Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 7/28/14
Meeting Opened at: 9am
Select Board Members Present: Wayne Burkhart, Chairperson, Scott Jenssen and Kenn Basler
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Josh Allentuck, Kathleen Purcell and Betsy Andrus
Miscellaneous Select Board Items Reviewed:
1. Josh Allentuck, Chair of the Parks Commission was asked about the issue of the lifeguards texting while on duty. Josh stated that the Parks Commission is handling it.
2. Kathleen Purcell came in to ask about comments in the minutes that state the Town Hall is considering getting rid of DSL; she wanted to confirm that this was just for the Town Hall and not the whole Town. This was confirmed that the Town Hall is deciding whether we need the DSL line at the town hall now that we are hooked up to the fiber line. She also inquired about how residents got a copy of the proposed Historical Commission letter before it was approved by the Select Board. Kathleen was informed that this is a public document presented at the 6/23 Select Board meeting and was therefore attached to the minutes.
3. Betsy Andrus of the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce came in to ask the Board if they would like to have a 10x10 booth space at Summerfest on Saturday, August 23rd. Each town will be given a booth (if they’d like) to have information there to represent the town (this could include selling items, distributing information, history, etc). The Board agreed to make use of the space and will get Betsy the contact person’s information. It was suggested that the use of the booth be offered to the cultural council, our school committee representative, the Bidwell House, the library and any businesses within town that are interested. M. Noe was asked to send out an email through the website asking that any interested businesses come to the Board’s August 11th evening meeting to discuss this further.
4. Mail was reviewed which included:
a. A recommendation from the Conservation Commission to appoint Patricia Edelstein to the Conservation Commission. A motion was made to appoint Patricia Edelstein for a 3 year term to the Conservation Commission. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
b. A note with a copy of an extra key to the new shed in Greene Park was given to the Board. Kenn will make extra copies of the key to be distributed to the Director of Operations, Fire Department and Police Department.
c. Letter from Senator Downing acknowledging receipt of the Board’s correspondence dated 6/30/14 to Phil Holahan, Interim Director of the MBI. Senator Downing provided the Board with an update on the legislative efforts to secure last mile broadband coverage.
5. Executive Secretary’s weekly report was reviewed.
6. Police Chief’s weekly report was reviewed.
7. The Board asked M. Noe for an update on the preparations for Maynard’s farewell lunch. The Board discussed where the funds should come from to pay for the luncheon and ultimately decided 2 to 1 that it was not inappropriate to use Select Board’s funds for the small gathering of employees to send Maynard off which should cost around $150. Scott offered to pay for the bill himself if it became a problem.
8. A draft of the employment contract with the Executive Secretary (which was discussed at last week’s meeting) was reviewed and compared with the current contracts of the Police Chief and Library Director. Kenn stated that he is not in favor of the contract and felt it was an opportune time to look at this position and evaluate what the town needs separating out Melissa from the position. Wayne stated that the other contracts offered in town do not separate the person in the position from the position and we need to move forward with the position as it currently exists and with the person we have doing the job. Kenn doesn’t think this position needs to be full time but that it does need to be open on Saturdays. Scott agreed that Saturdays might be helpful and that maybe hiring a
part time person to do this would be a solution. Amendments were suggested for the sections of the contract dealing with the term, non-renewal of agreement, the phrase “just cause”, the procedure for discharge, compensation and general provisions. Discussion ensued about evaluations and whether there should be a section for performance reviews. M. Noe reminded the Board that at the September 5, 2013 Select Board meeting the Board unanimously agreed that instituting performance reviews were too difficult due to the Open Meeting Law and other things and agreed that the system currently in place of regularly meeting with the Police Chief, Director Of Operations and Executive Secretary to discuss all issues (good and bad) was working and should be continued. The Board agreed that arguments could be made how performance reviews can be productive and the Board decided they will look into whether it should be instituted routinely and regularly for all the
full time employees. Instituting salary caps for all positions was also briefly discussed and it was decided that this was a conversation that should be held at a later date. The Board instructed M. Noe to give the amended draft copy of the contract to town counsel for review.
9. Kenn is going to come in during the week with some proposals for types of reviews that could be conducted with the Executive Secretary, Police Chief and Director of Operations positions. The Board will discuss trying to institute a better system for offering raises and cost of living increases to the employees rather than just an across the Board percentage.
10. The Board reviewed and unanimously approved a one day beer & wine permit for the Bidwell House’s Museum Garden Party to be held on August 2nd from 3 – 8pm at 66 Art School Rd.
11. Town Accountant, Brendan Fletcher was asked to provide an update to the Board on the closing of the FY14 books. Brendan stated that the Treasurer is finishing up the bank reconciliations right now and Barbara Gauthier will be here the week of August 18th to review what the Treasurer and Accountant have gotten done. Brendan also updated the Board on some time he needs to take off in August, which was approved. The warrants will still be done as per the normal schedule during this time off.
12. M. Noe will get an update from Maynard on the timeframe for the library dam and Jaime’s Court.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 11:10am
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Executive Secretary
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
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