City Manager Jay Ash has decided to remain in his position for the next four years, pending the city council’s approval of a contract negotiated by Councillor Leo Robinson. The council is expected to vote on the agreement Monday night, with Council President Mariyln Vega-Torres and Robinson both anticipating near-unanimous support. “My feelings are that it will go through,” Vega-Torres said. “I have talked with many of my colleagues and I believe and expect they will vote to accept the contract,” she added. She noted, however, that she had not yet consulted with every council member before making this assessment.
During a private Wednesday afternoon meeting, Vega-Torres, Robinson and Ash finalized the terms of the new contract. The agreement sets Ash’s salary at $169,000 and extends his tenure through 2015, figures substantially lower than the $200,000 previously discussed. Robinson had been negotiating on the council’s behalf for several months, as Ash was required to notify the city of his intentions by month’s end.
The announcement comes after Ash created headlines last week by revealing he had applied for a position leading MassDevelopment, an opportunity that had interested Governor Deval Patrick. Ash has now notified MassDevelopment of his decision to stay in Chelsea. “I’m happy for the city council and for the people of this city. I’m impressed and delighted we can keep him here. We won out,” Robinson stated Wednesday afternoon. Expressing enthusiasm about his renewed commitment, Ash remarked that he was prepared to embark on the next phase of his tenure with fresh determination and ambition. “I’ve got so many friends and supporters here that when it came down to act I just couldn’t walk away from what remains to be finished,” Ash added.
Vega-Torres expressed optimism that her colleagues share her satisfaction with Ash’s choice to remain. “I’m happy,” she said. “Pleased, really.” “If Jay left and we had to go out and find someone to replace him it would have been impossible. He’s done a fabulous job. Anyone replacing him would have some very big shoes to fill,” she said. At Monday’s council meeting, the public will have an opportunity to speak during the designated portion of the session regarding the city manager or other matters.