Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2010
Regular Session 7:00 pm
Mr. Rabuffo, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Interim Town Administrator
Mr. Rabuffo said he had made a recommendation last week to appoint Ted Alexiades as Interim Town Administrator and the Board had requested more time. Mr. Riley said he would second Mr. Rabuffo's motion of last week.
Voted - to appoint Ted Alexiades as Interim Town Administrator.
Police Sergeant Interviews
Ryan O'Shea said he had graduated from UMass with a major in English and with an idea of teaching or working for a computer company. He was appointed to the police force eight years ago and has had a variety of positions within the department – the favorite being that of field training officer. He is also bike trained, has done impact analysis for the department, maintains and repairs the mobile data terminals in the cruisers and assists in grant writing. Officer O'Shea said he feels the most important character asset is to lead by example and to show a good work ethic. The role of sergeant is similar to that of patrol supervisor insofar as it means overseeing the shift, making sure things go smoothly and that everything goes as it should. His most successful experience as a police officer is one in which a man got the help he needed, no one was injured and it was a good ending. If he had a "do over" experience it would be the time someone reported a hold up at the Route 3A Tedeschi store. Officer O'Shea said he should have waited for back-up before taking on a person who was very proficient in martial arts. He would like to do the best job he can do at the next level and see where it leads.
Thomas Ford said he had graduated from Western New England College in 2003 and had worked in security for various companies before being appointed in 2007. He said being a good sergeant is recognizing someone's talents and using their skills as best possible during the shift. The job of a sergeant is to be the direct supervisor of the patrolmen and in some cases to be the officer in charge of the shift. If clarification is needed the sergeant is the go to guy. His favorite experience is the kids safety program he does each summer. He has trained over 400 children in the stay safe program. When first appointed he responded to a fatal car crash when he arrived he went to a seriously injured person. He learned you need to step back, take a deep breath and look around. Officer Ford views Community Policing as analyzing the needs of your town and meeting those needs with the available resources. He said that as sergeant you can further help the community by assigning staff as needed.
The Board will make the appointment to sergeant at a future meeting.
The Chief has also submitted a list of individuals for appointment as special police officers.
Voted - To appoint the following as Special Police Officers for the ensuing year:
Richard Amonte Joseph McCracken
Mark Brennan Michael Murray
Kenneth Corson Michael Parker
Michael Dunlea Mitchell Powers
Russell Erickson Aaron Smith
Daniel Galvin Charles Souther
Jonathan Gordon Thomas Steen
Holly Krukonis Joan Sullivan
Ronald Lincoln James Wells
Joseph Mayer Brian Willard
Joint session with the Personnel Board
Mr. Puzo introduced Ms. Harris, Mr. Pace and Mr. MacGillvary. He explained the role of the Personnel Board and said that they would like to understand more fully the request for two Deputy Town Administrators. He explained that it would be helpful to the Personnel Board to understand what the Board of Selectmen envisions as the difference between the Deputy TA/CFO position and the Deputy TA/Human Resources and what is the goal or objective in creating the two positions.
Mr. Rabuffo said that the current Town Administrator position had up to 22 direct reports which can be complicated and can also cause challenges. It was hoped to bring a structure without adding a head count. The Deputy TA title means learning the skill sets needed to advance. Ms. Burns explained the difference is to add responsibilities beyond financial to the current CFO position by having people of other areas reporting to that position. The person in this role would accomplish the CFO role and administrate other non-financial things in Town. Mr. Puzo asked if the pay would be in the same range for both positions. Mr. Rabuffo noted that the police and fire chiefs are not paid the same. The goal is to have the positions be recognized in the compensation structure for the duties of the position. The HR side encompass health and welfare of the Town and the CFO has responsibility for the financial health of the Town. Mr. Rabuffo said that it was his view that these would be contractual positions.
Mr. Puzo asked what the relationship would be between the Deputy TA for Human Resources and the Human Resources Director. He also stressed the need for the Human Resources Director noting that this is a deep and broad field that is highly regulated and a source of litigation for municipalities. This calls for consistent, uniform administration of personnel law. The position avoids problems.
The issue of Merit Pay/pay for performance has also discussed. The Personnel Board asked about the goals and objectives of such a program, who would be covered, who decides on the merit pay and what will the credibility effect be?
Mr. Riley requested that Mr. Puzo supply the Board with a list of questions. The Personnel Board agreed to assemble questions.
Lincoln Maritime
Mr. Rabuffo said he has had discussions with Sturt English about the value and service that Lincoln Maritime provides to the Town. He explained that the Selectmen are not negotiating this evening - this is a discussion.
Mr. Riley spoke about the work of the Harbor Task Force. The task force assembled information about who owned what, the parking, etc. as well as what properties were involved and how they all fit. The next scheduled meeting of the Harbor Task Force is in the early fall.
Mr. Paicos noted that real property transactions are all governed by MGL C. 30B. Before the Board can issue a lease it has to engage in a competitive public process. If the Town decides it wishes to dispose of a piece of property for less than fair market value it must state the public purpose to be served. He said it may be difficult to establish legally that a low cost boating program is a bona fide public purpose. If providing affordable boating is the goal then the Board must set standards .
Mr. Corson reported that the boat permit fees and the moored float fees total approximately $7,000 per year. Mr. Cataldo said $7,000 is unsustainable for Lincoln. He explained that Lincoln Maritime offers a service to the Town and raises a lot of money for the program. He asked the Board to treat the charity like a charity and treat the for-profit as a for-profit. Ms. Burns said it is often the case that non-profits are charged differently than for-profit entities. Mr. Riley said the Town had a lease agreement with a non-profit federal credit union. The Credit union was able to operate in the gate house on Fort Hill Street. Brian Curtis noted that everybody is interested in seeing Lincoln continue. Lincoln needs a long term lease and is not going to give in to the demands.
The Board asked what kind of expansion Lincoln Maritime wants. Mr. English suggested a long term leases for $1 per year, retaining option on Steamboat Wharf, and elimination of the dock fees. He explained that they have struggled to accomplish things like boat replacement and expanding the physical footprint. A long term lease makes it possible to do the fundraising necessary. The $1 a year rent is recommended because Lincoln provides a public service and public access. Anyone can come down, pay the fee and go out in a boat. Mr. Paicos pointed out that the Town is presently down five policemen, four firefighters and 20 or 30 teaching positions. The Selectmen and Advisory Committee looked at ways to increase revenue to make the Harbormaster Department self supporting. It is difficult to be providing a public taxpayer subsidy to Lincoln Maritime at the same time we are cutting police, fire and teaching positions. Mr. English said they are not looking for extraordinary treatment - just fair treatment.
Mr. Rabuffo said the Board recognizes the financial situation the Maritime Center finds itself in and will revisit the matter at a future meeting.
Stabilization Fund
Ms. Burns had a proposal for a stabilization fund article for the next town meeting. Mr. Rabuffo then presented is proposed article for a stabilization fund. Mr. Alexiades said the initially the stabilization
funds were limited to appropriation for reasons which would rise to certain level. Ms. Burns noted that her proposal represents property tax relief; the other does not. The property tax relief would be achieved because there would be a need to levy less on a vote. Mr. Rabuffo suggested adding the objective of building reserves as well as property tax relief. Ms. Burns will write an article for the paper to get residents' input.
Selectmen's Report
Eastgate Lane has suffered a great between East Street and Collins Road as a result of the construction of East School. This road has deteriorated because of Town activities. The School Building Committee does have some funds left and they would take a request from the Board of Selectmen very seriously. The Highway Superintendent would be able to put an initial coat on this season and the final coat next year. Mr. Riley felt that one of the utilities had asked for a grant of location and indicated a willingness to repave that section of Eastgate Lane to the intersection of Collins Road.
Voted - to notify the utility is responsible the Board of Selectmen respectfully requests repaving of Eastgate Lane from East Street to Collins Road.
Voted - to approve the minutes of July 13 and 19, 2010
Voted - To appoint Marco Boer as Hingham Representative to the MBTA Advisory Board
Voted - to appoint Martha Saunders as an Alternate Member of the Historic District Commission for a three-year term ending in 2013.
Voted - to approve a temporary liquor license to Sergio Pungitore for the annual picnic of Mary of the Light on September 5, 2010 from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. (raindate, September 6).
Voted - to adjourn to executive session for purpose of continued mediation relative to the issues involved in the complaint and counterclaim in the litigation with Thomas J. Hastings Properties, Inc. and Hingham Square Townhomes, LLC pending in Plymouth County to discuss resolution of any or all issues surrounding the Hersey House property and for contract negotiations relative to non union personnel.
Open session adjourned 10:05 p.m.
Betty Foley, Clerk
Submittals:
Mr. Rabuffo's Draft
Stabilization Fund
Will the Town (1) establish a Stabilization Fund pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5B for purpose of tracking meals tax revenue, to build reserves, and to provide for future unexpected expenses and (2) appropriate a sum of money from available funds for transfer to said stabilization fund, or act on anything relating thereto?
Ms. Burns Draft
Meals Tax Stabilization Fund
Will the Town (1) establish a stabilization fund pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5B, for the purpose of defraying the cost of financing capital programs which require a capital or debt exclusion from the levy limit, and (2) appropriate a sum of money from available funds to said stabilization fund, or act on anything related thereto?