Those who remained at the meeting can fill in the missing info. Following the agenda, 4 individuals spoke publicly.
(1)Request to have a Charter Revision Commission formed in at timely manner so the Nov election could have this item on the ballot at the same time; (2) Second person asked that they keep "Education in Mind"; (3) Third individual spoke to the education budget and gave Marlborough as an example of a place with a half-time superintendent and their scores are not lower -- also mention that a team of experts could come in at an hourly rate for one week to "tweak" the curriculum and we could save $91,500 because we could eliminate a full-time position and pay only an hourly rate to the 'certified' experts -- also stated that there should be some rule that states an individual must be a resident of the town at least 2 years before serving on any public boards; (4) the last speaker stated that there should be cross-training of individuals in support positions
Next item discussed was the shared social worker position with Hebron Interfaith. This employee would work with both the Hebron Senior Center and with Hebron Interfaith. Position would be classified as a town employee, full time with benefits. Salary would be shared between both (with no additional monies needed by the senior center). The 4K shortage would be picked up the first year by Hebron Interfaith. Full time with benefits would hopefully attract someone who would stay in the position longer.
A budget cut list was prepared and place in priority Order of the Town Manager to address the total cuts ($!9,546)required of the town by the BOF. After an explanation of each item and outstanding issues to the budget... the board accepted these items for the cuts: Health Insurance $9742 (rates are lower and this was a 'given' savings), Hebron Fair (Police Services) $8000 - they will be using private services and town constables, Cell phones $1500 (individuals will be given $40/month to provide their own service), Fire Marshal - Vehicle Maintenance $300, and the last $4 would be taken from the Assessor - Forms/Supplies (he offered a $300 cut and they only will take $4).
The person who served as the Program Coordination Position at the Senior Center has resigned. Everyone thanked her for a job well-done and wished her luck as she starts a new position.
Last item discussed before I left was the Charter Revision commission. This will be addressed again at the June 5 (Saturday BOS workshop). They plan to solicit 'letters' of interest from the general public and also ask those who served on the most recent commission if they are interested in participating on the new commission. Donna Lanza reminded them that they need to set up criteria for membership since they had trouble with this in the past. (No member could be actively involved with a board, or another commission, etc..) Bonnie reminded everyone that the deadline for the November ballot would be September 2 -- so the window is narrow. Someone else can continue from this point. Night all.
