Selectboard Areas of Focus FY20
- Hire a new Town Administrator (includes on-boarding)
Work with the appointed screening committee at the Collins Center to review applications and interview candidates. Negotiate contract and finalize hiring.
- Determine needs of DPW and hire director/supervisor
With Glenn Lyons retiring this summer, we will need to find a replacement. The Selectboard, working with the Town Administrator and Glenn, will need to determine the job description of the position. The town administrator will recruit candidates and bring a recommendation to the Selectboard for a vote.
Finances- Adopt a budget calendar in conjunction with AC, including frequent touchpoints (tighter budget cycle, improved process, collaborative)
The budget calendar is a document that will be shared by the Town Administrator, the Advisory Committee, and the Selectboard.
- 5-year financial plan (incorporating 5-year Capital Improvement Plan)
- Improved communication of finances (working with AC, website, budget doc)
There are multiple opportunities and methods to communicate what is going on with the Town financially and what will be coming to Town Meeting for a vote. The Selectboard will be working with the Town Administrator and the Advisory Committee to ensure that the newly added Finances page on the Town’s website provides useful and timely information to residents. The three groups will also be working together to plan what will be included in a budget document that will be provided to residents.
Communications- see above (using website and budget document to communicate financial information)
- continue letters to residents
- regular meetings with board/committee chairs and SB (3 or 4 times a year)
- meet twice a year with regulatory committees and boards such as conservation commission, planning board, and Board of Health, to ensure the committees are getting the help they need and the Selectboard staying informed of upcoming issues.
- regular citizen input / SB listening sessions
- website: SB page, projects, finances, news
The SB has the opportunity to use their pages on the website to communicate more effectively. The newly added projects page will provide regular updates on key projects in town. SB-specific news items will now show up on the SB’s page and will be easier to find.
Buildings- Bagg Hall stabilization (including temporary office space)
The SB will continue to monitor the work being done to stabilize Bagg Hall. At some point in the project, it will be necessary to relocate employees for a period of time. The SB will work with the Town Administrator to secure adequate leased space for that duration.
- police/fire stabilization
The SB will continue to monitor the work being done to stabilize the police station and fire station 1 in the center of town.
- new public safety
The SB will continue its efforts to try to secure the release of Bond Bill funds from the State. It will also work with the TA, as necessary, to facilitate the next phase of design documents for the new public safety building. This will most likely include the development of one or more warrant articles for a Town Meeting where voters will determine which design option they prefer and will be asked to fund final design and construction documents.
- launching buildings maintenance committee (recruitment, sb liaison)
Other
There are numerous projects that the SB will continue to monitor and move forward:
- Improving response time for medical emergencies (at least ensure we are measuring accurately)
- Facilitate road projects such as Calamint Hill Road North, 140, and the Highway Barnbridge project
- Sale of Mechanics Hall
- Sale of unused town property
- increase focus on long-term strategic thinking
- continue developing/documenting board/committee charges
- recruit another student to SB for 19/20 school year
The Selectboard will also work to continue to make progress in removing inappropriate gender-based references and assumptions.