MINUTES
CHILMARK PERSONNEL BOARD MEETING JUNE 2, 2005 – CHILMARK TOWN HALL
CALL TO ORDER: 8:02 AM
PRESENT: Members Jennie Greene, Max McCreery, and Henry Burkin. Also present: Riggs Parker Board of Selectmen, Polly McDowell Staff Liaison, Tim Carroll, David Norton, Richard Steves and Chuck Hodgkinson. Absent: Richard Williams and Lois Norton.
MINUTES
Approval of the minutes from May 5 and May 19, 2005 were postponed to June 16, 2005.
NEW BUSINESS
FIRE CHIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: Dave Norton was present to review and help update the Fire Chief’s job description. Chief Norton began by stating the fire department’s mission is to first save lives – firemen and others requiring its assistance; then to save property and lastly to save the environment.
He continued to clarify and suggest adding several points to the job description such as:
- Identify and apply for grant opportunities for the Town and fire department; take special classes to remain eligible for federal grants.
- Coordinate training and mutual aid with the other island towns.
- Add the following to the list of inspection types and locations: inspect commercial properties and residential zones; identify the location and inspect the installation of dry hydrants-particularly for swimming pools; inspect liquid fuel storage tanks.
- The Chief supervises about 30 active and about 45 total volunteer firemen.
- This position averages about 100 hours of time per month – as well as being on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The Chief must stay appraised of the post 911 federal safety requirements that are published from time to time.
- When asked about personal vehicle use, the Chief explained that he uses his truck as a mobile command station and only receives a stipend monthly gas allowance.
- The Chief asked if there is a way to reword the issuance of burn permits in a way that discourages beach fires.
Jennie Greene asked the Chief to estimate how much prior experience is required for someone to be an effective Fire Chief for the Town. He estimated a minimum of five years of experience and added that it depends upon where the experience was obtained. The PB agreed to evaluate the Fire Chief’s pay and allowance for personal vehicle use.
COORDINATOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT (CAS): Richard Steves, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, opened by stating his board is asking the PB to re-consider its reorganization plan for the CAS position and appoint the current temporary administrative assistant, Rusty Walton, as the permanent administrator. He added that Rusty’s wealth of knowledge and experience as a Conservation Officer is invaluable to the ConCom, resident applicants and process. He continued that Rusty has been doing a terrific job and the board is concerned that it may lose Rusty’s up to date knowledge of state regulatory matters.
After discussion, the board thanked Richard bringing this to the PB’s attention. It was later decided for a PB member to offer to attend the next ConCom meeting to further the CAS discussion. The goal would be to clarify the PB’s plan and mention that it will continue to monitor the CAS assignments once a qualified candidate fills this position.
JUNE 10 MEETING WITH JACK COLLINS: The meeting was confirmed for 3:30 PM and it was agreed to forward five of the six remaining job descriptions to Jack – Harbormaster, Fire Chief with additions, Town Accountant, Treasurer, Assistant Assessor. The EMT Coordinator job description will be discussed in the June 10th meeting.
CHIEF RICH REQUEST FOR LONGEVITY BENEFITS: Max McCreery made a motion to approve the request dated 6/1/05 with the understanding that the specified amount is confirmed with the town accountant’s records. Henry Burkin seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor.
It was pointed out that there are two town positions that changed status from being elected positions to being appointed positions—Tax Collector and Town Clerk. After discussion, Mr. McCreery made a motion to formally recognize these positions and any other appropriate positions that change from elected to appointed status be eligible for longevity benefits. It was also confirmed that eligible employees must request annual longevity benefits in writing each year.
Henry Burkin seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
OLD BUSINESS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT ACCRUAL MEETINGS: After discussion it was agreed that Messrs. McCreery, Parker and Carroll would meet with individual employees on June 10th starting at 10:00 AM.
Mr. McCreery made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Burkin seconded. It was voted and so carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 AM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson.
Chuck Hodgkinson Administrative Assistant Date
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