Auburn resident Jack Hardy is the city's newest addition to the Civil Service Commission. City councilors unanimously appointed Hardy, 56, to serve a six-year term on the commission.

Hardy replaces former Chairman Robert Welch, who resigned last week.

Welch cited a poor working relationship between the commission and City Manager Mark Palesh as his reason for resigning.

Hardy said working on the three-person commission will allow him to become more involved in the government of the city where he grew up. Both of his parents worked for the city of Auburn.

“I'm just a big fan of giving back to the community when you can,” Hardy said.

Palesh said he is “very excited” to work with Hardy and the rest of the commission.

“It is a tremendous appointment, and I know he has a tremendous background and a family history of civil service,” Palesh said.

The new chairman could be selected at the next civil service meeting.