By Mary Macedo, Neighb News Correspondent
At its meeting on Monday, 5/7 the Fairhaven Board of Public Works held interviews for Special Motor Equipment Operator in the Highway Department, and for a Working Foreperson Sewer System Maintenance Craftsperson. The BPW interviewed four candidates for the a SMEO in the Highway Department.
Board member Mike Ristuccia explained that the decision would be difficult. The job requires three licenses: the 2B, 4E, and 4G. He said that he was very against hiring people who do not have the licenses. He said that seniority is also a huge factor in the hiring.
Alex DeSantos, the first to be interviewed, explained that he had the most seniority, but did not have the licenses.
BPW Superintendent Vincent Furtado explained that the town is holding a 4E and 4G licensing class at the end of the month, which Mr. DeSantos is signed up for. Mr. DeSantos added that he had scheduled his licensing test for 5/30.
Mr. Ristuccia explained that he would not hire someone without the license and maybe the board should consider postponing the hiring until after the class and test.
Mr. Furtado also mentioned that the Highway Superintendent John Charbonneau who could not attend the meeting made a recommendation that Mr. DeSantos be hired because he is a great worker and the most senior employee.
Mr. Furtado also explained that after the job was posted the state changed the requirements for the job, which is why the department decided to hold the class.
Board member Robert “Hoppy” Hobson explained that if they hire the senior guy they will receive a grievance from the Highway Department for not hiring the employee with the licenses, and if they hire the guy with the licenses they will get a grievance for not hiring the most senior guy. He suggested the board promote both men, but the board explained that there is currently only one position.
“I believe the more senior guy should get the job even though that is not me,” said Jimmy Lawrence during his interview. “I just wanted to put my name in the hat to show that I want to move up.”
Mr. Lawrence explained that he has not scheduled his test because he is waiting to take the class first.
The board then interviewed Tom Perry, who explained that he just received all three of his licenses needed for the job and has only been working in the Highway Department for a year and nine months.
He noted that the three other candidates have been working for the town longer than he has and still have not received their licenses.
Mr. Perry said that he went for his licenses so he could be the most qualified when interviewing.
Mr. Hobson said it was excellent that and board member Cameron Durant both commended Mr. Perry for getting all his licenses.
Sean Simonin told the board that he made the appointment to go for his license and just applied for the position to show that he is looking to better himself and wants to move up the ladder.
Mr. Ristuccia said that he wished they could promote everyone.
Mr. Wotton explained that based on seniority they should hire Mr. DeSantos because the contract states to hire the most senior candidate.
Mr. Wotton explained that because the requirements for the job were changed by the state after the job posted he believed that the board should wait until after Mr. DeSantos and the other candidates take the test at the end of the month.
Mr. Wotton explained that if Mr. DeSantos passes the test, they hire him because he is the most senior member. If Mr. DeSantos does not pass the test Mr. Wotton said they should hire Mr. Perry because he is the most qualified. Mr. Ristuccia agreed that waiting until after the test would be a good idea.
Mr. Hobson questioned why Mr. Charbonneau was not there to speak about who to hire. Mr. Furtado explained that Mr. Charbonneau gave him his recommendation.
“He should be here,” Mr. Hobson said. “The problem with all the superintendents is they come whenever they want.”
Administrative Assistant Kathy Tripp suggested they promote Mr. DeSantos for 90 days and if he does not pass the test demote him.
Mr. Ristuccia disagreed with that idea.
Mr. Perry explained that the contract says the senior most qualified should get the job,
Mr. Wotton agreed and explained that the only person qualified for the position in regards to licenses is Mr. Perry, which makes him the senior most qualified.
Mr. Hobson made a motion to hire Mr. Perry. The motioned passed with all in favor except Mr. Durant.
For the sewer department position, the board interviewed John McGilvray. Sewer Department Superintendent Linda Schick explained that Mr. McGilvrayr has been doing the position for the past week and has been doing a great job.
Mr. Hobson noted that Mr. McGilvray applied last time and came in second. Mr. Hobson agreed that he should definitely get the job this time.
Mr. McGilvray asked if he would have to start at step one again because if so that would only up his pay by $50 a week, but the job is three times the work of his current job. He said he knew he had a lot to learn but would like to start a little higher up.
Mr. Hobson questioned if the board would get in trouble if they started him on a higher step.
The board agreed to hire Mr. McGilvrayat level 12 step 3. The motion passed unanimously.
In another matter the board discussed Ms. Tripp’s retirement at the end of June. Mr. Furtado explained that Rebecca Vento will be taking Ms. Tripp’s place, but interviews will need to be held to fill Ms. Vento’s position. He said they have 37 applicants for the job.
Mr. Hobson suggested a BPW member be on the screening committee. Mr. Furtado said that was not at all necessary and that Ms. Vento should help with the process.
Mr. Hobson said he did not want it to get political. Mr. Wotton said that the BPW members should have no part in it.
Mr. Furtado said that in the end the BPW will hire the final candidate. If the board does not like the candidate that the committee picks, then they will bring another candidate until they find someone everyone agrees on.
Mr. Hobson said that he did not want to be like the Selectboard, which gave up all their power to the Town Administrator.
Mr. Wotton banged his gavel loudly, stating that he wanted to move on.
Following the argument the BPW went into executive session.
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