Monterey Select Board
Minutes of the meeting of 9/3/15
Meeting Opened at: 4pm
Select Board Members Present: Scott Jenssen, Chairperson, Kenn Basler and Steve Weisz
Also in attendance for parts of the meeting: Jeremia Pollard and Ray Tryon
The Board met with Town Counsel, Jeremia Pollard to discuss the following:
1. Resignation of the elected Treasurer and how we fill the vacancy: Jeremia stated that if we have an unfinished term we would appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term and he stated there isn’t a requirement that the person be a Monterey resident however they would only be able to fill the position until the election in May. Scott inquired if a person in town could hold multiple positions seeing as we are a population of less than 3500. Jeremia confirmed that a person can serve in multiple positions but cannot work over 800 hours a year and must file the special municipal employee paperwork with the Ethics Division.
2. He suggested that the town accept section 21A and will send M. Noe the wording for the warrant.
3. Jeremia confirmed that the Board can request that the term of the Treasurer be changed from 3 years to 1 year at a special town meeting.
4. There was discussion about whether or not the Tax Collector and Treasurer position should be combined as most towns are doing; Kenn and Steve were in favor of this however the current Tax Collector has informed Kenn that she is not in a position to serve as both right now.
5. Discussion ensued about whether or not benefits would need to be offered if another part-time position in town were to become the Treasurer and their hours were now 20 or more; Jeremia confirmed that if an employee works 20 hours or more consistently then offering benefits would be required.
6. It was asked whether or not the incoming persons to fill the Accountant and Treasurer positions would have to be paid what was allocated at town meeting; Jeremia stated that the Board could negotiate up to what was approved or seek approval for more money at a special town meeting.
7. Kenn inquired about how the Board can make sure they keep all the employees’ relationships with local businesses on the up and up to avoid any ethics conflicts. Jeremia stated that the one situation you want to avoid is someone reporting to or directing an employee or contractor that is a family member; it is best to avoid any appearance of a conflict and have someone else (such as a Select Board member) supervise in these instances.
8. The Board asked the process for recalling an elected official; Jeremia stated that a recall bylaw would need to be accepted. Jeremia will send an example of another town that did this.
Misc items discussed:
1. Scott apologized for his outburst on Monday with regards to the Treasurer situation to Melissa, Steve and Kenn. Apologies were accepted.
2. The Board discussed the option of appointing Jen Brown as the Treasurer until the election and having Maryellen Brown as the interim Accountant to do warrants; Kenn is opposed to this option and will investigate other options that might be available such as sharing a Treasurer and/or Accountant with a surrounding town. Steve commented that this (the resignations of the Accountant and Treasurer) should be looked at as a good opportunity to really set what the Board needs and wants from an Accountant and a Treasurer.
3. Barbara Gauthier has requested a meeting with the Board which has been scheduled for Thursday, September 10 at 4:15pm; she has requested up to date copies of the trial balance, revenue and expenditure reports.
4. The Board asked M. Noe and Steve to confirm with the payroll company when payroll needs to be submitted by when a Monday is a holiday. It will also be confirmed what the time frames are for submitting payroll to have checks ready for Thursday.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 5:15pm
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Administrative Assistant
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
Town Clerk
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