Employee training sponsored by the Board was largely comprised of funding for a second year of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities. The Town's third CQI team, ~Access R Us," examined citizen/customer access to Town services and endeavored to enhance that access with suggestions including: the alteration of Town Hall service hours; the installation of a Town Hall drop box and automated handicap-accessible doors; the adoption of voice-mail; re-signage of Town Hall of fices; as well as many in-house innovations to improve internal customer access. Most all of these suggestions and innovations are scheduled for implementation in 1997.

   The Board also endorsed the contracting-out of Employee Assistance Program services, a benefit which had been provided in-house by the Family and Youth Services Department.

   The Personnel Board heard two classification (Meter Reader. MIS/GIS Director) and two re-classification (Assistant Public Works Director, Wiring Inspector) requests in 1997, and held one employee grievance hearing.

  The Board wishes to convey its very sincere appreciation to Richard Van Nostrand whose term on the Board expired in 1996. Mr. Van Nostrand served as Chair of the Personnel Board for two years; his insight in guiding the Board's direction and purpose will be missed.

   The Personnel Board meets as-needed on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.