SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
June 24, 2010
Chairman McCarthy opened the public meeting at 4:32pm. In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr. was not present.
- Introduction of Guests
- Old Business
IV. New Business
A. Recreation Commission – Hiring of Lifeguards and Swim Director
Present was Bookkeeper/Payroll Administrator Kim Hughes
Chairman McCarthy read an email that she sent to the NH Commission for Human Rights regarding hiring lifeguards and swim aids for the summer months. The town has policies and procedures in place requiring criminal background checks in order to protect our residents from sexual and abusive predators. Due to the fact that some aides and lifeguards are under the age of 18 and we are not able to run a background check on them, how can we protect our children? We want our youth (under 18) to participate as lifeguards and swim aides as we have done for years but we want to make sure we are not violating anyone’s rights.
The response to Chairman McCarthy’s request is from an Investigator from the NH Commission for Human Rights stated that she is going to partner with the director on this question because she felt we are presenting a very interesting dilemma.
Bookkeeper/Payroll Administrator Kim Hughes added that she recently found out that a background check can be done on a person at the age of 17 and will show any criminal activity convicted as an adult. Hughes added that the Recreation Commission already hired the staff at the beach for the summer and currently they are working, some are younger than 18; contracts have been signed and their payroll paperwork is in place.
Since the town’s Recreation Commission already hired these individuals per the past policy of the town and with no written policy in place within the Town’s Personnel Policies and Procedures requiring a background check, the Board decided to approve the hiring. All employees working at the beach must work in pairs, never alone and we have never had a problem in the past. Hughes added that we must update the town’s personnel policies and prepare job descriptions for the future.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to accept the Recreation Swim contracts as presented by the Recreation Commission except with the exception of Angela Palladino who can start once the town receives an acceptable background check. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
V. Announcements
VI. Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
VII. Reports from Department Heads
VIII. Other Business
The Board signed and approved a Veteran’s Credit for 34 Crane Crossing Road, Map 007-03-013.
The Board reviewed a request from the Newton Police Association requesting permission to plant shrubs, flowers, etc. on the island at the intersection of Amesbury and Maple Road. The plants will be set at a reasonable height that will not interfere with motorists’ ability to see oncoming traffic. The Board unanimously approved this request.
Chairman McCarthy announced that she spoke with the owner on Smith Corner Road to inform him of the Board’s decision to conduct a site walk on July 7th due to the Board receiving an anonymous alleged code violation report; Chairman McCarthy gave the owner a copy of the report. The owner responded “no name, no site walk”.
IX. Adjourn
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the meeting at 5:33pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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