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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 7, 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 Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town.Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Jim Cormier, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Library Director Ruth Urell, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Officers Ryan Porter, Michael Bouvier, Christopher Jones, Lt. Detective Richard Robbins, Sgt. Mark Segalla, Margaret Caouette, Kurt Habel, Consultant Rachel Brown, Dionne Vierra, Rosemary Lewis, Stephen Crook. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to go into Executive Session for the purpose of strategy with regards to Labor Negotiations and strategy with respect to litigation, to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the School Committee Meeting. He also encouraged voters to take a good look at Question#1 on the ballot.- Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the RMLD Audit Report Meeting and the audit went well. She also attended the Economic Development Committee Meeting, attended the groundbreaking for the alleyway, and walked the Downtown area with the Town Manager looking at tree wells. Selectman James Bonazoli commended the Economic Development Committee for moving forward with the alleyway project. He noted that they are looking for funds for the project. He also noted that the resident from 29 Colburn Road came in at the last Selectmen's meeting and had an issue with flooding in front of her house, and there needs to be follow up. He noted that crosswalk signs are needed along the top of Forest Street onto Colburn Road. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he had Office Hours tonight. He also noted that people are using Forest Street as a cut through, and the residents are requesting a flashinglight on Forest Street. Board of Selectmen Meeting-October 7, 2008-Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Election-November 4th-7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. • Fall YCC is available on the Town web site www.readingM.A.gov and you can subscribe - mknight(Z,ei.reading.ma.us. • Reading's Finances • Potential 9c cuts from the State in FY 2009 • Town Meeting coming up-small financial changes in budget-capital issues • Free Cash is just over$5 Million-Cash reserves just over$6 million • Received State FF Safety Grant - $7700 • Received Tobacco Prevention Grant- $10,000 • Filed a grant for completing the trail from Haverhill Street to Mattera Conservation • Reading has been selected as one of 86 communities in the State to participate in the MMA 6th Grade Essay contest. The essay will complete the statement: "If I were elected leader of my community, I would make a difference by:" • Alleyway ground breaking • 1CMA Annual Conference • Tennis Courts • Downtown Parking Study kick-off meeting • Curbside leaf collection this Fall and next Spring. Schedule: --of--November-3rd,-'-November---l-7th;- December-fst--week--in--Spring.----Normal------------------- collection day • The ABCC upheld the Selectmen's decision on the suspension of Busa's liquor license. Now the Board needs to make a motion for the,dates of the suspension. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony that the two day suspension for Busals Reading Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Busals Reading Liquors take place on October 20 and 21, 2008 and that a placard be placed on the premises during the period of suspension indicating the business is "closed due to a suspension pensio of the liquor license for sale of liquor to an underage person"was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. • RCASA Annual Meeting-Election of Officers • Chairman Steve Goldy met with Selectmen of six other communities last Wednesday, and will be meeting weekly for a month or two, prior to meeting with Secretary of Administration and Finance Leslie Kerwin. • Parker MS-Fields grading ongoing. Project completion estimated mid-October. • Birch Meadow Tennis Courts • Gould Street— Monday 10-6-08 the contractor is lowering structure'S, and the reclamation and binder course has been done - Base course of pavement on Wednesday or Thursday, and the curbing and sidewalk contractor will.be in next week to start their work. • High Street • Franklin.Street Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 7 2008—Page 3 • Flu Clinic-PUBLIC FLU CLINIC FOR READING RESIDENTS -The first annual Emergency Dispensing Site Drill/Flu Clinic- Saturday,November 15-RMHS Field House—11:00 a.m. —3:00 p.m. Omen to all Reading residents - ages 9 and up Flu vaccine $10.00 fee Pneumonia $ 10.00 fee Tetanus $ 5.00 fee Residents 65 or older, Free—Bring your Medicare Card Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Reading Women's Club 115" Anniversary — A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve the Proclamation for the Reading Women's Club 115th Anniversary was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning — Police Officers _ Police Chief Jim Cormier presented Police Officers Ryan Porter, Michael Bouvier and Christopher Jones to the Board. Each Officer had his badge pinned on by a family member. Cultural Council — The Board interviewed Margaret Caouette for one position on the Cultural Council. Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination-- 6—--- one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2011: Margaret Caouette Ms Caouette received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant for November Election—A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to close the Warrant for the November Election to take place on November 4, 2008 at the Reading Memorial High School, Hawkes Field House, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Highlights — Celebrations Trust — Kurt Habel was present from the Celebrations Trust Committee. He noted that there are two trusts — one for Town celebrations and one for historic preservation. He also noted that they gave money for the historic pavers that are going in Downtown, and they funded the lighting festival. He indicated a need to advertise the.trust funds. The Town Manager asked about the schedule for the application period and suggested that the Committee take applications year round. Review. Status of Pay and Classification Program — Consultant Rachel Brown reviewed the objectives of the Pay and Classification Study. She noted that the job descriptions were reviewed and updated with no major changes. She also noted that the objective is to make sure employees are paid fairly and competitively. Ms. Brown noted that a focus'group was established, and the overall consensus was that Reading is a good place to work. The employees value their benefits but there are limited earnings opportunities when the top step is achieved. She also noted that the employees indicated that the work environment is a challenge regarding building maintenance, congestion and privacy. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 7, 2008 —Page 4 She noted that the classification process uses a point factor. The hierarchy of positions is sound but there are some positions that need to be reclassified. The Town Manager noted that he will be meeting with Department Heads regarding the issue of the top end of the scale, and will come back to the Board on how to address this situation. Review DPW Garage Issues Including Screening— The Town Manager noted that.the buildings are locked but the area is not fenced. The roof repair and heater are in the capital plan this Fall. DPW Director Ted McIntire noted that a DPW Study on equipment will be done in 2010. He also noted that the facility should have an entrance gate with a card system. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if we should look at regionalization of vehicle maintenance, and the Town Manager noted that staff is looking at the results of the study that was done, and will be coming back to the Board with an action plan. Review Updates — Pavement Management Plan —Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the previous proposal of$850,000 used the unit prices from three years ago. The current plan is based on our bids this year. He also noted that the PCI index starts at 74.50 in 2007 and then drops to 65 in 2013. A $2 million bond is a little better but not much. The $1 million plan with a ramp up to $1.2 million in four years starts with a PCI Index at 74.50 in 2007 and then ends up __at-72:25-in-2013. _ The Town Manager indicated that the Town Engineer will give this report at Town Meeting. Liquor License Infraction—The Wine Shop—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Police Chief James Cormier, Lt. Detective Richard Robbins and Sgt. Mark Segalla were present. Chief Cormier noted that this was a sting operation throughout the area. Lt. Detective Robbins noted that on September 19, 2008, the Detective Division conducted a sting in all 20 liquor establishments. They used two 20 year old operatives, did one hour of training, took their photo and gave each a portable breath test and did background checks. The Wine Shop sold a 12 pack of Budweiser beer without asking for an ID. The Town Manager asked if notice was given to the community regarding the sting operation, and it was noted that it was in the newspaper. Sgt. Mark Segalla noted that at 5:10 p.m., he and Officer Richard Abate gave the operative a $100 bill and she came out with a 12 pack of Budweiser and change. Sgt. Segalla went back at 6:40 p.m. and spoke with the clerk. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the officers took steps to see the operative go into The Wine Shop, and Sgt. Segalla noted that they had direct sight of the operative into and out of the store. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 7, 2008—Page 5 Dionne Vierra, owner of The Wine Shop, noted that he has been in Reading for seven years without an incident. He sends employees to training and is aware of the consequences. This was a huge error in judgment. Rosemary Lewis noted that she was the clerk who sold the beer to the minor, and she accepts responsibility for her actions. She apologized for her actions and noted that the staff policy is to ask for ID from anyone who looks under 30 years of age. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on the possible modification, suspension or revocation of the All Alcoholic Off-Premises License for Ramos, Inc d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading for violating GL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen find Ramos, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading in violation of MGL Chapter 138,.Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age on September 19, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony that Ramos, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading be penalized with a two day suspension for violation of MGL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a personunder 21-years of age on - - - September 19,2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli that the two day suspension for Ramos, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading take place on October 20 and 21, 2008 and that a placard be placed on the premises during the period of suspension indicating the business is "closed due to a suspension of the liquor license for sale of liquor to an underage person" was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Capital Improvements Plan — The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the Capital Improvements Plan. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the plan does not show the priorities, and that is where a Municipal Building Committee comes in. She suggested taking the idea of the Municipal Building Committee to the Finance Committee. The Assistant Town Manager noted that all of the items in the Capital.Plan are a high priority, otherwise they would not be on the plan. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Capital Plan is a tool, and the priorities can change from year to year. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of September 9, 2008 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1,with Bonazoli abstaining. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 7, 2008 —Page 6 A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of September 23, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of October 7, 2008 at 11:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Setary