Select Board Meeting Minutes 2/8/21
Minutes of the meeting of 2/8/21
Meeting Opened at: 5pm
Select Board Members Present: Donald Coburn, Chair, Steve Weisz
Select Board Members present remotely: John Weingold and Steve Weisz
Also present remotely: Mickey Jervas
The purpose of tonight’s meeting is to discuss obtaining a town administrator.
The Board reviewed the resumes received and the candidate interviewed. In an effort to try and protect the privacy of individuals that applied the board referred to applicants by a predetermined number system rather than using names.
With regard to the applicant interviewed, Don stated that this person currently works fulltime in another city, commutes 4 hours/day and as per her proposal could only work for Monterey in the evenings. Don and Steve felt that this was a clear disqualification as it did not meet the needs of Monterey. John argued how a decision could be made like this with only a ½ hour interview. He also wanted to know why there was not a job description for the position.
Steve added that of the 9 resumes received, in his opinion only 2, maybe 3 had any town administrator experience and one of those candidates withdrew his application. Of the remaining two, one only has experience in a town of 225 people in Maryland which left us with the one candidate interviewed who is not able to work during normal business hours which does not make sense. John argued that the process was fast tracked which Steve countered saying it was not and the applicants received this time were very similar to candidates received in the past when the job has been posted.
John also had issues with the fact that a resume review committee wasn’t appointed to which Don replied that no one on the Board felt it was necessary and that this sort of committee was not normal practice in Monterey. John stated that all 9 applicants should’ve been interviewed. Don pointed out that if John had felt this strongly on all the points he was raising, he should have attended the meeting where the candidates to interview were chosen.
The Board then reviewed each candidate:
#9: was not chosen to interview as he has no town administrator experience, his current field is working at the city detention center and prior to that was for Pella windows.
#8: was not chosen to interview as he has no town administrator experience, his job history includes working for the Boy Scouts of America
#7: was not chosen to interview as she has no town administrator experience other than acting as town counsel for 5 years 25 years ago
#6: was not chosen to interview as he has no town administrator experience, working as a consultant and enumerator for the census
#5: was not chosen to interview as he has no town administrator experience
#4: was not chosen to interview as he has no town administrator experience, his current position is in emergency management for a MA community
#3: was not chosen to interview as the only town administrator experience she has is with a town of 225 people in Maryland and she still resides there
#2: had plenty of town administrator experience but withdrew his application and
#1: was interviewed but cannot provide the services we need
As there was no further discussion on the applicants, Don proposed entertaining a motion to offer the position to Melissa Noe the current Administrative Assistant as he has become increasingly convinced she is currently skillfully performing all the tasks of a town administrator as three other town managers have reported. Don then went on to read Mark Webber’s professional recommendation with regard to Melissa Noe. Don said that Melissa has been administering the town since 2005 with the exception of direct supervision of employees. Don noted that although in speaking with town employees, they have stated she is the one they go to for assistance. Don also stated that the Board needs to consider the importance of stability and the fact that the town has been operating very well for the last five years to which John laughed. Steve and Don both pointed out that John wouldn’t know as he has neglected performing any responsibilities of a selectperson and refuses to come into town hall, receiving all of his incorrect information second hand.
A motion was then made to allow Don to negotiate the particulars of the position to be discussed at the next board meeting. Steve seconded the motion. Discussion ensued. John argued that Melissa did not apply for the position. Don stated was not required and it would be foolish for the Board not to try and convince her to take the position. John went on to accuse Don and Steve of having a conflict of interest in their decision making. Steve then commented that during all of the past discussions on hiring a town administrator that he remained neutral but after 5 years on the board has come to realize that all of the other board members he has worked with, with the exception of John they had all been tripping over each other trying to get the work done for the town and during all that time Melissa played a critical role. John’s lack of motivation and interest in performing his responsibilities has inspired Steve to change his mind on a town administrator. Steve said that he was concerned that future board members would take their cues from John working against town government. Steve stated examples such as John’s voting against broadband, fire services, highway vehicles, flood control and tree work. Steve admitted that Melissa Noe is not perfect but she has helped with these projects and dedicated herself to the town and its best interest and we are in good hands with her.
John argued that Steve couldn’t blame him for changing his mind/vote which Steve said he is not blaming him, John inspired him to codify his thinking. A vote was then taken on the motion; John, no. Steve, yes and Don, yes.
No one from the public had any comments.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at: 5:40pm
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.
- Town Administrator resumes