Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –February 1, 2012
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Messieurs Durant, Vereault, McGourty, Yates, Blazar, Moschos and Cipriano.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. McGourty, the Board voted by roll call by a margin of 3-1 to go into executive session to discuss matters of pending litigation and seek the advice of counsel with respect to those matters, with the intention of thereafter returning to public session. Mr. Durant opposed the motion.
Mr. Yates read a statement in which he noted that he would abstain from voting on any line item which would affect the Patrolmen as his brother is a Patrolman. He then left the table.
There was an extended discussion by various Board members and the Police Chief about the overtime budget, both historical expenditures and the proposed FY13 budget amount. Following the discussion Mr. Vereault made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGourty, the Board voted by a margin of 3-0 to approve the following budget line items:
Patrolmen Wage #0033
Shift Differential #0045
Court Appearance #0046
Longevity #0047
Specialist Stipend #0132
Holiday #0619
Sick Leave Buyback #0653
Incentive/Degree #0946
Uniform Allowance #0229
Conference/Travel/Training #0231
Overtime #0041
Totaling $1,899,804
Mr. Yates returned to the table.
A spirited debate took place among the Board members on the remaining salary items in the budget, in particular the amount proposed as salary for the second Lieutenant’s position, which was listed as vacant in the budget back-up materials. Board members asked various questions of Chief Braga including how he would plan to operate if the budget were reduced by that amount. Mr. Durant spoke in favor of the budget as proposed. Chief Braga indicated that he would need to study that matter further.
Mr. Durant made the motion to accept the budget as presented by the Chief and recommended by the Executive Assistant. The motion was not seconded. Mr. Vereault explained that he would like to see the Chief’s budget presented less the $75K of the Lieutenant’s salary. Mr. Durant noted that the Chief could not change the line items which were previously approved by the Board, leaving only line items pertaining to the salaries of the Chief, Captain, Sergeants, and Lieutenants. Atty. Moschos stated that chapter 31of the MGL places a restriction reducing the salaries of public servants. Chief Braga asked that it be stated on the record that the last cuts he would make would be to personnel.
Mr. Vereault stated that he would like to continue the discussion at a subsequent meeting, he then asked if the public had any questions or comments.
Mr. John Parent, Jack Drummey, Captain David Stephens, Sergeant Chad Perry and retired Sergeant James Murphy all spoke in favor of the budget as presented.
Attorney Bill Lyons, Counsel for Lieutenant David French, reminded the Board that Lieutenant French is still an employee of the Town. He went on to say that if his request for retirement is not approved he could still be employed by the Town at the end of Fiscal Year 2012.
On a motion by Mr. Vereault, seconded by Mr. McGourty, the Board voted by a margin of 4-0 to approve remaining the Police Department budget in the amount of $1,167,811.
On a motion by Mr. Durant, seconded by Mr.Vereault, the Board unanimously to adjourn.
Document List – February 1, 2012
Document |
Location |
FY2013 Budget Documents |
BOS Office |
Notice from MassHousing regarding the Machado House at Peter’s Grove. |
BOS Office |
MAPC notice re: Professional Technical and Planning Assistance to MAPC Municipalities |
BOS Office |
Statement made by Christopher Yates |
BOS Office |
Document submitted by Chris Yates; Police Budget Numbers |
BOS Office |
Statement made by Captain David Stephens |
BOS Office |
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