Fraser council ratifies clerical tentative agreement, adopts poverty-exemption policy and approves public-works hire

Fraser City Council on Thursday handled several administrative and personnel matters, voting to ratify a tentative union agreement, adopt an updated poverty-exemption policy and fill a public-works foreman position.

After the closed session, Mayor Lesage moved and the council ratified a tentative agreement with the TPOAM clerical unit by voice vote. Later, staff presented updates to the 2026 poverty-exemption policy and guidelines, explaining the update is done annually "in compliance with federal and state law," and the council adopted the policy by motion from Mayor Lesage and a second from Councilmember Shornack.

Public works supervisor Joel Gregory described a working foreman position, noting it is a teamster contract position that will serve as a field supervisor and provide relief for management. Council voted to fill the position; staff said the role and its allocations were part of the approved budget and that portions of the position's cost will be charged to enterprise funds such as senior housing, water and sewer.

Other approved items included an amendment to the 2026 council meeting schedule (changing a May 7 date to May 14) and the nomination and confirmation of Councilmember Fletcher as the council's election commission appointee. The council also adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Excuse Mayor Pro Tem O'Dell from the meeting: approved (voice vote). - Ratify tentative agreement with TPOAM clerical unit: approved (voice vote). - Adopt 2026 poverty-exemption policy and guidelines: approved (voice vote). - Fill working foreman position (teamster contract): approved (voice vote). - Amend council meeting schedule (May 7 to May 14): approved (voice vote). - Appoint Councilmember Fletcher to the election commission: approved (voice vote).

Staff indicated follow-up steps for budget allocations and CDBG reporting would proceed in the coming weeks.