Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee

PERSONNEL/ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE APRIL 2, 2012 A meeting of the Personnel/Administrative Affairs Committee was held on Monday, April 2, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chamber. Chairman Paul M. Chasse, Jr. presided. Members of the Committee present: Alderman Arthur T. Craffey, Jr., Vice Chair Alderman Kathy Vitale Alderman June M. Caron Members Not in Attendance: Alderman Diane Sheehan Also in Attendance: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire Chairman Chasse At this time I’d like to say I’m going to step down tonight. I’m going to take the meeting and send it over to Alderman Craffey for training purposes. Alderman Sheehan is ill. That’s why she’s not here. PUBLIC COMMENT – None INTERVIEWS Downtown Improvement Committee Elizabeth Anne Skladany (New Appointment) Term to Expire: December 13, 2013 Mayor Lozeau Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to come in tonight. Three candidates for the committee’s consideration tonight. We begin tonight with Elizabeth Skladany. As you know the last time I was in and speaking to the committee about the Downtown Improvement Committee, we talked a little bit about me trying to find a downtown resident to join the committee that could bring a different perspective which is of course I think why the board wanted a downtown resident there to begin with. We frequently think of downtown and we think primarily about businesses. And although we know people live downtown, it’s not often that we get their feedback on things. Elizabeth was approached and very interested by one of the committee members so I met with her. And I think you, like me, should get caught up pretty quickly in her enthusiasm that she brings to the table. When you look at her resume, you see that one of the things that she brings to the table from my perspective is the ability to understand how to present information, which I think is going to be very important to the Downtown Improvement Committee. As you know, there’s a lot of information that comes before all of us and to have somebody that has an eye towards sort of thing, I think will be helpful especially in getting messages out about what they are trying to do and getting information in would be very helpful. Also, Elizabeth was very purposeful about wanting to live downtown. I think that that is really important. It wasn’t that that’s where she ended up, it was that she deliberately tried to do that. I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you a little bit more about that. I’m honored to introduce my candidate to you this evening for your consideration. Thank you. Acting Chairman Craffey Would you like to say a few words? Elizabeth Skladany Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 2 I would love to. I was really honored to be asked to serve on this committee. I have live in cities all up and down the east coast, and I grew up in Amherst, New Hampshire, not far from here and came back about a year and a half ago just to be closer to family. I work in Burlington, Mass. but I chose Nashua because it’s perfect size for me, and I think for a lot of people. It’s got really great accessible services, restaurants, businesses, but it’s not huge. It’s very affordable and it’s just a sweet, sweet wonderful place. I grew up coming here but really fell in love with it when I moved her last December. I write a local blog for the Nashua Patch just because I was so excited about it. Just talking with business owners and local residents to highlight kind of the hidden gems of downtown. When I was asked to join the committee, I was like “yes” because whatever I can do to help make downtown a better place, I am there because I’m crazy about it. Acting Chairman Craffey You’re right about the enthusiasm. Alderman Caron Your enthusiasm is really catchy. Can you tell me any of the issues that you see downtown that you would like to see improved on since you live there so you see everything happening day-to-day? Can you give us a little bit, a two-minute? Elizabeth Skladany I don’t know if it’s because of the season, I guess I would just love to see more patronage of the businesses. I have mixed emotions about businesses being open on Sunday. I think it’s awesome that there’s businesses that still take Sunday, but as a resident, I only have Saturday to shop. So, I do wonder if that might help a little with commerce. In terms of just downtown in general, I hear a lot about the sidewalks. They don’t bother me, but I do realize that they need some repair. But those are kind of the two things that come in front of mind. I‘ve been trying to think about other ways to improve downtown since I met with the mayor, and those are kind of the biggest on my radar: businesses maybe being open later or on Sunday and then making it easier to walk around downtown. Alderman Vitale As a downtown resident, how is parking for you? Elizabeth Skladany I’m lucky. My building comes with a free spot, and I try to do as much on foot as I can. I know parking is an issue and better parking would attract people, but I am lucky because once I park my car, I don’t have to worry about it. I don’t feed a meter or anything like that. But that, besides the sidewalks, is another comment I hear a lot which is something I need to be more in tune to just because I prefer to walk. That’s what I love about downtown and urban living. Alderman Vitale That’s the best thing about living downtown. You can walk. Elizabeth Skladany That’s what I really like. Alderman Wilshire Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 3 Thank you for stepping up for this. This is going to be a great committee. Have you been to committee meetings yet with this group? Elizabeth Skladany Not yet. Alderman Wilshire Okay, well I think they have some challenges ahead of them. I welcome the fact that you live downtown. I think it’s fabulous. One of the concerns I have about what’s going to happen downtown is the opening of the outlets in Merrimack in June. I think the downtown committee has a big challenge, and I welcome you to that committee. I’m sure you’ll do well. Thank you. Acting Chairman Craffey I, too, believe you’re going to have some challenges facing them. As they tackle the parking issue downtown and other issues downtown, your enthusiasm will be welcome. I trust that. Thank you very much for volunteering. We’ll take up your appointment later this evening. Thank you. Hunt Building Board of Trustees Brenda Tulley (New Appointment) Term to Expire: December 31, 2012 Mayor Lozeau Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to introduce to the committee Brenda Tulley. I think many of you know Brenda. If not, Brenda you certainly know the Tulley Family and what they do here in our community in many different ways, not just in their business but in their philanthropy and in their involvement with time on issues that are important to us throughout the community. When putting together the trustees of the Hunt Building, as you know I’ve talked to the committee about making sure that we have a nice breath of experience and perspective on the committee. One of the things that made me talk to Brenda about serving in this capacity was that she knows the city so well and has a history here. She also is somebody that’s been involved in fundraising and other things, event planning for different groups that she’s been involved with over the years. As this trustee board is getting its feet on the ground of things that should be happening within the building, I think her help and her willingness to do some of what I refer to as the heavy lifting of getting the job done and helping the building become self-sufficient is important. With that, I’m happy to present her for your consideration tonight. Brenda Tulley I am honored to be considered for the position. I would really enjoy being part of something in the community now that my children are grown and my Mom passed away. I was taking care of her so now I have more time. I really would like to be part of something in the community a little bit more than I’ve been able to do in the past. Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 4 Alderman Caron Welcome. It’s so wonderful for you to volunteer. I have a question though. With all the new renovations that were done at the Hunt Building, what do you visualize happening there to make the public aware that that building is there, it’s beautiful and attract them to go to the Hunt Building? Brenda Tulley I’m not really sure I have an answer for that right now. I haven’t been participating in any of the meetings or anything yet. I’d like to get a better feel for what is going on with the committee. I would have to think about that a little bit more. Alderman Caron Have you been to the building since? Brenda Tulley I’ve been to the building. In fact, I grew up; that was my library when I was a child. Alderman Caron As mine. Alderman Chasse And mine. Brenda Tulley But I have been to the building. Alderman Caron It’s such a beautiful building. Brenda Tulley It is a beautiful building. Alderman Caron I know that besides the holiday stroll, I’m sure there are other things that we could probably do. Mayor Lozeau As you may know, Alderman Caron, or I’m not sure if you do, but one of the things that they did in the renovations was they’ve created office space now so there’s some permanent offices in there that they are looking to rent out in addition to your typical events that they would have in the building. They’re right now in negotiations on one of the offices, of the bigger spaces, so I think that’s helpful too. I think Brenda is at a bit of disadvantage because she’s not had the opportunity to meet with the committee and see what some of the Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 5 plans are that they’ve laid out. I have the advantage point of seeing some of what they’ve talked about, being a trustee, and when I look at the skill set needed, I thought Brenda would be perfect to help out with some of that. Alderman Caron I think that’s a great idea to have the office space be rented. I’m sure Brenda will bring a lot to the table. Zoning Board of Adjustment David Creed, Alternate (New Appointment) Term to Expire: September 11, 2014 Mayor Lozeau This evening I present for your consideration, Mr. David Creed. David and I met when he took advantage of the city website opportunity to volunteer for boards and commissions and wrote in saying that he was interested in participating and helping out. His first choice when he looked on line was the Ethics Committee. I had him come in and we met and had a lengthy discussion and I made it clear to him that it’s good news that the Ethics Committee doesn’t have to meet. But when I talked to him and as you can see from his resume, I thought boy now here’s somebody because as you know I’m always on the hunt for planning and zoning board, toughest boards to find people for, and just the way he approached volunteering, the way he talked about the things that he’s done in his job, it was very clear to me that he would add to that zoning board. Coming in as an alternate would give him an opportunity to potentially grow into a position on the zoning board. The interests that he showed to go the extra mile and meet with the attorney, as you know I always have somebody from the Local Government Center, former city attorney Dave Connell, meet with candidates to talk to them about what’s your role, what does a zoning board do, what can you do, are you comfortable with that, that sort of thing. After that meeting both of them said to me, looks like a good fit. So I’m very pleased to be able to offer this candidate for your consideration tonight. David Creed I thank that mayor for her kind words. I’d be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Alderman Chasse Have you attended any of the zoning board meetings? David Creed I have watched on line, listened to the on line tapes. I’ve been watching from a distance. I thought it best to not presume my appointment, my acceptance this committee and the board of aldermen so I purposely stayed at a distance and tried to educate myself as best I could using the resources that the mayor provided and using the resources that the city website provided. Alderman Chasse I’m an x-zoning board member, many, many years ago. I’m going to tell you I never had any training. At least we know now that people that are going to zoning and planning board do get some training. This is a good thing for you. Looking over again tonight, the mayor brings people in front of us and another good batch of people. I don’t think we’ve shot down anybody that she’s brought in front of us. Very impressive resume and I wish you luck. Alderman Wilshire Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 6 Very impressive resume. I actually had a son that went to George Washington University. Not as a lawyer, but good school. Very impressive credentials. Look forward to having you serve on the zoning board. We need good people and I don’t think you’ll have any problem educating yourself as to what you need to get done up there. So thank you for volunteering. Alderman Vitale I was just wondering, are you in Nashua for awhile or any chance that you’ll be relocated at all? David Creed Part of that answer depends upon congress, part of that answer depends upon my wife. The reality is I am now a civilian. I was active duty military, Air Force. I made the decision, my wife and I made the decision to become a civilian employee of the Department of the Air Force because I wanted to settle down and establish roots. We have a son and we thought it best to try to provide him with a good environment that he could grow up in rather than being the standard military brat moving around. While there are benefits to that, we wanted to provide him with a set stable upbringing in a set stable environment. We chose Nashua. We chose to live in this region. I work at Hanscom Air Force base for the Department of the Air Force so I anticipate being here for a long time. Some of you may have heard that congress is thinking of brac. If they do that, all bets are off. I don’t think they are going to close Hascom. I certainly hope they don’t close Hascom because that would mean I’d end up going to Ohio and I chose here versus Ohio for a reason. The short answer to your question is I anticipate being here for quite a few years, and I hope that my son gets to grow up in this community because my wife and I chose this community. I always caveat that with if the Virgin Island or Bermuda opens up, good bye. Alderman Vitale Thank you very much for volunteering. Acting Chairman Craffey The Hanscom Air Force base has been on their brac a few times. They never seem to close it down. It’s all that other high security stuff that’s on there that keeps it open. I don’t think it will be on there. That’s my own opinion having been 25 years with Army. They tend to keep it open. It is an impressive resume. I am very impressed. I hope you like a challenge. It can be quite challenging being on the Zoning Board of Adjustment. It can be. Your son, I hope he enjoys this area. What do you bring? What skill sets do you see yourself brining to the zoning board? David Creed The zoning board is in a quasi judicial role so as a trained attorney, as someone who has been a prosecutor, as someone who has been involved in court cases, in federal court and in military tribunals, I understand the importance of the judicial system. I understand the importance of the role of a judge. I would view the role of members of the zoning board of appeals as more in the judicial mindset, judicial role. They would receive the information and they would look at the facts of each case independently, apply the criteria for a variance to each case and come to a determination. I think that training that I have, that way of thinking that has been engrained in me through the years of practice and schooling would serve the committee well. Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 7 Acting Chairman Craffey Again I’d just echo Alderman Chasse. The mayor has brought forth very, very good candidates. Thank you very much. Alderman Chasse I have a question for the mayor. On the Hunt Building Board of Trustees, is that the correct date? December 31, 2012 for the term to expire? Mayor Lozeau I wish I would have noticed that. One of the things that happen when the we do appointments, the clerk’s office will often look at what terms that are remaining. I want to look into that and make sure that I’m not asking you to finish one term and then start a new one, rather than bring her back in a few months. Alderman Chasse We won’t have to bring her back, but we’ll go with the 2012 and then we can modify it at the next meeting. Mayor Lozeau If there’s something different, I can get it to the committee before the full board meeting if we need to adjust it. Alderman Chasse That’s fine. Mayor Lozeau Thank you. I appreciate it. Acting Chairman Craffey If there’s no other questions, thank you for volunteering. We’ll take up your nomination later on today. David Creed Thank you very much. Mayor Lozeau Mr. Chairman, if I could. I just wanted to mention that Ordinance 12-006 that’s coming before you this evening, I’m going to excuse myself for that. If there’s no objection, the city clerk is here to talk to you about that legislation that he requested. Acting Chairman Craffey No objection. COMMUNICATIONS - None APPLICATION TO LICENSE HAWKER'S, PEDDLER'S, ITINERANT VENDOR'S LICENSE - None Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 8 APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR MOTION BY ALDERMAN CHASSE TO RECOMMEND THE CONFIRMATION OF THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR: TO THE DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE: ELIZABETH ANNE SKLADANY FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 13, 2013, TO THE HUNT BUILDING BOARD OF TRUSTEES: BRENDA TULLEY, FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2012, AND TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: ALTERNATE DAVID CREED FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 MOTION CARRIED UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None NEW BUSINESS – RESOLUTIONS – None NEW BUSINESS – ORDINANCES O-12-06 Endorsers: Mayor Donnalee Lozeau Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire Alderman June M. Caron Alderman Richard A. Dowd Alderman Michael J. Tabacsko Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Alderman Arthur T. Craffey, Jr. Alderman Diane Sheehan Alderman-at-Large Jim Donchess Alderman Kathy Vitale Alderman-at-Large Brian S. McCarthy Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly INCREASING THE COMPENSATION OF POLLING ELECTION OFFICIALS MOTION BY ALDERMAN CARON TO RECOMMEND FINAL PASSAGE OF O-12-06 City Clerk Bergeron I’ll try and be brief. This would be the third raise in about 15 years that we’ve offered our ward election officials. I think as the board of aldermen recognizes we have the longest polling hours in the state. Our polls are open for 14 hours, and our election officials have to get to the polling place at least an hour ahead of time and are there often two or three hours after the polls close trying to clean up and get all their paperwork in. Nashua also, like Manchester, requires that all election officials attend a training session prior to every election. In addition to their long day at the polls, they are required to come in for at least an hour training session before every election. A number of the election workers had been asking for some time if there could perhaps be a raise in the stipends that they receive. I was very pleased to see some of the aldermen stepped forward this session to try to make that happen. I did meet with the mayor. She was very supportive. I said I can afford the proposed raises and still meet her guidelines of no more than a one percent increase in the budget. So those are the numbers you have before you. I also did a survey of what other cities were paying their election workers and found that for one or more positions, the cities of Claremont, Concord, Dover, and Manchester pay more than Nashua does. So the levels that we put into this ordinance put us just a little bit under Manchester in terms of five or ten dollars below what they pay their moderators, ward clerks and selectmen. We’ll pay the same fee that Manchester does for their ballot clerks and voter registrars. The other thing that I would like to just mention is that when our ward election officials were up for election Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 9 themselves during the last city election, we elect 45 moderators, clerks and selectmen, five for each ward. I had 17 vacancies. Seventeen slots had no candidates whatsoever. Those were filled with write-in candidates. Also, we’re able to bring on more workers at the polling place during presidential elections and most of my wards could not fill the positions that were open to be filled during the presidential primary election. So obviously I’m concerned going into the presidential election this fall that we may not have a full complement of ward workers. Another change, therefore, that I’m suggesting in this ordinance is that we include the term “assistant election officials” in our stipend list. That’s a new term. Up until now, we’ve only paid ballot clerks. Under state law, ballot clerks are appointed by the city committee. You have to have the same number of republicans and the same number of democrats working. If you have three republicans that are available but only two democrats well then you can’t use one of those republican workers. But state law does allow for the appointment of assistant election officials, and their party affiliation doesn’t matter. So by including them in the ordinance, we’re opening up the opportunity to recruit from about 40 percent of the registered voters in the city who are undeclared voters. So I think it also increases the potential of recruiting more ward workers to help us out at the polls. I think that’s it. Those are the highlights of the legislation. I’d be happy to answer any questions that any of the aldermen might have. Alderman Chasse What was that last one. You’re adding? Do we have make an amendment to this or is that the assistant election officials? City Clerk Bergeron It’s in the ordinance, itself. It’s Item No 3. It says “ballot inspectors” and then it’s underlined “assistant election officials.” That’s the new terminology we’re putting in there. Alderman Chasse So no amendment is needed. City Clerk Bergeron No, no amendment is needed. Alderman Vitale Because there was the 17 vacancies, how do we educate the public on what those positions actually entail? I guess over the long term if you have people who live in New Hampshire or live in Nashua all their life, they would know. But if they are moving in from out of state, they might not be as familiar with the fact that they could actually run for this position. How do we educate people or advertise that or however it would be coming out so people would put their name on the ballot? City Clerk Bergeron Prior to the city elections and the presidential primary election, we did post notices on the city website, particularly prior to the filing period for the city election. There were job descriptions of what all these individuals did. As the mayor was having her voter information nights, I attended eight of those nine sessions and brought with me hand-outs describing what those positions were. And we’ll try to do that again this coming fall. Also state law allows 17-year-olds to work at the polls in certain capacities. I have approached Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 10 the high schools in the past to see if maybe some of the AP students or some of the government clubs might be active and interested in participating. In 2008 in fact we did recruit some foreign language students to work at the polls as voter registrars so we could have additional bodies there that could speak some of the languages that are spoken in this city. That’s another way. We’ll do more outreach in trying to get people involved in the election process. Acting Chair Craffey Speaking from experience, having worked the 2008 election, it was quite a site. The lines were out the door having people standing over your shoulders. You have make sure all the i’s are dotted, the t’s were crossed, and having to deal with not only new voter registration, which I was happy with the guy who did all the recording of the new voter registrations, but having the people behind you making sure all the i’s were dot and t’s were crossed, and any questions. Any type of question, whatsoever, you always had to call for the moderator. Whoever was there. The moderator at that time, Dave, was going crazy at the time. It is quite an endeavor. I remember going to my training. I was lucky to have an election already under my belt from previous year but some of the people that worked with me that day, they were like “wow.” They couldn’t believe it. We were there. We started at 5:00 a.m. and we were there until 10:30, almost 11:00 p.m. It was a long, long day. And it never stopped the entire time we were there. I very much am in support of this ordinance. City Clerk Bergeron I think alderman too what you’ve highlighted there is the importance of having people that are also have experience. Ward 4 had a very experienced moderator in that election which was terrific. The election law book is 300 pages long. You only learn that book through experience and through participating in these elections. Having someone that’s worked there several elections is invaluable. It ensures a smooth process on Election Day. Alderman Caron As a long time ward worker, I find that the first time I ever did this, it was an eye opener because I don’t think people realize just how much work is involved, not only the paper work but the people you have to deal with. When I started and today, we have a lot more issues because you have a lot of changes, state laws, federal laws, different people from out-of-state coming in during presidential elections, primaries. It can be overwhelming for the staff. Like you say, you want to have those experienced people there. But they are also going to get burnt out. We’ve got to be able to have new people come onboard, get some good training between the experienced ward workers and the training that Paul does, which is wonderful, because you’re always picking up something different. I think it’s due. This raise is due for this staff, and if we’re going to keep these hours that we have then we need to make sure that those ward workers are appreciated. I know I appreciate them tremendously. Paul, without your staff to help them out, I don’t think we would get half way through some of the things we have to do during an election day. Alderman Wilshire I would like to also say how much I appreciate the work that your office does preparing the workers to get their jobs done. They’re not easy. They face many knew challenges every year. This is long overdue. I wish it was more, but I do want to say thank you to everybody who does step forward and do this because it is a long day. It’s a lot of challenges and we’re lucky that you do step up and do it. Thank you. City Clerk Bergeron If I may for the listeners at home, we’re talking about giving raises. We have the ordinance in front of us but the public doesn’t. I should probably mention that what we’re talking about is raising moderators and clerks from $165 to $190. Selectmen from $140 to $165 and ballot inspectors, assistant election officials and voter Personnel – 4/2/12 Page 11 registrars $120 to $150. And these are, as I said, for 14 – 18 hour days. It’s not a large increase we’re talking about here. Alderman Wilshire Well worth it too. Alderman Caron Thanks for that clarification. Alderman Chasse I know it’s a little unorthodox. We had public comment and nobody came up to speak on the ordinance. Perhaps we might want to ask some of the people out in the audience if they would like to say a few words. Stacy Lambert, Selectmen Ward 4. I would just like to say that I worked in November a half a day at Ledge Street School and then in January I worked a full day after I got sworn in as a selectman. It is hard work. I love the work that I do. I appreciate the kind words from the people of the committee tonight. I’m not going to take a position one way or the other because this is going to effect me, but I am going to say that I thank the kind words and I thank you for the consideration for a raise. Thank you. MOTION CARRIED DISCUSSION PUBLIC COMMENT REMARKS BY THE ALDERMEN POSSIBLE NON-PUBLIC SESSION ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY ALDERMAN CHASSE TO ADJOURN MOTION CARRIED The meeting was declared closed at 7:36 p.m. Alderman June M. Caron Committee Clerk