Personnel Committee 6-3-26

Cheshire Personnel Committee Meeting Highlights

Personnel Committee 6-3-26

Major Actions Taken

The Personnel Committee unanimously approved forwarding two new job descriptions to the Cheshire Town Council:

1. Fire Hydrant Maintainer / Inspector Position

2. Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Manager Position

Both votes passed 3-0.

1. New Fire Hydrant Maintainer Position

The overwhelming focus of the meeting centered on the creation of a dedicated employee responsible for maintaining Cheshire's approximately 1,200 fire hydrants.

Committee members described the position as long overdue, saying the town is taking significant steps to improve public safety after concerns about hydrant maintenance surfaced earlier this year.

Purpose of the Position

Fire Chief Jack Casner explained the employee's primary responsibility will be:

• inspecting hydrants

• lubricating hydrants

• flushing hydrants

• painting hydrants

• repairing minor issues

• identifying hydrants requiring replacement

During winter months, when painting and outdoor work become impractical, the employee would assist with:

• equipment deliveries

• vehicle transfers

• fire inspections

• other support duties that currently occupy Fire Marshal staff.

The position was intentionally designed to provide year-round work rather than seasonal employment.

Flexible Job Description

Town officials emphasized the job description was intentionally written broadly.

Rather than prescribing exact daily assignments, management will be able to shift priorities based upon:

• weather

• emergency response

• seasonal workloads

• hydrant conditions

Officials also noted the employee could be trained to assist with fire safety inspections, helping reduce workload on the Fire Marshal's Office.

Responding to Emergencies

Because Cheshire relies on a combination of career and volunteer firefighters, the hydrant maintainer would also be expected to respond to fire calls during working hours when needed.

Town administrators said this provides another trained individual available during daytime emergencies.

Discussion of Maintenance Expectations

Councilor Don Walsh asked whether annual maintenance goals should be established.

Fire Chief Casner explained that during the first year:

• hydrants are in varying states of deterioration

• some may require scraping, wire brushing, painting and lubrication

• productivity is impossible to predict

Initially workers may complete only three to five hydrants per day until conditions improve.

After the first full maintenance cycle, the department expects to establish realistic annual performance standards.

Prioritizing Older Hydrants

Chief Casner said maintenance schedules will likely prioritize:

• older neighborhoods

• hydrants with previous failures

• older water mains

• Regional Water Authority infrastructure data

The roadmap will be developed jointly by the Fire Chief and the new employee.

Private Fire Hydrants

A lengthy discussion centered on privately owned hydrants located at:

• condominium complexes

• industrial parks

• commercial properties

Officials agreed these hydrants also need attention.

However, Town staff explained Cheshire cannot routinely maintain private hydrants because doing so could expose the town to legal liability.

Instead:

• Fire Marshals retain enforcement authority under state law.

• The new hydrant maintainer may provide consultation for a fee.

• Private owners remain responsible for maintenance.

Committee members also discussed creating a comprehensive inventory of privately owned hydrants and requiring owners to submit proof of inspections.

Future Review of the Position

Committee member Fiona Capparelli asked whether the job description could evolve.

Town officials confirmed:

• the first year will be largely devoted to intensive rehabilitation

• future workloads may change substantially

• the union can negotiate revisions if necessary

Chief Casner estimated it could take approximately five years to fully restore Cheshire's hydrant maintenance program.

Hydrant Replacement Costs

Discussion also covered replacement costs.

Chief Casner explained replacement costs vary depending on:

• hydrant depth

• valve condition

• underground infrastructure

One recently replaced hydrant cost more than $12,000 after being struck by a vehicle and requiring replacement of both the valve assembly and hydrant.

Budget Considerations

Officials said the hydrant maintainer would not prepare departmental budgets.

Instead:

• the employee would advise supervisors regarding needed supplies

• management would prepare budget requests

Current inventories already include most tools, with future expenses expected to consist mainly of:

• paint

• primer

• grease

• replacement gaskets

• other consumable supplies.

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Committee Vote

The Personnel Committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Fire Hydrant Maintainer position to the Town Council.

2. Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Manager

The committee next reviewed a new management position for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Rather than creating an entirely new function, officials described the position as an upgrade of the current Plant Electrician role.

Succession Planning

Public Works officials explained that the plant currently depends heavily on one highly skilled employee who serves simultaneously as:

• electrician

• mechanic

• licensed operator

Management expressed concern that:

• approximately half of plant staff have more than 20 years of service

• several retirements are expected within five years

The new supervisory position is intended to:

• retain institutional knowledge

• mentor future employees

• improve succession planning

• reduce reliance on a single individual.

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Recruitment Challenges

Officials acknowledged wastewater treatment is an increasingly difficult field for recruitment.

Applicants require:

• advanced electrical licensing

• wastewater certifications

• mechanical experience

Training new employees takes significant time because plant operations involve complex electrical, mechanical and wastewater treatment systems.

Committee Support

Committee members praised the proposal as proactive workforce planning.

Discussion emphasized:

• employee retention

• mentoring future staff

• maintaining continuity

• protecting critical infrastructure

Members also confirmed the position had already been reviewed with the appropriate labor union before reaching the committee.

Final Action

The committee unanimously approved forwarding both job descriptions to the full Town Council and then adjourned the meeting.

Key Takeaways

• New Fire Hydrant Maintainer approved for Town Council consideration.

• Position created to establish a structured, year-round hydrant maintenance program.

• First year expected to focus on restoring neglected hydrants.

• Officials estimate the full rehabilitation effort could take up to five years.

• Private hydrant oversight remains a topic for future policy development.

• Hydrant replacement costs can exceed $12,000 depending on underground conditions.

• New Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Manager position approved to strengthen succession planning and retain specialized expertise.

• Both proposals received unanimous committee support and advanced to the full Town Council for consideration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGex3canSJs&t=28s