WESTFIELD – During a special meeting on Oct. 27, the Westfield finally approved the job description for the personnel director vacancy.

To start the conversation, Councilor Bill Onyski read a letter from Mayor Don Humason about some of the changes to the job description since the last time it was brought before the council.

In the letter, Humason said that some of the language in the job descriptions across the city are outdated and require a new personnel director to help change them.

“I certainly agree, as does the Personnel Office, that there are antiquated provisions in this and many other job descriptions, in fact, this is one of the tasks that would be assigned to the new personnel director to address in a comprehensive approach,” Mayor Humason wrote in the letter.

One of the changes made to the description updates the language so there are provisions in place for applicants with a potential physical or visual disability.

“The updated job description now contains language that outlines a caveat to the physical, motor, and visual skills section that states, ‘Accommodations to assist the personnel director if they are unable to perform any of the duties listed below, shall be provided pursuant to city policies and governing federal and state laws,’” the letter said.

One change the personnel department did not make was the inclusion of municipal experience.

“Although I understand the concern, I believe this change would limit the candidate pool while not necessarily attracting the candidate needed for the city. Requiring municipal or department head experience would be that the only qualified candidates would be human resource directors, town managers, and some mayors,” Mayor Humason wrote.

Once again, Councilor Dave Flaherty was against the job description and wanted it to require municipal or department head experience, along with a higher pay.

“I really think municipal experience is critical to this position. This is one of the most important jobs in running this city. I’m not worried about severely limiting the candidate pool if we get the right candidate. I think we should be willing pay a little bit more, the market price is significantly higher than what we’re offering,” he said.

While she voted against the description in the past because of its “ableist” language, Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane said she was in favor of the changes.

“There is at least a band aid on it that addresses my most immediate concerns. I understand the catch 22 of needing a personnel director to fix the problems with the job description. I’m grateful the mayor sees the problems with the language and has a plan to address it and I’m looking forward to seeing it done,” she said.
Ultimately the council approved the job description with a 10 to 2 vote.