Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Appointments Committee of the Board of Representatives met on October 28, 2026. The meeting was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. but was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Co-Chair Felix Gardner in the Democratic Caucus Room and remotely via Zoom. Members present included Representatives Carl Weinberg, Weathers, Camporeale, Bradford, and Hyatt. Co-Chair Steven Shore and Representative Pavia were absent. The committee interviewed eight candidates for various boards and commissions and voted on nine appointments, all passing unanimously with a 6-0-0 vote. One applicant (Michael Miller for the Stamford Golf Authority) was absent and will be rescheduled.
William Morris, a 76-year resident with over 22 years of experience on the Zoning Board, discussed the board's work on affordable housing and sustainability. Morris stated the board had increased affordable housing units to between 10 and 12 percent of the housing stock, adding approximately 650 affordable units financed by roughly $38 million in CNL funds. Regarding the tree canopy, Morris noted recent text changes requiring developers to inventory and replace removed trees. He expressed strong support for Mayor Caroline Simmons' comprehensive plan and sustainability goals. Representative Weinberg encouraged Morris to be less supportive of tree removals conducted solely for construction equipment convenience.
Isobel Bonar, serving seven months on the commission, shared her background in human resources. She praised the city's HR team for thorough research and compensation analysis. Bonar noted the commission's role in approving reorganizations and position changes, mentioning recent adjustments in the Town Clerk's office. Representative Weinberg complimented the institutionalization of strong HR processes under directors Clement Williams and Dr. Russell.
Stuart Adelberg highlighted the collegiality and efficiency of the commission. He noted that the commission frequently pushes back on HR proposals, requesting earlier documentation and challenging above-midpoint salary hires. Adelberg cited a recent case where the commission turned down a request and later approved a compromise at a lower salary level. Representative Weinberg contextualized the commission's reactive role per the city charter, while Adelberg described the high quality of departmental reorganization proposals.
Susan Johnson, an HR professional with both private and public sector experience, expressed her desire to listen and learn before proposing changes. Representative Weinberg challenged Johnson to use her expertise in culture change to help shift city government from a technocratic to a client-centric viewpoint, which Johnson acknowledged as a significant but worthwhile challenge.
Melissa Fay, a new appointee, shared her interest in modernizing event outreach. She discussed standardizing communications through schools and diversifying veteran representation at parades to include younger and more diverse veterans. Representative Weinberg highlighted Fay's community work and her free CPR training event on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Third Place by Harbor Point. Representative Camporeale asked about outreach strategies to draw larger crowds.
No action taken. The applicant was not present and the item was rescheduled.
Duffy Sasser discussed operations at Sterling Farms. He noted that the authority recently approved new app-based booking software to address scheduling challenges. Sasser expressed pride in the course's affordability, with resident rates averaging around $10 per hour and reduced fees for seniors and juniors at $26. Representative Bradford raised concerns about historic buildings on the property, such as the milk barn, encouraging collaboration with HPAC for preservation. Representative Camporeale inquired about pesticide use following state bans; Sasser stated he would provide a list of chemicals used. Sasser described challenges with the city's backpack blower ordinance and battery-powered equipment limitations, noting that current battery technology is inadequate for the course's needs.
Izabella Parillo, a tax accountant with EY, framed her approach around strictly following the zoning "rulebook" to balance competing property owner and neighbor interests. The committee discussed the emotionally charged nature of ZBA cases and the importance of listening to applicants. Parillo expressed her intention to learn from fellow board members regarding how to interpret the gray areas of the code.
All votes were taken by voice vote and passed unanimously (6-0-0) with Co-Chair Gardner, and Representatives Bradford, Camporeale, Hyatt, Weathers, and Weinberg in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Okay, so the time is 6 31 p.m. It is the 28th of October 2026. This is the 32nd Board of Representatives Appointments Committee. I'm co-chair Felix Gardner, joined by Representative Carl Weinberg in the room. Also Representative Weathers on the call, Representative Camborelli, Representative Bradford, and Representative Hyatt as well, is here. So we do have a quorum and we can get started. For our guests, how this is going to work. We're gonna run down the list of interviews from top to bottom. I think we have we have eight eight interviews in person. The ninth one is just a vote. So we're gonna do all eight interviews one off the other. It's nothing too serious. I wouldn't be very stressed about it. We're just gonna ask you a couple of questions about why you think you're a good tip. The role this is the last final step in the process. We know you've been on a long journey already to get here. We appreciate a huge pain for you. But this is it. This is the last thing. Second fine. Second to find, you're right. So after we vote tonight, we'll we'll do a vote at the end. We'll just do a quick vote. Um after that, we will then bring our approvals to the main board meeting, and then they will get voted on there, and after that, you can finally go and do your job, which you want to do. So this is all just pure formality. Um the next board meeting is Wednesday, November 4th. Exactly. So on Wednesday. Yeah. So after that, we will do the final vote, and then you'll get your seat and you can get started. Um, which we try and just keep these interviews pretty quick and light. We're talking so 10 minutes, nothing too crazy. And uh if you want this fully public, so you can leave and come at any time, completely up to you. If you leave or stay after interview, you can stay at the stay to the end if you want, it's all fully public. We're gonna vote at the very end. You can stay, you can leave, it's not gonna influence our decision up to you. I'm sure you've got other stuff to do. Anyway, that all being said, let us begin with item number one, Alpha 32.06. It's our interview for the zoning board with the Morris. The reappointment last appointed on the 6th of March 2017. So you can do over 10 years with Mars. That's a record. Oh, is it? No, I was originally