Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
June 1, 2013
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Interim Town Administrator Meredith Marini
9:35 a.m. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Egan called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance
I ASSIGN INTERVIEW QUESTIONS – Chairman Egan reviewed the questions and the board members selected the questions that they wished to asked. The questions were assigned.
Chairman Egan asked how the Board wished to proceed following the interviews. Mr. Amico would like the candidates to meet with the Department Heads. Mr. Amico felt that it would be a good opportunity for the department heads. Mr. Flynn feels it would be good for the department heads to be involved in the process. Mr. Amico suggested that asking if the candidate has prospects in another community. Mr. Soper felt the department heads should have met with the candidates prior to the Selectmen interviews. He doesn’t want to make the situation as the Department Heads against the Selectmen. Mr. Amico clarified they he wants to ensure that the candidates was comfortable with the department heads. Mr. Flynn pointed out that the department heads could have been at the meeting if they
were interested. Chairman Egan asked what part would the Department Heads have in the process. Mr. Amico suggested that the Department Heads could provide feedback be to the Interim Town Administrator. Mr. Howard feels that the previous process worked fine.
MOTION by Amico to have the candidates meet with the department heads, no second heard.
Chairman Egan is unsure what role the department heads will play in the process.
MOTION by Amico, second by Soper that if one candidate stands out today, the Board makes an appointment. If not, than another interview could be conducted. Voted 5 - 0
9:50 a.m. Brief Recess –
III CONDUCT TOWN ADMINISTRATOR INTERVIEWS
10:00 a.m. Michael Byrne – Chairman Egan welcomed Mr. Byrne and asked him to introduce himself and to give a brief background. He explained that he doesn’t have the typical background but is a professional manager and a problem solver which is highlighted in his resume. He implemented the first ever layoffs with the DOR. He has a forty year record of no blemishes. He will have a fresh prospective. He will research best practices and how they will work here in Hanson. He has a 35 year network within the State that others may not possess. Feels he can be a very strong candidate.
- Mr. Flynn - What do you see as your role as Town Administrator? Primary role is to act on behalf of the BOS and implement the policies and procedures. He would have to become part of the fabric of the community. He would need to attend community meetings and little league games. He has already informed his wife they would be moving. He is a believer in metrics. The Town Administrator needs to understand where the money is going and how it is spent.
- Mr. Howard - How would you handle conflict between subordinates, peers and Board members? Mr. Bryne would handle them delicately and in private. His management style is to handle people with respect and maintain constructive relationships. Focus on the behavior and not on the person. His goal is to ask the right question, why did the incident happen and how can it be fixed. He has done a number of conflict resolution situations.
- Mr. Amico - Discuss your experience in Collective Bargaining. Mr. Bryne has substantial experience. He has been sent in to solve problems and changes will need to be made. He had to lay off several people in DOR and there were three grievances and they won two. His experience with finance and knowledge puts him in good stead at the negotiation table. He believe that you don’t embarrass people and bargaining will go smoother as long as you respect the unions.
- Mr. Howard - How can you insure that departments are doing their jobs. Mr. Bryne indicated by the metrics approach. Communications is very important. Employee evaluations and obtainable objectives. One must focus on a work plan and work product. Always insures that when people leave his office they know exactly what he meant. He would meet with department heads weekly and never ask department heads to do something he would not do.
- Mr. Soper - Discuss a situation in which there is opposition to a project or plan and how you would deal with it. He was the first civilian in the State Police force. He was the chief administrative officer. He continued to work at it and was diligent. He needed to use command and control. He was in charge of the finances for the training academy and he obtained additional resources for the academy.
- Mr. Soper - How would you notify the Board of activities between meetings? He would contact the Board aggressively and avoid violation of the open meeting law.
- Mr. Howard - Explain Teamwork concept and how do you work to encourage cooperation – Mr. Bryne feels that teamwork is his mantra. He would hold full department head meetings monthly. It is critical to listen and get new ideas from his department heads. He would lead by example and willing to do what they have done.
- Mr. Flynn - How would you handle an emergency in the event you cannot reach any Board members? Mr. Byrne would use his best judgment and continue to try to reach the Board. He would use his resources, police, fire etc. He was acting commissioner MDC during an emergency and had to handle a drowning.
- Mr. Egan - Discuss what you believe your relationship with the Finance Committee should be. Mr. Bryne believes the relationship should be a very close relationship with a continuing dialogue. He has a strong financial background. It is not as important of who reports to who, but working with people and proper management. He would be a technical resource for Finance.
- Mr. Amico - Discuss your philosophy and experiences with regionalization. – Have you ever dealt with a regional school budget? Mr. Bryne calls it alternate means of service delivery. He worked with registry and partnered with AAA for license and registration renewals. It was accomplished by a complicated procurement process. He was very proud of a negotiation with Globe Direct for mailing of renewal notices. Regionalization in general requires continued dialogue. He discussed trash contract and his community of Beverly when it tried to regionalize with a neighbor town. He is not an expert in regional school, but it is important for a healthy dialogue. He explained the process for a cleaning solution developed at a local restaurant. Now local
colleges are looking into and he would suggest the cleaning solution to the school department.
- Mr. Flynn - What efforts have you made to learn about the Town of Hanson. Have you read the Town Administrator Act? How can we govern better. Mr. Bryne reviewed the Department of Revenue stats and town reports, looked at master plan, printed out town website info, meeting minutes. He noted there is very little federal grant money and he would impact that. He has read the Town Administrator Act. He understands the role as he has worked in several different places with a different composition of the Board.
- Mr. Soper - What role do you see for the Town Administrator in the area of community involvement? Mr. Bryne feels it should be an active role and become fabric of the community. He needs to lead by example. The Town Administrator needs to go to events and fundraisers and create excitement about it.
- Mr. Soper - What are you currently doing for work and why are your considering this change? Currently consulting and forsenic accounting. Mr. Bryne left the Registry when it went to Mass. DOT and is in transition. He is interested in a Town Administrator position. It is not a change in career because he is a professional manager. He explained that you can’t learn leadership and management skills on the fly.
- Mr. Egan - Why would you be a good fit for the job? Mr. Bryne indicated that he would bring 40 years of professional management skills, analytical skills as an auditor and common sense. At the MDC he eliminated the roll call reading and hired one person for fuel up and close up. He possesses strong communication skills and feels he can motivate employees. His years of networking associations are invaluable. He was at Mass Highway with GASB 34 they became early adopters of GASB 34 and gave seminars to local accountants and auditors. He brings a 40 year of unblemished record. No speeding tickets in 15 to 17 years. Doesn’t have to worry about what he said yesterday because he doesn’t lie.
- Mr. Amico - Do you plan to relocate? Mr. Bryne indicated the he plans to relocate. His current lease expires in August. He would look forward to reducing a commute.
Mr. Bryne feels he can be an effective Town Administrator. He will keep the Board as informed as he is. He does not like surprises and would avoid them. He has an unblemished record. He is professional manager pointing out that he is not an accountant or town counsel.
Board’s discussion - Mr. Amico liked Mr. Bryne’s answers on collective bargaining and management style. Mr. Soper found him to be a person who can bring a fresh prospective and can bring in a strong management background. Mr. Howard felt he did an excellent job. Mr. Flynn feels his communication skills were very good. He seems to have good leadership skills and appears to be resourceful. Mr. Eagn feels he has the kinds of experience which is conducive to town government. He had good overall demeanor and was decisive.
11:00 a.m. Ronald San Angelo – Mr. San Angelo gave the Board members a packet with his resume and background info. Chairman Egan asked Mr. San Angelo to give a background. Mr. San Angelo has been involved in government for 25 years. Out of high school he was concerned about drug abuse and served on the youth services board. He served two years on the Board of Selectmen. Ten years in legislature and was minority leader for two terms. He was Town Administrator for his home town for four years. Mr. San Angelo worked four years for the Connecticut Governor’s office for the Dept. of Information and Technology. He now works for CGI as a senior project manager for a John Hancock project. He loves
dealing with people and likes helping people.
Mr. Flynn - What do you see as your role as Town Administrator? Mr. San Angelo indicated that the Town Administrator works for the Selectmen and the Selectmen set the goals and policies for the community. The Town Administrator relays the goals and policies to motivate the departments.
Mr. Howard - How would you handle conflict between subordinates, peers and Board members? Mr. San Angelo said he likes consensus and working with people. He needs to hear both sides and understand why in order to come to compromise. The majority rules. He needs to bring people together in order to guide them.
Mr. Amico - Discuss your experience in Collective Bargaining. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he negotiated with 6 different unions. He had to get the unions to take a one year pay freeze. Originally they said no, but then he had to lay off ten people. Five of the six unions agreed to the pay freeze and he didn’t have to lay anyone off. He never had arbitration in the four years he served as Town Administrator. He brought in labor counsel and the counsel would receive the parameters of the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Howard - How can you insure that departments are doing their jobs. Mr. San Angelo would hold regular weekly meetings of like department heads. Public safety, financial teams, land use teams. He likes to get the department heads to work as teams. He has an open door policy and employees can always come to him.
Mr. Soper - Discuss a situation in which there is opposition to a project or plan and how you would deal with it. Most difficult decision was the hiring of a police chief. He had a popular police Lt. who the people really liked. Mr. San Angelo wanted to look at people from outside as well. They had a fair evaluation of the questions. It was contentious but the new chief worked out very well. The chief is one of the best in Connecticut.
Mr. Soper - How would you notify the Board of activities between meetings? He likes one on one communication. He would first call the chairman. None important can be done by e-mail. He would use all communication sources.
Mr. Howard - Explain Teamwork concept and how do you work to encourage cooperation – Mr. San Angelo is a senior project manager and team work is very important. He needs to motivate the team and get them to believe in him for the goals and objectives. It is important to get everyone to buy into the plan.
Mr. Flynn - How would you handle an emergency in the event you cannot reach any Board members? Mr. San Angelo indicated that different emergencies would require different strategies. He would bring in the appropriate departments, public safety, schools etc. He related a story about an ice storm with 13 buses stranded on the streets. He got all the public safety groups together and contacted the bus companies. They had communications with the parents to ensure that the children were safe.
Mr. Egan - Discuss what you believe your relationship with the Finance Committee should be. Mr. San Angelo feels that having a financial team is a great idea and saw that Rene’ created it. The Town needs to have the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee work together. He is there to explain to the Finance Committee and support the department heads.
Mr. Amico - Discuss your philosophy and experiences with regionalization. – Have you ever dealt with a regional school budget? Mr. San Angelo served as the vice chairman of the regional board of the area town. The state had funding for roads that intersected with other towns. He would focus on regional resources as you need efficiency in government. As a legislator, he worked with four communities. Mr. Amico explained that the regional school district budget. Mr. San Angelo understands the concept of an assessment of the school budget. He has worked with two towns leaders to get them on the same page on the school budget. He feels you need to get everyone in the room and have a good relationship with the school superintendent. The Town Administrator needs to follow up with the school budget and see that they are spending the money where they said they were going to spend it. He pointed out the importance of keeping the buildings maintained.
Mr. Flynn - What efforts have you made to learn about the Town of Hanson. Have you read the Town Administrator Act? How can we govern better. Mr. San Angelo has read the Town Administrator Act. He was aware of the failed override and recall. He read the town report. He went to the town library and saw the senior center and rode around town to get a general feel of the community. He indicated that this will not be just a job for him but it will be a home for him. He is an assist soccer coach. He has an 8 year old who would be going to the Middle School. He is well versed in the town’s finances. The town is in good shape. He would look at technology to determine what the departments need. He would look
at the capital needs of the Town. What do we want the town to look like five and six years from now. As a senior project manager, he likes to plan and determine what the town is trying to accomplish. He would have a white board meeting with the Board and prioritize the Town’s needs and wants and they would put a plan together.
Mr. Soper - What role do you see for the Town Administrator in the area of community involvement? Mr. San Angelo would be at the local sports games. He would attend civic organization meeting and help “sell” the Selectmen’s ideas. He feels the Town is about the community atmosphere. He explained that he had a car show to bring the community together. The Town Administrator needs to have a sense of community for the town’s people. In his hometown in Connecticut they put up an ice skating rink. They had a duck race for charities and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Soper - What are you currently doing for work and why are your considering this change? Mr. San Angelo indicated that he is a senior project manager CGI to build computer systems. He works with six to 50 or 60 people depending on the size of the project. He likes his company and he works from home. The problem is that it is not him because he likes to work with people. He likes to make a difference in people’s lives and see them respond to what he had done. His biggest mistake was leaving local public sector work.
Mr. Egan - Why would you be a good fit for the job? He has a lot of experience and he can make a difference. He loves the area as he has vacationed in Plymouth several times. He is looking for stability to raise a family. He is not looking to change jobs. He wants a good school system and to be part of community and home.
Mr. Amico - Do you plan to relocate? Mr. San Angelo indicate he would have to relocate. He believes that you fall in love with your home and will be looking for an apartment quickly and to buy a home. Feels it is important to be part of your community.
Mr. San Angelo thanked the Board for the opportunity. He has twenty five years experience. Can testify at the State House and can serve on a local governmental boards. He has lots of financial experience. He has worked on large budgets in his own community. He has lots of experience in community development and has served on police and fire commissions. He has a wide array of experience and will be part of the community. He will do whatever he can to make the Board look good. It is his job to do what the Board asks him to do. He knows how to work with project managers and can read plans. He has a good relationship with local media. He asked what the Board schedule will be. Mr. Egan indicated that the Board may make a decision
on June 11th.
Board’s Discussion – Mr. Amico liked the teamwork approach and the fact that Mr. San Angelo wants building on what Mr. Read has established. Feels it is important the Mr. San Angelo wants to be part of the community. Mr. Soper liked his strong communication skills. Feels Mr. San Angelo brought some organic sense from his other roles. Mr. San Angelo appears to understand his roles as a community leader. Mr. Soper liked possible economic development and the Board’s direction of the town. Mr. Flynn appreciated Mr. San Angelo’s strong knowledge of budget, inclusive management style. Mr. Egan liked Mr. San Angelo’s long term planning concept and goal setting. Feels Mr. San Angelo is well grounded.
11:20 a.m. Brief Recess
11:50 a.m. Return to session
David Marciello - Chairman Egan allowed Mr. Marciello to introduce himself. Mr. Marciello indicated that Hanson is a town he is very familiar with as he worked in Rehoboth. The communities have the same structure, budget, populations and he used Hanson as a comparative community. He worked as Town Administrator for ten years. He is currently practicing law. He can pick and choose where he works and Hanson would be a good fit for him. He attended Town meeting and has lived it for ten years. He is an attorney, family man, past military policeman and is not a micro manager.
Mr. Flynn - What do you see as your role as Town Administrator? Mr. Marciello acknowledged that the Town Administrator works at the behest of the Board of Selectmen. The Town Administrator Act spells out his role. He will debate the board behind closed door, however, whatever the board votes will be implemented. He will advise the Board but carry out the Board’s directive.
Mr. Howard- How would you handle conflict between subordinates, peers and Board members? Mr. Marciello feels people want to do a good job. He feels that good communication is important. Feels conflict can be avoided by the way the Town Administrator approaches the issue. He indicated that reasonable minds can disagree and you must stay professional and not make a situation personal. Insubordination cannot be tolerated. Board members are elected officials and he has no bearing over them. But he will work with them to alleviate conflict. He feels there is more than one way go get to common ground.
Mr. Amico - Discuss your experience in Collective Bargaining. Mr. Marciello has extensive collective bargaining experienced, both in private and municipal side. He indicated that the Raynham personnel was upside down. He negotiated with 5 unions over the years. He has attended numerous hearings in several departments. He is well schooled in Workmen’s Comp.
Mr. Howard - How can you insure that departments are doing their jobs. Mr. Marciello quoted President Regan, “Surround yourself with the most talented people you can find, give them the tools they need” He uses “after action” reporting. Mr. Marciello keeps a white board with schedules in order to keep people on task.
Mr. Soper - Discuss a situation in which there is opposition to a project or plan and how you would deal with it. Mr. Marciello indicated that it happens frequently. People are going to have differences of opinion. You have to have a master plan. The Town Administrator needs to get everyone on task and on the same page. What is in the best interest of the town is important. He cited the Right to Farm by-law as an example. The Town has to come to an agreement, get the message out and get people on board. It was obvious that everyone did not understand where the by-law was heading.
Mr. Soper - How would you notify the Board of activities between meetings? He pointed out the potential of violating the open meeting law and to avoid debate of issues. He indicated that urgent matters will be distributed by e-mail. He will disseminate info to the Board, but doesn’t want the Board to deliberate.
Mr. Howard - Explain Teamwork concept and how do you work to encourage cooperation - Mr. Marciello feels people work well in a place they like to work. There were birthdays and anniversary celebrated. The Town Administrator needs to have an open door policy and needs to listen to people when they speak.
Mr. Flynn - How would you handle an emergency in the event you cannot reach any Board members? Mr. Marciello indicated that it would depend on the emergency. If lives and property are at risk you take action and notify the relevant department such as public safety or other department. He would do the minimum amount to stop the bleeding and then notify the Boar and would not over step the Board’s bounds.
Mr. Egan - Discuss what you believe your relationship with the Finance Committee should be. Mr. Marciello indicated that the relationship needs to be very intimate. The Town Administrator needs the Finance Committee and the Finance Committee needs the Town Administrator. He starts with zero based budget, which takes numerous meetings with department heads and Finance Committee. He likes to meet with liaisons.
Mr. Amico - Discuss your philosophy and experiences with regionalization. – Have you ever dealt with a regional school budget? Mr. Marciello indicated that his has extensive knowledge of regionalization. They regionalized electrical contract with other groups. Medical insurance was regionalized. Regionalized procurement with equipment and salt bids. They had regional agreements with respect to personnel. You also have to know when it is not in the town’s best interest. The school budget is exactly like the Rehoboth school budget. If an override is required, it should be contingent on override.
Mr. Flynn - What efforts have you made to learn about the Town of Hanson. Have you read the Town Administrator Act? How can we govern better. Mr. Marciello indicated that he scanned the Town Administrator Act. He knows Hanson very well, read everything on the Town, but he is not so arrogant to think he knows everything. Highway budget was spending 2.2% on capital purchases. He suggested that Chapter 90 funds could be used for the capital purchases and develop a long term plan. He would do conduct a telephone audit for all the town hall offices and bundle. He reduced a $35,000 phone bill to $1,200. He has done all the things that the Collins Center had recommended. He has used interns for many
projects. He updated personnel manuals and job descriptions. Primer book - Made booklets for all new board members. He centralized procurement and standard purchase. He noted that the Town needs to use a purchase orders. The Town should get on a surplus list, pointing out that not every deal is the best for the town, but you need to look. Anything you get from surplus has to be put back on surplus. He would standardize the union contract and avoid strive amongst unions. Mr. Marciello indicated that Town needs to go to the table with goodwill. He would review the sick time policy which should be accounted and standardized. He would look at new outside money. Mr. Marciello suggested spending the interest you earn on stabilization which will not effect the bond rating. He inquired about that Town’s tow policy and suggested that the town should be getting paid so it should be bid. He recommended the Town
create an in pound lot. He discussed the cell tower overlay and suggesting that towers be put where people will not see them, noting that zoning would need to be changed. He would meet with every Board member and start a long term plan.
Mr. Soper - What role do you see for the Town Administrator in the area of community involvement? Mr. Marciello believes community involvement is paramount. He was very involved. He started a community garden operated by senior citizens and the produce was given to the food pantry. He got a lot of volunteers and donations from Home Depot. They built a tot lot. He runs a circus for the town. They built a football baseball stadium with grandstands and clay baseball field based on collaboration with another organization and Doc. Mello. They worked with other departments. Mr. Marciello feels volunteerism starts by example.
Mr. Soper - What are you currently doing for work and why are your considering this change? Mr. Marciello indicated that he is an attorney and wants to get back into the public sector. He explained that there was a swing in the Board’s composition and the town was heading in another direction. As he has his law practice, he doesn’t have to jump at every job available. He feels Hanson is a good fit for him and plans to stay long term. Mr. Marciello would do multiple three year contracts. He knows the pitfalls of the position.
Mr. Egan - Why would you be a good fit for the job? Mr. Marciello believes the relationship needs to be a good fit on both sides of the equation. He feels this would be a good marriage for him. Feels his personality and demeanor is well suited for the community. He noted a short 35 minute commute, 50 minutes on a bad day.
Mr. Amico - Do you plan to relocate? No. He is not looking to relocate but would not rule it out. He could see himself living in the town.
Board’s Discussion ~ Mr. Soper feels Mr. Marciello wants to work here and feels he is a very good fit for the town. He is familiar with the various issues that Hanson has experienced. He will guarantee that debate will happen. 93H – statute stating you must protect personal information. He asked the time schedule. Mr. Howard feels there were three excellent candidates. Mr. Egan felt all three candidates have the ability to do the job. The Board must pick the person who is the best fit. Mr. Amico personally liked Mr. San Angelo and what Mr. Marciello had to say..
MOTION by Amico, second by Flynn to offer the position to Mr. San Angelo for discussion. Mr. Flynn likes his vision it all the points of long term planning. Liked management style. Mr. Amico liked the team work approach and ability to write grants. Mr. Soper feels Mr. San Angelo was enthusiastic and has chemistry and leadership qualities. Mr. San Angelo was open about the community. Mr. Egan believes any of the candidants can do the job. Mr. San Angelo’s professional acumen was good. Mr. Byrne was competent and professional. Voted 5 – 0
Mrs. Marini will notify the candidates of the Board’s decision.
IV ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Amico, second by Howard to adjourned.
12:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 4 – 0
September 17, 2013
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