TOWN OF RUTLAND
BOARD OF SELCTMEN
Thursday December 3, 2015
Rutland Town Library
6:30 PM
Present: Chair Leroy C. Clark, Michael S. Pantos, Sheila Dibb
Absent: Wayne Walker, Stephanie Bacon
Others: Town Administrator Margaret Nartowicz
Agenda: 6-month feedback meeting with Town Administrator
Mr. Clark called meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Ms. Dibb expressed satisfaction with accomplishments of Town Administrator within her first 6 months. Despite challenges and this being a first-time position, there has been overall success and numerous accomplishments.
Ms. Nartowicz outlined accomplishments including having a budget in place for FY16. Rutland has become a Compact Community and has earned $20,000 towards funding for the Regional Planner Position. Many previously planned town projects are ongoing, including the Senior Tax Work-Off Plan, Open Space and Recreation Plan, and financial policies, including a debt policy. Recent debt restructuring has achieved immediate and long-term savings and a shortened borrowing term for a 40-year USDA loan.
Goals outlined include continued focus on human resources; completion of comprehensive personnel policy manual and centralization of personal records. Goals in the financial and debt policies must be achievable and realistic. Procurement files should be centralized with the Chief Procurement Officer. With a grant the Town has received for solar technical assistance, the Solar Committee is working with a consultant to investigate the possibility of municipal solar development. An RFP has been issued and proposals are due February 11, 2016.
Ms. Nartowicz outlined the plan to address the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. There are individual meetings scheduled with department heads to review level service and level funded budget requests. Quarterly meetings have been established the Wachusett School District administrator and town administrators/manager to facilitate communication between the entities. Early revenue projections are being developed for the upcoming fiscal year.
Mr. Pantos acknowledged the Administrators’ positive interaction with town committees and state officials. Relationships have already been established between the Administrator and appropriate committees and officials. There has been consistent and timely communication to the board over the past 6 months. The board requests consistent financial reporting and diligence for warrant signing. A performance assessment process has been established for town staff, and the Administrator is responsible for managing the process.
Ms. Dibb discussed the need for this role to accomplish and execute town goals. The Town is in a better position with the involvement of an Administrator. Collectively the Board expressed their satisfaction with the Town Administrator and contributions being made towards the town.
Finance Committee member Karen Nahrwold spoke about continued improvement despite fiscal challenges and the committee’s commitment to continuing to work towards goals with the Town Administrator.
Mr. Pantos moved to adjourn at 6:36 PM. Seconded by Leroy Clark. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Nartowicz
Town Administrator
Prepared by Abby Benoit
Administrative Secretary, Board of Selectman Approved 1/19/2016
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