March 3, 1992 Present: James R. Haggerty, Chairman
Judith Murdoch
Robert Crowley
Robert Andrews
Warren Ellis
Chief Huska met with the Board and gave a breakdown of his budget. Discussed his base salaries, overtime, sicktime, holiday and vacation coverage and broke out the specific costs for each. He estimated he would be $27,000 in the hole if he is allowed to encumber the necessary funds to get through the rest of the year. However, the Board made the point that although the Chief's budgeting process of breaking things out is very worthwhile, the fact remains that all this money is in one line and historically, the Fin. Com. has not transferred money into a line while there is money still there. The Board felt that the Chief should continue to manage the Fire operation as in the past several months attempting to keep all costs to a bare minimum and the Board of Selectmen would be able to address the Fire Dept.
salary line at the Sp. Town Meeting in May. The Board did indicate that the Fire Chief should, if he chooses, approach the Fin. Com. and keep them apprised of the situation. During the course of the conversation, Chief Huska, at the request of Selectman Crowley, outlined a breakdown of events over the past year. He stated the Town has had 15 structure fires as well as some weather incidents such as the Hurricane and heavy storms. The Board thanked the Chief for his breakdown and asked him to continue to monitor his operating costs.
Richard Harris met with the Board and was requested by the Chairman that on behalf of the Regionalization effort in order to maintain level costs this first year of the agreement, would it be possible for the Highway dept to continue to plow and assist in cutting the grass. Mr. Harris replied that he has already spoken with Mike Joyce at the Region and will be able to offer any assistance needed.
The Board started discussion on the school budget and at that point invited the Fin. Com. to meet with the Board.
The discussion surrounded the aspect of one budget vs. three budgets or a combination thereof as described by the Chairman. Both Board members and Fin. Com. members expressed both concerns and awareness of certain issues surrounding the regional budget process. However, Paul Vaitkus and John Currie, Fin. Com., stated that they felt there was not enough info. available at this point to make a decision on the type of budget to go with. The Fin. Com. Chairman suggested setting up a working meeting with Selectmen from both Whitman and Hanson as well as fin. com. members. He would try to coordinate and get back to us. He did note that the School Committee's next budget hearing was set for 3/10/92. Both Boards agreed that we needed the information that will be shared at that meeting prior to making a
decision. Chairman Haggerty suggested we place this issue on the agenda for 3/17/92.
Board had brief discussion on lease of the buildings, the Board was in the process of reviewing the existing lease as recommended by the school along with changes as recommended by Kopelman & Paige. They asked to have the changes incorporated into the lease and they would address some specific areas next week. The Board will review the amended lease on the 10th.
The Police Assoc. represented by Union President Gene Andrews, along with several officers presented the Board of Selectmen with a grievance concerning the filling of overtime shifts and the safety concerns surrounding coverage. Officer Andrews stated that he felt the Board was violating a previous agreement to fill various shifts on the 4-12 shift and the 12 to 8 shift for 4 hour increments. He stated that as a result of a meeting between the Exec. Sec., Sergeant Gredler, Chief Twomey, noting that Chairman James Haggerty was present during part of that meeting that overtime shift coverages were changed by the Police chief. Mr. Haggerty referred to the memo of 2/20/92 written to the Pol. Chief, Sgt. Gredler, and Union President outlining the meeting of 2/19/92 which outlined the concerns of the Board of
Selectmen. However, it at no time directed the Chief to stray from the previous agreement. Mr. Haggerty did admit that the Board felt that there needed to be discretion used in filling shifts.
Board also agreed to set up communications on a weekly basis with the Pol. Dept. Motion by Ellis, 2nd Andrews, to fill the shifts as per previous agreement as a method to deal with the grievance. 5-0 vote.
Board voted to accept minutes of February 25. 1 Ellis, 2 Murdoch, 5-0 vote.
Request for three video machines for Comet Club. Board asked to hold for clarification.
Board accepted resignation of David Soper from the Recreation Commission, motion by Andrews, 2nd by to accept with regret. 4-0 vote. Mrs. Murdoch had left room briefly.
Request for non-profit organization license for wine tasting, March 9, 20, May 11 for Camp Kiwanee in conjunction with the Adult Education Classes. 1 Ellis, 2 Crowley, 4-0 vote.
Executive Session: Motion under #3, negotiations - Police, under litigation for police, fire and insurance issues. 1 Ellis, 2 Crowley, 5-0 roll call vote, unanimous.
Motion by Murdoch, 2nd Ellis to have Sgt. King acting Chief effective 3/4/92, 5-0 vote.
Motion to adjourn by Crowley, 2 Ellis, 5-0. 11:00 p.m.
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Robert M. Crowley, Clerk
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