Select Board Emergency Meeting Minutes 3/18/21
Minutes of the emergency meeting of 3/18/21
Meeting Opened at: 9:30am
Select Board Members Present: Steve Weisz
Select Board Members present remotely: Donald Coburn, Chair
Select Board Members absent: John Weingold
Also present: Roy Carwile, Shawn Tryon, Hillel Maximon, Al Perlman, Stephen Moore, Michele Miller, Janet Jensen, Attorney Jeremia Pollard, Ronald Winters, Susan Kaufman, Stuart Litwin, Gary Shaw, Frank Kern, Mary Makuc, Emily Johnson, Peter Grealish, Brian Budak, Janet Maximon, Ellen Coburn , Paula Hartstein
The Board explained that today’s emergency meeting was requested by Shawn Tryon, Director of Operations and Fire Chief to discuss the alleged continuous slanderous accusations being made.
Shawn began the meeting with a history of an event that took place last year in town hall when the Finance Committee held a meeting in the hallway outside of the Clerk’s office not realizing that Shawn and the Clerk were in the office and could hear them. Shawn states that the Committee members were saying some very ugly things about him and his brother the Deputy Fire Chief. Words were exchanged and Shawn tossed his pager at the Chair, George Caine telling him if he thought he could do better to go ahead. Shawn explained that after everyone calmed down he met with George, both apologized to each other and moved on. But one year later Finance Committee member Jon Sylbert has decided to pursue this incident with the Chief of Police, for what reason no one is sure.
Shawn stated that the above incident is not the only harassment he has been suffering over the last year. The Finance Committee has been continually raising “concerns” about the capital monies approved at the June annual town meeting which have paid for the railing needed to receive a certificate of occupancy. He feels he is being accused of hiding or stealing money. The Finance Committee will not listen, making up their own narrative. They are also making accusations that $40k was paid to the Fire Company instead of the $30k that was allocated for capital improvements. They have been attacking him personally as well as the fire company. He feels that they have created a hostile work environment. Wants to blaze a path forward, for the Board to hold them accountable for what they are doing.
Paula Hartstein asked what happened last night to prompt the request for an emergency meeting. It was explained that there was a finance committee meeting where the finance committee bashed the fire company and then went into an executive session to investigate criminal complaints although they did not state criminal complaints against who. Michele Miller commented that she is ashamed to be associated with people so determined to waste everyone’s time with these side issues and pledged to keep trying to keep the dialogue open. Town Counsel inquired if the executive session was announced on their agenda; it was confirmed that it was not a listed item.
Hillel Maximon commented that we are all experiencing tough times and this town does not need any more turmoil. He cautioned that if something was done wrong then the parties should be brought to task but if the allegations are wrong then those making the allegations should be. Hillel also felt strongly that the Finance Committee does not have any standing to be investigating criminal complaints.
Steve Weisz commented that nobody is more dedicated to this town than Shawn and there is difference between deeds and words. Steve added that he was present (from a distance) and witnessed the pager incident Shawn opened with, he added that the Finance Committee Chair involved spoke with Steve and confirmed that he and Shawn apologized to each other and considered the event over. But Jon Sylbert still chose to file a criminal complaint with the police department a year later; an incident he was not involved with. The Chief investigated and found no criminality. Don added that when the Chief advised there was no criminality, Jon’s response was, well where else can I file the complaint? Steve Moore commented that filing a complaint 11 months after the fact as an official in town that has impact on Shawn’s main budget interests can only be described as harassment.
Town Counsel explained that defaming someone in a profession or charging them of a crime are defamatory per se but this is more of a toxic work environment and Monterey could begin losing employees if it continues and that is the reason for today’s emergency. Jeremia added that he has also been a recipient of the harassment. He cautioned that we exercise restraint and find out what was actually discussed in last night’s executive session.
Paula Hartstein inquired if there would be an easy enough paper trail to file to determine if there is something amiss. She remarked that Rebecca Wolin’s continual obfuscation is disturbing and the accusations are poisoning the town.
A motion was made to adopt the policy that any communications from the Finance Committee directed to Shawn in his role as the Director of Operations or the Fire Chief of the Fire Department are to go directly through the Town Administrator and Select Board and he will respond through them and only with permission. The motion passed unanimously by the Select Board members in attendance.
All present agreed that this is a small town and if you feel that something is being done incorrectly you should come in and work it out in person with the parties involved. The Select Board has also been accused of malfeasance but understand that they are elected and it comes with the territory.
Janet Maximon commented that harassment and a hostile work environment are troubling.
A motion prepared by Don Coburn was read into record. Several present helped to edit the document. The motion was passed unanimously by the Select Board members in attendance.
Don added that endless hours have been spent by Shawn, Melissa and the Select Board (2/3 of it anyway) on all of these items that the Finance Committee continually brings up. It was questioned if this was deliberate. He also lamented the fact that Select Board member John Weingold chose not to attend this meeting.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 10:57am
Submitted by:
Melissa Noe, Administrative Assistant
Approved by:
Monterey Select Board
cc: Website (www.montereyma.gov)
Select Board Members
Minutes Book
Town Clerk
Any documents used in the meeting are listed below and are available by request at town hall.
- motion made