Yes, tonight's meeting was anticlimactic. The only two items on the agenda - both of which were somewhat controversial - ended rather quietly.
1) George Morse
The agenda item "RECONSIDER VOTE OF JUNE 29" was a non-event because reconsideration had already begun on July 13. A review of the June 29 meeting reveals that the Board asked Mr. Morse's counsel, Gus Wagner, to work with Falmouth Town Counsel Frank Duffy to iron out the concerns raised and come back with a completed application. That began on July 13, but many of the same concerns were raised, so (as noted in the minutes), "Because Atty. Wagner raised certain issues and Falmouth Town Counsel was not present, Chairman Mary Pat Flynn asked for a motion to adjourn." If you saw the meeting (or a replay thereof), you know that once town counsel provided an opinion, it was expected that we could finish the process and consider Mr. Morse's application.
Mr. Duffy's opinion was released by the Board last week, but tonight's agenda item overlooked the events of July 13.
2) Bob Whritenour
The second agenda item was simply a "DISCUSSION – WHAT ACTIONS, IF ANY, THE BOARD SHOULD TAKE REGARDING THE TOWN MANAGER IN LIGHT OF THE WAUGAMAN COMPLAINT"
Given the events leading up to this event, there was probably some expectation of fireworks.
Sorry to disappoint everyone, but the scope of the discussion was limited and the information the Board had beforehand was incomplete. Realistically, this should have happened in executive session, but Mr. Whritenour has every right to hold it publicly, so we did.
All that said; tomorrow is a new day, and these (and other) issues remain unresolved.
Stay tuned...
10 comments:
Brent: Thank you for being the only Selectman to ask any substantive questions. Unfortunately the whole matter seemed staged from the opening statement to certain leading questions by another Selectman. After all why would the Town Manager not even show with a lawyer. Plus how arrogant for him to sit with the Selectmen. Of course he wanted it open-he didn't have to say anything. Shame on the lawyer representing the town at MCAD. Did he represent the Town or the Town Manager? No MCAD case takes 10 years (set up question) and to suggest that if towns put management on leave when there are claims there would be no management (for up to ten years) treats the Selectman ans its citizens like 3 year olds.The real issues are: Does the Town have a policy regarding harassment and interaction with subordinates? If so it should be followed. If we don't have a policy, then make one. With all do respect such a policy is more critical than naming buildings. Our chairman has extensive experience in these matters. It just appears that the Selectman are afraid of the Town Manager. Further shame on our lawyers for trivializing the effects e-mails have on employees. Our CEO should know better. Please continue to ask the hard questions-but take action.
Thank you
With the allegations we read in the paper and hear about Town, why haven't the Selectmen ordered an objective investigation into the Town Manager's behavior. Further, the Selectman never decided if the Town Manager would sit in judgment on the police investigation. The Town Manager's judgment doesn't appear to be that good when using Town e-mail. At least you were brave enough to ask questions. How is it possible that 3 of the selectman couldn't muster a single question. I agree with the 1st commenter that everything appeared all too orchestrated.
"Does the Town have a policy regarding harassment and interaction with subordinates?" Yes, but the Human Resources department reports to the town manager. And the town manager reports to five people who must act as one.
"It just appears that the Selectman are afraid of the Town Manager." Sometimes I get that feeling too.
"Please continue to ask the hard questions-but take action." You can count on that.
"why haven't the Selectmen ordered an objective investigation into the Town Manager's behavior." Unfortunately, the scope of Monday's meeting was so narrowly defined that we could not.
"Further, the Selectman never decided if the Town Manager would sit in judgment on the police investigation." Again, the narrow parameters of the meeting prevented this. I will be raising the issue at a future meeting.
The Selectmen appoint/approve the Town Manager to - is it a 3 year contract? I assume that there is a mechanism for un-appointing (dis-appointing?) the individual (Brent ..confirm?) Not suggesting necessarily removing him, but if removal was proposed, the parameters of that discussion could not possibly be "narrow".
"I assume that there is a mechanism for un-appointing the individual?" Yes, there is a process. If the town manager decides to fight for his job, it becomes a public trial with the town meeting moderator as judge, and the selectmen as jury.
"Not suggesting necessarily removing him, but if removal was proposed, the parameters of that discussion could not possibly be "narrow"." Very true.
Brent: Lets face it. You tried to nail the town manager to the wall with this marginal issue and it didn't work. Now it is time to either recommend that he be fired (and start the proceedings yourself) or stop wasting time and move on to a real issue (like the budget crisis). It is your choice.
Brent: The issues surrounding the Town Manager are like a cancer. Until it is resolved we can never move on. Everything is tainted. The Selectmen are his only boss. Investigate, air the issues and either support him or dump him. To do nothing will leave the citizens no choice but to replace the current Selectman. I'm sorry, but Monday night was such a joke. It sure looked like a stage production. The Town Manager didn't even have to open his mouth. As usual he knew the outcome beforehand.
So Bob looks at tits...whoopdeeedo, George Morse stalks women. Which is worse? He;s quasi law enforcement with a gun. Why would you base your family's finances on a 3 year appointment unless you're a dip@#$%%.
One of my concerns is with cost--how much is it costing the town to pay this Boston lawyer to defend the town against allegations which include inappropriate/questionable behavior by the very highly paid administrator? What is the policy for reviewing statements such as those mde by Ms. Aimo? Did anyone look at those? Do we need a policy? And are there other allegations/complaints against high level supervisors? What training does the town do regarding these matters to inform the town employees how to bring a grievance at a lower level and what is the policy of the town to resolve these? In other words--what is the town doing to reduce the risk of being the subject of complaints which are based on allegations of inappropriate behavior by its employees?
On another issue--sewer system being built at a tremendous cost. What do we need to do to get an INDEPENDENT (Not by the company which bids on and frequently wins the contract to build the expensive systems which they recommend as a result of our paid contract to them to review our need and possible solutions) review of alternative solutions to the nitrogen in our water bodies?? Do we need to have an article on the town meeting warrant? Any suggestions?
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