Minutes of Parks Commission Meeting
Thurs July 28, 2005 9:10 am.
Present at meeting: Leroy Thorp, chairman
Jim Edelman
Valerie Zantay
Unanimous decision not to sign Memo regarding Town Council.
Discussion regarding Lifeguards salary.
Leroy stated that the lifeguard position was advertised at $12.00 per hour and that the head lifeguard, Bethany Mather was to be paid $13.00 per hour. The salary has nothing to do with years of experience.
Bethany expressed that she was not comfortable being paid more that Kelly.
Leroy explained that the head lifeguard sets times. That Kelly and Bethany work 40 hrs. per week and that the other lifeguard work 16.
Bethany and Kelly said that they make all the decisions together.
Jim asked the lifeguards what their solution would be.
Bethany said there should not be a head life guard and that they should be paid the same.
Leroy suggested they split the $1.00, and both be paid $12.50.
The lifeguards disagreed and said that they deserve more than $12.50 per hour. 5 years experience, know the families, very comfortable.
A discussion ensued regarding the budget and whether the select board would approve an over ride of the budget. Jim was of the opinion that the board would not oppose an increase in salary. The beach budget is currently at $20,000.00. They was a discrepancy as to whether the lifeguards are paid for rainy days. Jim said yes and Leroy disagreed. Bethany stated that if it were the case that the lifeguards are not paid for rainy day than that should have been made clear from the beginning.
Another discussion began regarding the other lifeguards leaving last Sunday during a rain shower. Jim expressed that we cannot go on hearsay . That everything needs to be in writing.
Jim made a motion to raise the salary of Kelly and Bethany to $13.50 per hour each retroactive to the beginning of the season.
Valerie questioned the head lifeguards role in communication and then seconded the motion.
Leroy said he could not vote to approve since the salary was advertised at $12.00. Also that the lifeguards would be earning more money than some of the full time employees.
Valerie asked if Leroy could live with the compromise of raising Kelly’s salary to $13.00 retroactive.
Leroy said yes, but not retroactive.
Valerie made a motion to raise Kelly’s salary to $13.00 retroactive as a compromise.
Jim seconded the motion
The motion was voted and passed 2-1 Leroy against.
Kelly and Bethany left the meeting.
Discussion regarding complaints made to parks commission members. Jim stated that all complaints must be made in writing for us to act on them.
Valerie began a discussion about the lifeguards for next year. She questioned why the guards are paid by the hour if in fact they are paid for rainy days. She suggested that for next year we have all rules set. They could be:
1. Guards must have certification up to date
2. Salaries set and disclosed
3. Lifeguard shirts or bathing suits worn by guards
4. Rotation of sitting on chair
5. Meeting set with volunteer rescue squad
Jim stated that the firemen would have to send a representative to our meeting if they want to set up a meeting with the guards.
Leroy mentioned the weed problem at the beach. He is filling out forms for conservation to de- week in the fall and to put in sand.
Jim asked if this would come out of this years budget. Leroy said yes.
Leroy reported that the weeds in the baseball field were mowed.
Jim brought up the fact that a racoon has been knocking over the trash in the Town Hall part and suggested that we research a new kind of trash can that they cannot knock over. One that is planted in the ground. He will look in the catalogs. He also would like signs put up stating that people are not allowed to throw away personal trash in the park garbage.
Leroy reported that he is still working on the problem of the broken street light in the town park.
Jim mention that Perry still owes the July field maintenance and that the last one was not acceptable. It needs to be rotertilled, lines done, and material spread to raise the mound and base paths. Perry is not returning Jim,’s call.
Valerie suggested that Jim send a letter
The contract with Perry was reviewed .
Jim asked about the chains for the swings. Leroy reported that Chandler has then and that Fred would be putting them up.
Leroy brought up that the beach still needs a Flat Bottom boat for the lifeguards.
Boat and Rafts would need to be brought in for the winter. The rafts could be pulled in to the Amidon’s beach.
The next meeting is Aug 3 at 6:00. Jim will not be able to attend, He would like to discuss future meeting times.
Valerie made a motion to adjourn, Seconded by Leroy
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