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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-15 Select Board Minutesra 022 JAN 12 PM H C.EIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERKQ Meeting Minute0s READING MA. P' �. 2022 S� 21 Board - committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2021-12-15 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci (via Zoom), Chris Haley, Anne Landry, Mark Dockser Members - Not Present: Others Present: Human Resources Director Sean Donahue, Town Counsel Ivria Fried (via Zoom), Bernie Lynch (via Zoom) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Sean Donahue Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in a hybrid format. Documents Used: 2021-12-15 SB Agenda The Board was called to order at 7:00 PM. Karen Herrick opened the meeting by thanking Community Paradigm for their work on the Town Manager Search. Bernie Lynch of Community Paradigm spoke about the process. He stated they received 23 resumes which yielded three finalists. It was also stated that one of the finalists, Jennifer Phillips, withdrew. Karen asked the Board members to share thoughts on the candidates interviewed. Chris Haley spoke about Fidel Maker citing his energy, passion, and determination. He said although he does not have as much experience, it is all about drive and determination. He stated Fidel sent an individual thank you email. He also said Fidel has knocked down many walls and thinks he would stick around for the long -run. He closed by stating Fidel will be his vote tonight. Carlo Bacci agreed with Chris. He said Patrice is a very strong candidate. He stated he was impressed by all three, but Fidel rose to the top and is an outstanding individual. He finished by stating Fidel will have his support. Mark Dockser had great feedback on both candidates. He felt Patrice would be ready on day one, stating how he likes how she chases money. He added Fidel really impressed him with his commitment, stating Page 1 1 Fidel wants to be a face in the community. He added he thinks the community would like abridge to the next path and sees a lot of need for supportfrom staff and boards. He closed by saying his candidate would be Fidel. Anne Landry opened stating the Board had two exceptional candidates, but Fidel has an edge. She said Patrice has strong experience performing a similarjob in a peer community and connections to the Reading area. She said Fidel is extremely focused and does well with the budget and DEI. She said he seeks community buy in and his references were glowing. She finished by stating Fidel has the vision, innovation, and record of bringing people together. Karen Herrick said she echoes many of the previous comments. She said it truly needs to be a community discussion. She said Patrice is an amazing Town Administrator and has a lot of respect for what she did In Belmont citing a successful track record and ability to go after grants. She then said Fidel is an amazing person, super smart, and an amazing communicator. She added he has great problem - solving skills. Her initial concern was support but finished by stating she can get behind Fidel. Mark Dockser made a motion to appoint Fidel Maltez as Town Manager subject to a successful negotiation of an employment agreement and any further background checks deemed necessary. The motioned was seconded by Karen Herrick. Chris pointed out it was a rocky road and he appreciated the efforts of Karen and Anne along with appreciating the unanimous vote. Carlo stated he is excited. A roll call vote was taken: Carlo yes Chris yes Mark yes Anne yes Karen yes Bernie added Fidel is watching and is very excited. Mark Dockser made a motion to authorize Chair, Karen Herrick, to begin negotiations with the selected Town Manager through the use of Town Counsel and the assistance of the search consultant, Community Paradigm. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick. Carlo asked about the typical timeframe. Bernie said it is never typical but usually seven to ten days. He said he hopes for a contract before end of December. Anne asked about Executive Session and when the Board would convene. Bernie agreed and maybe in the next week for a one-hour session. A roll call vote was taken: Carlo yes Chris yes Mark yes Anne yes Karen yes Page 1 2 Ivria Fried, Town Counsel, concurred with everything Bernie said and hoped to meet next week Wednesday or Thursday. The Board agreed to meet for Executive Session on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 7:30 PM. Mark Dockser made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley. A roll call vote was taken: Carlo yes Chris yes Mark yes Anne yes Karen yes Select Board adjourned at 7:47 PM Page 1 3