Select Board continues personnel‑policy review; debates parental leave, bereavement and jury‑duty language

The Select Board continued a multipart review of personnel‑policy revisions, with discussion of family and medical leave, parental‑leave sequencing with short‑term disability and bereavement definitions. Board members debated phrasing options and whether the municipality should expand benefits beyond federal minimums; S5 and others recommended keeping convenient, up‑to‑date language and flagged the need for a dedicated HR person to maintain compliance.

The board also examined jury‑duty language and whether part‑time and temporary employees should receive equivalent paid leave when jury service falls on a scheduled workday. Several members suggested defining key terms (spouse, partner, family member) globally within the policy to avoid inconsistent application across sections; the board agreed to continue the review at the next meeting and to circulate a consolidated draft.