Councils passes Narkewicz reform measure
November 21 ,2008
City Council votes to bar members from some
boards
By Chad Cain, Daily Hampshire Gazette
By Chad Cain, Daily Hampshire Gazette
NORTHAMPTON - The City Council Thursday night
amended its rules to prohibit its nine members from
serving on a host of committees, although it
remains unclear whether the lone councilor serving
on one of those entities will have to give up his
post.
The ordinance change, recommended by Ward 4 City Councilor David J. Narkewicz, is intended to maintain a clear separation of powers in Northampton government.
The governmental bodies identified are those that have administrative authority, such as the Planning Board or Board of Public Works, and would not pertain to council committees and advisory committees where councilors serve as liaisons.
The amendment passed on first reading by a 6-1 vote, with Ward 5 City Councilor David A. Murphy voting against. Murphy, as chairman of the Central Business Architecture Committee for the last decade, is the only councilor serving on one of the 18 boards listed in the amendment.
Before a second vote Dec. 4, councilors want City Solicitor Janet Sheppard's opinion on whether Murphy can continue to serve if the amendment passes. Sheppard submitted a one-sentence opinion on the matter before Thursday's council meeting stating that the rule change would violate a councilor's right to due process.
Murphy told his fellow councilors he would leave his fate in their hands.
"I won't sue you if you want to kick me off the island," he said.
Murphy called the amendment "window dressing," noting that the council has the authority to appoint or not appoint a fellow member to these committees without changing its rules. He also noted that the CBAC already has one vacant post, and, if he is removed from the committee, would need to find a Realtor to replace him.
Narkewicz made it clear that it was not his intention to vote Murphy or anyone else "off the island." In recent weeks, two other members have resigned positions on committees affected by the ordinance. At-Large City Councilor James M. Dostal stepped down from the BPW and Ward 1 City Councilor Maureen T. Carney from the Housing Authority.
Narkewicz said that while the council does have the right to say no to a fellow member, that's not an easy thing to do.
"It's easier said than done to say we can self-regulate," he said.
Carney suggested leaving the option open that would allow Murphy to serve out his existing term, which expires in 2010.
The ordinance change, recommended by Ward 4 City Councilor David J. Narkewicz, is intended to maintain a clear separation of powers in Northampton government.
The governmental bodies identified are those that have administrative authority, such as the Planning Board or Board of Public Works, and would not pertain to council committees and advisory committees where councilors serve as liaisons.
The amendment passed on first reading by a 6-1 vote, with Ward 5 City Councilor David A. Murphy voting against. Murphy, as chairman of the Central Business Architecture Committee for the last decade, is the only councilor serving on one of the 18 boards listed in the amendment.
Before a second vote Dec. 4, councilors want City Solicitor Janet Sheppard's opinion on whether Murphy can continue to serve if the amendment passes. Sheppard submitted a one-sentence opinion on the matter before Thursday's council meeting stating that the rule change would violate a councilor's right to due process.
Murphy told his fellow councilors he would leave his fate in their hands.
"I won't sue you if you want to kick me off the island," he said.
Murphy called the amendment "window dressing," noting that the council has the authority to appoint or not appoint a fellow member to these committees without changing its rules. He also noted that the CBAC already has one vacant post, and, if he is removed from the committee, would need to find a Realtor to replace him.
Narkewicz made it clear that it was not his intention to vote Murphy or anyone else "off the island." In recent weeks, two other members have resigned positions on committees affected by the ordinance. At-Large City Councilor James M. Dostal stepped down from the BPW and Ward 1 City Councilor Maureen T. Carney from the Housing Authority.
Narkewicz said that while the council does have the right to say no to a fellow member, that's not an easy thing to do.
"It's easier said than done to say we can self-regulate," he said.
Carney suggested leaving the option open that would allow Murphy to serve out his existing term, which expires in 2010.