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Home My WebLink AboutBOS MINUTES 2-6-1989r BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING February 6, 1989 11ijj 1 #i l FEQ I PRESENT: Chairman Harrington; Selectmen Dunn, Tartufo, Markt; Town Manager; Town Accountant; Finance Committee Chairman; Members of Planning Board and Conservation Commission; Conservation Agent. Selectman Levine ar- rived at 7:53 P.M. Chairman Harrington called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M. He then handed each Selectman a copy of the Selectmen's Report he had written for the Annual Town Report, asking each Board member to review it and if they don't approve, then for them to write one to have ready for Wednesday night's meeting. Next item was Selectman Markt's report on performance evaluation of the Town Accountant. Selectman Markt said he spent one morning with the Accountant going over his job duties and functions. Selectman Markt also reviewed the Accountant's performance with the Town Manager who has spent considerable time working with the Accountant on the proposed budget. Selectman Markt said Larry (the Accountant) is not afraid to work overtime and has on many occasions. Recommendation was to increase the Accountantsalary to $38,400, an 8.8% increase from his present sal- ary of $35,274, and make it effective as of January 1, 1989. MOTION: So moved. TM /ET VOTED: 5 -0 Chairman Harrington said the Accountant had worked with the Town auditors this year; Selectman Markt said he does not think the Town of Mansfield will be in such a mess again as long as Larry is with the Town. Next the Planning Board and Conservation Commission members were asked to intro- duce themselves. Chairman Harrington them reviewed the controversy over the as- signed new titles for the Conservation Agent and Planning Director positions (i.e Environmental Planner and Community Development Director), then asked for com- ments from his Board members. Selectman Markt said he wants to see the problem put to bed. Chairman of the Planning Board, Doug Annino, said the majority of his Board would like establishment of Planning Director. They feel there may be a problem keeping such a director in line with subdivision review, etc.; they also feel the Conservation Agent should not be under the Planning Director. The position, as defined in the Town Charter, is quite different than the one adver- tised as "Community Development Director "; that is the consensus of his board. Chairman Harrington asked why this did not come up last year when the reclassi- fication first came up. Steve Quinn said when he was Chairman last year the Planning Board never voted on it. The Planning Board thought they were operating under the Mass. General Law and the Charter. The new title does not make the Community Development Director responsible to the Planning Board, the Planning Board has no responsibility of their budget. "They're not playing the same game any more!" Tom, the Town Manager, answered, saying Mike LaCasse, the Planning Director /Com- munity Director was performing advanced duties. At the same time the Conserva- tion Commission was concerned about need for a full -time agent. Tom said he dis- cussed it with all parties and the unified approach resulted in giving a broader perspective. Both job descriptions were put together with the full knowledge of those involved and his impression was that this approach was acceptable to everybody. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 1989 PAGE 2 Tom said he feels the Town needs increased planning; the combined budget was not done to remove control but to give added flexibility, accountability. He then suggested taking the Community Development Director title and calling it Planning & Development Director, and the Environmental Planner changing to Conservation Agent /Environmental Planner. The Finance Committee Chairman, Joe Pasquale, said he believes everybody was in agreement last year. If it is changed, then the budget may need to be revised because some responsibility is being taken away. The Town Manager said, "No, it isn't "; he does not think any rsponsibility is, or should be, taken away. Mary - dee Flynn, of the Planning Board, said her Board accepted the new combined budget of the three committees (Planning, Conservation, Zoning Board), but never were they advised that the Conservation Agent would be paid in part from the Planning Board budget while he acted as Acting Planning Director, and retroactive as well. Tom replied that if the Board feels the budget should be separated, then let's do it, although he feels to combine them is better. Marilyn Ouellette, Acting Chairman of the Conservation Commission, said Tom ad- vised her committee December 19, 1988 that Dick Lewis (Conservation Agent) as Act- ing Planning Difector would be paid from the Planning Board budget, but don't tell them because he hasn't yet. Chairman Harrington explained the new job descriptions and position responsibil- ities were approved by the Board of Selectmen in order to convince Town Meeting they were needed as well as the increase in salaries. Marilyn Ouellette explained her understanding of the full -time position; the addition of Environmental Plan- ner was required in order for them to acquire a full -time agent who was needed. She said "We feel now the picture has changed ". Selectman Tartufo said he can agree with expanding the Conservation Agent position to include more duties and to have him full time, but he can't see expanding the Community Development Director position to oversee another department; "was it to get him more money ?" Selectman Levine pointed out that if the Planning Director is so busy, then how can he take on added duties and still perform competently; increased salary does not increase efficiency. Paul O'Neill, of the Conservation Commission, said he feels the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board should write their own job descriptions. Chairman Harrington then asked his Board if it was ready to respond to issues of job descriptions, budget combined or separate? Selectman Markt felt there is a lack of communication and that disturbs him, within committees, between boards and /or Town Manager. He said, "We better solve that problem too ". The Town Manager suggested breaking out the budgets to their former way, resub- mit job descriptions and retitle the two positions, then get on with the devel- opment of planning business of the town. Bill Madan, Planning Board member, said he wants the Charter used as the job description; Steve Quinn suggested the Town Manager write an addendum to the Charter. * MOTION: To recommend upgrading to full -time position, one half going to Conser- vation Commission and additional duties and responsibilities as as- BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 1989 PAGE 3 signed by the Town Manager. Tartufo /Markt Selectman Dunn suggested that each Board revise the job description, then bring them back to the Selectmen. Selectman Tartufo withdrew the motion. It was decided that the Planning Board would report to the Selectmen Wednesday, February 8th, the Conservation Commission Wednesday, February 15th. Selectman Levine said she would like Town Counsel to advise what impact the two positions have on Mass. General Laws Chapter 43C, Sections 12 and 3. Asked if that was a MOTION, yes: SL /ET Chairman Harrington suggested a conference call between Town Counsel, the Town Manager, Conservation Commission and Planning Board. Selectman Levine said she wants everything in writing. VOTED: 5 -0 The Planning Board and Conservation Commission members were thanked for coming out and theyleft. New Positions Suggested by Town Manager Tom passed out a summary of costs of the new proposed positions, also job des- criptions for an Assistant to the Town Manager and Financial Director. Selectman Levine said she would also like the Assistant to the Town Manager covered by Town Counsel. Members asked a few questions pertaining to this position. The Town Manager then reviewed the job description of the Financial Director; it was described as a "coordinating position ". Selectman Tartufo said he wants the Board to be very cautious about so many new positions; it will mean more people reporting to the Town Manager, and will require more pay for him. Select- man Dunn also felt there are alot of positions being added at the same time and wondered if the maa suggested new positions could be combined. Tom said they can be combined if the Town can't afford two. Selectman Dunn said he is thinking of the cost in comparison with trash collection cost, which he will be against. Joe Pasquale said the Assessors object to a Financial Advisor position. Selectman Levine said these two positions would put Tom more apart from the staff, etc. which she thinks would be bad. What will he do? The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M. MINUTES APPROVED: Clerk- Date signed