The Finance Committee recommended transferring $4,000 from City Clerk salaries and wages to City Clerk Professional Services operating expenditures. This transfer aims to fund consultants brought in to assist the City Clerk’s Department during a period of medical leave and staff transitions. The primary consultant, former assistant City Clerk John Oliver, is engaged to train new staff members. Additionally, former city clerk Alan Elli is serving as an elections consultant, with his contract funded separately. The committee discussed the necessity of these consultants to ensure smooth operations and correct execution of upcoming elections. The funding for these roles is projected to be sufficient until mid-October for Oliver and through the November election for Elli.

Another topic was the formation of an ad hoc committee to recommend how to physically dedicate the council chambers in honor of former Councilor Ronald Cormier. The resolution to rename the council chambers was previously passed by the council. The proposed ad hoc committee would consist of four individuals, including former council presidents and a former city clerk, to ensure an appropriate and respectful dedication. This recommendation will be brought to the full council for approval.

The committee also approved payment of a $525.36 bill from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections for furniture ordered in the previous fiscal year. The bill covered items such as picnic tables for the library and desks for City Hall. The delay in payment was attributed to the bill arriving close to the fiscal year-end and waiting for all items to be received and inspected.

Lastly, the committee discussed a proposed ordinance to amend the city’s administrative legislation. Feedback from various board and committee chairs highlighted the need for uniform reorganization procedures across all committees. The committee agreed to take more time to review and incorporate these suggestions into the ordinance.