Ward 2 Councilor Michael Fenton recently said he has secured commitments from most Springfield City Council members to become president, and would replace current president James Ferrera III, who was not re-elected in November.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council will take an informal vote tonight to select a new president and vice-president to lead the council in 2014.
Ward 2 Councilor Michael Fenton recently said he has secured commitments from most council members to become president, and would replace current president James J. Ferrera III, who was not re-elected in November.
Councilor Kateri Walsh said she has the votes to be elected vice-president in 2014. She would replace Bud Williams. Williams, who had previously said he was interested in the presidency, said Monday afternoon that he has decided to support Fenton.
The council will have a caucus at tonight's meeting at 7 p.m., at City Hall, the last regular meeting of the year. Those voting in the informal ballot will be the 11 current city councilors who were re-elected and the two newly elected councilors, Ward 8 Councilor-elect Orlando Ramos and at-large Councilor-elect Justin Hurst, who were both invited to attend and participate in the caucus. The two exiting members, John Lysak of Ward 8 and at-large Councilor Ferrera, do not vote.
A formal vote will occur at the first meeting of the new year, scheduled Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. Hurst and Ramos will be sworn in at that meeting.
Also expected at tonight's meeting:
- After granting significant pay raises to all council members and the mayor set to take effect in January, is scheduled to consider adding the School Committee to the salary hikes. Ward 7 City Councilor Timothy C. Allen is proposing that the pay for School Committee members increase from $8,500 per year, to $12,000 annually, an increase of 41 percent. The pay for the vice-chairman would increase from the current amount, $9,000, to $12,500, under the proposal.
- Councilors are also expected on Monday to consider first step approval of a city ordinance regulating and licensing roadside food vendors. The council is expected to meet in future weeks to consider public input on the proposed ordinance prior to final approval.
- The council is also expected to discuss two proposed digital billboards along Interstate 91. The electronic billboards are requested by Lamar Central Outdoor LLC, proposed at 603 East Columbus Ave., and 6 Liberty St.