MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2006
6:00 P.M.
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, Marsland, McManus, Piekarski, Wilkins
SELECTMEN ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Acting Town Administrator Stephen Lombard, Tom Groux, and others.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Wilkins
The Board conducted a second interview with Mr. David Owen for the position of Town Administrator from 6:00 p.m. to 6:57 p.m.
The Board then conducted a second interview with Mr. James Merriam for the position of Town Administrator from 7:10 p.m. to 8:09 p.m.
Mr. Groux explained that Mr. Embury was delayed due to a late flight and would not be back in time for the scheduled interview tomorrow. He stated that Mr. Embury has had long standing plans for a trip with his family and that he is unsure of Mr. Embury’s availability after that or if he would be willing to cancel part or all of his trip to come for an interview. Mr. Groux stated that he expects to have more information from Mr. Embury tomorrow.
Mr. Marsland indicated that he felt they have accommodated Mr. Embury enough and it is now time to move forward with the candidates they have. He noted that one candidate has been offered a position elsewhere and that candidate needs to make a decision. He added that he was very impressed with Mr. Merriam and is prepared to make a motion to offer him an employment contract with the Town.
The Board discussed Mr. Embury’s last e-mail which stated that his schedule would not allow any more time for the interview. Mr. Groux reiterated that he is trying to find out if Mr. Embury’s schedule has any flexibility. Chairman Wilkins stated that he is willing to adjust his schedule to work out something if they have an opportunity to interview on Saturday. Mr. Piekarski agreed with Mr. Marsland that they have made enough accommodations for Mr. Embury and they need to accommodate the other candidates. He remarked that he was disheartened that he didn’t see this as Mr. Embury’s priority and said he is prepared to vote on the next Town Administrator.
Mr. McManus pointed out that they have a scheduled meeting tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. which is in advance of Mr. Owen’s deadline to respond to his job offer and this would give them a chance to get an update on Mr. Embury’s situation. He suggested that they might meet on Friday or Saturday. He emphasized that they got recommendations from the Committee and understood some of the problems with Mr. Embury. Mr. Cole stated that he wouldn’t read too much into the e-mail and that it was sent while Mr. Embury was rushed in traveling. He stated that he is prepared to travel along his route to meet with him and Mr. Lombard responded that the interview must be held in a public place and posted ahead of time.
Mr. Marsland reiterated that they have been more than fair. Mr. Marsland moved that subject to working out a written agreement concerning the terms and conditions of employment with Mr. Merriam, that Mr. James Merriam be appointed the Town Administrator to the Town of Harwich. Mr. Piekarski seconded the motion. Mr. McManus stated that this is not the course of action he wants to take but if he votes against the motion he does not want it to indicate he is voting against Mr. Merriam and for this purpose he would be abstaining from the vote. Mr. Cole stated that he preferred not to vote and would like to have the opportunity to interview Mr. Embury. Chairman Wilkins urged the Board to reach a compromise position.
At Chairman Wilkins’ request, Mr. Marsland withdrew his motion. Mr. Piekarski withdrew his second. The Board agreed to make a decision on Monday night and that tomorrow’s meeting was not necessary.
Mr. Piekarski moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Steidel
Recording Secretary
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