HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 11,2005
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony,Vice Chairman Richard
Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Human
Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following
list of interested parties: Megan Tafoya.
Discussion/Action Items
Appointment of Town Accountant - The Chairman announced that the purpose of this meeting
was to appoint a Town Accountant. The Town Manager noted that one of the two remaining
finalists has just now withdrawn his application, leaving only a single applicant for the position.
Selectman Ben Tafoya who chaired the Town Accountant Screening Committee suggested that
the Board diver any action until their next meeting on August 23, 2005 and that between now
and then, the Town Accountant Screening Committee would meet to make a recommendation.
The Board of Selectmen then reviewed what they are looking for in a Town Accountant.
Chairman Camille Anthony distributed notes dated August 11th outlining six characteristics that
she thought were important. They included:
1. Accounting and auditing background including status as a designated CPA;
2. Budgeting and oversight management;
3. Communication skills;
4. Depth of experience in working with the accounting and financial areas;
5. Experience having direct responsibility to Executive Board while interacting daily with
the CEO; i.e., the Town Manager;
6. Finance statement preparation and analysis skills.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert agreed and added that it is a critical position. The person
needed to be independent and strong enough to stand up when something is not right. This
requires resolution and strength of character. The person needs to be able to maintain the trust
that we have in the accounting function currently.
Selectman James Bonazoli listed the characteristics in priority as trust and integrity. He felt that
the role was changing and that the position will be more in the spotlight given what's happening
in the auditing and accounting functions in the private sector. The person needs to represent.
Reading with integrity and trust. He would prioritize Chairman Camille Anthony's list as:
1. Financial statement preparation and analysis skills first;
2. Accounting and auditing background including CPA second; and
3. Experience having direct responsibility to an executive body while interacting daily with
the CEO.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 11,2005—Page 2
Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that we had three candidates. He would have been able to vote to
make a decision at the last meeting. The Town Manager is anxious to get this position filled.
We need to move as quickly as possible.
The Town Manager gave an update on the water restrictions, and answered questions as to why
Town athletic fields and parks were exempt.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to adiourn
their meeting of August 11, 2005 at.8:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully sub ed,
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