===PAGE 1=== Select Board Bilotta Meeting Room, Town Hall October 24, 2023 7:00 PM Minutes Present: Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Tom Alonzo, Lou Franco, Caesar Nuzzolo (remote), Renee Emkey (remote), Heather Lemieux Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Public Comment Lou Franco “Master Plan will host a kick-off public meeting on November 2, 2023 at Smokestack Roasters 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. More information is on planlunenburg.org. Heather Lemieux: Last week’s presentation regarding the staffing shortages covered staffing needs by department, action the town is taking and next steps. Heather wanted to make a correction to the estimated hours for the seasonal cemetery employees – FY23 was 805 hours for the year or roughly 15.5 hours a week. The hours presented did not account for holidays, vacation, personal, or sick time for any benefit eligible positions. Heather reviewed with the DPW Director and Cemetery Superintendent the total hours and how that time was split for the seasonal employees and from October 2022 to October 2023 they worked a total of 2,431 hours with an estimated 500 to 560 hours spent on mowing. Heather met with DPW employees and concerns centered around wages, lack of equipment, lack of understanding of the department and the majority of employees need to work a second job or obtain government assistance. Our Highway crew consists of (2) Heavy equipment operators and the highway superintendent. The general consensus is that residents and administration do not understand or appreciate the range of responsibility of the highway department. They handle flooding, snow removal, stormwater issues, clearing roadside vegetation, remove trees, and help with repairing culverts. They assist other DPW divisions of sewer and cemetery, school, parks, facilities department. Heather requests the Board use their voice to support the employees and better understand the roles and responsibilities of its staff. Paula Bertram: (Business Manager of Sewer Department) Thanked Heather for coming to DPW to meet with employees. Paula mentioned morale is low, employees are being asked to do more with less, and responsibility increased but salary has not. Years ago the Town had 10 highway employees and now the department is down to three not including the superintendent. The town needs to invest in basic tools needed to get the jobs done more efficiently such as compressors, cement mixers etc. so they can streamline the workflow. Comments made by the Chair last week are why morale is low. When discussing mowing at the cemeteries at last week’s meeting they questioned why they were paying for 3,900 hours of time when only 600 hours of work is being done – as Heather articulated, the hours were incorrect. The cemetery superintendent is responsible for much more than mowing including assisting the DPW, meeting with grieving families, funeral directors, preparing graves, oversees completing burials and coordinating the installation of monuments and maintaining the cemetery grounds. The personnel and HR Board are encouraging employees to work with their supervisors if they don’t agree with the classification and job descriptions that’s are being presented and I’m glad to see there was movement on that topic. Paula continued to address wages, job descriptions, classification, budgets and workload to encourage the Select Board to work with Commission members and supervisors to address these needs. ===PAGE 2=== Jean Russell, 80 West Street: Jean was distressed with the comments made by the Chair last week. As someone who knows what the superintendent does for the cemetery to hear comments like that at a time where there is short staffing, I feel it is not only ill timed but unfair. Jean urges that in the future more consideration is given to the town employees. Mark Feinberg: Has been a resident for 38 years and wife is in the cemetery and has been there for over 9 years and cemetery employees work very hard. Mark also requested there be closed captions on the TV for those hard of hearing. Dave McDonald, 155 Island Road: Dave has worked with the DPW for many years, Dave wanted to thank Heather for the efforts and if anything is needed he is happy to help. Christos Lekaditis, President of Lunenburg Professional Firefighters: Christos wanted to thank the Town Manager for the presentation and wanted to address the recruitment and retention issues. Losing one or two people in a department drastically affects the department operations, specifically in public safety departments. Salaries being negotiated are average for a very short period of time and obsolete or back at the bottom before they get approved at town meeting. Christos stressed the impact of losing a department head in the future which is realistic as both department heads in the public safety building are nearing the end of their careers. He mentioned department heads are grossly underpaid and hope the Board and Finance Committee can support the efforts to address the wages. Tom Alonzo: Tom agrees with the public comments and stressed the importance of working as a team and recognizing the public comments made today in regard to all employees that the Board does encourage citizens and volunteers and employees to speak out and acknowledge issues such as the ones that were discussed today. Michael-Ray Jeffreys: Michael-Ray recalls questioning a request from the Cemetery Commission for $10,000 and remembers the strong feedback he received and acknowledged the role of the cemetery is important to the residents. Michael-Ray wanted to address the original hours that were calculated were 3,900 and was corrected to 2,431 which is a large difference and part of this role requires asking questions. Michael-Ray has expressed support for wage increases and the need for a climate survey to improve the work culture and has discussed with department heads about opportunities for advancement. Michael-Ray thanked the members that came today and spoke and stressed how much the Board appreciates hearing the feedback. Renee Emkey: Renee wanted to thank Heather for going to the DPW and getting feedback first hand and is a step in the right direction. Renee continued that feeling appreciated doesn’t negate the need for an employee to work a second job and will have to all work together to come up with a solution. Caesar Nuzzolo: Thanked the Town Manager as well as the public for bringing feedback to the Board’s attention. Lou Franco: Lou made note there is positivity on social media for the public appreciating the work that DPW, Fire, Police etc. do and can go a long way. Announcements Lunenburg Business Association moved the Trunk or Treat Event until October 29 th 12:00 Noon – 3:00 PM at the Lunenburg High School upper parking lot; registration is required and can be found on the website and social media. Halloween trick-or-treating will be Tuesday October 31 st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM ===PAGE 3=== Yard waste days are every Saturday until November 18th 8:00AM – 4:00PM at Youngs Rd Planning Board will hold their public hearing for the agricultural commission and planning board special town meeting articles on Monday October 30th at 6PM in the Bilotta Meeting Room Special Town Meeting is November 14th at 7:00 PM in the middle school high school auditorium Jenny Smith has passed her Certification exam as a paramedic. Jenny joined the Fire Department in October 2020 and was promoted to Career Firefighter EMT in July 2022. Jenny’s paramedic training began of January 2023 and was completed in September and included nearly 2,000 hours of classroom training, clinical rotations with various hospital units and extensive field training time with active paramedic units. The Lunenburg Police Department received their accreditation from the MA Police Accreditation Commission led by Sergeant John Morreale. It is a comprehensive and lengthy evaluation process. Communications from other Boards Interviews/Appointments/Reappointments/Resignations Ratification of the Town Manager’s Appointment of DPW Driver/Laborer Mason Cooper Lou Franco made Motion to Ratify the Town Manager’s Appointment of Mason Cooper to the position of DPW Driver Labor. Seconded by Tom Alonzo. Roll Call Vote, T. Alonzo, aye; L. Franco, aye; C. Nuzzolo, aye; R. Emkey, aye; M. Jeffreys, aye. Town Manager Report Vacancies: • The Town Manager listed current vacancies on boards, committees, and commissions, including the Architectural Preservation District Commission, Cemetery Commission, Finance Committee, Green Communities Committee, Open Space Committee, and Personnel Committee. • Employment opportunities include positions such as Assistant to the Sewer Business Manager, Assistant Town Accountant, Assistant Meal Site Manager, Conservation Administrator, Facility Superintendent, Finance Director, Heavy Equipment Operator, Land Use Director, Principal Assessor, and Videographer. Funding and Grants: • The Town Manager reported receiving $25,000 from the Real Estate Services Technical Assistance Program for the 925 Massav project. • The project will involve creating a scope for the allocated funds, focusing on conceptual plans, feasibility assessments, and bid document assistance. • Notification of upcoming work by the EPA contractor for removal of the floor drain holding tank and hydraulic lift inside the building. • Discussion on Mass Development's focus on urban areas and its impact on funding for towns like Lunenburg. ===PAGE 4=== Old Business 1. Select Board recommendation vote/discussion on Special Town Meeting warrant articles: No discussion 2. Review Select Board Bylaws (FY24 Select Board Goal #3): Review Chapter 305: The discussion continues on whether to follow the current remote policy or revert to an earlier one. The Consensus is to observe the state’s stance on the matter and potentially align with it since it might be broader and more comprehensive than the town’s existing policy. Some members express the need for a blend between the old and new policies. A point is raised that the current policy allows flexibility for those who are sick or on business travel but not for those who simply prefer to stay home. There's a recognition of the benefits of in-person meetings for certain interactions and dynamics. Remote work is convenient, it doesn’t always capture the same level of engagement and energy as in-person meetings. Concerns about potential distractions and technical issues during remote meetings are also mentioned. It's emphasized that remote participation can make it easier for people to volunteer for town boards, especially those with challenging schedules. The aim is to remove barriers and increase participation. The in-person quorum requirement is discussed, with some members supporting it while others find it restrictive. The need for the chair to be physically present is questioned, but it is clarified that the chair can authorize someone else to chair the meeting if they are remote. Town Manager requested more time to review and consult with Town Counsel. Board agreed to revisit the review at the December meeting. 3. Disposition of Town Properties Current Business 1. Sign Certificate of Commendation for Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Nominee/Neighborhood Business – Jorge Marzuca Rosas M. Jeffreys made Motion to issue a certificate of commendation to Jorge Marzuca Rosas on behalf of the Lunenburg Select Board for outstanding immigrant business founder and nominee for the 2023 Barry Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in recognition of the outstanding contribution that has business has made to the Town of Lunenburg and Massachusetts economic well-being. Seconded by Lou Franco. Roll call vote, T. Alonzo, aye; L. Franco, aye; C. Nuzzolo, aye; R. Emkey, aye; M. Jeffreys, aye. 2. Discussion on Future Workshop: What Makes Lunenburg a great place to live, work and volunteer: Board addressed several key issues focusing primarily on employment opportunities and financial concerns. Board agreed to plan a date for the broader discussion and to keep immediate focus on the specific policies that were discussed tonight. 3. Approval of Minutes August 22, 2023: M. Jeffreys made Motion to approve Minutes from August 22, 2023. Seconded by L. Franco. Roll Call Vote, T. Alonzo, aye; L. Franco, aye; R. Emkey, aye; C. Nuzzolo, aye; M. Jeffreys, aye. 4. Warrants/Action Items: payroll deductions $212,068.82 Accounts payable warrant $337,279.25; payroll warrant $971,088.89 5. Committee Reports: Significant focus on planning, budgeting, and public involvement in town developments and master planning efforts. Upcoming Meeting/Events Schedule November 7; November 14 STM; November 28 ===PAGE 5=== An invitation-only event called "Destination Groton" was mentioned, focusing on regional economic support and collaboration. The town was encouraged to emulate Groton's success in utilizing local talents and marketing the community effectively. Flat Hill Rd-November 7th meeting Public Comment: None L. Franco made Motion to Adjourn, Seconded by T. Alonzo. Adjourned 8:43 PM