Meriden moves to create full‑time transfer‑station attendant; final hours and budget inclusion to be set later

The Meriden Mayor and City Council voted to authorize a personnel change to make the transfer‑station attendant position full time, following a personnel committee recommendation. Councilor Kirsten Meissner, who reported on the committee’s April 14 meeting, recommended adoption after the committee approved the proposal 3–0.

"This will increase the operating hours of the transfer station and offer residents more access for proper waste disposal," Councilor Kirsten Meissner said, describing a proposed upgrade from a 20‑hour, part‑time position to a full‑time role with expanded operational and some administrative responsibilities. Meissner said the attendant’s duties would include record keeping, certifications and technical expertise.

Council discussion clarified that the change by the personnel committee does not automatically add the position to the city budget. "Just to be clear, so a vote for this in affirmative does not mean it's included in the budget. We still have the opportunity to eliminate it," a councilmember stated on the record when the mayor called on Councilor Grant for clarification.

Staff discussion in the meeting indicated current transfer‑station access totals about 14 hours per week; Director Lawler was cited as estimating the hours "would double" to roughly 28 hours, though Meissner said the exact weekly schedule still must be negotiated (including with the union) and the city anticipates a minimum of about 35 hours of operational coverage once set. Councilors noted the personnel action is to create or authorize conversion of the position; separate budgetary approval is required to fund the change and finalize hours. The personnel committee flagged a July 1 anticipated effective date contingent on budget approval.