Essex Agricultural and Technical High School
MINUTES OF BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETINGS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday March 13, 2008
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees was held Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Smith Hall Conference Room with the following members in attendance: Chairman Edwards, Trustees Bennett, Evangelidis, Cahill, and Winthrop.
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call Mr. Winthrop - Present
Mr. Basile - Present
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Present
Mr. Evangelidis - Absent
Mr. Cahill - Present
Mr. Edwards - Present
III. Approval of Minutes
a. Regular Board of Trustees Meeting of February 7, 2008: on a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Cahill, it was moved that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 7, 2008.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Absent
Mr. Cahill - Yes
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
b. January 10, 2008 – Section of Minutes not Approved
VI. New Business
Other
i. On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Evangelidis the Board agreed to reserve his right to reconsider the vote from the December 17, 2008 meeting to appoint an Interim Part-Time Treasurer.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - No
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Four trustees voting “Yes,” one trustee voting “No,” and two Absent, the motion passed.
On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Cahill the Board agreed to amend the minutes of the January 10, 2008 meeting to remove the word “passed” and insert the word “failed”.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Absent
Mr. Cahill - Yes
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes,” one trustee voting “No,” and two Absent, the motion passed.
IV. Introduction of the Business Manager
Mr. Bourgeois formally introduced Mr. Curt Malonson, the new Business Manager, to the Board of Trustees and briefly reviewed his background.
V. Financial Report
a. Financial Report for February of FY08
Mr. Murtagh submitted the financial report through the end of February of FY08.
b. Capital Reserve and Stabilization Accounts
Mr. Murtagh requested that the Board establish a subcommittee to discuss the establishment of a Capital Reserve Account and Stabilization Account. The Chairman asked if the Board had any objections to the formation of a subcommittee and asked Mr. Basile to join him on this committee and stated that if anyone else would like to participate to let him know.
VI. Unfinished Business
a. Proposed Essex/North Shore Merger Update
Mr. Bennett stated there was not much more to report than last month. The Northeast Legislative Caucus is working very hard to secure funding so that the project can move forward.
b. Tabled Part-Time Treasurer Job Description from January 10, 2008.
The board briefly discussed item #11 regarding internal audits and the documentation of controls.
On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Cahill, it was moved that the Board approve the final job description as presented.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Absent
Mr. Cahill - Yes
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
c. Avian Flu Update
Mr. Bourgeois updated the Board that we have been notified by the U.S.D.A. Animal Health Inspectors that all tests performed came back negative.
VII. New Business
a. Admissions Policy
Mr. Bourgeois presented to the Board, a letter approving the school’s Admissions Policy by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Winthrop, it was moved that the Board approve the school Admissions Policy as submitted.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Absent
Mr. Cahill - Present
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
b. Alumni Association
Mr. Winthrop reported on the request from the Alumni Association to lease Larkin Cottage. Attorney Smith explained that under Chapter 74A Section 5, the school is not able to sell or lease property without special legislation, although, there appears to be some inconsistency in the wording.
Mr. Cote, the Association President, explained the Alumni would maintain the cottage which was meant to be a Memorial to Kathryn Larkin and use the cottage as a home base so that they could have a presence on campus.
The Board and Attorney Smith agreed that no action should be taken at this time and the subcommittee should meet with Mr. Cote to review his request over the next few months.
c. Superintendent’s Evaluation
Mr. Cahill reported that he met briefly with Mr. Bourgeois to discuss a timeline to develop the evaluation and that a meeting would be scheduled with the subcommittee and the superintendent.
d. School Attorney Rehiring Process
On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Basile, the Board voted to add to the bylaws under the School Attorney section that “The Board will vote on the rehiring of the school attorney annually in August.”
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Absent
Mr. Cahill - Present
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
e. Officers of the Board of Trustees
Mr. Edwards will confirm whether Mrs. Holloran still wishes to serve as Vice Chair of the Board and will confirm with the Governor’s office whether or not he has accepted her resignation, as she requested, before continuing with the selection of officers to the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Bennett passed out copies of Chapter 71, Section 16A and the Board discussed the possible addition of some of the language contained in this law to their bylaws.
Mr. Edwards suggested a Standing Committee be formed to review the bylaws at next month’s meeting.
f. Other
Bulgaris Estate
Mr. Bourgeois distributed the most recent information on the Bulgaris Estate.
Memorial for Joe Casey
Mr. Edwards requested the status regarding the memorial for Attorney Joseph Casey. Mr. Bourgeois reported that it has almost been completed.
V. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Date of Next Meeting: April 10, 2008
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday February 7, 2008
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees was held Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Smith Hall Conference Room with the following members in attendance: Chairman Edwards, Trustees Bennett, Evangelidis, Cahill, and Winthrop.
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call Mr. Winthrop - Present
Mr. Basile - Absent
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Present
Mr. Evangelidis - Present
Mr. Cahill - Present
Mr. Edwards - Present
III. Approval of Minutes
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting of January 10, 2008: on a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Cahill, it was moved that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 10, 2008 with the exception if Item VI New Business Subsection i.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Absent
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Yes
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
January 10, 2008 – Section of Minutes not Approved
VI. New Business
Other
i. On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Evangelidis the Board agreed to reserve his right to reconsider the vote from the December 17, 2008 meeting to appoint an Interim Part-Time Treasurer.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - No
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Four trustees voting “Yes,” one trustee voting “No,” and two Absent, the motion failed.
IV. Financial Report
Financial Report for January of FY08
Mr. Murtagh submitted the financial report through the end of January of FY08.
V. Unfinished Business
a. Proposed Essex/North Shore Merger Update
Mr. Bennett updated the Board with regard to a meeting recently held at the State House, the Northeast Legislative Caucus tour of the new Worcester Technical High School, and the most recent meeting of the Temporary Oversight Board.
b. FY09 Budget Update
Mr. Bourgeois presented a letter from the Commissioner of Education approving the FY09 Budget as requested.
c. Gym Roof Update
Mr. Bourgeois presented the Board with the architect’s reports on the completion of the new gym roof project.
d. Tabled Part-Time Treasurer Job Description from January 10, 2008
Mr. Bourgeois presented a job description for the position of part-time Treasurer as requested by the Board at the January 10, 2008 meeting for their consideration.
A discussion took place regarding the part-time Treasurer position as currently appointed, the job description, and how best to proceed in the future.
Also, Mr. Edwards requested that the Business Manager’s job description be sent to all Board members.
On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Evangelidis, it was moved that the Board approve the new draft for the part-time Treasurer position with the following additions:
Change # 11: “Perform an internal audit with management personnel and provide documentation of internal controls”. Move current #11 to #12 and under Evaluation: The Board of Trustees will evaluate professional job performance in October. Also, add of “not to exceed $45.00 per hour” under the “Terms of Employment” section.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
VI. New Business
Other
i. Mr. Bennett suggested hosting a community event for alumni and local residents to have an opportunity to meet the Superintendent-Director. Mr. Bourgeois mentioned the Alumni Association requested permission to host a cookout on our campus on September 7th and that possibly the two events could be combined if the Alumni Association was agreeable.
ii. Avian Influenza - Mr. Bennett mentioned that there was a positive test in avian low influenza in a poultry flock in the Middleton area (not related to the avian flu that affects humans).
Mr. Bourgeois updated the Board that we have been notified by the U.S.D.A. Animal Health Inspectors and that they have randomly swab tested approximately 30 of our chickens and we are awaiting results. In addition, our Farm Manager has put precautionary practices in place to prevent any cross contamination between our poultry and all other birds until we are informed of the test results.
iii. Superintendent’s Evaluation - Mr. Bennett would like to add the proposal for the Superintendent’s evaluation to next month’s agenda. Mr. Edwards assigned Mr. Cahill and Mr. Evangelidis as an Adhoc Committee to work with the Superintendent.
iv. School Attorney – Mr. Bennett requested that the method for rehiring the school’s attorney be added to next month’s agenda.
v. Board Officers - Mr. Bennett requested that the selection of officers of the Board of Trustees be added to next month’s agenda.
vi. Mr. Edwards assigned Mr. Winthrop as Chairman of an Adhoc Committee to meet with the Alumni Association regarding their written request to lease Larkin Cottage.
vii. Mr. Edwards presented a copy of Trustee Holloran’s letter requesting that the Governor release her from her obligations as a Trustee effective on January 31, 2008.
VII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Date of Next Meeting: March 13, 2008
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday January 10, 2008
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees was held Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the
Smith Hall Conference Room with the following members in attendance: Chairman Edwards, Trustees Bennett, Basile, Evangelidis, and Winthrop.
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m.
II. Roll Call Mr. Winthrop - Present
Mr. Basile - Present
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Present
Mr. Evangelidis - Present
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Present
III. Approval of Minutes
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting of December 17, 2007: on a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Basile, it was moved that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 17, 2007.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
IV. Financial Report
Financial Report for December of FY08
Mr. Murtagh submitted the financial report through the end of December of FY08.
V. Unfinished Business
a. Proposed Essex/North Shore Merger
Mr. Bourgeois updated the Board with regard to meetings recently held with the Northeast Legislative Caucus and State Representative Theodore C. Speliotis.
b. Treasurer – Job Description Draft for Discussion – Revised 12/19/07
Mr. Bourgeois presented a revised job description for the position of part-time Treasurer as requested by the Board at the December 17, 2008 meeting for their consideration.
A discussion took place regarding the part-time Treasurer position as currently appointed, the job description, and how best to proceed in the future.
On a motion by Mr. Basile, seconded by Mr. Winthrop, it was moved that the Board approve the new draft for the part-time Treasurer position with the addition of “not to exceed $45.00 per hour” under the “Terms of Employment” section.
After additional discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Winthrop, to table the previous motion in its entirety.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
VI. New Business
Other
i. On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Evangelidis the Board agreed to reserve his right to reconsider the vote from the December 17, 2008 meeting to appoint an Interim Part-Time Treasurer.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - No
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Four trustees voting “Yes,” one trustee voting “No,” and two Absent, the motion failed.
ii. Mr. Bennett requested that the Chairman consider appointing two committees: a Facility and Grounds Committee and a Budget Committee to work with the Superintendent-Director.
Mr. Edwards agreed to consider appointing both committees at the September 2008 meeting.
iii. Mr. Basile requested confirmation that Mr. Murtagh is currently appointed to the position of Interim Part-Time Treasurer and Mr. Edwards confirmed his request.
VII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. and was followed by a tour of the recently renovated teacher’s
resource room, library, rodent room, and veterinary technology lab.
Date of Next Meeting: February 7, 2008
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Monday December 17, 2007, 4:00 p.m.
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees was held Monday, December 17, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the
Smith Hall Conference Room which was rescheduled from Thursday, December 13, 2007 due to inclement weather with the following members in attendance: Chairman Edwards, Trustees Bennett, Basile, Evangelidis, Winthrop, and Cahill.
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call Mr. Winthrop - Present
Mr. Basile - Present
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Present
Mr. Evangelidis - Present
Mr. Cahill - Arrival at 4:10 p.m.
Mr. Edwards - Present
III. Approval of Minutes
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting of November 8, 2007: on a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Basile, it was moved that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 8, 2007.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Absent
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Five trustees voting “Yes” and two Absent, the motion passes.
IV. Financial Report
a. Financial Report for November of FY08
Mr. Murtagh submitted the financial report through the end of November of FY08.
b. Gym Roof Bids and Contract Award
Mr. Veradt submitted a written report on the gym roof bid.
Mr. Bourgeois updated the Board regarding the bid which was awarded in the amount of $148,000 to Gibson Roofs, Inc. of 369 Winter Street, Hanover, MA to replace the Alumni Gymnasium roof. The project will begin as soon as the weather conditions are feasible.
c. Business Manager - Job Description Draft for Approval
Mr. Bourgeois presented a revised job description for the position of the Business Manager as requested by the Board at the November 8, 2007 meeting for their consideration.
On a motion by Mr. Winthrop, seconded by Mr. Cahill, it was moved that the Board approve the revised job description for the Business Manager as presented.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Yes
Mr. Edwards - Yes
Six trustees voting “Yes” and one Absent, the motion passes.
d. Treasurer - Job Description Draft for Discussion
Mr. Bourgeois presented a job description for a part-time Treasurer. The Board had some discussion with regards to the qualifications and terms of employment.
On a motion by Mr. Bennett, seconded by Mr. Winthrop, it was moved that the Board approve the job description of the part-time Treasurer on the first reading.
.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Winthrop - Yes
Mr. Basile - Yes
Ms. Holloran - Absent
Mr. Bennett - Yes
Mr. Evangelidis - Yes
Mr. Cahill - Yes
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