On January 22, the Mattapoisett Select Board began the process of interviewing candidates for the open position of Building Commissioner. The sitting commissioner, David Riquinha, tendered his resignation, opting to focus on his business ventures.
On hand as the board poised pertinent questions to Kevin Greiner of Acushnet (working for the Town of Easton) and Christopher Canney of Westport (working for the Town of Sherborn) was Building Inspector Nathan Darling, inspector for the Town of Lakeville.
The board asked the candidates to describe not only their managerial style but also to share what a typical day at work looked like.
Greiner stated that he primarily focuses on the documents associated with permits, “desk work,” and supports the Zoning Board of Appeals through review of filings, providing comments, but not generally attending their meetings. Regarding his management style, Greiner said he oversees nine mostly part-time staff members in a hands-off manner.
“I let them do their job,” he said, noting that his office processes approximately 30 permits per day. Greiner also shared that he believes in enjoying one’s work. “I want them to have some fun.”
With respect to interacting with Easton’s boards and the Fire Department, Greiner attested to good working relationships. He said he understood the requirements of CMR 521, a specialized building code regarding access for persons with disabilities for buildings in the commonwealth. He also acknowledged full understanding of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) process, which creates ratings for fire departments and their communities, calculating the readiness of the department for fire suppression and other incidents.
When asked about FEMA regulations, especially related to flood plains, Greiner conceded that this was likely his weakest area of expertise, having worked primarily in areas of uplands versus coastlines. But he added that the codes governing construction in such areas was specific, and he was confident he could come up to speed quickly.
Greiner’s resume lists previous employers as the Town of East Bridgewater, Town of West Bridgewater, Modern Continental Construction and Greiner Electric. He holds an associate’s degree from Massasoit Community College, is a Massachusetts Certified Building Commissioner and is a journeyman electrician.
Canney began his interview by noting that he has been working in construction from a very young age in his family’s business. Today he holds licenses and certification as a building commissioner and inspector, Massachusetts Construction Supervisor and Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor. He received a bachelor of arts from Bard College.
The candidate also said that like Greiner, most of his work has occurred in uplands areas not necessarily governed by FEMA; however, there were major riverfront areas that required specific oversight.
Canney’s management style was typified as “we are all a team. … I still do inspections, so they understand I’m doing the same things they are doing – I’m a working commissioner. … This is a public service job.” He said he believes in treating people with respect.
On the topics of ISO and CMR 521, Canney stated he had good working relationships with the Sherborn Fire service and had worked with CMR 521 for years.
When it came time to switch places and grant the candidates the opportunity to ask the board questions, Greiner passed. Canney said Mattapoisett didn’t seem to be screaming for growth but wanted to assist with solar or 40B housing.
Canney’s resume noted working as the building commissioner for the Town of Sherborn since 2017, also as a part-time inspector for the Town of Dartmouth, former commissioner for the towns of Holliston and Medfield, as well as Concord and Framingham and owner of Canney Construction. Canney has also taught construction-supervisor classes for the Construction Certification Institute.
Both candidates said they work with on-line permitting platforms and GSA systems. Both also felt it is important for Mattapoisett to maintain its charm.
The board noted that there were other candidates scheduled to appear at a future meeting and that the board will be holding some Monday (versus Tuesday) weekly meetings that will include budget review ahead of the Spring Town Meeting.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Monday, January 29, time TBA.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell