08/27/2008 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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b Board of Selectmen Minutes August 27, 2008 APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS: Presentation of Reorganization Plan: (continued) Of particular importance is Section 5-8, Public Building Maintenance. The responsibility for the maintenance and repair of all town-owned buildings and grounds shall be consolidated in the Department of Public Works under the supervision of the Town Manager. The Town Manager, after consultation with the School Superintendent, shall determine the manner in which such responsibility shall be assumed and.the services . delivered. It is the intention of this provision that the standards for the work to be performed will be established jointly by the.School Department and Town Manager. This provision does not interfere with School Department personnel or the maintenance personnel in school buildings who perform custodial functions. It was noted in May 2004,the citizens approved the Home Rule Charter which became effective on July 1, 2004. The consolidation of all town- owned buildings and grounds under the Department of Public Works is a mandate of the Charter approved by Town Meeting for implementation. The School Committee acknowledged the mandated transfer of public maintenance,but requested that a comprehensive and detailed agreement be defined to maintain the school's legal requirements for authority over the day to day responsibilities of the custodians. It was noted the school facilities supervisor reports to the DPW Director under the new organizational chart. There were also several issues the School Department initially requested to address in a proposed Memorandum of Understanding. The issues include whether the superintendent maintains the supervision and the hiring and firing of custodians,the school requests.prioritizing the maintenance of school athletic fields, and for the town to take authority of the treatment facility. The School Committee also requests to maintain their appointing authority of custodians for the schools, and matters regarding the school building rental account. It was agreed the School Department would remit additional comment regarding additional issues of concern to be considered for incorporation into the Memorandum of Understanding.