Templeton Town by-laws - Article IV - Advisory Committee.
Section 5. In the discharge of its duty, said committee shall have free access to all books of
record and accounts, bills and vouchers on which money has been or may be paid
from the town treasury. Officers, boards, and committees of the town shall, upon
request, furnish said committee with facts, figures, and any other information
pertaining to their several activities.
Section 6. It shall be the duty of the Advisory Committee to make an annual report of its doings,
with recommendations relative to financial matters and the conduct of town business,
to be contained in the annual town report.
It is the duty and responsibility of all Town departments and selectmen to provide Advisory Committee all financial documents involving public money. After the 2017 financial presentation of 2017 by the selectmen and the financial presentation to the Town by the Advisory Committee in 2014, both at the annual Town meeting, there needs to be much discussion and thorough breakdown of all financial matters involving the Town. Financial information should be readily available and easily obtained.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Since someone in Town hall really hates this blog, here's to it:
Article IV – Advisory Committee
Section 1. There shall be an Advisory Committee consisting of seven legal voters of the town who shall be appointed by the Moderator as hereinafter provided. No elective or appointive town officer or town employee shall be eligible to serve on said committee, except that a representative from the Advisory Committee shall be entitled to serve as a member of the Capital Planning Committee and the Insurance Committee. Amended 5-13-03 & 5-11-11
The above is from Templeton General by-laws, and there in lies the problem, seems like the Massachusetts General laws now say something different:
MGL, chapter 32B, section 3:
Said committee shall consist of eight members as follows: seven persons to be duly elected or appointed to membership on such committee by organizations of the employees affected, and one person who shall be a retiree of a governmental unit who shall be duly appointed to membership on said committee by the appropriate public authority.
I was going to serve on insurance committee until a "discussion" came up as to how I was appointed to the insurance committee, hey, some people in Town Hall do not like me, but hey, who cares. During this "discussion" it was noted that the law said something else which contradicts the Town by-law so the Advisory Committee requested an article for the special town meeting in October to have 3 words removed from that by-law section. That would make the by law follow state law. Seems simple and logical, until it reaches the selectmen, who, voted to not place this item on the warrant. They stated they wished to wait until they bring in a consultant, for a fee, to have all the by-laws looked at and changed, eliminated so as to be compliant with current law. I agree with the concept, but why wait to remove 3 words which does what they say they wish to do.
from my personal opinion: "Perhaps they do not like Advisory Committee bringing something up that may derail their school project. Since the Town would be getting very close, if not passing, what is the allowable debt limit for the Town, and to allow the Town to get word on the condition of it's fiance, it does not seem to be a bad thing to do, to put the brakes on the project. The Town will be able to go into 47 million dollar debt later. So the beat goes on and it seems that this board of selectmen still has advisory Committee on its target deck and wants to go around it and not follow Town by-laws, they still feel like they are the superior board." You can make the call as to how you see it.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Article IV – Advisory Committee
Section 1. There shall be an Advisory Committee consisting of seven legal voters of the town who shall be appointed by the Moderator as hereinafter provided. No elective or appointive town officer or town employee shall be eligible to serve on said committee, except that a representative from the Advisory Committee shall be entitled to serve as a member of the Capital Planning Committee and the Insurance Committee. Amended 5-13-03 & 5-11-11
The above is from Templeton General by-laws, and there in lies the problem, seems like the Massachusetts General laws now say something different:
MGL, chapter 32B, section 3:
Said committee shall consist of eight members as follows: seven persons to be duly elected or appointed to membership on such committee by organizations of the employees affected, and one person who shall be a retiree of a governmental unit who shall be duly appointed to membership on said committee by the appropriate public authority.
I was going to serve on insurance committee until a "discussion" came up as to how I was appointed to the insurance committee, hey, some people in Town Hall do not like me, but hey, who cares. During this "discussion" it was noted that the law said something else which contradicts the Town by-law so the Advisory Committee requested an article for the special town meeting in October to have 3 words removed from that by-law section. That would make the by law follow state law. Seems simple and logical, until it reaches the selectmen, who, voted to not place this item on the warrant. They stated they wished to wait until they bring in a consultant, for a fee, to have all the by-laws looked at and changed, eliminated so as to be compliant with current law. I agree with the concept, but why wait to remove 3 words which does what they say they wish to do.
from my personal opinion: "Perhaps they do not like Advisory Committee bringing something up that may derail their school project. Since the Town would be getting very close, if not passing, what is the allowable debt limit for the Town, and to allow the Town to get word on the condition of it's fiance, it does not seem to be a bad thing to do, to put the brakes on the project. The Town will be able to go into 47 million dollar debt later. So the beat goes on and it seems that this board of selectmen still has advisory Committee on its target deck and wants to go around it and not follow Town by-laws, they still feel like they are the superior board." You can make the call as to how you see it.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Since Templeton is going to be looking for more debt to replace a sewer pumping station, I hope they are looking into this:
Sewer Rate Relief Fund - FY2017
The Division of Local Services has released Bulletin 2016-04B: Sewer Rate Relief Fund - FY2017. It can be found by clicking here.
The Division of Local Services has released Bulletin 2016-04B: Sewer Rate Relief Fund - FY2017. It can be found by clicking here.
The Sewer Rate Relief Fund operates under the provisions of Chapter 29 Section 2Z of the General Laws. The Fund was created in 1993 to mitigate escalating costs of sewer service in the Commonwealth. Awards were based on "eligible debt service" and were calculated at up to 20% of debt service. For FY2017, $1.1 million has been appropriated. Applications must be returned by Friday, October 28th, 2016 to the address noted in the bulletin.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Looking back at a meeting and election, November 9, 2015, special town meeting for school - 356 voters present with 236 yes votes (2/3 majority) and at the special election in December 8, 2015 - there were 1405 voters with 806 yes votes and 597 no votes. At the annual election in May 2016, there were 685 voters! Annual town meeting in May 2016 there were 65 voters??? Those numbers seem to indicate there was more interest and concern about the school than the next three years of Templeton. That being said, I still believe Templeton voters deserve an opportunity to state again how they feel via a vote, especially with the latest financial information available. I still am of the belief that some, if not all of this information was hidden or overlooked in order for a positive school vote. That is my personal opinion! I am still waiting on a new 2015 annual town report that contains a report from the Town treasurer and Town accountant. I am also still thinking of the financial presentation by the selectmen to the Town meeting, the 2017 budget, so called.
posted by Jeff Bennett
posted by Jeff Bennett
Saturday, September 24, 2016
This is an interesting item found on the website of MSBA, under projects for Narragansett regional district. It has the appearance that the district paid for repairs to Phillipston elementary school or at least it looks as thought the district received a reimbursement from MSBA. This is something to look into because it raises the question as to why the district did not do the same thing for Templeton elementary schools. Per the regional agreement, any amount over $5,000.00 in costs puts the repair or work solely on the Town.
school name MSBA ID project Phase total rate MSBA Total
type cost paid MSBA
This is worth some phone calls.
posted by Jeff Bennett
school name MSBA ID project Phase total rate MSBA Total
type cost paid MSBA
| Phillipston Memorial | 201107200003G | Green Repair | Final Audit Approved | $161,232 | 59.84 % | $78,095 | $81,401 |
This is worth some phone calls.
posted by Jeff Bennett
from the site of MSBA: for your informational purpose.
MSBA Board Approves $22.9M Grant for New Templeton Center Elementary School
November 18, 2015
State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Chief Executive Officer Maureen Valente today announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $22.9 million for the new Templeton Center Elementary School. One of the next steps is for the District and the MSBA to enter into a Project Funding Agreement, which will detail the project’s scope and budget, along with the conditions under which the District will receive its MSBA grant.
“Upon completion, the new school in Templeton will provide a 21st century learning environment for area students,” Treasurer Goldberg said. “Our goal is to create the best space to deliver the district’s educational commitments and goals.”
The new 92,735 square-foot school will be built based on a design enrollment of 580 students in Kindergarten through grade 5. The MSBA will contribute 63.11% of eligible costs toward the project, for a total grant of up to $22,928,897. The current school was built in 1942 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and windows.
“The new Templeton Center Elementary School will replace an aging building with a modern learning facility,” stated Chief Executive Officer Valente. “Students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,650 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $11.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
The new 92,735 square-foot school will be built based on a design enrollment of 580 students in Kindergarten through grade 5. The MSBA will contribute 63.11% of eligible costs toward the project, for a total grant of up to $22,928,897. The current school was built in 1942 and suffers from deficiencies in major building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and windows.
“The new Templeton Center Elementary School will replace an aging building with a modern learning facility,” stated Chief Executive Officer Valente. “Students will soon have a beautiful new space which will undoubtedly enhance and improve their ability to excel in the classroom.”
The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has made over 1,650 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due diligence process and has made over $11.7 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects.
The grant is up to, which means no more than and does not really mean 22.9 million, it means no more than. It is also 63.11% of eligible costs, not 63.11% of the total cost of the project. Big difference there.
posted by Jeff Bennett
On Wednesday evening, September 21, 2016, the Advisory Committee took up a motion for discussion. It was about the school and whether we should recommend or propose to Town meeting to rescind the prior Town meeting vote of November, 9, 2015. Speaking for myself, it was from a financial perspective. You would have to ask the other members about their reason or vote. If this question were to make it to Town meeting floor, there would be two options; vote yes to rescind that vote and that would put into motion things to stop that project. A no vote, if in the majority would effectively be a second yes vote for the project, then we could all watch the school be built at the location of Templeton Center. The Advisory Committee did not start any petition. Any citizen is able and free to make such a move and that is our democratic process. If the information given at the first meeting, on November 9, 2015 was correct, proper and not a used car sales pitch, there should be no worry about a second yes vote happening. There is an opening for one member on the Advisory Committee. All you need do is show up at a meeting and inquire. The committee can appoint it's own members when there is an opening 30 days after Town meeting.
It is up to the selectmen to place or not, items on the warrant for a town meeting. The original school vote happened on a special town meeting so there should be no issue for having a second vote on a special town meeting. So before there is a big uproar on this topic, we should wait to see what the selectmen choose to do. That is the first step in the process.
posted by Jeff Bennett
It is up to the selectmen to place or not, items on the warrant for a town meeting. The original school vote happened on a special town meeting so there should be no issue for having a second vote on a special town meeting. So before there is a big uproar on this topic, we should wait to see what the selectmen choose to do. That is the first step in the process.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Speaking of Audits for Municipalities -
Management Letter
At the conclusion of each audit a management letter may issued by the Independent Auditor.
It is not required if there are no findings that are considered significant.
It is a good idea to get a copy of recent management letters before you start reviewing the
actual financial statements.
The management letter does not provide an opinion but instead deals with the Auditor’s
evaluation of the Town’s internal control over financial reporting.
The internal control evaluation is limited and will not identify all weaknesses.
A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not
allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions,
to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.
Sections of the Auditor’s Report
Report on the Financial Statements
This defines the statements being audited
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
This tells the reader that management is responsible for the fair presentation in accordance with
GAAP; that management is responsible for Internal Controls; and free from material
misstatement due to error or fraud.
Management Letter
At the conclusion of each audit a management letter may issued by the Independent Auditor.
It is not required if there are no findings that are considered significant.
It is a good idea to get a copy of recent management letters before you start reviewing the
actual financial statements.
The management letter does not provide an opinion but instead deals with the Auditor’s
evaluation of the Town’s internal control over financial reporting.
The internal control evaluation is limited and will not identify all weaknesses.
A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not
allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions,
to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.
Sections of the Auditor’s Report
Report on the Financial Statements
This defines the statements being audited
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
This tells the reader that management is responsible for the fair presentation in accordance with
GAAP; that management is responsible for Internal Controls; and free from material
misstatement due to error or fraud.
Looking at the management letter for 2011, for Templeton by Melanson Heath, I find this:
Improve segregation of duties in sewer department (significant deficiency)
Town's response: The sewer department has no response at this time.
Perform periodic internal audits of departmental receipts.
Town's response: The Town agrees with this recommendation
Other prior year issues -
Computer passwords, should be changed periodically.
Town's response - agreed.
delinquent recievables - all delinquent prior year real estate tax receivables should be liened.
Town's response - agreed. Is this being done today in 2016?
Current year issues:
Reconcile tax title receivables - in fiscal 2011 the town accountant established a new general ledger accounts to track tax title receivables in the general, water and sewer funds. Although current year activity was posted to these accounts, all prior year activity remains in the previous generic general fund account. (Could this be one of the "problems"?) We recommend the prior year activity be analyzed and be reconciled to the treasurer's detail receivable records.
Town response - agreed
The above is a partial summary of the management letter for 2011 with regards to recommendations and status of current and prior year analysis.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Here is some interesting reading which highlights some things that need attention in Templeton.
posted online in May of 2012;
posted online in May of 2012;
Selectman Stephen Castinetti found it troubling that previous auditing firm Melanson Heath gave the town a clean bill of health every year and was curious why the company didn’t pick up the violations cited in the Powers & Sullivan audit.
Powers responded that he couldn’t say for sure why the issues weren’t caught, but he stressed that if people did their jobs they had the opportunity to put a halt to the practices.
Selectman Debra Panetta asked Powers if he has seen any violations in other communities that rise to the level of what has been reported in the Saugus government.
In fact, Powers said he has reviewed worse situations elsewhere involving scenarios such as employees stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“What we found (in Saugus) were misleading financial statements as opposed to personal gain,” Powers said.
To support that viewpoint, Horlick pointed out how Regan and other employees approached then Temporary Town Manager John Vasapolli earlier this year to report the violations of municipal finance laws.
“Employees said they felt intimidated and succumbed to what they perceived as pressure to process transactions they knew weren’t correct,” Powers said.
From speaking to town employees, Castinetti said it was obvious they felt intimidated to come forward with their concerns.
Palleschi protested that the fiscal uncertainty puts the Finance Committee “under the gun” because it is supposed to provide its recommendations to Town Meeting in May, yet at this point the Board of Selectmen has yet to send along its proposed budget. (sounds familiar)
To that point, Palleschi lamented how the Finance Committee never received the financial information it requested from the previous administration during its deliberations.
Seems a very similar pattern here in Templeton, same audit firm, same problems.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Monday, September 19, 2016
Reversing course and perhaps bringing back the same auditing firm, so there will be no new eyes on Templeton finance! That is my opinion after reading an article in the Gardner news today, Monday, September 19, 2016.
Cost is now being injected into the conversation of audits, because apparently the information from past interim town administrator Bob Markel was less than accurate. Right up there with the 2017 budget, so called. In past years, a report from auditors was always done at a public meeting and I will be looking for any emails concerning past audit request for a meeting that they say was refused. Since there are records out there of problems with other towns who used Heath Melanson as an audit firm, I would suggest they should be the last ones to use in these next set of audits. I would also suggest that the selectmen should not be the ones choosing an audit firm, since audits check work done or signed off by the BOS. Selectmen hire town administrator, hire or appoint treasurer, collector and accountant and approve their work by signing off on warrant each week and approve their work and performance by re appointing them when time arrives. Why should selectmen hire auditors to check that work? In my opinion, there seems to be an indication that the selectmen are going to backtrack and bring back an old audit firm and there will be no new eyes on Templeton finance.
from the audit firm of CliftonLarson Allen:
Fees Assuming the audit includes the audit of one (1) major federal grant, our fee for these services will be $28,500 for fiscal year 2013. If an additional grant(s) is required to be audited under the requirements of OMB Circular A-133, we will issue a change order for $5,500 (per grant) to audit the applicable program(s). Our fee above includes all out-of-pocket costs, such as report reproduction, typing, postage, travel, copies, telephone, etc. If unexpected circumstances require significant additional time, we will advise you before undertaking work that would require a substantial increase in the fee estimate. Our invoices for these fees will be rendered each month as work progresses and are payable on presentation. In accordance with our firm policies, work may be suspended if your account becomes 30 days or more overdue and will not be resumed until your account is paid in full. If we elect to terminate our services for nonpayment, our engagement will be deemed to have been completed even if we have not issued our reports. You will be obligated to compensate us for all time expended and to reimburse us for all out-of-pocket expenditures through the date of termination,
dated April 28, 2016.
email from Bob Markel to selectmen dated April 29, 2016:
Cost is now being injected into the conversation of audits, because apparently the information from past interim town administrator Bob Markel was less than accurate. Right up there with the 2017 budget, so called. In past years, a report from auditors was always done at a public meeting and I will be looking for any emails concerning past audit request for a meeting that they say was refused. Since there are records out there of problems with other towns who used Heath Melanson as an audit firm, I would suggest they should be the last ones to use in these next set of audits. I would also suggest that the selectmen should not be the ones choosing an audit firm, since audits check work done or signed off by the BOS. Selectmen hire town administrator, hire or appoint treasurer, collector and accountant and approve their work by signing off on warrant each week and approve their work and performance by re appointing them when time arrives. Why should selectmen hire auditors to check that work? In my opinion, there seems to be an indication that the selectmen are going to backtrack and bring back an old audit firm and there will be no new eyes on Templeton finance.
from the audit firm of CliftonLarson Allen:
Fees Assuming the audit includes the audit of one (1) major federal grant, our fee for these services will be $28,500 for fiscal year 2013. If an additional grant(s) is required to be audited under the requirements of OMB Circular A-133, we will issue a change order for $5,500 (per grant) to audit the applicable program(s). Our fee above includes all out-of-pocket costs, such as report reproduction, typing, postage, travel, copies, telephone, etc. If unexpected circumstances require significant additional time, we will advise you before undertaking work that would require a substantial increase in the fee estimate. Our invoices for these fees will be rendered each month as work progresses and are payable on presentation. In accordance with our firm policies, work may be suspended if your account becomes 30 days or more overdue and will not be resumed until your account is paid in full. If we elect to terminate our services for nonpayment, our engagement will be deemed to have been completed even if we have not issued our reports. You will be obligated to compensate us for all time expended and to reimburse us for all out-of-pocket expenditures through the date of termination,
dated April 28, 2016.
email from Bob Markel to selectmen dated April 29, 2016:
All -
I received a call from Matt Hunt of CliftonLarsonAllen, our auditing firm, regarding a Single Audit for Fiscal 2013. In the spring of 2014, they gave me a quote for conducting audits for Fiscal 2014 and 2015. Later, we added Fiscal 2013 to the list following a recommendation from bond counsel and the DOR. Neither they nor I knew that the Town had expended CDBG monies exceeding $500,000 in FY'13.
We are required to do a Single Audit for FY'13, and this has added to the cost. I recommend that we pay the additional cost from the $27,000 in surplus funds that is scheduled for transfer into the BoS expenses budget in the FY'16 Financial Transfer article.
Bob
Robert T. Markel
Interim Town Administrator
Town of Templeton
160 Patriots Road
East Templeton, MA 01438
(978)894-2753
selecmen already knew it was going to cost more than they originally expected or were told. Again, it is my opinion that this is opening the door so the "old" audit firm can be used so no "new" eyes on Templeton finance. The library logging fiasco again shows the need for a new set of eyes on Templeton finance.
This is my personal opinion. posted by Jeff Bennett
I will fight for any and all rights under the Bill of Rights!
Robert T. Markel
Interim Town Administrator
Town of Templeton
160 Patriots Road
East Templeton, MA 01438
(978)894-2753
selecmen already knew it was going to cost more than they originally expected or were told. Again, it is my opinion that this is opening the door so the "old" audit firm can be used so no "new" eyes on Templeton finance. The library logging fiasco again shows the need for a new set of eyes on Templeton finance.
This is my personal opinion. posted by Jeff Bennett
I will fight for any and all rights under the Bill of Rights!
So the Town is looking at ways to make a BAN (bond anticipation note) or short term borrowing, for the school. This is added cost for such projects and folks such as selectmen Brooks can say what they wish, but the fact is, there was much misinformation or left out information just to get a yes school vote, in my opinion. There is also an issue with the Templeton library selling timber without following correct process. This has come about by the effort of one Town resident in particular. This is someone who serves on an appointed board or committee, criticizing the Town, which could be taken as violating the current draft social media policy. I believe people should look at the Bill of Rights and then look into the state entity of MCAD. There are things such as whistle blower and retaliation that are protected items of "behavior" Of course, unless MCAD is retaliating against you for firing someone, then they hit you back.
The library logging item is perhaps the latest and best example of a Town that is still to compartmentalized and not really operating as one entity, because in my opinion, there is still to much "empire" building.
posted by Jeff Bennett
The library logging item is perhaps the latest and best example of a Town that is still to compartmentalized and not really operating as one entity, because in my opinion, there is still to much "empire" building.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Friday, September 16, 2016
- September 13, 2016
• Download the draft public records law regulations (66K PDF)
On Oct. 6, the office will be holding a public hearing on the proposed changes to 950 C.M.R. 32.00, which reflect the provisions of Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2016. The hearing will be held at 11 a.m. in the 17th floor conference room at One Ashburton Place in Boston.
Written comments will be accepted until 1 p.m. on Oct. 6, and should be delivered to Shawn A. Williams, Supervisor of Public Records, Public Records Division, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108.
The MMA is working with the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association to develop testimony for the Oct. 6 hearing and would like to hear from local officials. To offer input, contact Legislative Director John Robertson at jrobertson@mma.org.
The revised public records law, which will take effect on Jan. 1, imposes strict new rules on cities, towns and state agencies governing timelines to respond to requests for records, how much can be charged to cover costs, and what penalties can be imposed on state and local government agencies.
The supervisor of records in the secretary of state’s office has until Jan. 1 to finalize regulations to implement the law. The new rules will require cities and towns to review and update local practices for responding to records requests.
For more information, visit the Public Records Division website at www.sec.state.ma.us/pre.
from MMA website, posted here by Jeff Bennett
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
To: Board of Selectmen
From: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: FY'17 Fall Town Meeting
Date: September 9, 2016
CC: N/A
Attached is the latest draft of the warrant for the fall Town meeting. It has three articles added since draft#1. The first deals with the allocation of the CPA surcharge in anticipation that we can get to an audit for FY' 14 this fiscal year. The second deals with separating out the scholarship fund from the operating budget. The third deals with an article to deal with the acquisition of the drainage and maintenance easement related to the drainage on Wellington Road presented during discussion of the proposed elementary school. A final draft will be presented for your action on 09/26. In order to prepare that final draft there are several matters for which I need your direction. Those are:
Revenues; Is it your intent to reduce your FY'17 estimates? The open issues are:
New growth was estimated at $80,000.00. Figures of $60,000.00 and $65,000.00 have
been used in discussions as perhaps being more appropriate. So far, it is in the area of
$67,000.00. It is anticipated there may be another $10K in "supplemental" tax bills
this year. While I do believe I can get the original estimate through DOR, the question
becomes if you want to stretch to do so?
Excise Tax: was estimated at $110,000.00. Collections for the latest fiscal year are approximately $1,055,000.00. Trends and billings show we could probably hit the original
estimates. At present I cannot, I do need some decisions from the board. While I do
believe I can get the original estimate through DOR, the question becomes if you want
to stretch to do so?
Bond Issue: We need to provide for a payment of $87,500.00 to settle the outstanding debt on 252 Baldwinville. We have suggested we cover this with a withdrawal from stabilization. The question becomes if you want to withdraw these monies from stabilization or not.
OPEB: had been part of your FY"17 planning, although there had been no formal appropriation. The question becomes if you want to withdraw these monies from stabilization or not?
With answers to these questions, we can proceed to know if we need to make any cuts to departmental budgets to comport those operating budget to the revenue budget.
So, selectmen, will you propose to spend more than has been brought in, raised, etc.? Do you propose to spend more than you have or do you reduce to cover your goofs? Remember, one selectmen says "we are solving issues, they aren't" Perhaps too much flouride!
posted by Jeff Bennett
From: Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE: FY'17 Fall Town Meeting
Date: September 9, 2016
CC: N/A
Attached is the latest draft of the warrant for the fall Town meeting. It has three articles added since draft#1. The first deals with the allocation of the CPA surcharge in anticipation that we can get to an audit for FY' 14 this fiscal year. The second deals with separating out the scholarship fund from the operating budget. The third deals with an article to deal with the acquisition of the drainage and maintenance easement related to the drainage on Wellington Road presented during discussion of the proposed elementary school. A final draft will be presented for your action on 09/26. In order to prepare that final draft there are several matters for which I need your direction. Those are:
Revenues; Is it your intent to reduce your FY'17 estimates? The open issues are:
New growth was estimated at $80,000.00. Figures of $60,000.00 and $65,000.00 have
been used in discussions as perhaps being more appropriate. So far, it is in the area of
$67,000.00. It is anticipated there may be another $10K in "supplemental" tax bills
this year. While I do believe I can get the original estimate through DOR, the question
becomes if you want to stretch to do so?
Excise Tax: was estimated at $110,000.00. Collections for the latest fiscal year are approximately $1,055,000.00. Trends and billings show we could probably hit the original
estimates. At present I cannot, I do need some decisions from the board. While I do
believe I can get the original estimate through DOR, the question becomes if you want
to stretch to do so?
Bond Issue: We need to provide for a payment of $87,500.00 to settle the outstanding debt on 252 Baldwinville. We have suggested we cover this with a withdrawal from stabilization. The question becomes if you want to withdraw these monies from stabilization or not.
OPEB: had been part of your FY"17 planning, although there had been no formal appropriation. The question becomes if you want to withdraw these monies from stabilization or not?
With answers to these questions, we can proceed to know if we need to make any cuts to departmental budgets to comport those operating budget to the revenue budget.
So, selectmen, will you propose to spend more than has been brought in, raised, etc.? Do you propose to spend more than you have or do you reduce to cover your goofs? Remember, one selectmen says "we are solving issues, they aren't" Perhaps too much flouride!
posted by Jeff Bennett
I would really like the opportunity to ask the DOR representative for Templeton if she ever had a relationship with the former Templeton accountant outside of a professional one, but would probably not get an honest answer. - Jeff Bennett
The following email is between the chair of the Advisory Committee and Templeton Town Accountant:
Advisory committee members,
The following email is between the chair of the Advisory Committee and Templeton Town Accountant:
Advisory committee members,
Below is an answer to the question on the negative balance for Capital Project Fund on the FY15 schedule A from the accountant. We can review and discuss at our next meeting .
Kelli,
Thank you for your response
Wil
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kelli Pontbriand <accountant@templeton1.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 4:24 PM
Subject: Schedule A Question
To: Wilfred Spring <185wilberdr@gmail.com>
Cc: Carter Terenzini <townadministrator@templeton1.org>
From: Kelli Pontbriand <accountant@templeton1.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 13, 2016 at 4:24 PM
Subject: Schedule A Question
To: Wilfred Spring <185wilberdr@gmail.com>
Cc: Carter Terenzini <townadministrator@templeton1.org>
Will,
You asked Carter why account 019 on page 24 for the Capital Project Fund has a negative -151,428. In order for the schedule A to be submitted to the DOR those balances have to be tied to other pages of the report or you can’t submit. Since FY 2013 the balances on this page have been posted as needed to get the Schedule submitted to the DOR and do not reflect the actual balances. Once everything has rolled forward and the first Schedule A (hopefully FY 17) is submitted with all the adjusting entries to bring the schedule A to the actual numbers for the town these will have accurate figures.
Kelli Pontbriand
Accountant
Town of Templeton
So my take from this is the DOR or at least the Springfield DOR rep. for Templeton has been accepting incomplete or inaccurate financial documents from Templeton for some time and yet Templeton residents have been told that all is well and Templeton is on the way to financial bliss. Personally, I call BS on this. Personally, since 2014, I think there has been a concerted effort to paint a financial rosey picture so a positive school vote could be had (pun intended) at all costs!
Remember, the new school will only cost you $1.74 per thousand on your taxes and only 24 million dollars will be borrowed. Diane Brooks and John Columbus told you so!
posted by Jeff Bennett
I believe the selectmen and interim town administrator need to review and read the Templeton town by-laws. These were voted on and passed by the people who elect you and/or pay your salary. You work for them! You do not work for the school district, you are suppose to work for what is best for the whole Town! So lets review the Town by-laws, voted on and approved by the voters and checked by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth.
Templeton Town by-laws - Article IV - Advisory Committee:
Section 4a. All articles, other than those deemed by the Board of Selectmen to constitute an emergency, sought to be inserted in the Town Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting shall be filed with the Board of Selectmen, and referred by them to the Advisory Committee on or before April 10th and all articles sought to be inserted in the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting shall be referred by the Board of Selectmen to the Advisory Committee at least 14 days before the date set for such meeting. Amended 5-16-13
NOT AT SELECTMEN CONVENIENCE!
Section 5. In the discharge of its duty, said committee shall have free access to all books of record and accounts, bills and vouchers on which money has been or may be paid from the town treasury. Officers, boards, and committees of the town shall, upon request, furnish said committee with facts, figures, and any other information pertaining to their several activities.
Section 6. It shall be the duty of the Advisory Committee to make an annual report of its doings, with recommendations relative to financial matters and the conduct of town business, to be contained in the annual town report.
Since selectmen Brooks reads this blog, read that and tell the rest of the selectmen and the Town Administrator, Advisory Committee has a right to see the budget changes, amendments etc., when they ask for the information and it is not at your convenience, the people who elect you said so in their vote!
posted by Jeff Bennett
Templeton Town by-laws - Article IV - Advisory Committee:
Section 4a. All articles, other than those deemed by the Board of Selectmen to constitute an emergency, sought to be inserted in the Town Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting shall be filed with the Board of Selectmen, and referred by them to the Advisory Committee on or before April 10th and all articles sought to be inserted in the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting shall be referred by the Board of Selectmen to the Advisory Committee at least 14 days before the date set for such meeting. Amended 5-16-13
NOT AT SELECTMEN CONVENIENCE!
Section 5. In the discharge of its duty, said committee shall have free access to all books of record and accounts, bills and vouchers on which money has been or may be paid from the town treasury. Officers, boards, and committees of the town shall, upon request, furnish said committee with facts, figures, and any other information pertaining to their several activities.
Section 6. It shall be the duty of the Advisory Committee to make an annual report of its doings, with recommendations relative to financial matters and the conduct of town business, to be contained in the annual town report.
Since selectmen Brooks reads this blog, read that and tell the rest of the selectmen and the Town Administrator, Advisory Committee has a right to see the budget changes, amendments etc., when they ask for the information and it is not at your convenience, the people who elect you said so in their vote!
posted by Jeff Bennett
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Town Administrator's Weekly Report 9.8.16
Within this T/A report, are a couple of items that seem important.
(1) 5c - "The fee section in this policy has been amended to reflect the emergency regulations issued by the secretary of State's office in February of this year. Those were issued in anticipation of the new law even prior to its enactment. Interestingly, many of my peers were also unaware of this when we followed through to research it." That seems to be in reference of the fees for public records; most are 5 cents per page, whether one sided or two sided printing and regardless of where the record comes from, as in from a file cabinet or a computer printout. The only difference will be those items whose fees are already covered by MGL, as in the law sets the required fee for some records.
(as of two minutes ago, the fees listed under the draft public records policy still show the wrong fees for public records)
Concerning the fire department, in particular, ambulance service in Templeton; "the acting fire chief and I sat and since the decision to move to ALS service was predicated upon use of per diem to achieve full-time equivalent coverage, the acting fire chief has come to believe that he can only achieve proper coverage for two of the shifts through the use of full-time hires. (four) After a review of the available budget information, I cannot find any allocation of the accompanying fringe benefit package. Additionally, I cannot find anything to support that the hiring of full-time personnel can be supported by the anticipated increase in revenues."
This scenario seems to support what I stated three or four years ago along with what I posted here a short time ago. The only way to have ALS ambulance service is with an increase in full-time employees, paramedics and EMT's, with all the associated costs such as health insurance and retirement. That is not a for or against statement, that is just the way it is. If you want service, you have to pay for it and that comes from property tax. The ambulance receipts fund will not completely pay for the ambulance service, no matter what you may have been told. It can supplement it but not 100% pay for it.
The Templeton fire department has a problem with a pump and it will cost in the tens of thousands to fix or replace. I hope the fire department contacts the Advisory Committee and requests money from the reserve fund, as this is a situation that meets the requirements of the reserve fund.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Within this T/A report, are a couple of items that seem important.
(1) 5c - "The fee section in this policy has been amended to reflect the emergency regulations issued by the secretary of State's office in February of this year. Those were issued in anticipation of the new law even prior to its enactment. Interestingly, many of my peers were also unaware of this when we followed through to research it." That seems to be in reference of the fees for public records; most are 5 cents per page, whether one sided or two sided printing and regardless of where the record comes from, as in from a file cabinet or a computer printout. The only difference will be those items whose fees are already covered by MGL, as in the law sets the required fee for some records.
(as of two minutes ago, the fees listed under the draft public records policy still show the wrong fees for public records)
Concerning the fire department, in particular, ambulance service in Templeton; "the acting fire chief and I sat and since the decision to move to ALS service was predicated upon use of per diem to achieve full-time equivalent coverage, the acting fire chief has come to believe that he can only achieve proper coverage for two of the shifts through the use of full-time hires. (four) After a review of the available budget information, I cannot find any allocation of the accompanying fringe benefit package. Additionally, I cannot find anything to support that the hiring of full-time personnel can be supported by the anticipated increase in revenues."
This scenario seems to support what I stated three or four years ago along with what I posted here a short time ago. The only way to have ALS ambulance service is with an increase in full-time employees, paramedics and EMT's, with all the associated costs such as health insurance and retirement. That is not a for or against statement, that is just the way it is. If you want service, you have to pay for it and that comes from property tax. The ambulance receipts fund will not completely pay for the ambulance service, no matter what you may have been told. It can supplement it but not 100% pay for it.
The Templeton fire department has a problem with a pump and it will cost in the tens of thousands to fix or replace. I hope the fire department contacts the Advisory Committee and requests money from the reserve fund, as this is a situation that meets the requirements of the reserve fund.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Some things to think about or keep in mind.
KNOWN FINANCIAL ISSUES
FY17 Budget
·
Over
stated revenues
1. 15-20K new growth
2. Excise tax 60-100K
·
Salary
and wage account over spent
1. 35k Budgeted
2. 55k spent approx.
·
Over
payment on long term debt of 87,500 which needs to come out of FY17 budget
·
Approx. Total
of 165,000 to 185,000 needs to be reduced from Budget passed at ATM
·
2% raise
given to most employees effective in July, even to those who had received large
raises in FY17 budget passed at ATM
·
Chart of
accounts and FY17 budget document both have accounts listed on one but not on
the other which could cause a possible unaccounted finances on the BvA
·
Chart of
accounts does not have account numbers for encumbered items
Sewage issue
·
60-80K of
FY16 Sewage bills were not encumbered and will have to be paid from FY17 budget
which could cause a potential deficit in the FY17 budget passed at ATM in FY17
sewage budget
posted by Jeff Bennett
email from a member of the Advisory Committee:
_After speaking with the Narragansett Regional School District treasurer, Anne Marie Geyster,
this morning, my comments from last evening have been confirmed.
1. The note for the high school and the new roof for the middle school have been rolled into one note.
2. the final paymant will be due in FY'19 that will clear the way so that the town may assume the debt
for the new elementary school.
Kate_
posted by Jeff Bennett
_After speaking with the Narragansett Regional School District treasurer, Anne Marie Geyster,
this morning, my comments from last evening have been confirmed.
1. The note for the high school and the new roof for the middle school have been rolled into one note.
2. the final paymant will be due in FY'19 that will clear the way so that the town may assume the debt
for the new elementary school.
Kate_
posted by Jeff Bennett
Friday, September 9, 2016
Where can the selectmen get the funds needed to cover the shortages in the FY 2017 budget?
Well, according to a Templeton police chief, it only costs Templeton taxpayers less than forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) per year to operate Templeton dispatch service. That is what a former Templeton police chief told selectmen and the Town back in 2014. You can ask then and current members of the select board, Brooks and Morrison, about that. There is paper work and since it was recorded, there should be a video of this. That being the case, there is/was $299,590.00 appropriated for dispatch service in Templeton at the 2016 annual town meeting. That would mean there is about 250 thousand dollars sitting in a fund that is not required to be used for anything so some transfers would seem to be available for and to "fix" the problems.
Of course, if this is not the case, if it indeed costs about 300 thousand dollars to operate Templeton dispatch, that money would not be available for transfer and it would mean Templeton selectmen and the Town was lied to by a police chief. That is troubling enough, but there is another issue blooming in Templeton and that is with the building of a jail in Templeton. There was a proposal a few years back, when Gardner was building a new police station, there was a study and a report completed and within that report was a discussion of a regional lockup facility. There was a meeting where it was reported that on weekends, the regional lockup facility could be covered by people from the sheriffs office, as this would keep small towns from bringing more people to an already crowded facility for lockup until Monday for court. That means rather than small towns building their own jails, there could be one to maintain and for a fee per year which is cheaper than having additional personnel on the books, as in health insurance and retirement along with salary, uniforms and all the rest.
Then there is the responsibility of the people locked up for say, over the weekend, you have to feed them and if needed, you have to transport to hospital/emergency room for any medical issues. Since Templeton already voted for the building of lockup, those are the things you will be dealing with in the future and you will now have to pay for them with more tax dollars. With the fiasco that is the Templeton so called 2017 budget that has to be fixed along with that looming 47 million dollar debt for a new school. Speaking of debt, the Advisory Committee had requested a report of the number of debt exclusions on the books as of now, along with how much for each, when will they come off the books and the rest of the details. This information was requested from the Town Treasurer and while some information was received, debt exclusion information was not among it. In my opinion, this indicates that the information is not known, the information is being withheld or the individual does not know what it is or how to find it.
With so many questions still around concerning Templeton debt, it just may be time to ask Town meeting if they feel the vote from November 9, 2015 should be rescinded. That most likely will have to come in the form of a citizens petition, as I believe the selectmen will not voluntarily put an article on the warrant for the upcoming special town meeting.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Well, according to a Templeton police chief, it only costs Templeton taxpayers less than forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00) per year to operate Templeton dispatch service. That is what a former Templeton police chief told selectmen and the Town back in 2014. You can ask then and current members of the select board, Brooks and Morrison, about that. There is paper work and since it was recorded, there should be a video of this. That being the case, there is/was $299,590.00 appropriated for dispatch service in Templeton at the 2016 annual town meeting. That would mean there is about 250 thousand dollars sitting in a fund that is not required to be used for anything so some transfers would seem to be available for and to "fix" the problems.
Of course, if this is not the case, if it indeed costs about 300 thousand dollars to operate Templeton dispatch, that money would not be available for transfer and it would mean Templeton selectmen and the Town was lied to by a police chief. That is troubling enough, but there is another issue blooming in Templeton and that is with the building of a jail in Templeton. There was a proposal a few years back, when Gardner was building a new police station, there was a study and a report completed and within that report was a discussion of a regional lockup facility. There was a meeting where it was reported that on weekends, the regional lockup facility could be covered by people from the sheriffs office, as this would keep small towns from bringing more people to an already crowded facility for lockup until Monday for court. That means rather than small towns building their own jails, there could be one to maintain and for a fee per year which is cheaper than having additional personnel on the books, as in health insurance and retirement along with salary, uniforms and all the rest.
Then there is the responsibility of the people locked up for say, over the weekend, you have to feed them and if needed, you have to transport to hospital/emergency room for any medical issues. Since Templeton already voted for the building of lockup, those are the things you will be dealing with in the future and you will now have to pay for them with more tax dollars. With the fiasco that is the Templeton so called 2017 budget that has to be fixed along with that looming 47 million dollar debt for a new school. Speaking of debt, the Advisory Committee had requested a report of the number of debt exclusions on the books as of now, along with how much for each, when will they come off the books and the rest of the details. This information was requested from the Town Treasurer and while some information was received, debt exclusion information was not among it. In my opinion, this indicates that the information is not known, the information is being withheld or the individual does not know what it is or how to find it.
With so many questions still around concerning Templeton debt, it just may be time to ask Town meeting if they feel the vote from November 9, 2015 should be rescinded. That most likely will have to come in the form of a citizens petition, as I believe the selectmen will not voluntarily put an article on the warrant for the upcoming special town meeting.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Saturday, September 3, 2016
link to Templeton social media policy (draft)
DRAFT Social Media Policy
from that policy:
Social Media means the various forms of information-sharing technology to create web content and dialogue around a specific issue or area of interest. Examples of social media applications include but are not limited to Facebook, MySpace, Google and Yahoo Groups, Wikipedia, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, LinkedIn, and news media comment-sharing/blogging.
Town Official means employees of the town, public officers (whether elected or appointed) and town volunteers.
Town officials are discouraged from using personal accounts to comment on or post information to town social media sites, and/or posting information regarding official town business on other social
media sites. All social media site comments and posts by town officials are subject to the Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, policies, charter provisions and regulations. Town Officials including employees, volunteers, and elected officials posts to social media from personal social media accounts will be considered public records if the post discusses aspects of town government.
Town officials should have no expectation of privacy regarding anything created, sent or received on the town’s electronic equipment. The town may monitor any and all transactions, communications and transmissions to ensure compliance with this policy and to evaluate the use of its equipment.
See, I take some of this policy as an attempt to stop some from blogging or commenting in any way on the internet, especially if you are critical of the government or individuals in employ of said government. I believe this policy could be used, with regards to blogging, as retaliation or an attempt there of to try to silence those who would speak out on issues an individual feels public exposure is required there of. Posting of and disseminating said information, I believe, could be categorized as whistle blowing, which if you were present and paying attention to the recent MCAD "training", you would realize that is "protected" behavior. Hence my interest in those items.
posted by Jeff Bennett
DRAFT Social Media Policy
from that policy:
Social Media means the various forms of information-sharing technology to create web content and dialogue around a specific issue or area of interest. Examples of social media applications include but are not limited to Facebook, MySpace, Google and Yahoo Groups, Wikipedia, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, LinkedIn, and news media comment-sharing/blogging.
Town Official means employees of the town, public officers (whether elected or appointed) and town volunteers.
Town officials are discouraged from using personal accounts to comment on or post information to town social media sites, and/or posting information regarding official town business on other social
media sites. All social media site comments and posts by town officials are subject to the Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, policies, charter provisions and regulations. Town Officials including employees, volunteers, and elected officials posts to social media from personal social media accounts will be considered public records if the post discusses aspects of town government.
Town officials should have no expectation of privacy regarding anything created, sent or received on the town’s electronic equipment. The town may monitor any and all transactions, communications and transmissions to ensure compliance with this policy and to evaluate the use of its equipment.
See, I take some of this policy as an attempt to stop some from blogging or commenting in any way on the internet, especially if you are critical of the government or individuals in employ of said government. I believe this policy could be used, with regards to blogging, as retaliation or an attempt there of to try to silence those who would speak out on issues an individual feels public exposure is required there of. Posting of and disseminating said information, I believe, could be categorized as whistle blowing, which if you were present and paying attention to the recent MCAD "training", you would realize that is "protected" behavior. Hence my interest in those items.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Friday, September 2, 2016
Town Administrator's Weekly Report 9.1.16
enjoy this reading, kind of interesting.
posted by Jeff Bennett
enjoy this reading, kind of interesting.
posted by Jeff Bennett
I believe the next Templeton fire chief will come from Ashburnham.
One of the first items he may have to deal with is:
Templeton fire/ems: Department of O.E.M.S will be in Templeton on 9/6/16, Tuesday to inspect the ambulances and record keeping for our license to operate the medical services. we hired one more per-diem medic, this brings us to a total of 8. We lost one due to an O.E.M.S. violation issue. This still leaves holes in our coverage and we need to put one full-time medic and one full-time basic. we have received one written warning back in July and with this up coming inspection, we may receive another one for these deficiencies.
I believe this has been made clear many times in the past, if Templeton wants to be in the ambulance business, you have to be ready with the cash to pay for it. The ambulance receipts account will not cover the costs of employees such as salary, and benefits such as health insurance and retirement.
posted by Jeff Bennett
One of the first items he may have to deal with is:
Templeton fire/ems: Department of O.E.M.S will be in Templeton on 9/6/16, Tuesday to inspect the ambulances and record keeping for our license to operate the medical services. we hired one more per-diem medic, this brings us to a total of 8. We lost one due to an O.E.M.S. violation issue. This still leaves holes in our coverage and we need to put one full-time medic and one full-time basic. we have received one written warning back in July and with this up coming inspection, we may receive another one for these deficiencies.
I believe this has been made clear many times in the past, if Templeton wants to be in the ambulance business, you have to be ready with the cash to pay for it. The ambulance receipts account will not cover the costs of employees such as salary, and benefits such as health insurance and retirement.
posted by Jeff Bennett
MCAD training - Massachusetts commission against discrimination
What was covered; workplace discrimination protected categories;
Age - 40 and over, under 40, sorry you are out of luck in that category.
Criminal records, inquiry only, you cannot ask about that in an application. You can be asked about that further on, which seems to go against common sense; you can apply without having to explain any criminal record but in the one on one, you can be asked and denied the job because of a criminal record, why waste time and resources? The explanation was that everyone has the right to apply.
disability, actual or perceived.
gender
gender identity, as in you have a stick but wish to live as if you don't, so now you have to deal with all kinds of stuff rather than if you have a stick, you pee there, if you don't, you pee there. Now if you are not allowed to pee where you wish, you can go to mcad and scream discrimination. We have gone far!
genetics, which seems to be new.
military personnel
national origin or ancestry
race or color
religion
retaliation
sexual orientation
The material was not that complicated nor over-whelming.
Do not hurt anyone's feelings, do not have standards, do not state that employees are at will employees and can be dismissed at any time because that might not be true. In fact, the employer might be held to pay emotional distress damages.
One would think that after taking about two years to come up with a personnel policy, there would be no real need for more formal training as all of these scenarios would be covered in said policy. Personally, I have experienced all of this same "training" in the military and it did not have much effect, if any. It mostly ended up taking up valuable time that could have been utilized for more important and worthwhile things. Unfortunately in today's litigious society, this is what is has come to. So, on Tuesday of this week, your employees and elected folks were in Town hall, most being paid and having lunch on you, to learn how to be sensitive. Some may still be trying to digest this and figure it all out.
from the Templeton, draft, social media policy:
Town officials are discouraged from using personal accounts to comment on or post information to town social media sites, and/or posting information regarding official town business on other social
media sites. All social media site comments and posts by town officials are subject to the Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, policies, charter provisions and regulations. Town Officials including employees, volunteers, and elected officials posts to social media from personal social media accounts will be considered public records if the post discusses aspects of town government.
posted by Jeff Bennett
.
What was covered; workplace discrimination protected categories;
Age - 40 and over, under 40, sorry you are out of luck in that category.
Criminal records, inquiry only, you cannot ask about that in an application. You can be asked about that further on, which seems to go against common sense; you can apply without having to explain any criminal record but in the one on one, you can be asked and denied the job because of a criminal record, why waste time and resources? The explanation was that everyone has the right to apply.
disability, actual or perceived.
gender
gender identity, as in you have a stick but wish to live as if you don't, so now you have to deal with all kinds of stuff rather than if you have a stick, you pee there, if you don't, you pee there. Now if you are not allowed to pee where you wish, you can go to mcad and scream discrimination. We have gone far!
genetics, which seems to be new.
military personnel
national origin or ancestry
race or color
religion
retaliation
sexual orientation
The material was not that complicated nor over-whelming.
Do not hurt anyone's feelings, do not have standards, do not state that employees are at will employees and can be dismissed at any time because that might not be true. In fact, the employer might be held to pay emotional distress damages.
One would think that after taking about two years to come up with a personnel policy, there would be no real need for more formal training as all of these scenarios would be covered in said policy. Personally, I have experienced all of this same "training" in the military and it did not have much effect, if any. It mostly ended up taking up valuable time that could have been utilized for more important and worthwhile things. Unfortunately in today's litigious society, this is what is has come to. So, on Tuesday of this week, your employees and elected folks were in Town hall, most being paid and having lunch on you, to learn how to be sensitive. Some may still be trying to digest this and figure it all out.
from the Templeton, draft, social media policy:
Town officials are discouraged from using personal accounts to comment on or post information to town social media sites, and/or posting information regarding official town business on other social
media sites. All social media site comments and posts by town officials are subject to the Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, policies, charter provisions and regulations. Town Officials including employees, volunteers, and elected officials posts to social media from personal social media accounts will be considered public records if the post discusses aspects of town government.
posted by Jeff Bennett
.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
You can now go to the Templeton Town website and click selectmen, then look for town policies and you will find:
selectmen policies and procedures
personnel policy
draft social media policy
draft public records policy which still shows incorrect fees for most records.
Social media policy is interesting.
There was just some training on MCAD issues, Massachusetts commission against discrimination.
There is some protection or rule against retaliation and whistle blower. I hope the selectmen had their ears turned on and they were paying attention.
posted by Jeff Bennett
selectmen policies and procedures
personnel policy
draft social media policy
draft public records policy which still shows incorrect fees for most records.
Social media policy is interesting.
There was just some training on MCAD issues, Massachusetts commission against discrimination.
There is some protection or rule against retaliation and whistle blower. I hope the selectmen had their ears turned on and they were paying attention.
posted by Jeff Bennett
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