[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577165,"mediaKeyId","3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75","parentId",3167393,"title","Committee seeks solicitor guidance before executive session on Commission for Persons with Disabilities–RSJ dispute","audioSeconds",297,"startMs",4598000,"endMs",4895000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75&start=4598&end=4895","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75/thumbnail_4598000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577165/Somerville-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-seeks-solicitor-guidance-before-executive-session-on-Commission-for-Persons-with-DisabilitiesRSJ-dispute","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577165-3990656933d0442c1dca4787ddeedf49/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991364&Signature=VEJ~FiUNULax3Rrq~mmnPRfN3S9l6n5DLaH4qwQ2t1ADXvjgq0PiJmN51g0G89jpfvtoeoEZ-bb3qhzZ9bU2x9jMRMCpTDEzbfX4Jj3lbXGeY~yLA0TAC~oqCJcoELDU2zRA2d9sGrWfhMba7rRH7jJfWI-JQZUwjz2aSLLejDfa4wBnhzMU8ajTM30lWV4uOBC9WbSQV92sFIix4dyjS~W3PqGgRRXcNId9Zb6-iB~30ac87TyoC4ATeFjoSb29YJYBX4ueM5EE~axaqbeclhGO2otZ853WGIZRj6kcM25L5AMCp7sKn4GRFqwKtbk7uWGFeW4xzg5NmVSf93LOmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Somerville City, MA","date","2025-05-01T08:00:00Z","article","Committee members on April 30 discussed a request to convene an executive session to address a reported disconnect between the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Racial and Social Justice.

Councilor Schroeder explained the mayor’s office had indicated that personnel matters in the dispute would best be addressed in executive session. The committee chair said he spoke with the solicitor’s office and asked members to submit specific questions in writing; the solicitor advised that there are limited circumstances for executive session and that the individual whose personnel interests are at issue must be given control over whether certain matters are discussed in private.

City Solicitor Laura said members may send questions to her and to David Shapiro; between them they will prepare legal guidance. She cautioned that the statutory executive session purpose that covers personnel permits executive session in limited cases, but an affected individual can elect to have the matter discussed in open session instead. The chair said staff and the solicitor would prepare specific advice for the next meeting, and the committee would revisit the request then.

Ending

No executive session was convened on April 30. The committee will keep the item on the agenda and receive solicitor guidance before deciding whether to meet in executive session at the next scheduled hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Somerville City, MA - Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters - 2025-04-30 - May 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members asked the city solicitor for procedural guidance and were told to submit specific questions; the chair plans to bring a solicitor opinion and possibly convene an executive session at the next meeting, pending privacy constraints and individual consent.","taxTitle","Somerville City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",4564,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577170,"Committee delays consideration of Somerville Housing Authority police appointments pending records review",211,77000,288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75&start=77&end=288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75/thumbnail_77000.jpg","/articles/6577170/Somerville-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-delays-consideration-of-Somerville-Housing-Authority-police-appointments-pending-records-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577170-cdb4a83303a8458b892d380c7d2be3aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991364&Signature=Ni~1RPL5SFeu~r2ZU3A2oPgTz~4n3oxGU9U-JD8flqeAiX6MYPVw5soTrOk0CexuANOxHHgZ8XKPr6e5Qx1x7yUyUAI~K7UDZJtc9FIVKl8uWqmi-AyXSTF4r1UGaokOnhE9ghfO~vo0LI7YcAv-5NITJFlRuXdYQR4zFTaVJJgPMCxe666VELF0UKV7~aJndCaqVW~ueMTV9GyOupyhUv5mPo6bKOxA2xmOP9qaTs5PZT6gUHLcbrnvw~z4CE9zJtJjLUJFggDT0Gze6bRvSNzyh2QGcbHoyyi~2FV4SR92HkwiPLQ1SeQViWK-dhtyDmp08Ng11Km6QHXdkCnMwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee deferred consideration of three Somerville Housing Authority Police Department appointments (agenda items 8–10) on April 30 to allow time to review personnel files and related policies.

The chair said the committee received a redacted memo answering questions about Housing Authority police policies and complaint procedures, statewide POST certification compliance, and internal review processes. Committee members were told the appointments of Housing Authority police officers have not been reviewed by the committee for several years and that the recent inquiries prompted requests for documentation.

The chair said the law department and the mayor’s liaison confirmed records exist that the committee could review in executive session, but candidates must be notified 48 hours in advance before personnel records can be discussed in executive session. Because the committee did not provide that notice in advance of the April 30 meeting, the chair said the items would be held for the next committee meeting so members can request an executive session and review personnel files if they choose.

Ending

Committee members were invited to submit procedural questions in advance. The Housing Authority police appointment items will remain in committee and be taken up at the next meeting, with the potential for executive session if the notice requirement is met.","Committee kept three Somerville Housing Authority Police Department appointment items in committee and signaled an intent to review personnel files in executive session at a future meeting pending 48‑hour notice to candidates; staff provided a redacted memo addressing policies and complaint procedures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577175,"Committee recommends landscape architect Martin Pavlinich to Urban Design Commission",663,3929000,4592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75&start=3929&end=4592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75/thumbnail_3929000.jpg","/articles/6577175/Somerville-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-recommends-landscape-architect-Martin-Pavlinich-to-Urban-Design-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577175-c7fc0026986ca5dee3c651ea7a697fdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991364&Signature=cfQEIQDQIOnUYu-u39r8S-XzjBVrxr4xuMTR6awIs3jMQQl1PxTk9o7l5X7N45ylnotKsRw~oKUoi73ILxSDpxbiwEkZZUQCMVhuMR4~XeONx15GPd4stmZCjvzGPReqpUa0t2XKEz0okh-s1kDCIDsIEZ4eEoVsppef~3yg2mMlEohtGTPCnukR3cyxca-5QC-A6zrU88QRhspmBe2HtcsdxLbb9hbazV93-Z3Se-tDaFdYHRp1-4v-wTOuwhkOjQGBt3VCb9Tb2GyMNYM121MZFJ0p-kDxCl9faPp-pYLigeHVOHe~OWgZokCva~ecN6D~lQtOzKMuXhT9tgA~7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters voted unanimously on April 30 to recommend Martin Pavlinich for appointment to the Somerville Urban Design Commission.

Senior planner Sarah Lewis (outgoing UDC coordinator) told the committee that the commission is an advisory body to the Planning Board focused on design review, public‑realm quality and urban design. Lewis said one landscape architect resigned earlier this year, that the city solicited volunteers and that Pavlinich’s resume showed the technical qualifications the commission seeks.

Pavlinich, a Somerville resident and landscape architect, told the committee he views design review as a technical conversation guided by the Somerville zoning ordinance’s design guidelines. He said his approach balances professional judgment about materials and context with the ordinance’s guidelines and the public interest.

Council members asked about accessibility and playground design. Pavlinich said public spaces and playgrounds should be fully accessible; he described accessibility as a fundamental design requirement and said it fosters welcoming public places for all residents.

The committee moved to recommend Pavlinich’s appointment and recorded a unanimous recommendation to the full council. The chair said the Urban Design Commission’s work is often less visible to the public than land‑use boards but has substantial influence on how new buildings and landscapes integrate into Somerville’s neighborhoods.

Ending

Pavlinich’s nomination will be forwarded to the full City Council for confirmation at its next meeting. Staff noted two alternate UDC positions remain advertised on the city website.","The committee recommended Martin Pavlinich, a landscape architect, to the Urban Design Commission by unanimous vote; staff noted two alternate positions remain open and that the commission is technical and advisory to the planning board.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577180,"Committee recommends three nominees for Somerville Human Rights Commission",1679,265000,1944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75&start=265&end=1944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3167393-7e520221073e07078cd89d721871dd75/thumbnail_265000.jpg","/articles/6577180/Somerville-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-recommends-three-nominees-for-Somerville-Human-Rights-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577180-d6437f846b8af9baa50aaa6a65ddbf50/orig.mp4?Expires=1770991364&Signature=hrCumF1lqGJ8fcAa-ACBbugtNZl-zwzPDJRIuW1zQwBNYaRP-gG67-vDhAnxvyOdDXnTDsiSgZ~sUfl4gnA0upwo~Kfx5t5E~yNFmbjJ0-yFP6sptV4VsUOGJleKlGCGe6bMTdR6EmWVrViBHYBHizRyswzJIaEKQHyK7icSUvFX-OnQ9tRBd63TptlbRfs6YduQvRZTeM7sZoTWCWYxDT4BzXpfbKT4cTHl7yvcaV-u1ireMcCLoTgXLRFhTXKakiHozQRq2CTBTj-bq53EAQssfsS1ZcXgM-7bBdEs9HPRbTB8p06IgkPHD27mD-s36e-7onjQt2g5m~CnXNAt5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters recommended approval of three mayoral nominees to the Somerville Human Rights Commission on April 30, voting to forward the nominees to the full City Council for final confirmation.

The committee voted 4–1 to recommend Su Lin Chen and Paola (\"Pa\") Mendez for confirmation, and voted unanimously to recommend Primrose Sharika. The committee chair moved to recommend approval of each candidate during the meeting. Councilor Strezo recorded the lone dissent on the two 4–1 votes; Councilors Pena Penida Neufeld, Klingen, McLaughlin and Ewan Kampen voted yes on those items. The unanimous recommendation for Sharika passed with all councilors in favor.

The Human Rights Commission, established by city ordinance to address unlawful discrimination and to improve public discourse in Somerville, has recently regained quorum after three prior appointments in March 2025. Amanda Nadje Williams, Director of the Department of Racial and Social Justice, briefed the committee on the commission’s recruitment. Williams said the most recent call for applicants closed Jan. 31, 2025 and drew 17 letters of interest; staff conducted 30‑minute interviews with each applicant and a panel ranked candidates on application quality, interview, background diversity and neighborhood representation.

In questioning, candidates described their reasons for applying and how they would handle complaints alleging bias within the commission. Su Lin Chen said she would emphasize establishing group norms, nonviolent communication and trust-building to address unconscious bias; she described experiences organizing in her neighborhood and parenting responsibilities that constrain and motivate her civic involvement. Paola Mendez, who identified herself as \"Pa,\" said she organizes with Somerville for Palestine and emphasized critical self‑reflexivity, saying she would listen to complaintants deeply and apply reflective practice to her service. Primrose Sharika described attending prior HRC meetings — including a session with the Somerville Police Department’s family services unit — and said she would first seek private conversations and transparency when community members allege commission bias.

Committee members asked each candidate whether they would be willing to investigate complaints that might involve the city or its employees; all three said they had no problem challenging power when necessary and affirmed a commitment to defend the rights of all residents.

Votes at a glance

- Su Lin Chen (Human Rights Commission, agenda ID 25‑0655): committee recommendation to full council — recommended, committee vote 4 yes, 1 no (Councilor Strezo).
- Paola (\"Pa\") Mendez (Human Rights Commission, agenda ID 20‑5657): committee recommendation to full council — recommended, committee vote 4 yes, 1 no (Councilor Strezo).
- Primrose Sharika (Human Rights Commission, agenda ID 25‑0654): committee recommendation to full council — recommended, committee vote 5 yes, 0 no.

The committee chair noted that these recommendations will be considered by the full City Council at its next meeting. The director of RSJ and staff offered to provide additional materials — such as resumes or letters of interest — on request; Kimberly Hutter of Intergovernmental Affairs explained that some boards allow either a resume or a statement of interest, depending on the commission’s application requirements.

Ending

The committee held further items for a later meeting and directed staff to supply any outstanding documentation requested by committee members. The three Human Rights Commission nominees will appear on the full council agenda for final confirmation next Thursday.","The Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters voted to recommend three mayoral nominees — Su Lin Chen, Paola (\"Pa\") Mendez and Primrose Sharika — for confirmation to the Somerville Human Rights Commission; two items relating to Housing Authority police appointments were kept in committee for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee seeks solicitor guidance before executive session on Commission for Persons with Disabilities–RSJ dispute

Committee delays consideration of Somerville Housing Authority police appointments pending records review

Committee recommends landscape architect Martin Pavlinich to Urban Design Commission

Committee recommends three nominees for Somerville Human Rights Commission