By Beth David, Editor
At it’s meeting on Monday, 11/13/19, the Fairhaven Selectboard approved the reclassification of a position in the public works department, creating new position.
An administrative assistant position will be moved up from level 14 to level 15 and become an office manager position.
Town Administrator Mark Rees told board members that the new wage and classification system is not a “static document” and should be reviewed and revised as necessary.
He said there was a “pretty exhaustive process” to evaluate the position and make sure the duties and responsibilities were commensurate with the classification.
“I like the methodology,” said Selectboard member Bob Espindola, adding that the documents mention fairness. “And I know that’s what this whole effort is about.”
Selectboard member Daniel Freitas asked for clarification on the money that town meeting had just appropriated the night before. Mr. Rees and public works superintendent Vinnie Furtado explained that the town meeting appropriation was for a mistake from the previous fiscal year budget and the reclassification.
Mr. Freitas said they were told the money was for a specific “young lady” and that was why he had voted for it.
He then said another person was working part time and making too much, and the new money would make it even higher.
Mr. Furtado assured him that the salaries did not change. He said they were just making sure the line item in the budget had enough in it to cover the increase.
“Are we done reclassifying?” asked Mr. Freitas.
Mr. Rees explained that it is a “dynamic system” and will be reviewed occasionally, and any recommended changes will be taken back to the board. He said there are no more pending reclassification requests “at this time.
The item passed unanimously.
The board also approved the FY21 Policy Goals and Objectives. The board met earlier in the fall and decided on priorities for the coming fiscal year. Mr. Rees created the document based on those discussions. After another open meeting, the board made some revisions, and Mr. Rees presented that document to the board. The board approved the document unanimously. It will be posted on the town’s website.
The board also approved the Budget Policy Statement, which is available on the town’s website.
In his report, Mr. Rees acknowledged the receipt of a letter in regards to the National Flood Insurance Program, saying that the town has a good working knowledge of flood plain management. The town’s participation in the plan “provides great protection” for the 546 properties in the program, said Mr. Reese, adding that it covers about $126 million in coverage.
Mr. Espindola noted that the letter also said that updates involve changes to three flood rate insurance maps that will necessitate changes to the town’s zoning bylaws.
Mr. Rees said he will follow up with Town Planner Paul Foley.
In other business, the board:
• Signed onto the statewide mutual aid systems
• Granted the Management Services Contract for the CDBG FY19 Hedge Street project to Breezeway Consulting
• Granted the Engineering Contract for the CDBG FY19 Hedge Street Contract to GCG Consulting.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 11/28/19 issue: 11-28-19 Shopping
