Date of Meeting: Friday, June 28, 2013
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:21 AM
Members Present: Chairman James Wood, Matthew Mecum; Michael May; Martin McNamara, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant
Others Present: Steve Mero, Highway Superintendent, Ryan Schloerb, Highway Dept, and Mike Kane of The Banner
The meeting commenced at 8:00 AM
There were no financial warrants to be signed.
Town Administrator Bonus Compensation
Jim Wood read the section of the minutes relating to the June 17 discussion, to summarize the original discussion of the Town Administrator’s bonus was discussed, per the terms of his contract. The discussion continued today.
Mike May said the contract clearly calls for goals/objectives to be defined. It was a failure by the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator not to address this last year. He recommended that Marty McNamara draft a set of objectives and the Board will set standards based on that draft. They will then set a very quantifiable performance/evaluation based on results delivered. The framework is not in the contract, but the Board is presently 100% subjective with no measurable deliverables. He remains of the opinion that we offer a one-week performance bonus.
Jim Wood said another idea is to possibly reopen Marty McNamara’s contract and adjust the salary so we get away from the bonus program.
Mike said the contract defines a merit increase, so it already exists in the language; there is no need to reopen the contract.
The Board will return to further discussion after the minutes are approved.
Matt Mecum made a motion to approve the minutes with one typo correction noted. Motion was seconded by Mike May and voted all in favor.
Matt Mecum said, regarding the increase in the contract, he prefer it be a bonus. It might take more work but it would be measurable goals tied to a measurable bonus. Also, the Board of Selectmen needs goals, given that some are tied to TA performance. Mike May agrees and said it is also clearly stated in the contract. He feels the TA should set the framework of goals; then the Board of Selectmen accepts, adjusts and approves.
The Town Administrator agrees that it calls for a salary increase, not a bonus, which is why he indicated in his letter he is amenable to a bonus. The issue with goals is that a new issue could come up as a priority and other set goals are pushed aside even though a great job is done with various other priorities. This job is constantly changing and the focus varies on a daily basis.
Matt would like to get into specifics of a bonus plan and any discussion should be for a future agenda. The Board needs to know that if we give a bonus today, other employees will be expecting a bonus for next year as well.
Mike said we need to set our deadline for goals being established to be as fair as possible to the TA.
Again, he would support a bonus of one week’s compensation.
Matt and Jim agreed.
Mike May made a motion to grant Marty McNamara a bonus of one week’s compensation. Matt Mecum seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
Highway Dept. Foreman Appointment:
Marty said that, after several internal interviews, both he and Steve Mero agreed to recommend Ryan Schloerb as Foreman. Although he has only been in the job a short time, he has shown excellent work and leadership skills.
Mike May asked Ryan to speak to his background.
Ryan said he has had six years’ experience in construction and roadwork and ten years in landscaping, as well as a short time supervising various crews. He thinks he would work well with Steve and is anxious to get started. He has lived his entire life in Clinton. He has been an EMT/FF in Boylston for the past three years. He said it is not all about spending, but about addressing issues efficiently and safely. He gets along well with all of his coworkers.
Marty McNamara said Chief Flanagan also had many good things to say about Ryan.
Mike May made a motion to approve the appointment of Ryan Schloerb as Highway Superintendent, effective July 1, 2013. Matt Mecum seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
At 8:21AM Matt Mecum made a motion to adjourn. Mike May seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant
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