Meeting Minutes: City Clerk's Preliminary Screening Committee
Meeting Date: [Date of Meeting - Not explicitly stated in transcript, assume current date for placeholder] Governing Body: City Clerk's Preliminary Screening Committee Type of Meeting: Special Meeting (Preliminary Screening)
Attendees:
- Mayor Denise Simmons
- Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
- Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
- Matt Nelson
- Melissa Peters
- Megan Baer
Absent:
- Ray Ketchings
Executive Summary
The City Clerk's Preliminary Screening Committee convened to consider applicants for the position of City Clerk. The committee voted to immediately enter into executive session to prevent a detrimental effect on obtaining qualified applicants, as discussing these matters in open session could compromise the applicant pool. The committee will not return to open session after the executive session concludes.
Agenda Item: Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Simmons.
- The Assistant Clerk conducted a roll call of committee members:
- Vice Mayor McGovern: Absent (initially), then Present
- Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Present
- Mayor Simmons: Present
- Matt Nelson: Present
- Melissa Peters: Present
- Ray Ketchings: Absent
- Megan Baer: Present
- It was noted that Vice Mayor McGovern joined the meeting after the initial roll call.
Agenda Item: Remote Participation and Public Viewing Notice
- The committee acknowledged that pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, adopted by the Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor, the City of Cambridge is authorized to use remote participation in meetings of the Cambridge City Council and its committees.
- The public was informed that the City of Cambridge audio and video records meetings and makes them available for future viewing.
- Third parties may also be audio and video recording these meetings.
- There will be no public comment during this portion of the meeting or the subsequent executive session.
- The public can watch this portion of the meeting on Channel 22 or via the open meeting portal on the city's website.
Agenda Item: Motion to Enter Executive Session
- A motion was made by Vice Mayor McGovern to enter into executive session to consider applicants for the position of City Clerk.
- The stated reason for entering executive session was that conducting this discussion in open session would have a detrimental effect on obtaining qualified applicants.
- The committee will not be returning to open session once the executive session is adjourned.
- The Assistant Clerk conducted a roll call vote on the motion:
- Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
- Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
- Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Matt Nelson: Yes
- Melissa Peters: Yes
- Ray Ketchings: Absent
- Megan Baer: Yes
- Vote Outcome: The motion to enter executive session was approved by an affirmative vote of six (6) members.