Board of Selectmen
October 28, 2013
Community Hall Annex
5:00 pm
Present: Peter J. Letsky, Chairman; Sheila H. Dibb, Vice-Chairman; Joseph R. Becker, Leroy C. Clark, Michael S. Pantos, Clerk and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Chairman Letsky opened the meeting at 5 pm.
5 pm - Anne Janette from North Brookfield came before the Board to interview for the Treasurer/Collector position. The Board asked a series of questions: She has never had a management letter finding. She has never been late with payments personally. She has had experience using an auctioneer when foreclosing on a property. Ms. Janette feels communication is key in collecting overdue accounts – working with the people to come up with a plan of action. Has no problem advertising publicly if it comes to that. Her relationship with auditors has been respectful, no major problems. She learns something new every year. She reconciles with the accountant every month – has no experience as a collector. Would not have a problem issuing collection notices
to friends or relatives and has actually run into that. Would put accounts into tax title within six months of the end of the fiscal year. Feels tax liens are necessary for large or commercial properties. Uses Harper’s for payroll. Relationships with other town departments would be respectful – communication and honesty go a long way. Has experience with the Town budget process and issuing debt. Ms. Jannette feels she would have no problem dealing with taxpayers on a daily basis, she is even tempered. Currently uses Tyler Technology. Although none is required, she believes a 30-day notice to former employer is fair and courteous.
6 pm – Rebecca Tuttle from Barre came before the Board to sit for an interview for the Treasurer/Collector position. The same questions asked of Ms. Jannette were asked of Ms. Tuttle. She had never had a management letter finding and has never been late with personal tax payments. The Town Administrator hired an auctioneer when foreclosing on a property. She believes working with the taxpayer and assessing situations individually is key to solving overdue accounts – working out a payment plan. Communication is number one and advertising publicly if all else fails. She has a very good relationship with auditors in Barre. Also reconciles cash monthly and then quarterly ties altogether with accountant – has no experience as a collector but stated that she’s a
quick learner. Would have no problem issuing tax liens on friend or relatives and has in fact had it happen. She would put accounts into tax title within six months and would review laws/rules pertaining to this. Communication is key when dealing with other Town departments. Mass Association is a great resource for deputy tax collector information. No experience in tax liens. Uses Harper’s for payroll. Works well with everyone and doesn’t feel the office set up would hinder anything. Loves working to reduce debt/refinancing. Has experience with issuing debt and temporary borrowing. Likes interacting with people so sees no problem dealing with people on a day to day basis. Would work closely with Selectmen for comments and recommendations. Currently uses Tyler Technology and is hands on when learning software. Would like to give at least a two-week notice to current employer.
The third candidate, Deborah Kristoff, was unable to attend her interview due to an accident. She will be rescheduled to Monday, November 4th. Ms. Dibb moved to send a letter to Ms. Kristoff to interview on Monday, November 4th at 5 pm. And if unable to come to us, will offer accommodations to partake by phone. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to sign Treasury Warrant #9 and payrolls. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
DPW
Lengthy discussion on the I/I article on STM warrant. Ms. Dibb moved to include the I & I article on STM warrant. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous.
TIP – Some discussion. Mass Highway has done its review – no approval yet. Worcester feels better with the town working on this rather than using a consultant.
Salt purchase – A neighboring town has asked for help in purchasing salt as they have been shut off. Mr. Kellaher stated that he has spoken to Town Counsel re: an MOU & would require advanced payment. Mr. Becker wants to guarantee all procurement and paperwork is all in place legally.
Community Hall renovations for office space - Some discussion on money remaining from an earlier article dealing with exterior work and insulation. Mr. Becker is adamant about having a cost and plan in place before bringing to town meeting. Lengthy discussion. Ms. Dibb moved to place the article to remodel/reconfigure office space in Community Hall. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Kellaher will send memo to Town Accountant to close out the remainder of that article.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chapter 61A for Davis Farm on Main Street. Ms. Dibb stated she would like input from the other departments who were notified before signing off. Will add to next agenda.
Mr. Becker moved to sign the November 18, 2013 special town meeting warrant. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
Laying out of Rutland Heights Way - Mr. Kellaher stated that it was built to spec and the only thing needed is the top coat. After discussion, Mr. Pantos moved to lay out Rutland Heights Way. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
George Johnson came before the Board to discuss a water line leak at Devereux and the Forest Hill/Christmas Tree sewer issue. Mr. Kellaher is aware of the leak, is considering adding a meter and will contact town counsel. Mr. Kellaher is also working with the residents in the Forest Hill/Christmas Tree area.
Mr. Pantos is looking for information on the condo the town now owns at Countryside, particularly why is hasn’t gone up for sale. Mr. Letsky will check with Sally Hayden.
Mr. Pantos is also questioning Jackie O’Brien’s payroll status while on Worker’s Comp. Mr. Letsky will look into.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Clark moved to adjourn. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
| 
