Mary Anne Fitzgerald, who has been the Saratoga Springs city historian for more than 20 years, retires effective Oct. 31, the commission heard Oct. 30. The commission approved updates to the part-time City Historian job specification to clarify responsibilities and to expand and update minimum qualifications.

Civil Service Coordinator Carissa Salvo presented the item and said the job specification had not been substantially updated since 1998. Salvo described added clarifications to the distinguishing features and supervision language, and listed updated typical work activities. The revised minimum qualifications include three pathways: a bachelor's degree in history or education; an associate's degree in history or education plus one year of full-time paid clerical experience involving research and collection of historical information; or graduation from high school (or New York State equivalency) plus two years of full-time paid clerical experience involving historical research and collection.

Commissioners discussed the scope of the degree options during the review. The job specification notes the historian's office is at the visitors center on the corner of Broadway and Congress and that the position is part time. Assuming approval, staff said the city would post the vacancy later that afternoon.

A motion from Commissioner Joanna Zangrando to approve the updated City Historian part-time job specification was seconded and approved by voice vote.