1993-02-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes

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Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting February 8, 1993 The meeting was convened at 7: 30 p.m at the Birch Meadow School Cafetorium, 27 Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, MA. Present were Chairman Dan Ensminger, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman Bill Burditt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Ted McIntire, John Carpenter, David Costa, Brian Morrison, Kevin Downey, J. Bolivar, Stephen Carpenter, Steven Biller, M. Costa, Steve Ensminger, Keith Morrison, Mike Foodman, Gail Wood, John Wood, Fred Massaro Jr. , Jim Nugent, Bill Murphy, Cathy Baranofsky, Camille Anthony, Deirdre Hanley. The Town Manager continued to review the Budget. In the Finance Department, George Hines was concerned about the increase in Medical Services and Tax Lien Services. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to reduce Item C9 Personnel by $1500 and Item C11 by $4000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with Burditt against. The Town Manager and the Public Works Director reviewed the Public Works Department. A concept of having a Capital Override for certain pieces of capital equipment was submitted by the Town Manager. Hines indicated that he liked the idea. Concern was expressed that there was no improvement in street sweeping. Hines suggested. that if private groups come forward to adopt ballfields or park areas .that it should be, encouraged. The proposed tree planting program was reviewed, as well as the fact that the Town is responsible for maintenance for 64 acres of turf area. Hines moved to reduce line item H14 by $2500, that being the tree planting program. There was no second to the motion. Dan Ensminger moved to reduce line item H10 by $3100 that being the Turf Maintenance items. There was no second. Isodore Perez, speaking on behalf of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, suggested that the Household Hazard Waste Program should perhaps be budgeted in some other account or spread among a variety of accounts, rather than just being included in Sewer. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to add to line E1, Health Salaries, the amount of $5500 for the Public Health Nurse by a vote of 4-0-0. Jim Biller and Camille Anthony were present to discuss the Com- munity Development Budget. Biller expressed concern about the Town Manager's proposal to focus the planning function on economic development issues and have the Town Manager take over the department head role. In addition, he expressed concern about shifting the clerical assistance and trying to merge some of the functions with Public Works. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Bo rd voted to adjourn at 10:59 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted: Secr tary