The Programs & Services Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Appointment of Youth Commission Members (7-0):
- Armine Freeman, Evelyn Shih, Leyla Gustin, and Naman Dadlani were appointed to the Youth Commission. Appointees expressed their focus areas as civics education, mental health awareness, climate change, and substance abuse education, respectively.
- Reappointment to the Youth Commission (7-0):
- Rhiannon Esposito.
- Polling Location Change (7-0):
- The polling location for Ward 3, Precinct 2 was moved from Temple Shalom to The Warren House due to logistical challenges faced by Temple Shalom.
- Funding for Special Election (7-0):
- The committee approved an amended request to appropriate $183,395 for the March 2025 citywide Special Election to fill the vacant Ward 7 School Committee seat. Elections Supervisor Doyle said that the City “is not able to reduce the costs if an election is not competitive.”
- Tobacco Sale Prohibition Ordinance (5-2, Councilorss Farrell and Micley opposed):
- An ordinance was approved, changing the initial proposal date from banning tobacco sales to individuals born on or after 1/1/2000 to those born on or after 3/1/2004. The amendment aims to prevent individuals who are already 21 from being affected by this change. 10 people spoke at the public hearing. Opinions were mixed.
The Programs and Services Committee voted to Deny:
- Appointment to the Election Commission: (4-2-1, Councilors Humphrey and Krintzman opposed, Councilor Micley abstained) W. David Power’s appointment to the Election Commission was denied due to concerns about his lack of involvement with the local Republican City Committee and his past political contributions to Democratic candidates despite meeting the legal requirements as a registered Republican. 12 people spoke in opposition to his appointment at the public hearing. None spoke in favor.
Held:
- Review of City Council Rules: Further review and appropriate changes to the Rules of the City Council are ongoing, with additional discussions planned in subcommittee. Subcommittee meetings are open to public participation. A memo from the Rules Subcommittee Chair was not in the report.
Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Oliver, Micley, Malakie, Humphrey, Lobovits, and Farrell
Absent: Councilor Baker
Also Present: Councilors Getz, Albright, and Lucas, and Elections Supervisor John Doyle