Norwell Board of Selectmen
Meeting--July 11, 2001
Mr. Merritt opened the meeting and introduced the Board members and Jim Boudreau, Town Administrator.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the agenda as written. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
The Board wanted to recognize all the help they received in regard to the 4th of July road race. It is a tradition they would like to see kept alive in spite of the retirement of Dr. Garceau.
Recycling Committee chairman Joanne Dirk was first on the agenda. They successfully applied for a recycling grant from the state DEP and were in to present an award made possible by this grant. For six weeks Joanne and other members of the committee took to the streets to inspect recycling bins around town. The names were entered into a drawing, which Mr. Merritt pulled.
The Recycling for Dollars award for $1,000 went to Barbara Lorris, of Doris Ave.
Mr. Merritt thanked the Recycling committee for their efforts on behalf of the town.
Three Sergeant Interviews took place with Officer John Suurhans first on the list.
Officer Suurhans has been on the Norwell Police Department for 8 years. He hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College. His experience here earned him an accommodation from the Chief of Police for narcotics investigation. He has been the firearms officer and field training officer. He worked for the Department of Corrections before coming to Norwell and he was Acting Sergeant. He has been Officer in Charge on several occasions. He has held many volunteer positions, including Chief’s Interview Committee, Cruiser Design Committee and participated in the Memorial Day celebrations.
The Board asked Officer Suurhans how he feels he would be able to enhance the department’s community policing efforts.
He responded that the recent Citizen’s Police Academy was a step in the right direction. He would encourage his officers to get out of the cruisers more often, speaking to the public and especially kids. He would like to see more involvement in the DARE program, after school programs or taking a different officer off the streets each week and have him go into the school system with Officer Melvin to help teach.
When asked to elaborate on his feeling for the Citizen’s Police Academy, Officer Suurhans responded that it was a good opportunity for the citizens of Norwell to meet some of the officers they may not have met in the past. He would like to have the classes more often, feeling it lets the people know what’s going on behind the scenes. He thinks it makes people feel more comfortable reporting crimes and feeling free to speak to officers and asking questions.
Since supervisory skills are going to be important, the Board asked Officer Suurhans about his skills. He replied that he is pro-active. He pays attention to detail, he is thorough in his investigations. He shows initiative, he is a team player and has supervisory experience with two law enforcement agencies.
When asked about discipline, Officer Suurhans responded that it is one of the biggest challenges, Norwell being a small department. But he feels the officers know he takes the job seriously and they respect him. He would talk to an officer privately, if the behavior continued he would follow with a letter in his folder and speaking with the chief.
He feels the toughest challenges facing Norwell in the next couple of years is the upcoming retirement of the senior officers. He feels it will be a challenge to get them the training to replace the older, more experienced officers.
If he had the authority to make any one change in the department, it would be making more sectors. The town is getting bigger, we have more traffic, more business. He would like to see three patrol officers on the street at all times, along with a supervisor.
If he could chose one skill he feels the most important skill for a police sergeant to have, it would be communication skills. The most important ability would be to separate friendships from work related duties.
Regarding a police officer who is not as motivated as others under his supervision he replied that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Some officers are more involved with the community on a one to one basis, some are out there writing tickets. Each officer has a different skill that is utilized in the department. If I had to sit in the cruiser with an officer and go out on patrol to teach him a certain aspect, I would do that.
The Board thanked John for coming in and they advised him they would be making their decision this week.
Officer Theodore Ross was the second to be interviewed. Officer Ross is a Norwell High School graduate. He got his associates degree in 1987 from Massasoit Community College. He has been a dispatcher and Special Police Officer. He was hired in 1989 as a full time officer. He worked the midnight shift for five years. For the last seven years he’s been working 4-12. He is a field training officer and detective. He recently obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Curry College. He has attended Child Abuse School and Narcotics School. He works with new recruits.
He supports the Citizens Police Academy. He is a firm believer in Community Policing Programs, driving through neighborhoods. When asked about his supervisory skills, Officer Ross said he believes you have to lead by example. You have to be a strong decision maker, having your subordinates look up to you. Getting their opinions and a teamwork approach is important.
Regarding discipline, Officer Ross feels he has a strong relationship with his co-workers and thinks they respect the fact he would have a job to do. He feels it wouldn’t be a problem. If he had the authority the one thing he would change is he would open the lines of communications more. He thinks communication is very important in supervisory capacities.
The Board thanked Ted for coming and advised him they would be making their decision this week.
Officer Chris Nichols was the third candidate interviewed. He has been a lifelong resident of Norwell. He graduated from Stonehill College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was appointed to the Norwell Police Department in 1987. He is married with three children. He is currently the court prosecutor. He has a knowledge and understanding of the supervisor’s role.
Officer Nichols feels Community Policing is a philosophy that bring together the community and the department more so than the active patrol of yesterday when police were just out there responding to calls for service. It has a positive impact on the reduction of crime and quality of life. The members of the community feel the police are more approachable and are more willing and comfortable helping to solve problems in their initial stages, where is where they need to be solved to help them from becoming major criminal type issues.
He feels the most important supervisory skills is the ability to find a mix and develop an understanding of what the subordinates need as far as help in given areas and to provide that assistance. There is no supervisor that is going to have all the answers all the time, but it is important for subordinates to understand that if the supervisor doesn’t have the answer, he won’t give them a false answer but seek out the answer.
He sees discipline as one of the most difficult tasks for a supervisor to perform. He looks at it as a parent to some degree. He has three small children. You are friends with your child and your subordinate, however, they have to understand that you are the supervisor. The supervisor has to be accountable.
Chris feels the toughest challenge facing Norwell is the upcoming retirement of several officers. The younger officers need all that much more supervision because it sets the whole for their entire career. Given proper guidance and help makes a young officer successful in Norwell.
If he had the authority, the one change he would make is more middle management. There needs to be someone available when the chief isn’t. He feels an important skill for a police sergeant would be gaining the respect of his subordinates. The most important ability would be being perceived by his subordinates as respected.
The Board thanked Chris for his time and advised him they would be making their decision this week.
The Board thanked Jim for his assistance in the interview process.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the appointment of Abigail Childs to the Zoning Board of Appeals, filling the remaining term of Bernie Gardner, expiring June 30, 2002. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
Jim Boudreau made an appeal for additional alternate members of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve the appointment of Tom Cain to the Insurance Advisory Committee for a three year term expiring June 30, 2004. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board approve a request from White on White Catering for a one-day license to serve all alcoholic beverages at an event to be held at the Cushing Center on Saturday, July 14, 2001 between the hours of 6:00 PM and 10:30 PM. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
Re-appointments to Committees, Boards and Commissions were next on the agenda.
Mr. Mariano moved the following re-appointments be made for the terms specified:
Name Committee Term Expires
Gerald P. Good, Jr. Athletic Field Committee June 30, 2002
Richard P. Barry Beautification Committee June 30, 2004
Edward D. Doherty Design Review Board June 30, 2004
Steven P. Ivas Groundwater Protection June 30, 2002
Richard W. Twigg, Jr. Groundwater Protection June 30, 2002
Peter Dillon Mapping Commission June 30, 2004
Steven P. Ivas Mapping Commission June 30, 2004
Steven P. Ivas Route 3 Land Development Task Force June 30, 2002
Gerard M. Gomez Traffic Study Committee June 30, 2004
All motions were seconded by Mr. Gaynor.
Unanimously Voted.
Mr. Merritt thanked the Committee members for their time and diligence.
The Board mentioned the Master Plan Committee will be meeting tomorrow night in the Osborne Room at 7:30 PM. Discussion topics will be environmental resources, open space and recreation and cultural resources.
MOTION: Mr. Mariano moved the Board go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Pending Litigation. Second by Mr. Gaynor.
Mr. Merritt polled the Board: Mr. Mariano, yes; Mr. Gaynor, yes; Mr. Merritt, yes.
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James M. Boudreau, Town Administrator
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