Board of Public Works

Minutes of the Board of Public Works Non-Public Meeting of November 14, 2011 Members Present: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Chair Lisa Fauteux, Director Tim Lavoie, Commissioner Carolyn O’Connor, Finance & Admin. Manager Dan Gagnon, Commissioner Mayor Lozeau explained that the reorganization of DPW approved at the October 17th Non- Public Meeting required formal motion for any positions to be abolished. Mayor Lozeau discussed the desire to provide the impacted employees with a severance package. Information on potential severance packages for two employees to be laid off as part of the reorganization was provided to the Commissioners. In order to provide any severance package to the two employees requires both Board of Public Works and Finance Committee approval. The Mayor felt it appropriate to provide a severance package as these positions are not being eliminated due to any negative performance but rather in an effort to streamline and improve operations. There is no longer a need for the two positions. The proposed severance package for the City Traffic Engineer Jean-Marie Kennamer would include two weeks salary and three months COBRA health/dental insurance. In review of the severance package and proposed lay-off it did come to our attention that the Traffic Control Supervisor Bob Dion would be vested in the DPW Pension on April 24th. Two options were reviewed for severance package for Mr. Dion. The first option would be two weeks salary and three months COBRA health/dental insurance. The second option would include Mr. Dion taking a leave of absence until April 24. During this time, the City would pay the required twenty–two week contribution to the DPW pension to allow Mr. Dion to fully vest in the pension. Under option two, the City would also continue Mr. Dion’s health and dental insurance until April 24. The Commissioners discussed the severance packages and agreed it was fair to provide such compensation to the employees impacted through lay-off. They discussed the impact to Mr. Dion who only has twenty-two weeks until vesting in the DPW pension. Commissioner Lavoie asked if there were any other positions available for the employees. Director Fauteux advised him not at this time. Director Fauteux reviewed the reorganization of the Street and Traffic Departments as approved by the Commissioners in October. Under the new organizational structure DPW would have a Street & Traffic Department with Roy Sorenson as Superintendent. The Street & Traffic Department would include Street Operations; Traffic Operations and Fleet Maintenance. Tom Joyce’s position of Operations Manager Traffic will include oversight of both traffic and sign maintenance personnel. Operations Manager Traffic would require availability for snow operations. The reorganization would require the abolishment of the positions of City Traffic Engineer; Traffic Control Supervisor and two laborer positions. One of the laborer positions is currently vacant. The other laborer will have the opportunity to obtain his CDL-B which would allow him to apply for a truck driver position. Sign Maintenance and Sign Maintenance Assistant will be required to have a CDL-B. The position of Mason will be required to have a CDL-B. Current staff would be allowed six months to obtain their CDL-B. Current Superintendent of Traffic Wayne Husband will be moving to the position Traffic Engineer which requires a P.E. and will work directly with Steve Dookran, City Engineer Director Fauteux advised the Commissioners that the revised reporting structure for the Administrative Staff was implemented this week. Maggie Bickford will no longer be supervising the administrative staff. Carolyn O’Connor will now supervise the administrative staff in her revised roll of Finance & Administration Manager. MOTION: Commissioner Lavoie to approve the Division of Public Works plan of reorganization as presented. SECONDED: Commissioner Gagnon MOTION CARRIED: Unanimous MOTION: Commissioner Lavoie to approve severance packages for Traffic Department Employees. Jean-Marie Kennamer to receive two weeks salary and three months COBRA health/dental insurance and Robert Dion to choose one or the other severance option. SECONDED: Commissioner Gagnon MOTION CARRIED: Unanimous