executive meeting for previous town managers contract negotiations time line.

Here are the executive minutes and the time line of the previous negotiations with the Town Managers Contract. Check the starting date of February 22nd 2010 and an ending date of March 25th 2010. the last contract took 4 weeks to conclude. I believe Sutt Recall is Justified and the reason for the removal is Solid. The Selectmen Ignored the direction of the Taxpayers.


TOWN OF WINCHENDON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2010
Town Manager’s Office, 4th Floor – Town Hall

Present:
Keith Barrows, Chairman James M. Kreidler, Jr., Town Manager
Mark Shea, Vice Chairman Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant
Burton E. Gould, Jr.
Elizabeth Hunt
Ed Bond


Chairman Barrows called the meeting to order at 10:39 p.m.

topic removed non relevant

topic removed non relevant

Gould mentioned that the School Committee would like to come before the Board in Executive Session on March 22nd.



With the next agenda item involving the Town Manager’s contract negotiations, Kreidler and Bond recused themselves. Kreidler left the room and Bond removed himself from the table and sat in the background.
Shea said the Town Accountant has drafted a report from his information regarding amendments to the Town Manager’s contract that will show the savings to the Town. He said he’s received comments from Barrows but no comments from Gould. Hunt has some concerns with the insurance benefits in the contract, especially giving the Town Manager money back Barrows talked about the leadership Kreidler has shown by not taking raises and his willingness to negotiate his current contract. Gould said remember you have to appropriate at Town Meeting for his contract. The Board continued to discuss other portions of the Town Manager’s contract. Gould left Executive Session at 11:40 p.m.

The Board decided to strike through what will be removed from the contract and underline anything new to present to the Town Manager. Barrows will work on it and have it ready at the end of the weekend.

Kreidler was called back into the meeting room at 11:55 p.m. and told a draft document will be ready for him next Monday to discuss at the second meeting in March when a full Board will be present. Kreidler stated that although the intent of the law is met with member Bond recusing himself from the table, he would not discuss his contract negotiations with him in the room. It’s a conflict of interest. The law says he is restricted from participating in this and lobbying you individually. Bond left the room at 11:58 p.m.

It was decided if Kreidler had any questions with the draft amended contract before the meeting, he could reach out to Shea for questions and/or clarification.

Shea moved to adjourn; Hunt seconded. By roll call vote of Barrows aye, Shea aye, and Hunt aye, the meeting adjourned at 12:02 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Linda Daigle
Executive Assistant



APPROVED:_April 26, 2010___
RELEASED: November 15, 2010

TOWN OF WINCHENDON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
Town Manager’s Office, 4th Floor – Town Hall

Present:
Keith Barrows, Chairman James M. Kreidler, Jr., Town Manager
Mark Shea, Vice Chairman Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant
Elizabeth Hunt

Absent: Burton E. Gould, Jr
Ed Bond


Chairman Barrows called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. in the 4th Floor Robinson-Broadhurst Conference Room with the Pledge of Allegiance. Shea moved to go into Executive Session under Exemption No. 3, contract negotiations with non-union personnel. Hunt seconded. By roll call vote all aye, the Board entered into Executive Session at 7:13 p.m.
The Board presented the Town Manager with a draft contract. Discussion surrounded around severance on page two and what is comparable.
On page 2 in the first paragraph, they agreed to strike out the words “Public Administration” and discussed a “comparable position” definition using a percentage versus using a dollar figure.
Biweekly payroll was already agreed to. Discussion surrounded around the Selectmen’s proposed 1 and 3 % rate increase for the next two years. Kreidler stated he could possibly receive 0, 0, 0 increases in the next three years but if Town employees get raises then his contract could be considered as well.
The Town Manager’s work schedule was discussed and it was agreed to strike the first and second sentence and add “therefore” (“It is recognized that the TM must, therefore”).
The evaluation tool and scale were discussed and agreement was made that they would review and possibly change the evaluation tool at some time as the contract gives them this privilege.
Other points discussed were:
• Accrued vacation was discussed looking to go from twelve weeks down to six.
• An option to do away with sick leave and accrued sick pay upon severance and replace it with short term disability
• Ten Personal Days becoming non-compensable (further discussion needed)
• Additional Life Insurance (further discussion needed)
• Monthly gas allotment versus weekly (further discussion needed)
• Flat lining the Educational Stipend (further discussion needed)
• Fitness benefit does not need to be specific of facility chosen
• It was agreed that they would not strike no. 7 on Page 8 regarding death benefits to his estate due to it being the law.
• The footnote on Page 11 regarding discipline was discussed and decided to be addressed
• The Personnel Bylaw statement on Page 12 under 2/2 is no longer applicable and will be striken from the contract.
The Board took a recess at 9:13 p.m. and reconvened at 9:24 p.m.
The Town Manager informed the Board the Town Accountant costed out all the benefits of the current contract for the next three years. Then she took your proposed changes and costed out those changes. The takeback from your proposal is $180,662.
Kreidler presented the Board with a spreadsheet showing his suggested negoations. Some of them were:
• 0, 0, 0 yearly rate increase instead of your 0, 1 3. The total cash give back is $4,000
• An additional value of severence by not going 5 ¾% each year, you get back $50, 946.
• Do away with three months severance, you get another $31,593
• Cap sick leave buyback for $29,163
• Reduce 75 days at 100% to 75 days at 20% for $36,453
• If he gets a job within a certain time, he doesn’t take the full year severance.
Kreidler then offered a second proposal: a five year contract which would be more security for him but a better severence clause for the Town. Discussion surrounded around the spreadsheet showing the Net Cash Impact and the Net Severance Impact with the guaranteed give back to the Town of $254,895. He offered to update his contract with the changes and send to the Selectmen to review.
Barrows inquired with the Board about meeting next week on Wednesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. Hunt and Shea agreed. Gould and Bond will be notified and the meeting will be posted. Shea moved to adjourn, Hunt seconded. By roll call vote of all aye, the meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant



APPROVED: __April 26, 2010__
RELEASED: November 15, 2010


TOWN OF WINCHENDON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
March 17, 2010
Town Manager’s Office, Town Hall

Present:
Keith Barrows, Chairman Jim Kreidler, Jr., Town Manager
Mark Shea, Vice Chairman Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant
Elizabeth Hunt


Absent: Burton Gould
Ed Bond


The meeting convened in open session in the 4th floor Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation Conference Room at 6:31 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Shea moved to go into Executive Session under exemption #3 to continue contract negotiations; Hunt seconded. By roll call vote of all aye, the motion carried and the Board entered into Executive Session. The Board moved to the Town Manager’s Office. Kreidler excused himself from the room so the Board could discuss his contract amongst themselves.
After reviewing the Town Manager’s proposed contract changes presented at the last meeting, Hunt announced she was concerned with the change to a five year contract versus three years and how it would be perceived by the public along with changing how the process is currently. Conversation surrounded around the severance clause and differences between a three year or five year contract.
The Chairman, sharing his feelings said we should not be fearful of changing this because we already have a five year contract in Town with the School Superintendent’s contract. The School Committee took a three year contract and amended it to five years. He said he hears what people are saying and understands. This proposal locks the Town Manager in for three years with a reduced salary of $1,500. Over a five year period, it is a 1.2 % increase and we’re dropping down the severance benefit and reducing the base salary. The Town Manager has been here for twelve years and has been getting the job done. He is the only Town Manager that has made it beyond a three year term. This five year propsoal seems to have a level of more security, but he still has to perform. The termination provision is present. I’ll agree with what you two have to move forward.
The Board decided to keep the five year contract plan in for the time being for discussion. On page 2 of the proposed contract, Barrows commented that the definition of a four-fifths vote was good but there were concerns around footnote number two and three to determine the percentage of base and what is considered equitable in regards to a new job.
On page 3, No. 3, “Compensation,” the Board agreed they didn’t like the “such other greater percentage” and marked to discuss further.
On page 4, the Board had no issues with the proposed changes regarding “Performance Evaluation”.
On page 5, Selectmen Shea wanted to check on the “no waiting period” under Illness and Disability.
On page 6, the Board felt that “or for short term illness of members of his immediate family” should be striken and that guidelines should be sought from insurance companies on short term and long term illness or disability standards. Shea felt that the proposed changes regarding the days of disability should remain the way it was originally.
On page 7, under “Miscellaneous Benefits” the Board felt the following statement should be added: “if Health Insurance provider or plan options change during the contract period, the parties agree to reopen this section to negotiate available plans.”
On page 8, “Miscellaneous Benefits” No.3, the Board discussed whether or not to add “pending submission of associated receipts” or leave as it was in the original contract. They felt the Town Manager’s vehicle should be chosen by mutual consent of both parties instead of by the Town Manager soley and also to stipulate it was for his use only, not his family. Under No. 5, discussion surrounded around the 12 ½% education stipend and whether or not to have a flat number or put it at 10%.
On page 12, “Termination,” Shea questioned the reasoning behind No. 2.1. It was explained that it was solely for clarification purposes. The Board discussed reverting back to 15 days notice from the 30 day notice proposed change and discussed the arbitration costs in 2.2.
With the time being 7:48 p.m. and a prior commitment Selectmen Shea had, he moved to adjourn the meeting. Hunt seconded. By roll call vote of all aye, Executive Session was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,

Linda Daigle
Executive Assistant



APPROVED:_____June 1, 2010__
RELEASED: November 15, 2010

TOWN OF WINCHENDON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010
Town Manager’s Office – 4th Floor Town Hall

Present:
Keith Barrows, Chairman James M. Kreidler, Jr., Town Manager
Mark Shea, Vice Chairman Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant
Burton E. Gould, Jr.
Beth Hunt
Ed Bond


Chairman Barrows convened Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. in the Town Manager’s office.

Shea moved to approve the Robinson-Broadhurst grant application to assist the property owner at of 10 Maynard Rd. with her sewer betterment assessment. Gould seconded. By roll call vote of all aye, the motion carried unanimously.

Barrows asked about the Jurgelewicz dog hearing. Kreidler updated the Board that the Clerk of the Court upheld the town’s decision on the dog the owner received notice on, but the smaller dog was to be given back to the owner.

With the next discussion surrounding the Town Manager’s contract negotiations, Selectman Bond recused himself from Executive Session and left the meeting.

Kreidler responded on the notes from the last meeting. His position still stands for a five year contract. Hunt declared it was her concern about the longer term but feels better about it now. These longer contracts are now being seen. Shea stated he liked the five year contract. Barrows said it brings value and that he had checked with Counsel and under Mass. General Law, the contract could be for five years.

Kreidler explained the severance package on Page 2. The town would not have to pay the final six months. The Board discussed non-renewal severance. Kreidler proposed going down to twelve months from fifteen and taking the first six months up front and then in biweekly payments thereafter if still unemployed. He also proposed, at the Board’s recommendation, removing the “public administration” reference and replacing it with just a “new job”. Further, under the Board’s recommendation, list $10,000 as economically comparable with the cash and non-cash package so there is no question of what is comparable. The Board proposed using a percentage of his full pay instead of a number changing the base component of cash and non-cash compensation from $10,000 to 10%.


Kreidler proposed to eliminate his current sick time policy, freezing the days that he currently has and replace it with the illness and disability benefit. Kreidler presented the Board with quotes on a long term disability policy which will be roughly $1500 a year.

Kreidler presented an amendment to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield benefit in the event that the provider changes during this contract period.

The Life Insurance premium was discussed and agreed by the Board it would increase by $35.00.

In regards to the vehicle clause it was discussed to remove the word “operating” and keep at $40 per week. Add in the contract language stating no one driving the vehicle but a town agent unless there is an emergency. Also add language that all maintenance will be at the discretion of the town garage Manager. The Board decided to allow the Town Manager to purchase a new vehicle at his sole discretion with a number of days notice, unless otherwise kicked back by the Board by a fourth-fifths vote.

The educational stipend was discussed next with the question of it being a flat rate instead of a percentage. Kreidler stated his subordinates get 25% of their base if they have a Master’s Degree. Half of it is paid by the state and half is paid by the town. The Board and the Town Manager agreed to 12% of base. Krediler stated it won’t change with the 0 0 0 increase in the next three years.

The Board had no issues with the plate number or the Indemnification clause on Page 9.

The Board agreed to leave reference to the Home Rule Charter.

Selectman Gould left the meeting at 10:40 p.m.

At Hunt’s request, Kreidler agreed to gather all the details and numbers discussed this evening and compile a report for them.

Shea motioned a vote of agreement in principal for a Town Manager contract of five years incorporating the details discussed this evening; Barrows seconded. By roll call vote of all Hunt aye, Shea aye and Barrows aye, the motion carried unanimously.

The Board agreed to meet in open session on Thursday, March 25 at 3:30 p.m., to adjourn into Executive Session to finalize the Town Manager’s contract and then to reconvene in Open Session to ratify the contract.

Shea motioned to adjourn; Hunt seconded. By roll call vote of all aye, the motion carried and Executive Session was adjourned at 11:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Daigle
Executive Assistant


APPROVED:____June 1, 2010_____
RELEASED:___November 15, 2010_

TOWN OF WINCHENDON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN EXECUTIVE SESSION
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010 – 3:30 P.M.
4th Floor Conference Room

Present:
Keith Barrows, Chairman James M. Kreidler, Jr., Town Manager
Mark Shea, Vice Chairman Linda Daigle, Executive Assistant
Beth Hunt

Absent: Burton E. Gould, Jr.
Ed Bond


Chairman Barrows convened Executive Session at 3:47 p.m. in the Town Manager’s Office under Exemption #3 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

The Board reviewed the new draft Town Manager contract.

Kreidler agreed to get rid of his seventy-five current sick days that he was going to keep for cash value if he were to leave doing away with sick leave altogether. He will keep on record that he has those days in case of negotiation purposes upon termination.

The Board prepared a press release regarding the Town Manager’s negotiated contract.

Shea moved to execute agreement as presented; Hunt seconded. With nothing further to be said and by roll call vote of all aye, the motion passed unanimously and the new agreement was executed.

At 5:08 p.m., the Board adjourned from Executive Session to reconvene in Open Session to ratify the Town Manager’s contract agreement.

Respectfully submitted,


Linda Daigle
Executive Assistant