Meeting Matters
Ashburnham Board of Selectmen Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2007
Compiled By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Top Story:

Selectmen have decided to look into the hold-up in signing a longer contract with the architect for Town Hall project.

Town Administrator Kevin Paicos said he and architect Kaffee Kang have not reached an agreement about a longer contract, which is required to be signed by the selectmen, the town accountant and himself.

"I'm not going to put the town's interest behind the architect's," Paicos said.

Kang is getting paid and is working with the town under the contractual agreements in the letter of engagement and the proposal, Paicos said.

"She's doing a terrific job," he said. "She's doing the work and she's getting paid."

Kang proposed the standard contract for the industry, but Paicos sent back a revised version of the contract to her.

"It's absolutely a gigantic mistake for a town to sign," Paicos said.

Selectmen asked if they could have a conversation about the matter in executive session because it was contract negotiations. It was determined they couldn't because Kang is not considered "town personnel."

Selectman Christopher Gagnon asked if he could read the contract so there could be a discussion at the next board meeting.

Paicos agreed but said it was possible the matter could be resolved by that point.

In other news:

+ Paicos plans to present his budget to selectmen and to the Advisory Board at their March 5 meeting.

"This budget is being exceptionally hard to balance," Paicos said. + The selectmen voted to close the warrant for the annual town meeting at noon on Friday, March 2.