Personnel committee recommends three appointments to regional health and water boards

The Groton Personnel and Appointments Committee on July 21 voted unanimously to recommend three candidates for appointment to regional boards, forwarding the recommendations to the full town council for final approval.

The committee recommended that Madison Wierzel and Natalie Billings be appointed to the Lehi Light Health District board and that Gregory Leonard be appointed as the towns representative to the Aquarian Regional Water District policy board. The committees vote was procedural: it approves forwarding nominations; final appointment requires council action.

During a brief question-and-answer period, Councilor Fitzgerald reviewed each candidates questionnaire and resume. About Wierzel, Fitzgerald said, "her resume backs up her questionnaire," after Wierzel described herself as "an epidemiologist at East Shore District Health Department in Brantford" who would bring data-analytics and infectious-disease experience to the board. On Billings, Fitzgerald summarized that Billings holds an RN and a bachelor of science from Simmons College and has a long career in nursing and public-health work; Fitzgerald noted Billings "is the chair of Groton Democrats" and is active in community organizations. On Leonard, Fitzgerald said Leonard reported 37 years of experience in public water-supply technical management and holds master and bachelor of science degrees.

Councilors stressed that committee approval is a recommendation. As recorded at the meeting, "Approval by the personnel and appointments committee is only a recommendation to move forward. Final approval is by full vote of the town council." The committee chair apologized for earlier technical difficulties and said the town clerk will schedule required trainings once appointments are finalized.

The recommendations will be placed on the full town council agenda for final action.