In attendance:

Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman

Selectman John C. Brayshaw

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Chairman Mical opened the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Due to the meeting strictly dealing with wages, Chairman Mical recommended waiting for a full Board.

Chairman Mical made the motion to continue the work session until Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 8:15 a.m. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed 2-0.

In attendance:

Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman

Selectman John C. Brayshaw

Selectman Allen C. Brown

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

The Board began their discussion on determining a wage increase for the Town employees. The Selectmen discussed initiating a cost of living increase across the board and then submit a Warrant Article based on the findings from the Wage Study Committee. If the voters accept the Wage Study Committee’s wage proposal, then a Warrant Article can follow to start addressing wages in 2004. Performance evaluations were also discussed as a basis to determine any wage increases above the cost of living increase.

Selectman Brown made a motion that the initial general increase for the year 2004 be set at 3%, to include the cost of living as determined for 2003, plus the difference that makes up the 3%. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. Chairman Mical amended the motion to make the increase retroactive back through the first pay run in January 2004, based on the vote of the Town. All were in favor. The motion passed.

The Selectmen will review the 2004 budget after the 3% is inserted. The Selectmen will also meet with the Department Heads to inform them about the Selectmen’s wage increase proposal. Selectman Brown recommended that the Board formulate a guideline on how the Selectmen are going to approach the Warrant Article, regarding pay adjustments and how the Selectmen are going to decide on a number. Chairman Mical suggested continuing the work session to give the Board time to think about the issue and come back later to begin going over an approach for the Warrant Article. Presenting the Warrant Article as an Expendable Trust was discussed.

Chairman Mical made a motion to continue the work session until Friday, December 19, 2003 at 8:15 a.m. Selectman Brayshaw seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

In attendance:

Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman

Selectman Allen C. Brown

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Chairman Mical commented that the Wage Study Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2003 @ 6:00 p.m. The Finance Director presented a list showing all the benefits that employees receive. Also the Wage Study Committee will be developing pay levels and there was discussion about pay grades versus the actual position. It was a consensus of the Wage Study Committee that the developed pay levels will be for the position.

The approach for presenting a Warrant Article regarding the wages was discussed. The Selectmen discussed including an evaluation process as a factor toward the Warrant Article. One approach that was discussed involved taking the median wage in all positions and the amount it would take to place all employees at that median range resulting in a number for the Warrant Article. This approach would not be the deciding factor for any wage increase, but would be an approach to develop a number in order to be appropriately distributed after the Town Meeting. The Selectmen would need to use the current wage scale that is being developed by the Wage Study Committee. Also discussed was having the pay adjustments start at a certain date instead of retroactive back to January; this will enable the evaluation process to be part of the program. Ideally, the Selectmen would like to have compensation adjustments completed in two phases.

Chairman Mical made the motion to continue the work session dealing with wages, to December 23, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0

In attendance:

Selectman Edward F. Mical – Chairman

Selectman John C. Brayshaw

Selectman Allen C. Brown

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Chairman Mical recapped the previous work session meetings. A vote was taken and passed for a 3% pay raise for the 2004 budget year. Ideas for the presentation of the wage adjustment Warrant Article still need to be finalized. After the Selectmen discussed some ideas, it was decided that a Warrant Article would be put together in order to start the process of bringing positions into the proper levels of compensation. The dollar figure for the Warrant Article will be based on the finalized Wage Study’s compensation study, the updated job descriptions, along with input from the Selectmen Liaison’s to Departments and the Department Heads. The evaluation process will be part of phase one of the compensation adjustments.

The Selectmen discussed the present health care system. The Town pays 100% of the health benefits, excluding dental. The strain to the budget was discussed. Also, future employee contribution was discussed.

Chairman Mical made the motion to adjourn at 5:40 p.m. Selectman Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Board of Selectmen

Edward F. Mical – Chairman

John C. Brayshaw

Allen C. Brown