HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 01/24/01 Exec
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Board of Selectmen
Executive Session Minutes ,2 7 1.; Q: f, h
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January 24. 2001 ,
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Present: Chairman David W. McCarter; Clerk Bradford E. Wills; Selectmen LouÎลก-'þ.1 TS
Amoruso; Amos M. Robinson; and Daniel Donovan.
Also present were Town Manager John O. D'Agostino; Bert Cook, Mark Cook, and
Scott Leite of the Supervisory Union.
The Executive Session was convened at 7:01 p.m. to discuss the contract of the
supervisory union.
Mr. D'Agostino noted we have settled the contract with the Supervisory Union and
are here to discuss the strategy. He reported several years ago a salary range and
grades were established with job classifications, which the Selectmen previously
accepted. There are steps within each range, however, they have found that in the
department head's contract their pay was at a 3'Yo increase each year with no steps.
They have now established ten steps and are placing people where they belong in
relationship to their length of service with the Town. Everyone is now in his or her
r appropriate range.
Motion : To approve the 10 step range
(Donovan - no second)
Mr. D'Agostino noted that some people, because they have been here for a number
of years, are still at the bottom of the salary range. They have proposed to place
everyone at the step where they should be based on years of service. Thereafter,
they will move through the steps at two-year intervals, contingent upon a
satisfactory performance review. This will enable the department heads to be
treated in the same manner as members of other unions.
Chairman McCarter asked about retroactivity with regard to the steps. Mr. Leite
said that it goes back to July 1st, when the contract expired. Mr. D'Agostino said
we're looking at a total increase of $89,000, as opposed to $25,000 at a flat 3 'Yo.
Mr. Leite reviewed the history of the step increases. He noted with other unions
receiving step increases, the people working for them were receiving larger raises
than they were. Mr. Leite gave the history of why the department heads are now in
a union-raises were being given out without performance evaluations from 1 'Yo to
12'Yo with no system in place or explanation provided. There was also a matter of
job security that arose with a couple of selectmen and town managers.
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Executive Session Minutes of January 24, 2001
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r In response to Selectman Amoruso's questions, Mr. Leite said there are three
people who will be receiving more than a 10% increase. Each of them has been here
in excess of twenty years. Two people would receive increases of 20'Yo. They are
trying to correct inequities that have developed over the years when people have
been hired at higher rates because we were unable to attract qualified candidates
at the old salary schedule. If the union is not satisfied with the Selectmen's
decision, it would then go to arbitration.
Selectman Amoruso asked if we could do this for them with available funds and
without going for a transfer or going to Town Meeting for additional funds. Clerk
Wills said he could support the steps, but believes we should also have the ability to
dismiss employees for cause without being sued. He said he expects people to
produce.
Mr. D'Agostino made it clear that the Board does not have to approve this proposal,
as he is responsible for collective bargaining under the Charter. He just wants the
Board to be aware of what's happening. Selectman Amoruso said the proposal is
fair, but he wants to be fully aware of what the ramifications will be, particularly if
we go over the funds appropriated for salary increases. Mr. D'Agostino noted we
have $285,000 set aside to fund all the union increases. He has not worked out the
r figures for all the unions at this point. The contract is ratified and Mr. Amoruso
said he would like to be able to stand behind it, provided we have a way not to send
the wrong signal. Chairman McCarter said he could go along with the step system,
which would take twenty years to progress through. Mr. D'Agostino noted the
salary ranges have already been endorsed. Mr. Leite noted they are aware that
they cannot keep getting raises without being expected to give a bit on the benefit
package.
Motion: To endorse the step increases and fund the increases.
(Donovan-Wills)
Roll Call Vote: Robinson, nay; Amoruso, aye; Wills, aye; Donovan, aye; McCarter
nay 3-2 Passes
Motion: To adjourn Executive Session at 7:37 p.m. and return to Open Session.
(Donovan-Wills)
Roll Call Vote: Amoruso, aye; Donovan, aye; Wills, aye; McCarter, aye; Robinson,
aye. 5-0 Passes
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The Board reconvened in Executive Session at 10:10 p.m.
Executive Session Minutes of January 24, 2001
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( Selectman Amoruso noted he did not like having an Executive Session on a contract
with the individuals involved present. He asked if there is a possibility of phasing in
the increase if there is not sufficient money available to fund the increase.
Chairman McCarter noted he also felt uncomfortable with staff present for the
Executive Session. Mr. D'Agostino said it may be possible to phase the increases
in, but in the past we've always gone to Town Meeting for the additional
appropriation. Selectman noted that has not been done when an override has just
been instituted. Selectman Robinson said he would vote to take it to arbitration.
Concern was expressed that if we have enough money left over to fund this
increase, then we didn't need the override last spring. It was noted that part of
the problem is that the Finance Committee is playing more than an advisory role.
Mr. D'Agostino reviewed the history of the additional compensation, noting it began
with the hiring of Richard Boucher by then Town Manager Williams, when an action
was filed against the Town because he was given a different package of
compensation and benefits than others were receiving who had worked here for
many years.
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There was general disagreement about giving big raises following an override, with
Selectmen stating their degree of discomfort when faced with defending the
action.
Motion: To adjourn at 10:25 p.m.
(Donovan-Amoruso)
Roll Call Vote: Donovan, aye; Wills, aye; Robinson, aye; Amoruso, aye; McCarter,
aye. 5-0 Passes
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USignatur of Clerk
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b~te of ¡Approval
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Date of Release
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Executive Session Minutes of January 24, 2001
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