Selectboard Meeting

November 1, 2004

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Attending the meeting; Lynn Gardner, Andrea Morgante, Jon Trefry, Randy Volk, Rob Bast, Jeanne Wilson, Dominic Cloud, Jennifer McCuin, Katherine Kjelleran, Town employees, and several members of Boards.

 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Municipal Employee Meeting / Organizational Restructuring- Lynn explained the background and reason for the organizational restructuring.  Andrea pointed out that the chart does not reflect down to all board positions.  Rob added that the new job descriptions clarify roles and work with the organizational structure.  Jon noted the need to improve communication and the plan to have staff meetings to accomplish that.  Randy stated the Selectboard will maintain an open door policy and all are welcome to come to the Board with a work related issue if necessary.

Holly  Russell questioned the process of making the new chart and why Dominic had not talked with her about her position.

Dominic advised he met with Rocky, Mike and Jeanne and came up with the leadership team.  He will meet with all individuals to discuss job descriptions.

Alex warned not to confuse efficiency with personnel disputes.  It was not a lack of efficiency but a personnel dispute that brought this issue to a head.

Rob agreed this came about due to employee conflicts but in looking into the conflict the Selectboard found the structure out of date.

Alex questioned the particular structure set forth and asked if other towns use it.

Holly pointed out the need to find out what is needed by the DRB, is it another staff position?  With that information she can give an accurate job description of her work.

Peter Erb asked what is expected in creating the position of Director of Planning and Facilities.  He expressed concern for equity for all employees whether they are hourly or salaried positions.

Dominic replied the job descriptions will clarify this.

Chris Morrelladvised he sees a need for an organizational chart and feels job descriptions are essential.  He questioned the absence of the Fire Department with whom the Police Department works most closely.  In regards to the open door policy of the Selectboard – it was agreed if there is a complaint within a department it should be written down and brought to the department head first. Chris asked if the fair labor standards act played a role in bringing this about.  Dominic stated it did not but it may play a part in the outcome.

Wade Johnson inquired if pay scale issues will be included in the plan.

Missy Ross stated she believes Hinesburg has a wonderful group of employees and all should be proud of the job they do.

 

FY 04 – 05 Budget Kick-Off Meeting

Andrea stated in view of restructuring she would like to know what service and what work is being provided to the citizens when reviewing the dollars presented in a budget.

 

Jan Bedard – delinquent taxes – she wondering if the change in policy of no penalty for late payment will effect delinquencies.  She is at this time anticipating no major changes.

 

Alex – planning – this year will include money for consultants to help decide on staffing needs; major projects are the 1st step in implementing the new Town Plan, they are applying for a grant for the project and if the grant is not awarded will need to request tax dollars.

 

Rocky – large item will be phase lll of the Town Hall Site Plan.

 

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Chris – a questionnaire will be available for citizens to complete on Election Day to obtain public sentiment about Police coverage in Town.  Sees fuel and repairs rising.  In the capital budget will include money for garage replacement (he will discuss the garage with Jeanne).

 

Jon – reported for the Fire Dept that they anticipate completing the landscaping.

 

Steve – fire warden – no anticipated changes.

 

Jeanne – 911- no anticipated changes.

 

Mike – highway- will include new equipment in the capital budget.  Lynn pointed out the need to include for subcontracting for shoulder work and fog line painting.

 

Steve – water/wastewater – will budget ½ cost of a new truck/

 

Katherine kjelleran – library – no new projects.  The road to library and parking lot briefly discussed.  Mike will now plow the private road into the library as well as the parking lot.

 

Jeanne stated insurance costs are projected to have a 10% increase.

 

Jon – rec path – overall cost is higher due to construction delays which will result in increased construction costs – this will result in the Town adding funds.

 

Andrea – storm water issues – would like to see hours needed for planning on ways to deal with run off included.

 

Alex reported he spoke with Rocky about wastewater capacity – has the capital budget process begun to prepare for this need? 

Lynn replied upgrades have been paid for with grant and or user money in the past.

 

Jennifer McCuin / Recreation Director Candidate – Jennifer stated she has lived in Hinesburg for three years, she has two young sons and is excited at the chance to be working for the Town.

 

Resignation of Recreation Director:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to accept the resignation of Elizabeth Sengle as Recreation Director, effective October 31, 2004, second by Jon and approved.

 

Appointment of Recreation Director:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to appoint Jennifer McCuin as Hinesburg Recreation Director, as outlined in the employment letter dated 11/01/04 and the Recreation Director position description.  Second by Jon and approved.

 

Other Business

 

Approve Warrants:  Rob moved that the Board vote to approve the warrants (including payroll warrants) for bills payable as presented by the Town Treasurer. Second by Jon and approved.

 

Discussion of Proposed Town Plan Revisions:  The Planning Commission has finalized the proposed Town Plan revisions, and has forwarded the proposed Plan to the Selectboard for its review.  The Board reviewed the Plan with proposed changes by Lynn.  Jon commented on

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Lynn’s suggested changes: setting priorities in zoning – Lynn’s suggestion is covered in the list of the top 10 priorities – the Board agreed to move priority #5 up to the #2 spot; discussion followed on industrial district #1 – increased mixed residential use as a conditional use; protect agricultural access; solid waste – need goals and recommendations and include the desire to keep the drop off center in Town.

Rob added his suggestions; change actively promote higher density housing to support higher density housing, also page 62 change all other references of actively to support; provide higher density to elderly and disabled, change to housing designed for elderly and disabled persons.

Randy feels it is inappropriate to use infrastructure to locate type of housing.  Rob suggested using infrastructure to support the planning goals.

Rob also noted on page 22 - employment opportunities to add businesses with local employment also provide key personnel to municipal services such as volunteer fire and rescue services.

Page 25 – goals and recommendations – include large parcels, active forestry, or agriculture.

Page 35 – wetlands – add “or more detailed”.  Change wording from continue to insure wetlands are not adversely impacted to strive to insure.

 

Appointment of Staff Assistant to Board of Auditors:  Jon moved that the Board vote to appoint Christina Mead as staff assistant to the Board of Auditors for the purpose of compiling the Town Report for March 2005, as outlined in the employment letter dated 11/01/04.  Second by Andrea and approved.

 

Discussion of Highway Union Contract:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to sign the proposed contract with AFSCME Local 1343, representing the unionized members of the Town’s Highway Department.  Second by Rob and approved.

 

 

Additions to the Agenda  

 

Appointment of Health Officer:  Andrea moved that the Board vote to re-appoint Rocky Martin as Health Officer for the Town of Hinesburg for a three-year term, which will expire on November 30, 2007. Second by Rob and approved.

 

Randy moved the Board vote to adjourn, second by Rob and approved.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Valerie Spadaccini, secretary