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Home My WebLink About2012-01-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 17, 2012 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Police Community Room, 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, Police Chief James Cormier, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean Delios, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Library Director Ruth Urell, Public Works Director Jeff Zager, Jane Kinsella, Andrew Scribner, Bill Brown, Andrew Jeromski, Marsie West, Paula Perry, Karen Herrick. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Stephen Goldy noted that he attended the Trust Fund Commissioner meeting last Thursday and presented the policy to them. Ben Tafoya noted he attended the Martin Luther King Celebration and it was a wonderful event. Camille Anthony noted that she attended the Martin Luther King Celebration and the main speaker was incredible. She also talked with an Eagle Scout who was working on a badge. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Fire Chief Greg Burns gave the Board an update on the Pulte Homes project. He noted that the fire code regulates the noise and vibration of blasting and a pre-blast survey within 250 feet. The Town requires a survey within 500 feet. There is a fire detail on-site while explosives are on the premises. There have been two incidents of violation of the decibel sound and notices of violation were issued. A resident reported damage to their property on October 26, 2011. She filled out the form and submitted it to the Fire Marshall's office. The insurance company made a final decision based on numbers and not on a site visit. They denied the claim. Chief Burns noted that he cannot revoke the blasting permit because of the insurance decision. The consensus of the Board was to send both insurance companies a letter indicating the residents were told that pictures would be taken and the response to the claim is not satisfactory. Administrative matters ♦ Reminder—The Town election and the Presidential Primary election will be held on March 6 at the Hawkes Field House at Reading Memorial High School. ♦ Census forms will be going out the first of the year. Remember to license your dog. ♦ Nomination papers for the Town election are now available in the Town Clerk's office. All Town Meeting members must run for election due to re-precincting. Nomination papers must be returned by 1-17-12 ♦ The Reading Cultural Council report is attached for the 2011 funding cycle. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 17 2012—page 2 ♦ State Senator Katherine Clark and State Representative Brad Jones, both representing Reading, will be recipients of awards from the Massachusetts Municipal Association this Saturday evening at the MMA annual meeting. Community Services ♦ The modular units for the Oaktree development are being delivered and are being stacked, probably since last week. Public Works ♦ We are applying to Longhorn's Steak house for a trails grant for enhancement to the trail entrances in Town Forest. They will not approve partial funding of the Town Forest Master Plan. ♦ Ongoing Styrofoam recycling is available at the DPW garage during their normal business hours. Discussion/Action Items FYI Budget Meeting— Overview—Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur gave a brief overview of the FYI budget including revenues and accommodated costs. The Town Manager noted that he is requesting that the Board of Selectmen take initiatives to include community wide priorities in the FYI budget including $627,000 for substance abuse issues. This would fund the RCASA salaries if the grant is not successful and there is a need for increase in public safety due to all of the new growth in town. He also noted that there are Articles on the Warrant including establishing an OPEB fund; implement the first phase of funding projects from one time expenses for roads and pedestrian safety; accept Old Sanborn Lane, replace Bear Hill Water Tower. Gail LaPointe noted that taxes increased 2.50%. The local revenues are level funded except for excise tax. She level funded state aid and there are operating transfers from the Ice Arena funds and Cemetery sales of lots. There is $7,129,387 in cash reserves. Ben Tafoya asked if revenues are good then why use free cash and the Town Manager indicated that is because he is unsure of the insurance cost. Benefits, Capital and Debt - Bob LeLacheur reviewed the pension, OPEB and unemployment figures. He also noted that the health insurance bids are in and being reviewed. The capital plan has been revised to show that DPW will buy one big plow instead of two smaller ones. The Killam School project and Library projects will be debt exclusions. Overall, the buildings are in good shape and mainly just need roofs. Fire Department—Chief Greg Burns noted that he is seeking reimbursement for storms. There is an increase in software programs and licensing fees. There are 48 FTE's (no change), but some Officers are receiving degrees so there is an increase in the salaries. Overtime has a 9% increase which is a little bit lower than last year plus they have a couple of vacancies. He noted that he couldn't guarantee the Finance Committee last year that we would save money if we hired an Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 17 2012—page 3 additional Fire Fighter. There is a $3,300 increase in ambulance service to cover license fees to the Commonwealth. There is a decrease for maintenance of defibrillators and a slight increase in uniforms. Stephen Goldy asked how old are the defibrillators and Chief Burns noted they were replaced three years ago. Police Department — Chief James Cormier noted that he anticipates adding a couple of Officers and 1.50 FTE's from RCASA. There is also an increase in overtime. He noted that there has been a significant increase in breaking and entering and the department wants to be proactive. He has eliminated discretional expenses. Expenses increased $10,000 to outfit, equip, and train two Officers. Chief Cormier also noted that Ford has discontinued the Crown Victoria and is offering the Taurus as a replacement. He will also look at other models. Traffic light repairs are being moved from Police to DPW because Engineering will oversee the actual work. Ben Tafoya asked if the RAD program was in the Police budget and Chief Cormier indicated it was cut. Dispatch — Chief Cormier noted there is a modest increase in the Dispatch budget. The public safety license fee has been moved to technology. Camille Anthony requested an update on regionalization of Dispatch. Chief Cormier noted that North Reading and Lynnfield would be included. A grant was received to help find a site. Chief Cormier noted that Reading is the most advanced in the group and we would want something more than what we currently have. Regionalization would need to benefit us. Town Administration — The Town Manager noted that there is an increase in overtime for minutes taking. Property and Casualty insurance has increased 7.6% and legal expenses have decreased. Accounting — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe noted that there is a step increase for each employee. Expenses are for professional development, banker's boxes and folders. She also noted that there might be additional expenses for training/professional development with a new Town Accountant coming onboard. She also noted that Munis is being used for ambulance billing. Finance — Bob LeLacheur noted that the Finance budget includes a part time seasonal appraiser; software license from public safety and an additional $17,000 for additional elections. He noted that technology has done a huge amount of work, but there will be a need for knowledge in I.T. in the future. The Collectors are doing the water and sewer billing now. Camille Anthony asked if the Town Clerk is adequately staffed and Bob LeLacheur indicated it is but the Town Clerk is doing a lot of technology. Board of Selectmen Minutes—January 17, 2012—page 4 i The Town Manager noted that he asked for statistics from the Assessors for the additional appraiser. The position has been added to the budget to hold, but he does not recommend it at this time. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, A'O � 4 Secretary