HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-04-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
April 19, 1994
The meeting was convened at 7:34
Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,MA.tPresentc were tmenMeeting
Chairman
George Hines, Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Secretary Sally Hoyt,
Selectmen Camille Anthony and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner.
The sole item on the agenda was the discussion of the Town
Manager's salary. George Hines reviewed the salary situation.
f
He noted that this had previously, been discussed. The Mas-
sachusetts Municipal Management Association salary survey was
used. The salary average not including Reading 94 is
for FY
'3 $74,827. The salary average if you include Reading is FY$73,767.
The towns comparable to Reading were used, based on population
G and character of community.
Lexington, North AndoverThe communities included Andover,
, Weston, Winchester, Burlington, Lyn-
nfield, Wakefield and Stoneham. Melrose and Woburn were not used
because they are cities and they have different forms of govern-
ment. Hines noted that he would propose that, consistent with
the pay and classification study, the Town Manager's salary be
incorporated effective January 1, 1994, by an increase of to%.
This would raise his salary to $73, 982 . The benefits
package has
been reviewed, and the Town Manager feels it is in order. Issues
reviewed were deferred compensation and vehicle allowance. Hines
noted that the cost of living increase for FY95 would be applied
on the higher base.
Dan Ensminger noted that the salary increase is long overdue.
The Board had committed to do this along with the pay and clas-
sification process for non-union employees. The proposal with
regard to the Town Manager's salary mirrors the Pay and Clas-
sification Plan. He indicated that the Town Manager has served
admirably during budget crisis and other
problems.
evaluations have been excellent and more than justify the action.
Bill Burditt indicated that the Town Manager has done a very good
job as he has experienced this from his role as a Selectmen and
also as Chairman of the FinCom. He knows the outstanding job
that is done, and feels badly placing the Town Manager's salary
at average. He feels that the proposal is fair based on what has
been done for other non-union employees.
Sally Hoyt noted that the salary of the Town Manager is con-
siderably lower than others. The Town Manager has tremendous
responsibility and has performed exceptionally well. She feels
that all workers should be treated fairly and equitably including
the Town Manager. g
e Camille Anthony noted that when she started to attend Selectmen
meetings in January, she was impressed by the depth of knowledge.
The Town Manager has to be a Jack of all trades, " and she feels
that the Town Manager has done a wonderful job serving the- com-
munity. She noted that Reading is never in the' top' of the range.
This proposal puts the Town Manager in the middle.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - April 19, 1994 - page 2
Hines noted that this is his first term a MChairman
d a dr as performancehe s
he has a unique perspective on the Town g positions on
He answers all questions raised and providesoi cogent y. noted that
issues. He is very helpful in formulating
never P come to the Board of
to the Town Manager's credit, $e has been sensitive
Selectmen and complained about his salary.
to personnel issues, and morale.
on motion by Burditt seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to in-
crease the Town Manager's base FY94 salary by 10% to $73,982. 00
retroactive to January 1, 1994, subject to funding. The motion
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board asked about funding of the FY94 and FY95 salary in-
creases. The Town Manager noted that the Town does have for
available and that a major goal of eliminating longevity
group of people will have been accomplished.ance based systemGeorge Hines oforr
that we will be working towards a p
FY96, and that the Finance Committee has been kept abreast by the
Town Manager. He also notedha
package that will be av for Townncompilet the Manager will
Meet ng members Friday
evening. Camille Anthony
eat d equitably and
per-
sonnel have been trthe Town Manager responded
that they generally had. Camille Anthony indicated that this was
important because if it is not done then there would be no incen-
tive for employees not to join the union.
The Town Manager reviewed some of the items of correspondence.resident - -
rmer P_
George in the
Hines noted that res°dents would wanttokeep him ixon is lin their
hospital, and knew that
thoughts.
4 On motion by Burditt seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to ad-
journ at 8.34 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
�J
Secretary