Special City Council 04-09-26

Can I have the counselors please take their seats?

Good evening. Today is Thursday, April 9th. It's a special meeting of the City Council. Now come to order. The Clerk will please call the roll.

Halsey-Jabouin. Present. Councilor Capone.

Here.

Councilor DiPierro. Present. Councilor Garcia.

Present.

Councilor Marchese. Present. Councilor Matewsky. Here. Councilor Nguyen. Present. Councilor Pietrantonio.

Present.

Rogers.

Here.

And Council President Smith.

Present.

Ten members present, one absent, Madam President.

Ten members present. We have a quorum. Will the please stand and salute the flag.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation, under God, individual, with liberty and justice for all.

And I'd just like to note that Councilor Martins is away, so she's out of state and is not here today. Clerk, please. I guess, oh no, the Council to open public participation. Motion to open public participation. Second. Motion made and seconded to open public participation. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. The clerk, please read the...

We have three speakers, Madam President. First speaker is Peggy Serino.

Why weren't resumes sent to HR? Why, Sergio, when a job is posted, don't resumes normally go to HR? When did the council get the resumes to review? Is this council meeting going on now or has it already taken place in the back room? Are all the names of applicants and resumes given to the council members to select from or just a chosen few? Am I going to get answers to my questions or will I be ignored? You should invest in a dictionary and look up the definitions for truth, honesty, transparency, and change. That's what the people voted for in the last election. I don't see them getting it. Thank you.

Next speaker is Paulistri.

Good evening. Last November, the people voted for change and transparency, not just for the mayor, but the city council as well. You all need to start working for the people and the city and not for your personal agenda and the old corrupt politics have to end. It is disappointing with all the issues and challenges facing the residents in this city, the council calls a special meeting for this. It's disappointing to see the council voting on filling this position knowing it's a do-nothing job. Look at the last two assistant clerks. Most of you have said one was a no-show and one was in hiding during the last three years in the position. I ask all of you what the last two assistant clerks accomplished except to collect $96,000 and max out their pension and to be a spokesperson for Dean Maria. Wouldn't it be prudent to freeze all non-essential positions until the budget is released to see where the city stands financially?

Unless you've been living in a cave, you must realize that Everett will be facing similar, if not worse, financial challenges that other cities and towns are facing, not just for 2027, but just to balance 2026 budgets. Then we have the hiring process, really looks and smells like a skunk to me. The resume is sent to the city clerk, not to HR, like all the other jobs. Not the change or transparency people voted for. Then the interviewing process. Did anyone bother or care to ask Mangan about his time as school committee member? Was it legal or ethical for him to do his school committee work while working for the city? was he asked do you care about him wasting $90,000 hiring a consulting firm to perform a superintendent search knowing that Bill Hart was his guy after meeting with Jeanne Cristiano and Bill Hart months before the 10 complaints came out against Davis, the former superintendent.

Even when the consultant Alma was paid $90,000 to $2,000 for the selection, they objected and said Hart was not qualified. Hart was moved on forward. Did anyone ask him as chair of the search committee why he didn't take any meeting notes? costing the taxpayers another $5,000 to pay Alma. Did anyone reviewing the resumes or during the interview process have any issues promoting someone who got who got the city and the school in a major lawsuit which had to be settled to protect all the culprits and damage the school's reputations for years. Do lawsuits not bother any of you as long as the taxpayers are paying and you are protected? We are in the year 2026 and we really have a senior level job requiring only a high school degree. You've got to be kidding. AI is here and applications on how it's going to be used will only increase.

AI isn't just putting astronauts into space but increasing efficiencies from trash recycling to street repair. People voted for change and transparency. So far, you're feeling both.

Our final speaker is Maria Melchino.

Is this on? I didn't prepare a speech, Nate, but I just wanted... Give my two cents. I just paid my taxes downstairs. It's disgusting how much my taxes have gone up. And to pay somebody $96,000 a year to do absolutely nothing is ridiculous. This should be a freeze. Mr. Mayor, please freeze jobs.

Thank you. Motion to close public participation. Second. Motion made and seconded to close public participation. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Clark, please read the only order of business.

Our item number one, our only order is an order of the Councilor Stephanie Smith, this president, in order to appoint an assistant city clerk in accordance with... Chata, Section 2-8a of the City of Everett's Chata, after the Legislative Affairs Committee interviewed candidates and recommended candidates to be referred out of committee for appointment by the City Council.

if I may before we start I just want to give the public so that there's transparency in this process so there was about 23 resumes that were sent to the city council to the city clerk's office the city clerk's Office is not an office that is governed by the HR department of the city, hence why they were sent directly to the city clerk's office. That falls under the legislative branch of government. The city clerk, myself, and as a city council president and our clerk of committees, Mr. Burley, reviewed all of the resumes. We then took a selection of these resumes and With the Legislative Affairs Committee, we brought seven people before us to interview based off the qualifications that we believed this job shall be.

And with that, we had two candidates that came out with an overwhelming response from the Legislative Affairs Committee. So I just wanted everyone to be clear that there was a process. There was every resume was reviewed and we went through more than just these two interviewees. So with that, I'll open it up to the floor.

I would probably ask that if you'd like, we'd have each candidate of the two candidates to come up and speak for a few minutes each to explain why they went for the job. A little bit about themselves before you decide to take any votes.

Motion to invite the candidates up. Second.

and if you want just to do it fair I can do it the way the applications came in first just so in order so Miss Antonelli was the first one that came to me so I'll just do it that way.

If you could just state your name for the record.

Good evening, my name's Karen Antonelli. I would first like to thank City Clerk Cornelio and the members of the City Council for the opportunity to be here tonight as a candidate for the Assistant City Clerk. As someone born and raised in Everett, I take great pride in this city. I am a product of Everett Public Schools, I have family here, and I am a property owner and taxpayer. That sense of pride and responsibility is something I bring with me every single day. After earning my bachelor's degree in business administration from Suffolk University, I began my career in banking, where I developed strong skills in record keeping, accuracy, professionalism, and customer service. Those early experiences helped shape the way I approach my work today, with attention to detail, organization, and respect for the public. I joined the city of Everett in 2010 in community development.

I was asked to join the mayor's office in 2012 and later worked in human services at the Conley Center. In 2020, I transitioned to the City Clerk's Office as Assistant Registrar of Voters, where I gained extensive knowledge of city policies, procedures, and election operations. Through these roles, I have built strong, collaborative relationships among city staff, department heads, and elected officials. I understand how important communication, teamwork, and institutional knowledge are to keeping our city running effectively. I am comfortable working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple priorities and assisting residents with professionalism, patience and respect. I bring over 15 years of municipal experience including work in constituent services, human services, and elections. I am experienced with the payroll, accounts payable, FOIA requests, posting agendas, and issuing licenses.

I am also a notary public and a commissioner qualified through the state, allowing me to administer oaths when needed. Over the past six years in the election department, I have taken on a leadership role, helping to ensure compliance with voter registration laws, supporting census efforts, and maintaining the integrity and accuracy of our election process. This work requires attention to detail, accountability, and a strong commitment to public trust. And that is a responsibility I take very seriously. I also value transparency. I understand the importance of keeping both the Council and the residents informed. Clear and open communication builds trust, and trust is essential in local government. Tonight, I have provided my resume as part of that commitment, and I take pride in the experience and dedication I bring to this role.

I'm excited for the opportunity to continue serving the City of Everett, to support the City Clerk's Office, the City Council, and most importantly, to serve the residents with professionalism, integrity, and care. I respectfully ask for your vote for the Assistant City Clerk tonight.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Okay. Do any of the members have questions for Mrs. Antonelli that they would like to ask?

Can I ask? No. Take a seat and then we'll ask Mr. Mangan to come up. Thank you.

Thank you.

If you could just state your name for the record.

Good evening, members of the council. My name is Mike Mangan. I live at 104 Walnut Street. And for the past eight years, I've worked for many of you as your legislative aide. I... I have three children that were all born and raised and went to Everett Public Schools here. My wife is also a product of the Everett Public Schools and I've certainly lived here for most of my adult life. Working for you for the past eight years has been an honor and privilege. I've really learned a lot. I got to know different sides of each one of you and people that came before you but as I've been working here I gained a lot of experience Working with alongside the city clerk, our clerk of committees, John Burley, and over the past few years, they've learned a lot from each of them.

and certainly you know gaining a valuable experience in terms of I think what is required for this position certainly as it states in our rules that you know in the absence of the Clerk, the Assistant City Clerk, she'll take those responsibilities and You know, you've seen some examples of that, even being the legislative aide, when Mr. Cornelia wasn't available sometimes, or Mr. Burley, I stepped in and clerked meetings and did the minutes for those meetings. Also, even when Mr. Napolitano, the former assistant city clerk, was... Last year, for a few months, I was asked to step up and help process business licenses, which is a big responsibility of the Assistant City Clerk. and also I've had experience, again, it's another responsibility of the assistant city clerk is to, you know, post public hearings.

As you'll see, National Grid, you'll see on the calendar. I helped put those on, sent the stuff to the newspapers. Also, I do have management experience. because that was one of the things that they had asked, and it was also asked of me when I was doing the interview. I know I get along with people great. I believe I have a great disposition. and I've tried to work with each one of you to make you look good out here. And I think I really bring all the intangibles My relationship with the city clerk and I have a great understanding of the municipal government and what's required. You know, it's just not a nine-to-five job. It's coming here, it's working. Sometimes it's weekends, sometimes it's nights. So I think I bring that all to the table and I hope When the vote does come, I would ask for your vote of encouragement here and stuff, and I would be honored to have it.

But if you don't, I certainly understand that because it's not going to change how I feel about any one of you. like I said and I whole humbly ask for your vote and that's it. Thank you.

Thank you Mr. Mangan. Is there any questions for Mr. Mangan? Thank you.

Thank you.

Metwsky.

Thank you, Madam President. You know, the previous assistant city clerk was in the city council office, was it two, maybe three years? I'm not exactly sure. Two years. The city clerk should be in the city clerk's office. I don't know how that arrangement was made and why it was made. I never really got a full explanation. But I hope... I think it was about who can get along with who. The assistant city clerk belongs in the city clerk's office. And whatever candidate wins tonight has to help our city clerk. It's a big position. Some people feel it's unnecessary. It's very important. It's in our charter. And I just want to give a brief story. Because I go way back with Kevin Dunn. He was a city clerk.

And Mr. Paul Ellen, he was the assistant city clerk. He was a former alderman in this community. Kevin Dunn was top notch though. He really was a distinguished gentleman. And Paul Allen and I, my family went way back with him. He came from down the line. He was a very nice man. And we got to talk one time after a meeting because he attended. He was the sergeant of arms. And he said something to me very interesting. He says, I haven't spoken to Mr. Dunn in 11 years. And he hasn't spoken to me in 11 years. Now that's a true story. So whoever gets this job has to be able to get along with the city clerk and the other staff members. It is so important. for that office to run correctly.

People go there for death certificates, important things in their life, marriage certificates, business applications. It is probably... one of the most important positions in the office. So I just wanna, I only bring that up. because the assistant city clerk does not belong in the council office here. He belongs downstairs in the city clerk's office. So whatever candidate wins... I want this to be smooth because I've never heard this for the last two years. And no offense to whatever the issue was, and I'm not exactly sure. It was never explained to me. But anyway, I wanted to bring that out, Madam President. I think it's important that people get along and respect one another.

Thank you.

I don't know, Madam President, if you can answer this question. How long has the Assistant City Clerk been in the budget or been in effect? Can anyone answer that question?

Since 1923.

Okay, so we've had an assistant city clerk since then? Over a century. Okay. Second question, again on Mr. Matewsky's question, where is this office going to be for the assistant city clerk? They'll be in my office. Okay. We're not going to shuffle anyone around like we did the last two years and kind of made us...

I can't discuss that, but no. Yeah, I know, but I'm discussing... They'll be coming downstairs, whoever that is.

Yeah. I don't want to have a circus down there, but what happened the last two years, and I agree with Mr. Matewsky, should be downstairs, and I just hope that happens. and to either candidate, two great candidates, both of them. I know them both personally and good luck to both of them and that's it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. I just had a couple of comments about the procedure that I did not like. I know you said that we are the one that's hiring for the assistant city clerk. I do believe that, and that's my opinion, I do believe that anybody that will get a salary from a job should go through HR. They can have a second interview with us, but those applications should go through HR. And the other thing that I'm not happy about is that whoever was interviewed for that specific position, we as a council should have had the opportunity to view all these resumes that were interviewed for that position.

Thank you.

Just to repeat what people say, they're two excellent candidates. There's no doubt in my mind that whoever gets appointed tonight can step right in and feel very comfortable at home and will never miss a beat. It's just... Mrs. Antonelli... She's a great... I know of her and I've never heard anything bad about her. I hear the clerks speak very highly of her and she's a great candidate. But we also have... My familiarity with having the other candidate around me, so obviously I'm closer to the other one, Mr. Mangan, and I've always... He's always done. He's always been at my call when I wanted. So it's such a balancing act here.

but my decision will be formed and who I'm more comfortable with, who I'm more familiar with and who, I think can do the job and continue this job starting tomorrow and go forward. So whatever vote comes out today is no ill reflection on the person that I didn't vote for. because this is two good candidates. Thank you.

Council President Smith.

Thank you. So I'd just like to state this is not a political vote for me. I was asked by some candidates to consider them when this role was first presented to us when we knew that Assistant City Clerk Napolitano was going to retire. and I specifically said I can't commit because I'm committing to the best person. I'm committing to I don't know who else is running. I cannot make a determination. You may be a great person and you may be qualified but there might be someone else that is more qualified. So I wanted to go through the entire interview process, look through all the resumes to see who was qualified and who wasn't. We had a bunch of great candidates. Both candidates performed well in the interview process. They both bring strengths that would allow them to be successful in their role. Mr. Mangan had an excellent interview. He was well prepared. He came with handouts highlighting the work he's done in his current role. that directly aligns with the responsibilities of the Assistant City Clerk.

He also demonstrated a high level of self-awareness. He was open, acknowledging areas where He does currently have challenges where they've occurred and he expressed a clear commitment to making sure those commitments do not happen moving forward. With Mrs. Antonelli, She brings a strong combination of experience and proven performance. She holds a master's degree. She's effectively been running the elections department for, I think, the past two years without the formal title. In addition to those responsibilities, she regularly supports the clerk's office with tasks that go above and beyond her current role. She has consistently demonstrated a tremendous work ethic and willingness to step in whenever needed, even though it wasn't her job. I think both candidates have the ability to perform the job and each would have areas to develop in as this is not their job today. I'm going to be voting on who is going to be most qualified to step into this role day one.

We had another candidate who was excellent, but they've never worked in City Hall. So I didn't feel that we should bring in someone that was not going to be able to do the role on day one. I want to know that I respect both. They both can do the job, but I'm going to be voting for who can do this the best on day one.

Thank you.

At this time, if there's no other speakers on the actual position, I'd like to open up nominations.

Second.

Motions have been made and seconded to open nomination. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it.

Marchese.

We open for nomination? Yes. I'd like to nominate Mike Mangan for the position. No reflection, anybody, but There's a comfort zone. The work always gets done. I call up here for and I know he will continue to bring that forward to his new position up here.

Second.

Motion made in second for the nomination of Michael Mangan. Is there any other nominations?

I nominate Karen Antonelli.

Second. We need a second. Second. Motion being seconded to nominate Karen Antonelli.

Give me a moment and I'm going to guide you through the process. Mr. Pietrantonio, you may have a motion.

On the motion, Councilor Alcy Jabouin? Okay. I'm going to nominate. You want to nominate someone? Okay.

I nominate Mrs. Karen Antonelli.

Thank you. She was already nominated so she doesn't need a second for a second time.

Sorry, so if there's no further nominations, we can close the nominations and then stop the voting.

Motion made and seconded to close nominations. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. I believe when the clerk calls your name.

I'm going to explain.

he's going to explain to us the process for those that have not gone through it before.

Some people have not done a nomination process before so I'm going to call your name and when I call your name you're going to say the name of the person that you're choosing. to be the next assistant city clerk. And obviously our two options before us are Ms. Antonelli and Mr. Mangan. So you can either use their first name or last name, whatever you choose, or the entire name.

Alcy Jabouin, Mrs. Karen Antonelli, Councilor Capone, Michael Megan, Councilor DiPierro, Michael Mangan,

Garcia, Michael Mangan, Councilor Marchese, Michael Mangan, Councilor, sorry. Lastrack, Councilor Matewsky, Mike Mangan, Council Ween, Michael Mangan, Council Pietrantonio, Karen Antonelli, Rogers, Michael Mangan, and Council President Smith.

Karen Antonelli.

Okay, one, two, three.

Seven yays, seven from Mr. Meng, and three for Ms. Antonelli. It was seven, three.

7-3, Mr. Mangan has been nominated for Assistant City Clerk. Congratulations, Mr. Mangan. Thank you, Mrs. Antonelli. Motion to adjourn.

Motion made and seconded to adjourn.

All right, we'll bring them up to do the oath.

Mr. Mangan, will you come to the front, please? Come forward. We have you. Actually, back up one moment. I'll step down so I'm not too tall. Raise your right hand and repeat after me after I say how you say hi. I, Mike Mangan, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as Assistant City Clerk. as Assistant City Clerk for the City of Everett.

According to the best of my abilities and understanding, agreeably to the rules,

Regulations, Laws, Ordinances and Charter of the City of Everett. So help me God. I do solemnly swear that I'll bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts And I'll support the laws and constitution of the Commonwealth.

So help me God.

I, Mike Mangin, do solemnly swear that I'll bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America and I'll support the Constitution of the United States. So help me God. Congratulations Mr. Assistant to the Clerk.

Motion to adjourn. Motion made and second to adjourn. All in favor? Opposed? The ayes have it. Meeting adjourned.