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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-23 Select Board Minutes Town of Reading pI �tiVN EC1 'vLERK 5 Meeting Minutes RAA lV 2021 MAY -5 PM 2: 58 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2021-03-23 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Mark Dockser, Karen Herrick, Vanessa Alvarado, Carlo Bacci, Anne Landry Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Executive Assistant Caitlin Saunders Nocella, Rich Lopez, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Christopher Haley, Jackie McCarthy, Angela Binda, Mike Lacey, Town Engineer Ryan Percival, DPW Director Jane Kinsella, Assistant DPW Director Chris Cole, Fire Chief Burns, Police Chief Clark, David Zeek Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely on Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Carlo Bacci moved that the board go into Executive Session including Counsel Greg Pagnini (BHPK Law), Jody Mills (MIIA) and Ivria Fried (Miyares & Harrington); and staff members Bob LeLacheur and Caitlin Saunders Nocella to discuss strategy with respect to civil court and administrative actions involving 59 Middlesex Ave. and the purchase of said property. Further the Chair declare that an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body; and the board will reconvene in open session at approximately 8:00 PM. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. The board returned to open session at 8:00 PM. Board of Health Chair Rick Lopez started off the meeting with a COVID update. He noted the town is still 'yellow' meaning moderate risk. They are holding small clinics when they get vaccines but it has been very few. Town Manager Bob LeLacheur noted the Board of Health along with the Lynnfield Board of Health voted to proceed down a path and apply for a grant to regionalize with Lynnfield. He noted the Finance committee voted to approve the Town Manager's recommended budget. Classification Hearina Page 1 1 This hearing was to amend the FY21 Classification plan to add the position of Health Director. The vote tonight would authorize the town to discuss the position however nothing would be done until Town Meeting approves it. The board discussed specifics about the position i.e. where the person would sit and under what department. Carlo Bacci moved to close the hearing regarding the classification plan. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the FY21 Classification Schedule as presented to add the position of Health Director. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Election Update Town Clerk Laura Gemme gave an update about the upcoming local election. Mail in voting did pass. They are working on sending out ballots now. Liaison Reports Karen Herrick gave an update about Conservation Commission and the MVP update on the Maillett Land. Coolidge Middle School requested the Select Boards support on a project about Town Meeting. Carlo Baccl gave updates on the CPDC and the Historical Commission. He noted if anyone would like to volunteer, we have many positions on many boards open. Vanessa Alvarado asked about discounts on water for Seniors noting Boston does. Anne Landry congratulated our new Deputy Police Chief Christine Amendola and asked the Town Manager for an overview of the selection process. Mark Dockser gave an update about a Council on Aging meeting. He also noted if the wake of recent events against Aslan Americans and Pacific Islanders, he condemns hate crimes. Town Manager Bob LeLacheur noted he and staff are having ongoing conversations with Camp Curtis. Public Comment Christopher Haley asked the board multiple questions about the water tower project. Jackie McCarthy and Mark Delaney thanked Ryan Percival for his work on the water tower project and asked the board to support the open space expansion that is before the CPDC. Angela Binda asked that Town Meeting not skip over the article that removes Town Meeting members for lack of attendance. She also wants the attendance list posted for public viewing. Mike Lacey noted the open space will help offset the negative space from the new fenced in tower. Arbor Day Proclamation The board read a proclamation declaring April 300, 2021, Arbor Day in Reading. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the proclamation as presented. Karen Herrick seconded the motion and the board approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Town Accountant The board appoints the Town Accountant on a yearly basis. Page 12 Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Sharon Angstrom to Town Accountant with a term ending March 31, 2022. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Water Tank Update Town Engineer Ryan Percival, Town Counsel Ivria Fried, AT&T and T-Mobile representatives along with their attorneys were all present. AT&T and T-Mobile gave presentations with their plans for a temporary structure and what it would mean for cell service. The board pushed for quality cell service during the temporary structure and they assured us it would be fine. The two Chiefs noted how imperative it is that cell service remain the same in all areas. They cannot have their 911 equipment/ radios/ car laptops down at any time. Carlo Bacci moved to authorize the Town Manager to issue an RFP for the lease of a portion of the current water tank site for the temporary installation of a ballast tower for cell carriers and town equipment. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Energy Policy David Zeek from the Climate Advisory Committee is asking the board to weigh in against using woody biomass in Reading with RMLD. He would specifically like them to endorse a policy with a resolution to oppose woody biomass in town and to send a letter to our CAB members. He then gave the board a short presentation on the recommended policy. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the woody biomass policy recommendation as presented by the Climate Advisory Committee. Karen Herrick seconded the motion and it was passed with a unanimous roll call vote. MBTA Resolution Vanessa Alvarado noted the MBTA is making cuts that would affect Reading. She would like the board to approve a resolution and send a letter to Governor Baker opposing the cuts. Anne Landry noted she can vote on this but cannot sign the letter. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the resolution opposing MBTA service cuts. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with a unanimous vote. Minutes Carlo Bacci moved to approve the minutes from February 2nd, 2021 as amended. The motion was seconded by Anne Landry and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 11:22 PM. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Page 13