 |
Date of Meeting: Friday, July 30, 2010
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:28 PM Workshop Meeting
Members Present: Chairman James Stanton; Roger Deal; Kenneth Sydow
Others Present: Nancy Colbert Puff, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant;
Not videotaped or recorded.
2:00 Glenn Hand – Building Inspector Interview:
- Mr. Hand stated he had recently accepted a part-time job in Shrewsbury. Mr. Hand reviewed his experience as a project manager on public projects, as well as part-time building inspector for Millbury, Charlton, Auburn and Uxbridge. He lives in Millbury and is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Millbury. He currently is the back-up inspector in Auburn and Millbury and still works in Uxbridge part time. He only does inspections after 4:30 or 5:00 for these part-time towns.
- He would keep Uxbridge job; Auburn and Millbury are usually only for emergencies. His day jobs would be Shrewsbury and Boylston, if he is hired.
- Roger inquired how many hours he has committed to Shrewsbury. Glenn said 18 hours.
- Roger asked what his understanding is of our needs for time. Glenn said 24 hours.
- Roger asked how he would juggle time and priorities between the two communities. Glenn said he would prefer a set schedule (Shrewsbury is in the afternoon). He could do the morning in Boylston on a regular basis and would complete inspections, as needed, whatever hours are necessary.
- Ken said the Board of Selectmen expects Nancy Puff to manage Town Hall. Flexibility would be available, but Mrs. Puff would be expected to oversee hours worked. The last inspector was full time and was also the code enforcement officer; we now only need part-time while things are slow. He wants to maintain enforcement capacity. How would he deal with different situations, such as a resident without a permit who happens to be a Fire Department volunteer, for example? Glenn responded that it’s simple to treat everyone equally, regardless of who they are. It’s easy to follow rules if you’re educated about them. Although codes seem to be in black and white (e.g., zoning), it is not always easy for the Zoning Board of Appeals. He tries to be fair and refers to the Massachusetts General Laws and
local bylaws. You sometimes need to interpret gray areas; he won’t take an appeal as a personal attack.
- A general discussion was held regarding specific examples of how he has handled various situations.
- Ken asked him to explain tax-title Town-owned land. How is the grandfather status determined and what is allowable on lots (e.g., buildable); some are not clearly defined regarding zoning, ownership, etc. Glenn said he is very familiar with researching public records but he is not an expert. He would first start with uses permitted, requirements, etc. Then go to Worcester deeds, the Assessors’ office. He is familiar with getting recorded information.
- Ken asked if he were familiar with the Applicant Advisory Committee. Has he worked with a similar Committee? Glenn said he has not, but has held pre-construction meetings.
- There was discussion regarding the Applicant Advisory Committee. It was explained to Glenn how it works, etc., the purpose being to expedite the permitting process.
- Discussion was held regarding how Glenn would normally assist applicants and how he has done it in the past.
- Ken Sydow asked if there is anything Glenn would like to know. Glenn asked what would be the highest priority for the incoming inspector (E.G., enforcement, permitting, organization, etc.). Roger and Ken said all would be equally important. Roger noted that working well with people is also important. Glenn said it’s expected now to be helpful and guide people without being demanding. Be fair and firm. The days are gone when inspectors would come in like gangbusters and be tough.
- Jim asked when he issued his last cease and desist order; when it was and the reason for it. Glenn said the last one was in Uxbridge for not following the Conservation Commission’s order of conditions. He spoke with the developer and the Town Manager before the stop-work order was issued. They came into compliance after that.
- Ken Sydow asked if Glenn was driving past a stripped roof where no permit had been obtained, what would he do. Glenn said he would stop and discuss it with the homeowner. Sometimes the homeowner is at fault, sometimes it is the contractor. It is important to be kind, respectful and firm. Also explain the risk to the homeowner that, for example, if a catastrophe were to happen, insurance wouldn’t cover it; it’s for their own good.
- Ken said he feels the job of building inspector is to help homeowners and contractors while taking a fair approach. Treating people with dignity and respect is important. Glenn said he is always available to homeowners and contractors alike. He has a cell phone and he readily gives out the number; he uses email and answers voicemail. His hours to the public are very flexible and he’s open to varying his schedule to help people.
- Ken asked if the market turns around in a couple of years, would he go back to project management? Glenn said he can’t answer that. He does like being close to home doing inspector work. If things change, he’s not sure what he would do.
- Jim said we want people to leave your office feeling they were treated fairly and respectfully, even if they didn’t hear what they wanted to hear.
The Board will take the candidate under advisement, and Mr. Hand left. Ken Sydow asked the Town Administrator to explain her choice.
- Nancy said 16 resumes were received (five were Building Commissioners) from qualified applicants.
- Glenn was very well qualified. Dan Morgado, Town Manager of Shrewsbury, and Nancy called his references. All said he was easy to work with and hard working. One person said he has a good ability to dissipate tension.
- Roger asked about the pay rate for this hourly position. Nancy Puff said Mark Bertonassi was paid $25.72 and hour for his grade of $19 to $26/hour. Shrewsbury is starting Glenn at $22.68 with an increase to $23.70 after six months. He will also get a monthly car allowance of $160/month.
- Jim noted $160/month would allow for 16 miles a day (for 20 days out of the month).
- Roger asked if we’d also be paying benefits. Nancy Puff said we didn’t offer them; employees are eligible at minimum of 20 hours per week.
- Ken asked what support work would be needed for him. Nancy Puff said it hasn’t yet been determined what support is needed.
- The Board discussed having him work 22 hours/week (including Monday evenings from 6 to 8 PM).
- Nancy Puff said she recommends he start at $23.13 with an increase to $24.12 in six months.
- Roger asked why we are paying a higher rate than Shrewsbury, if we’re paying benefits. Nancy Puff said the job here holds greater responsibility; and we want him here.
- The Board agreed a mileage stipend would be preferred versus a mileage rate. $160/month to be offered will include inspections and enforcement.
Motion was made and seconded to appoint Glenn Hand Boylston Building Inspector (with offer of 22 hours per week, starting at $23.13/hr, $24.12 after 6 months, and a $160/month mileage stipend). Voted all in favor.
Sewall Street Paving Bid:
Massachusetts Broken Stone Co. presented the low bid of $32,205.95. Motion was made to award the bid to Mass Broken Stone. Motion was seconded and voted all in favor.
Police Details on Sewall Street Project:
- A letter was received from the Police Union regarding the fact that a detail officer was not used on the Sewall Street project (Compass Pointe) during recent paving.
- Jim Stanton asked the Town Administrator to send an apology to the Union regarding confusion over the detail requirements.
Special Articles:
- Money remaining in Special Articles ($25K total) - voted for study of school regionalization. Brian McDermott is on vacation; the Board will discuss with him for possible study.
Assistant Treasurer/Collector:
- The last two treasurers recommended an increase for Joe Daigneault.
- The position is a Grade 6: $14.45 - $19.55/hour.
- The Town Administrator studied 18 communities; we’re the fourth lowest for the maximum hourly rate and the second lowest for the minimum range. She recommends a raise to $19.53/hour.
- Jim Stanton asked how she arrived at that figure. She said it is ten percent over what he is now earning. It amounts to $2,000/year additional; Paul Nowicki agreed to find available funding within that department.
- Ken said he would like to see salary comparisons for all positions.
- Ken motioned to approve the Town Administrator’s recommendation.
- Jim said he would be comfortable with $19/hour. He requested the motion be amended to $19/hour.
- Roger seconded the amended motion; the amended motion was voted all in favor.
Town-Owned Property:
- Focus for the next auction; target properties.
- The Town Administrator said we got new maps in from the DCR consultant. We are looking to convert the tax maps in the next two months. We should wait for review until that’s done with better accuracy.
Business Marketing Committee:
- Roger said we need a directive regarding the use of Hillside property and the potential for gravel and/or future development.
- A discussion was held regarding the fact that the original focus of the group was to be more directed toward already permitted properties on Route 140.
- Jim said in the Route 140 study, steps are outlined for making it marketable. The next step for the Business Marketing Committee should be ways of implementing those steps.
- Roger asked why we have to wait years for decisions regarding Hillside. What are the legal use limits/regulations? Jim said we need to first identify future municipal needs.
- The Town Administrator asked Steve Madaus his interpretation of the land use limits. He recommended title research and interpretation of Article 97.
- The Board of Selectmen would like an answer to deed restrictions. The Town Administrator is to look into it.
- Regarding the upcoming Business Marketing/Chamber breakfast on September 10, Ken feels the Chair should introduce the speakers and let them discuss what they will. Let people speak with whomever they’d like to speak.
- Roger said the bottom line is to encourage business. It is purely a PR event.
Fire Chief Contract: No changes other than a two percent salary increase. Joe Flanagan already signed the contract; the Board of Selectmen signed.
Early Retirement Issue: A highway department worker has asked if the Town participates in the Municpal Early Retirement Incentive Program; if so, he is interested in a 2-year early retirement buyout. Nancy Puff explained to the Board that if we offer early retirement, we are not able to rehire for the position; this would not work for this reason. The Board agreed.
At 4:28 PM motion was made to adjourn. The motion was seconded and voted all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 4:28 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant
| |
