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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003,2004 ex ses minBOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 9:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis; Wendy Wakeman; Donald Stewart; Susan Haltmaier; Mark Rees, Town Manager; and Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. Collective Bargaining Mark Rees and Ray Santilli reported that they met with the presidents of the school and municipal labor unions on January 23, 2003 to discuss FY04 potential deficits and a serious financial situation. This meeting was to provide them with some health insurance options to reduce costs and constitute savings for the Town. The proposal could save jobs in light of the reduced revenue and cuts from the state. The first option assumes $10 OVC, $50 ER, Tier Rx and $250 IP deductible on Blue Cross Choice and HMO Blue; a savings of $281,820. The second option assumes a 10% increase in employee/retiree contribution where possible; a savings of $604,073. The unions were very receptive to the meeting and the Insurance Advisory Group of the unions asked for additional information for a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Susan Haltmaier, to adjourn at 10:50 PM. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 10:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis; Wendy Wakeman; Donald Stewart; Susan Haltmaier; Mark Rees, Town Manager; and Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. Collective Bargaining The Police Union filed a grievance regarding the placement of GIS systems in police cars. The Town Manager will take a trip to Tewksbury to observe how this system works and will speak to the Chief of Police regarding this system. ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to adjourn the Executive Session meeting at 10:45PM. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitteq, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES MARCH 10, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis; Wendy Wakeman; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; and Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Negotiations with union employees -Police Chief Stanley gave a presentation overview on the Automatic Vehicle Locator (A VL) system. In 1998 the Town of North Andover received a grant for $35,000 for the AVL system. It increases our efficiency of the dispatch center in coordination with cruiser movement and mainly officer safety. This system uses global positioning system (GPS) technology in communication with street level mapping. It is a police management tool and the officer survival benefits are numerous. Chief Stanley gave examples of incidents of how this system would help officers in the street. There are other cities and towns that have already implemented this system. After discussion, Selectmen had concerns with liability to the Town. There is internal resistance to having this system implemented by the Police Union. Ray Santilli has discussed this with the Union and they have agreed to view this system in operation in Tewksbury. He assured the Union that the system has not been implemented, or activated and will continue with discussions. ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary . BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES APRIL 7, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis; Wendy Wakeman; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Wendy Wakeman yes; Donald Stewart yes; Mark Caggiano yes; James Xenakis yes; Rosemary Smedile yes. Vote approved 5-0. Negotiations with Union Employees-Firefighters Collective Bargaining Agreement The Assistant Town Manager, Ray Santilli said that after meeting and review by Town's labor counsel, Union's legal counsel and the Retirement Board's legal counsel, appropriate language has been drafted that addresses the issue regarding "Announcement of Retirement" and does not change the benefit to the firefighters. Since the proposed language changes the current collective bargaining agreement, it would need to be approved by the Board of Selectmen. The proposed language has been approved by the Firefighters Union. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Wendy Wakeman, to approve the proposed language changes in the current collective bargaining agreement. Vote approved 5-0. ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7 :00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager and Chief Richard Stanley. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. · Collective Bargaining -Police Union. Chief Richard Stanley gave a report regarding staffing issues and overtime in the Police Department. He has been working with a bare bones budget and closely watching that the department stays within the budget. The Police Union requested a meeting with the Chief to discuss the current financial issues regarding keeping four officers on the street, both for officer safety and the safety of the community. Because of officers out on disability and a vacancy due to a promotion, the Chief made a decision to cut some shifts from four to three officers on the street during the summer months of July and August. Now that the summer is over the department would be going back to four officers on each shift. He would keep the Board informed of any budget issues. ADJOURNMENT: Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:05 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; and Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Donald Stewart yes, James Xenakis yes, Wendy Wakeman yes, Rosemary Smedile yes, Mark Caggiano yes. Vote approved 5-0. Collective Bargaining Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manger gave an update on current labor issues regarding the Patrol Officers and Sergeants grievances and interpretation of the holiday language. Due to conflicts of schedules the Automatic Vehicle Locator System (A VL) has not proceeded and the system has not been implemented. There were a couple of Firefighter grievances and a number of Public Works grievances. There are no outstanding issues with Clerical, Professional Librarians, and Communications Officers. Clerical and Firefighter contracts are up for renewal in 2005. Police Patrol Officers, Lieutenants, Professional Librarians, Public Works, and Dispatchers are due in June 2004. ADJOURNMENT: Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 PM at the Stevens Memorial Library. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager, and Fire Chief Dolan. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Collective Bargaining -Firefighter Jon Pramas. Assistant Town Manager Raymond Santilli informed the Board that Fire Fighter Jon Pramas requested that the Town grant him time off with full pay for attendance at weekend drills, boot camp and training camp for any days he is regularly scheduled to work while in the Naval Reserve. In addition, if activated and deployed, he requests that the Town continue uninterrupted health care coverage and compensate him for the difference between his regular earnings and his military pay. After an extensive research there are several statutes, which govern military reserve service. In 1959 at Annual Town Meeting North Andover adopted the following statute M.G.L. c33 s59. This statute provides that an individual be compensated for the difference in pay for up to 17 days per year as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces. The difference in compensation would be only for those days that the individual would be regularly scheduled to work. The following statute also requires adoption by a town meeting vote. M.G.L. c137, of the Acts of2003 provides for an individual who is activated and deployed to continue to receive "his regular base salary ... reduced by any amount received from the United States as pay or allowance for military service performed during the same pay period, excluding overtime pay, shift differential pay, hazardous duty pay or any other additional compensation." Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to adopt regular pay including stipends under M.G.L. c33 s59 for a total of 17 days. Vote approved 5-0. Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to leave the statute as it stands and not to cover weekend pay under M.G.L. c33 s59. Vote approved 5-0. Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to consider bringing forth to Annual Town Meeting M.G.L. c137 of the Acts of2003. The Board asked that management do some research on M.G.L. c137 of the Acts of 2003 and table this item for another meeting. Rosemary Smedile withdrew the MOTION. ADJOURNMENT: Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager; and Fire Chief William Dolan. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 4-0. Collective Bargaining -Fire Department. Fire Chief William Dolan informed the Board that his overtime funds continue to be expended at a higher rate then budgeted due to injured fire fighters requiring calling in fire fighters at an overtime rate. At the current rate of expenditure the fire department would deplete its overtime accounts by April 24, 2004. However, there is currently under spending with other personnel line items that may offset the deficit in overtime. After discussion, suggested options were to brief the Finance Committee that there might be a need for a transfer from the Reserve Fund for $148,000 in extra funds, consider shutting down one ambulance on 179 evening shifts, or wait and transfer money from other accounts with overages within the department The Board took no action but requested an update at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES MARCH 8, 2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7.:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; and Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Collective Bargaining -Non-Union Employees The Assistant Town Manager told the board that if a town employee retires before the age of 65, he/she is continued on the HMO Blue health insurance plan at the same percentage contribution (13% family and 10% individual) as if still employed until the age of 65. At age 65, the retiree (and their spouse if applicable) is then converted to either the Medex III or Blue Care 65 at the approved retiree rate of 3 5% contribution. The Finance Committee, as part of their review of the town's health insurance budget, has made inquiries of the town's intent to convert all of the retirees under the age of 65 to the 3 5% retiree contribution rate. This conversion would result in a savings of approximately $80,750 per year for the town. Mr. Santilli gave four options for the board to review. The Town Manager and Mr. Santilli recommended option #3 which is a phased conversion of all retirees under the age of 65 on the HMO Blue health insurance plan to the retiree contribution rate of 35% over a period of three or four years. This would lessen the financial burden on a retiree and not create an immediate impact. The notice of the contemplated change would still need to be sent to all unions which would be based on the actual date of retirement during the three or four year phased conversion of current retirees. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, asking Ray Santilli to come back to the board with a full plan for option #3 telling us how many retirees in this age bracket, what percentage the rate would go up each year and what the dollar amount would be. Vote approved 5-0. ADJOURNMENT: Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES MARCH 22, 2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager and Town Counsel Thomas Urbelis. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Complaint Against Public Official The Town Manager informed the Board of a complaint that was received from Mr. Jonathan Leavitt against Police Chief Richard Stanley for an incident that occurred on April 5, 2003. Upon the advise of labor counsel, an investigation was conducted into that complaint. Based on the interviews conducted, the Town Manager found insufficient evidence to support Mr. Leavitt's allegations of unprofessional and inappropriate conduct regarding the events on April 5, 2003. However, recognizing the high profile a police chief has in a community and that the police department force is of sufficient size to respond to incidents such as these, that to avoid complaints of this nature in the future, that the Chief delegate field responses to subordinates. The Board of Selectmen chose not to impose sanctions of any type on the Police Chief as a result of his interaction with Mr. Jonathan Leavitt on April 5, 2003. The Board also said that a copy of this report is public record and would be released to the press if necessary upon request. Rosemary Smedile made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis, to authorize the Town Manager to release a copy of his investigation and findings report with a cover letter from the Board of Selectmen to Mr. Leavitt regarding this matter. Vote approved 5-0. Collective Bargaining At the Board's meeting on March gth James Xenakis asked Ray Santilli to come back to the board with a full plan for health insurance for town employees who retire before the age of 65, describing the proposal for option #3 telling the Board how many retirees in the age bracket, what percentage the rate would go up each year and what the dollar amount would be. Ray Santilli Assistant Town Manager gave a phased in conversion of all retirees under the age of 65 on the HMO Blue health insurance plan to the retiree contribution of35% over a period of three or four years. There are currently 25 retirees on the family plan and 21 retirees on the individual plan. The Town Manager's recommendation was to send a letter to the Town's Unions notifying them of revisions to the health insurance for this group of retirees would take place as of July 1, 2004. Then wait for their response to this action. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to notify the Town's Unions by letter ofrevisions to the health insurance for this group ofretirees would take place as of July 1, 2004. Vote approved 3-1-1. Mark Caggiano opposed, Donald Stewart abstained. Board of Selectmen Executive Minutes March 22, 2004 ADJOURNMENT: Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by Rosemary Smedile, to move out of Executive Session at 7:45 P.M. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary 2 BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES APRIL 5, 2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; Rosemary Smedile; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager and Town Counsel Thomas Urbelis. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Health Insurance Assistant Town Manager Ray Santilli discussed Health Insurance proposal benefit changes. This proposal would be phase in within three years in premium increases for present town employees. It is being presented to the Town Unions. Plan benefit changes would take effect 60 days subsequent to ratification by all other municipal and school bargaining units of these provisions. ADJOURNMENT: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES JUNE 7,2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Wendy D. Wakeman, Chairman; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 4-0. Collective Bargaining. Bill Hmurciak, DPW Director, submitted a request to hire a new clerical position instead of a water/sewer mechanic that was approved at Town Meeting. The new clerical position would be assigned to assist in water billing, citizen inquiries, etc. This position is a priority at this time for help in this department. Dennis Bedrosian, Superintendent of the Water Treatment Plant, concurs with the request for the new position. However, he would like to see the additional mechanic's position restored in FY06. Donald Stewart made the MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to approve the clerical position requested by the DPW director. Vote approved 4-0. ADJOURNMENT: Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 2004 EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Chairman; Wendy Wakeman; James Xenakis; Donald Stewart; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Mark Rees, Town Manager; and Ray Santilli, Assistant Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted unanimously to move into Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Negotiations with Union Employees Library Director Sue Ellen Holmes and Assistant Library Director Tom Madden were present to answer the Board's question regarding library operations. Wendy Wakeman questioned the need to create a new position for Head of ReferenceN oung Adult Librarian, as a stipulation of the contract. She also said that she disagreed with moving the young adult books from the children's room to the reference room. This move exposes children to computers that have unfiltered Internet access. Having third or fifth grade children's books upstairs is not appropriate. Ms. Holmes said that older children in seventh or eighth grade were reading the books that Ms. Wakeman referred to. It was determined by the library staff to move these books upstairs because the young adults, typically middle school children, did not want to be in the downstairs children's library section. The library staff is doing everything possible to keep this age group interested and introduce new programs to keep them coming to the library. The new title is a combined position so that the Head of Reference would also oversee the needs of the young adults. Ms. Holmes also said because some younger children are advanced in their reading ability, it is possible to have duplicate publications in both areas. A parent could also call the library requesting certain books and the staff would gather the books together and have them ready for pickup to avoid searching and being exposed to the adult area. Selectman Wakeman said she now feels more informed about the need for the new position and should go forth with negotiations on a renewal contract. ADJOURNMENT: Wendy Wakeman made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to move out of Executive Session. Vote approved 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Adele J. Johnson, Administrative Secretary