Select Board Meets Day and Night

During the morning meeting, Select Board Chair Mark Ahronian and Board Clerk Tina Hein met to select a Facilities Manager. As he had previously, Board Vice-chair John Cronin recused himself from the meeting as one of the candidates is a personal acquaintance.

Mrs. Hein read the Job Description, the 3 year plan the Board prepared for the Facilities Manager role, and reviewed the selection process to date – including that an earlier offer of the position to Chris Pizzi was declined by the candidate.

Using the job description and 3-year plan as benchmarks, Mrs. Hein measured each finalists’ (Gregg Leftter and James Keast) education and experience against the two documents. She acknowledged that both candidates had relevant experience. Mr. Leftter would be ‘strongest in year three of the plan.’ Mr. Keast would be very strong in years 1 and 2 (assessment / planning and implementation) and strong in year 3. Her choice was James Keast.

Mr. Ahronian commented on Mr. Leftters passion for the work and his experience with technology. He felt that Mr. Keast’s education and experience were ‘more in line’ with the executive level position outlined for the job. He agreed with Mrs. Hein’s choice of Mr. Keast.

There was also a discussion about re-opening the search. Both Mr. Ahronian and Mrs. Hein felt that the final candidates were strong and that the original process, although not exactly as planned, had worked and there is no need to start the process over.

The Board approved the selection of James Keast as the Town’s first Facilities Manager. Mr. Ritter was authorized to contact Mr. Keast to make the offer.

Before adjourning the morning meeting, the Board approved the warrants for the week totaling: $519,236.61. The meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.- after starting at 9:30.

The evening meeting opened at 7:00 pm. Mrs. Hein left for a family trip shortly after the morning meeting so Mr. Ahronian and Mr. Cronin held down the fort.

As the warrants had been approved earlier, Public Comment was up first. Mr. Cronin met with DPW to discuss accelerating the water main infrastructure project. He also reminded everyone that early voting for the Presidential Primary will be held at Town Hall next Monday – Friday. See the Town Clerk’s website for days and times.

Mr. Ahronian put on his Lions’ Club hat and encouraged everyone to attend the annual “Winnin’ of the Green” fundraiser being held on Saturday March 14th. Tickets are $100 and include dinner for two and chances to win many prizes and the grand prize of $10,000. See a Lion for a ticket.

Town Administrator Jeff Ritter updated the Board on the following:

  • The approved removal of the building at 310 Woodland Street encountered some environmental issues – the project is likely to be completed for the budgeted amount.
  • On March 2nd, the Board will receive the annual independent Audit report.
  • Meeting with the DPW workers for a third contract discussion.
  • Meeting with James Keast (Facilities Manager) Thursday (Today)
  • There will be a preliminary meeting with the Police Association to begin contract discussion.
  • The Project Needs List as compiled and approved by the Board was shared with Senator Spilka’s staff for legislative consideration – a copy was provided to Representative Dykema
  • The Town Hall gutters have been repaired!
Sustainability Coordinator Matt Zetteck

Our new Sustainability Coordinator, Matt Zetteck, updated the Board on his early work in is new role. His lengthy list of activities fell into three categories: Energy / Climate; Water / Storm Water; and Waste Reduction. Suffice to say that he has integrated himself into Holliston’s efforts to be a Green Community – in all senses of the phrase. The Board complimented his work to date.

The Board invited Matt back to the table when the MVP (Municipal Vulnerabilities Preparedness) – RFP (Request for Proposal) draft was being discussed. The Town received a $100,000 (about one half of what was requested) grant from the State. This document would solicit contractors who would move the MVP work into the next phase. Mr. Cronin pointed out that much of what was outlined sounded like work Mr. Zetteck does. He invited Mr. Zetteck (if he is NOT bidding on the project as a private contractor) to work with Mr. Ritter and the Board to tighten up the RFP.

Other Board Business:

  • No further action/inquiries has taken place regarding the Downtown Business Trash program
  • Donations totaling $620 in memory of John Selent were accepted for deposit in the Sr. Ctr. Gift Account
  • A one-day liquor license was approved for a Marathon fundraiser organized by Anna Fergeson to be held at Breezy Hill Farm on March 14th
  • The Board approved the request of up to $3,000 from the CPC to repair graves / headstones in the Town cemetery adjacent to Town Hall

The meeting adjourned at 7:44 pm.

Chris Cain

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