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Town Personnel Issues
April 22, 2008 work session See Police Department for swearing in ceremony for Police Department and also assignments. September 2, 2008 October 28, 2008, work session November 18, 2008 January 5, 2010 Water Superintendent David Rambo, recently with the Town of Councilman Bianco voted against this resolution because he felt the process to hire Mr. Rambo was not sufficiently open. He said the Supervisor was the only person to meet and interview Mr. Rambo, a contention the Supervisor disagreed with, saying the resume and resolution had been discussed with all the Board members during the transition period and all agreed to the Supervisor’s recommendation. Energy Consultant The Town has received a grant from the US Department of Energy for 11 projects around town aimed at demonstrating how the Town can improve its energy efficiency. Projects include things like Led lights demonstration/education program, LED street light program, other lighting upgrades, HVAC upgrades, solar panels, energy audit for the Hart Library, green rest room facility, and an exciting bike rack program in conjunction with BOCES. The grant also provides $15,000 for an energy consultant to manage the programs. This resolution will hire Jerry Robock, instrumental in researching and writing the original grant application and a member of the Energy Advisory Committee, to the position of consultant. Joseph Falcon – Recreation Commission, 7 year term Gregory Bucci – Zoning Board, 5 year term David Klaus – Planning Board (Chairman) Appointment of Temporary General Legal Counsel Wormser Kiely Galef and Jacobs (Dan Posner) at a retainer of $8000 per month for attendance at Town Board hearings, a monthly morning staff meeting and standard work such as drafting resolutions, and local laws and reviewing contracts.
Appointment of Counsel to the Zoning Board of Appeals Wormser Kiely Galef and Jacobs to cover the zoning Board of Appeals. The previous Board felt coverage at this board is not necessary but this is a specialized field and the Town needs legal counsel for this Board. The coverage will be at a cost of $750 per month. Appointment of Temporary Counsel for State Trooper Traffic
Tickets. Wormser
Kiely Galef and
Jacobs. This contract is to help
reduce the back log of 3000+ tickets in the
The Town is currently interviewing for a firm to help restructure how the Town handles legal services. Voluntary Board Appointments: (these are all reappointments) James Hanratty - ABACA Gallina Kanevsky - ABACA Laurence Dalfino - ABACA TOWN BOARD LIAISONS Fire Advisory Board Supervisor Siegel Energy Advisory Committee Councilman Patel, Councilman Murphy Michael Carducci – Maintenance worker
– Mechanical William Nehmzow
– Maintenance worker – Mechanical Kyle Gulitz –
Sewer maintenance Worker (half time Highway, half time Sewer) February
16, 2010 The following people were appointed to volunteer boards (Terence Murphy abstained as he wasn’t able to participate in many of the interviews) and sworn in:
Housing Board Judy Smith (appointed but will be sworn in later in Town Clerk’s office) Nancy Stender
Planning Board Darlene Rivera Richard Fon, as alternate
The Board thanked everyone (17 people) who interviewed, saying they all could have served. There are many other positions coming vacant soon and the Board hopes those who were not chosen will consider volunteering on another board. Councilman Patel requested that in future the Board not interview so many people at once. He would have preferred more time with each candidate. Promotions April 1, 2008 April 15, 2008 January
19, 2010 Supervisor Siegel and the Town Board discussed the
fire at Jefferson Village over the weekend which resulted in injuries to one
couple. One unit will have to be demolished. Patrol Officer Chris
O’Rourke was the first person on the scene and he pulled the couple
from the unit. He was commended
by all. Board members also
commended the team effort of all the responding fire departments, including
Mohegan, Peekskill, Somers and Yorktown. Terrence Murphy and Vishnu Patel also commended
Yorktown Water Department workers who responded to two water main breaks over
the weekend. One break was off Stony Street off Judith, the other was off McKeil by Peter Pratt’s. Employees did an
“unbelievable job”, and their work was compared to that of a
surgical team by the Supervisor.
Eight specific employees were identified for commendation because of
their work in the repair effort.
James Martorano added that it was time for
the Board to acknowledge the Town workforce for the spectacular, excellent
work they do. During Courtesy of
the Floor, a resident also expressed dismay over comments disparaging the
work of town employees. He said
he has worked with them for over 40 years and all do a commendable job. He thanked the Board for reassuring
employees. Councilman Vishnu also thanked the volunteers who
serve on town boards and committees.
He committed to visit all during the next few months. He also commended the Lakeland High
School girl’s hockey team, saying they have been recognized by the
State as well. The girls have a
combined Grade Point of 90%. He
listed the team members by name. February 2, 2010 Letters of appreciation noting the good works of town employees have been received. The Supervisor identified 4 individuals, Councilmen Bianco, Patel and Murphy also identified individual employees for mention after their work on a water main break on Baldwin Road, and 2 retiring Mohegan Lake fireman. Councilman Patel also congratulated 5th grade students on their work. Resignations/Retirements June 17, 2008 July 1, 2008 Resignations The Town Attorney, Mr. Buckley, is resigning effective January 15 to start a business with his daughter. Retirement Catherine Dillon, from the Retirement Bobby Gage – retiring from Highway Department after 35 years of great service. Resignation Resignation of Don Beaumont for health reasons as Mohegan Lake
Fire Marshall, 30 years of service.
Town now without Fire Marshalls. Supervisor is working with Bill
Gregory on plan to provide necessary services. Transfers March 3, 2009 Andrew Heady, currently a sewer maintenance work, is transferrinig to the Department of Environmental Conservation as a motor equipment operator. Both transfers are at no change in salary. February 2, 2010 Frank Redina – from DEC to Sewer. (lateral) February 23, 2010, work session The discussion regarding filling vacant
positions in Highway and Environmental Conservation Dept. concerned the
opportunity to find some budgetary savings through attrition or to fill these
positions at the same salary level paid to the last incumbents. The money
saved would have been transferred within each department’s budget to
non salary use. (In the Highway Department, the suggestion was to put the
savings into the snow removal budget, which is frequently short.) The Board
decided to allow the two Departments to fill these positions.
Openings for Volunteer
Positions February 16, 2010 There are two openings on the Board of Assessment Review. Anyone interested please send a resume to the Supervisor’s Office. This group begins meeting in June and meets through August. Human Resources Position July 1, 2008 November 24, 2009,
work session As part of the
upgrade of the town’s sewage treatment plant that was funded by the NYC
DEP, the DEP will pay $491,000 per year for added maintenance and utility
costs at the plant for 30 years – including 4 additional civil service
positions. The city has already made two installments for the first
year’s payment. The town’s Human Resources department will post
the job openings pursuant to the union contract. Participation
in Professional Organizations February 9, 2010 Jen Fava spoke to the Board about the
existing policy on participation in professional organizations. The Board feels it is a good thing for
employees to belong to professional organizations, but recognizes this takes
away form time on the job. Jen is
about to become President of a Statewide organization, and has dropped out of
County organizations because of the time factor. She sought the Boards ok to continue
with the State organization and it was granted. Susan will frame a policy to define
the position of the Board. Miscellaneous Personnel Issues July 1, 2008 March 24,
2009, work session Confidential Secretary/Personal Assistant to the Supervisor A question was asked regarding the salary of the position, and it was reported that position pays the same as under the previous administration, $74,000. Conference Attendance Vouchers In April of 2008, the Police Chief submitted a request to attend a conference/training session to the Supervisor for approval. The Supervisor approved the request. The Town Board, when it learned of the request, denied it on the basis of budget decisions made with the 2008 budget, that no overnight travel would be approved for conference attendance. By this time the Police Chief says he had purchased non refundable plane tickets. The Police Chief says he and Supervisor worked out an alternative where he would pay for his airfare and hotel, use his vacation time to attend the conference, and the Town would pay for the conference fee, which also included membership in the organization. The Police Chief paid for the conference registration and dues in August of 2008. When he submitted a voucher for reimbursement, it was denied by the Comptroller because of the Town Board’s decision not to allow attendance at overnight conferences. In December 2009, the Supervisor again signed the 2008 voucher for reimbursement. In 2009 the Chief attended the conference again, paying for his own plane tickets and hotel and requesting reimbursement from the Town for the conference fees. This year he did not use vacation time to attend, and in fact had his staff reinstate the 5 days of vacation he had used to attend the previous year. All of the vouchers were denied by the Comptroller as was the request to reinstate the vacation time. The Police Chief and the Comptroller came before the Town Board to resolve the situation. Board members expressed concern that we are dealing with the Chief of Police, and that this situation was creating an atmosphere of ill will, they want to see the Town operate as a team. Board members suggested a compromise where the Chief is reimbursed for the Conference attendance (total over the two years of $615), but not for the vacation time. They also stressed that the policy that led to this situation be revoked and a new one drafted and approved that would clearly define terms. Two resolutions will be drafted for next week’s Board meeting, one to reimburse the conference fees, one denying reinstatement of the vacation days and a third will be drafted rescinding the old policy and creating a clear new policy. The Comptroller noted that once the new purchase order system is in place no one will be able to go to a conference without prior approval. *Reimbursement for conference
registration fees to the Police Chief; Adjustment to the Police Chief's 2008
vacation time The Board voted on two resolutions dealing with conference attendance by the Police Chief in 2008 and 2009. The first resolution was approved unanimously and authorized reimbursement of $615 for attendance at two conferences and dues payments. There had been some confusion on whether or not the Town would pay, so the Board was authorizing the payment by resolution. The second resolution related to the Chief’s request to have 5 vacation days reinstated that he had used in 2008 to attend one of the conferences after the Board instituted a no travel policy. The resolution denied the reinstatement of those 5 days. Councilman Martorano voted against the resolution saying the Chief is dedicated and works hard for the Town. The work session discussion of the issue was heated and generated ill will which the Councilman feels is bad for the town. He asked the Chief to put this behind him. The resolution was passed by the other three Members. Supervisor Siegel reminded everyone that this was a bad situation that this Board inherited. During Courtesy of
the floor, Ray Arnold of *Approve the
adjustment of classifications of Elizabeth Gentner,
Donna Andrews and Sophie James pursuant to
*Authorize the
Supervisor to send a Letter Response to Retired Police Officer Stephen Boylan pursuant to a grievance related to insurance
reimbursement.
January 26, 2010 Seasonal Parks
Salaries Cost for increased steps for
part time employees was also discussed.
Last year the Town was not able to provide the step increases
(increases in the base amount of pay), and had to redo contracts with
seasonal employees. This year Jen
Fava wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Jen Fava is
concerned about keeping good employees, especially life guards which are hard
to find. The fee will stay the
same because the projected step increases have been incorporated in pool fees
structure. The Board approved the
payment of step increases. NY State requirement for full time employees
only. All elected officials -
same as employees. Resolution: Conference attendance must be approved
by Town Board regardless if it is budgeted. |
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Conference Attendance Attendance at
conference usually involves hotel and transportation fees as well as
registration fees, and the use of Town time. Jen presented the case for attendance
by herself and two staff members at an upcoming
conference, and was granted approval for all to attend. One staff member will only attend
weekend and Monday training sessions so that the office has coverage.
The money to cover
the fees is in the budget. No resolution was needed for this, approval was
given. A Comprehensive Policy
Manual is to be developed and added to as the Board decides policies. Backfill positions in Highway/DEC Because of recent
promotions there are 2 vacancies in the Highway Department and 1 in the
DEC. Highway Law was reviewed by
the Town Attorney, and the Highway Superintendent has authority to hire and
fire with in his department, but the Town Board has the authority to
eliminate funding for the positions, thereby eliminating the positions. The Town Board proposes to transfer
the funds from the salary line to a non salary line in both departments as a
cost savings measure. Councilman Bianco expressed with taking this action in the midst of
a snow storm, and suggested tabling the idea. He indicated a willingness to revisit
the idea after the snow. The Supervisor
and other board members expressed concern that without Board action the
positions could still be posted, interviews held, and jobs offered and then
there would be no jobs. They wanted to avoid confusion that might be created
with employees so there is a need to decide. Terrence agreed with both sides and
said if a memo was sent to the Highway superintendent asking not to post the
positions as it would be acceptable to wait until the snow is over. |
Resolutions
Request from
the Comptroller
Approve budget transfers for Highway and
Environmental Conservation Department. The proposal is to transfer money from
the salary lines of the Highway Department and the DEC for 3 positions vacated
through promotions to other jobs in Town (2 Highway and 1 DEC) as a cost cutting
measure because of the tight budget outlook for the remainder of 2010. The money would be transferred to a
non-salary line within each department. The cost savings would be about
$144,380 for all three positions.
The Supervisor stressed that the 2 vacancies in the Highway Department
because of the retirement and death of long time Highway employees noted above
would be filled, they are not included in this action. The Highway Superintendent, present at
the meeting, argued that this action needed to be discussed, especially as it
represents a 22% reduction in mechanic fabricators in his department. He said that means the organic yard
waste site would not be able to open, and also there would be school closings. He also said this would affect his ability
to cut trees in easements. He
claimed that the DEC would be unable to pick up bulk trash because of the one
lost position. Councilman Bianco suggested tabling the discussion, but the Highway
Superintendent said he did his own postings, he wants the interview process to
move forward and he wanted the Town Board to commit to him that it could
continue. Mr. DiBartola also kept saying no one had
spoken to him about this ahead of time except Councilman Bianco
who provided him with a copy of the resolution. Councilman Patel asked him how
the Board was supposed to talk to him when he refused to come to meetings, to
which the Highway Superintendent replied Mr. Patel goes into Town, he can come
to Mr. DiBartola’s office to see him. (This
action was tabled.)
Request from the Engineering Department
Authorize extension
of contract for the Environmental Inspector for three months – 16 hrs/wk.
Part time. Is a Civil Service
position but there is no list. Will
post this position, and look for stronger credentials.
March 23, 2010, work session
Fire Marshall
The position was set up to allow the fire chiefs of Mohegan
and Yorktown fire districts to communicate and interface with each other and
the building inspector, Bill Gregory.
There was discussion regarding the needs - should the fire marshall be replaced or should the town hire a full time
fire inspector. The town is
currently not doing the mandated fire inspections. There are 913 business inspections to be
done. These businesses should be
inspected by a Grade 13. There was
discussion regarding charging fees for the inspections. Other surrounding towns charge $50 to
$300 per inspection. There is
$14,500 set aside for fire prevention - Health and Safety issues. Income from
inspections, assuming 4 inspections per day ($1500) per week is possible. This would cover the salary of a Grade
13 inspector. White Plains charges
are based on assessment. Both
Mohegan and Yorktown fire departments need a marshall
or inspector to interface between codes and questions of firefighters. This position is needed even though
building inspector has same knowledge.
The fire marshal needs to be available at all times. The Marshal works
for the town board and the board needs to fund it. A Civil Service position of a full time
fire inspector to be funded by a fee will be discussed and a resolution will be
drafted on April 13th dealing with budget transfer and fee schedule if that is
decided.
SRO Officers
There are 4
Resource Officers and the increase in salary requested is 4.4% for 2011-2012. The total cost is $156,194 for each
officer. 50% is paid by the school
districts.
Attendance at Dog
Training Seminar
Dogs are trained
to track and find narcotics. A
resolution was proposed to pay the total cost of $650 for each officer for the
certification of each dog. The
motion passed.
Compensation for town business
Susan Seigel asked for authorization to pay David Rambo $500 because he used his own vehicle for town business during the time he was a consultant in town. This led to discussion of compensation because he is not a town resident and must commute. Also is compensation required for emergency trips and if so, how much. Decision will be postponed until matter researched further.
Motion on Jobs
A motion was made to post integral jobs for the Water Department -- we have 47 applications. Motion passed.
UPDATE on Fire Marshall/Fire
Inspector topic discussed on March 23, 2010
The hiring of a fire inspector requires a
decision as to how to fund the position.
Nick Bianco suggested part time positions
until next budget. It was also
discussed that funds from a position that is becoming vacant can possibly be
used to fund the inspector position.
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