Town Hall Structural Advisory Committee Minutes
March 10 2015
Attendance:
Larry Klein, Chair, Bethany Mielke, secretary, Muriel Lazzarini, Ray Tryon, Bob Lazzarini, Susan Gallant, Norma Champiny, Steve Weisz
Also in attendance:
Gareth Backhaus, Melissa Noe
Meeting called to order at 4:05
1. Interview with Gareth Backhaus, Chief of Police
Gareth shared that most of the time the atmosphere in the town hall is fine and there are moments that are difficult. When asked about changes he would suggest, he mentioned that having an experienced manager in place that is aware of the positions and responsibilities in the building may be beneficial. He shared that the selectmen continue to give more power and responsibilities to the administrative assistant which may be part of the issues within the building. Issues seem to keep repeating themselves and may have to do with the mismanagement of resources, and the overdependence on the administrative secretary. He mentioned the idea of the joining or cross training of the clerk and front office person so that when the window is open they are capable of doing it all. He also
believes that having a selectman contact you with issues beforehand and separate from a public meeting is helpful in conflict resolution. He mentioned that Ken is his go to person, and he thinks that happened because Ken introduced himself and came into the office to make his presence known, offering his help if he ever needed. He also shared that this was great but there is a fine line between being helpful and micromanaging. When asked if the police department had ever been reviewed he shared that he was asked to review his department years ago and he was reviewed by the selectboard. An issue that arose was the fact that reviews were done in a public meeting. He said he would like to revisit this idea but change the structure of the reviews and not have them in a public meeting setting. The chief was asked if the department has ever had department wide meetings, the cheif then responded that he has had one and he is planning to have more.
2. HANDOUT: Mass Municipal Management Association & Town Manager / Administrator Job Description. The committee discussed the general statement of duties. It was shared that Joe Kellogg may be helpful to have come in to our meeting and share ideas and experience. Larry will contact him and see if he can come to our next meeting. Lisa Blackmer town manager of Sandisfield, was mentioned as an additional resource. The committee would like to have her come as well.
3. Susan asked whether we need Ken to come back so we can ask specific questions. The board seemed to find that there was no need to have him come back.
4. The next meeting will be held Monday @ 4:00pm unless Larry is able to schedule Joe Kellogg or Lisa Blackmer for another date. We will send out an email if the date of the meeting is to be changed. Larry also suggested that we reach out to the town accountant, Brendan, for an interview.
5. Larry would like committee members to work on their white papers. He would like the committee to spend two weeks evaluating the white papers to identify common themes. Bob shared that he believes a master report which includes the common elements in all of them will be far more impactful. Muriel believes that a condensed report will eliminate any personal bias. It was decided that we will generate a primary list, secondary list, as well as a tertiary list of our suggestions for the selectboard.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:32
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