JOHNSTOWN - The Common Council has approved a $5,000 contract with a Latham engineering firm to help City Engineer Chandra Cotter while the city searches for a new deputy city engineer.
The council approved a general professional services agreement with C.T. Male Associates to perform services for the city on an hourly basis.
The firm will provide general engineering, public works and construction-related services. The resolution states the city can seek additional work from the firm, as requested, with the execution of additional purchase orders.
A void was left in the engineer's office with the recent departure of five-year Deputy City Engineer Kevin Jones. The Gloversville Common Council in May appointed Jones, a longtime Gloversville resident, as director of the city's Department of Public Works.
"This is basically to help Chandra out, with Kevin not being here anymore," 2nd Ward Councilman Chris Foss said of the resolution.
Cotter said some of the temporary help provided to the city will involve her predecessor, former City Engineer Chad Kortz, who now works for C.T. Male.
Cotter said she just got the civil service "duty statement" on the deputy city engineer position back from the Fulton County Personnel Department. She said she now can advertise for the position.
Last week, the council also approved another resolution dealing with C.T. Male Associates. The company previously prepared predemolition surveys and prepared reports identifying asbestos-containing materials at city-owned properties at 115 N. Perry St., and 103 Hoosac St. The city has determined it's necessary to demolish the properties.
The council approved seeking sealed bids for asbestos removal from contractors until July 11 at City Hall.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.