HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS EXEC. MINUTES 3-5-1997Board of Selectmen
Executive Session r
Minutes
March 5, 1997
Session I 8:10 PM
Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmeiaolella and
Pasquale
Robert Mangiaratti, Town Counsel
1. Town of Norton Sewer Billing
Attorney Mangiaratti stated Mansfield's claim against the Town of Norton for
overdue sewer bills is for four hundred thousand ($400,000) dollars but that he
received an offer late last week from Norton for two hundred fifty, thousand
($250,000) dollars. Attorney Mangiaratti stated the Board may want to
compromise for expediency. Clerk Mahana questioned the amount owed
Mansfield by Norton and suggested it may be five hundred thousand ($500,000)
dollars.
Attorney Mangiaratti stated he would have Attorney Max Volterra forward a
confidential letter outlining the claim and offering a 10% discount if we can get
the payment now.
2. East Coast Engineering Claim
Attorney Mangiaratti stated Clerk Mahana has agreed to make a statement cleaning
up the record. The closing of the statement states the "Board and I apologize for
previous problems..." Attorney Mangiaratti asked if this is all right with the Board
of Selectmen. A consensus of the Board was not opposed to the statement.
3. Town Manager Contract Negotiations
Selectman Pasquale stated he would like to wait for Selectman Robinson to
discuss Town Manager contract negotiations.
4. Zoning Board of Appeals /Great Woods Parking Area Appeal
Attorney Mangiaratti stated the last action he took relative to this case was that he
requested Land Court mark the case up for trial. Attorney Mangiaratti will review
the case again. A consensus of the Board was in favor of Attorney Mangiaratti
moving forward with the case.
Session II 8:50 PM
Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colella,
Pasquale, and Robinson
Robert Mangiaratti, Town Counsel
Town Manager Contract Negotiations
Robert Mangiaratti, Town Counsel, stated he had a conversation with Town
Manager Williams' attorney, Mike Greco, concerning the Town Manager's
contract, friction between the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager, ways to
resolve the current conflict, and the possibility of a buyout.
The Town Manager's current contract states if the Town Manager resigns at the
suggestion of the Board of Selectmen he would be given six month's severance
pay. Attorney Mangiaratti had a conversation with Attorney Greco this date, and
he stated today would be the day for the suggestion.
Attorney Greco proposed six to twelve month's severance at seventy-five
($75,000) thousand dollars. This amount will make up the difference between Mr.
William's current salary plus seven (7 1/o) percent deferred compensation and the
salary offered him by Northbridge over a three year period.
The Town Manager will not resign with six month's severance pay, but only if he
gets seventy-five thousand ($75,000) dollars and is able to keep his health
insurance through COBRA.
Attorney Mangiaratti offered the following options for the Selectmen's
consideration:
A. Continue the Town Manager's contract for three more years.
B. Conclude the Town Manager's current performance is so poor that he
should be terminated for grounds which would involve formal notice and a
hearing, and maybe litigation.
C. Negotiate an agreement.
Attorney Mangiaratti stated Mr. Williams may be willing to accept nine months
severance pay, which would be sixty-five thousand, one hundred twenty-nine
($65,129) dollars.
A poll of the Board of Selectmen revealed four members in favor with one
opposed of offering nine months' severance. Selectman Robinson was opposed as
he would like to stick to the amount stated in Mr. Williams' contract, six months.
i
Discussion among the Selectmen followed concerning were the funds for the nine
months' severance would come fi-om. It was noted that the decision for the nine
month' severance pay would be subject to availability of funds.
MOTION: To authorize Town Counsel to negotiate a "buy one' for a certain
sum of money, sixty-five thousand, one hundred twenty-nine
($65,129) dollars.
(Colella - Mahana) (4 -1) Selectman Robinson opposed. PASSES.
Selectman Pasquale noted the following:
COBRA should be included in the agreement, but all other benefits will end. A
statement should also be included in the agreement that no slanderous remarks,
public or private, may be made by the Selectmen or the Town Manager about each
other. Mr. Williams will also be entitled to unused vacation and personal time but
not sick or compensatory time. Selectman Pasquale also suggested a joint
statement be issued, worked out by Town Counsel, Chairman Madan, and
Attorney Greco, effective Tuesday, March 11, 1997.
Discussion continued among the Board members concerning a succession plan, for
example, whether or not an interim Town Manager should be sought from outside,
Mass Municipal Association, or inside, someone who is familiar with the Town.
MOTION: To go out of executive session.
(Pasquale- Mahana)
Clerk Mahana - Aye.
Selectman Colella - Aye.
Selectman Pasquale - Aye.
Selectman Robinson - Aye.
Chairman Madan Aye.
ter k's Sign me Date ofApproval
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Date of Release