Council tables library reappointment amid residency questions; sends naming memo to commission
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Summary
Council delayed action on the reappointment of Natalie Pernick to the Library Commission after members requested residency verification and raised broader concerns about untimely mayoral appointments; separately, council sent a memo asking the Library Commission to consider naming the new library for Richard L. Palmer.
Council debated the reappointment of Natalie Pernick to the Warren Library Commission (term to 06/30/2029) after public comment and council review raised residency questions. Councilmember Lafferty highlighted a pattern of delayed mayoral appointments to several commissions and urged more timely action; other councilmembers said the application lacked corroborating proof of residency (utility bills or rent receipts) and moved to deny based on that absence.
City Attorney Schroeder advised the council that library-commission appointments are confirmation-style under the charter and state library law (transcript reference to a "public act 164" library law), meaning the council must act to confirm or deny an appointment. Councilman Noonan moved to table the reappointment until the mayor can confirm residency; Noonan’s tabling motion carried with support from Miss McGee and Miss Moore, pausing final action.
Separately, Councilwoman Moore and Councilman Jonathan Lafferty jointly presented a memo asking the Library Commission to consider naming the new library for Richard L. Palmer, citing more than three decades of service to the Warren Library System and other civic contributions. The council voted to send the memo to the Library Commission for consideration.
No final confirmation occurred on the Pernick reappointment; council asked staff to obtain documentation to verify residency before taking further action.

