South Burlington City Council interviewed more than a dozen applicants for city-appointed advisory boards and committees at a June 6 meeting, then moved into executive session to make appointment decisions.

The council convened the meeting to conduct interviews for municipal boards and committees, including the library board, Development Review Board (DRB), planning commission, housing committee, natural resources committee, recreation and parks and the public art committee. Jesse Baker, a city staff member, opened the meeting with instructions for in-person and remote participants and explained the process for interviews.

Applicants described their qualifications and why they wanted to serve. Elizabeth Wells, a primary care provider who applied for the library board, said the library is “such a thread and a sort of in the bloodstream of our community,” and said she wanted to contribute to community engagement and programming. Theodore (Ted) Lenski, who currently serves as a trustee and said he is treasurer of the library trustees, said he is “looking forward to being the chair of the library board” if selected and emphasized experience interpreting regulations and leading collaborative boards. John Moscatelli, a two-year DRB member, told the council he supports recent local development regulation changes and said he would like to see zoning that fosters more walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.

Other candidates interviewed included Derek Eddy (housing committee applicant and financial adviser), Marty Reed (library applicant and retired librarian), Lisa (longtime Natural Resources Committee volunteer), Donna Laban (planning commission member and architect), and Isaac Cates (public art committee applicant and UVM lecturer). Candidates discussed specific local issues in their areas of interest: affordable housing incentives and construction pace; tree management and park access; ordinance definitions and lighting standards; and the role of public artwork in neighborhood identity.

Council members and staff asked candidates about prior service, availability and specific priorities for each board. Multiple applicants noted they would be available to serve on more than one panel (for example, applicants who also indicated interest in recreation and parks or bike-and-ped roles). Several applicants said they had reviewed meeting minutes or materials in advance; the council told candidates the decision would be made on June 16 and applicants would be notified afterward.

Near the end of the public portion, the council read a motion to enter executive session “pursuant to 1 BSA 13 3 13 a 3 for the purpose of discussing appointments to all municipal committees.” The council then moved into executive session; the motion was approved by voice vote.

The public portion of the meeting concluded with the council in executive session to deliberate on appointments. The council and staff told applicants they would be advised of outcomes by June 16.