Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2007
Present: Christopher Colclough, Mark Gallivan, Jesse McSweeney, James Egan and James Armstrong. Also present Town Administrator Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney called the meeting to order, read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Fire Chief Interviews:
Lt. Jerome Thompson ~ Chairman McSweeney welcomed Lt. Thompson and explained the interview process which included an opening statements, questions by the Board and a closing statement by Lt. Thompson.
Lt. Thompson thanked the Board for the opportunity to meet with them. He explained he is a 30 year resident of the Town. He worked on the Water Department for a year before joining the Fire Department. After four years on the department he was promoted to Lieutenant.
Chairman McSweeney asked Lt. Thompson if he would pursue either an associates or bachelors degree. Lt. Thompson indicated he would. He informed the Board that he has taken some classes. Even if he is not selected as the Chief he will still seek a degree.
Mr. Egan inquired how his relationships would be affected if he was not selected as Chief. Lt. Thompson indicated that he loves his job and does not anticipate any changes in his relationships. As a Lieutenant and command officer all issues should be handled in the best interest of the Town.
Mr. Armstrong asked which civic and professional organizations he is involved in and why. Lt. Thompson listed several professional organizations as well as serving on the Recreation Commission and youth athletics. He participated in professional organizations in order to network with other professionals in search of new ideas. He served on Recreation and the youth sports because it is important to give back to the community. He also served on the Government Study Committee because he felt it was important for the Town to have a Town Administrator.
Mr. Gallivan inquired about the problem with vacation policy, which Lt. Thompson referred to during the previous interview process. Mr. Gallivan asked how he would change it. Lt. Thomas indicated that he would sit down with the Union and come to a consensus.
Mr. Colclough asked what other staff members would say were his strengths and weaknesses. Lt. Thompson feels they would point out his loyalty, he leads by example and he loves being a firefighter. He weaknesses would be that he is quick to believe everyone feels the same way he feels. He also likes to do everything himself. He needs to delegate.
Mr. Colclough asked what immediate changes would he make if he were appointed. Lt. Thompson indicated that he would sit down with Chief Hoyt and determine where the Fire Department needs to go and how the department can move forward. He would also work collectively with the Board of Selectmen and the Union to make a plan.
Mr. Gallivan asked what roll does the Fire Department play in customer service and what can the Fire Department do to meet that need? Lt. Thompson explained that the Department should go above and beyond for residents. Some actions are not only just positive, but are just the right thing to do. He gave an example of carrying groceries for a resident who was locked out. The department needs to be available to the residents.
Mr. Armstrong inquired whether he has ever filed a personal grievance. Lt. Thompson indicated that he has probably signed onto a grievance as part of the Union, but never filed a personal grievance.
Mr. Egan asked what Lt. Thompson relationship is with the Union. Lt. Thompson indicated that he has a good relationship with the Union and the Staff. He feels everyone needs to work in the best interest of the Town. He gets along with everyone.
Mr. Egan inquired about the reference to improve productivity and accountability and promote rank structure in Lt. Thompson’s cover letter. Lt. Thompson explained that the fire department has a paramilitary structure where seniority rules. Improving productivity would require discussion between the Chief and the fire fighters on where the department is at and where it is going. Training should be documented and the staff should be more proactive in vehicle maintenance.
Mr. McSweeney asked whether Lt. Thompson felt the Town would benefit from a Deputy Fire Chief. Lt. Thompson indicated that the Town would benefit, but the decision would have to be a collective decision. He would envision the Deputy position as a union position, but feels it would be more cost effective if it were non-union.
Mr. Armstrong inquired how Lt. Thompson would resolve conflicts on Town Meeting floor. Lt. Thompson would keep an open line of communication between the Board of Selectmen and Chief.
Mr. Armstrong asked how Lt. Thompson would handle differences with the union. Lt. Thompson explained that resolutions have to be in the best interest of the Town. As the Lieutenant he has been able to explain his side of the issues.
Lt. Thompson thanked the Board and appreciated the opportunity to meet with them. He thanked the Town for his job and is committed to the Town. He feels the department is well trained. He wants to be a department head and work toward the big picture for the Town.
8:10 p.m. Lt. Paul Proudman - Chairman McSweeney welcomed Lt. Proudman and explained the interview process, which would include an opening statement, questions by the Board and a closing statement by Lt. Proudman.
Lt. Proudman thanked the Board for considering him. He feels his 26 years of experience provide him with the ability to do the job as Chief. He has taken several courses to build toward advancement. He indicated it is has been a privilege to work with the department.
Chairman McSweeney asked if Lt. Proudman would seek a degree if appointed as the Chief. Lt. Proudman indicated that without question he would pursue a degree. His current schedule was not conducive to taking courses.
Mr. Gallivan inquired about the 3-person staffing and asked what other factors Lt. Proudman sees as a hindrance. Lt. Proudman indicated that he will continue to push for a three-man minimum. He realizes the current budget is pretty close. He will ensure the Town has proper coverage. The lack of 3 man can causes delays to other call.
Mr. Gallivan asked what changes he would make as Chief. Lt. Proudman indicated that covering vacation and sick time is a big concern. Running with only two men is difficult. He would try to send staff to training when it doesn’t impact the budget. He pointed out that a Deputy Chief would help.
Mr. Colclough asked on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being excellent how would he rank his management skills. Lt. Proudman said he would give himself an 8 as there is always room for improvement. He feels his has good communication skills and reads people very well. He is organized and prioritizes his tasks.
Mr. Armstrong asked what civic and professional organizations Lt. Proudman is involved in and why. Lt. Proudman indicated that he coached several sports teams, soccer, softball and basketball. He enjoyed working with kids and found it rewarding. He also worked several EMT details at the youth football games.
Mr. Egan inquired how Lt. Proudman thought his relationship would be affected if he is not chosen as Chief. Lt. Proudman saw no change in his relationships. The staff knows what is expected of them. He truly enjoys what he does and is comfortable in his position. Lt. Proudman reported that his shift is always proactive. Mr. Egan asked what affect the Chief’s position would have on him as a union member. Lt. Proudman indicated that labor relations are very important. He indicated that he served as a shop steward when he worked in bookbinding. He has served as vice president and president of the fire union. He has been involved in union negotiations. Lt. Proudman indicated that the first five years negotiations were very intense due to financial constraints. He has
attended Chief Fire Managers program, which he found very helpful.
Mr. Armstrong inquired whether he has filed any personal grievances. Lt. Proudman indicated that as Union President he filed grievances on behalf the union. He has filed grievances personally. The grievances were over pay for details and out of rotation shifts.
Mr. Colclough inquired what immediate changes would Lt. Proudman make as chief. Lt. Proudman indicated that he would need to get acclimated with the position and then review the policies and insure that the policies were clearly written.
Mr. Gallivan inquired what Lt. Proudman would consider as a negative. Lt. Proudman indicated that a lack of degree could be considered a negative. He feels education is very important, but feels confident that his training at this point is extensive. He assured the Board that he would pursue a degree.
Mr. McSweeney asked if Lt. Proudman believes a Deputy Chief is important. Lt. Proudman absolutely feels the Deputy Chief is important. The Deputy would handle fire prevention. The Deputy could keep a similar schedule of the rank and file. Staffing issues would be eased. Mr. McSweeney asked if the position should be union or non-union. Lt. Proudman feels the position should be in the union because it can be utilized in the staffing in order to cover a three-man obligation. Lt. Proudman explained that currently the Lieutenants are doing deputy work piece meal. He informed the Board that the department had a deputy years ago and when the individual retired, two lieutenants here hired in his place. The Deputy position could limit the costs on call back.
Mr. Armstrong asked how Lt. Proudman would resolve town meeting conflict. Lt. Proudman indicated that communication between the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and the Chief would eliminate town meeting conflicts.
Mr. Armstrong asked how he would resolve issues of friends on the department. Lt. Proudman indicated that communication is important. He leads by example and will do the right thing. He likes to work one-on-one and can work with the union.
Lt. Proudman thanked the Board and the Search Committee for the opportunity. He pointed out that 70% of the calls are EMS related and the staff does a great job. He is trained as an intermediate and works at Good Samaritan Hospital. He truly enjoys the EMS work. He also pointed out that a couple of the senior members will be eligible for retirement shortly. A few others will be retiring within the next seven years, including him.
8:45 p.m. Brief Recess
8:47 p.m. Back in session
Chairman McSweeney noted he was pleased with the questions. He had wanted the Chief to have a degree and was not yet sold on either candidate and opened up discussion from the Board.
Mr. Colclough felt that both candidates did a good job. He was looking for someone who was going to take the ball and run with it. Mr. Colclough liked how Lt. Thompson displayed himself through the years and has exemplified what the town wants in the position. Mr. Gallivan re-iterated the issue regarding the degree and agrees it is valuable, but pointed out that command experience and leadership were important. He feels the next Chief needs to be creative and Lt. Thompson is on that level. The Town needs someone with positive change. Mr. Gallivan feels either candidate would do a good job for the Town. Mr. McSweeney complimented Chief Hoyt in preparing the candidates for the Chief’s position. Mr. McSweeney pointed out that Lt. Proudman is organized and detailed oriented and Lt.
Thompson is a proven leader. Both candidates were very good. Mr. Armstrong indicated that he does not have a degree and finds experience very important. Mr. Egan felt both candidates were outstanding with distinct differences. He felt Lt. Proudman’s experience gives in him a hands up. Mr. Egan pointed out that increase of productivity issues does not happen without compensation. Mr. Egan was leaning toward Lt. Proudman. Mr. McSweeney was pleased with the community involvement and leadership of the candidates. He liked that fact that Lt. Proudman brought up the retirement issue.
Mr. Armstrong questioned whether the Board was satisfied with the current candidates. Mr. Gallivan pointed out that the Search Committee determined that there are qualified candidates. He feels either candidate could serve extremely well. Mr. Colclough concurred with Mr. Gallivan comments. The Town will be well served by either candidate. The successful candidate has to be able to handle internal issues. Mr. Egan indicated that while he was in favor out looking outside the department, the Board probably would not have produced any better candidates. To look outside at this time would be devastating and foolhardy. Mr. McSweeney pointed out that grievances should not be held against a candidate. He is comfortable with both the candidates and the Board should make an
appointment this evening.
Chairman McSweeney asked Mr. Finglas his opinion of the candidate. Mr. Finglas indicated that both candidates are very good. He pointed out that grievance matters should not be an issue. He felt the Board should make a decision this evening.
MOTION by Gallivan second by Colclough to appoint Lt. Jerome Thompson as Chief effective May 25, 2007. Voted 3 – 2 (McSweeney & Egan)
The candidates returned to the room. Chairman McSweeney thanked both candidates and announced that Board’s decision. The Board congratulated Chief Thompson.
The Board discussed contract negotiations.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to appoint Chairman McSweeney to work with the Town Administrator to negotiate a contract with Chief Thompson. Voted 5 – 0
Item II New Business Recommend Articles – Annual Town Meeting, Article 27 – Water Commissioners – Water Main project.
Article 28 – Water Commissioners – Water Meter Program.
Mrs. Marini pointed out that the funding for the articles will come from water surplus and have not effect on the operational budget.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to recommend Articles 27. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to recommend Article 28. Voted 5 – 0
Department Salaries – The Board discussed the Fire Chief’s salary. As Town Administrator, Mr. Finglas recommended a salary of $75,000 for FY08, which is a reduction from the current salary of $80,744. Mr. Gallivan feels the Board is still responsible for setting the salaries. He indicated that the Town didn’t reduce the salary for the Town Accountant or the salaries for new hires in other positions.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to recommend the Fire Chief’s salary be level funded at $80,744.00 as a ceiling. Voted 5 – 0
Mr. Gallivan anticipated changes in the budget, which would accommodate the level funding of the Fire Chief’s line.
Mr. Finglas reminded the Board that he is working on a classification plan and is having difficulties due to the disparities in positions, responsibilities and educational requirements. The Board discussed evaluations of the Town Administrator and the Police Chief. Chairman McSweeney requested all evaluations be submitted as soon as possible.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to recommend a 3% increase for the Police Chief and 3% increase to $87,550.00 for the Town Administrator. Voted 5 – 0
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Colclough to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:50 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini
Executive Assistant
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