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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-30 Select Board Minutes N Orq� O 0/ �\ Town of Reading Meeting Minutes < <. Y P'�MOPP� C1 • ` Board - committee - commission - council: 2819 JAN 16 PH 4: 37 Select Board Date: 2018-10-30 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Andy Friedmann, Vanessa Alvarado, Barry Berman, Dan Ensminger, John Halsey Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Executive Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Administrative Services Director Matt Kr6unelis, Business Administrator Jayne Miller, Procurement Officer Allison Jenkins; Bill Brown, Kathryn Crook, Shawn Brandt, Nancy Docktor, Phil Rushworth, Stephen Crook, Amelia Devin ' Freedman, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Virginia Adams, Kaitlyn Mercurio, Jonathan Eames, Emily Sisson, Joseph Madden, Mark Cedrowe, John Carpenter, Mark Dockser, Angela Binda, Anne Landry, Megan Fidler Carey, Amy Cole, Kate Goldlust, Beth Ann Witkoski, Reverend Jamie Michaels, Gina McCormick, Richard Crosby, Elaine Webb, Kerry O'Donnell Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Mr. Friedmann called the meeting to order at 7 PM. He started the meeting by making a statement about the most recent deeply offensive graffiti that was found in one of the schools. Ms. Alvarado continued this conversation by emphasizing the importance of talking to your children about differences and how we as a community must come together to address these ongoing issues. Mr. Ensminger noted the RMLD Payments to the town subcommittee met. General Manager of the light department Colleen O'Brien gave a report that expressed desire to decrease the amount they give to the town. We now have Town Counsel looking into this. Mr. Berman attended the rally last Sunday which had a great turnout; however, he was saddened to learn about the new graffiti. Dealing with this issue needs to be a top goal for ' everyone now. He also attended the economic development meeting last week; Weston & Sampson is moving their headquarters to Reading. The Town Forest Committee met and are working on how to the thin the forest to keep it healthy. Page 13 Ms. Alvarado attended the MMA fall conference and they had a great section/ advice for social media. The ZBA met and discussed Eaton/Lakeview project again. There are ongoing concerns about parking areas and drainage plans. Mr. Halsey let the board know that'Lovey'Shannon, who they honored not too long ago for ' her 104th birthday, has sadly passed away. In a recent RCASA meeting, they not they are considering changing their name and Bylaws. Mr. Friedmann ended the liaison reports by reminding and urging people to getout and vote on Tuesday. Public Comment Bill Brown noted RMLD has been putting a lot of money into capital and thinks it's time we start looking into selling them. Nancy Docktor wanted to explain that in her opinion the Town Manager is not using up to date practices. One example being he wouldn't let the Board of Health use an unpaid intern. She urged the board not to renew his contract for more than a year until he can work on using better practices. Mr. Ensminger noted on the contrary to what Ms. Docktor thinks, we are being progressive by paying Interns. Emily Sisson, Chair of the Recreation Committee, wanted to explain that they love people giving gifts to the department but she noted the importance of following procedure so that the appropriate parties are fully informed. Mr. LeLacheur noted they did not have a plan up until yesterday. He received it yesterday and noted conservation and engineering have reviewed it. The board did not mean to step on the Recreation's toes so they discussed approving the gift with regards to what the committee has to say. Ms. Alvarado made a motion to approve the gift from Little League Softball to do improvements to Sturgis Park contingent on Recreation Committee approval by November 13th. The motion was seconded and approved with a 5-0 vote. Town Manager Report Mr. LeLacheur wanted to remind everyone early voting is still happening this week. Town Meeting will be November 15th. He would like to welcome Jackie LaVerde to the Town Manager's Office. She Is the new Administrative Assistant replacing Brendan. He also mentioned the new graffiti incident and noted himself and the Deputy Police Chief Clark did release a statement today. Historic Deed Restriction - Train Deoot The owners have wanted to do some Interior renovations to the old train depot. The interior changes are minor. The historic deed notes the Select Board are responsible for approving or not approving any changes made to the property. Jonathan Barnes, Chair of Historical Commission, noted they have looked over the building and their plans. They agreed to preserve the second Floor Flooring and the commission is fine with everything else. Ms. Alvarado made a motion to approve the renovation plans for the Reading Depot with respect to the deed restriction as presented. The motion was seconded ' by Mr. Ensminger and approved with a 5-0 vote. Page 1 2 Discuss Designer Selection Process Administrative Services Director Matt Kraunelis and Procurement Officer Allison Jenkins were present to explain. Ms. Jenkins noted this is a formality for the state. She is presenting to the board the model that every community in the state uses. The designer selection process is strictly for business projects. Comcast Contract Renewal Administrative Services Director Matt Kraunelis and Business Administrator Jayne Miller were present to explain the changes in the new contract with Comcast. Mr. Ensminger also was a part of the process and noted that pricing, channel options and package choices were beyond their scope and not up to us to negotiate. Ms. Miller noted they changed the definition of some words in the contract including 'gross revenue' which benefits the town. Restoration and repairs were changed and brought up to be made to our standards. We will get notifications any time tree trimmings will be taking place. They were able to secure side letters that can be used in the future if need be; and a senior discount was negotiated in. Kathy Crook wanted to that everyone involved in negotiating this new contract as we will now see a larger revenue number. Mr. Ensminger moved to close the hearing; with a second from Mr. Halsey the motion passed with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger moved that in accordance with 207 CMR Section 3.06, the Select Board finds that: a. Comcast Cable Corporation has substantially complied with the material terms of the existing franchise and with applicable law; b. The quality of the services, including signal quality, response to consumer complaints, and billing practices, but without regard to the mix or quality of cable services or other services provided over the system, has been reasonable in light or community needs; C. The operator has the financial, legal, and technical ability to provide the services, facilities, and equipment as set forth in the proposed renewal agreement; and, d. The proposed renewal agreement is reasonable to meet the future cable- related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and passed with a 5-0 vote. Ms. Alvarado then moved that the Board approve the Comcast Contract renewal as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and approved with a 5-0 vote. Hearino - 279 Haven Street Second Driveway Request Ms. Alvarado read the hearing notice. Town Engineer Ryan Percival was present to explain why this request was denied by Engineering. It does not meet the Town's driveway regulations. This request did go to PTTTF after being denied. Public Safety has no problems with this request. The only downside to approving this would be it would eliminate one parking spot on the street; which the t applicant noted he uses to park his car there all the time now anyway. { Mr. Ensminger moved to close the hearing regarding 279 Haven Street. The motion Lwas seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 5-0 vote. Ms. Alvarado moved that the Board approve the second driveway request from 279 Haven Street as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 5-0 vote. Pa9e 1 3 Hearing- 51 Lawrence Road Second Driveway Request Mr. Percival noted this request is for easier accessibility. This was denied because it does not meet the regulations but PTTTF saw no concerns. Mr. Ensminger moved that the board close the hearing regarding 51 Lawrence Road. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 5-0 vote. Ms. Alvarado moved that the board approve the second driveway request for 51 Lawrence Road as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 5-0 vote. Hearing - 689 Haverhill Street Second Driveway Request Mr. Percival noted once again this was denied for not meeting the requirements. This request would be considered a circular driveway. The applicant noted it is extremely difficult and dangerous trying to back out onto Haverhill Street. Public safety has no concerns with this request. Mr. Ensminger moved to close the hearing regarding 689 Haverhill Street. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 5-0 vote. Ms. Alvarado moved that the board approve the second driveway request for 689 Haverhill Street as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Ensminger moved that the board take the agenda out of order and do the Town Managers contract .next. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado. The board then discussed why they would take this out of order because Andy and Vanessa felt it was more appropriate to do the Town Manager's goals before his contract. Mr. Halsey feels the two aren't connected. The board eventually voted on the original motion and it was approved with a 3-2 vote with Friedmann and Alvarado opposing. Town Manager's Contract Renewal Mr. Ensminger and Mr. Berman are the subcommittee delegated to work on the Town Manager's contract renewal. They called themselves to order. They viewed other Towns' contracts for comparison when drafting this. The contract would be for three years and would bring his salary up closer to his peers over the three years. He presented data from an extensive search of contracts to show that the current manager compensation was below the median of peer communities. He shared feedback from other town managers and executive search firms that the pool of qualified municipal administrators is shrinking due to retirement and the strong labor market, and fully one third of administrators or managers have turned over in the last three years. Manager salaries are being re-negotiated to retain top talent, and starting salaries have increased to lure candidates. Ms. Alvarado stated she was concerned about the amount of the increase. She noted some of the towns used in the comparison were much wealthier. Mr. Friedmann stated that we asked residents for an override because we could not afford enough police officers, teachers, and firefighters and Town Hall staff. Friedmann expressed concern that, after the override passed and residents taxes have gone up, we are now turning around and are going to give our top employee a 6%, then 3% and then 3% raise. Mr. Berman explained that if we were to lose Mr. Lel-achuer it would cost us way more to replace him than we are paying him. We would not be able to get someone with his expertise for this kind of money. Page 1 4 Ms. Alvarado noted it is deeply concerning to her that we just asked for an override and now you want to give the Town Manager a 6% increase. ' Mr. Halsey disagreed with Ms. Alvarado explaining that if we lost Mr. LeLacheur we would have to go to the market place with his contract and It would be extremely difficult to do so. Mr. Berman explained that the subcommittee did their research diligently on this contract. What they are proposing still doesn't even compare to other contracts around us. This is merely a start to bring him somewhat closer to his peers. Ms. Alvarado noted she wanted to approve the Town manager contract but would like to table the vote until the next board meeting to allow all members of the board to review the data used by the subcommittee. Mr. Ensminger moved that the board approve the renewal of the Town Manager's Contract as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado. Ms. Alvarado moved that the board table this discussion and vote until the December 4th meeting. Mr. Halsey made a friendly amendment to change the date to the meeting of November 13th instead. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berman. The board voted on the motion to table and it failed with a 2-3 vote with Friedmann, Berman and Ensminger opposing. The board voted on the original motion to approve the Town Manager's contract renewal as presented and the motion passed with a 3-2 vote with Friedmann and Alvarado opposing. Mr. Ensminger moved that the Town Manager Contract Subcommittee approve and accept the October 25th executive session minutes. The motion was seconded by ' Mr. Berman and approved with a 2-0 vote. Discuss MA Ballot Ouestion 3 Josh Goldlust and Heather McLean from HRAC were present to ask the board for support on this question. They would like the board to take a vote to publically support a yes vote on Question number three. This question is important for the rights of our transgender members in our community. A no vote on this question would take away basic rights they are allowed to have. Mr. Berman thanked them for bringing this to the board. He will support this question and he is glad they are here. He is thrilled HRAC has a seat at the table to discuss with. Mr. Ensminger noted this subject relates touches his greatly. He has a gay son and he whole heartedly supports this question. Ms. Alvarado noted this is an opportunity for us to say we stand with the transgender community. She will endorse this question. Mr. Friedmann noted he will also support this question. Mr. Halsey explained he doesn't usually tell people what he does at the ballot box but, this topics, he feels the need to say he is supporting this. He noted he has a family member in transition who they love dearly. He also wanted to assure anyone who wants to vote against this question, that there have been zero complaints having to do with this law in MA. ' Kaitlyn Mercurio explained she is surprised at the boards' comments and didn't expect the board to all react the way they did. She then continued to read her speech she prepared anyway which begged the board to publically support question 3 that would have a direct effect on our transgender people right here in Reading. Page 1 5 Reverend Jamie Michaels explained she is a parent of transgender teen at RMHS. She wanted to thank the board for protecting her child and using their voice to support this. Nicole Crosby explained she Is the mother of a transgender child and this is her first time ' talking openly in public about it. She also noted she is questioning if this is the right town for her to raise her transgender child in because of all the hate. Elaine Webb noted they are planning a rally at RMHS November 3rd from 6-7 in support of human rights and opposing hate. Ms. Alvarado made a motion that the Select Board take up support on MA Ballot Question #3. The motion was seconded by Mr. Halsey and approve with a 5-0 vote. Discuss MA Ballot Ouestion #1 Nancy Docktor immediately called a point of order and asked why the board is weighing in on a labor Issue. Mr. Friedmann responded that two select board members asked to put it on the agenda so he could not say no. Mr. Ensminger noted this is important to discuss because the Impact of this bill on hospitals would require them to hire so much more staff which would raise our health Insurance. He is not in favor of this. The government cannot'one size fits all' a hospital. Ms. Alvarado noted she is not comfortable having the board endorse a vote on this. She will refuse to vote on this. Mr. Berman explained he Is not sure on this or its impact to Reading. Mr. Halsey explained the reason we need to talk about this is because our singlemost , expensive thing in our budget Is personnel and inside that is their health insurance. This directly impacts our health insurance premiums and our budget. As a select board member he would vote no because this will cost the town money. Mr. Friedmann noted he doesn't feel compelled to take a stand on this labor struggle. Aaron Dockser urged the board not to take a stand on this due to all the misinformation going around about this question. Mark Docker agreed with his son and would not take a position on this. Nancy Docktor noted this Is slippery slope and told the board not to take a position on this. Mr. Halsey wanted it on the record that this directly affects the town budget and as a select board he would strongly urge the board to take a vote on this. The board ultimately decided to do nothing on this topic. Ms. Alvarado made a motion to adjourn at 11:01 PM, seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 5-0 vote. 1 Page 1 6