Council confirms multiple appointments to advisory commissions and boards

The Gary Common Council on July 1 confirmed a slate of appointments to local advisory commissions and boards, recording several unanimous 9-0 votes and one 8-1 vote for a police commission appointment.

Council members completed a series of motions to appoint community members to the city’s advisory bodies. The council approved, by roll call, appointments including Beryl Fitzpatrick to the Advisory Commission on the Social Status of Black Males; Bruce Curry (as a designee of Steven); Cortell Atkins; Aaron King; Gayon Fields; Deionne Fields; James Wallace (as a designee); Lieutenant Richard Allen to an advisory commission for Latinx social status; Charles Smith as the Republican appointment to the Fire Civil Service Commission; and Oliver Gilliam as the Democratic appointment to the Police Commission.

Most appointment votes were recorded as 9 to 0. The appointment of Oliver Gilliam to the Police Commission was recorded as 8 yes and 1 “extension” (the transcript used the term “extension” in roll-call results); the clerk read the votes into the record at the meeting.

Several council members offered brief remarks of congratulations and thanked members of boards and commissions for their willingness to serve. The appointments were made by motion and roll call; the clerks read the vote tallies into the record after each motion.

The transcript contains some transcription irregularities in names and roles; the council’s official minutes and appointment letters are the controlling records for exact designees, contact information and term dates. The council did not attach additional conditions to these appointments during the July 1 meeting.