HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
March 5, 2013
For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in
which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the
order in which any item was taken up by the Board.
The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben
Tafoya, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen John Arena and James Bonazoli,
Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the
following list of interested parties: Dan Ensminger, Marsie West, Lin Chabra.
Discussion/Action Items
Interview Applicants for the Town Manager Position — Stephen Goldy noted that
interviews will take place tonight and then discussion and possible decision on March 12,
2013. He reviewed the procedure for the interviews. It was noted that if a question is
asked of one candidate it should be asked of all candidates as long as it is pertinent.
Dan Ensminger asked if the Board would take questions from the audience and it was
noted they would not.
Robert LeLacheur — The Board introduced themselves to the Assistant Town Manager
Robert LeLacheur and thanked him for applying for the position.
John Arena asked how Mr. LeLacheur came to the conclusion on accommodated costs in
the budgeting process. Mr. LeLacheur noted that it came to him several years ago as a
Finance Committee member when parents would show up at budget meetings regarding
special education costs. He felt the best way to deal with special education was to take it
out of the budget and make it an accommodated cost. Once people thought about it they
realized it was a good idea. He discusses this with the schools every year to make sure it
is working and it is. It could be changed at any time if they feel it does not work.
Richard Schubert asked Mr. LeLacheur what experience he brings to the Town. Mr.
LeLacheur noted that he found out when he was younger that knowing technology is a
good way to attract people. Finances are confusing to some people so specializing in that
helped him make friends fast and it also helped him to understand other employee's jobs.
He noted that he has insight as to why groups ask certain questions. He noted that when
he has filled in for the Town Manager he has enjoyed it. He is extremely responsible and
will own up to mistakes. He is looking forward to the challenge.
Stephen Goldy noted that there will be a change on the Board of Selectmen and asked
how he will deal with that. Mr. LeLacheur indicated he will need to listen to them and
the question is what does the Town want to be when we grow up. The Board might want
Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 5, 2013 —page 2
to relook at the Charter. He likes different view points and tends to get along well with
all the "grouchy" people. He doesn't get along well with the phonies.
Ben Tafoya asked what his first 100 days on the job would consist of. Mr. LeLacheur
noted that he would listen to people and talk to them. He has ideas but won't discuss
unless he is hired. He would like to have more retreats.
James Bonazoli noted that Mr. LeLacheur had a unique background and asked why he
has chosen this track. Mr. LeLacheur noted that the people he's working with now are
more like him. The private sector and Reading are very similar but the best practices in
the private sector are not necessarily the best for towns. He likes being a pioneer.
James Bonazoli asked how he would educate the Board of Selectmen and employees on
the difference between public versus private. Mr. LeLacheur noted that MIIA picks
Reading as a base for health negotiations because our unions work hand in hand. The
unions in Reading are respectful. He also noted that the typical new employee has had
more than one job.
Stephen Goldy asked Mr. LeLacheur how he would deal with emergency management.
Mr. LeLacheur noted that Reading is so well planned that surrounding communities hope
if something happens that Reading will respond. He also noted that in an emergency the
Town Manager is not in charge. We have emergency management employees to handle
that. Reading is a well prepared town.
Richard Schubert asked Mr. LeLacheur how he would manage the transition to changes.
Mr. LeLacheur noted that if a service is drastically cut then he needs to take the time and
make sure people are involved. It that is achieved then you reduce the legitimacy of
complaints. It is best to deal honestly and directly. Communication takes many forms
and is important.
John Arena asked how he deals with doing the right thing and doing things right. Mr.
LeLacheur noted that is driven by the amount of changes. He leads by example and finds
that is the most effective style.
Ben Tafoya asked if there are parts of the job that he is not comfortable with. Mr.
LeLacheur indicated he has never been part of union grievances and if there is a big
outcry to talk to the new Town Manager that could be a problem. Ben Tafoya asked
about the other departments and Mr. LeLacheur noted he understands the responsibilities
of all departments through the budget process. Regional agreements are good but he is
not familiar with all of the grants. Ben Tafoya asked how he will pull together the team
of Department Heads and Mr. LeLacheur noted that the team is already excellent and
works together very well including schools.
Stephen Goldy asked Mr. LeLacheur asked if he is a collaborative person and Mr.
LeLacheur noted that growing up he was told he had one mouth and two ears and his
mother said he had to listen twice as much. He often speaks last because when you speak
Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 5, 2013 —page 3
less everyone listens when he does talk. All in all it's a matter of what's important and
what isn't.
James Bonazoli asked how he deals with the fact that we count on State and Federal
funds and Mr. LeLacheur noted that his interaction with the State politicians has been
less over the past few years because there is no money. He noted that regional issues are
powerful and we have three good state representatives.
Richard Schubert remarked on Mr. LeLacheur's financial and technology background
and asked what is needed. Mr. LeLacheur noted that the Town needs someone with
different skills. The biggest need is communication and coordinating all of the
communication of the Town. His dream is to send out one bill four times a year. He
noted he attended a retreat on communication.
Richard Schubert asked about the amount of time it takes to pull together the budget. Mr.
LeLacheur noted that before he was hired the Town Manager did it. It's a lot easier now
and he doesn't spend a lot of time on the budget. He looks at the practical aspects of
finance. He does a lot of communication with the departments.
John Arena asked Mr. LeLacheur about his role with the business community. Mr.
LeLacheur noted that a lot of the business owners have told him they hope he gets the
job. He suggested looking at Reading's rules and regulations to determine if this is what
we need to be doing. Some businesses come from other towns and want to do things the
way they did in other towns but he doesn't hear as many complaints as he used to.
Stephen Goldy asked Mr. LeLacheur how he would deal with all of the Boards,
Committees and Commissions. Mr. LeLacheur noted that as a resident he would like to
attend one meeting and get everything done. He indicated that the Boards, Committees
and Commissions need to work well together. James Bonazoli asked who's role that
would be and Mr. LeLacheur noted it is the Town Manager's role to bring them together.
He noted that during budget cuts he worked with various Boards, Committees and
Commissions and they were not adversarial. They understood they could move forward.
Stephen Goldy asked Mr. LeLacheur how creative he is in solving problems. Mr.
LeLacheur noted in regionalization effort the assessing situation was painful but is great
now. The Board of Assessors had been meeting 45 times per year. We signed an
agreement with Wakefield to share the Appraiser and the Board of Assessors meet only
one time a month now. Regionalization is also a good way to know your neighbors.
Richards Schubert asked Mr. LeLacheur if he has ever been fired or released from a job.
Mr. LeLacheur noted that Solomon Brothers encouraged him to leave before a business
line was dissolved, otherwise no.
James Bonazoli asked if it will be hard to separate being a resident from being the Town
Manager. Mr. LeLacheur noted he is a resident first. He receives fewer calls now than
Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 5, 2013 —page 4
when he was on the Finance Committee. He doesn't feel he needs to segregate life and
noted that people are respectful.
Mr. LeLacheur indicated he is appreciative as to how he got here and for this opportunity.
He noted that the process is very thorough and handled very well.
John D'Agostino—The Board of Selectmen introduced themselves to Mr. D'Agostino.
Mr. D'Agostino noted he had 31 years in public service including serving as Town
Manager in Abington, Mansfield and Blackstone. His qualities include collaborative
work in teams and groups and he feels a high level of transparency is important. He
noted that the Town Manager is the steward and he takes a top down bottom up approach.
He feels it is important for residents to know that leadership starts at the top down. He
also found out what is printed in the newspaper is not always true.
Stephen Goldy asked Mr. D'Agostino to address certain issues that came up when the
Board did their due diligence. Mr. D'Agostino noted that when he was hired in Abington
he was a change agent. He made changes with the blessing of the Board of Selectmen at
that time. Some people were unhappy with the changes. There were elected officials
representing private companies and they did not want change. There was also a Board of
Assessors member who was brought up on ethic charges. There were no televised Board,
Committee or Commission meetings. In addition, the trash program was highly
overpriced so he implemented a change and that was a nip and tuck process. There were
multi-year employee contracts that were not legal. All in all he unearthed issues and the
residents will tell you his tenure was productive.
John Arena asked Mr. D'Agostino about his relationship with the schools. Mr.
D'Agostino noted that he met with the Assistant Town Manager first and the
Superintendent of Schools second. The High School was loosing their accreditation. If
the schools fail then the town fails. He noted that Abington had $720,000 negative cash
flow and he helped them to become more efficient. Mr. D'Agostino noted that people
move in and out of communities because of schools and crime. There is a need to create
an environment where the kids will be successful.
Richard Schubert asked Mr. D'Agostino about his experiences in Mansfield. Mr.
D'Agostino noted that his departure was due to a change in philosophy. The Board of
Selectmen took a vote in Executive Session to fire an employee. There was a sexual
harassment claim that was investigated by the MCAD and an attorney and there was a
finding of no sexual harassment. The Town combined the claims and settled. It was the
best money spent.
Richard Schubert asked Mr. D'Agostino about his strategy to meet with the community.
Mr. D'Agostino noted that he will ask the Department Heads and Superintendent what
they need from him. He noted he meets with the Lions Club and Rotary Club so they
have a face and presence from local government. It will take him approximately 30 —45
Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 5, 2013 —page 5
days to make sure the stakeholders have what they need to be successful. He likes to
spend about one and a half hours in a coffee shop talking to people to get information.
Ben Tafoya asked him what his budget process would be like in Reading. Mr.
D'Agostino noted that he would attend every Finance Committee meeting and would
hold budget hearings with each Department Head. He would look at processes for
duplication, i.e. his Health Agent requested a half time person with benefits. She ended
up with a hand held program for $4,500 that she could take to the restaurants with her so
she didn't need the half time person. Mr. D'Agostino noted he is a strong advocate for
debt exclusions.
Stephen Goldy asked Mr. D'Agostino how he handled tough budget times and Mr.
D'Agostino noted that he regionalized Veterans Services; consolidated inspectors to
streamline staff support; and established a policy on use of stabilization funds.
James Bonazoli asked what the role of Town Hall is and Mr. D'Agostino noted the role
of Town Hall is to meet the needs of the community. It's not what we do, but how we do
it.
John Arena asked how a split residential and business tax base relates to businesses. Mr.
D'Agostino noted that Mansfield has a 21% industrial park tax base. He convinced
Samsonite Luggage to move to Mansfield and they gave Samsonite a lower tax rate for a
few years and that helped to stimulate the economy.
James Bonazoli noted that change in the public sector is hard and he asked how he would
report to a community who is private sector oriented. Mr. D'Agostino noted that
positions can be saved by changing healthcare plans.
Richard Schubert asked Mr. D'Agostino what his greatest strength is and Mr. D'Agostino
noted that he will not ask employees to do something he's not willing to do himself. The
goals and objectives belong to everyone. It's all about results. He wants to know how
productive employees will be. He delegated grant writing to his Assistant Town Manager
and she stayed there until 10:30— 11:00 p.m. to finish the grant.
Stephen Goldy asked about an example of emergencies that he has dealt with. Mr.
D'Agostino noted that Mansfield is an emergency accredited community and he is
involved before and after the storms. He set up a centralized phone bank. He had four
new people in DPW so they gave them GPS to tell them where to plow. He also invested
in sidewalk plows last year and they were able to open school one day earlier than other
communities.
Stephen Goldy asked how he balances economic development, public safety and drug
and alcohol use and Mr. D'Agostino indicated he created a special entertainment license
requiring the Police. Education/intervention also helps but is not one single answer.
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James Bonazoli asked what the biggest challenges are and Mr. D'Agostino indicated
there is duplication of resources in each community. Costs are increasing more than
revenues and the challenge is to save money to provide the same level of service.
Mr. D'Agostino thanked the Board for the opportunity to be here. He indicated his goal
was to inherent a community and make sure it is better off by the time he leaves.
Kerry Spiedel —The Selectmen introduced themselves to Ms. Spiedel.
Ms. Speidel indicated she has 20 years of experience in municipal government. Half of
that was in management and half was in finance. She is currently the Town Manager in
Lunenberg which is a full service community of 10,000 residents. She has worked in
communities as small as 3,000 residents up to 100,000 residents. Ms. Speidel noted that
she knows Reading's standards and it is a well run town with high ethics.
John Arena asked how she would work with constituents regarding schools and how is
the budget split determined. Ms. Speidel noted that she meets regularly with the
Superintendent of Schools. Lunenberg does not use the same process as Reading. They
plan out a four year budget and look at all of the department's needs. They take input
from everyone but there is no standard formula. They lost a lot of students due to
regionalization.
Stephen Goldy asked for examples of creative budgeting. Ms. Speidel noted she was able
to negotiate changes in the health insurance that resulted in tremendous savings. She also
noted that the Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District will open in July and
Lunenberg will be the first community. This will save approximately $100,000 a year and
that will allow them to have two Dispatchers working. The savings will go back into
public safety.
Richard Schubert asked Ms. Speidel how she establishes her role in the town. Ms.
Speidel indicated communication and making herself available. She returns phone calls
and produces good reliable data.
John Arena asked about her challenges with surrounding communities. Ms. Speidel noted
that Lunenberg is bordered by Harvard, Lancaster, Fort Devons, Ayer, and Shirley. She
meets regularly with her counterpart in those communities. They meet with State
representatives to get funding for a road project. She's had success just talking with
people.
Stephen Goldy asked how she manages change on the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Speidel
noted that is not an issue in Lunenberg. She has worked with seven Selectmen in five
years. She knows what mode of communication each member likes. Stephen Goldy asked
how she manages projects and Ms. Speidel noted that the Selectmen set the goals.
Sometimes a member has a goal that others don't want, but if reasonable she will work
on it.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 5, 2013 —page 7
John Arena asked what drove changes throughout her career. Ms. Speidel noted that the
first reason was to gain experience. She didn't have a family and she was young so she
kept moving west. She wanted the experience of working and living in other parts of the
country. An opportunity came up to work in finance so she moved back to Massachusetts.
Richard Schubert asked if she had ever been fired or had a contract not renewed and Ms.
Speidel indicated she did not. Mr. Schubert asked Ms. Speidel of her ideas of moving the
Town forward. Ms. Speidel noted that she would have to become familiar with the Town
Master Plan and meet with the Economic Development Committee. Reading is doing a
lot of things very well and there isn't much that is not being done right.
Ben Tafoya asked how she worked with Department Heads. Ms. Speidel noted that she
does not hold weekly staff meetings. If there's an issue then she'll get together with a
couple of Department Heads to work on issues but she doesn't have everyone sitting in
when it doesn't concern them.
James Bonazoli asked Ms. Speidel how she deals with public sector versus private sector
mindset. Ms. Speidel noted that there is a real difference with how Boards approach
negotiations. She said it feels like she has more unions than employees but in the end
they all end up with the same.
Stephen Goldy asked for an example of emergency management. Ms. Speidel noted that
Lunenberg was hit with an ice storm on December 11, 2010 and they handled the
emergency management very well. Whenever the emergency center is open she is there.
She is also familiar with FEMA and MEMA reimbursement.
Richard Schubert asked Ms. Speidel of her experience with the commercial base. Ms.
Speidel noted she did a fair amount of economic development processing data when she
was younger and she found out that businesses need certain things to survive. She noted
that in Kansas the town had 50,000 residents, a university and Fort Trent. They had a
local '/z cent sales tax for improvements to the business community i.e. street lights,
sidewalks, bike paths.
James Bonazoli asked what are some of the challenges that she sees coming down the
pike. Ms. Speidel noted that the biggest challenge is doing more with less. When we lost
county government we lost the ability for regionalization. She indicated we need
regionalization in Massachusetts. We don't need 351 of everything.
Stephen Goldy asked if there are any opportunities to outsource. Ms. Speidel noted that
they are looking to provide a lock up facility. They are outsourcing the sewer system
because the one technician had 100 call backs last year. They are outsourcing the parks
maintenance because they only had one person and it was too much for one person.
Richard Schubert asked Ms. Speidel about her first 100 days. Ms. Speidel noted that there
won't be a budget to put together so she would tour the facilities, meet with all of the
Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 5, 2013 —page 8
employees,meet with the Boards, Committees and Commissions, firm up goals, and meet
people in the community.
The Board thanked Ms. Speidel for participating.
Stephen Goldy noted that the Board will do their due diligence and meet next week to
discuss and possibly make a decision.
A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m.was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary