NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City Clerk Deborah Pedercini will be leaving her post on Feb. 28, two years into her three-year term.

 

Pedercini had apprised councilors at the beginning of November that she would be departing to take up the post of executive director of the Lee Housing Authority. The council on Tuesday night formally voted to accept her resignation.

 

"I have said to Debbie in person, but I'll say it publicly that I am sad to see her go and honestly, these meetings would not happen without her work," Council President Paul Hopkins said on Tuesday. "It would grind to a halt in about 10 minutes."

 

A search committee has already been formed, which includes former clerk Marilyn Gomeau, and has met twice to review the job description and advertising. The city clerk is hired by the City Council and deals with its administrative functions in addition to duties including running elections and keeping vital records.

 

Pedercini, who had worked for the city for 31 years, including three in the clerk's office, said her decision to leave was made with "mixed emotions."

 

"After careful consideration, it was a hard decision, but I believe the right decision for me, I have decided to take the position [in Lee]," she wrote the council.

 

The councilors on Tuesday thanked Pedercini for her work and her many years of service to the city.  

 

"I just think that's extraordinary," said Councilor Marie T. Harpin. "You just don't see that in today's day and time where people are working for the same place for three decades, for 31 years, and so it just goes to show her dedication to her job, her family and the community."

 

Councilor Benjamin Lamb said he didn't wish to accept her resignation, but "I understand that we must."

 

 City Councilor Jason LaForest asked if the vote had to be unanimous. 

 

"Well now, I had that thought as a couple of you were speaking that you know it could be a very close 5-4 vote," said Hopkins.

 

"I think a 5-4 vote is an order," responded LaForest.

 

"But if the motion is defeated," laughed Hopkins, "I honestly don't know and what would happen then."

 

Pedercini is currently working in her new post part-time, allowing her to stay on through the new year and, with luck, until a new city clerk is found.

 

"I would never want to see the office fail; therefore, I will always be available for any additional help that may needed during the transition and thereafter," she wrote in her resignation letter.