Print Story Email Story Discuss Story (0)

Recommend ( 0 )

Related Links

advertisement

published: Friday, February 08, 2013

Williams named town administrator

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

LAKE PLACID -- Lake Placid's city council voted unanimously Monday to hire Police Chief Phil Williams as the town's administrator. Because state law does not allow the police chief to hold two positions, Lt. Jason Fansler was promoted to deputy chief, and will run the police department on a day-to-day basis.

Arlene Tuck has been Lake Placid's city clerk for decades. She is retiring March 31.

Over the years, town councilors Debra Worley and Ray Royce said state and federal governments demanded more from municipalities. Where a city clerk was once more than enough to run a town, today, between mandates, increased paperwork and additional audits, a stronger staff is necessary

Vickie Bollinger, new to the town staff, has city clerk experience and will take over that position where the job description is changing drastically. The clerk will now be balancing the check book, keeping the public informed, noticing meetings and keeping the minutes.

Williams, as town administrator, and Mayor John Holbrook will be responsible for the town overall.

"We're trying to restructure," Worley said. "Williams is the right man. He has hit the ground running and is already reorganizing. One thing he's doing is redesigning the (town's) web page."

"The town's charter calls for a strong mayor to act as CEO and manager," Royce said. "The mayor and the council discussed the situation and decided we needed an administration with a go-to guy structure.

"Williams submitted an application for the job," Royce added. "He has strong organizational skills, and this was the most economical way. It's a win, win, win."

According to Worley, Fansler was given a raise of $5,000 a year to compensate for his increased responsibilities. Bollinger is being given a $12,000 raise. Her former salary was $28,000 a year. Williams' salary is $71,000.