Politics & Government

New London City Council Administrative Assistant May Be Reduced To Part-Time Position

Council looking to determine best way to replace Gail McKissick, who retires this month

The retirement of an administrative assistant who worked with New London city managers and the City Council for 35 years has left the Council pondering the best way to fill the position, including the possibility of reducing it to a part-time job.

The Administration Committee voted unanimously to approve a job description for the administrative position and to make it a part-time role, with wages to be determined commensurate to experience. The committee also voted 2-1 to have Clark van der Lyke, a former city clerk who is currently doing code work for the city, serve as administrative assistant on an interim basis pending his approval.

The issue will go before the full Council at its regular meeting on Monday.

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Gail McKissick, who formerly served as an assistant to the city manager, is retiring on June 30. Following the transition of government to a strong mayor, the Council retained her position by passing an ordinance in November 2011 allowing the Council to “appoint any staff it deems necessary and appropriate, in order to support and assist the council in conducting its official business.” 

This work has included the preparation of agendas and minutes as well as handling research and correspondence. Councilor Adam Sprecace said the Council should assess whether the position should remain a full-time one.

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“I think we have an opportunity here to pass along some savings to the city,” he said.

Council President Michael Passero said McKissick has been working 35 hours a week. The hours have been based more on flex time since she attends evening meetings and has taken some time off in order to meet Mayor Daryl Finizo’s executive order eliminating compensatory time.

Passero recommended that the administrative assistant role be changed as little as possible, suggesting a salary range of $50,000 to $65,000. He said he thought a reduction in the assistant’s hours would negatively affect the Council’s productivity.

“There is quite a bit of work,” he said. “There is no other staff, and I believe it justifies the 35 hours we currently devote to it.”

Councilors differed on what they thought an appropriate salary would be. Council President Pro Tempore Wade Hyslop said he did not think the Council should set $50,000 as a minimum. Councilor Anthony Nolan suggested a range of $40,000 to $50,000.

“I think that we can save a considerable amount of money that way versus making it a part-time job,” said Nolan. “Considering the work I’ve seen, I don’t think you could really make that a part-time position.”

Councilor John Maynard said he would not support a starting salary above $45,000 for the position.

“Let’s not forget, the person who’s coming in is not Gail,” he said.

The Council will also receive input from the Personnel Department and law director before making a decision on the position.

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