WESTFIELD – The appointment of Carissa M. Lisee of Chicopee for a three-year position as Superintendent of Buildings was sent to the Personnel Committee at Thursday’s City Council meeting, along with several other appointments.
Lisee is Mayor Brian P. Sullivan’s choice to fill the position which has been vacant since Jonathan Flagg resigned from the post last August.
Former Mayor Daniel Knapik had recommended Donald R. Torrico of Great Barrington for the position in November, pending approval by the City Council. The Personnel Committee submitted the appointment of Torrico to the City Council for approval at its meeting on Jan. 21; however, the Council voted down the appointment by 11-2, with Knapik, in his role as At-large Councilor, and At-large Councilor Cindy Harris, chair of the Personnel Committee dissenting.
Currently, Lisee is serving as the Building Commissioner and Zoning Officer for the town of Granby. Prior to this position, she served as Assistant Building Commission for Chicopee. She has been certified as a Building Commissioner by the state, and a Building Official through the International Code Council.
Westfield City Solicitor Susan Phillips said six individuals were interviewed for the position, and two recommended to the Mayor, who then made the decision to send Lisee’s name forward. At present, Springfield Deputy Building Superintendent Mark Hebert is handling the duties of Superintendent of Buildings for Westfield and overseeing the department through mutual aid. He also participated in the interviews, according to Phillips.
Other appointments sent to the Personnel Committee at Thursday’s meeting included Shanna R. Reed to the position of 1st Assistant City Solicitor for a term of three years, filling a vacancy left by Brian Curry. Also referred were Thomas H. Pereira’s appointment to the Board of Public Works, Jack Labbe as a Westfield Technical Academy representative to the Youth Commission, Eleanor (Elli) Meyer as a member of the Off-Street Parking Commission, and Katherine Zavras-Bentrewicz as a member of the Cultural Council.
