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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of,Selectmen Meeting September 4, 2007 i 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, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini, Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Tom Ryan,Neil Cohen, Sally Hoyt, Richard Ramponi, Jeffrey Perkins, Chris,Caruso, Stephen Crook, Mary Ellen O'Neill,Nancy Lynn Swain,Peg Sallade,David Michaud. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments —Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he had Office Hours this evening, and Tom .Ryan asked that the Board of Selectmen think about salamanders and plants when developing the Northern Area Greenway. The Friends of Reading Recreation are holding a camping clinic on September 15th and 16th. The Town Forest Run and Wiffle Ball Tournament are scheduled for September 23rd. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there will be a dedication of 1481 Main Street this Fall. The Town Manager indicated that it will probably be in October. She suggested that two School Committee members and two Selectmen(Camille Anthony and Stephen Goldy) get together and talk regarding the budget. She noted that there was an article in the Globe regarding schools need.to pull together as a region. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Birch Meadow Committee is doing a survey and it is available on the website. He had concerns regarding the State's lack of funding for 40R projects, and also had concerns regarding the number of hours that Town Counsel spent on Human Resources. Public Comment—Mary Ellen O'Neill asked the Town to commit to a recycling program. She noted that the Downtown barrels are overflowing. She feels that the parks should have a carry in/carry out policy. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that coaches are being advised to carry in/carry out. Ms. O'Neill also noted that the Town of North Reading received a grant from DEP for recycling bags, and she will talk directly to the School Department regarding recycling. Town Manager's/Assistant Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Franklin Street sidewalks are under construction. i ® The Sunnyside Avenue/Fairview Road Sewer project is completed—paving will be done next Spring. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 4,2007—Page 2 0 The DPW has completed a water line installation on Vine Street from High Street to Arbor Way. This looped an otherwise dead end. 0 The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection is at Wakefield High School on September 22nd. This is a joint program with the Town of Wakefield, open to Reading and Wakefield residents. There will be another collection in Reading in the Spring. 0 The Birch Meadow Playground came out great. A recent newspaper article on the project did not recognize the work of the Highway Division, Parks and Forestry Division, Recreation Administrator and the Office Manager in my office (there was an insurance 'claim involved), as well as the Facilities Department in. the removal of the portable' buildings. ® The Hopkins Street drainage improvements (Gazebo Circle) are completed. 0 The Reading Public Library has won an important federal grant administered through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The Library has received a two-year $20,000 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to be used for the Library's proposed "Contact with Impact: Serving 'Tweens and Teens" project. The grant will fund a variety of materials and services for students in Grades 6-12. 0 The RCASA Annual Meeting is on September 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Middle School. I would encourage all residents who are interested in the issue of substance abuse to become involved. There is a need for many areas of expertise, if you have the time to volunteer. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution—Mass Recycles Paper Campaign— A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve the Resolution for the "Mass Recycles Paper" Campaign was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Commissioner of Trust Funds —The Board interviewed Neil Cohen and Jeffrey Perkins for one position on the Commissioner of Trust Funds. After listening to Neil Cohen's background, Jeffrey Perkins indicated that Neil Cohen was more suited for the position and he most graciously withdrew his application for this position. Anthony moved and Goldy seconded to place the following"name into nomination for one position on the Commissioner of Trust Funds: Neil Cohen. Mr. Cohen received rive votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Highlights—Town Clerk—Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson was present and gave a thorough review of the functions of the Town Clerk's Office. Review of Constable Legislatio — Constable Sally Hoyt and Richard Ramponi, President of the Mass. Bay Constable Association, were present. Mr. Ramponi noted that Senate Bill 1151, House Bill 1969 and Senate Bill 2309 are detrimental to Municipal Constables. These remove municipal control and puts it under control of the State. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 4 2007—Page 3 Monies will no longer be paid to the Towns but it will go to the State. He also noted that the Board of Selectmen best know who they want to serve in their community. Sally Hoyt noted that Constables are the original enforcement authorities since the Pilgrims. The consensus of the Board was to send a letter to our legislators in opposition to these Bills. Hearing Rescind the Policy on the Water, Sewer and Stormwater Management Advisory Conunittee— The Secretary read the hearing notice. WSSWMAC Member Stephen Crook was present. The.Town Manager noted that this is a hearing to abolish the Water, Sewer and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee. The duties of the Committee revolved around the Water Treatment Plant that is no longer in service. The Finance Committee will make their recommendations for setting the water rates. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the committee did a lot of good work, and spent a lot of time protecting the watershed. He appreciated the fact that they are willing to help in the future should their expertise be needed. Mary Ellen O'Neill asked who will oversee water conservation and.education. The Town Manager .noted that the Cities for Climate Protection Committee are willing along with the Conservation Commission and Town staff. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on rescinding the policy establishing the, Water, Sewer and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. _A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to rescind the policy establishing the Water, Sewer and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Comments on Budget Process—The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee has requested feedback on the budget process. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he liked the long range planning aspect of the process and the 5% capital commitment. He did not like the level service concept and would rather have a base number to work with. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he liked the 5% capital concept and pulling out the energy costs. He suggests being conservative when estimating revenues. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there are too many ideas on how to spend money and not enough money. He also noted that Town Meeting was frustrated on their lack of input, and that Town Meeting needs to get involved early in the process if they want to be involved. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 42007—Page 4 He suggested having the budget sessions at the Senior Center because if offers comfort for public input. He also suggested that the Town start thinking creatively about the delivery of services i and think regionally. There was discussion among the Board regarding getting Town Meeting involved in the budget process and using the website as a mechanism. Selectman Camille Anthony had concerns regarding health care, and noted that the Town needs to decide how much of the budget should be used for benefits. She doesn't like the Town and School doing different multi budgets. She would like the Finance Committee to tell them the base revenue and what percentage to use. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there are shortcomings of gathering public opinion when the public doesn't see the whole picture and are biased. Reading1 Coalition Against Substance Abuse Update— Superintendent of Schools; Pat Schettini, Police Chief Jim Cormier,Nancy Lynn Swain,Peg Sallade and David Michaud were present. The Town Manager noted that the RCASA is a private non-profit organization. He reviewed the mission of the coalition and the activities to date. He also noted that they have applied for and received*a planning grant and a SAMHSHA Grant that will supply staffing. They have also applied for a Police Department grant. He noted that the annual meeting is September 26, 2007 at the Parker Middle School, Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there are tasks that they need people for, and the Town Manager noted that they need someone to develop a website for them. Review Action Status Report — The Town Manager reviewed the Action Status Report. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen need a policy on fundraising. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the cost of maintaining the projects also needs to be looked at., Selectman Ben Tafoya asked that Robert Road follow up be added to the Action Status Report. Preview Town Meeting Warrant— The Town Manager reviewed the outline for the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. He noted that Article 6 is to accept Timothy Place, Article 7 is for tennis court improvements; Article 8 is to accept the Community Preservation Act, Article 9 is debt authorization for curbs and sidewalks, Article 10 is the Sight Triangle Bylaw, Article 11 is a Zoning By-Law, Article 12 is to rescind debt, and Article 13 is a release of conservation restrictions at Sanborn Place. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the budget amendments. He noted that enrollment in health insurance is higher, and he suggests adding $200,000 into benefits. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Monthly Report shows enrollment for health insurance and those numbers don't seem to correlate. The Assistant Town Manager noted that it could a change in plan or family status. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 4 2007—Page 5 The Assistant Town Manager noted that vocational education has increased $75,000, and $6500 is needed for sick leave buyback. He also noted that more money will be needed to implement the financial platform. Money is being requested for a Pay and Class study for the Town and schools. Chairman James Bonazoli questioned the benefit and/or return to the Town for doing this. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Library HVAC cost$30,000. Highway maintenance equipment needs an additional $50,000 but that still won't be enough. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that when adding new positions, we need to revise the way we calculate the benefits. He suggested checking out the GIC rates. The Town Manager noted that FY 2010 is the earliest that we could participate in the GIC. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the tennis courts. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if they are being reimbursed under the school project. Pat Schettini indicated that is already maxed out. He could submit it and it would be eligible but he's pretty sure that it is maxed out. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of August 21, 2007 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to ad iourn the meeting of September 4, 2007 at 10.30 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. i Respectfully submitted, Secretary I � ' i .