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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-19 Select Board Minutes F Town of Reading Meeting Minutes i t I t" Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Hill SEP 19 AM 1`I: 59 Select Board Date: 2018-06-19 Time: 6:45 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: General Business Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Barry Berman, Dan Ensminger, John Halsey, Andrew Friedmann, Vanessa Alvarado Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob Letacheur, Executive Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Bill Brown, Nancy Docktor, Gina Snyder, MaryEllen O'Neil, Stephen Crook, Mary Ellen Killion, Sherri VanderAkker, Bea Ream, Erin Gaffen Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Mr. Berman called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM. Executive Session Ms. Alvarado moved that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and that the Chair declare that an opening meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body, and to return to open session at approximately 7:00 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann and approved with the following roll call vote: Berman — Yes Alvarado — Yes Friedmann — Yes Ensminger — Yes Mr. Berman called the meeting back to open session around 7:20 PM. Liaison Reports Mr. Halsey noted the Recreation Committee is working on creating some playground rules as well as continuously working on the Birch Meadow Master Plan. Mr. Ensminger reported the VASC finished up over the past week. The cable TV negotiations are reviewing the final draft. The Board of Health have been working on their pesticide $ regulations and are here to explain more to the board tonight. Lastly, the Senior Center anniversary is June 101h. Ms. Alvarado noted she attended the MMA training for new Select members. CPDC is working on reviewing their 40R design guidelines. Page 1 1 Mr. Berman reported that Eileen McNamara came to the Library to promote her new book. The Audit Committee met regarding last year's audit; Reading has a good bond rating. Ms. Alvarado wanted to bring up another hate incident that happened recently here in town. Another swastika was found on a building and she wanted to make it clear that hate has no home here in Reading. Mr. Friedmann wanted to mention that HRAC is also looking for student members to get involved. He explained a student at Parker Middle School found a swastika etched in a brick with a saying underneath, "gas the Jews". Mr. Friedmann wants the board to make a statement about this and he wants the board to play a more active role in this including having a 'point person'. Mr. LeLacheur noted the Town has already released a statement from the Police Chief, the School Superintendent and himself. Mr. Friedmann feels it is important the board make their own statement. Mr. LeLacheur then suggested the Select Board, the School Committee, and the Library trustees maybe having a joint meeting about it then because it is a community issue. Mr. Friedmann had prepared a motion that he wishes the board to vote on and release the following statement: "The Select Board acknowledges that many Jewish people in the Reading community do not feel safe in their own town due to recurring anti-Semitic incidents, more than 10 in the past 12 months, ranging from swastikas to very threatening language such as"Gas the Jews."The Select Board condemns the escalating occurrences of anti-Semitic vandalism that have defaced places in Reading, including our schools and public library.We recognize the deep Impact these disturbing crimes have on our children,trends, and neighbors. The Board commits to increase its efforts to combat these repetitive acts of hate.To start, the Board will assign one of its members to be a point person on this issue. The dutiesof the point person will be described as soon as possible." The board discussed the proposed statement and felt the last 2 sentences about having a point person were not necessary. The board felt ok with the statement if those two sentences were removed. They also discussed the appropriateness and procedures of this. The board then voted with a motion by Mr. Friedmann and a second by Mr. Ensminger to release the prepared statement without the last two sentences. The motion passed with a 5-0-0 vote. Public Comment Mr. Brown asked about the status of Memorial Park and Oakland Road. He also wanted to mention the new cemetery rules and regulations go into effect July 1n. He noted he took the Honor Flight to DC on Sunday and it was a fantastic trip with many veterans of all ages. Nancy Docktor wanted to comment on the pesticide regulations the Board of Health with be speaking about later in the night. She noted they had a huge help from two residents, MaryEllen O'Neil and Gina Snyder. She also mentioned they used Marblehead's regulations as the template to create ours. She believes the board needs to set large fines for pesticide offenders. Ms. Docktor also noted the tree warden Bob Keating worked with them to create these. Beth Mosier thanked the board for making the statement about hatred tonight. Janice Grants noted she is thrilled the board made that statement tonight but she needs to know when the board is going to talk about this again; she noted this is not something they can keep putting off to another meeting. Town Manager's Report Mr. LeLacheur noted in the board's packet tonight are the new September meeting dates. Page 1 2 Town Accountant Quarterly Reoort Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom was present to give her brief quarterly update to the board. She noted the audit went really well with no real problems. They are gearing up for preliminary work for 2018. The town Collector is retiring so they will need to fill that position. She gave and update on the General Fund and noted it looks good and that the number is low because we collect the payment from RMLD later in the year. The enterprise funds are all within budget and overall we are in good shape. Ms. Angstrom needs to be reappointed by the board every year and the time has come for the board to vote on that. Mr. Ensminger moved that the board reappoint Sharon Angstrom to Town Accountant with a term expiring June 30`', 2019. Mr. Halsey seconded the motion and it passed with a 5-0-0 vote. The board thanked Ms. Angstrom for all her hard work and presented her with a Flower arrangement to show their gratitude. Mandarin Reading Proclamation Robert Lee, owner of the Mandarin Restaurant here in Reading was here tonight be recognized by the board and by his staff for his contributions to the town. Employee Ryan Assarian was present to give a little background on everything Robert has accomplished. Mandarin Proclamation Speech By: Ryan Assarian The Town of Reading is known for its academics, sports, and local commerce. One of the things that makes a town different from a city is not only the lack of industrial parks or sky rises, but it's the local buzz and community that each of us hold every day. Tonight we recognize one single man who has made a huge impact in our Town of Reading. Mandarin Reading, located off 128, has been a part of Reading since 1998. Mandarin's General Manager, Robert Lee, has been with Mandarin since the year 2000. He has not only helped the business thrive economically, where Mandarin is a staple in Reading. But he has created an atmosphere, where every customer gets something more than just food. I have worked at the restaurant for more than three years now, and I can say without doubt Robert is one of the nicest and most hard-working restaurant managers, if not workers, I have ever met. And it is a privilege and a joy to work with him. Robert has created relationships with his customers that are unmatched in any other business. He truly cares for his customers and will go out of his way to help. This dedication and love he expresses can be seen on any given day at the restaurant as customers will always ask for Robert just to talk and have conversations. Almost every patron that leaves the establishment won't go without giving Robert a handshake or a hug and compassionately saying "Thank you." In addition to the bonds that he has created with his customers, he has also made connections with his staff. He treats all of his workers like there part of the family. I, on many occasions have Thanked him for letting me be a part of the Mandarin Reading family. The staff respects Robert, and will only say nice things about him. Many members of his staff commented to me while writing this speech that Robert "is a role model for all entrepreneurs'and that "Roberts dedication is outstanding, and that is because his work, is his life". Robert has created relations with his staff that are almost uncanny in the society that we live in today. In 2012, Robert instituted Benefit Nights to support the organizations in town. Mandarin Reading supports local organizations that have an impact on our community. The word benefit means "an act of kindness; or good deed". These benefit nights have thrived in our community, and have provided organizations a chance to focus on other parts of the organization other than fiances. Mandarin Reading will give back over 20+% of profits on a benefit night. Page 1 3 For Education, Robert has done years of benefits nights, to support the Reading Scholarship Foundation, and the Reading Education Foundation. Robert has supported Reading elementary schools, Middle Schools and the high school. He has offered them a wide-range of Benefit nights from PTO to the Robotics club. Robert has supported almost every sports team, and club at the high school. And one of the most successful benefit programs has been with the RMHS Track team. It has one of the best records from the benefit nights. In five years raising over$2000. In addition to supporting our Education and Sports clubs, he has helped organizations like: EMARC, the Sturges Park Foundation, and the Burbank YMCA. He has helped several religious groups such as: Church of The Good Shepherd, and the Annunciation of Virgin Mary. He's supported Arts and Music groups such as: Reading Symphony Orchestra, Colonial Chorus Players, Wakefield Theatre and Stoneham Theatre. If it's not enough to give back to our community Robert has reached out to places outside of Reading and Middlesex County such as: Boston Wounded Veterans, American Cancer Society, and Infant HIV Prevention,just to name a few. There are dozens of other organizations that I did not mention. Over the last six years Robert has donated over $20,000 to organizations across our community. We as a community cannot thank Robert enough for what he has offered to us over the years. He has showed that hard-work and generosity can make a difference in our society. It shows that one man can make a huge impact in our community. So from all the customers, workers, and organizations who have worked with Robert we give you a huge thank you and bless you for your dedication and generosity to our community. Thank you Mr. Robert Lee. Mr. Ensminger moved that the Select Board award Robert Lee a certificate of appreciation for his efforts to give back to the town. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Classification Plan Hearing ■ Mr. Ensminger read the hearing notice. J The FY19 Classification Plan that Mr. LeLacheur provided for the board is updated to include the 4 positions added by the passing of the override. Mr. Ensminger moved that the Board close the hearing on the FY19 Classification Plan, the motion was seconded by Mr. Halsey and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger moved that the Board approve the FY19 Classification Plan as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Halsey and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Cable Audit Mr. Ensminger explained that it is typical when negotiating to do an audit on past years and contracts. We are well into negotiating at this point and if we did an audit it may or may not be fully ready by time we need to renew the contract. It would cost about $19,000 for the audit and would take roughly 6 months. The board contemplated if it would be worth it considering the time constraint. Mr. Halsey felt it would be useful no matter what even if it can be used in future negotiations. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to expend up to $20,000 for a Comcast franchise and PEG fee audit with a 2 year look back, where the first dollars of the new cable contract revenues will be used to repay the cost of the audit. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 4-1 vote with Friedmann opposing. Mr. Friedmann opposed because he had reservations about the time frame of the work. Page 1 4 Board of Health Update Chair Costigan was present to explain what the board has come up with for regulations regarding pesticides. They are proposing a policy regarding pesticides to protect residents against toxicity on tree lawns. They have the support of DPW and the tree warden and Town Counsel has seen the regulations. It was noted that the Board of Health cannot regulate town land which is why they are here before the board tonight. Their goal is to limit children and pet exposure to the harmful toxins that pesticides have. The Board of Health has already voted on these regulations but they are not binding on town land. The Select board discussed enforcement and punishment; it seems it would be hard to regulate and enforce noting they questioned how it can be proved that someone used pesticides without seeing them actually do it. Mr. Berman noted he feels we should have a public hearing on this to let the public weigh in before we vote on putting these regulations into place. Mr. Halsey feels we need an educational period as well to just let people know what is going on and what will be changed. He also wondered if we have enough staff to regulate this. Mr. Friedmann asked if anyone on the Board of Health spoke with the Mass Health Association during this process. The board noted they would like to continue this talk and set up a public hearing at a later date. Climate Advisory Committee Update Chair David Zeek gave the board an update in the form of a presentation. He recapped their major events so far this year including their Annual Earth Day Fair which was held in April, the Bicycle Recycling and Give-Away in May, and the annual Friends and Family day that just happened last weekend. All events had a wonderful turn out. The Climate Advisory Committee also recently passed the plastic bag bylaw which on September 10, 2018, Reading businesses will no longer be able to provide shoppers with single-use plastic bags at checkouts. As far as ongoing projects the Committee hopes to keep working with RMLD about solar programs and support for Electric Vehicles. Appoint Boards and Committees Mr. Berman and Mr. Ensminger are the two members on the VASC. Mr. Berman noted it was a great process this time and was wonderful hearing from all the incumbents as well. He noted Mr. Ensminger was great to work with. Mr. Ensminger noted they had 6 meetings, over 15 hours and interviewed 42 people. He wanted to make note that they were going to recommend Emmy Dove for the position on the Board of Health but she recently withdrew her application noting she cannot make the time and day the board meets. Ms. Alvarado felt this was absolutely unacceptable and we need to cater to her schedule and make it work. She feels we need to move the day and time of the meeting so that Emmy can make the meetings because she is such a qualified candidate. Mr. Ensminger explained he did try and talk to the board and work out a different schedule but they could not come up with a solution. Our staff also has to be available for the meetings. Ms. Alvarado felt the board should appoint her anyway because of her qualifications and let the Board of Health and Health Agent determine the best time the three member board and staff to meet. Mr. Friedmann noted Emmy's qualifications because she is a microbiologist at a school. Page 1 5 Mr. Ensminger suggested making her an associate member but Ms. Alvarado noted she does not deserve to be a 'secondary member', even though associate members have all the same speaking rights as a member. Mr. Berman noted if we appoint her and they can't figure out a time to meet then essentially they have a non-functioning board. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to appoint the following people: all Richard Robbins to a term on the Animal Control Appeals Committee expiring on 6/30/2021 Joyce Gould to an associate term on the Animal Control Appeals Committee expiring on 6/30/2020 Stephen Herrick to a term on the Audit Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Michael Golden to a term on the Board of Assessors expiring 6/30/2021 Brendan Zarechian to a term on the Board of Assessors expiring 6/30/2019 Virginia Blodgett to a term on the Board of Cemetery Trustees expiring 6/30/2021 William Brown to a term on the Board of Cemetery Trustees expiring 6/30/2021 Gloria Hulse to a term on the Board of Registrars expiring 6/30/2021 Kurt Habel to a term on the Celebration Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Gretchen t.atowsky to a term on the Climate Advisory Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Ray Porter to a term on the Climate Advisory Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Gina Snyder to an associate term on the Climate Advisory Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Neil Cohen to a term on the Commissioners of Trust Funds expiring 6/30/2021 Rachel Hitch to a term on the CPDC expiring 6/30/2021 Pamela Adrian to a term on the CPDC expiring 6/30/2020 James Maughan to an associate term on the CPDC expiring 6/30/2020 (Note: this was later determined to be an Invalid vote because CPDC only has 1 associate by Charter.) The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and it passed with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to appoint the following people: Carl Saccone to a term on the Conservation Commission expiring 6/30/2021 Michael Flynn to a term on the Conservation Commission expiring 6/30/2021 David Neumeyer to a term on the Conservation Commission expiring 6/30/2021 Thomas Freeman to a term on the Constables expiring 6/30/2021 Thomas Crowley to a term on the Constables expiring 6/30/2019 Margaret Havey to a term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2021 Thomas Procopio to a term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2021 Marilyn Shapleigh to a term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2021 Jolyn Ek to a term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2021 Deborah Small to a term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2019 Pooja Parsons to an associate term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2020 Barbara Carney to an associate term on the Council on Aging expiring 6/30/2020 Virginia Adams to a term on the Historic District Commission expiring 6/30/2021 Priscilla Poehler to a term on the Historic District Commission expiring 6/30/2021 Amelia Freedman to an associate term on the Historic District Commission expiring 6/30/2020 Pino D'Orazio to an associate term on the Historic District Commission expiring 6/30/2019 Sharlene Reynolds Santo to a term on the Historical Commission expiring 6/30/2021 Virginia Adams to an associate term on the Historical Commission expiring 6/30/2020 Ping D'Orazio to an associate term on the Historical Commission expiring 6/30/2020 Amelia Freedman to an associate term on the Historical Commission expiring 6/30/2019 Bea Perkins to a term on the Housing Authority.expiring 6/30/2021 Charles Adams to a term on the Housing Authority expiring 6/30/2020 The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and it passed with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to appoint the following people: Joshua Goldlust to a term on HRAC expiring 6/30/2021 Susan Gaskell to a term on HRAC expiring 6/30/2021 all Kerri Riley to a term on HRAC expiring 6/30/2019 Stephen Crook to a term on the RCN Board of Directors expiring 6/30/2021 Chris Cridler to a term on the RCN Board of Directors expiring 6/30/2019 John Parks to a term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Page 1 6 Daniel Foley to a term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Emily Sisson to a term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Eric Gaffen to a term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2019 Mary Ellen Killion to an associate term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Catherine Kaminer to an associate term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Patrick Sheeran to an associate term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Michael Cohen to an associate term on the Recreation Committee expiring 6/30/2019 Richard Wetzler to a term on the Town Forest Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Kurt Habel to a term on the Town Forest Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Michael Bourque to an associate term on the Town Forest Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Daniel Ford to an associate term on the Town Forest Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Thomas Gardiner to a term on the Trails Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Jean Jacobs to a term on the Trails Committee expiring 6/30/2021 Kathy Kelly to a term on the Trails Committee expiring 6/30/2019 John Parsons to an associate term on the Trails Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Benjamin Ream to an associate term on the Trails Committee expiring 6/30/2020 Robert Redfern to a term on the ZBA expiring 6/30/2021 Nick Pernice to a term on the ZBA expiring 6/30/2021 Erik Hagstrom to a term on the ZBA expiring 6/30/2020 Kyle Tornow to an associate term on the ZBA expiring 6/30/2019 Ms. Alvarado seconded the motion and it passed with a 5-0-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to appoint Heidi Pfiefer and Emmy Dove to associate members on the Board of Health with terms expiring 6/30/2019 and 6/30/2020 respectively. Ms. Alvarado made a motion to amend and appoint Emmy Dove to a full membership on the Board of Health with a term expiring 6/30/2021. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and approved with a 5-0 vote. The main motion appointing Ms. Pfeifer and Ms. Dove was approved by a 5-0 vote. Mr. Friemdmann excused himself for the vote on the Cultural Council due to a potential conflict of interest. Mr. Ensminger moved that the board appoint the following to the Cultural Council: Brian Kimerer with a term expiring 6/30/2021 Maryann Kozlowski with a term expiring 6/30/2021 Jane Soloway with a term expiring 6/30/2021 Megan Fidler-Carey with an associate term expiring 6/30/2020 The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 4-0 vote. Town Manager's Report Continued Mr. LeLacheur wanted to mention they are having active shooter drills Monday and Thursday at 1 if any of the Select Board would like to attend. The Animal Control Appeals Committee is meeting this week for the first time in a long time regarding an issue between two dogs in the town forest. The Senior Center is holding an Alzheimer's awareness event this Thursday and there is an electronic recycling event coming up as well. Board Reorganization Mr. LeLacheur became acting chair while the re-organization takes place. He opened the Floor for nominations. Mr. Ensminger nominated John Halsey for Chair, Mr. Berman seconded the motion. Ms. Alvarado nominated Andrew Friedmann for Chair, Mr. Berman seconded the motion. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to close nominations for Chair, the motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann and approved with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Berman asked both Mr. Halsey and Mr. Friedmann why they want to be chair. Page 1 7 Mr. Halsey first noted since they are now following their policy, or else he would have voted for Barry, he feels he is the most experienced out of the three options. He noted he has an understanding of the board procedures and he has experience being chair, for one year, already. Mr. Friedmann expressed he is eager to take on responsibilities. He would like to work on the tone of the meetings and make everyone feel included and that they have a voice no matter what our differences/backgrounds are. Mr. Berman noted he is struggling with this choice. He knows Mr. Halsey has the experience needed to run the board. Being the Chair has taken a toll on him in just the 3 months he has been doing it. He feels Mr. Friedmann is just not quite ready for it yet. Mr. Berman then offered another option. He offered to stay on as chair till the end of December and make Mr. Friedmann Vice Chair and in December make him the Chair after he mentors him for a couple months. Ms. Alvarado suggested making Mr. Friedmann chair and himself as Vice Chair and mentoring him that way. She noted Mr. Halsey is volatile and not clam and those are her reservations about voting for Mr. Halsey as chair. Mr. LeLacheur asked for a show of hands who votes for Mr. Friedmann to be chair. He received two votes, Alvarado and Friedmann. Mr. LeLacheur asked for a show of hands who votes for Mr. Halsey to be chair. He received two votes, Ensminger and Halsey. Ms. Alvarado noted she finds it disturbing the Mr. Berman will not vote. Mr. Ensminger explained his reservations that Mr. Friedmann may not realize everything a chair does. Ms. Alvarado made a motion to reconsider the vote for Chair, the motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and passed with a 5-0 vote. Mr. LeLacheur again asked who votes for Mr. Friedmann for Chair. He received 3 votes this time. Mr. LeLacheur asked who votes for Mr. Halsey to be Chair. He received 2 votes again. Mr. Ensminger nominated John Halsey for Vice Chair and Ms. Alvarado seconded the motion. Ms. Alvarado nominated Barry Berman for Vice Chair and Mr. Friedmann seconded the motion. Ms. Alvarado noted she has reservations about Mr. Halsey's ability to work with Mr. Friedmann. Mr. LeLacheur asked who votes for Mr. Berman for Vice Chair. He received 3 votes. Mr. LeLacheur asked who votes for Mr. Halsey for Vice Chair. He received 2 votes. Mr. Berman nominated Vanessa Alvarado for Secretary. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and passed with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Friedmann is the new Chair of the Select Board with Mr. Berman as Vice Chair and Ms. Alvarado as Secretary effective July 1't. Page 18 Minutes Mr. Ensminger moved that the board approve the meeting minutes of May 15", 2018 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann and approved with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger moved that the Board approved the meeting minutes of May 29, 2018. The motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann and approved with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger made a motion to adjourn at 11:20 JIM, second by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 5-0 vote. cage 19