Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes 2008
November 19, 2008
Special Session @ 7:00 PM
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
Town Administrator Interviews - Mr. Riley announced this meeting is to interview the three remaining finalists for this position.
Patrick Salerno advised that until recently he held the position of city manager for the city of Sunrise, Florida for 17 years. His education consists of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a B.G.S. Degree majoring in Politics and Public Affairs. Mr. Salerno said that during his tenure in Sunrise he was accessible to residents, participated in community activities and developed successful partnership with other local governments and the business community. He thought he would be a good fit for Hingham as his key to success is his ability to convey a results-oriented and an entrepreneurial spirit to public sector operations. He would bring this same spirit to the Town of Hingham. Staff development is important to him and he would assist employees in developing their full potential. In answer to the Board’s question, Mr. Salerno, said he realizes this position is a town administrator and not a town manager, therefore, the Board is the chief administrative official and he has no problem with that. He would work with the Board to see that their goals and objectives were ultimately carried out.
Jill Myers informed the Board her current position is a Town Manager in Uxbridge, MA. She has over fifteen years of executive management experience in the public sector. Her education background consists of a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of California. Ms. Myers said she was the second Town Manager in the fourth year of their Charter; it was a time of political, financial, and administrative chaos. Members of the Board of Selectmen resigned and also the Town Clerk resigned a week before the town election. Ms. Myers advised she managed to lead the town out of a structural budget deficit, with a plan endorsed by the elected officials. Her efforts led in the town receiving a first time bond rating of A+. In these economic times, Ms. Myers felt that regionalization is essential for the future of municipalities and it would add to the level of services. Ms. Myers felt she has proven she can work through adversity and her expertise in budget experience, professionalism, and get it done attitude would be a good fit for the town of Hingham.
Paul Beecher was formerly the City Manager of Kingman Arizona. He has 30 years experience in municipal government. Previously he was the City Manager for 12 years in Dover, N.H. He has experience in local government in Kansas City, Missouri and Texas. His educational background consists of a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree. Mr. Beecher advised he lives in Arizona but is willing to relocate if hired. Mr. Beecher said he was successful in working with an operating budget of $46 million, and had redeveloped the budget and the budgeting process. He believes in teamwork and created a teamwork and customer service philosophy and included all employees in developmental of organizational values. His management style is an open door policy and he keeps the staff informed of all decisions. Part of his attraction to Hingham was that after research he found that the town has an AAA bond rating and the schools have a great reputation. He would enjoy the challenge of creating ways to control costs, retain the present bond rating, and programs. He feels his style and ability to get along with people lend itself to the environment. In response to how he felt about the position of Town Administrator versus Town Manager, he replied he would deal very well with it as he is a great listener, would respect the position, and would never assert his authority.
General Obligation Bond Issue Notes – Jean Montgomery, Treasurer/Collector submitted a request for a vote of approval from the Board of Selectmen for the issuance of bonds to fund the new elementary school project, modular classrooms, Heresy Street land acquisition, and the DPW Facility. The Selectmen remarked they were very pleased that the bid was awarded on the basis of their net interest cost bid of 1.135%.
Voted: to approve the sale of a $22,937,467 2.50 percent Bond Anticipation Note, 2008 Series B of the Town dated November 25, 2008, and payable November 25, 2009 (the “Note”), to City at par and accrued interest plus a premium of $313,096.42.
Further Voted: that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Note, the preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated November 10, 2008, and a final Official Statement dated November 18, 2008, each in such form as approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted.
Further Voted: that the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver a material events disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by bond counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Note, as applicable, for the benefit of the holders of the Note from time to time.
Further Voted: that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and
the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes.
Adjourned 9:40 PM Marilyn A. Harrington
Clerk pro tem