image description — Deborah Pedercini is sworn into her term as city clerk nearly two years ago.

North Adams Council Accepts City Clerk Resignation

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
02:09AM / Wednesday, December 23, 2020Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City Clerk Deborah Pedercini will be leaving her post on Feb. 28, two years into her three-year term.

Pedercini had apprised councilors at the beginning of November that she would be departing to take up the post of executive director of the Lee Housing Authority. The council on Tuesday night formally voted to accept her resignation.

"I have said to Debbie in person, but I'll say it publicly that I am sad to see her go and honestly, these meetings would not happen without her work," Council President Paul Hopkins said on Tuesday. "It would grind to a halt in about 10 minutes."

A search committee has already been formed, which includes former clerk Marilyn Gomeau, and has met twice to review the job description and advertising. The city clerk is hired by the City Council and deals with its administrative functions in addition to duties including running elections and keeping vital records.

Pedercini, who had worked for the city for 31 years, including three in the clerk's office, said her decision to leave was made with "mixed emotions."

"After careful consideration, it was a hard decision, but I believe the right decision for me, I have decided to take the position [in Lee]," she wrote the council.

The councilors on Tuesday thanked Pedercini for her work and her many years of service to the city.

"I just think that's extraordinary," said Councilor Marie T. Harpin. "You just don't see that in today's day and time where people are working for the same place for three decades, for 31 years, and so it just goes to show her dedication to her job, her family and the community."

Councilor Benjamin Lamb said he didn't wish to accept her resignation, but "I understand that we must."

City Councilor Jason LaForest asked if the vote had to be unanimous.

"Well now, I had that thought as a couple of you were speaking that you know it could be a very close 5-4 vote," said Hopkins.

"I think a 5-4 vote is an order," responded LaForest.

"But if the motion is defeated," laughed Hopkins, "I honestly don't know and what would happen then."

Pedercini is currently working in her new post part-time, allowing her to stay on through the new year and, with luck, until a new city clerk is found.

"I would never want to see the office fail; therefore, I will always be available for any additional help that may needed during the transition and thereafter," she wrote in her resignation letter.

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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