Tuesday, June 14, 2016

According to a source, one month and counting and Templeton Town Administrator will be leaving.
The shortfall in the fiscal year 2013 budget is apparently very large, so do not look for any free cash from any audits. My opinion is it was foolish to even speak of any possible free cash or extra unallocated money before actually having it in hand. I still firmly believe there is either not enough money to run this Town and/or the money is not being applied in a correct smart fashion. When the audit is done, whenever that may be, then the dollar figure will be known. There is always the possibility that the deficit will turn out not to be as large as anticipated but again, that will remain an unknown until things are completed. One thing is for sure, belts better be tightened real soon.

posted by Jeff Bennett
from the most recent copy of the open meeting law guide from Massachusetts Attorney General.

2. To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel; Generally, a public body must identify the specific non-union personnel or collective bargaining unit with which it is negotiating before entering into executive session under Purpose 2.
 A public body may withhold the identity of the non-union personnel or bargaining unit if publicly disclosing that information would compromise the purpose for which the executive session was called. While we generally defer to public bodies’ assessment of whether the inclusion of such details would compromise the purpose for an executive session, a public body must be able to demonstrate a reasonable basis for that claim if challenged. While a public body may agree on terms with individual non-union personnel in executive session, the final vote to execute such agreements must be taken by the public body in open session. In contrast, a public body may approve final terms and execute a collective bargaining agreement in executive session, but should promptly disclose the agreement in open session following its execution.

posted by Jeff Bennett
An update on air packs for the fire department, there will be some transfer of funds to come up with the almost 20 thousand dollars required to cover the replacement costs. There some discussion on the limit of transfer funds without a town meeting.

A 3 year contract for the chief of police was discussed and which apparently was/is ready for execution on the part of the selectmen.

The tree growing out of the chimney on the Tucker building was brought up with no action again other than sending a letter to Housing authority and state representative and senator.

There will be a firm coming to town on June 28 to discuss looking at and changing/updating Town by-laws.
 Personnel policy was given to selectmen and some discussion concerning the removal of a progressive discipline section by the attorney.

A meeting on July 21 at Town hall with firms who will give presentation on searching for a full time Town Administrator.

posted by Jeff Bennett
Audit update: Auditors for Templeton's FY2013 financials have not yet begun with auditors physically in Town Hall. The Town Administrator did reveal there is a substantial deficit in FY2013, as in very large but would not say how much in dollars yet. I think it is safe to assume that talk of a substantial amount of so called free cash is going to end up as not so much, if any.

posted by Jeff Bennett