Retired city clerk hired as temporary

Redington Beach brings the experienced municipal employee out of retirement to train its assistant town clerk.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 11, 2000

REDINGTON BEACH -- Grace Kolar, a Redington Beach resident and longtime city clerk in Pinellas Park before her retirement, was hired Tuesday as a temporary clerk to replace departing Nancy McCollum.

Mayor Jerry Reitz recommended that Kolar be hired on a long-term basis of up to three years -- during which time she could train the town's assistant clerk, Jill Pearson.

"To run an ad is a waste of time and money," Reitz told the commission.

A majority of the commission members opted instead to hire Kolar for a shorter indefinite time period to allow the town to advertise the position and find a permanent replacement.

"It would be better to review all options," said Commissioner John Fish.

Kolar, who could apply for a more permanent appointment, is certified as a city clerk, was city clerk in Pinellas Park for 19 years and has 28 years overall experience in municipal government.

Although she is now retired, Kolar offered to work full time for the town while she trained Pearson to take over the job.

Pearson also is a Redington Beach resident. She was hired about six months ago to assist McCollum. Pearson has a clerical background but no training as a municipal clerk. She was praised for her job performance at Tuesday's commission meeting and given a $2-an-hour raise, bringing her hourly rate up to $10 an hour.

"I'm extremely pleased with Jill's work," said McCollum. "She's very capable and has a wonderful way of dealing with the public and the commission. This (being a town clerk) is definitely what she wants to do."

McCollum, who was hired last fall, has resigned to accept a similar position in Belleair Beach -- replacing her Redington Beach predecessor, Vicky McDonald. McDonald has been hired as city clerk for New Port Richey.

In other action, the town commission passed on first reading a new ordinance that would create a no-wake zone throughout the town's waters along the Intercoastal Waterway. Commissioner Judy Orsach unsuccessfully tried to change the ordinance to exempt the town's large open-water basins.

"What we're telling people in a nice way is use the Gulf, not our town," said Reitz when questioned about water skiers currently using the basins.

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