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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - BoS - 09/20/2010 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 20, 2010 Selectmen Present: Karen Quigley, Chairman Edwin G. Carr Frederick R. Koed Paul Carlson Leland H.Jenkins Others Present: William R. Griffin,Town Manager Jennifer Oram, Selectmen's Clerk Chairman Karen Quigley called the meeting to order at 7:OOPM Licenses-This license came in the day of this meeting and the event is taking place before the next Selectmen's meeting. The Board therefore considered this item being one they would not reasonably know that it would need to be on the agenda. Selectman Edwin Carr moved to approve a one day beer and wine license to Family Crest Catering for an event being held on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the South Shore Art Center. Selectman Frederick Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Discussion on Interim Town Manager services and selection process for the new Town Manager The Board discussed the timeline of hiring an Interim Town Manager. Chairman Quigley asked if the Board would want an Interim Manager that would assume all of the job's responsibilities. Selectman Carr stated that he would want the person to have experience in recruitment as well to help with the search for the permanent Town Manager. Selectman Paul Carlson stated that he liked the idea of hiring an Interim Town Manager that has had experience being an Interim Town Manager three or four times. He also feels that budget experience would be very important as the FY12 budget is going to be very difficult to put together. Selectman Carlson stated that the Interim position will be difficult and so he feels their assistance in the search for the new Town Manager should be minimal. He feels the Board should consider hiring a consultant to help with the search as they did back in 2005. Town Manager, William Griffin, said that in addition to helping the Board with the search, the firm would go beyond that with writing questions to ask the candidates right up to doing background checks on the finalists. The Board then resumed their conversation regarding the Interim position. The Board agreed that they would like a professional Interim Town Manager and that due to Mr. Griffin's departure date of November 1ST, the Board should handle this appointment. The Board also agreed that the Interim Town Manager could not apply for the permanent position of Town Manager. The Board then reviewed the hours the Interim would work. Chairman Quigley stated that it was her understanding that the Town would only be able to afford three to four days a week for a person of that caliber. The Board then reviewed the time-line for the advertising of the position, narrowing down the candidates and then the interviewing and hiring of the Interim. They will advertise the position in the coming week. Once the applications are received they will narrow down the choices at a Selectmen's Meeting and then interview the final candidates on October 20, 2010; with an appointment being made that evening. This will allow for some transition time with Mr. Griffin. Selectmen—9.20.10-JBO 1 Minutes—Board of Selectmen September 20, 2010 Permanent Town Manager Position Discussion The Board agreed to advertise for the permanent position in the coming week in the Patriot Ledger, the MMA web site and the Collins School at UMASS Boston. They believe the process to hire someone permanently will take 4-6 months. Selectman Koed stated that it could run up through the Annual Town Meeting (last weekend in March). Mr. Griffin stated that this could be good for continuity during the budget process. Chairman Quigley asked if the Board would like to take a look at the Town Manger's Act to see if there is anything in it the Board would like to address or change. Selectman Koed stated that it would take a legislative vote to make a change to the act and they do not have that type of time. Mr. Griffin added that the Town of Cohasset has a very strong Town Manager's act and that it is almost equivalent to a charter. The Board then discussed if there would be a need to bring in a consultant to help hire the position. Selectman Koed stated that he felt having a consultant during the last search was very helpful. He also feels it would allow the Interim Town Manager to focus on the day to day issues. Chairman Quigley asked Mr. Griffin what hiring a firm would entail. Mr. Griffin said there are about three firms that do this type of work and that an RFQ would need to go out. Selectman Leland Jenkins asked what the cost for such a service would be. Mr. Griffin estimated it would cost between $8,000 to $10,000. Chairman Quigley asked how long this would take. Mr. Griffin stated that they could still place the advertisements and have applications coming in and then at some point the Board could decide if brining in a consultant is something they would like to do. If that is the route the Board determines it wants to take,the process could take up to 60 (sixty) days to get a consultant in place. Selectman Carlson stated that it looks like the Board would not be in a position to start interviewing until January. Selectman Koed stated that the reality is they will not be able to get anything started until after the holidays. Chairman Quigley added that residents that are interested in the positions should also apply as there is a lot of talent in Town. Selectman Carr stated that if a consultant is brought in, he would like to see a committee of residents be involved. He added that if people are interested in becoming a part of that committee, they should express their interest in writing to the Board of Selectmen's Office. The Board agreed to update the language to the existing advertisement and to place it this week. Selectman Carr moved to adjourn. Selectman Koed seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Meeting adjourned at 8PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Quigley Chairman Documents: Language used for Advertisement of the Town Manager position in 2004. Document listing"Description of Town Manage Duties",with the title"Exhibit A" Memo created by Chairman Karen Quigley with the Town Manager Act attached. Selectmen—9.20.10-JBO 2