Council hires Michael Harrington for Department of Public Works labor position

The council voted to hire Michael Harrington for a Department of Public Works position after staff described the recruitment and selection process. The hire is contingent on completion of a background check, drug test results, and a pre-employment physical.

City staff said 11 candidates applied, four were interviewed, and the selection was narrowed to two candidates who completed a hands-on skills exam administered by the street crew. Staff reported the crew unanimously recommended Michael Harrington. The offer is contingent on successful background and pre-employment checks; staff said employment verification had been initiated and the candidate took a drug test and was scheduled for a physical.

In the meeting record staff gave a starting wage figure; the transcript contains inconsistent wage figures in different motion lines. The staff presentation stated a starting wage on the posted wage scale; the formal motion in the meeting recorded the hire at $26.70 per hour with an effective hire date recorded in the agenda text. The motion to hire was made and seconded and the council approved the hiring by voice vote.

Council members emphasized that Harrington is an active member of the local fire department and noted the candidate’s operational familiarity during the crew-administered equipment test. Staff will complete final background checks and other onboarding tasks before the effective hire date.