Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting
November 26, 2007
6:32 PM Chair Bock opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Others: Jaye Vilchock, Heidi Carlson.
Mr. Bock announced the retirement of Police Chief Phil English effective January 1, 2008. The Board wished him well and thanked him for his service to the Town. The Board will work on the process of filling this position.
Mr. Bock recognized Chief Vilchock. Chief Vilchock asked if the Board had considered the changes that had been made to the department by-laws as requested by the Selectmen back in August and if they were ready to accept the by-laws. Ms. Bonser asked if there was a list containing all changes / additions that had been requested? Mr. Brown indicated that everyone had marked up their own copy of the bylaws for possible changes but did not think a single list had ever been compiled. Mr. Brown stated that all the markups on his copy of the bylaws have been addressed.
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to accept Fire/Rescue by-laws as approved by the By-laws committee on October 7, 2007.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Town Office will retain an original copy of the By-laws and the department will retain 2 originals as well as 40 copies for the membership.
Deputy Chief Carlson asked if the Board had received a date when the Mill Pond Bridge may be open to traffic. Mr. Brown explained that the project is progressing well but the Town has not received a completion date as yet. Ms. Bonser then asked about complaint dated October 29, 2007. Mr. Brown will follow up with the Code Enforcement officer.
Regarding the signature file,
Motion: Bonser, second Netishen to sign the 2nd issue Tax Warrant for the Tax Collector in the amount of $ 3,898,606.47.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Mr. Bock asked Mr. Netishen to speak to the tax rate setting. The 2007 rate is $ 13.27, which is a $ 1.16 decrease from the 2006 rate of $ 14.43. There were several factors that lead to the decrease in rate. Specifically, the increase in the Town’s valuation, the large surplus turned back by the school district, $ 12,000 in unanticipated revenue from building permits and $47,000 of additional interest received by the Treasurer. Mr. Bock stated that the tax bills will be out this week and taxes will be due on December 31st.
The next item on the agenda was discussion of the Fire/Rescue Department budget for 2008. The changes in the budget that were discussed are as follows-
-Stipend line proposed increase to try to keep the point value at a reasonable level. The point value has decreased over the last couple years with increased participation. The Board would like to see this year’s point totals before making a decision.
-Chief & Deputy Chief stipend line generated discussion about the distribution of the money allocated. The Board would like to see this stated in a more specific manner.
-Ambulance expense line, which is a new line. This may take the place of the Medical Supplies line. Much discussion about a possible change. This maybe defined by a warrant article at Town Meeting.
- Mr. Brown feels the additional cistern/hydrant maintenance, and AED maintenance should be added to the Equipment Maintenance line.
-Contingent part time wages line, which the Board feels the Chief & Officers must create a policy that, must be followed closely. (Needs more discussion)
-Meals and supplies line, which is new as well, would need to be monitored closely.
There was a question asked about an additional phone service provider as well as a possible cistern plan. It was stated that the phone service provider issue is under consideration by both the Fire and Police departments. At this time, Comcast does not provide business service that would meet our needs. The Hazardous Mitigation assistance team participation dues will be in a separate line, along with other items in this area. The proposed warrant article for a new ambulance is acceptable once there is a hard quote for cost. Chief Vilchock & Deputy Chief Carlson concluded their presentation and left the meeting.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that the Town Office would be closing at noon on December 24th. Mr. Brown and members of the Board will meet with employees to inform then about the new requirement for employees to contribute to the cost of insurance. Ms. Bonser asked about a follow up letter to a taxpayer regarding CU designation. Mr. Brown will follow up.
Motion: Netishen, second Bonser to recess the meeting until Tuesday November 27, 2007 at 8:15 AM.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Chair Bock reconvened the meeting on November 27, 2007 at 8:15AM. Members present were Chair Bock, Mary Bonser and Bill Netishen. Town Administrator Charles Brown was also present.
Mr. Bock would like to work on a statement regarding the assessing issues and will work on the statement with Ms. Seaverns.
The Board next discussed the Police Department Budget. Some changes were made after consideration of prior years usage. The Board agreed the gasoline line should be increased. The majority of the Board does not feel the Stinger System is needed for the department this year. More research into the implications of the use for these devises and any possible liability issues must be looked into. Much discussion followed about the Equipment line the Board feels that $5,000 is a reasonable level at this time. The Telephone line was reduced to $4,000, the remainder was left the same as 2007.
The conversation then turned to the Chief’s position and what would be the best way to fill the position. Much discussion followed about the hiring process for a new Chief. The most obvious option is to hire from within the Department but regardless, the Board wishes to use an open process that meets all required standards. Mr. Brown and the Board will consult the Chief, as well as other resources to make the best decision for both the department and the Town. The position of acting Chief was discussed at length, in the event the process takes longer than expected, would this be an option? More discussion followed.
Ms. Bonser left at 10:05AM.
Mr. Bock & Mr. Netishen continued to discuss the hiring process for a new Chief, to include the time frame involved for filling the vacancy created if the new Chief is hired from within the Department.
Having no further business,
10:40 AM Motion: Bock, second Netishen to adjourn.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as written
12/10/07
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