Clarksburg Administrator Tapped for North Adams Post

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
04:01PM / Thursday, January 12, 2012Print Story | Email Story

Michael Canales, seen here at last year's Clarksburg town meeting, is a city native and resident. He's been town adminstrator for 11 years.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city is tapping nearby Clarksburg to fill the vacant administrative officer position.

Mayor Richard Alcombright has appointed Clarksburg Town Administrator Michael Canales to the post that's been void since Jay Green left last year. Canales' start date is March 5.

"I think Mike brings that municipal experience that will be a help to me and other departments," said Alcombright on Thursday. "I laid out plans for this year, initiatives for this year but I've got things on my desk that are getting in the way ... I've got to focus on bigger and better things and the only way is to get that post filled."

The mayor had hoped to put off filling the post until around the end of the fiscal year or later but the tipping point was a Department of Justice audit of the city that arrived two weeks ago. The complexity of that document on ADA compliance plus the Department of Revenue Financial Management Review and upcoming budget highlighted how critical the post was to day-to-day operations, he said.

Canales, a city native and resident, was one of the top three finalists of some 25 applications received last year. But the position was left unfilled as city officials struggled to contain a hefty budget deficit and a failed Proposition 2 1/2 override.

Funding for the post was budgeted for the last half of fiscal 2012 but then some of that money was apportioned to continue Public Safety Commissioner E. John Morocco on a part-time status. Alcombright said there should be enough in the line item for the administrative post for the last few months of the year

Canales has been administrator in Clarksburg for 11 years and has filled in for numerous posts during that time, including emergency management coordinator and assessor. Alcombright pointed to Canales' work with state and federal agencies for the town as well as in cooperation with the city.

While the past two administrative officers — Green and Katherine Eade — have been lawyers, Alcombright was ready for someone with more municipal administrative and financial experience.

"Mike brings that administrative experience. He knows and understands us," said the mayor, adding he's known Canales for years. "I know he's looking out for what's best for North Adams."

"I saw the position and decided I wanted to explore the possibility of ajob that had responsibilities on a larger scale and thought I'd like that challenge," said Canales. "I think it's still going to be pretty similar [to what Green and Eade] did. They need somebody adminstratively down there to oversee the financial offices. I've been doing that here in Clarksburg but what's obviously changing is the scale."

Clarksburg Selectmen Chairwoman Debra Lefave said the board has been aware of Canales' interest in pursuing new opportunities.

"He was one of the best administrators we ever had and believe me, he will be missed, really really missed," said Lefave, adding that Canales could fill anybody's shoes in the town government and often went above and beyond his responsibilities. "It's very rare to find somebody that dedicated."

The Clarksburg job will be posted by Friday and Lefave said the deadline for applications is Feb. 5. Alcombright said he didn't want to leave Clarksburg "high and dry" and that both he and Canales were willing to work something out if the town couldn't find an adminstrator by March 5.

"If we need to, we can work it out to make sure the town and the city are taken care of," said Canales.

Tags: administrator, Canales,

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Your Comments

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The last thing North Adams needs is another administrator. You combine the salary of the Mayor and the new hire, what is the total more than 130 k I would imagine. At this point in time in N.A. all we need is 1 Town Administrator. Get the point D.A and fellow councilors?
from: Big Bucks	on: 01-13-2012 06:12AM I Agree (37) - I Disagree (38)

The City is the size of a town. Governement is growing, with the tax base shrinking. Business are leaving job are dwindling, as government continues to grow. A mayor, newly hired administrator, 9 councilors, a commissioner of public safety, and a city solicitor, just to name a few. Doesn't seem to add up. Big government for small town. Why? Maybe someone outside of government can justify this?
from: Resident	on: 01-13-2012 06:28AM I Agree (34) - I Disagree (34)

Mr. Canales will be a welcome addition to the Mayor's office as he fills a much needed role in our City Government. He brings great experience to this position. We look forward to having him here in North Adams.
from: Laurie	on: 01-13-2012 06:55AM I Agree (42) - I Disagree (23)

61,200 from N.A. 17,200 over clarksburg not bad for being a friend of the mayors, another job added onto the taxpayer, keep them coming Mr. Mayor,
from: Taxpayer,	on: 01-13-2012 08:34AM I Agree (36) - I Disagree (38)

Congratulations to Mr. Canales - he deserves it and they kept the job local. Big Gov't vs small city/town - Paperwork and regulations are inversely proportional to amount of grant money available.
from: Huh	on: 01-13-2012 10:00AM I Agree (25) - I Disagree (18)

It's about time this postion got refilled. The former Mayor used this position most of his tenure. I credit Mayor Alcombright for taking on the task of doing both jobs to save money but if we want future development there needs to be a dedicated person to focus on that. Canales is getting paid more than his current position, but it's considerably less than the two previous administrative officers and about equal to what Pittsfield paid for a snow plowing consultant. One responsibily Canales has is finding money for the city which covers the position in admin fees. If done right it pays for itself ten fold. I'm glad the position was able to go to a North Adams native and resident.
from: Tink	on: 01-13-2012 10:31AM I Agree (35) - I Disagree (15)

To Huh, haven't seen any grant money going to N.A in sometime. Hope that changes to justify his salary.
from: Big Bucks	on: 01-13-2012 11:04AM I Agree (28) - I Disagree (23)
Editor: How do you think the city is fixing the armory? How do you think it has been able to hire officers, fix roads, buy equipment? The city gets grant money all the time, especially on the school side. It could certainly could be more aggressive in landing grants, but somebody's got have time to do it.
I Agree (32) - I Disagree (14)

Editor We do not need a grant wrighter we have ASSETS .
from:	on: 01-13-2012 04:04PM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (12)
Editor: Assets are useless unless you can tell someone about them.
I Agree (12) - I Disagree (7)

ANOTHER friend of the mayor . Need I say more??
from:	on: 01-13-2012 04:52PM I Agree (19) - I Disagree (20)
Editor: Please don't. You'll just complain more.
I Agree (15) - I Disagree (5)

I wonder if the mayor will still have friends when the ASSETS they are being paid with runs out ??? Editor Who do you think picks up the bills when the short term grant money runs out???
from: thinkaboutit	on: 01-13-2012 06:01PM I Agree (23) - I Disagree (11)

Speaking off being TAPPED , The taxpayers of norh adams are being TAPPED OUT .
from: tapped	on: 01-13-2012 06:37PM I Agree (27) - I Disagree (16)

Residential Tax rate $14.86 Administrative asst. $61,200 Mayor Alcombright $86,000 (Priceless!) For everyone else its Master Card.
from: Big Bucks	on: 01-13-2012 06:44PM I Agree (35) - I Disagree (18)

Boy Editor: Did Big Bucks put you in your place, Good, Good job my friend Big Bucks, its not about the grants, its the taxpayer on the hook, higher taxes and more long term bonds, that the american way here in beautiful N.A..
from: Me	on: 01-14-2012 07:48AM I Agree (26) - I Disagree (4)

I have known Mike Canales all his life, he will be a great addition to the Alcombright team. Great pick, the city can't lose.
from: north adams native	on: 01-14-2012 09:56PM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (13)

Thank you for the support ME. The Good Ole Boy network getting larger each day with N.A govenrment growing. D.A surrounds himself to make that one last push for a 2013 re-election, and send himself into pension heaven. Ms. Daniels I believe JB3 got the Armory project going not on D.A's watch. Also the other things you mention are picked up by tax payers dollars. Show us recent grant money in the past year brought in by the D.A administration compared to surrounding communities. I do wish Mr. Canales the best of luck North Adams needs it.
from: Big Bucks	on: 01-15-2012 07:23AM I Agree (23) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: Don't understand your comment. The question was about when the city last got grants; the most obvious answer is the armory and the schools. It would be interesting to see how much the city got this year, or better over the past two years since the city's been without an administrative officer. Technically, all state and federal grants are taxpayer money.
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (6)

Think before you speak ( write ). I think a good Administrative Officer for the city should make money for the city as he moves forward. Michael Canales has been worth his weight in gold for the job he has done in Clarksburg say nothing about all the hats he has worn and his versatility and his work with state and federal agencies. yes we have to be recognizant about our taxes, but can't let that determine everything we do. It sure is nice to see a native do well and help this city move forward.
from: Arthur	on: 01-15-2012 11:18AM I Agree (17) - I Disagree (9)

Exactly Dear Editor, you now get it, we haven't gotten any grant money over the last two years, as no one in the Alcombright administration applied for any grant money. Shame on D.A for not getting it done soon. The city lost millions of dollars innot having someone in place sooner. I also believe at one point the Mayor claimed his secretary, I believe Ms. Loomis? That didn't happen, and D.A dragged his feet in setting replacing Jay Green. The city and residents lost out on the grant money. Thank you.
from: Big Bucks	on: 01-16-2012 06:16AM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (2)
Editor: I think you're trying to nudge me into defending the current city administration. That's not what I do. I provide facts when I can for information that is erroneous. The city has received grants, some as the lead for combined municipal applications. I can't confirm it's lost "millions" because I don't know what your basing that statement upon. If you have information, perhaps you can enlighten us? It would also be helpful if you could clarify your original statement, which appeared to be against hiring an administrative officer. In this one, you say the city should have hired one last year.
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (10)

Good job Big Bucks, its way over Tammy head
from: DBCooper	on: 01-16-2012 09:14AM I Agree (25) - I Disagree (8)

"Big Bucks" claims that "no one in the Alcombright administration applied for any grant money." I have not seen information documenting this allegation. If there is such information, I would like to be made aware of it. If there is no such information, how can such an allegation be made? Though I have no proof, I will be willing to guess that employees of the school department and public safety department have been applying for grants. Just because the city has not received grant money does not mean that there have been no applications.
from: Hinc	on: 01-16-2012 10:38AM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (9)

Editor, as one reader said its over your head, What Big Bucks is saying is with no administrative officer in the Mayors office for the past year or two, then Who was applying for all the grants under the administration officer position, "ANSWER" No one.
from: Stupid	on: 01-16-2012 11:36AM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: That's not how I interpreted it. Mike Nuvallie has been applying for the CBDG grants; Commissioner Morocco and Fire Director Meranti for the public safety grants and the school department for the school grants.
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (9)

Let me clarify it for you Ms. Daniels. Yes, I do believe the city needs a grant writer, maybe not at the salary of 61.2 k. It this at Step 1, of the pay scale for the City? I believe that is around a 27% raise if my math is correct. Can't blame the gentleman for jumping at that offer. That is quite an increase of his salary from Clarksburg where he was a the Town Administrator, but let's not split hairs. Also, you are the reporter, arent' you? Do I need to do your invesitgative reporting for you? Last year both Adams, and Pittsfield received grant money in the sum of 2.1, and 2.3 million dollars for economic development. North Adams, got zilch. I'm sure that is just the tip of the ice berg for what N.A has lost out on. And, as far as nudging you? There is no need to nudge as you are so biased towards city govenrment, it is enough to make one puke. As they say, it is what it is. Thank you.
from: Big Bucks	on: 01-16-2012 02:27PM I Agree (22) - I Disagree (5)
Editor: Canales is not being hired as a grant writer, but as an administrative officer who's responsibilities will likely include grant writing. ~~He also isn't a full-time administrator in Clarksburg.~~ (Someone checked and that statement is wrong.) I am not aware that the city had a shovel-ready, infrastructure project that qualified for the MassWorks grant. If any town got the shaft over that it was Adams, which went in with support from another state agency and still didn't get the grant. Adams got a consolation prize of $2.1 million in the supplemental budget for the Greylock Glen, which is a state project. You're assuming that the city would have gotten a grant? For what? Since you seem to have more time, check with City Hall on what grants they didn't get.
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (6)

40 plus k for a part time job in Clarksburg. Maybe that's whats wrong with government. At 61 k, he had better be obtaining grant money, or D.A will have some splaining to do Lucy.
from: r ricardo	on: 01-16-2012 05:01PM I Agree (24) - I Disagree (5)
Editor: Well, I always say work a day in someone's shoes before you decide they're overpaid. Town managers and administrators don't come cheap.
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (12)

Editor: You are off the point, Big Bucks is correct and on the mark, Just as Political was last week, but he was S------ you, or I should be respectful and say "Sweet talken You" just as you played into Sadie from Adams the 42 year old hot one, Why do we need more government, we don't. and now a Jr. Mayor, who only work part-time, its all about the old boy neywork, How about going after all the surplus money the state has and the fereral gov. and do something about the infractructure, like Roads and broken water pipes that are well over 100 years old, now that would be doing your job, and not just passing everything onto the poor taxpayer.
from: Pro-Stroker	on: 01-16-2012 06:38PM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (7)

Dear Ms. Daniels, You state you provide facts for information that is erroneous. I think you need to get your facts straight. I checked with a Clarksburge official, and the town administrators job was considered full time. He worked 4 days a week, and Wednesday nights at selectman meetings. I am not sure what you consider part time, but he was indeed a full time employee at 44k. Also, I do not see where the last topic by anartist, was really on topic. The comments should stick to topic.
from: Townie	on: 01-17-2012 10:08AM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: Thanks for checking on that. We always appreciate more facts. I always considered four days part time but things change.
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (3)

Tammy, where would one find the posting of city jobs, and openings such as the recently hired administrative officer. Is it on the city website by any chance? I read where 25 applicants had applied, with the finalist coming down to 3 candidates. With an area of qualified people looking for work, I didn't see where the job description was visibly posted, and available for one to apply. I look forward to your comment. Thanks.
from: Looking	on: 01-17-2012 10:15AM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: The administrative officer position was posted last year. The interviews were also done last year but the job wasn't filled because of budget concerns. Here's the post I did when it was advertised.
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (6)

Thanks Tammy, Greatly appreciated.
from: Looking	on: 01-17-2012 11:40AM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (0)

Spend all this money on city jobs, the mayor just needs a Jr, mayor now, how about fixing all the the old pipes in the city, Oh yes infractructure was going to be paid out of the new slushfund that DA has from the sewer fee! sure that why today , Now, no water on upper Notch, brickyard or woodlawn, another break, boy what a job DA. 10:00A.M. 1-18=2012
from: Resident	on: 01-18-2012 10:14AM I Agree (9) - I Disagree (6)

North Adams ranks in the Bottom 10 for per capita income and our mayor keeps hiring people and payiig 3 to 6 times the per capita rate ??? Do the math, how long can that last ?????
from:	on: 01-19-2012 06:07PM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (2)
Editor: What is 3 to 6 times the per capita rate? Your comment doesn't make sense.
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)

Editor OK My comment would make sense. Read the Fiacial Management Review the mayor asked for . If you and the other two doubters will see what I said makes sense. Look under Executive Summary. What does not make sense is continuning to hire while the tax base continues to shrink.
from:	on: 01-23-2012 03:31PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

North Adams Hopes to Transform Y Into Community Recreation Center

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:19AM / Thursday, May 02, 2024

Mayor Jennifer Macksey updates members of the former YMCA on the status of the roof project and plans for reopening.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city has plans to keep the former YMCA as a community center.

"The city of North Adams is very committed to having a recreation center not only for our youth but our young at heart," Mayor Jennifer Macksey said to the applause of some 50 or more YMCA members on Wednesday. "So we are really working hard and making sure we can have all those touch points."

The fate of the facility attached to Brayton School has been in limbo since the closure of the pool last year because of structural issues and the departure of the Berkshire Family YMCA in March.

The mayor said the city will run some programming over the summer until an operator can be found to take over the facility. It will also need a new name.

"The YMCA, as you know, has departed from our facilities and will not return to our facility in the form that we had," she said to the crowd in Council Chambers. "And that's been mostly a decision on their part. The city of North Adams wanted to really keep our relationship with the Y, certainly, but they wanted to be a Y without borders, and we're going a different direction."

The pool was closed in March 2023 after the roof failed a structural inspection. Kyle Lamb, owner of Geary Builders, the contractor on the roof project, said the condition of the laminated beams was far worse than expected.

"When we first went into the Y to do an inspection, we certainly found a lot more than we anticipated. The beams were actually rotted themselves on the bottom where they have to sit on the walls structurally," he said. "The beams actually, from the weight of snow and other things, actually crushed themselves eight to 11 inches. They were actually falling apart. ...

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