Town of Princeton, Mass. – Oct. 5, 2015
Executive Session Minutes - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Executive Session
7:45 PM Selectmen took roll call vote in regular session and opened executive session. A draft employment contract agreement for the highway superintendent was reviewed, as well as a chart outlining how other towns handle salary for that position. Nina reported that data from surrounding communities has shown that the position entails different responsibilities and compensation in each town. She noted that it was an exercise in due diligence. The board noted that the current salary is at Step 9 on the town’s Employment Compensation Scale for $36.67/hour which is $76,566.00 annually at 2,088 hours/year. Step 10 would be $37.93.
Nina had discussed Glenn’s initial request with him and she could not recommend it, as it mapped out a percentage increase that was not reflected in the “step chart.” Instead she suggested a gradual increase—conforming to the chart—that would not exceed the top level. This equaled slightly more than three percent each year. Nina asked if employees automatically “step up” to their next level every year, She noted that step charts are usually only used for clerical staff, and pointed out that it appeared that almost all town employees are paid on an hourly rate, including department heads. Stan suggested accepting the contract as written excluding the cost of living clause which is provided for
non-contract employees.
Selectmen voted all in favor to present the contract as amended to Glenn Lyons.
Nina then presented a document provided by town counsel for “general release and indemnification” to be signed by Shelley Hammond as sole owner of Terra Environmental. This is to settle a payment dispute with the former engineering firm on the Route 140 project. The board voted all in favor to authorize the town administrator to sign the release on their behalf and also agreed to approve the action in regular session.
8:38 PM Selectmen closed the executive session with Stan making a motion to adjourn, Jon seconded and in roll call vote they adjourned with Jon, Edith and Stan each saying “aye.”
Respectfully submitted, Marie N. Auger, administrative assistant
BOS Referenced Documents: Hwy. Dept. salary survey chart; Hwy. Supt. draft contract; general release and indemnification
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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