Town of Hudson - Board of Selectmen
Minutes –May 13, 2013
78 Main Street 2nd Floor 7:00 PM
Present were Messieurs Vereault, Lucy, Durant, Yates, Quinn, Blazar, and Cipriano. Ms. Santos was also present.
Selectmen to consider the formation of a Selection Committee to assist in the search for an Executive Assistant.
Mr. Lucy made a motion that the Board form a Screening Committee comprised of seven registered Hudson voters to be selected at one of our future meetings from citizens who submit a Screening Committee interest form and that this Committee assist in the search for an Executive Assistant (EA). Mr. Durant seconded this for discussion.
Mr. Lucy explained that on March 11 and March 25, 2013 he had suggested that two Selectmen as well as major department heads be part of the Committee. He now feels that it would be in the Town’s best interest to not have Selectmen or Department heads on the Committee but simply Hudson citizens. Mr. Yates feels that a panel of seven is too small and asked Mr. Lucy how he came to this number. He also noted concern for limiting the Committee to Hudson residents and questioned Mr. Lucy on this as well. Mr. Yates stated that he would like to see a Town Manager from another Town on the panel and this would eliminate this option.
Mr. Lucy stated that the larger the Committee is the more cumbersome it becomes. He also said he would not answer Mr. Yates’ second question. Mr. Yates asked if Mr. Lucy would be willing to amend the motion to enlarge the Committee size and lift the restriction to include at least two members from out of Town. Mr. Lucy said no.
Arthur Redding, 3 Redco Road stated that many of the downtown business owners are from out of Town and they would have no say in the matter. Mr. Durant responded by saying that there are downtown business owners that are Town residents and they could potentially represent those who do not live in Hudson.
Mr. Yates stated that ideally he would like to see a Committee of eleven with two slots held for non-Hudson residents. Mr. Vereault agreed with Mr. Yates. He also recommended that Mr. Lucy amend his motion to include non-Hudson residents.
Mr. Lucy modified his original motion from seven to nine members. Mr. Durant seconded the modification. Interest cards should be submitted by Wednesday, May 29 for discussion at the Board’s meeting of June 3, 2013.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted by a margin of 3-2 to form a Screening Committee comprised of nine registered Hudson voters to be selected at one of our future meetings from citizens who submit a Screening Committee interest form and that the Committee assist in the search for an Executive Assistant. Mr. Vereault and Mr. Yates opposed.
Selectmen to consider issuance of a Request for Proposals for consulting services to assist in the search for an Executive Assistant.
Mr. Vereault suggested that the Board hire the Collins Center as to be expeditious. He noted that due to the Center’s status with UMass Boston as an intergovernmental entity the Board could consider hiring them without an RFP.
Mr. Lucy made a motion to issue the RFP for consulting services to assist in the search for an Executive Assistant. Mr. Durant seconded the motion.
Mr. Yates agreed that the Board should hire the Collins Center in order to move the process forward quickly. Mr. Lucy disagreed noting that he would like to see proposals from other firms.
Mr. Yates asked what will happen when July 4th comes and the Town does not have an EA. Mr. Lucy noted that regardless whether the Board takes action tonight or in the coming weeks there will not be anyone assigned to the position until at least the fall. He stated that the Board should discuss this at its next meeting.
Mr. Durant stated the Board does not know with certainty whether the Collins Center, due to its intergovernmental status, could forego the RFP process. Atty. Cipriano stated that under MGL section 30B that they do have such an allowance. Mr. Durant requested this opinion from Town Counsel in writing.
On a motion by Mr. Lucy, seconded by Mr. Durant the Board voted by a margin of 3-2 to issue a Request for Proposals for consulting services to assist in the search for an Executive Assistant. Mr. Yates and Mr. Vereault opposed.
On a motion by Mr. Yates, seconded by Mr. Vereault the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.
Document List – May 13, 2013
Document |
Location |
Draft Request for Proposal for Consulting Services in the search for an Executive Assistant |
BOS Office |
| 
