Tree commission appointments prompt process questions; three appointees advanced

Appointments to the City of Salem Tree Commission on July 17 prompted debate among councilors about the appointment process and whether commission chairs should steer selections toward specific skill sets.

Councillor Varela said the committee had a ‘‘robust conversation’’ about the alternate seat and that the commission chair had asked specifically for someone with graphic-design skills to help with educational materials. Varela said that while those skills are useful, they are not listed in the commission’s statutory powers and duties and should not be a required criterion for appointment.

Councillor Marcello explained she had spoken with the chair and sought a candidate who could fill the education/graphic-design gap left by a departing member. Several councilors described the process as awkward because interviews and deliberations occurred in public view and applicants answered questions in sequence.

After discussion and a procedural vote to suspend the usual rule that would hold appointments under the rules, the council voted unanimously to appoint Tom Sotherton (to the Race Equity Commission), Craig Bilodeau, Gina Flynn and, for the Tree Commission specifically, to appoint Jacob St. Louis (arborist/landscape architect), Katie Goldfield (reappointment), and David Livingston (alternate) — with some members clarifying that procedural improvements are needed so applicants are judged by consistent questions.

Councilors said the appointments will fill vacant seats and that the city should review appointment procedures to ensure consistent public interviews and fair evaluations of applicants’ qualifications for commission duties.