Hallowell council approves contract for Ross McClellan as city manager

The Hallowell City Council unanimously approved an employment contract for Ross McClellan as the city manager at a special meeting called for that purpose.

Mayor George Lapointe opened the meeting, read the citypublic comment guidelines and said the sole purpose of the session was to consider and approve the contract after prior confidential deliberations. "The decision to move forward with Mr. McClellan was done by a majority vote of the council," Lapointe said, and he asked the council to vote on whether to accept the proposed contract.

Council Mathews moved to approve the contract, and Councilor Fett seconded the motion. Councilor Knox spoke in support, praising Maureen O'Coyneand urging the community to welcome McClellan: "He is a deep listener, a compassionate individual ... and will bring a new, fresh, youthful energy to our community," Knox said, and added she would cast her vote in favor.

Mayor Lapointe then called for the vote and announced, "That is unanimous." He said he would sign the contract, send a copy to Mr. McClellan and file it with city records, stating the council's business for the night was concluded.

After the vote a member of the public asked for specifics about the salary and whether negotiations were ongoing; Lapointe replied, "We are not in negotiations. We have, he's gonna earn $150,000 a year." The mayor then moved to adjourn, and the council adjourned the meeting.

The approval completes the council's selection process for the new city manager; the contract will be signed by the mayor and placed in city records.