HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
January 26, 2008
The meeting convened at 8:30 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Ben Tafoya,
Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief James Cormier, Fire
Chief Greg Burns, DPW Director Ted McIntire, DPW Business Administrator Jane Kinsella,
Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Library Board Members Karen Storti, Vicki Yablonsky and
Suzie Axelson.
Discussion/Action Items
FY 2009 Budget Review - A revised packet of material was submitted to the Board. There was
discussion on a possible $25,000 item to do yard waste collection five times a year. The
suggestion was made that we should reduce the cost of operating the Compost Center by a
similar amount, and staff disagreed indicating that the Compost Center would still be open for
those who want to take their own materials.
There was also discussion on what the affect would be on the sale of stickers. Staff will try to
get together information on what the vehicle trips were when we used to have the curbside pick
up compared to current. Staff will also look at the issue of how many stickers are sold during the
different months of the year indicating how many stickers are likely to be for the Compost
Center versus parking at the Depot.
Librar
Library Board Members Karen Storti, Vicki Yablonsky and Suzie Axelson were present. The
priorities for the Library Board are additional Sunday hours. They would also like funding for '
some of the programs. This is to pay people to come in and do programs,not for staff.
There was discussion about copier revenues, and this will be verified with the Board. The Board
also asked for a list of all the sources of funds that are spent on behalf of the Library, or donated
to the Library from friends, foundations, State aid,trust funds, donations,etc.
Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that if we are going to add Sunday hours, maybe the
priority would be in the"dead of Winter,"maybe January through March.
The question was raised as to how the hours of the Reading Public Library compared to other
comparable communities.
The Board talked about building condition, and the Library Board mentioned that they would
like to have a structural analysis done of the Library to determine what the loading can be in
different areas and what technology access could be.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 26, 2008—Page 2
Fire Department
Fire Chief Greg Burns talked about the Fire Department. There was discussion on revenues
generated, and whether they should be specifically dedicated to the ambulance part of the
service. One of the options would be to include this as an accommodated cost, and this will be
discussed with the Finance Committee,
Public Works Department
Ted McIntire reviewed the DPW Budget. There was specific discussion on the need for training
and restrictions on available funds, equipment maintenance, and whether the number provided
even with the transfer last Fall is adequate.
There was discussion about the Compost Center, and the suggestion that we survey a random
100 residents who have Community Access Stickers, and see whether or not they would stop
going to the Compost Center and rely on curbside collection. This would provide some valuable
information.
The Board requested a list of shade tree priorities.
One of the challenges in the corning couple of years will be to carry out plans for improvement
of Memorial Park, the Northern Area Greenway, and the Birch Meadow area. The suggestion
was made that we should develop a section of the website to encourage donations.
A suggestion was made that we review the cemetery fees and look for additional revenue there.
We need to come up with a program for recycling in the parks.
There was discussion as to whether or not adding $50,000 to snow and ice was the right amount.
Last year, we increased by $25,000 and the Town Manager recommended that we work towards
increasing the budget to the previous five year average.
The Town Manager reviewed a chart that he will update, and then send to the Selectmen
electronically for them to respond on what their priorities would be.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board adjourned the January 26, 2008
meeting at 12:35 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
S retary