It was an interesting...and lengthy meeting Monday evening. The Sun Journal posted a few succinct observations on line early this morning, Tuesday, 6-29-10 - "Chair, vice-chair chosen for Paris board." A lot of business was checked off, people were appointed, accomplishments were noted, points of law were referred to, smiles were exchanged. And there were some comments with merit.
Really, to fully appreciate our municipal machine at work , you need to see it happening. A call to NPCTV this afternoon confirmed that the full 2 hour, 45 minutes and 55 seconds recording of the 6-28-10 meeting will be broadcast on NPCTV at 4 pm today, Tuesday, and again on Sunday, July4, at 6:30.
Unfortunately, there was a glitch in the sound of their recording, and almost the first hour or so had no sound...
The glitch in the video recording is unfortunate, because, during citizen's comments, beginning with Selectboard Member Smart, some thoughtful observations were offered on the accomplishments of former manager Jackson's tenure, as well as some positive comments by other board members on the mediation process itself.
If you're a little pressed for time... just cut to the chase,and, for the piece de resistance, tune in 2 hours and 33 minutes into the broadcast.... No one could have scripted this last section. Oh...wait: actually, someone did. We will not give the plot away. You will simply have to look and see. [editor's note: TPR has not seen the tape to the end at this precise moment of posting - here's hoping the sound is engaged.]
One very good question was heard in Citizen's Comments at the meeting, however, in reference to the settlement agreed on in the mediation last Thursday for Jackson vs the Town of Paris. It would appear that the question was aimed in the general direction of The Ones Who Shall Not Be Named, and Never Blamed - the 3 former elected officials of this town who initiated the untimely and vengeful action that brought crisis, chaos, and hatefulness in good supply to the town of Paris:
"What did all this cost the town of Paris? From beginning to end? Legal fees, double pay for town managers, the whole thing?"
Selectmen and town manager hastened to agree that an accounting would most certainly be forthcoming, to present at a special town meeting on July 26, when the agreed-on settlement figure will be among the warrant articles put before the public.
TPR has already started a list of costs; readers may remember some figures have already been posted on this site. But we will absolutely continue our homework - in case anyone else might forget....
Included on the list of expenses should be: 1.) legal bills for this topic, by month, July 2009 - June 2010, ( possibly longer); 2.) election costs 2-05-10; 2-08-10; 3-03-10; 3.) costs special town meeting 1-07-10; 4.) advertising costs new town mgr(s); 5.) salary interim town mgr.; 6.) total severance pay and benefits former mgr. before mediation; 7.) settlement agreement - meaning back pay and severance pay dating from the recognized date of firing, 10-08-10.
There will surely be more....
