more restrictions on the city as a whole than Chapter 31, which is the statute referred to by the commission.\par \par Councilor Strezo asked how much this case will cost the city, and about the viability of executive sessions. Mr. Zessin said that he could get the cost information for Councilor Strezo at another time. He also replied that the appellant would have certain rights to the discussion that led to the bypass appeal.\par \par Councilor Wilson asked if the political considerations from the ruling refer to the stance of not approving police appointments in the wake of George Floyd\rquote s death. Mr. Zessin said that he did not know, but the fact that a councilor made that statement did not help the case. The commission\rquote s purpose is to make sure decisions are made only based on merit. Councilor Wilson asked if the ruling leaves any sort of role for this committee in appointments for civil service commissions. Mr. Zessin said that he thought there is still a role, but that it is a \ldblquote moving target\rdblquote . Assistant City Solicitor Piques summarized that the Civil Service Commission will be looking for candidates to be reviewed on their own merit.\par \cf1\f1\par }

2. 2.
   22-0209 Order Kept in committee

   That the Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters discuss and revise the process for reviewing appointments and re-appointments.

   {\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson asked if the sequencing of the appointment process should be changed. If so, it would need to be a full City Council discussion. Councilor Strezo commented that this topic had been addressed before, and that the councilors on the Confirmation of Appointments committee make the decisions to bring to the full council. Chair Pineda Neufeld said that she preferred to make a decision on this item when all committee members are present.\par \cf1\f1\par }

3. 3.
   22-1087 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Neeraj Wadhera to the Council on Aging.

   {\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\f0\fs24 Dir. Speliotis spoke to Ms. Wadhera\rquote s history in Somerville and long-time experience at Fidelity. Councilor Wilson asked the candidate what Somerville could do better for seniors. Ms. Wadhera said that her observations are limited to her visits to the Senior Center, but that there should be a choice of activities that would engage a diverse group of seniors. \par \cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 3 aye · 2 absent

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jesse ClinganAbsent
   • Charlotte KellyAbsent
   • Kristen StrezoAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye

   • 📎 Letter of Interest, Neeraji Wadhera
4. 4.
   22-1512 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Lamia Mamoon to the 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\f0\fs24 Councilor Wilson asked the candidate how libraries can continue to innovate in Somerville. Ms. Mamoon spoke to her experience in the field of biotechnology and how that informs her connections between reading and good health. She said she would like to see libraries incorporate therapy and assistance animals. Councilor Wilson asked for one lesser-known service provided by libraries. Ms. Mamoon said that device lending programs are key.\par \par Councilor Strezo asked one thing that the candidate would change in Somerville libraries in 5-10 years. Ms. Mamoon said that she would like to get to know the community better. Chair Pineda Neufeld asked if there are any other improvements to make, to which Ms. Mamoon suggested a mix of virtual and in-person events - as well as fun and whimsy.\par \cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 3 aye · 2 absent

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jesse ClinganAbsent
   • Charlotte KellyAbsent
   • Kristen StrezoAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye

   • 📎 Lamia Mamoon - SPL Board of Trustees - Statement of Interest
5. 5.
   22-1513 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Janaki Perera to the 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\f0\fs24 Dir. Piantigini commented that Ms. Perera is a perfect fit for the board. Councilor Wilson asked the candidate how libraries can continue to innovate in Somerville. Ms. Perera said that the Somerville library has a program for sending resources home, but that the library should expand device lending services. Councilor Wilson asked for one lesser-known service provided by libraries, to which Ms. Perera replied with museum passes.\par \par Councilor Strezo asked one thing that the candidate would change in Somerville libraries in 5-10 years. Ms. Perera said she would increase knowledge of current services. Chair Pineda Neufeld asked if there are any other improvements to make, to which Ms. Perera suggested a Kindle loan program.\par \cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 3 aye · 2 absent

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jesse ClinganAbsent
   • Charlotte KellyAbsent
   • Kristen StrezoAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye

   • 📎 Janaki Perera - SPL Board of Trustees - Statement of Interest
6. 6.
   22-1510 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting confirmation of the appointment of Mark Sternman to the 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\f0\fs24 Dir. Piantigini spoke to Mr. Sternman\rquote s work experience and involvement in activities around Somerville. Councilor Wilson asked the candidate how libraries can continue to innovate in Somerville. Mr. Sternman suggested libraries offer CharlieCards. He also talked about equity and how Somerville libraries can stand up for free expression - perhaps hosting forums on controversial local topics, such as safe consumption sites - in a time when some libraries are banning books. Councilor Wilson asked for one lesser-known service provided by libraries, to which Mr. Sternman replied with the myriad of services provided by libraries, such as musical instrument lending and even tax help. Libraries should present these opportunities in a way that does not overwhelm users.\par \par Councilor Strezo asked one thing that the candidate would change in Somerville libraries in 5-10 years. Mr. Sternman said to do as much as possible to make services available, including governmental services such as license renewal. Chair Pineda Neufeld asked if there are any other improvements to make, to which Mr. Sternman suggested bringing back periodicals.\par \cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 3 aye · 2 absent

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jesse ClinganAbsent
   • Charlotte KellyAbsent
   • Kristen StrezoAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye

   • 📎 Mark Sternman - SPL Board of Trustees - Letter of Interest
   • 📎 Mark Sternman - SPL Board of Trustees - Resume