MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT, MAINE
Monday, December 13, 2004
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held this date in the Town Office Meeting Room, Northeast Harbor, Maine.
Those present included: Chairman Rick Savage, Ernest Coombs, Patrick Smallidge, Jeffery Smith; Town Manager Michael MacDonald; and approximately 17 town employees.
Call to order.
Chairman Savage called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
New Business
A. Darrell Phillips conducted his annual Human Resources compensation and benefit presentation, recommending a 3% increase in the merit pay plan system. At the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Phillips announced that he was “retiring” as the Town’s volunteer Human Resource consultant. Board thanked Darrell for his work in developing and assisting with the implementation of the Town’s Merit Pay Plan. Presentation concluded at 4:58PM.
B. Chairman Savage opened discussion with approximately 17 employees. Issues raised included the inaccuracy of some salary grade assignments, lack of employee recognition and appreciation, potential hardships caused by bi-weekly payroll, why we do not have direct deposit available. Town Manager discussed our pay date practices prohibit direct deposit because banks need our deposit on Thursday, we do not have all payroll information until Friday. The issue of employee participation in health insurance premium payments was discussed and the Board indicated the issue is off the table for this year. Lack of information regarding worker’s compensation and other human resource issues is also a concern. Comments include that we should be kind and willing to
help each other, as it was when Dick was Town Manager. Things have only gotten worse since then. Lack of communication and leadership from Town Manager. Department heads are not keeping other employees informed.
The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffery M. Smith
Secretary
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