After public outcry, council names interim fire chief and approves employee PPO correction

Public comment at the Dec. 10 meeting included sharp criticism from residents about the council's recent decision affecting the town's fire leadership. William Mitchell, a longtime resident and former law enforcement officer, told councilors: "you just collectively remove Brandy Lam as the chief with no replacement form," and said the town lacked leadership in its fire department.

After a closed-session discussion on personnel, the council returned to open session and directed several personnel actions. Council members moved to make "Chase" the interim fire chief until the town hires a full-time chief; members clarified that the town's prior letter was revised to freeze activity only for full-time personnel hiring, while part-time positions and volunteers remain under the department's control.

The council also voted to correct employee PPO (paid-time/paid-leave) records to make them accurate and payable back to 2002 (as stated in the motion) and to extend the timeframe before unused accrued time converts to a different status, giving employees more opportunity to use accrued time. The motion to implement the PPO corrections passed by council vote.

Why it matters: residents raised concerns about firefighter leadership and public safety during public comment. Council actions alter departmental leadership in the near term and change how accrued leave is recorded and usable for employees.

Ending: Council appointed an interim fire chief, clarified the scope of hiring freezes for full-time positions, and approved corrections to employee PPO accounting; council did not at the meeting reinstate the removed chief or provide additional personnel detail beyond the motions recorded.