Mtg notes: Selectmen 01.24.13 – BoS receive 4 finalists for Town Administrator post; discuss process

by Frank Schroth

The Board of Selectmen had a short meeting but they discussed one topic that Member Keohane would characterize as one of the most important decisions they would make this year: the selection of a new town administrator. They received 4 candidates from the Town Administrator search committee.

They are Richard Lafond of Bridgwater, MA, Grady Miller of Naragansett, RI, Kevin O’Donnell of Great Barrington, MA and the current interim Town Administrator Annmarie Fagan.

The selectmen discussed the process they would follow on their 2/12 session when they interview the candidates in open session. Chair Hurley emphasized that everything (e.g. interviews, deliberations) would be in open session. Mr. Keohane noted, “We have to be careful how we chose our words.” The selectmen will each submit 7-8 questions to Paula Rizzi, Town Hall Secretary, who will review for duplicates. They will allow 45 minutes per candidate. The selectmen will check with the search committee on the status of reference checks. Mr. Keohane said he had already been to one town and visited the police department, fire department and dow to discuss the candidate. “We all need to get in our cars,” Keohane said. Sweeney agreed that it would require “legwork” and added that he felt good “about doing everything in the open.”

In other business the selectmen:

Heard from Norfolk DA Michael Morrissey who asked for their support on the “Heroes Campaign, a designated driver program. The program is supported by the NFL and New England Patriots. Mr. Morrisey asked that the Selectmen encourage local restaurants to support the program. They do this by offering non-alcholic beverages for free to the designated driver. “It’s a great program that does not cost any money”, Morrissey said, “and encourages people to drink responsibly.”

Michael Blanchard of the Health Department reviewed the benefits of having Milton participate in the Norfolk County Mosquito Control program. The cost is based on area. Milton will need to pay ~$68,000, an increase of 4.4%. The program provides a number of mitigation measures which include opportunity for residents to request spraying if they feel it is warranted. Member Sweeney encouraged residents to take advantage of that as it does not affect cost to the town. The selectment approved a motion to stay in the program. When summer arrives residents can see where spraying is taking place on the Board of Health’s web site. Mr. Blanchard also noted that they will be changing the spraying times. It used to take place late at night but will be moved up to twilight as that is when mosquitos are most active and spraying is most effective.

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