Board of Selectmen
Community Hall Annex
January 27, 2014
(rescheduled from January 21, 2014 due to snowstorm)
6 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.
Treasury warrant #15 and payroll were acknowledged and signed January 21, 2014.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the minutes from January 6, 2014 as presented. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the executive session minutes from December 23, 2013 as presented – not to be released. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the minutes from December 23, 2013 as presented. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
OPEN SESSION: (IT Vendors)
6 pm - Hank Black and Brian Hannafey gave a brief presentation on their company’s IT services. Located in Auburn, MA; they have 50 employees, 25 field engineers and have been in business for 25 years. Eight people are on the help desk for tech support. On the state contract list. Has recently contracted with Barre, MA. Regular hours are 8 to 5; upcharge for off hours on-site calls. No travel charges. Limited work with CJIS and IMC.
6:30 pm – Rob Cleary, owner, of ClearCom from Leicester, MA spoke to the Board. In business since 2001. Works in five surrounding towns. Full-time service desk management, two support technicians and one part-time technician. Remote and on site capability. Ticket system after hours with three people on call after hours. Flexible in customizing contracts.
Michael Pantos left the meeting and returned at 8:45 pm.
7 pm – Paul McKenzie, owner, of CMGeeks from Oakham, MA. Works with current police, fire and dispatch in Rutland. Works with Hubbardston, Oakham and Barre. Will work with our vendors. Treats customers as partners. Town will pay one rate lower than his fee schedule as a thank you for being one of his earliest clients. All three employees are tech support. Available 24 hours.
7:30 – Forsberg & Carlson – William Thibeault, owner, has been in business for 15+ years. Also deals in camera and phone systems. Three full-time field techs – will do remote work from anywhere – just call on his cell 24 hours. Works with Hudson police department and sheriff’s office. Limited municipal experience. Works with IMC – very familiar with mobile units in police department.
The department heads in attendance were asked for their first and second choices based on the four company’s presentations. The top two selections were Akuity and CM Geeks. All were very After some discussion, Mr. Becker made a motion to move forward in reaching an agreement with Akuity Technologies for IT services. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
Services will begin first full month after decision/contract agreement. CMGeeks and Moody Consulting will be notified of a separation date and thanked for their past service. Akuity will be
notified that they have been chosen; with the other three companies thanked for their interest and will keep them on file.
8 pm – Tom Ruchala and Ken Lowe came before the Board with a letter to the state (regarding the grant) needing the Selectmen’s signature granting permission for work to be done on the old fire station. Mr. Becker read the letter and moved to sign as presented. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. The Board wished them well.
DPW:
Superintendent Kellaher handed the Selectmen paperwork from Weston & Sampson regarding the flow meters and Miles Road pump station. He is not happy with the cost and Attorney Cranston is not happy with the agreement. He will contact Weston & Sampson.
Forest Hill/Christmas Tree Lane sewer tie in – borings and core samples should be done prior to work. Some discussion on betterments.
Internal posting resulted in one candidate (Adam Kellaher) who is being recommended by the DPW Foreman, Chris Kolofsky. Mr. Becker is concerned about the disclosure and recommended that all paperwork with Town Clerk, etc. be cared for before hiring. The superintendent stated that he has filed for disclosure twice. Mr. Kolofsky will attend the next selectmen’s meeting and bring forth his recommendation in person and in writing.
The part-time custodian will be retiring next week. Mr. Kellaher will discuss his ideas for this position with the Finance Committee when he meets with them later this week.
Transportation Bond Bill – Mr. Kellaher informed the Board that everything has been submitted. P & F is almost complete for the TIP on Pommogussett Road.
Superintendent Kellaher has been asked by the Assessor to secure and separate her office from the public terminal area by cutting down the door between both areas (Dutch door style) and he is requesting the Board’s permission to do so. The Board is in agreement.
Discussion on the fuel purchase with Paxton who is very anxious to move forward. MOU will be drafted by them and sent to our Town Counsel.
Ms. Dibb introduced an event to mark the end of the 300th anniversary celebration of the Town. A town bonfire will be held at Putnam Park on Sunday, February 9th at 3 pm. Mr. Becker moved to allow the bonfire and waive the permit fee. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote was three in favor, one opposed. Mr. Clark opposed. Fire Chief Weber stated that he will volunteer to man the fire truck on scene. The police officer on duty will help with parking and pedestrian traffic.
POLICE:
Chief Haapokoski submitted paperwork to have Sgt. Monaco moved to Step 3 at $27.33 per hour and back dated to July 1, 2013 per the sergeant’s contract. By not filling the third sergeant’s position, he will have the funds available. Mr. Becker motioned to have Sgt. Monaco moved to Step 3 $27.33 per hour, retroactive to July 1, 2013. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
FIRE:
Chief Weber stated that he is looking to bring two individuals into the department. One is Joe Lyons who is a diesel mechanic at MHQ at Step 1 $11.70 to do basic repairs on the fleet. He will be attending the next academy class. The second is Christopher Wilder, a paramedic elsewhere and currently in nursing school, to be the department’s photographer at Step 1 $11.70. He will be paid to take pictures of fire events and all pictures will remain property of the Rutland Fire Department. Regarding the DPW, Mr. Kellaher stated that this individual would be responsible for the work that they perform if working on something that the DPW isn’t aware of. DPW has a safety checklist for all safety vehicles. Mr. Becker is concerned that neither position was posted.
Chief Weber attended a CMRPC meeting – is looking toward a mass purchasing program for EMS supplies.
In answer to Mr. Pantos question from the last meeting, 25 transports were missed because the ambulance was on another call. Mr. Pantos also would like documentation on ladder testing, pump testing and hose testing. The Chief will bring that forward at the next meeting.
The Fire Chief stated that he, his crew, the FT paramedics and FT EMTs met to discuss the transport of Section 12 patients. They determined that they will in fact transport Section 12 (psychological emergency) patients when called to do so. It may mean that the missed call numbers may rise. He will notify the principals in town and the district superintendent.
Regarding the chief’s goals and objectives, a deadline of July 27, 2014 has been placed on his passing the PAT test. Mr. Pantos moved to sign the goals and objectives with the deadline amendment. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote was four in favor, one abstention (Ms. Dibb). Deadline for PAT will be added and can be signed tomorrow.
Chief Weber informed the Board that Seth Knipe has been 100% cleared for his return to work on Sunday, February 1, 2014.
An executive session will be added to the end of the next meeting for fire chief contract negotiations.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Foundation Reserve Application has been signed and forwarded.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Becker moved to appoint Rebecca Tuttle to the Health Insurance Advisory Committee. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to appoint Dominic Walker as a part-time dispatcher (OAD Grade 3, Step 1, $16.13 per hour). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to appoint Melissa Richardson as a part-time dispatcher per the recommendation of the Communications Director (OAD Grade 3, Step 1, $16.13 per hour). Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to accept the resignation of Cliff Carmel from Dispatch with thanks. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to certify Anita Carlson, Acting Town Clerk’s salary at $20.10 per hour for 37.5 hours per week. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Mr. Becker moved to certify Aislinn Lewis, children’s librarian’s salary at $20.10 per hour for 22 hours per week. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Perambulation – Ms. Dibb stated that border markings should be done every five years and has not been done in several years. Princeton recently completed this. Ms. Dibb suggested seeking volunteer help from town resident(s) and Mr. Pantos will introduce this to both Boy Scout troops in town as a possible Eagle Scout project.
Fiscal Year 2015 budget schedule – Both school districts will be added to the schedule and forwarded to all town departments and school districts.
Ms. Dibb moved to waive the gas permit fee for work being done at the pump station at 66 Wachusett Street. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote three in favor, one opposed (Mr. Clark).
OLD BUSINESS:
Ms. Dibb questioned the Fire Chief, Police Chief and DPW Superintendent on their input regarding the Open Space Plan. All three stated that have submitted their responses.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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