1997-01-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes

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Board of Selectmen Meeting January 28, 1997 The meeting was convened at 7:37 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Bruce MacDonald, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: William Brown, Nancy Eaton, Bryan Irwin, Gerry McDonald, David Lee. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments -Dan Ensminger had no report. Camille Anthony noted that she, George Hines, Bruce MacDonald and Sally Hoyt had gone on a tour of RMLD facilities. She also attended the School Committee meeting regarding the budget. Sally Hoyt noted that she had attended the RMLD field trip. Bruce MacDonald had received a phone call from a business person in Town regarding the change in area codes. It will cost business people money, and he would like to write a letter noting that the Town of Reading would like the area codes to stay as they are. Dan Ensminger noted that he would abstain. Sally Hoyt noted that an organization that she belongs to has a directory that is printed only every two years. Dan Ensminger felt that sending a letter like this may be politicizing a technical issue. George Hines noted that the change over may create personal and business problems, but felt that we should acknowledge in a letter the technical difficulties. Sally Hoyt understands the need for the new area code because of a lack of adequate phone numbers. She noted that the last time there.was a change, some communities around were able to keep their old area code - Lynnfield. MacDonald will draft a letter. MacDonald also noted that he has been getting calls regarding water taste, is concerned about the PRDG process issues, and is concerned about PRD trash collection. The Town Counsel Evaluation Form has been sent to the Board of Selectmen for their comments. George Hines agreed to work with the Town Manager to schedule a hearing on a policy change on rubbish collection for condominiums. George Hines attended the RMLD tour. The Budget Council meeting was very successful. The participants shared news regarding revenues. He noted that the revenues available do not match the expense request. Public Comment - Bill Brown gave to the Board of Selectmen a letter that he had sent to the Police Chief in Franklin regarding the location of a Police Department adjacent to the High School. He also attached a response from the Police Department. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that he had appointed Gates, Leighton and Associates as the consultant for the Downtown development project. They will get started immediately.