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Select Board Meeting Minutes 11/30/22

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Meeting date: 
Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Minutes of the meeting 11/30/22

Meeting Date: Wednesday November 30, 2022

Meeting Opened at 6:00pm

Select Board members present: Justin Makuc, Chair, Susan Cooper, Scott Jensen

Also Present: Melissa Noe, Terry Walker, Brian Fahey

Also Present Remotely: Ellen Coburn, Peter, Paula, Don Coburn, Edie

Call to Order: 6:00pm

6:00pm Meeting with Town Clerk to discuss updated boards and commission list

Terry Walker provided updates about the boards and commissions list and necessary updates still required.  Justin said that the Town needs to keep track of appointed vs elected officials, resignations, and interim appointments.  The Select Board discussed criteria that should be included in the list to ensure that it is up-to-date and accurate. 

Ms. Walker provided a list of meetings for which various boards and commissions have not posted minutes.  Ms. Walker was not able to say when she produced the list.

The Town Clerk submitted a letter of resignation effective today 11/30/2022. 

New Business

  1. Tax software upgrade request

The company that is used for tax software was purchased by QDS.  The Tax Collector and Board of Assessors are recommending a $4500 upgrade, which can be paid in fiscal year 2024 or broken up over the course of 3 years.

The company is requesting a commitment to upgrade by December 31st.  This will be presented at the joint meeting and payment agreements will be discussed at that point. 

  1. Town Counsel notice of appearance in Hume v. Monterey

Jeremia Pollard withdrew from the case.  A detailed invoice of work completed by Jeremia was requested, but not received.  Justin asked if they should ask Donna to file a notice of appearance in the event someone needs to be appointed to the case.  Justin spoke with Tom Sawyer about the matter.  Justin moved to have Donna file a motion to appear in Hume v. Monterey.  Called a vote:

Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

  1. Town Administrator items:
    1. Recycling Dividends Program grant awarded

The grant allotted $1,715 for the recycling program at the transfer station.  Justin moved to accept the grant and agree to the terms of the grant.  Susan seconded.  Justin called a vote-

Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

  1. Provisional Full Time Police Officer Appointments: Sabrina Wilson and Lauren Nelson

The interview committee conducted interviews for both full and part time positions.  Justin moved to appoint Sabrina Wilson as a provisional full-time officer beginning January 1, 2023 for one year at an hourly rate of $25 for 39.5 hours per week pending satisfactory completion of the bridge requirements at which time the hours will increase to 40 hours per week.

Susan seconded; Justin called a vote

Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

Justin moved to appoint Lauren Nelson as a provisional officer beginning January 1, 2023 for one year at an hourly rate of $25 for 39.5 hours per week pending satisfactory completion of the bridge requirements at which time the hours will increase to 40 hours per week.

Susan seconded; Justin called a vote

Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

  1. Part-Time Police Officer Appointments: Jennifer Brown and Justin Biasin

Justin moved to appoint Justin Biasin as part time- reserve intermittent police officer for a one-year appointment with a one-year probationary period effective immediately today November 30, 2022.

Scott seconded; Justin called a vote

Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

Justin moved to appoint Jennifer Brown as part time- reserve intermittent police officer for a one-year appointment with a one-year probationary period effective immediately today November 30, 2022.

Susan seconded; Justin called a vote

Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

  1. Part-Time Police Officer hourly rate increase

It was requested that the part-time police officer hourly rate increase from $21.79 per hour to $25.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023.  Melissa said it will be a rotating schedule with holidays off.  Justin requested to see what other towns offer for part-time positions prior to approving the rate increase.  The Select Board discussed the pros and cons of the rate increase.  Brian Fahey discussed the part time hourly rate.  Justin said that the Select Board will reconsider this next week. 

  1. Detail rate increase

The request is for $50 per hour.  Justin moves that the town increase the detail rate to $50 per hour effective January 1, 2023. 

Susan seconded. Justin called a vote Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

  1. Bally Gally Lease renewal for 2023

The Select Board discussed whether the rent should remain the same or increase for the Bally Gally lease for 2023, along with concerns that the building could be maintained based on the current rent being paid.  It was agreed to leave the Bally Gally lease renewal as is. 

  1. Consider draft letters to Terry Walker and Ellen Coburn regarding complaints filed

 

The Select Board is tabling this item permanently.

 

  1. Building Inspector request to contact Town Counsel re: Electrical Inspector clarifications

Justin spoke to Building Commissioner Don Torrico to clarify the situation.  In a recent event, another inspector insisted that he does not report to the Building Commissioner.  It was presented to Justin by Don that the Building Commissioner should be the department head and other inspectors should report to him with any issues.  A discussion pertaining to the pros and cons of this modification was discussed by the Select Board.  Justin had filled out a Town Counsel contact form regarding the legal issues related to the matter.

Melissa asked if there was the option to delegate supervision of the other inspectors to the Building Commissioner. 

Justin moved to approve the request to contact Town Counsel.  Susan Seconded

Justin called a vote Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

Correspondence, minutes, public comment

  1. Review mail and correspondence

None

  1. Approve minutes of 10/27/22, 11/2/22, 11/9/22, and 11/16/22

Motion to approve minutes from 11/2/22 as amended, Susan seconded; Justin called a vote Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

Motion to approve minutes from 10/27/22 as amended, Susan seconded; Justin called a vote Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

Motion to approve minutes from 11/9/22 as amended, Susan seconded; Justin called a vote Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

Motion to approve minutes from 11/16/22 as amended, Susan seconded; Justin called a vote Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes

  1. Unanticipated business
  1. Fuel account is at $0.00.  The Select Board discussed previous gas prices vs current prices, potential solutions, and future budgeting.   

This will be addressed at a future meeting. 

  1. Police chief contract next steps. 

Melissa updated the contract to reflect Brian’s information and it will be reviewed at a future meeting. 

  1. Town clerk resignation

Melissa will reach out to other towns to see if there is a Town Clerk in another town that has availability to serve as an interim.  An ad will be placed for a new Town Clerk. 

  1. Comments and questions from the public

Motion to adjourn.  Susan seconded.  Justin called a vote- Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm

Documents used at the meeting

  1. Commission list
  2. Town Clerk’s resignation
  3. Town Counsel advice regarding notice of appearance in Hume v. Monterey
  4. Bally Gally Lease for 2023
  5. Letter of request from Select Board Chair to contact Town Counsel
  6. Recycling Dividend program Grant Award
  7. Police Department recommendations regarding appointments and rates of pay