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Staff, Officials Departing-Comings, Goings Precede New Administration

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Staff, Officials Departing—

Comings, Goings Precede New Administration

By John Voket

The incoming administration of Republican First Selectman Joseph Borst will usher in a number of new faces to elected service, but several familiar staff members will be departing along with Herb Rosenthal, who was unseated by an 82-vote margin November 6. Among the most high-profile changes will be in the office of town finance director.

Benjamin Spragg announced this week he will retire from his full-time position Friday, November 30.

At the Rosenthal administration’s final Board of Selectman meeting November 19, outgoing Selectman Joseph Bojnowski moved that the board, in their capacity as trustees of the pension plan, offer an early retirement program to all nonunion employees who have attained 26 years of credit service under the town pension plan.

This program would offer these employees the balance of the 30 years of service required if they decide to retire on or before December 31, 2007, which Mr Bojnowski said may reduce payroll costs to the town.

That motion was seconded and unanimously carried.

Mr Spragg, who qualifies under the motion, agreed to continue working in a part-time capacity under Mr Borst for an undetermined length of time. In that capacity, he will likely be charged with assisting in transitioning a new full-time finance director into the position once one is appointed.

Under pension provisions, Mr Spragg told The Bee last week that he will be limited to working 19 hours per week.

In a second motion November 19, Mr Bojnowski moved to grant a severance package consisting of three months health insurance coverage to Jan Andras, Mary Kelley, and Carole Ross, who work as administrative assistants in the first selectman’s office and human resources director, respectively.

The limited option was made available should the staff members choose to leave employment with the town, or to entertain other opportunities due to the administration change. That motion was seconded and unanimously carried as well.

At press time, Ms Andras and Ms Kelly told The Bee they have both agreed to accept the offer and plan to put in their last day at Edmond Town Hall November 30. Ms Ross said she has not decided whether to take the severance offer.

Ms Ross said that another veteran in town and borough government, Jean St Jean, has also announced her retirement from a position as zoning coordinator and liaison official.

On the elected side of town government, Mr Rosenthal advised that Democratic Finance Board member John Torok submitted his resignation, citing conflicts tied to a new job with the Winchester School System. Mr Torok said in his resignation that he expects an extensive commute, as well as many required night meetings, will make it too difficult to carry out his responsibilities on the Board of Finance.

Mr Bojnowski moved to appoint Democrat Martin J. Gersten of Birch Hill Road to the Board of Finance for a term to expire on December 1, 2009. That motion unanimously carried.

Reflecting on the changes following the meeting, Finance Board Chairman John Kortze called Mr Torok an invaluable addition to the panel.

“Certainly John’s financial management experience is irreplaceable,” Mr Kortze said. “He played an integral role with his experience as Newtown’s former school district business manager.”

Mr Kortze welcomed Mr Gersten, noting both the new appointee’s legal and financial management experience.

“Marty is very candid, very black and white — he calls them like he sees them. He will blend in well,” Mr Kortze said. “We respect and welcome the Democratic Town Committee’s recommendation to the Board of Finance.”

Mr Bojnowski then moved to appoint David Unschuld, of Cottonwood Trail, Sandy Hook, as a member of the Ad Hoc Energy Task Force. Outgoing Selectman William Brimmer, Jr, moved to appoint Democrat Monte Frank, Mountain Manor Road, as a member of the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire on January 6, 2009. 

Mr Brimmer also moved to reappoint Fairfield Hills Authority members John Reed, Moira Rodgers, Donald Studley; Hattertown Historic District member Michelle Rosenthal; and Economic Development Commission member Ted Kreinik and Robert Morey to new terms.

Mr Brimmer’s motions were all seconded and unanimously carried.

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