Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra has appointed Katie Deppen, the city’s current superintendent of engineering in the Department of Public Works, as the next Central Services director.

If confirmed by the City Council, Deppen will be the first woman to hold the position, succeeding retiring Director Pat McCarthy in mid-July.

Deppen brings extensive experience in facilities management, including collegiate sports facility operations with the NFL, NCAA and international venues. Since joining the city in 2022, she has served as facilities project coordinator and later in public works. She holds a bachelor of science from the University of Vermont and certifications in project management and public contracting.

The Central Services Department oversees maintenance, security and operations for city and school buildings, parking facilities, and municipal mail services. In a statement put out by the city, Sciarra praised Deppen’s leadership and technical skills, calling her promotion a reflection of the city’s commitment to internal talent.

“I’m honored to serve in this role and work with the dedicated teams maintaining our city’s infrastructure,” Deppen also said in a statement.

The appointment will go before the City Council on July 10 for confirmation. According to the city, Deppen has already begun transitioning into the role ahead of McCarthy’s retirement.

Fireworks on Saturday

The Northampton Family Fourth event returns for its 13th year on Saturday at Look Memorial Park.

Organized by a team of volunteers in collaboration with the city of Northampton and Look Park, the event features an evening of family-friendly activities, live music and a fireworks display.

Live music will begin at 6 p.m. with Moose and the High Tops, a local band performing classic rock hits from the 70s and 80s. They will be followed by the Florence Community Band, which will play until dusk, when the fireworks show is set to begin.

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday. Updates regarding weather-related changes will be posted on the event’s Facebook page throughout the day.

While there is an entry fee for vehicles entering Look Park, admission to the event itself is free.

Upcoming forum seeks comment on ordinances

The city is seeking public input at a forum held by the Ordinance Review Committee at the Northampton Senior Ceter on Monday, June 30.

The event, lasting from 6-8 p.m., is a chance for the public to discuss any city ordinances they would like to see removed, added or changed. Per the city’s charter, in each year ending in a 5 or in a zero, the mayor and council are required to review some or all city ordinances to prepare a proposed revision or recodification of them.

Those wishing to submit input but who cannot make the event in person may do so by emailing lkrutzler@northamptonma.gov.

Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.