Selectboard Meeting
November 1, 2004
Page
1 of 3
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Selectboard found the structure out of date.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.
NOVEMBER 1, 2004 page 2 of 3
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
NOVEMBE 1, 2004 page 3 of 3
Lynns suggested
changes: setting priorities in zoning Lynns 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 Towns 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