Selectmen weigh recreation directors outside job, ask HR panel to craft formal policy

The Sandwich Selectmen debated April 6 whether Parks & Recreation Director Ole Anderson may continue part-time employment with Sandwich Central School, a role he began in September as an emergency, one-year hire that the school now offers as ongoing work with a pathway to certification. Chair Joanne Haight said the board has received public concerns about how outside employment could limit future expansion of town recreation programs and about setting a precedent for other employees.

Mr. Anderson said the school position "enhanced his role as Recreation Director," noted the job was originally offered as a one-year emergency hire and said he did not have a set 9-to-5 schedule in his municipal role. "Thereis work that cannot be done in the course of a 9-5 schedule such as ski grooming, program activities, and winter ski program," he said, adding he had not received negative feedback and inviting the board to share concerns so he could address them.

Selectman Adam Heard said his primary concerns were "scheduling impact and accountability," but also noted that if the position is professionally rewarding the Town should consider employees' interests. Haight said a 54-hour week would be long for any employee and that continued outside employment could make it difficult to expand programs; she suggested a reduction in Mr. Andersons town hours if he continues the outside role so the Town could hire additional help. Selectman Caroline Nesbitt said she was not questioning the director's ability to juggle responsibilities but felt he was "asking the Board for a lot," and agreed with the need for precedent safeguards.

Town staff recommended better timekeeping and a review of the position's classification. Clerk/administrator Courtney Delaney reminded the board that reporting and timekeeping changes had been discussed previously and encouraged a review of the salary/classification structure to ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Public-record minutes indicate consensus for more detailed timekeeping and that the HR Advisory Committee should consider a formal policy to guide approvals for outside employment. Mr. Anderson agreed to follow up with Selectman Heard before the next payroll regarding reporting and timekeeping.

The board took no formal vote on employment status at the meeting; the discussion produced direction to the HR Advisory Committee to draft a policy and to staff to improve timekeeping and to evaluate classification and compensation.