Committee on Appointments - June 2, 2026

The Committee on Appointments met from 8:00 AM to 8:10 AM on June 2, 2026, to confirm six appointments to city boards and commissions and to discuss the current vacancy list and communication practices with liaisons. All appointments were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Dean Pacific (reappointment by Mayor LeGrand) to the Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeal Board. A commissioner noted Pacific's legal expertise and prior service.
• Danielle (Dan) Cope (appointment by Commissioner Belchak) to the Grand Rapids Police Civilian Appeal Board. Commissioner Belchak highlighted Cope's critical thinking and data review skills.
• Veronica Candle (appointment by Mayor LeGrand) to the Grand Rapids Historical Commission.
• Christopher Herwire (appointment by Mayor LeGrand) to the Grand Rapids Historical Commission.
• Peter Brunswick (appointment by Mayor LeGrand) to the Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
• Eric Howard (appointment by the City Commission) to the Board of Art and Museum Commissioners.

Discussion Items

• Vacancy List Update: Ms. Bosker reported that the Historical Commission, the Brownfield/Economic Development Corporation, and the Board of Art and Museum Commissioners are now full after the day's appointments. Upcoming reappointments will address terms ending in late June/early July for the Land Bank and Grand Valley Biosolids. A new vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission resulted from a member's passing; the liaison will work to fill it in the coming months.
• Liaison Communication & Guidelines: The Clerk recounted that Dale Robertson, liaison to the Art and Museum Commissioners, had inherited the role without notice and is now leaving. The Clerk appreciated his service. Commissioner Isasi raised concerns about communication when board members turn over, noting that the current practice is not to give advance notice to appointees until decisions are finalized. She suggested providing liaisons with clearer guidelines on their role, especially regarding special projects. Commissioner Belchak asked if more formal guidelines would be developed. Ms. Bosker committed to including a reminder to liaisons about their role in the upcoming end-of-year appointment process communications.

Key Outcomes

• All six appointments were approved unanimously by voice vote, with no dissent.
• Next steps: The clerk's office will incorporate guidance for liaisons in communications for the end-of-year appointment process. The committee will continue to fill remaining vacancies in the coming months.