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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-20 BOS-min August 20, 2018 Page 1 of 3 SELECTMEN'S MEETING Monday, August 20, 2018 A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, August 20, 2018 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Ms. Barry, Chair; Mr. Pato; Mr. Lucente; and Ms. Hai were present as well as Ms. Axtell, Acting Town Manager; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary. The purpose for the meeting is to interview three finalists for the open position of Town Manager. Ms. Ciccolo was recused because she has an open contract with one of the candidates. Before beginning the interviews, Ms. Barry expressed the sympathies of the Board for the passing of long-time Lexington pediatrician, Dr. Daniel Palant. A moment of silence was observed in his honor. Ms. Barry introduced Alan Gould from MRI Consultants who provided some background for the Town Manager search process: The search began about three months ago. MRI received 44 resumes from candidates from 15 states, including 26 candidates from Massachusetts. Of the initial 44, 17 candidates were invited to submit essay answers in response to questions MRI developed from its interviews with Town staff, board and committee members, and residents. Fifteen candidates moved forward to the Screening Committee stage. Six candidates were selected to be interviewed by the Screening Committee, although one withdrew to accept another job offer. Of the initial 44, 7 were women and 5 of the 15 candidates who advanced to the Screening Committee stage were women. Mr. Gould said these percentages are fairly typical of advanced candidate pools. Mr. Gould likened today's finalist process to a conversation. Mr. Gould listed certain questions that cannot be introduced, such as age, sexual preference or orientation, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, family, or health. He encouraged Board members to ask follow up questions on relevant topics Ms. Barry reported that each Selectmen had developed his/her own questions and these had not been previewed by the Board as a whole. Ms. Barry then expressed the Board's deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the 11-member Screening Committee: former Selectmen Peter Kelley, Chair; current Selectmen Mr. Lucente and Ms. Hai; former Assistant Town Manager Linda Vine; Kate Colburn, School Committee; Bob Creech, Planning Board; Rick DeAngelis, Economic Development Advisory Committee; Melanie Thompson, Diversity Advisory Task Force; Melanie Lin, Town Meeting Member; Vineeta Kumar, Town Meeting Member; Tom Colatosti, representing the business community;plus two liaisons: Eric Michelson, Appropriation Committee; and Charles Lamb, Capital Expenditures. Committee. Ms. Barry called a recess at 3:36 p.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. 0 Stephen Crane On behalf of the Board, Ms. Barry welcomed Mr. Crane and stated that the approximately one- hour interview would consist of individual questions posed in turn by the four Selectman. The questions were authored by the Selectmen and tailored to the individual candidate. August 20, 2018 Page 2 of 3 Topics covered included: roles and responsibilities, collective bargaining, economic development, sustainability, affordability for residents, collaboration, changing demographics, and diversity, Other Post Employment Benefit(OPEB), communication channels, and challenges seen. Ms. Barry thanked Mr. Crane and called a recess at 5:06 p.m. The Board reconvened at 5:15 p.m. • Peter Lombardi Ms. Barry welcomed Mr. Lombardi on behalf of the Board and stated that the approximately one-hour interview would consist of several rounds of questions posed in turn by the four Selectman. The questions were authored by the Board members and have been tailored to the individual candidate. Topics covered included: roles and responsibilities, collective bargaining, economic development, sustainability, transparency in government, collaboration, changing demographics, and diversity, Other Post Employment Benefit(OPEB), communication channels, and challenges seen. Ms. Barry thanked Mr. Lombardi and called a 5-minute recess at 6:15 p.m. The Board reconvened at 6:20 p.m. 0 James Malloy Ms. Barry welcomed Mr. Malloy on behalf of the Board and stated that the approximately one- hour interview would consist of several rounds of questions posed in turn by the four Selectman. The questions were authored by the Board members and have been tailored to the individual candidate. Topics covered included: roles and responsibilities, collective bargaining, economic development, sustainability, collaboration, changing demographics, and diversity, Other Post Employment Benefit(OPEB), communication channels, and challenges seen. Ms. Barry thanked Mr. Malloy and called a recess at 7:40 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:01 p.m. Deliberation and Potential Vote to Select the New Town Manager Following a discussion reviewing the three candidates' answers, the Board came to consensus to offer the position of Town Manager to James J. Malloy. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 4-0 to authorize Municipal Resources Inc. (MRI)to make a conditional offer to James J. Malloy for the position of Lexington's Town Manager, subject to a satisfactory background check, and successful negotiations of terms of employment, and to authorize Selectmen Ms. Barry and Mr. Lucente, working with MRI and August 20, 2018 Page 3 of 3 Town Counsel, to negotiate the terms of employment with Mr. Malloy. The final terms of employment shall be approved by the Board. Discussion of Schedule and Steps for New Town Manager Contract Mr. Gould said he will be in touch will all three candidates to inform them of the result of Selectmen's deliberations. He will send a conditional offer to Mr. Malloy first thing in the morning. Ms. Barry again expressed the Board's gratitude to the Steering Committee for its efforts. Adjourn Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 4-0 to adjourn at 8:38 p.m. A true record; Attest: Kim Siebert Recording Secretary