Chairman O’Connor opened the meeting at 12:00 p.m. In attendance was Selectman Robert C. O’Connor – Chairman, Selectman Edward F. Mical, and Selectman John C. Brayshaw along with members of the public. Recording Secretary Mary Whalen.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the Wage Study Committee’s adopted wage scale. Selectman Mical commented that as a representative of the Wage Study Committee, the wage scales are based on forty-hour (40) work weeks. Selectman Brayshaw commented that not all employees in the Town work forty-hours. Selectman Mical commented that when the wage scales were put together, the Wage Study Committee was aware of the positions that do not work forty hours. Chairman O’Connor asked if it was a consideration that full time employees have paid health benefits. Selectman Mical stated that the wage scale was not based on the fact that benefits are provided for. Selectman Mical stated that the Wage Study Committee developed a pay system and then put the positions into the slots.

Chairman O’Connor sees some major and minor discrepancies, and it looks like everyone is on the lower end of the wage scale.

Selectman Brayshaw asked if the Wage Study Committee looked at the compensation study of twenty-two different towns, and asked if they used it to determine the wage scale. Selectman Mical answered yes and no. The Wage Study Committee did look at the compensation study, but the information was outdated by a year to eighteen months and did not rely on the numbers to make their determination. Also, the New Hampshire Municipal Association distributes an annual review of the different communities, which was looked at by the Wage Study Committee. Selectman Brayshaw commented that distance between the minimum and the maximum on the wage scale is narrow. Selectman Mical stated that when a cost of living adjustment is given the wage scale would be adjusted. Chairman O’Connor reminded Selectman Mical that it was asked of last year to adjust the wage scale 3% due to last year’s adjustment and it was not done.

The Board discussed the different ranges of pay for the positions that are listed. Selectman Mical reminded the Board that they were asked to participate during the development of the wage scale. Chairman O’Connor stated that the Board has several options:

• Make adjustments to existing positions.
• Restructure the minimum and maximum.
• Restructure the pay level with different positions.

There was a Warrant Article presented at Town Meeting that the Highway Department remains on the State pay scale. Chairman O’Connor commented that the State pay scale is used in its entirety, which means written evaluations, step increases after 2080 hours etc., and information is being obtained from the State regarding the procedure. The Board is in agreement.

The Board discussed past Board members agreements. It was decided that the current Board is not bound by past Boards decisions.

The Board will use the Wage Study pay scale for any pay increase. Selectman Mical reminded the Board that the evaluation process needs to be considered.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to increase the Supervisors of the Checklist to pay Level I at $7.16 per hour. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. Chairman O’Connor opposed. The motion passed unanimously.

Selectman Brayshaw recommended holding off doing any further pay increases until the next Selectmen’s meeting. Selectman Brayshaw made a motion for 2003 the Board adopts the Wage Study pay scale 2001/2002 for all Town employees excluding the Highway Department until further clarification of Warrant Article #27 from the 2001 Town Report. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The Board reviewed a letter to Town Counsel regarding Police detail in support of the Hopkinton Fair.

Chairman O’Connor informed the Board that the part-time Police Officer’s hours would be increased by eight hours in the budget presented to the Budget Committee. Selectman Mical recommended a motion for the increase in hours. The Board will continue talks at the November 26, 2002 Selectmen’s meeting.

Judith Rogers asked the Board about the bonus’s that were given to the Police personnel last year and if the Chief also received a bonus. The Board confirmed that the Chief did not receive a bonus.

Selectman Brayshaw made a motion to adjourn. Selectman Mical seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Robert C. O’Connor – Chairman

John C. Brayshaw

Edward F. Mical