1994-04-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes

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Board of Selectmen Meeting April 19, 1994 The meeting was convened at 7:34 Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,MA.tPresentc were tmenMeeting Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner. The sole item on the agenda was the discussion of the Town Manager's salary. George Hines reviewed the salary situation. f He noted that this had previously, been discussed. The Mas- sachusetts Municipal Management Association salary survey was used. The salary average not including Reading 94 is for FY '3 $74,827. The salary average if you include Reading is FY$73,767. The towns comparable to Reading were used, based on population G and character of community. Lexington, North AndoverThe communities included Andover, , Weston, Winchester, Burlington, Lyn- nfield, Wakefield and Stoneham. Melrose and Woburn were not used because they are cities and they have different forms of govern- ment. Hines noted that he would propose that, consistent with the pay and classification study, the Town Manager's salary be incorporated effective January 1, 1994, by an increase of to%. This would raise his salary to $73, 982 . The benefits package has been reviewed, and the Town Manager feels it is in order. Issues reviewed were deferred compensation and vehicle allowance. Hines noted that the cost of living increase for FY95 would be applied on the higher base. Dan Ensminger noted that the salary increase is long overdue. The Board had committed to do this along with the pay and clas- sification process for non-union employees. The proposal with regard to the Town Manager's salary mirrors the Pay and Clas- sification Plan. He indicated that the Town Manager has served admirably during budget crisis and other problems. evaluations have been excellent and more than justify the action. Bill Burditt indicated that the Town Manager has done a very good job as he has experienced this from his role as a Selectmen and also as Chairman of the FinCom. He knows the outstanding job that is done, and feels badly placing the Town Manager's salary at average. He feels that the proposal is fair based on what has been done for other non-union employees. Sally Hoyt noted that the salary of the Town Manager is con- siderably lower than others. The Town Manager has tremendous responsibility and has performed exceptionally well. She feels that all workers should be treated fairly and equitably including the Town Manager. g e Camille Anthony noted that when she started to attend Selectmen meetings in January, she was impressed by the depth of knowledge. The Town Manager has to be a Jack of all trades, " and she feels that the Town Manager has done a wonderful job serving the- com- munity. She noted that Reading is never in the' top' of the range. This proposal puts the Town Manager in the middle.