Finance Committee recommends ratifying step designation for new city clerk after president defends hiring

The Gardner City Finance Committee on July 1 recommended that the full City Council ratify the council president’s step designation for the newly hired city clerk.

Council President Harris told the committee the hiring followed an "open and transparent search," saying about 50 candidates applied and three were interviewed. He urged that the candidate’s legal background made her uniquely qualified: "Attorney Blen brings over 20 years experience as a practicing attorney along with a deep municipal insight from her work on the charter review and school building committees," Harris said, adding the ordinance allows new hires to receive up to 50% credit for outside experience under the non‑union pay scale.

Other committee members who served on the search subcommittee also described the process as public and thorough. One councilor noted the difference in pay associated with the step designation was $1,579.88 and said it would not jeopardize the city’s fiscal security.

Councilor Mack moved to recommend ratification to the full council; Councilor Dowitz seconded. The chair called for a voice vote: "All those in favor say I. I. Opposed." The clerk recorded the motion as carried and the committee forwarded the measure to the full council for final action.

The council president invited employees or residents with questions about the ordinance or the staff designation to contact him by email or phone.