9/22/1981 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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Administrative Meeting 9/22/81 Page 2 . � 1 The Executive Secretary reported on the tentatively -reached agree- ment , as set forth on the attached Briefing Sheet. He also reported that John Weld has prepared a well -worded reduction clause, which bases any possible reduction not just on seniority , but on "quality" . If there should be a tie between two peopoe, then seniority would determine . Regarding the awarding of "union days" , Mr. Murphy feels this has some benefit to the Town , as well as to the union members, as it allows the members to learn what is happening elsewhere with unions, and should make their demands more realistic . Chm. Garland asked who would be going to these meetings? Some, men just aren ' t interested , he stated . This is up to the union ,members. Mr. Murphy also reported that the Firefighters negotiators have tenta- tively agreed to bi -weekly pay periods, although their representatives may have trouble selling this feature to their members. One advantage that should be pointed out to them is that the first time they miss a weekly check will be immediately after the first of July, which is the time they are paid all their extra increments. This should help them with the transition period of adjusting to any every-other week check. Chm . Garland stated that he had also learned that they will be getting 20 hours a year in personal days . Mr. Murphy explained that the Fire- fighters had agreed to take 5 hour increments , and that the time could be taken during weekdays only , not on week-ends or holidays , which will be a benefit to the Town in call -back charges . • Mr. Murphy stated that he feels the Personnel Board did a good job with this contract, considering all the circumstances . Chm. Garland said he had one more question - why does the Town have to hire all E. M. T. ' s for firefighters? He said there is talk of separat- ing the two services - into rescue and firefighting squads, in some places. Mr. Murphy stated that this goes against the national trend , which is towards unifying all Public Safety services under one umbrella . But he stated that others have questioned if we are overemphasizing the rescue aspect; one person to do so was Gordon Peters. Chm . Garland said there is talk of eliminating the National E. M.T. Register; there have been significant computer erros at state level , which is a cause of con- cern . A new course for Para-Medics is being planned , Mr. Garland announ- ced ; 30 students will be allowed to take the course at one time - one from each of the 22 Fire Districts on the Cape , plus 8 additional seats for which other applicants will be considered . OTHER MATTERS Mr. Garland asked about the Xerox lease. He said that Ken Culp is con- cerned about the fact that the Town is paying interest. The Executive Secretary said Town Counsel has filed an opinion on this matter. Mr. Culp is also wondering why we didn ' t go out to bid . Mr. Murphy said it was felt at the time it was more beneficial to the Town to go this route; he would welcome a negative ruling from Town Counsel on the matter, so • that we could go out to bid to get another machine . Sal . Thomas feels strongly that this machine is not performing satisfactorily . I __