MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Thursday, February 24, 2011

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman Richard Bramley, Selectman K.C. Baird, Fred Bate III, one citizen

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

First Selectman Ridgway explained the purpose of the meeting is to continue the Board’s discussion with Mr. Bate of his job performance as Transfer Station Employee.

First Selectman Ridgway asked Mr. Bate if he would like the meeting to be public or in executive session. Mr. Bate replied in public.

The Board and Mr. Bate reviewed previous letters of complaint, action taken concerning these letters and Mr. Bate’s job performance at the transfer station in relating to the public. The Board discussed with Mr. Bate the need of courteous behavior in dealing with the public. The Board received from Mr. Bate various complaints concerning the transfer station and the public. The Board discussed with Mr. Bate the change of his job position to Transfer Station Attendant with change in salary. Mr. Bate accepted the idea. The Board discussed with Mr. Bate time off from the job, their concern that he makes amends with the complainants, the seriousness of his situation, the renewal of his transfer station operator certificate and reviewed the job description.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion, in light of the complaints received, to give Mr. Bate two weeks suspension without pay, change his position to Transfer Station Attendant, to hire Mr. Steven O’Neil as Transfer Station Operator and Recycling Coordinator with the appropriate changes in salaries, to allow Mr. Bate continued employment with the understanding it is a probationary employment with need for improvement and that Mr. Bate will make an effort to improve his communication with the public and make an effort to make amends with those he does not have the best relationship with, effective Tuesday, March 1 and to return to the job Tuesday March 15. Selectman Bramley seconded. There was further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn; it was seconded by Selectman Baird. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant