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Date: 2/16/2022
CHICOPEE – Mayor John Vieau is preparing to expand his staff, with the city office searching for a part-time community and constituent liaison to aid the department.
Vieau discussed the matter as a part of his mayor’s orders during the Feb. 1 City Council meeting, explaining the necessity of the added position as his office is “inundated” with calls from the community. “We wanted to try and find a way that would be the most cost effective to help…My staff really did not take much for vacations [during the pandemic] and they’ve incurred a lot of time,” said Vieau.
The mayor noted the city’s preference for a Spanish-speaking candidate, but the language prerequisite is not a requirement. He stressed that the city is searching for the best candidate who can assist the office in community interactions. “We do really want the best person for the job, someone who is going to help with constituents and be that liaison we need,” said Vieau.
Originally, the mayor said he considered adding a diversity and inclusion officer to his office, but ultimately opted to incorporate that position as a part of the city’s Human Resource office. Human Resources Director Paul Winspeare explained that the decision will allow the new officer to be “proactive” in training and the educating staff across all departments.
The City Council expressed unanimous support for the mayor’s request. Ward 1 Councilor Joel McAuliffe, who previously worked in the city office under former Mayor Richard Kos, said the demand for communication with the community drastically increased due to the pandemic. “The demand on staff has gone up tenfold in regards to COVID-19,” said McAuliffe. McAuliffe and Ward 3 Councilor Delmarina López also encouraged the mayor to potentially alter the position into a full-time role if the demand is needed.
The council approved the appropriation of $4,377 in the free cash account for the position in a unanimous vote.
Good Neighbor Handbook
Alongside the added position, the mayor’s office is also outreaching to the community via a “Good Neighbor Handbook.” Communications and Special Project Manager Rachel Beaulieu explained that the 40-page booklet is designed to provide constituents with a plethora of information about the city, including details about local ordinances and contact information for departments, city officials and state delegation.
Beaulieu shared that the handbook will be distributed to residents via mail in the coming weeks. In a statement to Reminder Publishing, Vieau expressed that the handbook will be an avenue to give citizens vital information about Chicopee.
“It’s important to keep people informed, we think the handbook is a great way to achieve that,” said Vieau.