North Adams Council Re-Elects Officers
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday re-elected Benjamin Lamb as president and Nancy Bullett as vice president during the annual organization of government.
The meeting lasted almost a half-hour and dealt with a light agenda of approvals, including a first reading on revised compensation plans for firefighters and part-time employees.
Mayor Richard Alcombright was unable to attend but had provided Lamb information in case there were questions. There were few of those.
The changes in the compensation and classification plans for part-time workers to accommodates the new state minimum wage of $11 an hour that went into effect on Jan. 1. Councilor Lisa Blackmer said she believed that it only affected four or five workers.
The second compensation and classification plan covered a contract with North Adams Firefighters Local 1781 of 1 percent retroactive to July 1 and ending on June 30. According to a letter by Alcombright submitted with the order, the new wages "will be factored into the current departmental payroll line items and will be accounted for in the year-end adjustments."
Lamb said he believed it also covered educational differentials to bring firefighters in line with the police. Both plans were voted to a first reading with the understanding that the mayor or an administration representative would be available to answer questions before any final approval.
As part of the organization of government, Councilors Keith Bona and Kate Merrigan did the drawing of seats, which will be implemented at the next meeting. The rules of order and committee assignments remained the same.
In other business:
• The council approved bonding levels of $250,000 for the treasurer/tax collector; $62,500 for the assistant treasurer; and $15,000 for the city clerk.
• An ordinance change related to the Public Arts Commission was given final approval, with Blackmer again the only no vote based on her disapproval of including a mission statement did not conform with the current ordinance practice.
• Alan Horbal, Darrell English and Paul W. Marino were reappointed to the Historic Commission with terms ending Jan. 2, 2020.
• Sarah Guest of Adams was approved to drive a taxi for Tunnel City Cab.
• A matter related to parking on sidewalks was postponed because it was awaiting input from both the Traffic Commission and Commission on Disabilities.
Tags: compensation & classification, reorganization,
