Committee on Government Services co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole — Salem, July 9, 2025 — The committee interviewed four applicants for openings on the Tree Commission and referred multiple appointments to the full City Council after brief candidate presentations and questions about meeting commitment and public outreach.

The committee voted to refer to the council for approval the reappointment of Katie Goldfield to the general‑public seat; to refer the appointment of Jacob St. Louis to the certified‑arborist slot; and to refer David Livingston for the alternate general‑public seat. The committee chair reported the motions carried after members raised hands to indicate approval.

The interviews focused on applicants’ experience and what they would bring to public outreach and stewardship. David Livingston, an applicant, said he sought the position after volunteering on canal cleanup efforts and described trees as important to urban residents’ well‑being. “I’m just, passionate. I’m very interested in trees,” Livingston said.

Maria Connell said she volunteers with the Salem Beautification Committee several times a week, has taken continuing‑education courses on native plants and horticulture, and blocked meeting dates on her calendar to ensure participation. Flora Tonthatt described long‑running neighborhood organizing and planting projects, including work to convert a traffic island into a pollinator garden and neighborhood fundraising to water newly planted trees. Jacob St. Louis identified himself as a professional arborist with nine years’ experience and said he is certified through the Massachusetts Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture and currently works as the city arborist for Everett.

Councilors asked applicants about their availability for the Tree Commission’s monthly evening meetings and their willingness to volunteer outside meeting time to support outreach. Councilor Mercillo, who identified herself as the liaison to the Tree Commission, emphasized the commission’s need for public education and noted that applicants with design or communication skills could help the commission produce outreach materials. Councilor Merkel asked about applicants’ ability to help with social media and newsletters.

Under discussion vs. formal action: the committee conducted the candidate interviews as a matter of committee review (discussion). The committee then made formal motions to refer individual appointments to the full City Council for confirmation; those motions were seconded and, per the chair’s statement, carried.

Next steps: the referred appointments will appear before the full City Council for confirmation. The committee did not adopt any new Tree Commission policy, nor did it change commission membership limits or duties during the meeting.

Less critical details: applicants cited volunteer groups including the Bitter Sweet Brigade and the Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Association; several applicants described participation in cleanup, planting and education events around Gagne Park and other Salem sites. Applications had been due May 16, 2025, and the committee referenced the city’s existing process for council appointments to commissions.