The Fall River Committee on Ordinances and Legislation met on December 3, 2019, to consider proposed ordinance modifications affecting the Water Department. With no attendees present for citizen input, the committee quickly approved the meeting minutes from November 12, 2019.
Paul Ferland, Administrator of Community Utilities, presented two personnel-related ordinance modifications. The first proposal modified the job title and description of the Advanced Backhoe Operator D4 position to include Water Maintenance Supervisor duties. This adjustment addresses two employees who stepped into supervisory responsibilities after an existing supervisor went on leave due to a work-related injury, allowing them to continue field work while receiving compensation for supervisory duties. The committee voted to approve the change.
The second item was the creation of a new job classification for Water Treatment Plant Mechanic, which had already been budgeted in the FY 2020 budget. Ferland explained that having a dedicated mechanic would allow mechanical and maintenance projects to be completed in-house without interrupting the chief operator and licensed float operators. After addressing questions regarding license preferences and flexibility, the committee voted to pass the measure through first reading before adjourning.
Topics discussed
- 3:14 · Advanced Backhoe Operator D4 / Water Maintenance Supervisor Position — approved
Discussion on modifying the Advanced Backhoe Operator D4 ordinance title and job description to include supervisory duties for two employees covering for an injured supervisor. - 6:00 · Approval to pass the Water Treatment Plant Mechanic job classification through first reading — passed
- 6:21 · Creation of Water Treatment Plant Mechanic Position — approved
Discussion on creating a new ordinance and job classification for a dedicated Water Treatment Plant Mechanic, including review of licensing preferences.