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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-12-30 Board of Selectmen Minutes ' Board of Selectmen Meeting December 30, 1985 Present were Chairman Paul Dustin, Mary Ziegler, John Russell, Euguene Nigro, Paul Landers, John Agnew, Executive Secretary, Don Farnham, Bill Locke. Discussion/Action Items Cable TV Contract — Don Farnham of the Cable TV Committee asked the Board of Selectmen to approve the changes in the contract with Continental Cablevision that have been approved by the School Committee. The major changes include an increase in staff hours to full time, refurbishment of the I-loop and payment of$500 per month rent for the space at the High School. They will continue paying utilities. Bill Locke from the Board of Assessors asked the Selectmen to defer action until after a January performance hearing with Cable TV is held, and citizens have an opportunity to voice their concerns with the service. He felt that contract conditions had changed as a result of the court case, and the Town should be entitled to change conditions as well. After discussion, John Russell moved and Mary Ziegler seconded a motion to approve the contract between Continental Cablevision and the School Committee for a period of ' five years. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. The Cable TV Committee was asked to address the concerns of the Assessors. Appointment of Police Officers—The four candidates that the Board interviewed have all taken physical and psychological exams. Chief Marchand requested that all of them be appointed in order to bring his staff up to 43. There are sufficient funds to pay all four Officers until the end of the fiscal year. Two Officers may need to be laid off on July 1". Another Officer is submitting a disability retirement. Schooling will take three months. Assuming a level funded budget for Fiscal '87, the Chief felt he could afford three positions but he has asked for an increase of$80,000. Paul Dustin asked whether any of the money he is earmarking for these positions should be reserved for the back wages labor settlement. The Chief felt there were sufficient funds. The list does not expire until June. There will be a new exam in the Spring with results in the Fall. There are only reservations for two Officers for training but there are several programs starting in January. The Chief recommended David Richards, James Collins, Anthony Caturello and John Kyle based on the recommendations of brass and psychological screening. Eugene Nigro stated he was abstaining because he was not present during the interviews but thought that the Board should appoint four Officers based on their interviews and not on the order recommended by the Chief. This action would follow the process followed with the Fire Department. _ Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 30 1985 —Page 2 John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint four Patrolmen in the following ' order: David Richards, James Collins, Anthony Cannella and John Kyle, effective Sunday, January 12, 1986, and that continued employment beyond July t, 1986 is problematical at this point in time, and any reductions in force would be in inverse order of appointment unless other circumstances dictate. The motion was seconded and approved by a vote of 4-0-1. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint Kevin Kryts of 64 Pearl Street, Reading as a member of the Reading Police Reserve effective immediately. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Mary Ziegler moved to approve a bill for $575 for services and $5.30 for photocopying for a total of$580.30. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Transfer to MDPU for the Rail Crossing - Mary Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen request a Reserve Fund Transfer of$1500 so the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities can do a cross study of the proposed railroad crossing. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Approval of Unemployment Benefits for the Month of November—John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen approve $2,239, split $504 for Town and $1,735 for schools for the required unemployment reimbursable benefits for November. The motion was ' seconded. There was discussion over some names on the fist and who was eligible. The motion was approved on a voice vote. Budget Discussions—The Selectmen questioned what figures to use since the Police and Clerical Unions had not agreed on terms. For those who settled, it was decided to use the negotiated amounts. Some felt that for those who hadn't, it should be the same as other unions. Further negotiations with the Finance Committee on the Fair Labor Standards are necessary. Projections should consider the 5.5%rate. Budget requests for the Accounting Department and Veteran's Agent were reviewed. The Building Inspector proposed appointment of a Plumbing Inspector. The previous Plumbing Inspector received$.85 on every $1.00 of permit fee, and$.15 went back to the Town. Building Inspector Stuart LeClaire recommended a straight salary equal to the Wiring Inspector at $5200 per year plus mileage. He discussed rates in surrounding communities. Mr. LeClaire has solicited resumes and has an individual who is willing to accept that rate. Both rates will be $5486 in FY '86. Totals were calculated. The automobile allowance increase from $640 to $1919 included inappropriate doublings. He uses an old detective car which has poor mileage and needs a lot of repairs. ' Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 30 1985—Page 3 ' The Board discussed Mr. LeClaire acquiring a different used vehicle or being paid mileage for use of his own car. Discussed permit fees. Check with other departments who may be disposing of old vehicles. A case would need to be developed for presentation to the Finance Committee. Animal Control—John Agnew recommended deletion of the position but to keep $2,000 for emergencies. Motion was made, seconded and voted to adjourn the Board of Selectmen Meeting of December 30, 1985. These minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton, as a volunteer, on December 18, 1999, based on two 90-minute,double-sided tapes supplied by the Town of Reading.