5/27/2015 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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7 Board of Selectmen Minutes May 27, 2015 Ron San Angelo: Prior to Hanson Town Meetings, signage is placed at Town Hall, notice is conveyed electronically, via Facebook and large topics are aired during the public access show. The Town of Hanson holds a preparation town meeting, a dry run to discuss the issues about one week before town meeting. The preparation town meeting is televised and review of the warrant is provided in summary form. Motions are read, and town counsel in attendance to answer questions. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he wants people to care and to be well informed. With regards to the CIP, the Town of Hanson develops a 5 year plan capital improvement plan which includes a 10-year capital facilities plan. Work is conducted to prioritize projects, develop capital needs, and analyze projects and funding with department heads. The needs and priority items are discussed with the board of selectmen. The town manager works with the town accountant to develop an affordable financing package. With roads, the highway supervisor plans the long term improvements and discusses capital needs for equipment, and trade-ins. With Police Department a replacement plan is developed. The police department utilizes a lot of SUV’s, leasing vehicles vs. the outright purchase of vehicles. The fire department process is similar to the police. Mr. San Angelo indicated that he has experience in the negotiation of contracts, and has never been to arbitration. In the process he would negotiate, and inform the board of selectmen of discussion regarding the proposals. Mr. San Angelo stated that he likes to be straight up and honest with union negotiations, and that it is a give and take process. Grievances should only be where this is a grey area. Union negotiations should also be done in a very professional and position manner. Mr. San Angelo noted that he is certified in project management and intends to work in a team approach, and not micro-manage. With regards to a performance evaluation, Mr. San Angelo asked if it is outstanding that you do your job. The reply was no. It is extraordinary when you go outside of your job. In looking for department heads to improve on their job performance, Mr. San Angelo stated he would arrange monthly meetings and incorporate a lot of communication. Commenting on reorganization, Mr. San Angelo indicated that he created an HR Department. He built it from scratch, and saved a great deal of money in legal fees. Seventy percent of this department was created by a reduction in legal fees.