Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 7/14/14
Meeting Opened at: 4pm
Select Board Members Present: Wayne Burkhart, Chairperson, Scott Jenssen and Kenn Basler
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Jacob Edelman for the Monterey News, Maryellen Brown, Muriel Lazzarini, Robert Lazzarini, Stanley Ross and Steve Weisz
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. The Board met with Shawn Tryon to offer him the Director of Operations position. The Board offered Shawn a starting salary of $55,000/yr with all the benefits as noted in the employee handbook. Shawn stated that the offer of $55,000 was not acceptable and he feels that he deserves at least $64,000 - $66,000 based on the experience he does have. Shawn asked to clarify whether or not the Director would be responsible for snow plowing as it wasn’t clear in the job description. This position is not eligible for overtime. Discussion ensued. If Shawn didn’t plow there would be a necessity for additional part-time on-call help and Shawn understands that the salary would reflect that. It was agreed that the decision on whether or not Shawn should plow could be a
discussion that is continued and for tonight’s purposes Shawn would be offered $65,000 if he plowed and $58,000 if he doesn’t plow. Scott feels that it is important to keep the system as it is and that the Director should continue to plow. Shawn suggested that either way a backup driver should still be discussed. Kenn requested that a meeting with Maynard be called in to discuss how it has been working and how changing the current system would impact the department. A motion was made to offer Shawn Tryon $65,000 if he plowed and $58,000 if he doesn’t plow. The motion was seconded and Scott abstained. The motion passed 2 – 1. The conversations regarding current snowplowing policies will be continued to 4pm on Thursday with Maynard, Shawn and the Board. Shawn will start the week of July 28th, having one full week to work with Maynard. Letters will be sent to the other applicants thanking them for
interviewing and letting them know we have hired someone.
2. Emily Johnson, Town Clerk came in to discuss an email received from Bridget Krans regarding an elected official in town that has moved to Gt. Barrington still holding elected positions in town (one of which is paid). Emily has informed the Board that this elected official has filled out a street listing stating that he does live in Monterey and unless the complainant wants to request a hearing with the Registrars under sections 48 and 49 of the General Laws to challenge his residency there isn’t anything the Town can do. Emily has a message in to Town Counsel on the matter. Wayne weighed in on the matter and stated that this person has not changed his residency and therefore it is a non-issue. Scott did not feel it was a road that the Select Board should walk down. Bridget will
be informed that if she wishes to challenge the residency of this elected official she will need to see the Town Clerk to start the process.
3. Maryellen suggested that the Town should seriously consider looking into hiring a payroll company to handle payroll. Warrants would still be done by the financial office but there would be continuity with regards to the payroll and they would also handle all of the filing of the taxes due to the State and Federal agencies. Human resources would still be handled by the town. Maryellen will get the name of the company that West Stockbridge uses.
4. Steve Weisz located language from the Ethics Commission regarding a case where a police chief was going to hold multiple offices within the town and it clearly stated that since the chief’s job was 24 hours a day they could not take on any other job within the town or it would be a conflict (see here: http://www.mass.gov/ethics/opinions-and-rulings/advisory-opinions/adv-sections-7-14-20/ec-coi-86-10.html ).
Wayne noted that we were informed that in a town under 3500 in population municipal employees are allowed special circumstances with regards to the number of positions they can hold. Steve requested that we run this by counsel to make sure that the town is indemnified. The Board will ask Shawn to make sure he gets a written determination from the Ethics Commission. Steve’s concern in this particular scenario is that one of the positions Shawn holds could be considered a 24hour a day job. M. Noe was also instructed to call Town Counsel about this matter for an official opinion.
5. Warrants were signed.
6. Mail was reviewed which included:
a. Notification from the Social Security Administration that they have received our Form W-2 and W-3 wage reports for tax year 2013, but they are unable to process them. This was given to the Treasurer on 7/7/14 and the letter states that she will have 45 days from the date of the notice to file the correct reports.
b. Sample letter (attached) from the Historical Commission to be reviewed by the Board and decided on whether this would be an appropriate letter to send to residents of Monterey that are on the MACRIS list. Kenn noted that he has spoken to the 2 residents that sent in letters of concerns regarding this proposal and they are aware that approving this letter to be sent out will not impose any requirements or restrictions on them it will just offer them assistance in helping to keep their home true to its historical nature should they choose to take advantage of it. The Board approved the letter unanimously. Steve joined the meeting later and the Board informed him of their decision to go forward with the letter.
c. Wilson McLaughlin House Community Center quarterly report.
d. Email from Superintendent David Hastings thanking the Board for attending the meetings set up and for helping to make it a positive move forward.
7. The minutes from 7/7 and 7/8/14 were approved as written.
8. Executive Secretary’s weekly report was reviewed.
a. The Board reviewed several letters of commendation with regards to Melissa and the work she does for various Boards, Departments and outside entities. These will be filed in her personnel file.
9. Police Chief’s weekly report was reviewed.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 6pm
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Executive Secretary
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
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