Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
May 2, 2005
5:30 PM Chair Netishen opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Guests: Heidi Carlson, John Fernald, Eugene Reed and John Teague
Mr. Netishen recognized John Fernald who presented his recommendations to the Board concerning truck equipment. The bids were as follows:
Donovan Equipment Co. Inc. $50,061.
Howard P. Fairfield $49,900.
E.W. Sleeper $49,124.
Mr. Fernald recommends accepting the proposal from Howard P. Fairfield because they have a better stock of replacement parts which is much better if a breakdown occurs. Additionally, he has evaluated all the equipment proposals and feels his recommendation will best fill the Town’s requirements. He would like to add $350. to the total cost to upgrade the body cover.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept Fairfield’s bid with the $350.00 additional to upgrade the body cover for a total of $50,250.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next, Heidi Carlson gave an update of Fire/Rescue Department activity. The number of calls over the last year has increased greatly. The department is doing a lot of training with all members for maintenance and upgrading of certifications. Ms. Bonser asked about a department contact regarding discussion of cistern issues with the Planning Board. Ms. Carlson stated she will follow-up on the matter.
5:45 PM Having no further issues, Ms. Carlson left.
Next, Mr. Netishen addressed 5 abatement requests.
Map 55, Lot 3-53 recommendation to approve abatement
Map 42, Lot 19-20 recommendation to deny abatement
Map 55, Lot 3-59 recommendation to deny abatement
Map 42, Lot 19-7 recommendation to deny abatement
Map 55, Lot 3-7 recommendation to deny abatement
Mr. Reed asked for the property owner’s names, Mr. Netishen asked him to see Mr. Brown after the meeting for that information.
Mr. Reed asked who speaks for the citizen. Mr. Netishen responded that the citizen’s input is the application for abatement and that the decision can be appealed if the taxpayer is not happy with the decision. Discussion revolved around the process. Mr. Reed asked who signed the recommendations. Mr. Brown stated that a cover letter comes with the recommendations and is signed but not the individual sheets. The cover letter is not with the paperwork this evening.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept Avitar’s recommendations on the five (5) applications.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Brown responded to Mr. Reed regarding his letter dated April 27, 2005 concerning the Economic Development Committee and their November report. The Board has not provided any specific response other than their action at the two November meetings.
The minutes from previous meetings were reviewed.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept the minutes of April 18, 2005 as corrected.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to accept the non-public minutes of April 18, 2005 as written.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to approve the Town Administrator’s recommendation to hire Don Mischke as a part-time employee.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Next, the draft of the new Personnel Policy was reviewed. Mr. Bock asked if there should be any reference to pets. The general opinion was not at this time. Should reference regarding awards be in the employee policy? The answer was no. Will the original 4 pages before the table of contents be added? Mr. Brown answered yes.
On page 6, the Board suggested adding an additional subparagraph 4 and if written complaints must be provided and then be given to both parties. Mr. Brown stated that this can only be requested on a voluntary basis. A subparagraph should be added stating: False complaints of harassment and or discrimination will be in violation of employee policy and subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination. The Board feels any complaints should be recorded in writing. Mr. Brown stated that is standard policy.
It was asked whether ‘Department Heads’ on page 10 should be capitalized or not. This will be changed to capitals through out the Policy Document.
There was much discussion concerning Promotions, Transfers and Job Postings from page 11. Section will stay as is.
There was considerable discussion regarding FMLA and Discretionary Leave. Legal counsel will be verifying requirements.
Ms. Bonser feels the Board should have control of final action on disciplinary and termination matters. Mr. Brown stated that the Board should not be the issuer of discipline but remain in a position to review and or consider disciplinary actions and terminations on a case by case basis only if needed. Mr. Brown will certainly review actions with the Board but should have the authority to act on all personal matters.
6:57 PM Discussion on the Personnel Policy ended.
Mr. Netishen made several public announcements.
7:00 PM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as written
5/16/05
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