Three people - including a former City Council president - were appointed to volunteer boards by the council on Monday.
The council approved two appointments made by the mayor to the Conservation Commission and another to the Board of Survey and Planning.
The council OK'd Mayor Jeannette McCarthy's appointment of John Duffy - who was a city councilor from 1978 to 1989 - to the Board of Survey and Planning to fill the unexpired term of Richard Pizzi, who resigned from the board. The term expires March 2011.
Duffy wrote a letter to McCarthy, which said he would be willing to serve on a board and commission of her choice.
Duffy appeared before the council on Monday and several councilors spoke of him in glowing terms.
"He's a very, very well respected citizen of the city of Waltham," said Ward 5 Councilor Gary Marchese.
Duffy, who also served as the city's superintendent of cemeteries for 14 years, addressed the council and added a touch of humor that left them laughing.
"Thank you ladies and gentleman, it's nice to see all of you," Duffy said. "And remember, it's better to be seen than to be viewed."
The council also approved the mayor's appointment of Gerard Dufromont to the Conservation Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Edward Callahan.
Duframont, who was recently retired, expressed his strong desire to serve the city and learn more about local conservation issues.
"I've been in the city all my life and I feel like it's time to give back," Duframont.
McCarthy also appointed Daniel Keleher, a local attorney, to the Conservation Commission to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mary Giles.
Keleher had served as an associate member of the commission.
Both terms would be for three years, lasting until March 2012.
Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.
