HUNTINGTON – Two key public servants turned in their resignations at Huntington’s Board of Selectmen meeting on Wednesday. A letter was read from town clerk, collector and Board of Registrar member Andrea McKittrick, announcing her resignation with “a heavy heart” from all three roles effective March 20, and citing family health concerns.
Huntington town clerk Andrea McKittrick and assistant clerk Kathleen Thomas.
During the meeting, selectman Jeffrey McKittrick announced that he would be stepping down as chair of the Board, chief procurement officer and member of the FRTA due to health concerns. McKittrick said he would remain on the Board on a limited basis until his three-year term ends on June 30. He said a phone call policy that is in place will allow him to participate when he is unable to attend meetings.
The position of town clerk for one year will be determined in the town election on May 20, as will the three-year term of selectman, and the two-year term remaining from selectman John McVeigh’s recent resignation, effective June 30, to pursue a higher education degree. That will leave Ed Renauld as the only current member to remain on the Board July 1.
Other open positions that will be decided in this year’s town election include three-year terms on the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, School Committee, Water/Sewer Committee, Whiting Street Fund, Library Board, Hampshire Council of Governments, Pettis Fund, and Constable; as well as one year terms as Tree Warden and Moderator.
Wednesday, prior to the start of the meeting, town treasurer Aimee Burnham discussed how to fill the duties of Andrea McKittrick prior to the election. A decision was made and voted on during the meeting to offer the position of interim town clerk to Kathleen Thomas, who has served as assistant town clerk for the past seven years. Thomas accepted, and will serve from March 20 until June 30.
Burnham also offered to serve as interim collector until a new collector may be hired. Burnham is a bonded employee, and said she is able to add to her bond to serve as interim collector. Burnham also recommended splitting the position into that of a collector and an assistant collector for the town, in order to avoid losing continuity if someone leaves.
Burnham suggested forming a hiring committee for the collector’s position as soon as possible, and asking the new members of the Select Board to serve on the committee following the town election on May 20, and prior to their assumption of office on July 1, in order to speed up the process. Renauld said he would form the committee following the town election, and invite whoever is elected to serve on it.
Burnham also said a turnover audit will be required after the new collector is hired.
Papers for all open seats in the town are available from now until March 29. The only requirements to run for office are residency and being a registered voter in Huntington.
