Board of Selectmen, June 19, 2014

HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SPECIAL MEETING

MINUTES

June 19, 2014

11:00 A.M.                                                                                          Trout Brook Recreation Area

Present:                      Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Mark Ferguson (11:45 a.m.) Jeremy Kurtz

Others Present:          Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager,

                                    Sandy Miendersma, T&G Reporter

Chairman Renzoni opened the meeting at 11:45 a.m. and stated that the purpose of the special meeting was to announce and ratify the salary increase voted on by the Selectmen during the Executive Session held on Monday, June 16, 2014. 

Mr. Renzoni said that the Selectmen had voted in Executive Session to provide Mrs. Kelly with a flat $5,000 increase for the contract year February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015, based on an outstanding performance review.  Mr. Ferguson protested giving the Town Manager any increase because she didn’t deserve it and is paid enough. 

Chairman Renzoni reminded Mr. Ferguson that the Selectmen had not provided Mrs. Kelly with any contractual annual increase with the understanding that the Board would act in good faith and award a merit increase each year based on performance and budget availability.  Mrs. Kelly’s leadership over the past year has placed the Town in a highly positive financial position with $2 Million in the Stabilization Fund and $2 Million in free cash as notable achievements.  Through her efforts and skilled management, the Town’s bond rating had increased, thus saving the town substantial interest expense on the upcoming borrowing for Mountview Middle School. 

Mr. Ferguson asked about the status of the Patrolman’s collective bargaining agreement and said he wanted it signed, sealed, and delivered by the Town Manager.  Mr. Renzoni said that he had already asked that question and been provided an answer at the last Selectmen’s meeting.  However, the special meeting was not to talk about unrelated matters, only about ratifying the Town Manager’s merit increase that had already been voted.  Mr. Ferguson asked whether this was America and continued his verbal outburst.  

Mr. Kurtz said that the Town Manager deserved the increase based on her performance and moved that the Board’s vote be taken.  Despite Mr. Ferguson’s continued disruptive harangue, with raised voices

on a motion by Mr. Kurtz, seconded by Chairman Renzoni and a vote of 2 – 1 (Mr. Ferguson opposed), it was VOTED TO RATIFY THE TOWN MANAGER’S SALARY INCREASE OF $5,000 PER YEAR, RETROACTIVE TO FEBRUARY 1, 2014, BASED ON HER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE FOR THE TOWN OF HOLDEN.

Mrs. Kelly thanked the four Board members who awarded her the increase.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.  The Employee Appreciation Picnic followed the meeting.  

Approved:  8/4/14