HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-30 Board of Selectmen Executive Session Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
Executive Session
January 30,2001
The Executive Session convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George
Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Police Chief Edward Marchand, Paula
Schena.
Labor Negotiations
The Town Manager noted that there is agreement on the DPW contract, and that will be coming
before the Board in the near future.
The Town Manager noted that the Superior Officers and Patrolmen are asking to change their
shifts to 4/10. The day shift currently works the 4/10, and the proposal is for the entire
department to change to the 4/10 schedule. The concerns are that there is time that will have to
be made up, the overlap must be productive, and the rights of assignment to put the more
experienced officers with the less experienced officers.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there are health ramifications with shift work. She has
concerns about 10 hour shifts, and feels that this should be studied.
The Town Manager noted that the Police did a study about six years ago, and what they are
working now is the worst.
Police Chief Marchand noted that with the 4/10, the overlap in the morning and afternoon would
be okay but the midnight shift would be a problem; i.e., you cant' do training every night at
midnight.
There was a consensus that this is a broader issue than a contract change and it needs to be
researched.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their Executive Session Meeting of November 28, 2000. On a roll call vote, all four
members voted in the affirmative.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes
of their Executive Session Meeting of December 12, 2000. On a roll call vote, all four members
voted in the affirmative.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
Executive Session Meeting of January 30, 2001 at 8:05 p.m. On a roll call vote, all four
members voted in the affirmative and returned to Open Session.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—Executive Session—January 30, 2001 —Page 2
The Board of Selectmen reconvened in Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. in the Conference Room,
16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Matthew Nestor, Vice
Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Matthew Cummings, Town
Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Counsel H
Theodore Cohen, Paula Schena.
Litigation
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if it was likely that the Judge will look at the impact to
Video Expo or look at the bylaw in general. Town Counsel noted that we don't have to
guarantee spaces but there is nothing that looks like a video store. Selectman Matthew
Cummings asked if the Judge will throw out the bylaw. Town Counsel indicated he couldn't say
for sure but he thinks it is safe to say that he will.
Town Counsel noted that Joan Langsam has spoken with the Video Expo's lawyer who suggests
settling.
Selectman Camille Anthony suggested trying to settle to hold the bylaw in place.
Town Counsel noted that the big reason to settle is because they are entitled to attorney fees
which could be anywhere around$150,000.
Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested settling for no attorney fees, preclude assignment of
lease for that purpose, and removal of Reading in their advertising.
An Executive Session with Joan Langsam will be scheduled in the near future.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
Executive Session Meeting of January 30, 2001 at 9:20 p.m. On a roll call vote, all four
members voted in the affirmative and the Board went back into Open Session.
Respectfully submitted,
wry,
Secretary