Board appoints interim leader, sets compensation as search for new fire chief continues

The New Boston Board of Fireworks voted June 29 to appoint an interim leader and approved terms for temporary compensation while the town continues its search for a permanent chief.

After a nonpublic session, S1 moved to “appoint Rick … not to exceed 30 hours a week at $1,500 compensation for a period of till we hire a chief for 6 months,” with S1 noting the appointment was “pending negotiations.” The motion was recorded by S1 as submitted by Mark and seconded by Tony; two members recused themselves and the board adopted the motion by voice vote. The transcript contains a naming inconsistency: the motion text refers to “Rick,” while S1 congratulated “Keith” immediately after the vote. The board did not provide a roll‑call tally on the record.

Why it matters: The interim appointment assigns day‑to‑day authority to a named individual while the formal hiring process proceeds, ensuring continuity for payroll, invoicing and town representation. Board members said they intend the interim to manage routine operations and to serve as a point person for members and the select board.

Context and hiring timeline: S1 also announced the permanent chief position has been posted and resumes are routed to Marilyn, the human resources manager. S1 said there are three applicants so far and confirmed the application deadline is Aug. 1. Board members discussed using a scoring matrix to weigh preferred qualifications and proposed initial oral boards with a possible second oral board for finalists. S3 urged creating a matrix to assign points for preferred qualifications; S4 and S1 favored oral boards initially, citing cost and expected candidate volume.

What remains: The board indicated it will form a selection panel, vet resumes and then notify candidates for oral boards (S1 suggested notifications by about Aug. 12). Board members said more detailed parameters for evaluating candidates will be developed and that some officer crossover and short work sessions may be used to finalize recommendations.

Quotes: “The candidates that will be coming to the oral board should be notified by, say, the August 12,” S1 said. S3 described a scoring matrix as a way to "weigh" preferred qualifications when narrowing candidates.

Next steps: The board named the interim leader by vote and will continue the search for a permanent chief under the posted timeline. The board scheduled its next meeting for July 9 at 6 p.m.