Select Board Meeting Minutes 10/26/21

Select Board

Minutes of the meeting of 10/26/21

Meeting Opened at: 6pm

Select Board Members Present: Steve Weisz, Chair, Justin Makuc

Select Board Members Present remotely: John Weingold

Also present: Mickey Jervas

Also present remotely: Don Coburn, Janet Jensen

Investigator Interviews

6:00, Paul L’Italien

The Board interviewed Paul and learned that he retired from Massachusetts State police in January 2016, and has been a private investigator since then. He frequently works with KP Law. He offers an hourly rate of $125. After discussing scope of investigation with the Board, he will write up a letter of agreement. Paul’s findings and investigation are limited to Town policies such as employee manuals, he would refer any criminal offenses to the District Attorney’s office. He would be able to work quickly for Monterey as he is not too busy right now. He tries to interview the complainant and respondent in person, while often interviewing witnesses remotely.

6:20, Alan Gould / Municipal Resources Inc.

The Board interviewed Alan and learned that he is part of the firm, MRI, which has been in business for 35 years. MRI does all public sector work with local government. MRI would conduct all in person interviews for an investigation. They offer an hourly rate of $135. The tape record all interviews. They can provide a report with findings, and recommendation for moving forward if asked. They can relate the facts of the case to the Town Employee manual, as well as HR best practice.

6:40, Corinne Hood Greene, Esq.

The Board interviewed Corinne and learned that she is founding partner at Greene and Hafer. She specializes in employment law, and can provide counseling work, litigation work, and investigatory work. Her firm can work before a claim is brought, or after. Her firm can provide recommendations on how to resolve the problem or eliminate risk moving forward. She usually does all interviews for an investigation remotely. She can provide a report with fact finding and credibility determinations. Corinne offers an hourly rate of $350, with a reduced rate of $225 for the work of attorney Michele Walsh, who has been working with the firm for about 6 years.

Discussion

The Board discussed all three investigators, and who to appoint. John preferred Paul in part because of his background of investigation and working as a police officer. Justin preferred Alan because he thought hiring a firm like MRI would come with the benefits of the resources a firm has, and because MRI said they would do all in-person interviews with follow ups maybe remotely. Steve preferred Paul because he was an individual who worked for himself, rather than a firm. Steve did not like with MRI that he was not sure exactly who was going to be doing the investigation. Janet Jensen spoke favorably about Corinne because she offered a holistic view of the organization and legal background, and hoped that the Board would not be put off by her hourly rate.

Justin motioned for the Select Board to engage Paul L’Italien for his investigative services with the next step being agreeing upon a scope of services for an investigation. Steve seconded the motion. It passed unanimously, 3-0.

Steve motioned to adjourn. Justin seconded the motion. It passed unanimously, 3-0.