1998-03-04 Board of Cemetery Trustees Minutes

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1/ Town of Reading Board of Cemetery Trustees Wednesday, March 4, 1998 Pursuant to a meeting legally posted, the meeting of March 4, 1998 convened at 6:00 P.M. in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Annex, Reading, MA 01867 Present: Daniel F. Driscoll, Chairman John Silvaggi, Vice-Chairman Mary Vincent, Secretary William Brown Roc O'Connell Robert Keating, Superintendent of Cemeteries was also in attendance. Review of Past Meeting Minutes The minutes were accepted on a motion by William Brown, seconded by Roc O'Connell. Review of Parks and Forestry and Cemetery Division Consolidation with the Town Manager Due to the retirement of Bud Dickey, Supervisor of Forestry and the need to present a new budget to the Finance Committee the Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner and Director of Public Works, Ted McIntire joined the Trustees at this meeting. The Town Manager presented a plan to the Trustees outlining a re-organization and consolidation of Cemetery/Parks/Forestry into one department (see organization chart). This was the first look the Board had at this re-organization. This Department would be headed by Robert Keating as supervisor with a foreman for the Cemetery and a foreman for the Parks/Forestry reporting directly to him. The Cemetery Division and Parks/Forestry would share the cost of the Director resulting in a savings in the Town Budget of $50,000 the Town Manager reported. The Trustees had numerous questions on this matter. Superintendent Keating would be doing two full time jobs which have been consolidated to one, even though he would have the help of the two foremen. His job would also include the School Department maintenance of all grounds around school buildings. The Trustees questioned if additional clerical help would be needed and if a $50,000 savings would actually be realized. The Trustees realize what an excellent employee Robert Keating is and want to make certain that the caring and compassion he uses in Cemetery matters is not compromised by his extra work load. Town Manager Hechenbleikner and Director McIntire left the meeting. The Trustees asked Superintendent if he felt he would be able to do both jobs well. He felt with the help of both foremen he could do both jobs; while realizing they would have increased responsibilities in dealing with the public. He expressed his interest in trying the job as outlined. The meeting was suspended so that the