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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-01-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes TOWN OF READING BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of January 21, 1985 Attendance: Maureen O'Brien, Chair, Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell and Mary Ziegler, Selectmen and John Agnew, Executive Secretary. Public Hearing: Mr. Dustin read the legal notice for the Application of Summit Terrace for Fuel Storage tank for 1350 gallons of gasoline. Mrs. O'Brien read the fist of abutters. The representative stated there would be a two level open parking structure in conjunction with the fuel storage. He stated he had a building permit from the building inspector and sign-off by the fire chief. The Board discussed alarms, ventilation, and ability to meet code. Abutters raised concerns. After discussion, Mr. Dustin moved that the hearing be continued until 7:30 on January 28. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Meeting with Representative Jeff Beckwith: Representative Beckwith reviewed proposed state aid with a projected increase for the Town of$548,338 over last fiscal year. The Governor has proposed $156 million in increased aid for the next fiscal year, partly based on a need formula. He also discussed proposed education reimbursements. The legislature will be looking at the proposed figures over the next few weeks and getting cherry sheets out so Town Meetings will know a concrete state reimbursement figure. Selectmen discussed grant eligibility even if town is in noncompliance with affordable housing requirements and asked Representative Beckwith to keep their concerns in mind during budget discussions. Mrs. O'Brien documented the Town's efforts and noted 248 of the cities and towns were not in compliance. The Board discussed the Main and South Street state work and Main Street and Summer Avenue and asked his support for funding. Although the South Street project is more likely to be funded, the discussion is that they would not reimburse both and that Summer Avenue has greater cross-town impact. Representative Beckwith also discussed the issue with the Municipal Light Department and the participation of other communities. Mrs. O'Brien reviewed the history and Mr. Beckwith proposed resolutions, acknowledged the Town's financial obligations with Seabrook and requested a Board representative to be involved along with the Selectmen from the other communities. Mr. Dustin felt the Light Board was the appropriate Board to be represented. Mrs. O'Brien stated there was a Board liaison to the Light Department and that would be the appropriate person. Housing Authority: Representative(male) reviewed history of obtaining state funding. The state is not approving the proposed acquisition and recommended that the town build. The committee has a proposed site. An architect has not been chosen. The state inspector said the site would support the proposed units. Discussed potential wetlands. They requested the Board support a Town Meeting motion that the proposed site be transferred to the Housing Authority at no cost. Mr. Dustin asked how he would get around the single-family residence zoning. They suggested a Comprehensive Permit. Discussed placements out of town and income eligibility. !j Mr. Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen support the Housing Authority's proposal to utilize Lots 103-110 and that the Board proceed with an article for Town Meeting. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Fire Department: Chief Redfem reviewed the fee structures and recommended raising the$10 fees. At the present time they must inspect nursing homes four times a year and there is currently no fee in Reading but other communities charge for it. He reviewed the rates in other communities. The inspection takes one to two hours. He recommended a $25 flat rate and so much per bed. There is a report that goes to the state and to the inspected institution. Discussed fees for ambulance calls and false alarms. The Board discussed holding a Public Hearing for instituting new fees but being able to raise existing fees at this meeting. He requested increasing extensive plan reviews from $10 to $25. The Board discussed various scenarios and rates. The Chief estimated the fees would generate about $5,000 a year. Mr. Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen institute the rate for cellar pumping, the first time free, the second time$25 and $25 additional for each addition time at the same house. Seconded. Mr. Dustin requested a legal notice be placed. Mr. Russell amended his motion that exceptions will be at the discretion of the Fire Chief and we allow only under the following circumstances: a person receiving services has their own pumping equipment but is temporarily inoperable or a state of emergency has been declared by the proper authorities or there is a broken water pipe. The department's equipment can only pump water down to a depth of 1 '/2 to 2 inches. At that point the pump will be removed. If water returns, it will be considered a separate call for repeat service. A person receiving circumstances is unable to pay, decision by the Board of Selectmen. Vote: Unanimous. Fire Budget: Chief asked the Board to reconsider the energy costs. He noted errors in the approved budget. He said the budget was increased by one third of one percent. He reviewed other modifications. The Board felt the budget with those changes should just be presented to the Finance Committee. Report of the Executive Secretary: Mr. Agnew reviewed his memorandum and future agenda items and requested meeting times be set. The Board set dates and times. They also discussed warrant articles for capital plan,Bear Hill and housing authority. Charter Commission: Mrs. O'Brien reported her conversation with counsel that if nine people do not run, those elected will select additional candidates to make the nine. Labor Negotiations: Mr. Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen recommend $15,000 for labor negotiations for Fiscal '86. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Meeting with Senator: Mr. Landers said he had been contacted by Senator Buell and would like to meet with the Board on February 19 for the purpose of bringing a representative from the Division of Public Safety. They want to discuss a potential state office building in Reading. Mr. Agnew was asked to confirm the date and request pre- meeting information on the proposal. Liquor License: Mr. Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen issue a one-day, all- alcoholic beverage license on March 2nd for Austin Prep at Austin Prep. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Correspondence: Letter was received from the Office of Handicapped Affairs seeking support with the Mass. Municipal Association and towns on handicapped restricted parking. Mrs. O'Brien suggested Mr. Agnew review and revise drafts of regulations. Transfer of Funds: Mr. Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen approve a transfer of $40,000. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Sealer of Weights and Measures: Board discussed need for additional equipment needed. Mr. Landers moved that the Board of Selectmen budget a sum of and $3706 for the Sealer of Weights and Measures for a total of $3,850 on salaries and wages of$2950 and $500 (inaudible). Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Animal Control: Mrs. Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen recommend the Dog Officer salary of$14,312, expenses(inaudible) and $1200 for energy for a total of $21,312. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Appropriations: It was moved, seconded and voted that the Board approve the sum of $500 for indemnification. Mr. Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the sum of$15,000 for fiscal '86, the same as last year, for (inaudible). Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Mrs. Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen recommend an amount of$56,640 for (inaudible). Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. It was moved, seconded and voted that the Board of Selectmen recommend $189,087 for Workers Compensation fund. Executive Session: It was moved, seconded and voted that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session for the purpose of legal and labor discussions, not to return to open session. Ziegler, yes;Landers, yes;Dustin, yes;Russell, yes; O'Brien, yes. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from three 90-minute tapes dated 1/21/85, provided by the Town of Reading, on January 17, 2000.