City Council Approves Administrative Assistance For Incoming Members

The incoming City Council may appoint staffers to assist with administrative functions currently handled by the city manager’s office, councilors voted on Monday.

The ordinance passed in a 6-1 vote. It says the council “may appoint any staff it deems necessary and appropriate, in order to support and assist the council in conducting its official business.” The appointed staff “shall be unaffiliated city employees and may be in the merit system of the city.”

City Manager Denise Rose said Gail McKissick, the executive assistant to the city manager, has been handling functions such as agendas, minutes, correspondence, and research related to the City Council meetings. Rose said that the ordinance aims to keep resources open to the council once the city changes to a strong mayor form of government on Dec. 5.

“The mayor may not necessarily provide the council with staff unless it is required,” she said.

Rose said the current recording secretaries who handle functions at meetings are either city employees who earn overtime for the work or non-employees who earn an hourly wage. She said all municipal positions are under the mayor’s office in the new form of government.

Councilor Michael Passero said the ordinance corrects an issue that was overlooked during the revision of the City Charter. He said the council could formerly rely on the city manager and his or her staffers for assistance, but will not be able to do so with the dissolution of the office.

“As of Dec. 5, the City Council has no staff whatsoever,” he said. “So we’re left without resources.”

Councilor Rob Pero, who voted against the ordinance, said he considered the issue one for the new council to take up. He also said the council may rely on employees and boards for information.

“Now at the 11th hour to say we need another position, I don’t agree with that,” he said.

Councilor Adam Sprecace said the ordinance only stipulates that the council may appoint staff and does not require them to do so. He said the language gives the council the authority to appoint employees to administrative roles or hire a new person.

“This action, if we approve it tonight, does not create a position,” he said.

Councilor Michael Buscetto III said he would support the ordinance since it allows a council appointment rather than a mayoral appointment. Mayor Martin Olsen said the ordinance will help the new council keep pace with Mayor-elect Daryl Finizio.

“The new mayor is creating a staff of his own…he’s looking prepared,” said Olsen. “The City Council needs to be prepared.”