Executive Summary
The Legislative Affairs Committee meeting on March 23, 2026, focused on the review of several mayoral appointments to city boards and commissions. The committee issued favorable recommendations for Erica Cobelli as Commissioner of Veterans Services, Mary Broderick to the Public Works Commission, Patricia Chiva to the Elections Commission, and John Spaulding to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Additionally, the committee recommended the appointments of Pasquale Sagarino, Michelle Gaudi, and Nancy Ehler to the Library Board of Trustees. All items were approved unanimously by the committee members present.
Meeting Overview
- Governing Body: City Council Committee of Legislative Affairs
- Meeting Type: Committee Meeting
- Date: March 23, 2026
- Time: 6:15 PM
- Location: Everett, MA
- Attendees:
- Councilor Stephanie Martins (Chair)
- Councilor Anthony DiPierro
- Councilor Katy Rogers
- Absentees:
- Councilor Michael Marchese (Excused)
Item 1: Appointment of Erica Cobelli - Commissioner of Veterans Services
- Order: "Confirmation of the appointment of Erica Cobelli to the position of Commissioner of Veterans Services for a term of three years."
- Summary: Councilor DiPierro commended Ms. Cobelli for her performance since assuming the role in late 2025. Ms. Cobelli introduced herself and expressed her commitment to accessibility and public outreach via ECTV.
- Speaker Summary: Erica Cobelli stated, "I've been actively acting as Director of Veterans Services since October of 2025... I would like to leave the doors open for anyone that needs to come through just to ask questions."
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Item 2: Appointment of Pasquale Sagarino - Library Board of Trustees
- Order: "Confirmation of Pasquale Sagarino to the City of Everett Library Board of Trustees, for a term not to exceed three years."
- Summary: Councilor DiPierro noted Mr. Sagarino is a long-time, well-known member of the community.
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Item 3: Appointment of Michelle Gaudi - Library Board of Trustees
- Order: "Confirmation of Michelle Gaudi to the City of Everett Library Board of Trustees for a term of three years."
- Summary: Councilor DiPierro expressed confidence in Ms. Gaudi's ability to serve on the board as a long-term resident.
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Item 4: Appointment of Nancy Ehler - Library Board of Trustees
- Order: "Confirmation of Nancy Ehler to the City of Everett Library Board of Trustees for a term not to exceed three years."
- Summary: The committee noted Ms. Ehler's consistent attendance at recent meetings.
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Item 5: Appointment of Mary Broderick - Public Works Commission
- Order: "Confirmation of Mary Broderick to the City of Everett Public Works Commission for a term not to exceed three years."
- Summary: Ms. Broderick discussed her 40-year residency in Everett and her desire to give back to the city during her semi-retirement.
- Speaker Summary: Mary Broderick stated, "I've lived here for about 40 years and I'm pretty much semi-retired now, so I thought it'd be nice to give back to the city that's given to me."
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Item 6: Appointment of Patricia Chiva - Elections Commission
- Order: "Confirmation of Patricia Chiva to the City of Everett Elections Commission for a term not to exceed three years."
- Summary: The committee welcomed Ms. Chiva back to the commission, noting her previous experience and long-term residency.
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Item 7: Appointment of John Spaulding - Zoning Board of Appeals
- Order: "Confirmation of John Spaulding to the City of Everett Zoning Board of Appeals for a term not to exceed three years."
- Summary: Mr. Spaulding, a former building commissioner, discussed his background and familiarity with zoning ordinances.
- Speaker Summary: John Spaulding stated, "I'm a lifelong resident of Everett, former building commissioner... I got a pretty good idea what the zoning ordinance are, and as long as we follow them, I don't see it to be a problem."
- Action: Motion for favorable recommendation passed.
- Vote: Unanimous (3-0). Members voting "Aye": Martins, DiPierro, Rogers.
Adjournment
- Action: Motion to adjourn passed.
- Vote: Unanimous "Aye" (3-0).