The committee will recommend finalists to the mayor, who is authorized to appoint the police chief.
Joseph McGiverin, chairman of the police chief search committee | Republican file photoHOLYOKE – A search committee will hold a public meeting Monday
The police chief search committee will begin taking public comments at 6:30 p.m. at the War Memorial, 310 Appleton St.
The committee will consider the comments in reviewing police chief applications, officials said.
“We’re geared up to take as much public input as we can from everyone. We’re hoping that there’s a good turnout,” committee Chairman Joseph M. McGiverin said Wednesday.
With Police Chief Anthony R. Scott set to retire April 30, Mayor Elaine A. Pluta appointed the screening committee in November. Scott has been chief since 2001 and must retire in the month in which he turns 65, under state law. Scott’s yearly salary is $133,164.
The chief search has been limited to New England and New York. Consultant BadgeQuest, of West Yarmouth, is reviewing applications, the deadline for which was March 21.
The committee will recommend finalists to Pluta, who is authorized to hire the chief.
Pluta will have to appoint an interim chief because a new chief won’t be hired in time to step in when Scott retires.
Besides McGiverin, who also is City Council president, the committee consists of Councilor at Large Patricia C. Devine; Holyoke Police Capt. Arthur R. Monfette; Lt. Randy Mead of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department; Debra Vega, co-owner of Vega Yoga & Movement Arts here; Andrew L. Melendez, director of the Homework House Inc. tutoring program here and member of the charter study commission; and retired lawyer Paul Lietz.