MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 6:45P.M.
Town hall Hearing
Room,
Present: James Driscoll, Chairman Board of Selectmen; Joe Townshend, Chairman Board of Health; Jack Villamaino, Clerk of the Board
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen opened the Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTERVIEWS: IT DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
7:00 P.M. – RYAN QUIMBY
Present for the interview were IT Committee members, Dr. Edward Costa and John Maybury.
Ten questions were asked and are attached as part of these minutes.
Response for question #1: Greatest opportunities in the next five years would be with consolidating, i.e., phones, technology through voice over IP, server virtualization Challengers would be in keeping up with the times and in training, new operating systems and new office systems.
Response for question #2.: Strengths would be age for pear enthusiasm towards working for the Town and the ability in applying self better. Weakness would be because of relationship with the Town since high school, does not have the outside knowledge from other businesses or other companies or employment. Would correct by training and reading literature pertaining to trade.
Response for question #3: Management style and motivation: don’t like to micro manage, would help staff out if needed; lead by example.
Response for question #4: Educational training: taken classes for certification on all the Microsoft technology; obtained the highest Microsoft certification which is Certified Systems Engineer, Certified Systems Administrator, security classes certification in security including Comp GIA wireless training, wireless communication, wireless security, started an A+ class in the high school.
Response for question #5: Prioritizing: would be by the number of maximum users that are effected or the criticalness of the actual down time, (gave some examples).
Response for question # 6: Software vendors: good relations with IMC (police package) always there when needed; Patriot (stores all property information) presently helping out with the permeating system; MUNIS, accountant has done more with the implementation, technology side regarding the server has had good relations.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-13-07
Interview continued
Response for question # 7: A plan that “did not work”: would have been the implementation of the website with upgrading. Reason being because of assuming the position of Acting Director has come into a lot of dead ends with not having the time do to the daily upkeep of the network. Now that the position of assistant administrator has been filled can spend more time in rectifying and plan the future with upgrades to the network.
Response for question #8: Start time: Immediately. Salary requirements would be somewhat flexible and are a lot less than in the corporate world; Mr. Quimby said in the 70”s.
Response for question #9: Customers could be town employees (technical) and also town residents (informational, re: web from the town to the residents). Technical side employees speak highly, always trying to correct problems as soon as possible; try to learn their jobs to make it more efficient for them.
Response for question #10: J. Townshend asked about the position requiring a bachelor’s degree of 10 years experience. Selectman Townshend went on to say that looking at Mr. Quimby’s resume that from 2000 on it is roughly 6-7 years why do feel you would be the candidate for the position. Mr. Quimby said that he has a very unique love and relationship for network. Starting working on the network when he was a sophomore in high school. Had internships with the computer teacher for the last two years of high school, started the A+ class that would give 10 years experience on the network. Started officially working for the Town in 2000, experience since 1997.
Mr. Quimby reiterated his love for the Town and the fact that he knows the network in and out, also that he was here for basically the entire revolution of the network, from when first started to the Fiber Optics, to replacing clients, new servers. Knows where to improve and where to save money, what needs replacing and what doesn’t.
7:15 P.M. - KEITH LAFLAMME
Response for question #1: Challengers: the constant changing of the environment, communications, software, equipment constant change on a daily basis. Opportunities: products that can do so many things. Faster machinery hopefully better security.
Response for question #2: Strengths: organized, easily multi-task, enthusiastic, enjoys the IT world, enjoys profession, constant change is something looking forward to, like to get things done and done right. Weaknesses: sometimes stubbornness gets in way, sometimes focus too hard on problems, have to step away and try to re-address in some other manner.
Response for question #3: Management style: Always tried to work as a team, treat people with respect, like the people to be happy, hopefully people gain knowledge out of what is taught them.
Interested in the position, see as a larger scope than in present position, see as a challenge. East Longmeadow is fairly up to date with IT technology, still thinks can advance further. Would question the amount of servers in Town. Would like to carry further into the future.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-13-07
Interview continued
Response for question #4: Education: Management training, technology training, always been involved in IT in some manner, have a great interaction with people, make them aware of the technology, worked on many projects large and small. Educational Training: Management courses; heavy into Programming; education from current job, systems design. Mr. LaFlamme stated that all seem to interact how far he has progressed to date.
Response for question #5: As a current director finds that constantly has to change priorities on a regular basis. Presently going through budgetary work, which is a major crunch, trying to foresee in the future. Try to keep budget within scope.
Response for question #6: Software vendors: On occasion could be pushy. Cost is important with vendors as well as the people. Is a constant battle dealing with vendors.
Response for question #7: A plan that “did not work”: trying to set up a wireless lab. Had everything in place, machinery, timetable. Had an instance of theft and lost laptops, had to revise thinking to replenish the laptops. Turned out the software being loaded was not up to date and had to revisit the machines. Had the plan had no choice to adjust due to software issues.
Response for question #8: Salary requirements: Looking in a range of $55 to $65. Could start within two weeks.
Response for question #9: Customers would be everyone that Mr.LaFlamme is working with, teachers, students etc. Tough job to keep everyone happy, exciting to see smiles on faces. Individuals would say that he is always on the go, never stops. Hopefully individuals would say that he pleasant most of the time. For the most part his constituents are happy people, try to give them everything they need and want to get their job or studies done.
Response for question #10: Worked for Mass Mutual for 20 years, received most of management skills, system design work as well as going through a training program. Very diverse training, allowed you to change jobs. Never got “stale” working there.
Mr. LaFlamme said that he appreciated the chance to interview. Feels that he can handle the position, would like to learn more in a different area.
J. Driscoll asked what the considerations were from the IT Committee members that were present for the interviews. Dr. Costa said that both had great presence about them. Tends to study skills and both had a great command over the interview. Did see some equal things, neither one had the required Bachelors Degree. Don’t see certifications on Mr. LaFlamme as on Mr. Quimby. The “nod” would go to Mr. Quimby based on certifications and knowledge of East Longmeadow’s network.
Mr. Maybury echoed Dr. Costa. Both have good capabilities, good characteristics, good qualities. Do think environment in which East Longmeadow operates being multi-building, multi-faceted, police, fire, school etc. is quite changeling and would be important to have the exchange experience appears
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-13-07
Interview continued
that Mr. Quimby has strengths in. Also the understanding in working with the customers and the priorities. The “nod” would go to Mr. Quimby.
Selectman Townsend wanted to go on record saying, “that this is totally unfair this whole interview process, dog and pony show to be honest”. One candidate has close to 30 years experience and one was a freshman in high school. Neither one has a bachelor’s degree, one does have an associates. Recommendation is based on experience and would recommend Mr. Keith LaFlamme.
J. Driscoll response was that this is the process that has been used in the past, and this is the sixth department head hired, mentioned that Selectman Townshend had participated in two of them and has never raised as an issue. This is as fair a process as possible. J. Driscoll said that he totally would disregard Selectman Townshends comments from that prospective.
J. Villamaino said that the two candidates had a wealth of experience. Selectman Villamaino said that he does think that certifications are gold standard in this particular field, and with Mr. Quimby familiarity with the Towns system and being greatly involved for a large portion of time, tends to go with Mr. Quimby for the position.
J. Driscoll said originally there were three candidates, one had withdrawn. Selectman Driscoll mentioned that he agreed that both have solid careers and a lot to be proud of. Selectman Driscoll does agree with Mr. Maybury regarding the cross departmental synergy, huge issues. Also Mr. Quimby’s experience with the website. J. Driscoll read a letter from the Police Chief Mellis in support of Ryan Quimby. J. Driscoll added that having been on the Board for three years and with the transition from the former IT Director to Ryan as Acting Director has not receive a single complaint. His performance has been stellar.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion for the Board through the Chairman to enter into negotiations to appoint Ryan Quimby as the Town’s permanent Director of IT, the motion was moved by
J. Villamaino. There was no second to the motion. J. Driscoll seconded the motion. There was further discussion from Selectman Townshend wanting to go on the record saying “this position that we are getting ready to hire said that had picked a systems analysis before an IT Director and just looks like it was all position for Ryan to become our next IT Director. The whole process was handled wrong. Should have hired the IT Director first let the IT Director hire the systems analyst. Did it backwards. Looks like the cards are stacked against any candidate that would have applied for the job. Pretty sad”.
There was further discussion from J. Driscoll saying that the Board decided to appoint the IT Administrator because what Selectman Townshend does not understand was that the network is built by Ryan and other people. If Ryan Quimby did not get the job and unless the other person had some on the job training experience before the IT Director took over there would have been no one who would know anything about the network. The discussion continued.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-13-07
APPOINTMENT:
8:00 P.M – PAUL JOYCE, METER READER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to enter into executive session for discussion of collective bargaining and personnel issues, so moved by J. Villamaino, J. Townshend seconded. All in favor by roll call vote. Motion passed.
Members of the Senior Center Study Committee came before the Board to discuss the Architect that was hired by the Department of Public Works for the renovation of the Senior Center. The Committee members concerns were that the Architect is not complying with the request to have dropped ceilings put in for the seniors to help with the lighting and the acoustics for the seniors. The members came before the Board to ask for advice in the situation. The Board requested to have any information that would support the Study Committee’s concerns forwarded to them. A memo will be sent to the Architect, Project Manager, DPW and engineers expressing the concerns.
J. Driscoll made a motion to appoint Don Maki to the Cable Advisory Committee, J. Townshend seconded. All were in favor. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
OLD BUSINESS
Regarding the Library Warrant, the Executive Secretary was notifying the Board that the Library rescinded their Warrant Article to establish a revolving fund.
The Clerk of the Board read the response from Attorney Steven Manning regarding the update of The Meadows. The letter stated that Mr. Coelho wanted to go on record saying that the matter in question represents a security issue not a serving issue, and that they disagree with the Board’s requirement for additional training for the bartenders, but are addressing the concerns of the Board. There was further discussion regarding the proof of certification for the servers. Town Counsel said that the Board could adopt a procedure and ask on an annual basis for proof of certifications for all servers.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to institute the policy upon renewal or new licensing of beer & wine or all alcoholic licenses that the licensee must provide the Board with a list of bartenders and servers along with certification from an approved program for alcohol serving. J. Townshend seconded. Selectman Townshend, for discussion, said he would like to have a form attached to the liquor license with the Selectmen’s approval, along with a letter, with the renewals, that it is now the policy. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Regarding the budget discussion J. Driscoll mentioned that the Selectmen are meeting with the Appropriations on March 19th at 7pm, to discuss the COA candidate’s applications, and at 7:30 Appropriations will meet with the Selectmen to discuss the approval of supplemental budgets.
NEW BUSINESS
J. Driscoll entertained a motion to approve the request from Shaker Bowl for a variance to their Common Victural Wine & Malt Beverages License for the weekends of Saturday, April 14, Sunday Aril 15 and Saturday April 21; and Sunday, April 22, 2007 from12 Noon to 12am; for the purpose of hosting the Massachusetts Tri County Bowlers Association Tournament. J. Townshend second. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-13-07
New Business continued
J. Driscoll mentioned the fundraiser for Sergeant Ecker who was tragically injured while serving his country. An event will be held at Romito’s on March 25, 2007 to help offset the out-of-pocket cost for the Ecker family. J. Townshend seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
For further discussion J. Driscoll entertained a motion to officially declare Sunday, March 25, 2007 to honor Sergeant Ecker and his family for his dedication to the Town and his country with the Board of Selectmen’s thoughts and support. J. Townshend seconded motion. There was no further discussion. Motion passed.
J. Driscoll entertained a motion pending approval from the Police Department an expansion of the Romito & Sons alcohol beverages license to include an approved exterior tent for the overflow from
the event from 4pm-8pm on Sunday, March 25, 2007. J. Townshend seconded motion. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk of the Board read the letter from Mr. Gentile praising Officers Rice, Manning, Guinipero and Sergeant Dalessio who were acted on an incident, which occurred at his home on January 31, 2007. Mr. Gentile also praised the Police Department for the great job that they do. Executive Secretary to send letter to Mr. Gentile thanking him for his praises and letters to the Chief and the officers involved thanking them for their outstanding service to the Town.
The Clerk of the Board read the letter from the Fire Chief stating that he has be re-designated as “Chief Fire Officer” by the Commission on Professional Credentialing. J. Driscoll said the Town has been well served by Chief Wallace, has been an excellent Chief and will be sorely missed, as he will be retiring at the end of the calendar year. Executive Secretary will send letter to Chief Wallace from the Board congratulating him on his accomplishment.
MEETINGS/INVITATIONS/REMINDERS
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen read the meetings/invitations/reminders.
J. Driscoll mentioned that the Board of Selectmen would be meeting with the Council on Aging members on March 19, to begin the screening process for candidates for a new Council on Aging Director. The Executive Secretary mentioned to the Board that he was in attendance at the Council on Aging Meeting held this day and Leon Osborne, Chairman of the committee would be the designee for the screening of the resumes. The members, by consensus, appointed Muriel Andwood as the second designee to participate in the screening process also.
TOWN COUNSEL
There was no formal Agenda for Town Counsel.
Town Counsel reported to the Board the status of the public information on the website dealing with records. Town Counsel spoke with the IT Director and there are a few ways the policy could go.
Board of Selectmen Meeting 3-13-07
Town Counsel continued.
Most communities do carry this information on their websites, and that it is public record. Town Counsel said that there is the ability to remove the names of the property owners. There is also the
possibility to remove all the information of the designated individual, which could be done if there was an “opt-out” provision, a request by the property owner. IT Director will present options to the IT Committee then will present to the Selectmen and have the two Boards decide which way to proceed.
J. Driscoll mentioned that there was an issue he was approached on regarding a driveway being held up on because of previous history of the developer. Town Counsel said that it was not an issue for the Selectmen but with the Board of Public Works, and he had recently received a final proposal from the developer and is very close to a resolution of the issue.
Town Counsel mentioned that he is presently having discussions with the owners of the property next to the Stop & Shop project, and is trying to resolve the litigation that is currently pending from the Planning Board. Everything is on hold at this point.
Town Counsel advised the Board that there was a complaint that was filed against the Town by Corporate Cost Solutions regarding a contract dispute. Town Counsel will report to the Board after investigating further.
J. Townshend made motion to adjourn. J. Villamaino seconded. There was no further discussion. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Lorraine Banspach, Assistant Executive Secretary
APPROVED: BOARD OF
SELECTMEN'S MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2007
______________________________________________________________________
Jack Villamaino, Clerk of the Board of Selectmen (Note Clerk at the time of the meeting).