WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee will hold its first meeting on Thursday to oversee the search for a new town manager, a position last held by Tracy Yarlott-Davis, who officially parted ways with the town last December.

The 10-member advisory committee, appointed by the Selectboard on March 6, consists of Selectboard Clerk Kim Souza, Parks and Recreation Director Scott Hausler, Deputy Police Chief Connie Kelley and seven town residents: Gabrielle Lucke, Joe Major, Dennis Brown, Sara Campbell, Tim Fariel, Gayle Ottmann and Cathy Melocik.

Souza, Hausler and Kelley will not have voting ability on the committee.

The committee will be responsible for recommending finalists for consideration by the Selectboard, which will make the ultimate selection. The committee’s tasks will include drafting a job description, advertising the position, reviewing resumes and application materials and interviewing and screening the candidates.

On Tuesday the Selectboard voted, 6-1, with one member absent, to contract Vermont League of Cities and Towns, or VLCT, to provide recruitment services to facilitate the committee. The board has not defined the scope or cost of the VLCT services.

Hartford has been without a permanent town manager since last October when the Selectboard placed Yarlott-Davis on administrative leave. Since that time Gail Ostrout, the town finance director, has served as acting town manager and Hartford Human Resources Director Paula Nulty has served as acting assistant town manager. The Selectboard and Yarlott-Davis finalized a separation agreement in December.

The first committee meeting will be to appoint officers, review duties and goals, and create a meeting schedule and work plan. It will be held at Hartford Town Hall at 6 p.m.

]]>