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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 12, 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 7:00 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, Office Manager Paula Schena, Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts, Town Moderator Alan Foulds, Stephen Crook. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - James Bonazoli noted that he and Bill Brown interviewed design architects for the cemetery garage. There were two candidates and they recommended Weston and Sampson. The Selectmen will need to discuss the best location at a future meeting. Stephen Goldy noted that he received a letter from the Superintendent of Schools regarding an Institute session being held on April 11th and 12th and if anyone wants to go they should contact Paula Schena. Public Comment - Bill Brown noted that next Saturday is Home Day at the Highland School. Discussion/Action Items Discuss Town Manager Interviews and Possible Appointment of New Town Manager — John Arena noted that he was pleased to hear Bob LeLacheur speak about his work outside of Reading to see how he utilized his skills. He found his background very illuminating of his intellect, honesty, and ethical core. Richard Schubert noted that Bob's story was like the start to an autobiography. He found it interesting to hear his perspective and he feels that Bob brings a lot to the table. Mr. Schubert also noted that he spoke with people who work with Bob and they reaffirmed his qualifications. Ben Tafoya noted that he enjoys working with Bob and it is very clear that he knows the community. Bob has a deep financial background. He is an amiable guy and also a great candidate. James Bonazoli noted that Bob faired well in his communication to the community, and in his leadership and vision for Reading. His narrative was helpful too. Stephen Goldy noted that Bob's narrative was helpful and Bob's emergency management delegation shows he has faith and trust in staff. Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 12, 2013 —page 2 Stephen Goldy noted that the Board received material today regarding court cases that John D'Agostino is involved in. James Bonazoli noted that Mr. D'Agostino had leadership qualities and the subcommittee wanted the Board to see what else is out there. He's a change agent and has handled some difficult situations very well. Ben Tafoya noted that it was important for the Board to see Mr. D'Agostino's background, but he has severe doubts that he is an appropriate fit for Reading. Richard Schubert noted that Mr. D'Agostino did an adequate job explaining, but he has enough doubt not to move him forward. John Arena asked if the email material, etc. was known at the time of screening. James Bonazoli indicated his background was explained, but the emails, etc. were not. John Arena noted he admires Mr. D'Agostino for putting his hat in the ring but he does not suggest he be Reading's next Town Manager. Richard Schubert noted that Kerry Speidel was smart, energetic, calm and confident. He called Lunenberg and spoke with the Superintendent of Schools, Director of Public Works and the Vice President of the Board of Selectmen. He heard confirmation of her skills in budgeting. She has a collaborative working style and avoids micromanaging. He feels she is a very capable candidate. Ben Tafoya noted that he respects the depth of experience that Kerry brings from the Finance area. She is smart and likeable but has no direct experience with Reading. James Bonazoli noted that he went to Lunenberg. He found out she worked hard for an override but it failed because the benefit of it was not fully communicated. Ms. Speidel is very committed to her community. He feels we have two good candidates. John Arena noted that Ms. Speidel was direct and well spoken. He feels she is a strong candidate. Stephen Goldy noted that Ms. Speidel's outsourcing to regionalization and her management style would fit Reading. Ben Tafoya thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve on the search committee. He noted it would be great to have both candidates, but each one wants to be a leader. John Arena noted that continuity is important. Bob LeLacheur noted that his next 100 days will be like the previous 100 days. He feels consistency and predictability will be supplied by the person with the longest track record with Reading. He is inclined to vote for Bob. Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 12, 2013 —page 3 Richard Schubert noted that the Town is not looking for any drastic change. He has more of a comfort level with Bob to stay on the path we've been on, but he also likes Kerry and is on the fence. James Bonazoli noted that Heidi Bonnabeau sent an email to the Selectmen today indicating she supports Kerry Speidel. James Bonazoli questioned whether we need outside the box change. He feels Bob knows the areas we need change in and can see if faster than Ms. Speidel will. There will be a lot of loss of information with retirements in Public Works but Bob has the information because he lives here. Stephen Goldy thanked the Screening Committee for their work. He indicated he feels strongly for both candidates. He noted that Bob has significant private sector experience and that is important. He also brings insight to goals and he is in favor of Bob. Richard Schubert noted that Bob brings historical institutional knowledge and there would be minimal change with Bob. Kerry would bring a fresh perspective. Stephen Goldy noted that when the top level is changed there will be change even if it is Bob. Richard Schubert noted that someone in the community is closer to the path. John Arena noted that if Reading had a core problem then he would look for change, but we don't. He's looking for our next leader and there would be less start up time with Bob. Ben Tafoya moved that the Board unanimously appoint the Town Manager and it was agreed the vote should be unanimous. Richard Schubert indicated he was looking for more discussion because they are both so close. He also noted that the comfort level that exists with Bob is important. James Bonazoli noted that he thinks Bob is the right candidate and he has a proven track record. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen unanimously recommend Bob LeLacheur as the new Town Manager of Reading as of June 1,2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Stephen Goldy noted that Carol Roberts needs to work with Town Counsel on a contract. Ben Tafoya indicated a subcommittee needs to be appointed to work out the details and report back to the Board of Selectmen. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to establish a subcommittee to negotiate a Town Manager contract was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. John Arena and Ben Tafoya will serve on the subcommittee. Board of Selectmen Minutes—March 12, 2013 —page 4 A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 a.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respect y submitted, e