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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-12-04-BOS-min 580 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 4, 1972 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, December 4, 1972, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Brown and Busa; Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. McSweeney,, Director of Public Works; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Planning Mr. O'Connell introduced Kenneth G. Briggs, the new Planning Director Director for the Town. Chairman Kenney and the Board welcomed Mr. Briggs and wished him success in his new position. Transfer Mr. O'Connell recommended approval of a request for a transfer of $250 to Account 1142-In State Travel. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for approval of a transfer from E d D to Account 1142-In State Travel , in the amount of $250. School Admin. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that the new warrant is ready, Salaries containing the 1972 levels for School Administrators, with the exception of the Superintendent of Schools which is being held pending a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning compliance with the Federal Wage Guidelines. Chairman Kenney We have talked with the Comptroller and Town Counsel and, as I understand it, that is the unanimous decision of our Board. Five Chairman Kenney read a letter from Dr. Arnold Abrams requesting Fields an abatement of the sewer betterment assessment for Five Fields, Inc. Sewer in the amount of $300.60. Assessment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the request to the Director of Public Works/Engineering for a re- commendation. News- Chairman Kenney read a letter from David Westfall , 106 Kendall paper Road, recommending that additional newspaper bins be made available Landfill at the sanitary landfill. A report from Mr. McSweeney was read, stating that the Con- tractor has additional bins on order and will provide one to Lexington as soon as possible. The Board agreed that Mr. Westfall is to be so informed. Add' I Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Boston Edison re- Street garding additional street lights. Lights Chairman Kenney This is part of our 5 year upgrading of lights for the Town. It is going to cost us more money; we are charged on an annual rental unit and if the lights burn out, they replace them. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to instruct the Director of Public Works to place the orders for lights on iNt ttie following streets Grassland Street, Barrett Road, Bartlett Avenue, Arcola Street, and North Street, for a total annual oper- ating cost of $562.68. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Bicentennial Com- Bicenten. mittee stating the need for the repetition of an Article in the Article 1973 Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting for Bicentennial funds. The Board agreed that the request would be placed on file until the vote for insertion of Articles is made. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Bicentennial Com- Bicenten. mittee stating that based upon discussion with the member of the Memorial Bicentennial Committee responsible for a Permanent Memorial and the Chairman of the Permanent Memorial Sub-Committee, it is obvious that no request for an Article in the Warrant for the 1973 Annual Town Meeting will be forthcoming from the Bicenten- nial Committee. Although funding was denied by vote of the 1972 Town Meeting, it is our understanding that the Bicentennial Com- mittee is required to submit a report on the permanent memorial to the 1973 Town Meeting. The Permanent Memorial Sub-Committee reports that (1) Insufficient public support exists to permit a request of Town Meeting to appropriate funds for a museum; (2) Suggestions still under consideration by the Sub- 111 Committee are a. a boulder monument opposite the present marker on the Green dedicated to peace as so eloquently pro4 posed .. by Town Treasurer, Lou Zehner; b. landscaping of the Katherine Harrington property and Betfrey Hill together with complete restoration of the Betfrey tower and perhaps a relief map showing the Battle Road and all points of best interest. After acceptance and study of this report, the Bicentennial Committee encouraged the Sub-Committee to include in its consid- erations the possibility of a section of the expanded Cary Library to be allocated for the storage under controlled atmosphere of archival material belonging to the Lexington Historical Society. At a meeting conducted for this purpose on November 11 , no definite conclusions were reached. Chairman Kenney Will there be funds included in the Center Beautification? Mr. O'Connell: Yes. I will talk with them and try to work it out. The Board agreed. Mr. William Whalon of the Regional Refuse Planning Committee SILC- met with the Board to report on the meeting he attended on SILC Solid proposal for a committee on solid waste. Waste Mr. Whalon: Mr. McSweeney and I attended the meeting and there were 20 people present from 12 communities. Frankly, we learned very little that hasn't been said before in many different ways. They are going to do much of the research work and they want appropriations to do the same thing we have been doing for three years. Everybody is agreeable to having a solution but 58` nobody wanted it in their back yard. We are indeed the largest-vet the towns associated with this particular group. They have pro- posed an article calling for an appropriation of money and we feel that, as proposed, it is nothing we could recommend to be included in the Warrant. Chairman Kenney: They are asking specifically whether or not we are going to join. Mr. Whalon I don't think so at this point. They are going to revise the article as it was generally felt that this one would not get through any Town Meeting. It is my feeling that we should just wait and see. Chairman Kenney We have to make a decision. Mr. Whalon: I think we should have reservations about marrying into 15 communities. They are suggesting that we form a district and I don't think they are going to get it through any Town Meeting. The Board agreed to wait until the revised article is submitted by Sl LC. MAPC Chairman Kenney read a letter from Eric Clarke, Vice Chairman Represen- of the Planning Board, recommending that Mrs. Lois W. Brown be ro- tative appointed as Lexington's representative on the MAPC. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Mrs. Lois W. Brown as Lexington's representative on the Metro- politan Area Planning Council for a term expiring December 16, 1973. LCSR- Chairman Kenney informed the Board that a vacancy has occurred TWA on the Lexington Commission on Suburban Responsibility due to the Appt. resignation of Mrs. Judith Totman as the TMMA representative. The Board discussed a list of nominees which had been previ- ously submitted by TMMA. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mrs. Lillian T. MacArthur, 33 Charles Street, a member of the Lexington Commission on Suburban Responsibility representing the Town Meeting Members Association. Sheraton Chairman Kenney asked the Board to discuss the request of the Motor Inn Sheraton Lexington Inn for an increase in hours of operation to 1 00 a.m. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to remove from the table the request from the Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn for an increase in hours of operation to 1:00 a.m. After discussion, the Board agreed to invite Mr. Dunfey and his General Manager to the meeting next week to discuss the request. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held on October 30, 1972.. Sewer Tak. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Woodland Rd. Order of Sewer Taking on Woodland Road from York Street, a distance from York of 240 ft. more or less. Street I )8 Mr. Peter Chalpin of the Engineering Department reported on MBTA Extension a meeting he had attended in Arlington on the MBTA extension of the Red Line to Route 128. They are asking for a letter from the Board supporting the concept and the project being studied; also, to submit a list of our transportation priorities. This letter would be addressed to the Northwest Corridor Transportation Plan- ning lan- ning Policy Committee. Mr. Borwn: The fact is they are seeking some support to get it out of Alewife to Arlington Heights and, if we get it out that far, Lexington is interested in getting it out farther. Mr. Buse: They want to go through Lexington out to Hanscom Field. Mr. Brown: They are talking about using the rail line that is already there. Chairman Kenney This is an attempt to persuade the Governor for additional funds. Mr. Chalpin: The report that is issued will study in detail from Harvard to Alewife to Arlington, and the last part to 128. Mr. Bailey It is clear that Arlington would dearly love to have it go to the Heights. Mr. Chalpin Arlington has already hired a Consultant and they are currently working on a study within Arlington itself, and it is divorced from this. Mr. Bailey Personally, if Arlington is working to get it ex- tended to the Heights, Iwould support them in that. Secondly, beyond that, I don't see any reason why we shouldn't study an ex- tension to 128, but I have real serious reservations about the problems we would get into in Lexington. Mr. McSweeney Who will provide technical advice. Mr. Chalpin: It will be given by Consultants hired with funds this Policy Committee hopes of obtain from some source. If they do obtain this money, they will use it to hire a technical staff to gather data to be presented. It will be put together in the BTPR office and will be issued from the Governor' s address to get the ball rolling. The Board agreed to write to the Northwest Corridor Transportation Planning Policy Committee and inform them that we are eager to co- operate in the joint effort to find mutually acceptable solutions to the transportation problems facing us. However, at this time, we are unable to list any priorities with regard to the Red Line Extension to Route 128, not having had an opportunity to view any detailed plans or reports on the matter. The Board gives its full support to the extension to Arlington Heights and Commuter Rail Improvement Program endeavors. Matters we would like to have inves- tigated as soon as possible dealing with our internal priorities are: 1. Expanded existing or new mini-bus service within Lexington connecting with existing or proposed MBTA facilities. 2. Improved existing commuter rail service, equipment and facilities. V 584 At the present time, we are unable to supply any more than super- visory technical staff to any studies planned for Lexington and at such time as funds are available to the Policy Committee, we would require a full complement of technical staff support from the Policy Committee. Executive Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Session Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interests of the Town or the reputation of a person. After discussion of a personnel matter, it was voted to go out of Executive Session and resume the open meeting. Planning The Board discussed the salary of Kenneth G. Briggs, Planning Director(new) Director, and approved the recommendation of the Town Manager. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the salary of Kenneth G. Briggs, Planning Director, at M-6, $15,000 annually. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to attend the scheduled joint meeting with the School Committee in Estabrook Hall at 9 30 p.m. The School Committee had requested the Town Manager to meet with them to discuss an Article in the Minute-man issue of Novem- ber 30, 1972 regarding School Administrators' salaries. The following minutes were recorded by the Selectmen's Executive Clerk of the meeting attended by Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Buse and Brown, and Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager. Joint Meeting of the Board of Selectmen and School Committee December 4, 1972 Mr. John Maguire, Chairman of the School Committee, opened the meeting in Estabrook Hall , which was open to the public. Mr. Maguire: This is the first open joint meeting, at least in my memory, between the School Committee and the Board of Select- men in Estabrook Hall . We have questions we want to ask and we are primarily concerned with an interview which appeared in the news- paper, and events after that interview. This appeared in the last Minute-man and was subsequently summarized in the Boston Globe, con- taining eight misstatements and, in our opinion, judgements of the Town Manager lacked balance and completeness. The School Committee felt that In view of that statement and the effect on the Town, we would like, as soon as possible, for him to appear and answer quest- ions on the memo and the interview as it appeared in the paper. So, we sent a letter to the Manager and said, In part, please bring all data you used in making your decision and the prior data used which was the basis of the temporary decision of the Board. We received a el Vl■([g- s0. t) letter from Mr. O'Connell saying that in view of the lateness, it would not beP ossible for him to meet on December 4 and he would discuss it at a mutually agreeable time. I met with the Board of Selectmen on Saturday and they kindly and graciously assented to this meeting. I had a letter from Mr. Kenney on the joint meeting and it said the discussion should be confined to statements in the article in the paper, and the Town Manager will be present to answer ques- tions within the scope of that subject. Mr. Kenney wrote, "I feel that it is incumbent upon both the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to take particular care that this meeting not degenerate into a confrontation between our two groups." The School Committee agrees in totality with these remarks, and we have no such intentions. We do want to get at the proof. There was a letter written after my meeting with the Board on Monday, at which there were some mem- bers of the Board present, and Town Counsel. The meeting was held in executive session and it was clear to me as I left that the vast majority of the Selectmen felt that the warrant for the five staff members below the Superintendent would be released, and the sixth withheld pending a ruling from the Wage Board, and then released. That was unquestionably the concensus that evening. The interpre- tation of the outcome, by a letter to Mr. Perry authorizing the re- lease, seems to me a judgment made on the part of the Board that the payments were not excessive, as the Town Manager had explained. I left that meeting feeling that something had come out of It. I wrote a letter to Mr. Kenney on November 28 thanking him for the cordial and tactful manner in which he conducted the meeting on November 27 and that it was both enlightening and potentially bene- ficial. I said 1 was pleased that the Selectmen have decided to re- lease the pay increases for the five central office administrators under Dr. Fobert and I am now in the process of obtaining a written opinion from the IRS regarding Dr. Fobert's salary increase and have requested that Mr. Prideaux (IRS) send a carbon copy to you so that you can expedite payment of the Superintendent's increase. I got the feeling it was a balanced presentation that night. The Appropriation Committee was there and they understand what the School Committee has been doing over the years. It was a balanced exchange until it came to light in the newspaper. For one thing, it told they had reaffirmed their support of the Town Manager; that crept in in the first paragraph and was transferred erroneously to the Boston Globe. Chairman Kenney You mentioned this is the first joint meeting between the School Committee and the Selectmen. I trust it is some- thing that we can continue as it is helpful to us and the Town. it was mutually agreed that the discussion would be confined to the general tone of the article. Some are not direct quotes from any of us; but the interpretation by the reporter. Mr. Maguire I would ask the Town Manager to tell us about an interview or, somehow, a memo that represented a basis for the Select- ' men's decision it took to hold payment, that appeared as quoted. 586 Mr. O'Connell Let's correct the history leading up to the Board of Selectmen. The Town Manager prepared a memo concerning warrants for the payroll to be signed by him. It was a memo to the Board and the Town Manager presented it only to the Board. You asked, through our Chairman, for an open meeting and it was listed and posted on the Board of Selectmen's agenda, and that dealt with the Town Manager's action on the payroll and the warrant. Late in the afternoon, I was contacted by the Minute-man with ques- tions on that subject, as 1t was preparing an article. And the Town Manger was not the source. Mr. Maguire: So the memo which was quoted was, in fact, a memo and it was released to the Minute-man unauthorized. Chairman Kenney: In the first place, we don't know about the Minute-man. It was prepared by the Town Manager under Section 11 of the Selectmen-Town Manager Act. Mr. O'Connell i was not the source, other than the questions asked. Mr. Maguire: Your memo was submitted the previous Monday. Correct? It involved investigation and it was authorized for re- lease by the Selectmen? Mr. O'Connell: Stop putting words in my mouth. Chairman Kenney: The memo was prepared by the Town Manager as part of his advice. We did not release it. Beyond that, it is an open memo from the Manager. I am beginning to wonder why we are here. Is there something you don't like about it? Mr. Maguire: A point It was not a memo and not authorized for release by the Town Manager. It must have been someone else. Chairman Kenney: I would respectfully request that I don't think this is particularly germane. You said you have questions, so kindly ask them, if that is the case. Mr. Maguire- I want to establish if the Selectmen tupported the Town Manager - and the answer is "no". Or is there something that had appeared after you voted. Chairman Kenney: The Manager came in on November 20 and we supported the Manager's main point that, overall , the salaries were high and should have been investigated. Mr. Maguire: Since that time, the memo became outdated, as we all agree. The warrants have been paid, so according to your statement, if paid, that abrogated the Town Manager's decision of being excessive. Chairman Kenney: It is to be noted that members of the Board feel that is incorrect. I will read the following statement of the Board. "At its meeting of November 20, 1972, the Board of Select- men was informed by the Town Manager that he considered the adminis- trative salaries contained in the School payroll warrant excessive and that he was referring the matter to the Selectmen, according to Section 11 of the Selectmen-Town Manager Act. The Selectmen voted to withhold the pay increases pending a disussion with the School Committee. On November 27, the Chairman of the School Committee met with the Board of Selectmen in executive session as mutually agreed. The majority of the Board of Selectmen expressed the opinion that the salaries are high but recognize the School Committee's legal authority to set school salaries. At the conslusion of this meet- ing, the Selectmen agreed that the administrative salaries are to be paid at the 1972 level submitted, except that the Superintendent's be paid at the 1971 level pending a ruling concerning compliance with the the Federal wage guidelines. Subsequently, we were informed of the School Committee's desire to discuss with the Town Manager the ques- tions contained in the Minute-man of November 30. The Board of Select- men voted to join with the School Committee in a joint meeting to be held December 4 at 9:30 P.M. in Estabrook Hall. The discussion is to be confined to the statements contained in the Minute-man article. The intention of the Board of Selectmen is twofold: 1 - That we meet and discuss with the School Committee over the salary matter and evi- dence our concern -- asking for re-evaluation of the method. 2 - That the basic facts be made public knowledge." The Selectmen's position still is to pay the salaries; it still is the position that they are high. We don't want to get involved in a court case. Mr. Maguire: it is our mutual understanding that neither you nor I expected that memo to appear in the newspaper on Thursday. Chairman Kenney: I knew nothing about it. Mr. Maguire to Mr. O'Connell It was your understanding that the warrants for the five administrators would be released, other than the Superintendent's? Mr. O'Connell: My understanding was that it was the intent of the Board. However, the timing of that was a moot question of other members. That warrant was an advance warrant because of the fact that it had changes in it. When final determinations were to be made, it met the deadline. It was my understanding that when the next payroll warrant was drawn, the Board was willing to have the administrative salaries of the other five paid at the 1972 level and it was not willing to authorize that action as far as the Superinten- dent. That was my understanding, as far as the Board's intention. Mr. Maguire: Do you want to make any attempt to clarify? Mr. O'Connell I suggest you ask the Board. Mr. Maguire: It did appear your understanding was not like the Board's and that would have an effect on the school. Chairman Kenney It seems to me if you object to certain things quoted, or to what items, let's have them. The basic con- tention of the Board was they thought the salaries were high; if you don't think they are high, fine. Mr. Maguire: Let me quote from the newspaper "Following a nearly two-hour long executive session Monday evening with School Committee Chairman Maguire and Appropriation Committee members Furash and Mitchell , the Board of Selectmen voted to support the Town Manager." It may sound trivial but I wonder if there wasany opportunity for the Town Manager to correct that. Chairman Kenney I can understand where the reporter for the Minute-man made that mistake, because I went back to the previous meeting, and it was misunderstood. Mr. Maguire: Then that statement is erroneous, and there was ample opportunity on the part of those involved to correct that. 588 Chairman Kenney: You seem to object to how the article in the 111 Globe was written. We didn't have anything to do with that Mr. Maguire to Mr. O'Connell Do you h 've fac ual data that you presented prior to their decision? Mr. O'Connell When it is the desire of the Board of Select- men, I will respond to their request. Mr. Maguire: May we have that memo? Mr. O'Connell: That is up to the Chairman and the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Maguire: May we have that memo? Chairman Kenney The Selectmen will reconsider that request. Mr. Maguire: I think you will find it is the same as the In- terview in the newspaper. Mr. O'Connell I would clarify two points. Your clear impli- cation is that the Town Manager supplied that memo and I want to categorically deny it and want you to approach them. The Town Manager does not control what appears in the Minute-man. He answered questions and resents the innuendoes which you are trying to work Into it. Mr. Maguire Mr. Kenney knows I know it was someone else who did. Mr. O'Connell : With respect to the Committee's desire to know the Town Manager's action, I am going to read a statement. Mr. Maguire: Before you read It, may we have copies? Copies of the Town Manager's statement were given to members of the School Committee. Mr. Maguire: Is there separate information prior to what you have gathered within the last day or two? Mr. O'Connell: There is no information that I have gathered with- in the last day or two. He read the following statement: "I am happy to respond to the request of the Chairman of the School Committee to provide an explanation of the basis of the Town Manager's decision to not approve the first payroll warrant containing the 1972 salary increases of the Superin- tendent and his administrative staff and to refer this matter to the Board of Selectmen. I also welcome the opportunity to correct some of the misinformation that has since been circulated concerning the Town Manager's action. The Town Manager's re- sponsibility includes the requirement that he shall keep the Selectmen and the Appropriation Committee informed as to the financial condition of the Town. He is expected to call to their attention financial matters which he feels have serious problems and which may have a negative impact upon the Town's financial condition. The question which I have raised is that of the salary levels of the administrative organization of the school system. I have not questioned the percentage increase granted to any one position. My action is not based on the question of com- pliance with Federal guidelines, although this question of course exists. I had planned to ask the Comptroller to obtain �8e a ruling on this matter. The Board of Selectmen has since taken this action. I have advised the Board of Selectmen that in my judgement the 1972 salary levels of the school superintendent and the five administrative positions in his office are excessive and not in the best interests of the Town of Lexington. I have called attention to a continuing major Lexington fiscal problem. It is the further escalation of the administrative overhead exemplified not only by this group of six positions costing approximately $166,000 per year, but further illus- trated by the fact that the School Department now has 23 additional positions in excess of $18,000 per year salary. This additional group, which is only the top strata of the School Department's non-teaching organization, costs an addi- tional $484,723 per year currently. This is not the first time that this matter has been brought up. The Town Manager has called attention to this in pre- vious TMMA budget information meetings. In its report to the 1972 Town Meeting, the Appropriation Committee tabulated the distribution of school salaries and called for a re-as- sessment of the salary structure of the School Department. I have also objected to the method used for establishing the administrative salaries except for that of the Superintendent, wherein administrative salary increases are tied to the nego- tiated increases of the teachers. I have called attention to and questioned the appropriateness of the very substantial inequity of the salary levels between the School Department and those of Lexington General Government. To have such an inequity is not in the best interests of the Town of Lexington in my judgement. Based upon these judgements, I have taken the following specific action 1. I have refused to sign the first payroll warrant which con- tained these 1972 salaries which were being made retroactive to February 1 for the Superintendent and to July 1 for the other administrative group and I have recommended that the Board of Selectmen also reject the payroll warrant on that basis 2. I did recommend to the Board of Selectmen that it authorize the payroll warrant be drawn up using the 1971 salaries already in effect. The popular rumor that the Town Manager had held up the school payroll is completely false. 3 I recommended that the Board of Selectmen have an outside professional organization make an evaluation of the school administrative staff positions and recommend an appropriate salary structure. I did not attempt to make any final deter- mination on this matter as the Town Manager. In summary, I would like to emphasize that the Town Manager is required as part of his duty to advise the Board of Selectmen and the Appropriation Committee of the fiscal status of the Town. Further, he is required by law to refer to the Board of Selectmen any payroll which he thinks is of questionable validity, excessive, or not in the best interests of the Town. The Appropriation Committee has already advised the Town Meeting that it considers this matter to be a serious financial problem. The Town Manager has advised the Board that in his judgment the salary system of the School Department is not under control. This matter is now in the hands of the Board of Selectmen." Mr. Maguire: Thank you. The Board has, in fact, released the salaries, including the Superintendent's if the Wage Board agrees. I would like to talk more because it is clear the different values cloud the issue. What, specifically, were the reference points you used that the base points were that high? Chairman Kenney It bothers me because you think the Town Manager. . . . He recommends the way he feels. For reference points, he can quote private industry and you won't agree with him. We won't attempt to persuade you to reevaluate the method of determining, but to ask Mr. O'Connell what his reference points are, ask the taxpayers. You don't have to convince me. Mr. Maguire: By the Town Manager's approach to it, in my opinion it isn't balanced. I would like to see the objective data subsequently the Board used to come to conclusions. Chairman Kenney: Use your data; we didn't set the salaries. We didn't have to determine it, it is these people here. Mr. Maguire: We asked you to come to quantify "excessive" in terms. Mr. O'Connell : I think the Town Manager's judgment has bean explained - especially the word "excessive", which is "too much". Chairman Kenney to Mr. Maguire: Are you about to present? Mr. Maguire. The Selectmen's judgments mean a lot to the School Committee. There are charts here and one reference point is that of the other Superintendents' salaries in Massachusetts, which pay their Superintendents $30,000 or more, Lexington is fifth in the top ten. Of the first six pointed out, the total cumulative ex- perience in their job is less than Dr. Fobert; our primary re- ference point was experience, not numbers. Of the National Suburban School Systems, a group of about 50 suburban so-called lighthouse school systems banded together, Dr. Fobert ranked 28th. We keep an eye on this data; we do not make decisions in a vacuum. The second point made by the Town Manager had not to do with excessive Administrative salaries but that the budget was extremely excessive. I have data I just updated today from the Department of Education on Account 2000, which primarily involves the teachers' salaries; it shows 8 communities that rank above Lexington for ex- penditure per pupil for instruction. Account 1000, administrative account, shows there are 78 communities that rank ahead of Lexington in cost per pupil. Finally, we ought to get into the question of the impropriety. The memo or the interview quoted the Town Manager as saying he felt the method of paying our central office staff was improper. This is 591 Ill the way we do it; it has been with us a long time and it has some merit. The School Committee approved the approach in 1959, and in 1960 the Administrator's Salary Guide became effective. The School Committee did decide, once again, that we would be happy to review this, despite the fact that the net effect was to bring the Admin- istrators' salaries closer to the salaries of the teachers. This approach to Administrators' salaries was not something we dreamed up last night. Chairman Kenney: Our basic contention was the salaries are directly tied into collective bargaining, where those at the bottom get so much and those at the top receive raises automatically. We asked that it be reviewed. Our salaries are reviewed by the Appro- priation Committee and the Town Manager; they are subject to cust, v and they are cut. Mr. Maguire: The question is whether or not there is just com- pensation when you review the Police Chief's salary. I would hope judgment would be made independently whether or not his salary is sufficient. If too low, not to bring other salaries down. He showed a chart on comparison salaries. It is important for you to understand the Superintendent's salary is not on a salary guide. On this chart, it clearly shows that the Superintendent's salary was not high last year. Chairman Kenney This chart shows percentages and it was agreed not to talk percentages. The budetary process goes through a different procedure. Mr. Maguire• I would like to go on record that the statement made (in newspaper article) that a Town employee cannot be given a pay raise of more than 5.5 percent was not correct. According to the wage board guidelines, as long as the overall average salary increase for personnel does not exceed 5.5 percent, there is no limit on the salary increase for any one individual . The concluding statement from IRS was that the individual salary increase of 10 per- cent for the Superintendent of Schools does not violate the wage board guidelines. The Board of Selectmen retired from the joint meeting at 10:35 P.M. A true record, Attest: *f /-� ? Executive Clerk, Selectmen � J A��