Board of Selectmen, November 3, 2014
HOLDEN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 2014
6:30 PM Memorial Hall
Present: Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Jeremy Kurtz, Robert Lavigne, Mark Ferguson, Kenneth O’Brien (6:33PM)
Others Present: Jacquelyn Kelly, Town Manager
Peter Lukes, Assistant Town Manager
Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel
Elizabeth Fotos, Recording Secretary
Chairman Renzoni opened the meeting up at 6:30PM. The Board stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Ratification of Town Manager’s Contract
Motion was made by Sel. Lavigne; it was seconded by Sel. Kurtz.
Sel. Lavigne stated it was great for the Town to lock Ms. Kelly into this contract as she has been a fantastic leader and the Town will benefit from the terms of the agreement. Sel. Kurtz agreed with Sel. Lavigne and added that securing Ms. Kelly’s contract will create stability within the administration of the Town.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he will be voting against ratifying Ms. Kelly’s contract. He stated there is no rush as the Town Manager is still under her current contract through January 2016. Sel. Ferguson also stated that it is supposed to be the work of the Board of Selectmen who are elected in May’s election to determine the Town Manager’s contract.
Sel. O’Brien entered the meeting at 6:33PM.
Sel. Ferguson stated that the Board took an oath to the bylaws of the Town of Holden and the constitution. He stated that they (Board of Selectmen) do not get to pick and choose the laws that they adhere to and that many of the meetings that discussed the Town Manager’s new contract were done in rouge meetings with no Town supervision.
Sel. Lavigne replied that the Town Manager was still under contract but that there is nothing in the contract that requires the next Board of Selectmen to negotiate the contract. Sel. Lavigne stated that the reason the negotiations took place when they did was to take advantage of favorable conditions to negotiate the contract. Sel. Lavigne finished by stating that the allegations that the meetings that discussed negotiating the Town Manager’s contract were fruitless and he was confident that Mr. Madaus would speak to that matter.
Chairman Renzoni told Sel. O’Brien that there was a motion on the floor about ratifying the Town Manager’s contract.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he felt Ms. Kelly has done a great job managing and that he was pleased that they were able to come to an agreement on the contract. He stated that Ms. Kelly has a professional demeanor and he believes that the contract will benefit the Town by showing stability in management. He congratulated Ms. Kelly on the contract.
Sel. Ferguson replied that the Town Manager shall attend all regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen except when they are speaking about their (Town Manager’s) removal. He stated that anytime there is a meeting and there is not professional management in the room it is an unauthorized meeting.
Ms. Kelly stated for the record that she has not missed any regular meetings; both as the acting Town Manager and then as the Town Manager.
Chairman Renzoni stated that there was no rouge meeting. He stated that Executive Sessions are Special Meetings and that he remembered negotiations with Ms. Kelly two years ago when she was excused from the room.
Sel. Lavigne replied that the Board should leave that to the attorney. He stated that he doesn’t believe that they were the only people that have negotiated a contract without management present.
Sel. O’Brien replied that to suggest that Ms. Kelly be present when the Selectmen were discussing negotiations does not make sense.
Mr. Madaus stated the Section of the Charter about the Town Manager attending regular Board meetings is under Powers of the Town Manager and is relevant to the Town Manager’s administrative authority, not the validity of a meeting. He stated that Executive Session was posted for negotiations and strategy sessions and to have management present for that conversation would be detrimental to the negotiations. Mr. Madaus stated that it was his opinion that it was in the best interest of the Town that the Board met in private.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Ms. Kelly for her hard work and working together with the Board on the contract. He stated that Ms. Kelly’s contract did not include a cash pay raise; that her vacation time went from two weeks to three weeks, a guaranteed 1% base pay raise annually was added, and an increase of 0.5% deferred compensation. Copies of Ms. Kelly’s contract would be made available.
Sel. Ferguson replied that he was going to abide by the Town Charter and that he felt there needed to be professional staff at every meeting including Executive Session.
Motion made by Sel. Lavigne, it was seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was VOTED TO APPROVE THE TOWN MANAGER’S CONTRACT EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2013 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2017 BY A VOTE OF 4-1 (Lavigne: yes; Kurtz: yes; Renzoni: yes; O’Brien: yes; Ferguson: no).
2. Appointments and Permits
There were no appointments or permits.
3. Vote on Refunding Bonds
Ms. Kelly told the Board that in conjunction with the Treasurer/ Collector’s Office she would be able to get the best rates and therefore save money for the taxpayers. Ms. Kelly recommended that the Selectmen authorize the refund of existing debt in the principal amount of $14,435,000. The projected total savings over the remaining bond period would be approximately $1,150,000. Final numbers would be provided for the Board once the borrowings are marketed (December). Ms. Kelly stated that we (the Town) would be marketing a refund of certain existing borrowing for elementary school construction, water-sewer bonds, and pool debt. The total principal is approximately $14,435,000. Of that amount $12,350,000 is the portion of school debt being refunded.
The non-school debt is for two Water Division borrowings dating back to 2002, and the Pool construction debt from the same year.
Ms. Kelly thanked Sharon Lowder, Treasurer/ Collector, Lori Rose, Accountant and other members of the financial team including Mary Carney, Financial Advisor from FirstSouthwest for their talents, skills, and dedication to seeing this transaction though.
Sel. Lavigne confirmed that the new debt would not extend the note.
Sel. O’Brien thanked Ms. Kelly for her diligence in monitoring the outstanding debt. He said that this was great news for the Town and another reason that the Board was extending her contract.
Ms. Kelly stated that there is currently some other outstanding debt for the public safety buildings, however it is not “callable” at this time.
Sel. Ferguson replied that he was very happy with this information but it would not transcend into savings for the taxpayer.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Ms. Kelly for constantly looking at what is best for the Town.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO REFUND THE EXISTING DEBT IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $14,435,000.
4. Town Manager Miscellaneous
- State Election, November 4, 2014: The State election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Polls will open at 7:00AM and close at 8:00PM. Polling locations are Precincts 1 and 2: Senior Center, Precinct 3: Davis Hill School, Precinct 4: Mountview School, and Precinct 5: Holden Light Department. For further information, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-210-5530 or visit www.holdenma.gov.
- DPW Monthly Reports: Ms. Kelly provided the Board with the Dept. of Public Works August 2014 and September 2014 monthly activity reports. These reports are prepared by John Woodsmall, DPW Director.
- Year to Date Revenue and Expense Reports: Ms. Kelly provided for the Board the year to date revenue and expense reports for the periods ending June 2014 (the end of the fiscal year), July 2014 and August 2014. The reports are prepared by Lori Rose, Town Accountant
- Update on Dawson School Gas Conversion: The Town and District have been working closely on this capital project to convert the heating units at Dawson School from oil to natural gas. The district wants the burners (there are two) to be able to be fueled by oil or gas. The gas connection was competed last summer with the town providing loaming and seed. Gary Kaczmarek, manager of this project, researched the existing burner and found they are already set up to be fueled by either oil or gas. That means the conversion will be less costly. We have a quote to do the work necessary on the burners which is approximately $17,000. There will be additional work required including the installation of pressure reduction equipment. At this time, the pressure regulating equipment and labor are estimated at an additional $20,000. There will also be costs for professional engineering services plus other miscellaneous expense. The good news is that the total cost of the project will come in well below the $75,000 budgeted in the FY 2015 Capital Plan.
Chairman Renzoni asked Ms. Kelly if this was a warrant article, Ms .Kelly replied that it was.
Sel. Ferguson stated that the $75,000 is coming out of the taxpayer’s warrant; and that anything over $25,000 Holden homeowners have to pay it all (less than $25,000 there would be no cost to Holden). Sel. Ferguson stated there should be a co-payment by the district.
Sel. Ferguson stated that this is his area of expertise; what he does for a living. He stated that to put pressure reduction equipment in makes no sense and is not needed. He further stated that he spoke to NSTAR and confirmed this. Sel. Ferguson stated he believed that the project could come in under $25,000 and therefore the district should absorb the cost of the project. He said the need for an engineer is so they could elevate gas pressure which would not make sense and is not needed.
Sel. O’Brien stated that knowing the gas company covers the cost of installation, he felt as though more information should be collected regarding what is being done and what the actual costs are.
Ms. Kelly replied that she would obtain additional information and forward it to the Board.
Sel. Ferguson asked if the Board should agree that if the project came in at under $25,000 then the district should cover the cost.
Sel. O’Brien added that Dawson was one of the schools that did not have the bi-pass for the plumbing and if they could save money, maybe funds could be spent to make that improvement.
Sel. Lavigne asked if the project came in under $25,000 could the schools reserve the right to not move forward with the project.
Ms. Kelly stated that while there would be a cost savings due to the existing burners being able to be fueled by gas or oil, she didn’t believe that the cost would be less than $25,000 and, the Selectmen cannot vote to make the District pay.
5. Citizens’ Address
Chairman Renzoni called Citizens’ address at 7:05PM.
Mr. Ed Myer, Fort Sumter Drive began addressing the Board by reading a letter from the Landmark regarding sharing the news that Sel. Ferguson was voted the best elected official. Mr. Myer continued by thanking the DPW Director for finally confirming the information that he (Mr. Myer) had been presenting. He said the Town had taken so long to begin testing on hydrants and large capacity meters and why the sample audit had yet to be conducted.
Mr. Myer stated that he wanted to respond to childish cartoons and the content that they portrayed.
Sel. Lavigne objected. Chairman Renzoni told Mr. Myer to please keep his comments in general terms.
Mr. Myer asked the Chairman why and stated that he was responsible. He stated that the Town of Holden had lost 125.3 million gallons of water just last year and it was time to get serious about leaks.
Mr. Mark Ferguson, 244 Bailey Road addressed the Board about an item that had been brought up at the last meeting; not raising taxes. Mr. Ferguson stated that he wanted to speak with the Selectman who brought it up; however, he was unable to do so under the Two Minute speeches so he would do it as a Citizen. Mr. Ferguson stated that new growth is going well, but that he didn’t feel that the good news made it into citizens’ pockets. Mr. Ferguson stated that he had requested to have an agenda item added to the meeting as he wished to continue the conversation; however it was not added to the agenda so he needed to use Citizens’ Address to speak to the Board. Mr. Ferguson stated that there is 3 Million + of Free Cash and there is the opportunity to do something good for the Town of Holden and its people. Mr. Ferguson ended by stating he was sad that they could not have the discussion and while he didn’t mind being outvoted, he felt that sweeping away his request was unacceptable.
Chairman Renzoni closed Citizens’ Address.
4. Town Manager Misc. Cont.
Sel. O’Brien stated that often commercial buildings are more strict then residential and he asked for more information from the Town Manager.
Sel. Ferguson stated that they strongly believed that the project could be done for less than $25,000. He stated that the meter is only 75 ft. away from the boiler room and while he had not physically seen the building, he believed it could be done without elevated gas pressure.
Chairman Renzoni stated that he believed the project was in capable hands and that Ms. Kelly was carrying out FY 14 goals. He stated that to suggest Ms. Kelly was over spending on a project should not happen.
Sel. Ferguson replied that he was in the position to tell the Board that to have elevated gas pressure didn’t make sense. Sel. Ferguson told Chairman Renzoni that he protested him (Chairman Renzoni) constantly trying to inflame him. Sel. Ferguson stated it was a difference of opinion and that was why he was elected. Mr. Ferguson stated his “professional” reputation and his plumber’s license on him being right about the Dawson School plumbing.
Sel. Lavigne suggested moving on as Ms. Kelly had already confirmed she would get more information on the Dawson School project.
Sel. O’Brien stated that the Board needed to tone down rhetoric. He said that using words like “conspiracy” only fuels disagreements.
Chairman Renzoni replied that a member is saying that they don’t trust Ms. Kelly to do her job; the Board trusts her and needs to let her do the job she was hired for.
Sel. Lavigne replied that he was sure that she deferred to her professional staff; and asked Ms. Kelly to provide the answers to the questions asked.
6. Annual Tax Classification Hearing
Ms. Kelly read the public hearing notice into the record. She stated that tonight (November 3, 2014) the annual tax classification hearing is being held. Each year, it is required to vote to continue a unified single tax rate for both residential and commercial properties. The town has always had a single tax rate and the recommendation is to continue with a single tax rate.
Starting in FY 13, the Town Manager coordinated a tax rate that taxed at 2.25% rather than 2.5% and likewise in FY 14, the tax rate again was at 2.25%, or one quarter percent below the limits of Proposition 2 1/2.
In the current year’s budget FY 15, the Selectmen set a goal for the Town Manager to aim for a rate that would reflect a 2.25% increase rather than taxing to the limit imposed by Proposition 2 1/2. FY 15 Budget adopted in May of 2014 projected that the FY 15 tax rate would be set at $18.43 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation; this met the 2% goal.
Further good news is that after completion of the year-long process, the actual tax rate for FY 15 will be $18.12 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, instead of a 2 ½% increase; this represents a 1.66% increase, which was below the 2.25% goal set out by the Selectmen. The result will be an excess levy capacity of $253,197 in savings to the taxpayer.
After the hearing, the tax rate will be submitted to the Department of Revenue for final approval. Ms. Kelly thanked the Board of Assessors, the town’s financial team, the town department heads, and other staff who work hard every day to see that the tax dollars are used in the most efficient and effective way.
Ms. Scully handed out information on the FY 15 Tax Classification which was submitted to the Department of Revenue and made a presentation.
Motion by Sel. Ferguson, seconded by Sel. Lavigne, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE ANNUAL TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING.
Gordon MacPhee, Salisbury Street, addressed the Board and stated that he was in favor of the single tax rate. He stated that there was an article in the Worcester Journal showing towns moving back to the single tax rate and he recommended doing it. He also commented on the vacant business spaces on Main Street.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Ferguson, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO SET THE SINGLE TAX RATE FOR FY 15 AT $18.12 PER THOUSAND DOLLARS OF ASSESSED VALUATION.
Ms. Kelly thanked the Board of Assessors.
4. Town Manager Misc. Continued
e) Update on the Recreation Department Offices: The former police station is in the final stages of being renovated for use as Recreation Department offices and program space. The offices will be located upstairs; the program room downstairs in the former garage bay. The renovation has required work in the following areas: new HVAC system/ plumbing repairs, improvements to electrical panel and lighting, replacement of windows and installation of window system in lower level, replacement of doors, repair of ceiling and ceiling tiles, painting of interior, repairs to flooring and new carpeting in the office area, new floor in the program area, upgrade of fire alarm system, connection to IT system and telephone system installation of solar panel array, cleaning of building exterior and landscaping, improvement to parking lot, signage.
The new heating system, improvements to the electric faculties, lighting, painting, ceiling work, and plumbing are almost complete. The window/ door replacement will be done next week as will the final painting of the ceiling in the program room. The flooring will be the last item to be done as will connections to the IT and telephone systems and fire alarm. The solar panel project is in the final stages of review and we hope to have it installed this fall. Improvements to the exterior and landscaping/ parking lot may have to wait until spring.
We are on schedule to move into the building by December 1, 2014, when the first recreation program, wrestling, will take place in the new program room. An open house will be planned in the spring.
Sel. Ferguson asked if they could get a tally on the exempt properties for tax classification. Ms. Kelly confirmed she would do so.
7. Selectmen Subcommittees
Sel. O’Brien stated that neither of his committees had met.
Chairman Renzoni stated that neither of his committees have met but that they should be meeting soon.
Sel. Kurtz stated that EDC will meet Monday, November 10, 2014. And that the Budget Task Force is meeting Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the Winter Festival Committee is meeting every Friday and that the event was just a few weeks away. He would provide a more detailed update at the next meeting (November 17, 2014).
8. Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting Procedures
Chairman Renzoni provided the Board with two memos; the first dated May 21, 2014 with the subject reading procedural changes, the second dated November 2, 2014 with the subject reading Selectboard Procedures.
Chairman Renzoni stated that when he was selected as Chairman by a majority vote of the Board, he implemented a few changes in an effort to create a more cooperative working environment. Chairman Renzoni outlined his duties and responsibilities: Act as a liaison between the Town Manager and the Selectboard, Ensure that the Selectmen are properly informed and that sufficient information is provided to make appropriate decisions, designate committee assignments, Work with the Town Manager to develop and set the agendas for Selectboard meetings, Conduct and control orderly regular and special meetings of the Selectboard, and Ensure each Selectmen is treated with respect and has an opportunity to share his/her ideas.
Chairman Renzoni stated that over the past few years, the Board had been plagued with inappropriate behavior, threats, uncontrolled hostility, and allegations of violations of the State Open Meeting Law. In prior years, Selectmen’s Miscellaneous was used by some to circumvent the agenda and discuss items that were not requested to be put on the agenda for full discussion. To discourage this behavior, the “Selectmen’s Misc” was replaced with “Two Minute Speeches.” This allowed all members the opportunity to address the community while ensuring no new business is introduced inside the mandated 48 hour posting window.
Chairman Renzoni opened the floor up for discussion on this matter.
Sel. Ferguson stated that he disagreed with the Chairman and said that he believed that the Chairman was in violation of open meeting laws. Sel. Ferguson said he specifically asked for an agenda item to be placed on tonight’s meeting (November 3, 2014) and it wasn’t. Sel. Ferguson stated that the two minute speeches are held to two minutes which did not allow for discussion and was not in the best interest of the people. Sel. Ferguson stated that the Chairman violated his rights as a selectman by notputting his agenda request on the agenda when he had clearly adhered to the Chairman’s rules for adding an item.
Sel. Lavigne stated that he supported the two minute speeches. He said that the reason Sel. Ferguson’s agenda item was not there was because there was a public hearing on the same item. Sel. Lavigne stated that making allegations without allowing the Board and the Town Manager to prepare, would be a disservice to the people. Sel. Lavigne finished by stating that free cash does go back to the people and that most agenda items are put on for discussion when requested.
Sel. O’Brien stated that he signed the sexual harassment policy. He stated that he did have a problem with the code of conduct as the expectation of the people was that the Board would conduct themselves civilly, there shouldn’t need to be a Code of Conduct to enforce this behavior. Sel. O’Brien stated that Sel. Ferguson asked to have something added to the agenda item within guidelines and it was not done. He felt as though the additional information provided on the Tax Classification Hearing document was not the same and that Sel. Ferguson’s item should have been on the agenda as well.
Sel. O’Brien said that he felt Chairman Renzoni had done a good job as a Chairman in this difficult environment but regarding the Two Minute Speeches he felt as there was no follow up to the items the Selectmen brought up. Sel. O’Brien suggesting dialing the rhetoric back and working together more; he stated that he believed some of the things that the Chairman had instituted were heavy handed. Sel. O’Brien stated that while he does think that Sel. Ferguson can be contentious, abrasive, and in some respects threatening, he felt strongly that the playing field needed to be level for everyone. Sel. O’Brien finished by stating that he did not sign the Code of Conduct but that everyone needed to work together.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the opportunity for discussion of this matter was during the Tax Classification Hearing. He stated there was the opportunity to ask questions during that time. He also stated that the Code of Conduct had changed since Sel. O’Brien had previously been on the Board and it was for everyone’s protection, not to single anyone out.
Chairman Renzoni replied that he did not set the item about not raising taxes because that was addressed during Goal Setting. He stated that both the gas conversion warrant article and the Two Minute Speeches were both on tonight’s agenda (November 3, 2014). Chairman Renzoni also stated that if a follow up was needed, an email or phone call could be placed to the Town Manager or the item could be placed back on the agenda for a briefing. The Chairman reiterated that the need for the Two Minute Speeches was to eliminate the hijacking of meetings and slipping agenda items on without the 48 hour advance notice.
Sel. O’Brien replied that the Tax Classification Hearing and the Goal setting for the Town Manager were two different things. He asked what the situation would look like if taxes were not raised at all. Sel. O’Brien also stated that while Sel. Lavigne did not feel as though the Code of Conduct was singling anyone out, the perception of the minority opinion could be viewed as an attempt to impose restrictions on them. Sel. O’Brien again stated his feelings that the Board needed to work together better.
Sel. Kurtz replied that disagreements are fine, but that the name calling is not. He stated that they were there to do the Town’s work and that if it could not be done in a professional manner the Two Minute Speeches needed to remain in place.
Sel. Ferguson said no one has an idea about what anyone else’s Two Minute Speeches were about. He stated that if Selectmen Misc. was about getting something done, then everyone should submit what they wanted to discuss so there were no “gotcha” moments and everyone can prepare for the discussion. Sel. Ferguson stated that Two Minute Speeches do not do that and do not allow for a dialogue or exchange of ideas.
Sel. Ferguson also stated that there was new information presented regarding the taxation; there was 3 Million dollars plus of certified free cash and he wanted these funds to transcend into the people’s pockets. Sel. Ferguson also stated that he welcomed any Worcester businesses to look at the open spaces on Main Street as he could guarantee cheaper light department and better taxes.
Sel. Ferguson finished by stating that he was passionate about the water issues. He stated that as a plumber he knew the value of a leaking pipe and the value of the unaccounted for water. He stated that the Board was political and it was meant to be adversarial. Sel. Ferguson stated that if you don’t like the tone, then there were other committees that you could join. Sel. Ferguson said the final insult was that the Board knew what his talents were and that when he asked for the Water Sewer Advisory Board the Chairman refused to put him on it and there was something wrong with that. Sel. Ferguson stated something was wrong when the Chairman was posting specific content on his website.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson. Sel. Lavigne called a point of order.
Sel. Ferguson replied, “That is a fact.”
Chairman Renzoni replied that this was why there is a Code of Conduct; he stated that now the Board had discussed the matter and that the Chairman was not currently changing the Two Minute Speeches.
Sel. Ferguson called a point of order.
Sel. Lavigne replied that this line of conversation was initially going well. He stated that he thought it had turned the corner but now he was being told that if he “couldn’t take it he should go to a lighter Board.”
Sel. Ferguson interrupted Sel. Lavigne.
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson.
Sel. Lavigne stated that the comments and intimidating, physical movements, were why these controls were necessary. He stated that he is hopeful that the Board could get to that point, but he is not sure that all five members were willing to put the effort in.
Chairman Renzoni reiterated that all three items Sel. Ferguson requested to speak about tonight (November 3, 2014) were discussed. He stated that another update to Water/ Sewer would be provided after the first of the year.
Sel. O’Brien replied that he felt quarterly updates were necessary regarding Water/Sewer. He stated that at the very least if someone asked for an agenda item within the Chairman’s rules then the Chairman should respond back to them.
Chairman Renzoni said that all three items were discussed at this meeting and that he would increase his communication to the Selectmen.
Ms. Kelly clarified for the Board that the Selectboard does not set the tax rate; they only approve the single tax rate.
- Selectmen Minutes
Motion by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. Kurtz, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 6, 2014 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED.
10. Follow Up on Citizens’ Address
Sel. Lavigne stated that the first speaker from Citizens’ Address gave misinformation. He stated that the DPW Director, John Woodsmall did not validate information about lost water and he suggested that people review the presentation. Sel. Lavigne also stated that the plan that was provided was a 5 year plan and that the Town is now financially able to complete additional components of the plan.
Sel. Lavigne also stated that Holden residents are being taxed less than was approved four years in a row and it was in fact a savings to the Town’s people over their residency. Sel. Lavigne finished by stating that when bonds are issued at a lower interest rate, it is real money and while it may not be a check sent to a resident, it is savings for the people.
Sel. Ferguson stated that the first speaker should be rewarded the citizen of the century for his passion and work on enlightening the Town on unaccounted for water. He stated that the surcharge was enough to fix some of the issues. Sel. Ferguson stated that he felt the first speaker was a genius. He told Ms. Kelly, “You laugh, I’ll let you laugh and then I’ll keep talking.”
Chairman Renzoni told Sel. Ferguson he still had the floor.
Sel. Ferguson replied that he wanted to make sure the Town Manager was done.
Ms. Kelly asked if Sel. Ferguson was trying to intimidate her again. The Board asked Sel. Ferguson to get back on point.
Sel. Ferguson replied that the citizen comes out with passion and intelligent conversation and he challenged anyone to debate the citizen’s numbers that he presented. He asked the Town Manager why she was laughing at a man that spoke with such dedication.
Ms. Kelly replied that Sel. Ferguson did not know why she was smiling and should not categorize her.
Sel. Ferguson asked if Ms. Kelly was laughing at him (Mr. Myer).
Chairman Renzoni gaveled Sel. Ferguson.
Sel. Ferguson stated that that man (Mr. Myer) enlightened everyone and that he saluted him.
Sel. O’Brien replied that it doesn’t matter how they got to this point as the important thing was the efforts the Town Manager was putting into the unaccounted for water at this point. He stated that it was disappointing how the meeting had gone down hill in the last few minutes. He reiterated that the Town Manager had saved the Town $1 Million plus, by refunding bonds, effectively managed the Town’s resources and was able to reduce the tax rate. Sel. O’Brien hoped that these accomplishments were not lost in the bickering that was occurring.
Sel. Ferguson replied that he was going to defend every citizen that goes to the podium. He stated that his concern was the fact that citizens had been paying for the unaccounted for water and that someone was asleep on the job.
Chairman Renzoni replied that they heard Sel. Ferguson’s concerns. He stated that this was just another way for Sel. Ferguson to sidetrack the meeting back to water.
11. Selectmen Two- Minutes Speeches
Sel. Ferguson stated that he wanted to highlight the by-laws regarding the Town Manager Duties and Responsibilities. He stated that it currently read as “his” and it should read “his/hers.” He stated that he did not know if there was any liability to the Town regarding this verbiage but encouraged the Board to present it to Town Meeting.
Ms. Kelly asked if she could comment. Chairman Renzoni responded that Two Minutes Speeches were not time for discussion.
Sel. Lavigne congratulated Ms. Kelly on her new contract and thanked her for staying on as the Town Manager.
Sel. Kurtz stated that he echoed Sel. Lavigne’s sentiments. He told the Chairman that he would send a formal request to discuss Selectmen’s Misc as he felt that there could be a spot for it in the meeting so that a Selectman could 48 hours out request a meeting topic and have open dialogue with one another. He said there was a need to stay on point but felt that perhaps it could help engage conversation as a Board.
Chairman Renzoni thanked Ms. Kelly for working with the Board and remaining on as the Town Manager. He additionally thanked the Veterans for serving our Country. Chairman Renzoni stated that the American Legion Post 42 is a charitable organization that helps ensure Veterans have the Holidays they deserve. They would be in Town on Saturday November 8, 2014 and that any donations would be appreciated.
Sel. O’Brien reminded everyone that general elections would be held on November 4, 2014. He also stated that there were numerous sign violations in Town and no actions were taken to do anything about the violations. He asked in the future for people to police the signs and that everyone should know and be held to the same guidelines.
12. Adjournment
Motion made by Sel. Lavigne, seconded by Sel. O’Brien, it was UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 3, 2014 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING AT 8:38 PM.
APPROVED: __December 1, 2014 as amended_