HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Executive Session Board of Selectmen Meeting—Executive Session
April 15,2014
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 9:45 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman John Arena, Vice Chairman Marsie West,
Secretary Dan Ensminger, Selectmen John Halsey and Kevin Sexton, Town Manager
Bob LeLacheur and Police Chief James Cormier.
The Town Manager gave a brief introduction to the three topics of discussion: hiring of
Town Counsel through an RFP process; a public safety issue requiring legal counsel; and
an update on collective bargaining.
Collective Bargaining
The Town Manager reviewed the status of the six Town union contracts: the Police
Superior Officers have a ratified contract; the Public Works and Engineers unions have
reached agreement on the financial package but are ironing out some other details; the
Public Safety Dispatchers have been unable to meet due to a medical situation; the Police
Patrol officers have had several meetings and a wide range of discussions but a settlement
does not appear at hand; and the Firefighters asked for several weeks to prepare and
recent negotiations have been very detailed and forthright but the financial differences are
large.
The Town Manager emphasized his desire across all unions to simplify contracts, with
the goal to have the creativity of all employees to be directed to the common challenges
shared with management rather than nuances in labor contracts that might be exploited
for financial gain. His financial goals were +3.5% (FY15) followed by two +3% to
+3.25% all-in compensation packages, which are roughly in line with three-year revenue
projections.
He described recent emphasis from the IRS concerning clothing allowances that will now
need to be brought to every union, so he asked the Board not to vote to approve the one
ratified contract yet.
Public Safety Comments
The Police Chief described a complex situation involving a medical marijuana care giver
in town that is advertising services quite freely and has a growing volume of customers.
The federal government ultimately declined to participate in the situation despite the
violation of federal laws. The state has not fully cooperated as the Department of Public
Health thus far has refused to speak to the Middlesex District's Attorney's office about
the situation in order to clarify the exact rules. The Police Chief and Town Manager have
agreed not to rush into the situation to risk significant legal liability, although the public
safety issue of the neighborhood is of great concern.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 15 2014—page 2
Town Counsel
The Town Manager reviewed the RFP for services to be issued, and the Board agreed that
it was in final form. The Town Manager asked for the Board to form a Search Committee
as follows: (2)members from the Board of Selectmen; Town Manager; Superintendent of
Schools or designee; Police Chief; and Assistant Town Manager Community Services.
The Board approved that format, and the two BOS volunteers to serve included John
Halsey and Marsie West.
On a motion to adjourn at 11:00pm by Mr. Ensminger, seconded by Ms. West the
Board voted Ensminger—yes; West—yes, Arena—yes; Sexton—yes; Halsey—yes.
Respectfully submitted,
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Secretary