MINUTES of the BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
WORK SESSION, Wednesday April 7, 2010
Board Members Present: Sherman Tedford, Chairman; Roberta Fraser; Theresa Sepe; Gustave Ruth; and Kenneth Gardner. Also present Robert Gray, Town Administrator; Department Heads-Barry Kellom, Rick Meleski, John Gomarlo, Dale Gray, Ken Smith, Herb Stephens, Sharon Haley, Gary Phillips, Leroy Austin; and Ellen Cole, Executive Assistant. The meeting convenes at 10:00AM. Gary Puffer is absent due to water meter software training.
1st Order of Business: Safety Manual Review
Bob Gray with the assistance of the Local Government Center (hereinafter “LGC”) drafted a Safety Manual for the Town of Winchester. After revisions are made to this template, the Board of Selectmen will need to adopt the policy in order to comply with the State of New Hampshire Department of Labor. All municipalities need to provide safe working environments for their employees, and this manual has been modified to fit Winchester’s needs. Each Department Head has had an opportunity to review the manual to offer feedback, especially in the areas, which pertain to their department and duties. Chairman Tedford would like to review ‘physical safety of town vehicles’ and the situations, which arise in emergency and/or work situations for ambulance, fire, police and highway. Oftentimes these vehicles are left idling, and Selectman Sepe suggests ‘safety switches’ or ‘secret lock buttons’ be installed, or Selectman Ruth suggests ‘extra keys’ or ‘remote key locks’ be used to lock vehicles while not in use during an emergency. In conclusion, when fire, ambulance, emergency and police, are responding on duty and engaged in functions, said personnel shall keep their vehicles secured per their department’s operating procedures. The Board agrees that when issues arise, this policy will need to be revisited and tweaked by addendums.
Sharon Haley in HR/Finance provides each Department Head with a folder that contains a form for reporting on-the-job injuries, which must be processed within a certain number of days, or the Town will be fined. The Board reviews ‘investigation of incidents’ in town vehicles and determines that the police will respond to incidents in Winchester, and/or use another independent law enforcement agency when applicable (and incident occurs out of town). Selectman Sepe discusses ‘confined spaces’ with Rick Meleski, who says in most situations he has not been at risk of anything falling or collapsing on him. Hard hats/safety helmets should be used during excavation and trenching, including water and sewer line subsurface repair work to provide adequate head protection. Water and Sewer Departments will need to purchase hard hats, as Dale and his crew already have them available. Selectman Sepe would like to see an ‘Incident Report Kit’ provided in a timely manner for all town vehicles, after the policy is adopted.
The Board reviews foot protection and reimbursement for purchase made of ‘safety footwear’ by highway, water and sewer and thinks an increase should be made to compensate town employees for this expenditure. The Board learns about the Joint Loss Management Committee. Eventually after the Board adopts this safety policy, the committee will need to have the proper balance of management and employees in order to comply with statutory requirements. Any person, who flags traffic, must be certified. Rick Meleski makes the Board aware that the Water Department has a non-assembled, collapsible trench box, and would like the Board to consider purchase of a heavy-duty trench box to fit all departments’ needs especially when an emergency arises. Dale Gray offers to price out a trench box compatible in weight with the Town’s backhoe. Bob and Ellen will make these changes as discussed prior to signature and put before the Board at next week’s work session scheduled for April 14, 2010.
2nd Order of Business: Town Policies
Chairman Tedford would like to have a public discussion while the Department Heads are still present regarding Town policy. Chairman Tedford is concerned that personnel are exhibiting poor behavior, which is being vocalized to their fellow co-workers and suggests it stop immediately. Town policies are in place and need to be followed by every Town employee. Selectman Sepe will not tolerate disrespect among employees or inappropriate statements being made to co-workers. Selectman Sepe reminds the Department Heads that their attitudes affect their employees, and if they have a problem they need to address that concern to the Board who makes the policy. Selectman Fraser adds personnel matters have been dealt with in a confidential manner, and when the Board requests information from a department, that person is doing their job by following up on that request. The Board is not going to ignore misuse of the purchase policy, and that person should be held accountable for their actions. Sharon Haley states the purchasing policy has been in place since 2008, and lately her department has been taking the brunt of accusations and turmoil. Selectman Gardner says the town employees need to work together, and follow the policy in place. If you don’t know, then ask the Board for direction. Selectman Ruth adds the Board reviews paperwork and if they have a question, they are going to follow up with the appropriate personnel for answers. In close, Chairman Tedford advises the Department Heads to move forward, and work together as a team. The Town has a lot of projects coming up and the Board relies on them to manage these departments. The Board gives the Department Heads an opportunity to speak or comment, and no one offers any response.
3rd Order of Business: Recess
The Board takes a 10-minute break at 11:50AM and resumes the meeting at 12:00PM.
4th Order of Business: Any Other Business
Selectman Sepe makes a motion to increase the boot allotment for sewer, water and highway departments from $100.00 to $175.00 to appropriately purchase safety shoes. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion and it passes 5-0. The shoe retailer can send the Town a bill and the employee pays the rest. The Town does not have to purchase from one manufacturer, and the employees in these departments are allowed to buy one pair of safety boots per year.
A trench box is currently disassembled at the Well No. 1-storage. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to have the Water Superintendent assemble the trench box and store at the highway garage within the next two weeks, and may ask for assistance to get it done within that timeframe. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion and it passes 5-0.
5th Order of Business: Truck Specifications for 2011 Model
Dale reviews the proposed, detailed specifications for the 2011 medium duty dump truck with the Board. The warrant article passed in March 2010, giving the Board authorization to enter into a 3-year lease/purchase agreement in the amount of $64,996 to be paid in 3 annual principal and interest payments of $23,174 for the purpose of purchasing a 2011 1-ton dump truck, with central hydraulics system, flat bed dump body and plow set-up. Dale would like to trade-in the 1999 F450 1-ton truck with plow, as-is, which will not pass inspection. The Board agrees and asks that he get an official rejection sticker. The Board asks Ellen to advertise in the Keene Sentinel, website and around town. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to advertise for the 2011 truck in the Keene Sentinel, with a closing date of April 28, 2010, and Dale may solicit bids outside of the Keene area. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion and it passes 5-0. Ellen suggests awarding the bid a week after the bids are opened, so the Board can thoroughly review them. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to reconsider the previous motion. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion and it passes 5-0. Selectman Sepe makes a motion to award the bid on May 5, 2010, with advertising in the Keene Sentinel, and bid opening on April 28, 2010. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion and it passes 5-0. The Board will accept sealed bids until April 28 and award the bid on May 5, 2010.
6th Order of Business: Any Other Business
While John Gomarlo is present, Chairman Tedford asks him about the status for reappointing members to the Revitalization Economic Development Committee. All terms expire this year, and some members have not been showing up for meetings. The Chairman asks John to prepare a list of recommendations, and asks Ellen to post openings for this committee on the website. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest to Margaret Sharra by April 24, 2010. The Board will then review appointments after the closing date.
Rick Meleski has some information for the Board regarding the replacement of the 1982 chlorine tanks. Rick spoke with Steve Roberts (NHDES Senior Sanitary Engineer) who approves purchase and installation of high density cross link polyethylene tanks and oxidation resistant barrier. Rick is still inclined to make this purchase from Northeast Fluid Control; hire Lawrence Excavation to lift the roof, remove and replace the tanks; and B.K. Plumbing (licensed plumber) for installation of lines/valves. Northeast has had very few problems with transporting and provide a 3-year warranty on these tanks. Rick intends to test the tanks once delivered to guarantee they sustained no damage during transportation. Selectman Sepe suggests the job go to a bonded, licensed contractor. Rick feels this is a very simple job and would prefer to not involve the engineers to keep the cost down. These tanks have a 15-year life expectancy and will be Rick’s responsibility to maintain over the years. Rick intends to use one tank at a time, and switch out when once the operating tank starts to leak. The Board still needs to digest this information and tables further discussion till next week.
Rick asks the Board if he has the authority to instruct the engineers to remove some overgrown big shrubs and trees, and remove some fill behind the plant, to which Chairman Tedford responds, as long as we do not need a change order and at no additional cost to the Town. Selectman Fraser makes a motion that Rick may use his discretion and do what is necessary for tree, bush, and topsoil removal by Lawrence Excavation, at no additional cost to the Town. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion an it passes 5-0.
The Town has finally received written approval of Contract Amendment No. 1, dated December 11, 2009 from the NHDOT, which increases the original for the Hoyle, Tanner & Associates (hereinafter “HTA”) contract for replacement of bridge over Wheelock Brook by $8,482.00 for a new total of $45,442.00. Formerly, the Board requested redesign of a shorter span to stay within the $500,000.00 budget for this project, with the Board’s full knowledge of its liability should any damages be incurred to the bridge or roadway during a 50-year flood event. Selectman Sepe abstains from voting since she was not involved, and excuses herself from the meeting at 12:50PM due to a previous engagement. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to authorize Bob Gray to sign the Contract Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the Town. Selectman Fraser seconds the motion and it passes 4-0.
The Town Clerk sent a memo to all boards and committees in Town to reiterate that those members are responsible for their own minutes and distribution, with written copies to be held in the clerk’s office, as provided under statute. Chairman Tedford makes clear that these duties lie with said boards. If these committees wish to have their minutes on the website, they should send to Ellen electronically. Selectman Gardner makes a motion that these duties are the responsibility of the boards and committees, and not the Town Administrator or his assistant’s job. Selectman Fraser seconds the motion and it passes 4-0.
7th Order of Business: Adjournment
Selectman Fraser makes a motion to adjourn. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion and it passes 4-0. The meeting adjourns at 1:01PM.
Respectfully recorded,
Ellen A. Cole
Executive Assistant
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22 comments:
Gee Sherman if the piney wood felony was a fact, and it got covered up, what the heck do you care what the employees are saying about anything. Couldn't straighten thing out at the AM coffee clutch?
I know they are making enough to buy their own boots! What the heck?
OK, so if the current truck is so far gone that it will not pass inspection, can someone please give Dale a lesson on how to treat a truck? Can we not treat the new one like a baby and take excellent care of it?
When the truck had to get it's third transmission, that should have been an indication that either you bought a lemon or that someone DOESN'T know what they are doing.
Spend more of our money on stupidity. Just shut the damn trucks off, lock the damn doors. There's no reason you have to leave a vehicle running and unattended. STOP THE FOOLISHNESS AND WASTING OUR TAX DOLLARS! DOESN'T ANYONE AT TOWN HALL HAVE A LICK OF COMMON SENSE?
You've got to be kidding $175 for boots, what is wrong with Wal-Mart or Sears? Hell I wear steel toed boots and my workplace only authorizes $50 and I pay the rest. No wonder our taxes are so high, they think spending money is a good thing.. FOOLS.
Our taxes are so high because of us voters.
Maybe the employees are sharing ideas for a better workplace.
Sharing ideas sounds like it could be very dangerous if you work for the Town of Winchester.
If coworkers talking about things amongst themselves is wrong and it might cost you your job what a bad environment to have to be working in.
I wonder if they sell $175 high heels for the water dept. secretary. Don't need safety equip. if you never leave the office, except for the hour and a half lunch. Are any of you taxpayers wearing $175 dollar shoes?
The bestest and the mostest for our Winchester town employees! You do not expect Dale Gray to show up for work driving his new $64,000 truck wearing shoe from Payless do ya? The Winchester employees buy nothing but the best from Northeast Outfitters or Sam's at you the tax payers.
Let's see now Wrangler Relax fit jeans and new shoes while they sit around the town shed drinking Green Mt. Coffee watching big screen TV or how about some games on the computer! Look at how T. Sepe jumps right into the spending game. Who are the FOOLS here?
Hey Watch Dog, you are correct in asking who are the fools. We are we did not elect people that would change things. So enough said put up with what is happening.
Why should we "put up with what is happening"? You seem to forget that these elected officials are suppose to be working for us, not the other way around. They are required to answer to the people, not the other way around. They are trusted to act responsibly and act in a frugal manner when allocating and spending tax payer dollars; they are not. We, the citizens of Winchester do not have to "put up" with anything, what we can do is demand accountability and if we don't get it, there are means to remedy the problem if we all stand together.
they keep on forgetting the most important thing that needs to be installed at town hall .. how about a darn time clock so you can see who shows up on time, puts in a full days work and who leaves when they should. that would surely save the town quite a bit of money. don't forget the one at the highway dept too. and a big sign to, "work starts at 7am, not when you decide to come in"
Doesn'T matter when you get to work, if you don't start working until your dam good and ready. At least a clock would get them in the building on time.
Saw a notice for flushing the hydrants in the Keene paper, got me to thinking, when was the last time we flushed the hydrants in Winchester. They used to get done twice a year i think. What happens to the lines if they get neglected for years? With Mr. high heals so overworked, maybe someone in the town hall has a kid that needs a summer job and could get this done.
I can confirm that it hasn't been done at our hydrant since he took on the job. And while they are at it, where is the test results that we typically get in our water bill?
We need to hire someone to get the job done right!
The tests are legally,as i understand it, supposed to be on the water bill once a year. This Puffer guy knows the law, looks like he is just to lazy to do his job. Who is going to challenge him, the selectmen, i don't think so.Good time to move Rick in, and hire a part time secretary. As it stands now the people on town water have no idea what they are drinking and with Gus's statement about pollution on rte10 in would make the users a little worried i would think.
If i was on town water i would be talking to the selectmen about bringing the state in to check things out. From what i hear truth and Puffer cant be used in the same sentence.
We should all send in a sample and if something is wrong we'll know for sure and then take the necessary steps to resolve the problem and get rid of those who attempted to cover it up. Don't think Gus would have mentioned it if it wasn't something they're worried about yet no one else has said anything not even in the Selectmans minutes. Is this another one of those subjects they just don't talk about in the open?
I would imagine that Winchester water is OK, but how do we know when it appears that the water dept. may not be following the law and it would appear that no flushing is going on. Kind of hard to get any work done from an office chair.
Don't want to get them new boots or comfy jeans dirty and besides someone has to drink all that coffee we purchase for each department and surf the web with the new computers, otherwise how would they justify their bloated budgets?
Anyone seen the specs on the new truck for Dale? Really makes you wonder who's working for who.
Sunday Sentinel said that Winchester will lose around 20 thousand in state money. Even though that not a huge amount, if times don't improve it could get bigger. Our Reps. don't want out of state money[ expanded gaming ], and our selectmen vote ed for things like $175 shoes, and the best truck money can buy. If you are out of work, on short hours, and struggling to keep your home and put food on the table you may want to let these people know how you feel.
Winchester is going to lose about 20 thousand dollars from the state, it may not be a lot of money but it may get worse before it gets better. We keep spending like times are good,$175 shoes and big bucks trucks. Mass is in high gear with there casino program, as our reps Dan and Henry vote no on gaming in NH, with as far as i know no answers of there own on how to fund the budget. When you run into your selectmen or state reps ask them how we are going to keep our homes and feed our kids.
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