BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MEETING MINUTES

June 22, 2010

PRESENT:	JAMES L. STEWART, CHAIRMAN; RICHARD H. HARTUNG, SELECTMAN; PRISCILLA R. LINDQUIST, SELECTMAN; SALLY THERIAULT, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Chairman Stewart called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm

Present at the meeting: Fire Chief Michael Carrier and the three Selectmen.

Chief Carrier proposed an on-call firefighter wage structure. Call firefighters were not part of the wage and salary classification study and were not assigned a grade. Based on the grades that are in place, the on-call department wages range between grade one and four.

Certifications are paid by the Town provided there is money in the budget. The Fire Chief doesn’t necessarily want everyone to be certified. Each position has an important role.

Chairman Stewart suggested that each person be paid based on their rank and each rank would have a rate. Since, nothing is preventing someone from getting another certification, (which would increase their rank/rate) this model would be based on qualifications rather than longevity. Chief Carrier did point out that there is some value for experience vs. education. Chief Carrier gave examples of how widespread the wages are for people in the same position.

Chairman Stewart suggested that Chief Carrier work on a matrix for the positions. The Chief should determine the minimum, the average and the maximum people are getting paid and then fill in the matrix with reasonable jumps in pay. Chief Carrier added that 90% of the people who work in the call department are not there because of the pay.

Selectman Hartung said that usually the call firefighters only get COLA.

Selectman Lindquist suggested that Chief Carrier look at wages of surrounding towns for comparison purposes.

The Fire Chief wanted to address another issue. When a stipend Fire Department Officer is on-call and is responding as a commander, they are not getting paid beyond the normal salary. Chief Carrier wants the individuals paid an hourly rate if they work over two hours and this would be paid retroactive to the time that they started the assignment/incident. The Offices currently earn $4,000 per year and they would be placed on grade 10 or 11 between the mid and maximum ranges. The person in-charge would be the one to receive the hourly rate, the others would still be covered under their stipend. This would pertain to just the engineers. Selectman Lindquist said that this would change in March of next year. Chief Carrier added that is why he is suggesting it right now.

Non-public RSA 91A:3 II (a) employee matters

Selectman Hartung moved to go into nonpublic under RSA 91-A: 3 II (a) employee matters at 4:00 pm. Selectman Lindquist seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Selectman Lindquist: yes, Selectman Hartung: yes, Chairman Stewart: yes.

Selectman Lindquist motioned to come out of nonpublic at 4:20 pm. Selectman Hartung seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Selectman Hartung: yes, Selectman Hartung: yes, Chairman Stewart: yes.

Selectman Hartung motioned to seal the minutes of the nonpublic session. Selectman Lindquist seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Lindquist motioned to disburse the Town’s portion of the retirement contributions along with a copy of the letter from NHRS stating the amount due, with a return receipt requested. Selectman Hartung seconded the motion. The Vote was unanimous.

Selectman Lindquist made a motion to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. Selectman Hartung seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

A True Record.	Approved By:

Sally Theriault, Administrative Assistant	James L. Stewart, Chairman

Richard H. Hartung, Selectman

Priscilla R. Lindquist, Selectman