TOWN OF HEBRON Board of Selectmen December 15, 2011 Special Meeting Hebron Town Hall- Town Manager's Office

Transcription

1 TOWN OF HEBRON Board of Selectmen Special Meeting Hebron Town Hall- Town Manager's Office Board of Selectmen Present: J. Watt, G. Mulligan, D. Larson, B. O'Connell, M. Stuart Staff Present: B. Therrien - Town Manager and Attorney George Kelley (by phone). J. Watt called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. A motion was made by J. Watt to go into Executive Session to discuss Pending Litigation - James Day v the Town of Hebron. The vote was unanimous. Also invited in were B. Therrien, Town Manager and Attorney George Kelley (by phone). A motion was made by J. Watt to go out of Executive Session at 7:32 pm. The vote was unanimous. A motion was made by J. Watt to adjourn the Special Meeting at 7:32 pm. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie L. Therrien Town Manager n

2 Town of Hebron Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting Hebron Town Hall Meeting Room CEIVED i-/!='rpou TOII{hJ C" Members Present: J. Watt, D. Larson, B. O'Connell, M. Stuart, G. Mulligan... ~I. l~ 'r'f L Staff Present: B. Therrien - Town Manager J. Watt called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. J. Watt moved to add, under New Business Item 6g, discussion ofrham Teacher's Contract, and change the order ofthe following items to discuss items 3, 6g, 6b, 6a and 6c, and then resume with the posted order. The motion passed with all members in favor. Public Comments: None RHAM Teacher's Contract R. Siminski summarized the terms of the negotiated contract, noting that the first year realized a 0% increase in salaries. R. Siminski went on to explain that health insurance premiums, co-pays and prescription plans increased over the term of the contract, and the cap on dental costs would increase, helping to offset the negotiated increases in the second and third year. R. Siminski noted that Professional Days would be split up and that two positions would be combined to create one Music and Art Coordinator position. R. Siminski noted that while the contract eliminates the maximum salary for coordinators, there would not be any financial impact at this time. D. Larson clarified that the overall increase over the term of the contract would be 5.95%. J. Watt clarified that the percentage increase included Step increases, and confirmed that the first year of the contract called for a zero percent increase in salary, and no Step increase. B. O'Connell suggested that the terms show good faith. J. Watt moved to approve the RHAM Teacher's Contract as presented. The motion carried with D. Larson opposing based on his objection to the process. D. Larson went on to note that unfunded mandates continue to hurt the community. R. Siminski noted that the State was reviewing the ECS formula and it was possible that resources would be going to other parts of the State. B. O'Connell stated that there are fine young people coming out ofrham and expressed his appreciation for the efforts put forth by those involved in the education system. Appointment of Town Assessor B. Therrien informed members that Debbie Gernhardt was appointed as the new Town Assessor, at a salary of $61,521 per year. B. Therrien stated that Ms. Gernhardt served as the Assistant Assessor since B. Therrien noted that ofthe seven candidates, four were interviewed by an outside panel comprised of Assessors from different communities, and the top two were interviewed by her and the Finance Director. J. Watt noted that ten years of service was to be commended, as was the commitment to become the Assessor. D. Gernhardt informed members that owners of 51 parcels had called for appeals to the recent revaluation but that there were several walk-ins as well. Ms. Gernhardt reminded those present, and the viewing audience, that the deadline to make an appointment was December 21. Ms. Gernhardt noted that the revaluation company indicated that a few minor mistakes were identified because of the appeal process. G. Mulligan stated that she was interested in the process and will come in to learn it. D. Larson noted that there was room for error and that it is important for property owners to make sure the information is correct.

3 ) Page 2 Fire Marshal Inspections Report R. Blais reviewed activity over the past four months, noting that the period included the Harvest Fair and Tropical Storm Irene. Mr. Blais outlined the fees collected compared to what would be collected under the proposed fee structure previously offered. Members reviewed the list of items considered during a typical annual inspection. M. Stuart noted that while he agreed with not charging new businesses for follow-up inspections, he felt that existing businesses should be aware of inspection items and were subject to additional charges. Mr. Blais noted that not all failed items were the result of negligence, but could consider assessing the follow up inspection charge for every re-inspection. M. Stuart noted that posting the list online would be a good way to educate businesses on what inspectors look for. M. Stuart further noted that the idea was not to generate revenue, but to encourage compliance. Mr. Blais reminded those present that extended power outages often reveal issues with emergency lights and their ability to recharge, noting that emergency lights and exit signs should be tested monthly, and that a log book should be kept. D. Larson stated that most businesses do comply and are willing to correct any violations detected. Members discussed the importance of collecting the address of business owners, and the Town's ability to better provide emergency management notices. Establishment of a Fire Department Financial Study Committee B. Therrien informed members that it was discussed at a meeting with Fire Department Officers, forming a study committee to look at different ways to fund the Fire Department and Ambulance Services. B. ') Therrien suggested that the committee would present options, based on other towns, noting the pros and cons of each. F. Speno stated that the intent is to start from scratch instead of trying to figure out how an existing method could be changed to suit the Town's needs, D. Larson suggested noting whether towns have public or private organizations. Members discussed the timeline and composition of the committee. F. Speno felt it was imp0l1ant to have at least two or 1hree officers involved. G. Mulligan suggested that the citizens at large shouldn't be members of the Fire Department. M. Stuart suggested soliciting input via public forums. Members agreed that having eight members, with four from the Fire/Ambulance services and four citizens at large would be suitable, noting that the group could be expanded to include additional members if necessary. J. Watt made a motion to establish a Fire/Ambulance Financial Study Committee made up of eight (8) members, four (4) from the Fire/Ambulance services, and four (4) citizens at large, and furthermore that the final report from the Study Committee be given to the Board ofselectmen by May 30,2012. The motion carried with all members in favor. Appointments I Resignations Reappointment of Board and Commission Members and Town Moderators: o J. Watt made a motion to appoint Michael Harder to the Conservation Commission for a four year term. The motion caltied with all members in favor. o J. Watt made a motion to appoint Clara O'Brien and Kevin Grady to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a four year term. The motion carried with all members in favor. o J. Watt made a motion to appoint Gertrude Catullo and Barbara Soderberg to the Commission on Aging for a four year term. The motion carried with all members in favor. o J. Watt made a motion to appoint Jon Lesisko to the Economic Development Commission for a four year term. The motion carried with all members in favor. o J. Watt made a motion to appoint Anne Fitzpatrick and Claudia Natorski to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a four year term. The motion carried with all members in favor.

4 December 15,2011 Page 3 (cont'd) o o o 1. Watt made a motion to appoint the following citizens as Town Moderators for a two year term: Kevin Connors, Scot Kaufman, Joseph Krist and Catherine Marx. The motion carried with all members in favor. B. O'Connell made a motion to appoint Christopher Frye, from the Conservation Commission, as a representative to the Open Space Land Acquisition Committee for a four year term. The motion carried with all members in favor. M. Stuart made a motion to appoint Amy Lynch-Gracias, from the Hebron Board of Education, as a representative to the CIP Committee for a two year term. The motion carried with all members in favor. B. Therrien informed members that William Witt expressed interest in serving as a citizen at large. M. Stuart requested it be clarified with Mr. Witt what committee he was interested in, as his cited conflicting information. B. Therrien offered to verify the information for the next meeting. 1. Watt stated that while the appointment can be made in January, Mr. Witt can still attend the CIP meeting on December Budget B. Therrien reviewed the update provided by Finance Director Lisa Hancock, noting a projected revenue shortfall of $38,678 and a projected expenditure shortfall of $120,404. B. Therrien stated that FEMA could provide a reimbursement of $35,000 for Winter Storm Alfred, and that there could be an insurance payment related to a legal matter. B. Therrien reviewed estimated savings from reduced costs for the State trooper and attrition, and noted that there could be some savings experienced because ofthe Senior Center being closed temporarily. B. Therrien noted that the QUaI1erly analysis in February would be line by line, after discussions take place with depai1ment heads. J. Watt requested that account numbers be visible on the summary sheet. G. Mulligan expressed a desire to see expenses offset by revenues on the same budget page. M. Stuart agreed that while the expenditure presentation is looked at separately, it would be good to see the revenues too, and that it would be easier for the public to see as well. G. Mulligan questioned accounts that already reflect a negative balance. B. Therrien noted that inter-departmental transfers hadn't taken place yet. 1. Watt stated that it was more important to know why there are negatives, and to know where the covering transfers are coming from. G. Mulligan stated that she had questions, and would send them to B. Therrien and L. Hancock. 1. Watt encouraged any member with questions to send them as well. Old Business M. Stuart moved to add discussion of the settlement agreement ofjames Day vs. the Town of Hebron. B. O'Connell moved to authorize the execution of the Release and Settlement Agreement between James Day and Andrew Tierney. The motion carried with all members in favor. Labor Attorney Interviews J. Watt suggested meeting on a Saturday in January to interview firms that submitted proposals. Members agreed to meet January 21,2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m.

5 Page 4 Date for All Boards Meeting J. Watt suggested that the meeting would be a good 0ppOliunity to host a For session as well. J. Watt suggested holding the meeting on February 11, 2012 from 9:00 to Noon. B. Therrien offered to poll boards and coordinate as necessary. January 5, 2012 Proposed Agenda J. Watt suggested the board continue its discussion of proposed changes to the education contracts negotiation process. J. Watt asked members to contact B. Therrien with any additional items. Town Manager's Report B. Therrien informed members that OPW was still.discussing the timing of announcements about the STEAP grants and that information could be available as soon as next week. B. Therrien informed members that, with FBI involvement the robbery suspect, whose search caused a lockdown at RHAM, was apprehended. J. Watt discussed the research report obtained from Senator Edith Prague, noting the contradictory language contained therein. M. Stuart requested a copy ofthe Teacher's Negotiation Act. Consent Agenda: J. Watt moved to approve the minutes for the November 2011 Special Meeting as submitted. The motion carried with all members in favor. J. Watt moved to approve the minutes for the December 6,2011 Special Meeting as submitted. The motion carried with all members in favor. J. Watt moved to approve the minutes for the November 17,2011 Regular Meeting with the following changes: Page 2, Paragraph 1, Line 7 - Change $150,000 to 150,000 miles Page 2, Paragraph 3, Line 7 - Change "bod" to "bid" The motion can'ied with all members in favor. J. Watt moved to approve the Tax Refunds as outlined. The motion carried with all members in favor. Liaison Reports J. Watt, having attended the RHAM BOE meeting, informed members that the board spent a lot oftime reviewing policy changes. J. Watt stated that it was their intent to evaluate policies every five years and that a board member works with the administration over the course ofeach year. M. Stuart stated that the CIP Committee will be meeting on December 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. D. Larson informed members that the HBOE distributed preliminary budget requests for members to work with, and that the State BOE was reviewing new processes and requirements that were, again, not funded by the State. O. Mulligan noted that Kevin Hanlon was leaving the Hebron Education System for Canton, to be closer to his family. O. Mulligan informed members that Country Carpenter volunteered to build the top ofthe Observation Post and that a scout would be working on the inside of the post as an Eagle Scout project.

6 December 15,2011 Page 5 (cont'd) G. Mulligan, having attended the most recent meeting of the Commission on Aging, informed members that the commission discussed possible changes to the fee structure of the Dial-a-Ride program, noting objections over the cost of in-town travel. G. Mulligan further noted that various fundraisers had taken place raising money for heating assistance, including a dinner hosted by the Lions, a Gilead Church fundraiser and a donation by Fireside. Members discussed the Dial-a-Ride charge of 50 each way for up to six stops. G. Mulligan noted that most senior centers charge, and that a lot of time was spent evaluating the fee structure before it was proposed and implemented. G. Mulligan fuliher noted that the newly formed Friends of the Russell Mercier Senior Center was looking into ideas. B. O'Connell updated members that the Salmon River Watershed was considering engaging an employee one day per week to market and distribute information and seek grants. B. O'Connell noted that the community benefits greatly from the work of this group, including increased property values. B. O'Connell stated that some financial contribution was needed for the group to continue their efforts. J. Watt reiterated his comments concerning John Hibbard, noting that he is an extraordinary individual. J. Watt went on to point out that Mr. Hibbard has helped the community and the State immensely, and that the Town was blessed to have him amongst us. Executive Session J. Watt moved to enter Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and foreclosures. The motion carried with all members in favor and the Board of Selectmen entered into Executive Session at 9:24 p.m. The board came out ofexecutive Session at 9:50 p.m. Adjourn J. Watt moved to adjourn. The motion carried with all members in favor and the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Brian Whalen Board Clerk