HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes FR
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes RECEIVED
�asJ TOWN CLERK #41
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Board of Selectmen
1011 SEP 21 A 8 48 ,
Date: 2016-08-16 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Vice Chairman Kevin Sexton, Secretary Barry Berman, John Arena and
Daniel Ensminger
Members - Not Present:
Chairman John Halsey
Others Present:
Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Administrative Services Director Matt
Kraunelis, Executive Assistant Paula Schena, Attorney Brad Latham, Stephen
Crook, Jen Hillery, Bill Brown, Linda Phillips, Vicki Yablonsky, Amy Lannon,
Joanne Senders, Cherrie Dubois, Kristen Powers, Linda Cunningham,
Vanessa Alvarado, John Doherty, Jeanne Borawski, Paula Perry, Peter
Lydecker, Al Sylvia, Kevin Vendt, Brian O'Mara, Dan McCarthy, Eric
Burkhart, Kristen Graham
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Barry Berman
Topics of Discussion:
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Daniel Ensminger noted that there is
correspondence in tonight's handout regarding Senior Tax Relief - one from Mary Anne
Downing and one opposed due to fairness inequity. Daniel Ensminger commented on Mr.
Ryan's Letter to the Editor and noted that the Board of Selectmen should be clear on
wording that the override is permanent and that the funds will only carry us for eight years.
John Arena noted the passing of Stephen Goldy's father.
Kevin Sexton noted that he, John Halsey, the Town Manager and staff greeted the Lt.
Governor and Brad Jones regarding the Community Compact Grant.
Public Comment - Bill Brown noted that the Selectmen are supposed to perambulate the
boundaries of the Town every five years.
Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager noted that the Town received a $20,000 grant
for energy efficiency initiatives. He also noted that David Clark has been appointed Deputy
Police Chief and the thanked John Arena for participating in the process.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Joanne Senders noted that her daughter Tessa created a mannequin and a brochure for the
RMHS and worked with Children's Hospital regarding hearing loss and how to prevent it.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - August 16, 2016 -page 2
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the
certificate of recognition for Tessa Senders achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Amend License for Underground Storage Tank at 83 - 85 Main Street to Change one Tank
from Gasoline to Diesel - Attorney Brad Latham was present representing C & J Patel. He
noted that the request is to convert one tank from gasoline to diesel. There is no change of
the size of the tanks or the number of tanks.
Kevin Sexton asked if they have to wash the tanks first and Attorney Latham noted they
have a process they need to go through.
John Arena asked if they check for degradation of the tank and Attorney Latham noted that
he will check into that.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve
amending the license for an underground storage tank 83 - 85 Main Street to
change one tank from gasoline to diesel was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing - Transfer of Liquor License from Brooks Brew and Fine Wines, 676 Main Street to
Anastasi Brookline, 25 Walkers Brook Drive - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The
Town Manager noted that the applicant got called away for a family emergency so he is
requesting that this be rescheduled.
The Town Manager noted that the last time we had a liquor store in a grocery store was the
Atlantic and the Selectmen put conditions on the license. He will get that information for
the Board. He is not sure of what the applicants plan is for this license.
A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen, at the
request of the applicant, continue the hearing on the transfer of the liquor license
from Brooks Brew and Fine Wines, 676 Main Street to Anastasi Brookline, 25
Walkers Brook Drive to September 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room, 16 Lowell Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing - Alteration of Premises for Bistro Concepts Inc. - The Secretary read the hearing
notice. Linda Cunningham and Christine Powers, Managers from Bistro Concepts, were
present. They noted that the patio will contain six tables of two.
The Town Manager noted that there will be minimal access to the parking lot. Full staff has
reviewed the plan and it is not a problem.
Barry Berman asked if you have to go inside to go out on the patio and it was noted that
yes you do.
Bill Brown asked if this will be wheelchair accessible and it was noted it is.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen close the
hearing on the alteration of premises for Bistro Concepts Inc. was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve
the alteration of premises for Bistro Concepts, Inc., d/b/a Fusilli's Cucina, 107
Main Street, for the addition of outdoor seating consisting of 12 seats as indicated
on the plan that was submitted with the application, was approved by a vote of 4-
0-0.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - August 16, 2016 - page 3
Override Discussion - Joint Meeting with School Committee and Board of Library Trustees -
The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen have held several Community Listening
Sessions and there will be another one on September 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School. A
3.5% increase is needed to maintain a level service budget. Accommodated costs are
growing faster than 3.5%. The FY17 budget was $2 million out of balance and that was
covered by reserve cash. The FY18 budget is $3 million out of balance and future budgets
will be .7% out of balance annually.
The Town Manager noted that the average $499,500 family home in Reading is taxed
$7250. The components of that tax bill is $6905 for the tax levy; $161 for the High School;
and $184 for the Library. The High School goes away in FY24 and the Library goes away in
FY25. A minimal override of $6 million will get us to FY25.
Barry Berman noted that Prop 2 1/2 allows us to hit the reset button and catch up for a
certain period of time.
The Town Manager noted that Reading has a limited amount of space to grow. We can
decrease capital spending. We don't want to mess with vehicle replacements but there are
other projects that can wait. He would suggest spending more on capital at the beginning
and then slow down because we've done a good job on capital.
Barry Berman asked if we deviate from the capital plan are we setting up future generations
with a problem and the Town Manager replied no, we just don't need $5 million in capital
right now.
The Town Manager noted the use of override funds will fix the structural deficit. Using the
eight year model and $6 million we will use $3 million to fund the gap; increase pension
funding $0.3 million; extra capital $2 million and savings $0.7 million. The Town Manager
noted that pension funding was not addressed years ago. With the last override, 75% was
spent right away and 85% was spent within one year. The last override lasted so long
because free cash use was increased to stretch it out.
Barry Berman asked how we beat up accommodated costs. The Town Manager noted the
Town spent money to save money i.e. performance contracting; we brought SPED into
district; we allowed an option to opt out of health insurance; we spent money to generate
revenue with ALS. Operational efficiencies include capital spending, rubbish recycling and
technology. We restructured large departments and single positions. Town and Schools are
sharing positions. There is more long-term financial planning and more fees and revolving
funds. In short, we are running out of ideas and the only certainty is that the eight year
forecast is wrong. In addition, Killam and the DPW garage need to be done at some point.
The Town Manager noted that the make believe good news is that the state aid could
increase 5% and the override would last longer. Health insurance is another big factor. The
state objective is to have local aid grow the same as state growth.
The Town Manager went on to speak about the items that an override will get us as follows:
➢ $6 million override would be all structural.
➢ $7 million gives the Town $360,000 which we would use $200K to retain and attract
staff; $85K for a School Resource Officer and $75K for an additional Fire Fighter.
➢ $7.5 million gives the Town $540,000 and gets the above items plus: $70K for
technology; $60K for Library staffing; $25K for Town Accounting staffing and $25K
for volunteer Board support for night time government.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - August 16 2016 - page 4
➢ $8 million gives the Town $720,000 and gets the above items plus: $75K for an
additional Police Officer; $75K for an additional Fire Fighter and $25K for professional
development.
➢ $8.5 million gives the Town $900,000 and gets the above items plus: $50K for
volunteer Board support; $40K for additional library hours; $40K for a DPW laborer;
$20K for public safety overtime for joint training; $15K for facilities overtime and
$10K for a spare Crossing Guard.
➢ $9 million gives the Town $1.28 and gets all of the above items plus: $75K for a
third Police Officer; $75K for a third Fire Fighter and $40K for additional Town Hall
clerical.
The Town Manager noted that he is requesting a minimum of $7.5 million override.
Paul McNeice called the Finance Committee to order.
Barry Berman noted that Elder/Human Services and DPW were not on any of the lists. The
Town Manager noted that the Assessors would need additional help if anything other than
what is proposed is approved. Elder/Human Services is doing a study. If the override is not
approved then positions in Police and Fire will be eliminated the first year.
Superintendent John Doherty noted that 7.3 positions were cut this year and 30 FTE's would
be cut in FY18 without an override. The challenges they face include: retaining and
attracting staff; preparing kids for college and careers; keeping Special Ed in district; and
the high ration of Administrators and teachers. Superintendent Doherty noted that they
have about 65 students out of district. Space needs are a challenge and they need to
remain competitive with area schools.
The resources that are needed are as follows:
➢ $2 million for structural deficit
➢ $360K for salary adjustments
➢ $455K for full day on Wednesday
➢ $140K for Middle School Health Ed
➢ $150K for additional support for struggling students
➢ $220K for RMHS program improvements
John Arena asked how $220K correlated with 4 FTE teachers. John Doherty noted that is
equivalent to 20 sections (classes). Jeanne Borawski noted that they didn't cut any classes
they just made the class size bigger.
Daniel Ensminger noted that it would be helpful to know what is being restored and what is
new.
John Arena asked how they deal with struggling kids now and John Doherty noted that the
Honor Society helps out after school, otherwise nothing.
John Doherty noted that the school transformation grant for a data analyst and
administrator for social and emotional learning is $160K and ends in three years.
Elaine Webb noted that parents want students to have high quality instruction in the
classroom. It is hard for the principals to oversee 40 - 50 teachers. John Arena noted that
the principals sit in the classrooms and evaluate and Jeanne Borawski noted yes, that is
State mandated that teachers have to be evaluated.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - August 16, 2016 - page 5
John Doherty noted that the Special Ed Leadership position for an Assistant Director for
student services is $95K. Barry Berman asked what it would take to get the Special Ed kids
back and John Doherty noted this position would help to create a program that would
attract those kids back.
John Doherty noted that long term challenges include: free full day kindergarten for $1
million in recurring costs; and the Killam renovation/program space. John Arena asked if
Killam can wait until the RMHS and Library debt is.gone and John Doherty noted it would
solve two problems by adding more space.
John Arena asked how many resignations and retirements the schools had this year and
John Doherty noted 20 - 25 resignations of teachers. There were three retirements this
year. Last year was 15. John Arena asked if that is high and John Doherty noted he thinks
it is high, but teachers leave because they are moving, or for higher pay or family reasons.
The Town Manager noted that there will be a 2% increase in the tax if nothing is done. The
increase for $6 million is $664; for $7 million it is $774 and for $7.5 million it is $829.
John Arena asked if John Doherty can prioritize the list because it would help people to
digest it and it will be easier to promote. Jeanne Borawski indicated they could prioritize
the list if need be. Elaine Webb noted that the School Committee has not addressed that
and these are the needs and they need all. She noted that the difference between $6
million and $9 million is $330/year. John Arena told her not to forget about senior tax
relief. Elaine Webb noted that the list cannot be prioritized.
Kevin Sexton asked what they will do if they don't get $9 million and John Doherty noted
that he and the School Committee will go back and look at the list.
Barry Berman noted the he attended all of the listening sessions and this list is consumer
driven. These things are what they need to be an excellent district. John Arena noted there
is a value in presenting them in the same format.
The Town Manager noted that Reading is $600 below peers in our tax bills.
Daniel Ensminger noted that the Board needs to decide on how many questions they want
on the ballot, the wording and the amount. He reviewed samples of questions from the
Department of Revenue website.
Barry Berman noted that he would defer to one question and one number. If we list by
department we will pit interest versus interest so just put one question and number.
Simplicity is the way to go.
Bill Brown suggested one question and one number.
Kevin Sexton noted that people will decide yes or no.
John Arena noted that he could see more than one question. It could be the same question
with a different number. It would be nice to have a backup.
Daniel Ensminger asked if we can use Town resources to get information out to voters.
Elaine Webb noted that it is important that people understand the results of a failed
override.
Paula Perry noted it is best to keep it simple.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - August 16 2016 - page 6
Dan McCarthy, 91 Prospect Street, noted that it is up to the Board of Selectmen to decide
yes or no.
Paul McNeice commented that if we go with two questions it is not definitive or decisive.
Jeanne Borawski agreed with the previous remarks about one question and one number.
Kevin Sexton noted that Chairman John Halseywas unable to be resent tonight p o ht but he
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sent him correspondence and asked him to read it into the record as follows:
To Members of the Reading BOS and Town Manager,
"Regrettably I am unable to either attend or participate remotely in our BOS meeting this evening.
Regarding the discussion as to both wording and amount for a proposed Proposition 2 %override
this fall in Reading I offer my thoughts and opinion for your review and consideration.....
A thorough review of all the consolidated material we have available brings me to the conclusion
that a single ballot question would be the most user friendly approach for the citizens of Reading.
Furthermore, I believe this would avoid polarizing diverse voter groups and would stick to a more
common purpose for the voters to decide upon.
In reviewing the amount, I feel we must address the structural deficit issues for both the School
Department and the Town...... it seems the need here is 6 M(3M of base with an additional 3M
to allow this relief for a period of approximately 8 year).
Both Schools and Town are hopeful for some level of additional funding to initiate and complete
overdue projects and staffing needs. I believe this should be limited to 1.5M with the customary
split between both entities.
Such a combination would in my opinion lead us to a maximum request to the voters of a
maximum of 7.5M for the Override amount.
I would be supportive of 7.5M or less not to be reduced below the 6M level necessary to address
the structural deficit for approximately 8 years.
Obviously in my absence I cannot vote at this evenings meeting but felt it was important to share
my thoughts with my fellow BOS members as you contemplate wording and amount of this
proposal."
Respectfully and sincerely offered,
John R. Halsey
Chairman, Reading Board of Selectmen
Kevin Sexton noted that he agrees with John Halsey and that it feels messy breaking it
down. He feels we have to look at the voters' appetite and he feels $9 million is too big and
$6 million is absolute necessary.
John Arena noted that he can support $7.5 million easily - it is a generous amount.
Jeanne Borawski noted that the School Committee agrees that the structural deficits need to
be addressed. Two members of the School Committee voted against $9 million and five
voted for it. Anything south of $8 million she would have a hard time with due to all of the
cuts they have already done. Elaine Webb noted that the reason two people voted no was
because they didn't think the community would approve it not because they don't need it
but can't afford it.
Karl Weld, 60 Highland Street, noted that if the Selectmen get north of the structural deficit
there will be problems. He feels the add-ons are "nice to haves" and he noted that 15% will
be hard to swallow. He feels the more that is asked for, residents will find something wrong
with it.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - August 16, 2016 - page 7
Barry Berman noted that he feels the Selectmen have done a great job on transparency and
we have been good stewards but we masked the true cost of running the enterprise. People
want to know the cost of running the government. He's willing to pay $9 million but we're
already adding in for the senior relief. He's fine with $8 million.
John Arena noted that the costs are driven by accommodated while keeping services going.
Peter Brown, Precinct 8, noted that the $8 million should include senior tax relief because
that's an additional $1000. He noted that the value of his home has increased more than
$6,000 - $10,000. This is a slam dunk because the money will come back to you because
the value of your house will increase. This is a well-run community. He asks people to look
at what will happen if the override fails. The $1000 will cost $18/week so just don't pay for
one pizza/week.
Karl a Weld asked about the average turnout for a municipal election and the Town Manager
noted 10 - 12% without an override. Karl Weld suggested the Board not ask for too much
and keep the number as close to the structural deficit as possible.
The Town Manager noted that we have gone from 125 DPW employees to 40 over the
years. We haven't been adding positions so there is nothing to add back. The warning
signs were that we've been using free cash to balance the budget. He also noted that this
override will take care of the High School litigation.
Daniel Ensminger noted that we don't have to tax at the full levy limit if we don't need to if
state aid is increased.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to instruct Town Counsel to prepare one
ballot question relative to overriding the Town's levy limit in the amount of $9
million to fund the operating budget for the Town and Schools failed by a vote of
0-4.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to instruct Town Counsel to prepare one
ballot question relative to overriding the Town's levy limit in the amount of $8.5
million to fund the operating budget for the Town and Schools failed by a vote of
0-4.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to instruct Town Counsel to prepare one
ballot question relative to overriding the Town's levy limit in the amount of $8
million to fund the operatinq budget for the Town and Schools failed by a vote of
1-3-0 with Berman voting in the affirmative and Sexton, Arena and Ensminger
opposed.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to instruct Town Counsel to prepare one
ballot question relative to overriding the Town's levy limit in the amount of $7.5
million to fund the operating budget for the Town and Schools and that such
question be considered at a future Board meeting for inclusion in the warrant for a
_Special election to be held on Tuesday, October 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at
the Walter Hawkes Field House at Reading Memorial High School on 62 Oakland
Road was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Close Warrant for September 12th Special Town Meeting - The Town Manager reviewed the
Warrant for the Special Town Meeting on September 12th. He noted that Article 1 is
reports; Article 2 instructional motions; Article 3 amend the CIP; Article 4 is to change the
senior exemption from $750 to $1000; Article 5 ties Article 4 to the consumer price index
and Article 6 reduces the interest rate on deferred property taxes from 8% to 4%.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes - Aupust 16, 2016 - page 8
Barry Berman noted it would be helpful to know how many people take advantage of 4, 5
and 6 or could be able to. It would also be helpful to have Jane Burns there to talk about
who benefits and how many might benefit. The Town Manager noted 20 - 25 seniors
currently. John Arena noted the people might find the amount is a relatively small amount.
The Town Manager noted that Article 7 for the senior property tax relief will expire after
three years. One community asked to renew in perpetuity and the Department of Revenue
said no, it is only good for three years.
Article 8 is to hear reports and to provide any advice or guidance. Town Meeting has no
role or say over the override so this is meant to be an open discussion.
There will be a Community Financial Forum on September 1, 2016 which will be a dry run
for Article 8.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen close the
Warrant consisting of 8 Articles for the September 12, 2016 Special Town Meeting
to take place at the RMHS Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road at 7.30 p.m.
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to approve the Board of Selectmen
minutes of July 19, 2016 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to approve the Board of Selectmen
minutes of July 26, 2016 as amended was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger to approve the Board of Selectmen
minutes of June 16, 2016 as amended was approved by a vote of 3-0-1 with Arena
abstaining.
A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to adiourn the meeting at 10.43 p.m. was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
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