At-large City Councilor Cindy C. Harris (WNG File Photo)
WESTFIELD – A Special City Council meeting was held Thursday to address the resignation of Treasurer/Tax Collector Meghan Kane.
“I have reluctantly accepted the resignation of our Treasurer/Collector. However I support everything about the purpose,” said Mayor Brian P. Sullivan before the meeting. “The City Council is the appointing authority and therefore they are making the decisions, using Legal support, for setting a process of how a new Treasurer/Collector will be hired. The Mayor’s office will be ready to proceed once the Council process is done,” the Mayor added.
Personnel Action Committee chair Cindy C. Harris made a motion to authorize the creation of a screening committee, to include representatives from the personnel, law and audit departments, and if they so choose an outside professional.
During the discussion, At-large Councilor Dave Flaherty said he didn’t see any reason for the Law Department to be involved, and added that he wanted council representation on the committee.
At-large Councilor Brent B. Bean, II said this was the composition of the screening committee during the previous search. Ward 5 Councilor Robert A. Paul, Sr. said he also didn’t see a reason for the Law Department to be on the committee, and Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski said it would be to give a legal opinion, if needed.
Flaherty said they shouldn’t be on the committee, but should be available for a legal opinion. He offered an amendment to include personnel, the city auditor, past treasurers, and a member of the Finance and Long Range Finance committees.
Ward 3 Councilor Andrew K. Surprise said he supported Flaherty’s amendment, and suggested that an exit interview with Kane be a part of the process.
“I will object to anything except exactly as it comes from the Law Department,” said Harris. Paul referred back to Babinski’s statement, and agreed that having them present would speed the process, in case there is a question.
“Last time, the selection committee did a fantastic job, and (City Solicitor) Sue Phillips was a part of it,” Bean said.
At-large City Councilor David Flaherty (WNG File Photo)
“I just want to make sure that if we have ten candidates, the people on the committee have the (financial) experience,” Flaherty said, and added having a member of the Personnel Action Committee to his amendment at the suggestion of several councilors.
“I don’t want to change the way it’s written. We can make recommendations on what we’re looking for. I’m not sure about putting councilors on the screening committee. I’m saying, let the screening committee do their job without councilors involved,” said Ward 6 Councilor William Onyski.
“I do concur with Councilor Flaherty. I think it’s important for somebody from the council (to be on it),” said At-large Councilor Nicholas J. Morganelli. Jr.
Harris said the Law Department should be included to present any and all objections that arise.
“That’s exactly why I don’t want them on the committee,” Flaherty said, adding, “There are councilors that will do exactly as they say.”
“I think you underestimate the members of this committee,” said Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy, adding that they cannot be “hoodwinked” to do what the Law Department will say.
“If we have personnel, audit, Finance Committee, Long-Range Finance, and Personnel Action, that’s five, plus two former treasurers, that makes sense, numbers-wise,” said At-large Councilor Matthew Emmershy, adding, “I do think it’s imperative that a member of the Finance and Long-Range Finance be there.”
“I certainly wouldn’t want to see it council heavy,” said Morganelli, adding that seven to nine members makes a good-sized committee.
The motion as amended passed, 7 to 6.
Harris then made a second motion to ask the Law and Personnel Departments to review the job descriptions and ensure they comply with all current laws, which passed.
