October 2008
Q: Why do we need an HR Director?
A: The town's services, and operating budget, is all about people. Having an HR Director will help me manage those resources, manage benefits for those people and control our costs.
There are three main functions that this person, if we are able to hire someone within our budget;
1) Assist me and other department heads in the hiring process. This will include standardizing advertising, interviewing, negotiations, and all other aspects of hiring.
2) Assist me in the negotiation of the union and individual contracts. We currently have 5 unions, 4 of which are under the jurisdiction of me and the Board of Selectmen.
1. Teachers - Under the jurisdiction of the School Committee
2. DPW
3. Police Officers
4. Firefighters
5. Clerical
We also have the personnel employees, non union, who work for me and / or other department heads but receive benefits and compensation under the authority of the personnel board.
Finally there are a number of individual contracts including me, DPW Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief and Finance Director, as well as a number of contracts in the School department including the Superintedent, Principals, Asst. Principal and Business Manager.
3) Secure benefits. We annually have to secure benefits for our employees, which currently include medical, dental and life insurance as well as flexible spending accounts and optional insurance for disability. The health insurance products have been transforming and keeping up with the new products that could be cost savings to the town and / or enhanced products to our employees is important.
These are just some of the duties that would be assigned to a new human resource person. These tasks have traditionally been covered by the town administrator and the assistant town accountant, but because of the importance and the potential for cost savings I believe it is important to fill this position as soon as possible.
This position was created by a Personnel committee two years ago that consisted of Personnel Board members, Selectmen and others (non-employees). Town meeting approved this position.
May 2008
Q: Where can I find out more information about the Public Safety Project?
A: There are several ways
The best way is to call the Police or Fire Department and tell them you would like to see the station. They will schedule a time or likely just tell you to come down. The trouble we have is the building looks fine from the street, but you have to go inside to see the problems.
Other ways are to stop by the table at Norfolk Community Day and talk to the Chiefs. They will have some pictures and concept drawings available to see. Community Day is sponsored by the Lions on Saturday, June 7 from 10:30 to 4:00 at Holmes field on Myrtle Street.
April 2008
Q: When will Street sweeping begin?
A:
Hello everyone,
In an effort to keep you informed, the DPW has begun the Street Sweeping process for Spring 2008.
Over the next several weeks the Department of Public Works will be sweeping the streets throughout town. Fire hydrants will be utilized to fill the equipment during this process. Please be advised that some residents may experience dirty water and are advised to check washing machine water prior to use. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our water users. This information has also been posted on the DPW home page.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Department of Public Works
Norfolk, MA 02056
(508) 528-4990
January 2008
Q: What is the status of Verizon providing TV service in Norfolk?
A: The Selectmen have reached agreement with Verizon and they are now offering service to Norfolk residents. They currently are able to provide service to over 82% of our households. Unfortunately, they cannot offer service to those homes with a 384 exchange. Verizon expects to be able to provide that service within the next 12 - 24 months, pending negotiations with Wrentham, where the exchange originates.
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