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Date: 3/8/2021
GRANBY – The Selectboard has begun their search for a new police chief, and has concerns about the search for a new fire chief.
At the March 1 Selectboard meeting, Town Administrator Christopher Martin told Selectboard Chair Glen N. Sexton, Clerk Jennifer Silva and Board Member Jay Joyce about a classified ad he put together for their search for a new police chief. Martin said he went through three separate job postings and put them into a proposed want ad for the board to consider.
At the same time, Martin included the current job description they have on file for the police chief to see if the board wanted to make any additional changes to the existing job description. Applications can be submitted by mail no later than April 2 or electronically no later than noon on April 2, to be followed up with a hard mailed copy.
On a related note, Martin said he has a concern continuing the search for a new fire chief.
"While I did do an ad and gave the board a copy of the job description that the town has on file there is a concern with the strong chief’s law for fire chief,” Martin replied. “While we may have terminated the former fire chief, if the arbitrator rules against the town and our decision to terminate, they could require us to reinstate the former chief back to the position. The issue that I’m having is that under strong chief’s law you are a fire chief with the town until either you are let go for just cause, resigned, retired or get a job with another community or jurisdiction as a fire chief.”
He continued, “Even if we chose not to renew his contract under strong chief, he will still be fire chief so I would like to delay advertising for a little bit and see if our current interim chief wants to continue in the position to give us time to decide how to proceed with regarding strong chief's law and the former chief.”
Clerk Jennifer Silva responded, “I would support that right now. I don't think we’re in a position to move forward.” While Chair Glen N. Sexton added, “Mr. Martin based on what you’re saying it does make sense right now to hold off on it. Based on the arbitration and what the outcome of that could be. There’s definitely some concerns that we need to take in consideration as far as moving forward. It would be a liability to the town. That’s something we need to consider at this point. I think waiting is a good suggestion to do.”
The Selectboard later approved and signed three maintenance warrants: Pay Roll Warrant 51, dated Feb. 19 in the amount of $438,460.91. Maintenance Warrant 52, dated Feb. 19 in the amount of $177,827.44. Bill Paying Warrant 53, dated Feb. 26 in the amount of $312,187.36. They also approved and signed the Common Victualler’s License for the Church of Christ Congregational on 235 State Street that expires Dec. 31, 2021 with a fee of $25 as well as an entertainment license for the church with a fee of $50. Martin recommended for both of those fees to be waived, as they usually waive religious organizations fees.