McCleary confirmed its new fire chief, as well as looked at a short term contract for its IT services, in a brisk meeting Wednesday evening.

Chief Andrew Pittman will lead the department going forward, taking over from longtime chief Paul Nott as the city council voted to confirm him in the role,

“It’s really big shoes to fill. That’s for certain,” Pittman said in a statement in the meeting. “I’ll work hard for everybody and provide good service.”

Councilors, including Brycen Huff and Andrea Dahl, congratulated Pittman on the appointment.

“I think this should have happened four months ago,” Huff said.

McCleary City Council talks about possible IT solutions during a meeting on Wednesday. (Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World)

Huff and Dahl also spoke for the creation of an informal public safety committee, saying that keeping in touch with the city’s public safety organs is a good thing.

“I’d like to be on the committee,” Dahl said. “Brycen and I were on the (Grays Harbor Fire District 12) meeting last week. It was really informative.”

The informal committee was approved, with Councilor Max Ross agreeing to serve as an alternate.

The council voted down funding the first phase of a space needs assessment, with Huff stating that based on the city’s limited growth rate, the municipal government didn’t need to spend $26,500 looking at expanding city hall.

“I feel that right now we can’t afford it,” said Councilor Keith Klimek. “We’re tight as it is.”

Michael S. Lockett / The Daily World Mayor Chris Miller of McCleary participates in a city council meeting on Wednesday.

After some debate, the council agreed to go forward working with Right! Systems Inc. for short-term IT support, agreeing to seek a six-month contract if the Lacey-based company is amenable. The need is dire, Ross said. The city has been plagued by IT issues with no clear resolution for more than a year now.

“We need something on the books,” Ross said. “IT is the backbone of any professional organization. We can’t limp along like this.”

The situation is reaching a critical point, said Public Works Director Chad Bedlington.

“I can’t play games about this,” Bedlington said. “We need to stabilize this.”

Councilor Jacob Simmons expressed disappointment that the council had pivoted to another direction from one discussed in last meeting’s executive session without any communication, equating it to a breach of trust.

“The transparency sucks,” Simmons said. “What was talked about was not gone through with.”

The council voted to see if RSI would be amenable to a six-month contract to stop the bleeding, while looking to get a request for proposal process moving for the future of the city’s IT services.

“This stuff is paramount for us,” Bedlington said. “We’ve dealt with some serious stuff over the last year that has cost dollars to us.”

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or michael.lockett@thedailyworld.com.