Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 2/17/15
Meeting Opened at: 8:15am
Select Board Members Present: Wayne Burkhart, Chairperson, Scott Jenssen and Kenn Basler
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Jeremia Pollard, Town Counsel, Mike Johnson, Gareth Backhaus, Linda Thorpe, Muriel Lazzarini, Robert Lazzarini, Emily Johnson and Buddy Rodgers
The Meeting was called to order by Wayne Burkhart and he explained that this was
a special meeting of the Select Board to discuss personal matters related to Sgt Michael Johnson and Chief Gareth Burkhart outlined in M.G.L Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(1) .
The Select Board moved to go into executive session to discuss the issues.
Sgt. Johnson and Chief Backhaus were asked by counsel if they wished for the meeting to be held in public session. After further explanation by Wayne and counsel that the focus was to be on complaints and possible discussion of reputation, but that it was impossible beforehand to know the full depth and scope of all the issues to come up, Sgt Johnson requested that the meeting be a public session.
Counsel explained the format of the meeting, that it was called to deal with personal matters, it was not an open forum, that no one in the audience had a right to be heard, and that the chair was responsible for who participates.
Scott opened the session by listing a number of grievances that had been put forward to the Select Board regarding Sgt. Johnson's interaction with individuals pulled over by the Sgt., issues when he was patrolling the town, or issues that developed when he was on detail. There were also issues raised about interaction with part-time officers. Scott was also concerned about the unauthorized use of the transfer station. Sgt. Johnson responded to and clarified that in his mind he had permission to use the transfer station after getting the key from the Director of Operations. Further discussion was put off for later in the session. Sgt. Johnson then stated he wished to hear from the rest of the Select Board before he responded to the issues Scott brought up.
Kenn Basler brought up how difficult this type of issue is, that there was a riff in the town. He appreciated the turn out supporting the police and Sgt Johnson but also was concerned about the many that had spoken to him about problems with the Sgt and the fear of retribution if they came forward.
At this time Sgt Johnson requested a short recess which was granted.
Sgt Johnson came back into the room, thanked those that had come in his support and asked that the meeting be continued in executive session.
The open meeting ended at 8:50. Scott moved and Kenn seconded the meeting continue in executive session. Roll call was taken. The board voted unanimously to move into executive session.
The board voted not to return to regular session after the executive session.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 8:50am
Submitted by:
Kenn Basler, Select Board Member
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
Town Clerk
| 
