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Conservation budget seeks full‑time agent as FEMA floodplain duties loom
Summary
New Conservation Agent Sean Young requested moving from 24 hrs/wk to a full‑time $98,000 position to coordinate with other departments and possibly serve as Flood Plain Administrator under FEMA rules; FinCom asked for clearer justification of professional services, administrative stipend lines, and training restoration.
Conservation Commission Chair Thomas Robinson presented a draft Conservation budget prepared by new Conservation Agent Sean Young and noted the commission had recently won a court enforcement case that produced $21,000 in fines related to the Chip Chop property at the outer tip of Tashmoo.
Agent Sean Young asked the FinCom to consider increasing his role from 24 hours per week to a full‑time position at an estimated $98,000, citing additional coordination with Building and Harbor departments and the likelihood he will be designated Flood Plain Administrator to meet new FEMA flood‑plain insurance requirements. The committee and Town Administrator Joe LaCivita supported restoring training and conference funding to prepare for anticipated turnover and recommended clarity on the 'Administrative Assignments' line (possibly a stipend/differential).
LaCivita suggested that field staff have work‑dedicated cell phones to avoid personal phone records being exposed in Public Records requests and mentioned a potential $700 allotment for foul‑weather gear; FinCom asked whether such phone costs are accounted for in the IT budget. The committee asked ConCom to trim nonessential lines, clarify Professional Services costs, and restore Instruction/Training funding.
