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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-03 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 3,2008 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The.meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Mark Epstein, Bill Brown, Sally and Brendan Hoyt, Anna and Milburn Dixon, John Della Paolera, Margaret Soli, Randall Jones, Janet Baronian, Beth Klepeis, Susan Fey, Adam Chase, Mike DeBrigard, Patrice Todisco, Bill Jennings, Ed Peduto, Dave Hunter. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaisons Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony asked why the Fire Department brings a ladder truck to do a fire inspection for smoke detectors, and the Town Manager indicated that is because they are on call as a mobile response team. Selectman Anthony noted that the EPA is running a,water sense program for sprinklers in Concord. The Town Manager indicated that there are 17 sites in Reading that are participating in a pilot program for weather station systems, and it might be the same program. He noted that it was extended for a third year and then we will get the results. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Library had a planning "kick off." Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Library keeps talking about needing more space and we should do something. Selectman Tafoya also noted that the immediate concerns are regarding maintenance items such as window replacement. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if we could poll Town Meeting Members regarding the Special Town Meeting to make sure that we have a quorum. The Assistant Town Manager noted that he would put it on the website. Vice Chairman Goldy noted that the fencing at Imagination Station has nails in it, and it needs to be repaired or removed. He also noted that he attended Project Safe for the seniors. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he had two guests at Office Hours this evening. He also noted that there was an e-mail from Mr. Penta regarding a tree limb that overhangs his property and is dropping things on his vehicles. He and the Town Manager will go out and take a look. He noted that the parking on Lowell Street in front of the cemetery is not often used and suggested making it employee parking. He asked about moving the DPW Garage to the old Water Treatment Plant site, and the Town Manager indicated that would have to be discussed. Chairman Bonazoli also noted that he was approached by a High. School student to. do a Homecoming Weekend at the Reading Memorial High School. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3 2008—Page 2 Public Comment— Bill Brown passed out a letter to the Selectmen regarding purchasing property on north Main Street. He feels that an exclusion will not pass for this. He suggested that the Selectmen sell the Oakland Road property and use that money to purchase this property. He reminded the Board of Pete Dahl's motion to come up with money for road repairs without an exclusion. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Land Bank voted that the Oakland Road property is under the care and custody of the Town and not the Schools. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Downtown Improvement Project—"Dummy Demolition"on June 15th • Trail Build on June 7th • National Development MEPA Scoping session • Double utility poles • Federal Flood Maps • Comcast hearing—June 18th—7:00 p.m. • MMA Action Alert • Joint meeting with School Committee re: World Cafe wrap-up and Executive Session re: litigation—June 17? • Paving—Sunnyside and Fairview—next week—then Colburn • Fence fabric being installed very soon at Tennis Courts • Site walk—Birch Meadow Master Plan Dates and Events: • 40R Meeting — CPDC and Board of Selectmen, June 2nd, 7:00 p.m. at Senior Center • Fox 25 "Zip Trip"-June 13th • Friends and Family Day—June 21 st • Special Town Meeting—June 30th Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition— Sally Hoyt-A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve the Certificate of Recognition for Sally M. Hoyt as Unsung Heroine of 2008 by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Constables—Sally Hoyt and John Della Paolera were interviewed by the Board. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Constables with terms expiring June 30, 2011: Sally M Hoyt and John Della Paolera. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed Human Relations Advisory Committee — Margaret Soli and Randall Jones were interviewed by the Board. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3 2008—Paue 3 Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2011 Margaret SoliMs Soli received four votes and.was appointed. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Human Relations Advisory Comnuttee with terms expiring June 30 2009: Randall Jones and Monique Pillow Gnanaratnam. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Board of Cemetery Trustees — Janet Baronian was interviewed by the Board. Olive Hecht was not present. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with a term expiring June 30, 2011: Janet Baronian Ms Baronian received four votes and was appointed. Board of Registrars trars — Anthony moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Registrars with a term expiring June 30 2011: Harry Simmons. Mr. Simmons received four votes and was appointed. Commissioner of Trust Funds—The Board interviewed Beth Klepeis. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Commissioners of Trust Funds with terms expiring June 30, 2011 Elizabeth Klepeis and Camille Anthony. Ms. Klepeis received four votes and Ms Anthony received three votes and both candidates were appointed. Cultural Council—The Board interviewed Susan Fay. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expirim June 30 2011. Susaw Fay. Ms Fav received four votes and was appointed. Recreation Committee—The Board interviewed Adam Chase. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2009 Adam Chase Mr. Chase received four votes and was appointed. The Board held off on making other Recreation Committee appointments until they had clarification on whether any Associate members wanted a full membership. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2008—Page 4 Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee—Tafoya moved and Goldv seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2011: Douglas Reid and Douglas Cowell. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Town Forest Committee—The Board interviewed Mike deBrigard and Patrice Todisco. Bonazoli moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2011 Mike deBrigard. Mr. deBrigard received four votes and was appointed. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Town Forest Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2009: Joan Hoyt and Patrice Todisco. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Human Relations Advisory Committee — Margaret Soli, Chairman of the Human Relations Advisory Committee, updated the Board on events the Committee held over the past year. These events included a tour to Boston Library, a Cultural Fest at RMHS and police training on diversity. She noted that they will be holding another race workshop on June 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church. Hearing=Approve FY 2009 Compensation Plan—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that there has been a minor modification to the Classification Study. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on approving the FY 2009 Compensation Plan was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to approve the FY 2009 Pay and Classification Plans as presented on June 3,,2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Follow Up—DPW Study—Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Highway Supervisor Mike deBrigard were present. The Town Manager noted that Ted McIntire has had many meetings with staff to come up with an action plan. Ted McIntire noted that on the last page of the Implementation Plan, it should say DPW successor, not Town Manager successor. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if any priorities have been set yet. The Town Manager noted that succession planning and vehicle maintenance are a priority. Ted McIntire noted that there was no guidance on these issues in the study. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3 2008—Page 5 Selectman Ben Tafoya asked about performance measurement and roadway maintenance, and asked if it could be measured to see if there are ways to improve or a need to change policies. The Town Manager noted that we don't utilize planning and tracking software. He also noted that equipment maintenance needs to be broken down more. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if we should be outsourcing equipment maintenance, and the Town Manager noted that option will be explored. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked about staffing in Engineering. Ted McIntire indicated that they will look five years down the road and see what the need is. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that the cost of an employee should be fully loaded. Chairman James Bonazoli asked about the lack of appreciation for the DPW. Ted McIntire noted that he and the Town Manager met with all staff. Pictures have been taken of work they've been doing but they need pictures of our workers, not just the final product. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested filling potholes if they want positive recognition. Mike deBrigard noted that the lifecycle of the roads have collapsed, and the cost of supplies are increasing. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that we need a timeline table for these items the same as we did for the MWRA. Request for Extension of RIAA Lease for Burbank Arena—Bill Jennings, Ed Peduto and Dave Hunter were present. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Ice Arena Authority wants to add a woman's locker room. They are asking for a new 10 year extension so they can get funding. A motion b.y Tafoya seconded by Goldy to authorize Town Counsel to draft a new 10 year extension of the lease between the Town of Reading and the Reading Ice Arena Authoritv for the Burbank Arena facility at 51 Symonds Way, and that the Board of Selectmen approves the proposed locker room expansion at the Burbank Arena subiect to the approval of the CPDC, Conservation Commission, and any other agency with jurisdiction over approval of the expansion protect was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion — Student Member of Board of Selectmen — Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy indicated that he wants to invite a student member to be on the Board of Selectmen. He feels that the youth want to be recognized and involved. He spoke with Pat Schettini and Lisa Gibbs and they think it is a great idea. He noted that the School Committee student representative leaves the meetings at 9:00 p.m. and attends from September to June. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Selectmen represent all, and feels that a particular section shouldn't be singled out. He also noted that the Board has five members and that is enough. There are other committees that kids can get involved with. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2008—Page 6 Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she would like to get people excited about governance but if you do this for the youth, then what about the elderly? Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that elderly residents can run for election but the youth can't. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the sample Town Meeting in the elementary school is a way to reach out. He also suggested that the Selectmen pick one night a year and have a meeting at the High School with items on the agenda that interest kids. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to start a pilot project in the Fan to have a student representative on the Board of Selectmen with the details to follow was approved by a vote of 3-1-0,with Tafoya opposed. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to go into Executive Session for the purpose of litigation not to come back into Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Secretary