The Springfield City Council has amended the city's residency requirement for employees by creating more guidelines for any new waivers
Springfield City Councilors James Ferrera, left, and Michael Fenton. SPRINGFIELD – The City Council amended the city’s residency ordinance on Monday, aimed at reducing the number of new waivers granted.
As approved by a 9-3 vote, additional steps will be required by the director of labor relations before any waivers of the residency requirement are considered by the mayor.
Council President James J. Ferrera III, however, was among councilors voting against the change, saying it did not go far enough. Ferrera said he objected because the ordinance will allow current waivers to stay in effect for non-bargaining employees such as department heads and deputy directors, which he believes is unfair.
Other councilors, including lead sponsor Michael A. Fenton, said the council does not have the legal authority to break legally allowed waivers already granted.
The city has a residency requirement for city employees, but many union employees are exempt by contract or law, and exemptions are allowed by the mayor.
Fenton said the new ordinance prohibits any new director or deputy director to receive a waiver of the residency requirement. In addition, the director of labor relations must submit any request for a waiver for other employees in writing, to the mayor and council.
While the mayor retains the right to grant waivers, the labor director must follow a series of steps aimed at promoting the hire of Springfield residents including posting a job opening a second time, for not less than seven days, and publicly posted on the city’s website to encourage qualified Springfield applicants.
The council must also be notified in writing of any waivers granted, not previously stipulated, under the changes.
The ordinance was supported by Councilors E. Henry Twiggs, Kenneth E. Shea, John Lysak, Kateri Walsh, Timothy Allen, Melvin Edwards, Thomas Ashe, Timothy Rooke and Fenton. Voting against the ordinance was Bud L. Williams. Clodovaldo Concepcion and Ferrera. Councilor Zaida Luna was absent.