like to call the uh meeting back to order. All right. So, um if you guys don't mind, I I'd like to take one item out of order. That's item 11 643,
a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Josh Cormier to a position of director of purchasing civil enforcement for term expiring August 21st, 2028. >> I appreciate you doing that. might have been a mistake. I got a lot to say. >> Report from the mayor.
>> Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Uh I am very happy with Mr. Cormier's uh job progress that he's made in the uh director of purchasing and civil enforcement position. Um making sure that the city stays in line with all of the requirements of 30B, 149, and 3039M.
Uh he's uh really made sure that every I gets dotted, every T gets crossed, and then double checks to make sure that that is the case in most of the thing all of the things that he works for. really streamlining the purchasing processes that we have for us here in the city, working with the various uh different state agencies, state laws, and different procedures and policies,
making sure that the employees are aware of those uh on an annual basis for the fiscal year closeouts and everything that comes in between. Uh I think he's uh been a real big asset to the city. He also just recently hosted uh a uh conference for lack of a better term uh
more of a um trade show in some cases for the uh OSD office from the inspector generals that's the state contracts office um for us to have that here in gardener. Um I think he's uh also done a good job with making sure that things have been uh really held to date when it
comes to us selling properties, making sure those follow all the right procedures, processes, outlines, laws. Uh same thing when it comes to civil enforcement and his role in those matters uh through his work with the parking meters uh updates that we had that were here as well. Um he's really been someone who's been nassed to us here in the city let alone and that's
above and beyond his uh film leaison uh side appointment as well but I'll let him speak for himself too but I'm happy to put him forward for a reappoint. Thank you. >> Uh would you like to do you guys want me to go through some stuff or would you rather ask questions? You I don't know. It's been a while since I did this. So,
but I I mean I can give you as brief as I can. >> We like you to introduce yourself at a >> Sure. Sure. Again, as the mayor said, I'm Josh Cormier. I'm the director of purchasing and civil enforcement. I've been in that role since councelor Kazinskus was the mayor. Uh no, it's been even before that. It's been six
years now, so this will be my my uh second reappoint, but it's been a a real honor to work for the city. Uh as you know, I've been around for a little while. Um, you know, as the mayor pointed out, the purchasing department's main role is to uh uh to make sure that the decision-making process when it
comes to purchasing as well as soliciting bids and services is done according to law uh both uh federal and state law as well as local ordinance. Um it's we're required to have a a fair and open and competitive process. Uh
basically just for general uh points, uh if anything is purchased in the city that's more than a dollar by the school department, it comes to us. More than a thousand, it comes to us. That process involves somebody submitting a requisition, going through a review process to ensure the budget's there. Coming to us, we make sure there's
compliance. Uh just some numbers, just some stats. uh from 20 FY23 to FY25 we did 7,2022 purchases purchase orders sorry for 130,525,000 and some change in FY26 so far we've
done 955 purchase orders for 22,000 um the other main aspect of it is contracts so anything more than $10,000 is required by Mass General law to do contracts basically I'm initiating the contract process um also initiating the contract if there's an engine engine
isn't an engineer involved. Um, I'm going through the execution process and then once it's fully executed, it goes on to the project uh to the management uh department. Um, in FY23 to FY25, we did 260 contracts for almost $13
million. In FY26, we've done 21 contracts for just just over a million. Um again, uh just to point out, we review everything through master law and local ordinance. We also instituted a paperless process about 5 years ago.
When it comes to the purchase order purchase orders, I'm I'm kind of nerdy in my um how proud I am of how much paper we haven't used. Uh as of this time, over the last three years, we've saved the city 8,637
sheets of paper at minimum. that doesn't include supporting documentation. Uh again, we run into three laws. Um 30B, Uniform Procurement Act, 3039M, which is horizontal construction, 149 is vertical construction. We also have the local
policies. The one change on the council uh updated the city charter. It removed some of the requirements that we had. um we're allowed to do a more restrictive um uh ordinance locally and we have said that anything construction related if it's $5,000 or more will require a
contract and that's done to protect the city and any liability on construction projects. Uh so that's the one thing that we have um that's atypical to master law. Um, just some other things. Again, I don't know how much we're supposed to talk, but I just just for stats purposes cuz obviously the
department is is number driven. Uh, from FY23 to FY25, we did 80 86 public solicitation processes which include things like uh school food services, downtown improvements, phase 3 and 4, high school tennis court rehab, uh, demolition of 205213 Maine, demolition
of the Greenwood Pool. Uh we also, as the mayor alluded to, we've done real estate dispositions at 142 150 Parker, 177 West Street, 75 East Broadway, 62 Waterford Street, Unit B, 94 Pleasant Street, and we've uh put out 73 Stewart
Stewart Street twice, 53 Stu, sorry, School Street once, 62 Waterford Street, unit C twice, FY26, we've done the city all upgrades, Waterford dorm ramp, salshed, uh 53 school street again, which received received two submissions,
130 that had none. I think I I've broken the record for the most real estate sales through a proc purchasing department in the city, but I'll leave that. Um, again, process requires the forming of specs and plans for pro prospective bids, public posting, receipt related questions, uh, and
issuing agenda, opening of bids, review of low bids, communication with selected responsible and responsive bidder, execution of contract, and communication with non-awwardes. At this current time, there are 10 in some point of that process. Um, that's purchasing, civil enforcement, as the mayor alluded to.
I'm also I serve as the municipal hearings officer for civil enforcement as well as the parking clerk. Just some numbers related to that because I don't want to bore you with my whole A pages, but um, since my last reappoint, there's been 2003 parking violations issued. 645
of those came this calendar year. 225 for parking on sidewalks, 586 code red bands, 208 obstructing, interfering with snow removal. We received 1794 payments at 55,000, a little over that. Um, and overall civil enforcement violations
which include health part um building, fire, police. Uh we've done uh 71,000 and some change for receipt. We've also held two municipal hearings, one for a parking appeal, one for a building appeal. and we've dealt with the dog license processing uh in conjunction
with the city clerk's office. Basically, for us, um there's a date you've got to license your dog, there's a late fee, the second late fee comes, and then it goes to court. We come into those last two. They come for us for the second late fee as well as the court. Uh last
thing, uh real quickly, I just wanted to summarize just a couple of things that have gone well over the last three years. Um, in November 22, I was lucky enough to hire Amy Levasser as as the assistant in the department. I mean, I call her the assistant. I think she was titled the administrative assistant at
that time. Um, she's since become MCPO designated. Uh, she's also gone above and beyond doing other things for the city like the city's flower pot project. Um, for years I was requesting a second position with the department be made an assistant director which wasn't approved.
You know, things things were there. it couldn't be approved. Uh we were able to make her the executive coordinator which allows her to do some other things like um that purchase order processing prior to uh earlier this year was always converted at the end by me. If somebody
wanted to buy something and I was on vacation, they couldn't. So now Amy can convert in an emergency. She can also help with the credit cards. Uh we do a procurement card process within the city. Every department has a procurement card. Sorry, most departments have a procurement card. There's a limit. if
the limit needs to be raised, it always went to me. Now Amy can do that, too. Um, last thing about Amy, I just want to point out, uh, she worked with the DPW and Gov deals on a project that she was assigned or that she took uh, leadership on. Uh, they auctioned off 23 items. Uh,
we made about $39,000 in sales and we saved some money on insurance payments that were being made for vehicles. Uh, some other successes just real quickly, sorry. Um, I've also been named a mentor for a MCPO designate a designated employee in the town of Danvers, which
means I'm getting uh learning credits by mentoring somebody who's a newly designated employee. The mayor alluded to the supply diversity office partner and partners in progress program. Uh, supply diversity office helps to ensure that minority businesses, women business, and other disadvantaged
businesses um receive contracts um and are looked at um favorably. So we worked out a a a program where they came in, they combined vendors with contract holders. Uh that was held at the PACC. Um there was probably a couple dozen
people if not more. Uh also talked about the parking meters. Uh just was tasked with doing that as the parking clerk. Uh we went from having meters that um batteries were dying, solar wasn't working, wasn't connecting to the Wi-Fi, and we were paying to offer an option of
credit card purchases, which was costing us more than we were receiving. Uh we worked out a um we we worked with uh solicitation of quotes. Uh got Palm Inc. involved, which did our original or our old meters. Um, we were able to buy
replacement meters, replacement parts, and we were able to fix the meters with the help of the DPW and erecting them. Mayor's office helped with the park mobile app that allows people to pay for their from their phone app with a credit card. Uh, two last things. One is film.
Uh, yeah, it's a small passion of mine because I'm an old Blockbuster geek. Uh, we did set up a film page which sol which advertises the city in a different way. Um, we had Castle Rock and Dexter come through. Figured it was a good time. Worked with the mayor's office,
established the page. Last summer, we had a big success story with Bolio, The Spirit of the Mustang, uh, which is a new comedy film that should be out next year. I'm going to have a full financial impact on that. Uh, the goal is to get that static economic boost now and then hopefully tourism in the future. They
did leave behind some things that are posted some places. Last thing, I got my MCPPO designation this year and I won't uh expire that designation doesn't expire until December 24th, 2028. Just to conclude, that's a lot to say and before you guys ask me questions, I
just want to reiterate how honored honored I am to work for the city. Uh this is basically my 25th year through elected in a hired office. Um and I couldn't be prouder to work for the city. Um, I also just want to point out, I don't know if you guys I your recess
stuff, my last appointment did expire three days ago. Um, I don't know what's going to happen, but obviously it would be nice to have the new expiration expire 3 days from the the actual approval if I get approved. Um, so anyway, I just point that out. But
again, I appreciate the time and um, if so be it, I just love to continue working here. So, >> thank you. >> Thank you. Um, council questions. Uh, council H. >> Thank you both. Thank you very forier. Um, great work overall. I think the
office is running really well. Uh, you luckily answered some of my questions which were some of the things you've streamlined some examples of that, but that was covered. One question I did have though was with the parking meters back with the new app, do you know or if you and the mayor have you had any
conversations around do we need to raise awareness around those given how many violations there have been? and we can do some sort of public service announcement or training on it just to put something out to the public to help alleviate some of that. >> Yeah, we did a we did a press release. Uh we also have it on the website. It's
it's littered all over the parking website. Uh it also was put in one of those blasts that's on the top. Uh I will say that it's gotten tremendously better. I think those first couple of months again we were building habits because really we didn't have parking meters from the pandemic on because even
before they started to die in 2020 we stopped doing parking violations because nobody could go downtown and then 2021 we were we said let's encourage people to go downtown so we didn't we didn't do any violations so all of a sudden we started doing them and yeah there was you know it's a habit learning process
>> and I think that was also on our end too because there were some things with the parking mobile app where if the officer put in if it was 1 2 3 XYZ and they put in 1 123 X Y, it wouldn't see that somebody paid. So some of those violation abatements we've done because
of human error as well. Um so yeah, I agree. we could we could probably look at again next year once we because we're going to go through the process I would assume of the holiday season like that's been historic and then maybe after the holiday season just a reminder you know
as we get back in maybe just reiterate what we tried to teach them the last time too I don't think it's a bad idea overcommunication is the best thing as you can tell because I talked too much but >> no thank you I think it'd be great >> yeah the majority of the tickets came within the first month and a half of the meeting went live
>> which I think we talked about in one of our Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. That's it for me. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Council Kazinskas. >> Thank you, Chucky. Uh, thank you, Director Cormier. I I don't think we've gotten that many apologies in someone's introduction to himself. Um, but we do
welcome it and I appreciate it. I know you've put in a lot of work um to the city as a city council. Appreciate your service there and as well as a member of the staff of the city as well. And I mean, I I totally concur with everything
councelor he said great question from him as well um and you know the mayor adding in the answer that it was in the first month and a half or so I think one thing that was really important about just talking in the parking meter piece is that it was put out there ahead of time that hey January I think it was like 13th or whatever this is when this
is going this is when this is happening and I think that a part of it is recognizing that your best effort has to be put forward it's not going to be perfect you know and like you said there's baitments and those other things are understanding it's just on that piece of Um that was a really big thing is we needed to get that up and moving.
Um >> but I appreciate all of your work on that and you know the transparency and communication as well. >> Uh and you know I've always had a good experience with your office with communicating with you. Um I think Amy does a fantastic job and she's a really big asset uh to your office but as well
as to the building. um just since she's been here and it's nice to have a team, you know, in the office that works collaboratively and also allows you to have someone that can do some of those jobs while you are able to take some downtime as well. Um so I don't have any questions. I think you, you know, gave
us a lot of really good information. I certainly appreciate it because I do think it's important coming out of a department like yours. There is there's a lot of statistics. It's just the way the department is. So I appreciate you sharing them and tracking them in. I will just add to one thing to just respond to your uh so we did uh start the parking meter situation in January
and then we realized that some of the meters weren't working so then we stopped. So, initially in January, we communicated it was going to go live and then we stopped temporarily to make sure that we had all our ducks in a row and then when we went out again, we also communicated a second time, but again,
it's it was a shock to some people and um we understood it and I think the first week or so, we evaded everything. We just Yeah. So, I mean, we tried to do our best because obviously there's an impact on people. Well, I think also with the citizens, and not to harp on this too much, but I think there was
good communication from what I understood from any businesses that had I had stopped in or reached out or whatever, they they were educated on how the meters worked, when they were available, you know, those kinds of things, too. It is obviously with citizens and you get visitors to the community, so you wanted to be clear,
but um the businesses seemed like they had enough information that they needed because it was going to be a change for them as well. And when the customer walks in and says, >> "When do the meter when what do I have to do with the meters right now?" they need to be able to answer that question because regardless of whether they're in charge of them or not, their answer reflects on their business and so I
found that to be really good outreach and I just think that's a reflection of bigger things that come out of your department. So I have no questions. Thank you. I will be supporting the appointment. >> Thank you so much. Uh thank you uh Mr. Cormmy. Um >> I've known you for a long time. Um you
you've definitely given us a lot of information. Um, one of the things that you said, um, and this is before, uh, one last thing and in conclusion three or four times, um, you made a statement about how, you
know, and you referred to it as a nerd type of thing and it was how much paper that you saved >> and in return of you saving the paper that saves the city some money, too. So, that's a great thing and, you know, that's another thing. That's that's
awesome. Yeah, I mean I I think there are a couple of departments that have done the same thing, but I think the idea of doing paperless, whether it's within the purchase order processing or the contract is not only does it save paper, it saves money, it also saves time. When when I first came into the position, the contract process was that
we would send out three copies to every vendor. They would bring it back and then we would hand deliver every contract. Now, if we do it through Docu Sign, you could effectively I could sit here while we're talking, press the signature, and I could sign it while you're sitting here. you could get it done in five minutes if everybody's sitting in front of their phone. So, uh
efficiency and and cost effectiveness and that's what purchasing should be about. We're trying to save we're protecting the taxpayer dollar and uh that's we take some pride in clean audits, saving money. Um but you know, there are times when it's not my budget, so I can't really tell them no if they
comply with the law. So, >> one thing I did want to touch upon is you mentioned your um appointment date and so it is listed on the communication that I received and we had provided during the recess just now um that your
um your appointment had expired October 11th so just a couple days ago. And so it's my understanding Mr. your um weighing on this please is that it is the date that is on the certificate. >> Yeah, it's the date of submission that's been what's done in the past. Yeah.
>> So the date of submission. So that's why like on the item number it's the term expiring August 21st is because these were filed the certificate was filed on August 21st. So my understanding is it expires that day because it's three years from that day. Is that that's
correct based off of what? I just want to make sure I'm citing the correct thing and I want you to have the information. >> So the uh the way that it has been interpreted by the former solicitor, the current solicitor is if the the appointment that the uh
appointee is currently in is valid until the expiration date of when it was confirmed the last time. But if the mayor preemptively or proactively proposes a reappoint and it's filed leading up to that appointment date, then it's at the date of filing for the
next appointment. So the appointment expired 2 days ago, but the new appointment if approved would be from the date 3 years from the date of filing from that original appointment certificate. Okay. So that's why the the date would then move from October 11th to August
uh thank you very much. Uh because that's the date that the new appointment certificate was filed but the active appointment that was voted on was still voted on for the full 3-year period from the original data then uh original submission by the me 3 years ago. >> Thank you. Okay. So well then and so
that's on the opinion of the former city solister and the current city solister. Yes. Okay. So then that would and this is I'm just saying this because we have a discussion item later and I don't want to harp too much but since director Cormier brought it up I think it it does it could apply moving forward to other people in front of us. So what I want to
say is that maybe we could discuss it then but in our last meeting we discussed a possible like 60 to 90 day leave time um before appointments like it's never going to be perfect. It's not always going to be October 11th of every other year because we can't you know be crazy if we were able to meet on
everybody's days. So it would there would be a little bit of change, but we would also want to entertain them. Again, we haven't decided on this. We're discussing it ahead of time. Um just so that it didn't you weren't expired and then an at employee. So um just because there are so many of them something like
a 30 60 90 days or whatever ahead of time, your appointment may move back in the it just will move back in the future here and there. That is to say like you know a year ahead of time or something like that is is a different conversation. But this is, you know, within >> a couple months.
>> Yeah. A couple months of your appointment. And it really is. Um, again, I don't want to, this is not on your item only. But, um, I think that's goes answer your question where I was like, it wouldn't just be that date because it's the date of whenever it's filed and not the >> I mean, I will point out that the last one was filed on November 7th, but it
expired on October 11th. So, the last one was filed, but it wasn't extended to the November 7th. So, >> so, >> so you >> So, the last one was approved on November 7th, but it expired on October 11th. >> Okay. >> So, the last one was approved, but it
was backed. My expiration was backed. >> Okay. >> So, that's kind of gone versus But yeah, >> filing. >> So, what was what's I don't know what's the explanation. >> It could be approval versus I mean, it could be approval versus filing. It just shows that it was >> the date was filed versus >> Oh, yeah. Data confirmed. Yeah. So, it
was confirmed on the seventh. So this it may show this one is confirmed on October whatever it is >> but it was actually submitted on August 21st. So that's >> that's the difference. >> So that's why Yeah. >> So that's the explanation. >> So it could be. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um so I just wanted to touch that piece
that I don't expect it later. So I didn't turn in order but in case it applied to anybody moving forward. >> Um >> I just had one other question just real brief. >> No that's all. >> All right. um with the um with the purchase in the department,
>> what's the biggest purchase that you would like to go ahead like >> biggest purchase that I would want to purchase? >> No, for the city under your >> Well, I a single purchase or a project? I mean, the project I mean the projects
obviously the school the elementary school was probably the biggest project we did. That was in that was right around the time right before my last reappoint. I mean that was the largest project. I mean we have done some others like the city hall upgrade project is a almost a million dollar project which
includes subcontractors as well. Um so that's a pretty big project. I think uh you know what what's cool about it is what when I was in uh the community development office we had specific projects that like were kind of mine that I owned here. Like every project is mine that I own. And I joke I'm like
well if you don't like the project it's you know it's Jason's department. But if you like the project, well, I had something to do with it. And I I think that there are some projects that you really take pride in. And I think like rear main re revitalization is going to be incredible when it's completed. I think the project on Park Street at the
substation that became the I think that's one of the best projects the city's ever done based on what you used to see versus what you see now. So, I think when you ask me the question like what's the biggest purchase, I I think I would answer that like I could answer it monetarily, but I think impact to the
public and impact to the city is is probably a different answer. And I think again those two projects stick out. I think some of the projects we've done to just make uh things more ADA compliant are important and really powerful. Um, you know, uh I just think I think it's really cool. I think I get to be
involved with projects um that help the the citizens and I just think like some of those are just great like that Park Street substation project is I still look at it and wish I was still in the community development office when it went through but at least I got to bid it out like some of the Leo Drive recreation facilities uh pro project. Uh
those were nice easy bids uh outside of you know some other things and uh the park looks great. You know, it's just I think that's that's the reward of working for the city is you get to see things like that. I mean, single purchases, I mean, we bought, you know,
during the pandemic, we bought 1,500 Chromebooks or whatever it was. That was pretty significant. Everything in 2020 was significant. When it comes to purchasing a million COVID test kits and things like that. So, throughout the six years, there's been some pretty significant purchases. But I would
answer your question with projects like Park Street substation, ringer main, uh, downtown phase one and two, you know, things like that. Food services, that was cool for the school department, too. I mean, hopefully it worked out. So, >> bringing back to those PPE conversations
and I'm, we are far removed from those at this point, but I'm going, "Oh my gosh, I remember that." >> Well, thank you. And, you know, I'll definitely also be supporting this appointment. I I do appreciate you guys. You know, just on a personal level, I appreciate you taking me out of order. Although, I think Phil is probably going
to have to wait the longest, and I feel bad for him, but uh I'll stick around for a little bit, but I got to run off first off game with you. >> Thanks, guys. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um, item 11653, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Jonathan Zlatnik
to position of redevelopment authority member for term expiring August 21st, 2030. Also, if you don't mind, I'll go ahead and with item 1 1657, metric firming the mayor's appointment of Jonathan Zotnik
to the position of industrial development finance authority member. the term expiry August 22nd 23rd report from the mayor. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Uh happy to put uh Representative Lnik forward for these two appointments. These are uh both appointments are
governed by state statute uh as 5-year appointments under chapter 121 of the general law that oversees both uh well chapter 121 oversees the redevelopment authority as well as uh the I want to say it's chapter 40 oversees the industrial development finance
authority. Uh these are both two state required agencies for cities with a population of over a certain threshold. Um the GR obviously overseeing development in the uh city and the IDFA overseeing uh various if uh someone
comes to the city and looks for uh a loan or look goes to the authority and looks for a loan for financing a development project then this can authorize that for a step to go to mass development to receive financing uh for uh that development project that's there. The uh Industrial Development
Finance Authority is a uh agency that we've always crossappointed for our GR members. That way they have an idea of what the development is so that when they go to determine if the person should be sent up to the state uh to seek additional financing uh that it's someone who's very familiar with the project. So that's been a uh practice
that we've done for the last 20 or so years with the dual appointments uh for the position. uh representatives and I if uh we don't talk daily, there's normally something going uh on with one of us in terms of just checking in on the different various projects, how things are going here in the city, how
ways that we can partner, utilizing state funding opportunities and uh different other resources that we have at the state level. Um and just knows Gardner um having the knowledge of how these state agencies run uh I feel would be a very important insight on uh this
board. uh as well as just working through the development process and seeing how things have played out in his over decade of service in his current role uh and his years of involvement before that. Uh so I'm happy to put him forward for these two appointments. Thank you. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. Um
stay here. Uh John Zotnik, would you like to introduce yourself? >> Yes. So I'm John Zelotnik, the state representative for the city of Gardener and the surrounding towns uh for the last 13 years. Um, you know, when the mayor asked me to serve in these positions, um, I thought it was a good fit and I very happily said yes. It goes
really handinhand with what I have focused my time on in my in my office. Um, but also, um, you know, specific to to these two um, uh, boards, uh, things that I've worked in parallel with or tangentally to. Um oftent times when the redevelopment
authority is doing a project uh the state is doing something uh around uh that project. A good example of this is rear main um where the state um built uh through a massworks grant the road that kind of frames uh rear main um Derby
Drive. Um, and so I've worked on a number of those projects over the years, as well as a range of uh projects throughout my district, you know, from kind of small uh redevelopments to kind of massive uh projects in the tens of millions of dollars, commercial,
industrial, and residential. Um, so I have a lot of experience kind of seeing at this point now with this many years under my belt, you know, really from uh inception to completion. Um, so I'm looking forward to contributing uh to um, you know, to these two boards. Um,
and uh, you know, we work closely with that office as it is. Um, so I think this will enhance that and I hope that my uh, expertise and knowledge will lend itself well uh, to these organizations. >> Awesome. Um, council questions. Councilinskus
questions. >> I have no questions for Representative Lanik. I've worked with him um over the years on on many things as uh you know council president and just within the city and I think he has a very proven record of uh work that he's put into
this area and of course thank you really for your time that you put towards this. I was glad to see you up for the appointment as I know this is going to take extra time and I know that I just how busy a state representative is in within the district. Um, but I just think from the financial understanding
to the actual project understanding and all of the other work, it just speaks for itself. And I'm really excited to see that you're going to be part of this for the city. Uh, I don't have any questions cuz like I just said, I I'm very well aware of your capabilities and and um your qualifications for this and
I'm really excited to see what you're going to bring to both of uh these um both of these boards for the city. and um you know, thank you again for your service and all of the the millions of dollars that you bring to Gardner and again for your time and work you're going to do moving forward on these
boards >> and I I will be supporting the appointment. >> Thank you, Council Hacking. >> Thank you. Um I'll second everything Council Fins said. I think you're going to be a great addition to these two positions. Um
I think just, you know, maybe for the public, it'd be interesting to know, right? Because you have you have different experience too. you have your father had owned and operated a business in town. Um and then you've served on different committees that I think would be relevant. I want to speak to that a little bit some of the experience you have.
>> Uh sure. So um I've served on the small business committee for most of my time in the legislature for the last four years. I've served as its vice chair. Um but I've also served on the economic development committee. Um which uh obviously these programs are all well
underway. Um but uh were created out of work done through those uh committees years ago now. Um and yeah, you you reference uh you know my my kind of growing up uh in the business community in gardener you know I've kind of always kept that uh you know in mind when I
when I look at projects when I look at decisions um very very kind of close to that um and I try and you know maintain that uh or keep that mentality uh close at hand because it does affect so many of the things that we do. Um obviously, you know, gardener's kind of I think
very well poised right now um in terms of the opportunities that we have and I think we're very fortunate that we've been able to put together kind of the governmental resources and also private sector investment uh really for the first time in my lifetime. Um we're seeing, you know, kind of things uh
piece together very nicely. Um and so I'm very excited to be a part of that in my current role. Um but also more acutely um you know, if I'm approved for these uh positions that the mayor has nominated me for. He's also on our master plan committee. >> Yeah, >> that's it for me. Thank you so much.
Thank you for all you do. >> Um, I did actually have a question if you don't mind. >> Um, >> how do you see gardener's redevelopment priorities evolving over the next 5 years? Well, you know, I think I'll answer that by kind of explaining
what I think the biggest challenge we have is. That is that we don't have uh big tracks of land. Um, you know, Gardener, as most of you know, was created out of the surrounding towns to be a commercial and transit hub. Um, and what that means is that if you look at
our geography compared to neighboring towns, uh, we're smaller. Um and then you factor out, you know, wetlands, conservation lands, residential neighborhoods, all those kind of things. Um you know, we don't have um you know, huge areas of development. So I think
like when we look at kind of where the opportunities are, I think the challenges are right there in hand. And so like when we talk about Rare Main, that's probably the biggest biggest project we have uh left in downtown, right? If you look at what we have for really developable space that's of
significant size. Um you know going over to South Gardener the uh the Garoo property uh similar situation where um you know we look at commercially available you know uh space for commercial enterprise. It's really one of the last major spaces we have left.
Um and luckily you know we have things you know we kind of have irons in the fire for a number of these things. Um but the challenge is going to be that as that space uh gets developed um and as you know in Garboose's uh case you know there's a lot of remediation work that
need to be done there. Um but uh those sites are going to be harder and harder to cobble together and I think it's going to be very challenging for us and we're going to have to be creative. Um we're going to have to look at um you know how do we increase density? Um you know how do we you know do more with
less space right? How do we build up instead of out? what opportunities can we find along those lines? Um, that's what I think uh, you know, um, this being a five-year appointment, I think by the time we get to the end of that appointment, I think those are the conversations that will be happening because, you know, I think a lot of work
has been done by everybody in this room uh, to get us to this point with some of those other parcels and some of those other projects that hopefully um, you know, as they kind of proceed by the end of this appointment, those should be done and we'll need to be I think really sharpening our pencil to look at what comes next.
Thank you. >> Great answer. >> Thank you. Um, just for the record, I will definitely be uh supporting this appointment. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Item 11 652, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of
Judy Mack, councelor Judy Mack, to the position of redevelopment authority, member for term expiring August 21st, 2030. Also item 11656, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Judy Mack to
the position of industrial development finance authority member for term expiring August 22nd, 2030. report from there mayor. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. As I said in the last uh appointee that we had here, uh because while the ordinance
says all appointments are three-year appointments unless otherwise spee excuse me otherwise specified by state law, there are two different state laws, one governing the GR 121 and chapter 40 that oversees the Industrial Development Finance Authority. That's why this is a 5-year appointment. Um it was weird to
see 2030 written on an appointment certificate. Um but that's why it's that time frame there. Uh, councelor Mack has been very involved in the community since um her youth uh all the way to where she is today. beginning as a library page uh as I learned uh recently
from the uh event that we recently had at the library. Uh continuing on through her employment with Garden Public Schools as a teacher and a guidance counselor as a former student of hers. I can tell you how much she uh spoke of the city just in the the high school, let alone um the regular academic and educational work that we were doing, but
also talking about the city in general and how her education fit into the city and the city's goals for the future. and then being able to work uh collaboratively with her through her years in the city council while I've been the mayor here. Uh seeing her vision for the city of Gardener and seeing that she does want to see Gardener move forward and gardener
progress and move to forward to its potential and not where it was viewed in the past as a place that had to stay stagnant, but a place that has a lot of potential that just needs to be reached for. Uh I'm very happy to put her forward for both of these positions and I'm um excited to be able to work
alongside her with uh these two roles. Thank you. Okay. Uh, Council M, would you like to introduce yourself? >> Yes. Thank you, Council Heath. Um, again, my name is Judy Mack. I'm a city six-year city council for the city of Gardner. I'm currently chair of the public welfare committee and a member of the finance committee. I was previously
on the appointments committee, so I understand what you are um going through and I'm also on the public service committee. Uh, first I'd like to thank the mayor for this appointment to the Gardener Redevelopment Authority. and I'm excited to bring a new VO viewpoint and vision to the GR which was established 59 years ago when I was 2
years old. Besides the development of the industrial parks, I I'm looking forward to continuing the redevelopment authorities's work, including updating the urban renewal plan, which I think should be a continually changing document um and in should be re reviewed
on a constant basis and to continue to focus on the everanging needs of the city including the downtown business and commercial district area. The current development of Ram Main Street is part of the collaboration that the GRA has with the community and economic
development department. This is one project being done to stimulate gardener's economic growth, including the need for housing, and hopefully more will follow. Through my work in the p for the past six years on the council, I have shown that I am willing to work hard, not afraid to ask questions, and
I'm a very independent thinker, willing to embrace change while looking out for the future of the city. Also, I'm looking forward to working with the other members of the GR, including the new appointee as well, Representative Zotnik, as I have a very longstanding
connection with the city of Gardener. Um, and not only it's it's present, but it's past. And my my role, whether it was being at Gardener High School and overseeing the scholarships or as a city counselor, is I've always embraced the history of Gardener and um those
connections that I have. And I think is that's a very important knowledge that we still need to cherish if if is our past and tying it into our future. Uh so with that um I will entertain any questions you have for me. >> Thank you. Councelor Hagen.
>> Thank you both. Um you know I we'll start off just by saying I think it's fitting that we're continuing the tradition of having two counselors on this board. Um you know councelor Sony's been on for a number of time. We had late counselor Von Cormier who was a longtime member of both of these groups
uh and the redevelopmental authority in particular. Uh and it's not lost on me that you both have similar backgrounds to an education. Um but I think you bring the benefit too of again having a longstanding family business in town and knowing some of the struggles that that goes through and what it's like to work
for a business opportunity and perspective as well as from a council and educational perspective. Uh so I don't think I have any particular questions. uh you answered one of them really was just what do you hope to bring and I think your ideas around revisiting urban renewal and our needs more regularly is really exciting uh so
I just look forward to supporting your appointment >> thank you >> awesome thank you uh councelor consensus any comments questions >> I think councelor he said it very well I'm very glad to see this these appointments to both of these boards and I think you're going to bring a new and
different perspective to it as very well um and just you know from your experience on on the council uh and the work that you've done and the clear and long-standing commitment to gardener. Uh I I think it's going to be a great fit. Uh you also touched upon what you're going to bring and that really would
have been my main question. I don't have a lot of other questions surrounding that because I have a good understanding of um I think of where you stand for the city and so I look forward also to supporting these appointments. >> Thank you. >> Um I just want to say thank you. Um I
think your your view is um special. I think what you bring to the table and everything you do is special. So you know I I I say here and I listen to you and I I I get excited to listen to and you know become very um excited about what the future may hold um for you and
obviously um the county that just came up. Um the one thing I do have to say, this isn't a question, it's more of a statement. >> Um you're supposed to be retired and I just don't see more jobs. Yes. >> Um, thank you. That's it. >> You're welcome. You're welcome. It's my
pleasure. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item 11670, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Robert O'Keeffe to the position of information technology director for term expiring August 22nd, 2028. Report from the
mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Keep was informed in writing last Wednesday of tonight's meeting and confirmed receipt of that. I don't know if you'd like to move forward with it even though he's not here today, but I'm certainly happy to reiterate the information and give my report still, but I guess where it's interviews, I want to make sure that the
committee's pleasure was done. >> I think it's a I think it's a good question and worth asking and I think if there's no objection, we should just save this for a future meeting where it's a salary position. Ideally, he should be here. Um, so I agree with the mayor. I think it's worth holding on. I have no objection.
>> No objection. All right, we'll go ahead and go with uh more time or keep it on the calendar to the next meeting, right? >> Perfect. >> Yes, keep on the calendar to the next meeting. >> All right. Item 11648, a measure current the mayor's appointment of
Phillip I've never said your last name before in my life. Um, >> Bazeski, >> Bazenski, >> Bazeski, Bazeski. >> Okay. To the position of youth commission member for term expiring August 21st, 2028. Um, ask for a report from the mayor. I
apologize for messing up your name. I usually ask beforehand. How do you say it? I didn't. I still ruined it. However, report from the mayor. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Mr. Mr. Bzesi reached out to me asking for appointment to this specific commission, looking as a different way to get involved in helping to enrich the
experience of our youth across the city. Uh, as a social worker, someone who's been involved in Monty Tech, someone who's been involved in youth sports, someone who's been involved in the Boy Scouts, uh, someone who, uh, currently is involved uh, with the, uh, DAV location over on Victoria Lane. Um, an
active member of the Gardener Lodge of Elks. Um he's someone who's been very active in the community uh and really is looking to make sure that our youth in the community have enjoyable experience in which they can make memories to call gardener their home and be happy to call gardener their home. Uh so when he reached out and was looking for an appointment to the youth commission uh
it was really wasn't a question in my mind. I think it's uh he's going to be a great great addition to this role. I think uh he's really got that active go get them attitude and spirit with him. Um and really just wants to make sure that kids are okay. uh and I'm very
happy to put him forward uh for your consideration. >> Thank you. Um would you like to introduce yourself? >> Yeah, absolutely. My name is uh Philip Bizeski. Everyone calls me Phil. That's why Tanner doesn't know my last name. He just know me as Phil. Um I've been
active in youth sports since my oldest son was playing T-ball. Um so he's 23 now, so it's been a while. Um I've coached baseball. I reluctantly coached soccer one year, although that team went undefeated.
Um, but I I was happy to do it. Um, you know, baseball, football. I've been involved with uh Boy Scouts for almost 15 years, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts through um Holy Family, a social worker for 25 years, 20 years through
Department of Children Families. I've done um child protection work, investigations. Uh my last 10 years at the department, I handle adoption cases. Uh I've worked in Lawrence, Fitsburg, Worcester, everywhere. I've been all over the
state. I worked with a lot of kids. Um I'll be very, you know, I don't have to tell you the stories of the kids I worked with. Um a lot of those stories will carry with me for the rest of my life. So my passion in making sure
children and kids are get a are advocated for is is going to be there forever. Um you know 5 years ago I got sick with COVID. Long story short coma 16 days 5
years moving forward. Um I never went back to being a social worker because of you can imagine the the um the work is difficult physically and emotionally demanding. So I had an opportunity to coach football or coach freshman
football at Monty Tech which as cliche as it was uh it was it was a godsend for me. Yeah, I mean I graduated from Gardener High School in '92, played football, so I mean I still I still see the Dubzinskis. Um, and coach will always be coach, you
know. So, I know I know how important the um I don't say the glory days of gardener football, but the history of Gardener football is important and it's something that I had an opportunity to to instill with some of the freshman
football teams at Money Tech. Um, and you know, when I was coaching the football, it was always about, and I know a lot of coaches disagree, I don't care, but for me, I would tell my kids, success is not measured by the number on the scoreboard. Because we had plenty of
teams that got beat up, but they got back up and kept going, not at the risk of their safety, but to build character. And so that number at the end of the day, you're not going to remember it. But those kids will remember that no one thought they could play and they did and
they enjoyed it. Last couple years at M Tech, you know, we had upwards of like 20some kids that that played and I only a handful quit. Again, some kids had a hard time cuz it's high school football,
you know. It's it's um at Miami Tech you're you got kids coming from what 18 different communities to try to play on one team that didn't know anyone. So it was definitely an opportunity for them to build a bond with each other and I
never let anybody give up. Um so now I work with veterans and it's the same thing. You know I'm going to advocate for them as much as possible. Um I care. I think every kid deserves an opportunity because there are kids there
in that community too that um I don't want to say people forget but you know it's a little population of this city and the other reality is I've also worked with kids at the MVP program at Monty Tech and a number of those kids
are gardener kids looking at sports looking at the teams looking at the kids that are coming to gardener the demographics of Garner has changed it's not the same as it is I was like one of the only Latino families growing up that's not the same anymore. So having
worked in Lawrence, Fitchburg, Worcester and all those communities, I understand I understand the Latino population. So it's really important for these kids to have someone that knows them, that sees
them, and can also encourage them to, you know, have the best today. have the best today that they possibly can have because that will build for the best tomorrow with that. I don't think I have anything
else to say. Well, I would say just one thing. I really had to outstage. You had the numbers. I don't have the numbers. I can just come with a little like questions. >> I thank you so much for all that information. you know, you have an incredible
connection obviously to youth and it's clearly a passion of yours. I really appreciate that. I also appreciate you wanting to take this opportunity to be appointed this position. Um I think the youth commission can do a lot of great things for this community. It's kind of been offline for the last few years and it's something that needs to get um
built built back up. Um so it's great to see someone who has a lot of connections to it and is intrinsically motivated to do to do it. as you said, um, you know, the things a change in gardener and I think that it's something we could certainly benefit from and I think that I have no questions. I just think all of
your qualifications I think are going to do a great job and I'm I'm really glad to see you step up to do it. So, thank you. I will be supporting this appointment. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, likewise, I really want to apprec Thank you for you coming to us. Uh, that's been a nice
theme we've had this year of a handful of people seeking out these opportunities and that's really exciting. uh cuz they're not always easy to fill. Um no pun intended. And um you know being a teacher in gardener I a lot of what you said uh I taught at Gardener Academy. I teach at the high school so I
know all too well where you're coming from um with a lot of those stress and the secondary trauma and then working with these students and our changing demographics. So I think you're going to bring some great perspective uh to the youth commission. I know we have our new youth center. director there is a
member, councelor Heath is a member, and I know they're hoping to breathe some new life into this. So, I think you'll fit right in with that mission and goal. Um, so I think you've said it all beautifully yourself, and I really appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Phil, I've dealt with you over the
years, and I I can tell you that, um, you have a special way about you that you connect so well with the kids. And you know, obviously, like you said, there's some kids that go to Monty Tech,
the garden kids, and you know, uh, my stepson, coach, my stepson, and you know, when I asked about coach Phil, they're like, "Oh, he's awesome." You know what I mean? He's he's the one that kept me playing. He's the one that gets me going and everything else. And um one
of the things that you always have shown was like you said the scoreboard but that doesn't define you but like you have you gotten better. Are you good? Do you see yourself, you know, progressing in the sport that you love and everything else? And you've shown so
many kids that. You know what I mean? And I I've I've dealt with you for so many years and I appreciate everything that you do. And I I I'll say this that you said you were in a coma for 16 days.
You know, I remember that like it was yesterday. And I remember praying and hoping that everything went out well. And you have a calling and I swear this right here is probably your answer. >> So I just want to say thank you.
>> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> All right. Good job. Thank you. >> Designations. Um are there any resations? >> There are two. Uh Mr. Chairman, um
Brandy, who was the administrative assistant for the health department, has left her service with the city to go back up to the education field. Uh that position is currently posted. Um so we'll be looking to fill that as soon as possible. And then one who's outside of the regular appointment process that we have, uh, health department director
Micah Blando, uh, also submitted his resignation to go become a professor at Pitchburg State University. Um, so that position is actually by statute, um, appointed by vote of the members of the board of health, uh, not subject to mayoral or council approval. Um, so that
is one position also that is going to be posted very shortly. All right. Um, uh, discussion on the appointees. All right. Item 11653, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Jonathan Zlotnik to the position of
redevelopment authority member. Uh that also goes with the next item 11657, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Jonathan Zlatnik to the position of industrial development finance authority
member for term expiring August 22nd, 2030. Is there any uh discussion? >> I'll make a motion. >> Oh, I'm sorry, >> Mr. Chair. Uh, I move to confirm item 11653 and item 11657
to confirm the mayor's appointment of Don Venzaltnik to both of these boards. Second. >> All right. Motion made by councelor Kasinskus. >> I'm sorry. I recommend to the council that we confirm appointment of both of these positions to these boards. >> Uh, motion made by councelor Kasinskus,
seconded by councelor Hegund to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those oppos say no. Motion pass.
Item 11652. A measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Judy Mack to the position of redevelopment authority member for term expiring August 21st, 2030. This goes along with item 11656, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of
Judy Mack to the position of industrial development finance authority member for a term expiring August 22nd, 2030. Motion >> move to recommend to the full council that both items 11652 and 11656
um be confirmed. >> Second. >> All right. Motion made by councelor Heglin to recommend to the full council. Second by councelor Kasinsquez. Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> All those oppos. Motion pass. Item 11643. A measure conf confirming the mayor's appointment of Joshua Cormier to the position of director of purchasing civil enforcement for term
expiring August 21st, 2028. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> I make a motion that we recommend the full council confirmation of mayor's appointment. >> Second. >> All right. Motion made by councelor
Kazinskis, seconded by councelor Heglin to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose say no. What's your pass?
All right. Item 11670. Oh, no. I'm sorry. 11648. A measure confirming the mayor's >> We still do appointment. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, that's right. I'm sorry. Item 11670 uh measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Robert O'Keefe to the
position of informationational information technology director for term expiring August 22nd 2028. Um we did ask for more time on this >> agenda
>> motion. >> Uh I make a motion to keep the item on the agenda. >> Second. Um motion made by councelor Kaziscus to keep the item on the agenda, seconded by councel Hegman.
Uh is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. All post say no. Motion pass. Item 11648, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Philip >> Becca
Vzeski to the position of youth commission member for a term expiring August 21st, 2028. >> Mr. Chair, >> yes. >> I make a motion to recommend confirmation to full counsel. >> Second.
>> Motion made by councel Koniscus, seconded by councel Hegland to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those in favor say no. Motion pass.
One. Item 11649, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Francis Lemieux to the position of culture council member for term expiring August 21st, 2028. >> Mr. Uh move to recommend to the full council
that the measure be confirmed. >> Second. >> Motion made by councelor Hegland, second by councelor Kazinskis to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? >> Mr. Ch. >> Yes. >> I'll just add in quick that uh this item and the next handful of items for the
rest of this part of our agenda. Um they're all reappointments. The mayor submitted some great write items about them that were very helpful. I know I have no concerns and I'm happy to support, you know, the upcoming this and the upcoming ones. >> I would agree with what counselor said.
Um, we have writeups. We have the reappoints and they're all very qualified for these positions. So, I will also be supporting them. Thank you. >> All right. All those in favor? >> I. >> All those opposed? Motion pass. Items 11650, a measure confirming the
man's appointment of Kathleen Deal to the position of culture council member for term expiring August 21st, 2028. >> Mr. Chair, I move that we recommend to the full council confirmation of mayor's appointment. >> Second
motion made by councelor Kazinskus, seconded by councel Hegland to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? >> All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. Motion pass.
Item 1668, a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Steven Cormier to the position of housing authority member. The term expiring August 22nd, 2028. >> Mr. Chairman, move to recommend to the full council the measure be confirmed. >> Second.
>> Motion made by councelor Heglin, second by councelor Consensus to recommend the mayor's appointment to full counsel. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those oppos say no. Pass. Item 11664,
a measure confirming the mayor's appointment of Scott Huntton to the position of historical commission member for term expiring August 22nd, 2028. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> I recommend
I move to recommend confirmation of the mayor's appointment to the full council. >> Second. Motion made by councelor Kasinskus, seconded by councel Hegman to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I.
>> All those oppos motion pass. Item 1163, a me confirming the mayor's appointment of Chris Perah to the position of historical commission member for term expiring August 22nd, 2028. Mr. Chairman, move to recommend the full
council of the measure be confirmed. Second >> motion made by councelor Hegman, second by councelor Kaziskin to recommend the mayor's appointment to the full council. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. I.
>> All say no. Pass. >> Communications from the mayor. Item 10698. Correspondence from the mayor regarding a letter from the appointments committee regarding the use of the title department of inspectional services.
>> Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I received a letter from the committee asking some questions about uh the letterhead that a uh department head used a couple of times uh once for the uh budget submission and once for the department head's letter of resignation. Uh it looks like it was just changed as a result of the department head changing
the letter head that's been since rectified and cleared and it's up all matches the ordinance as it stands currently. >> Um Mr. Chairman uh move to recommend to the full council a communication be placed on file. >> Second. >> All right. Uh motion made by council Hegman, second
by councelor Kazinskis to put this item on file. Is there any discussion? >> I'll be real quick. I just want to thank the mayor for finally getting to us and I'm glad that this is sort of being resolved at this point and officially put to rest. Uh it was long overdue uh
with this request. It's certainly something I know I've said before I wouldn't have been able to get away with. So I'm glad the mayor rectified that situation as well. I think that's important uh and it's gonna add some clarity for everyone. Thank you. >> All right. All those in favor say I.
>> I. >> All those oppos say no. >> Most pass. All right. Discussion on appointees uh I'm sorry, appointment committee rules. >> Mr. Chair, I'm just I'm going to um just say the school committee meeting
starting at 6:00. It's past 6:00. Y um we just got a lot of information today, I think, regarding the rules and different things. Um you know, the the recess we did at the beginning with the emails that I have passed out with new information today. Um also, Chair Heath
had passed out some at that time as well. Um, I'd like some time to absorb that information and and revisit this discussion once we've been able to do that because we just got it on, you know, today. But I would um kind of request in the future too like if we
could get everything complete a much further ahead of time than we did for this meeting just because chair sent an email you know on September 29th and we just got everything on October 8th and then we or October 9th and then it was added to the packet October 10th or whatever it was
like eight business days is plenty of time for us to get that information ahead of time. So, I would just appreciate in the future if we could get this because then if we did have the time to discuss it, we probably would have had to take more time because we got more information today. Um, but I'm okay right now with um holding this
discussion till our next meeting unless there's anything anybody else wants to add. >> Agreed. Agreed. All right. So, we'll just go ahead and keep this item on uh on the agenda. >> Yes. >> All right. Um >> just second.
>> Motion made by councelor Kazinska, seconded by councelor Heglin to adjurnn. All those in favor say I. I. >> All those oppos say no. Pass. Stay adjourned.