MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING - NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
MAY 12th, 2008
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE

PRESENT:
Selectboard: Gary Katz, Chair, Joseph Mandell, and Guy Wachtel.
Jeff Gouger and Peter Rysz (absent)
Also Present: Attorney Stephen L. Saltonstall, Shannon Meckle and Doris Knechtel

1. CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting was called to order by Chairman Gary Katz at 6:00 p.m.

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION TO TOWN’S ATTORNEY FOR ONGOING DISCUSSIONS WITH THOMAS FRENCH, ATTORNEY FOR PETER RYSZ
The Selectboard has contacted Attorney Stephen L. Saltonstall from the firm of Barr, Sternberg,
Moss, Lawrence, Silver & Saltonstall, P.C. of Bennington to represent the town in any future
correspondence with Attorney Thomas French, who represents Peter Rysz. Chairman G. Katz read a potential list of considerations for entering into Executive Session: contract, labor relations agreements with employees, arbitration, mediation, grievances, civil actions or prosecutions by state, where premature public knowledge would clearly place the state, municipality, other public body, or person involved at a substantial disadvantage.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell to enter into Executive Session at 6:03 p.m. to discuss with Attorney S. Saltonstall the details of the matter relating to the letters received from Attorney Thomas French representing Peter Rysz and the potential legal ramifications for the town of Newfane. Unanimous.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell to come out of Executive Session at 7:05 p.m. Unanimous.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell that the Board, at the advise of Attorney Saltonstall, that the town hire Attorney Eileen Blackwood of Burlington to investigate the facts related to the matter in question and that Attorney S. Saltonstall be in touch with Attorney T. French to respond to his letter of May 2nd. Unanimous. The Board would like the investigation to be accomplished as soon as possible. The reason for the investigation is to protect the town from potential legal action if an investigation were not conducted.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell that on the advice of Attorney S. Saltonstall there is no reason to withhold the May 2nd letter from Attorney T. French and it may be released for public record. Unanimous.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell that Chairman G. Katz sign the letter of representation by Attorney S. Saltonstall for the Town in connection with a claim of potential sexual harassment and claims of retaliation in connection therewith. Unanimous.

Motion was made by J. Mandell and seconded by G. Wachtel that on the advise of Attorney Saltonstall, there be no further public discussion on this matter except between, Board members G. Katz, J. Mandell, G. Wachtel, Attorney Saltonstall and the investigator, Eileen Blackwood, Esq. Unanimous. It is expected that any communication will go through Chairman G. Katz and those mentioned in the motion and is considered privileged and confidential

3. TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY LEGALLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING
Selectboard members agreed to sign a letter to the Manchester Town Clerk in hopes that Town
Clerk Jahari Overton will be able to receive a scholarship to attend the New England Municipal Clerks
Institute at St. Michael’s College the week of July 14th, 2008.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by J. Mandell and seconded by G. Wachtel to adjourn the special meeting at
7:14 p.m. Unanimous.

Respectfully Submitted,
Doris A. Knechtel, Clerk Pro Tem

Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, W.W. Building Supply,
S. Newfane/Williamsville Post Office and the South Newfane General Store & Deli. www.newfanevt.com
(after approval)