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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 7,2006 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 Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectman Ben Tafoya, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Library Director Ruth Urell, RMLD General Manager Vinnie Cameron, RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Mary Ellen O'Neill, George Hines, Bill Carrick, Police Officers Sean Wilson, Ian Nelson and Richard Abate, Andrea Mercado, Andrew Herlihy, Jane Parenteau, Paula O'Leary,Jack Kyle, John Greichen,Marcel Dubois, John Carpenter, Gail Wood, Ryan Percival. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he hosted the Board of Selectmen Office Hours this evening, and one citizen was present inquiring about the decision on the water supply. He also noted that people have asked about the role of Jeff Everson in the Addison-Wesley process, and he noted that Mr. Everson is a resident who belongs to "Reading First" and the Interchange Task Force. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he asked Jeff to take a look at the study to help clarify. Vice Chairman Schubert noted that this is an emotional issue, that there is a process that the community needs to go through, and people need to respect each other and agree to disagree. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Initiative Against Substance Abuse is ongoing, and the goal is to come up with the framework on how to move forward with a program, hopefully, by March. He will be attending the meeting on Thursday in Chairman Camille Anthony's absence. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked for a full update at the next full Board meeting. Public Comment — George Hines noted that there have been two meetings. He.feels that the direction isn't set, and he advocates that the Board of Selectmen have ownership and give direction. He also noted that the Selectmen need to appoint a Chairman and take ownership, and that a single staff liaison person is needed. Bill Carrick noted that organized leadership is needed and someone to take Minutes. George Hines noted that it would also be helpful to have pharmacists or doctors on the committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 7, 2006—Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: O RCTV has been getting complaints that they are "running advertisements" for the Lifestyle Center project on the Addison-Wesley project. The nature of Community Access for Cable TV is such that any member may produce at his/her expense any program. The recent programs are not produced by RCTV but by members. If any RCTV member in an opposing point of view wants to do a program, they are welcome to do so. In addition, RCTV has received what they perceive to be threats to RCTV and staff about this matter. If this is true, this is certainly not appropriate behavior towards RCTV and its staff who do a great job in getting a broad range of community programming on the air for the community to use to be informed. • In your packet this evening is a draft revised Mission Statement and Goals Statements that Bob LeLacheur has put together for your consideration. Bob LeLacheur noted that he reorganized the Goals Statement, and noted that departments do use these goals in their planning. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that this issue deserves full Board participation. In your packet this evening is a revised listing of "FY07 — General Town Budget — Significant Additions" put in draft priority order based on the Board of Selectmen's review of the priorities and goals. • Police Chief Jim Cormier has put together the written analysis of the Walkers Brook Crossing impact on Police services as presented to the Board of Selectmen at their last budget session. Chief Burns has put together similar information which is in your material this evening. ® I attended a meeting last Friday that Lt. Governor Kerry Healy held in North Reading. Much of it was a re-cap and additional information about the Governor's proposed budget. I asked specifically about Sewer Debt Relief, and was told by Representative Jones that he would not anticipate any less than the $12.5 million that was included in last years budget, and that it could be as much as the $25 million requested,by the MWRA Advisory Board. • We had a meeting with DEP last week to review the issues related to the potential purchase of MWRA water as our exclusive source. We will report to the Board of Selectmen in a future meeting on the results of that meeting. Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectman James Bonazoli attended representing the Board. O The six-month legal services financial status report is attached. This does not include the services of Special Counsel for Cable TV—I do not have his bill yet. • In your packet this evening is a chart comparing salaries of Town Managers from comparable communities. While we need the Board of Selectmen to establish the salary as soon as possible so that we can finalize the FY 2007 proposed budget, the Board may want to wait until you have a full Board present. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that setting the Town Manager's salary will be done at the next meeting with a full Board. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 7, 2006—Paye 3 Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning— Police Officers —Chief.Jim Cormier introduced the three new Police Officers who graduated from the Academy on January 13, 2006. Police Officers Sean Wilson, Ian Nelson and Richard Abate's badges were pinned on by the designated family members. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Library Library Director Ruth Urell and Reference Librarian Andrea Mercado were present. Ruth Urell noted that the mission is to be the best Library we can. She noted that they keep track. of trends. They share approximately $60,000 books per year, and they collaborate and coordinate with the schools. They serve the needs of non-traditional students, and they have volunteers who bring books to the homebound. They add 40 books per week to the collection and they offer cultural programs. Andrea Mercado noted that the computers used to be old and slow and lacked consistency. There were also constraints on securitylevels, and they received numerous patron complaints. They now have 14 new terminals for a total of 24.with 22 being hooked up to the internet. Reportby CAB Representative Mary Ellen O'Neill re: Calpine — CAB Representative Mary Ellen O'Neill, RMLD General Manager Vinnie Cameron, RMLB Member Andrew Herlihy and Light Department employees Jane Parenteau and Paula O'Leary were present. Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that Calpine was a supplier who went into.bankruptcy. There is money in escrow to ensure performance of the contract. The contract was terminated at the end of December, and power is being purchased through another company at a higher cost. The RMLD is using reserves and increasing rates to cover the increase in cost. The average increase will be $3.50 per month. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the customer's rate increase will be refunded when the case is settled. The Town Manager noted that the Town of- Reading is also a customer. Vinnie Cameron distributed a handout showing an analysis based on 2005 numbers that indicates that there could be an increase of$226,000 for the Town buildings. Mr. Cameron noted that they are looking at legal strategies to get the money released. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked when this will go into effect. Mr. Cameron noted that it will start in March and continue to the end of August. He also noted that the escrow money is outside of the bankruptcy state, and the RMLD is not a party to the bankruptcy court. The contract was supposed to expire October 2007 and the rates would have increased then. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how this will be communicated to the public, and Mr. Cameron indicated that they will be doing a press release and they can do a mailer with the bills. Mr. Cameron noted that in 2000, they made the decision to go with Calpine because all the others went bankrupt. He also noted that deregulation has not been successful, and that three major bankruptcies have occurred since deregulation. The RMLD customers have enjoyed stable and low rates but that will change. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 7. 2006—Page 4 Adopting "Reading Youth Sports Sportsmanship Partnership Handbook" — Recreation Administrator John Feudo was present. He noted that he met with the Police Department and �- youth organizations for input on the handbook. He is asking for the Board of Selectmen's stamp .of approval of the handbook. The handbook promotes good sportsmanship with coaches and parents. There will be training for staff to teach parents. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert commended John Feudo and his group for putting this together. He asked if there was a plan to monitor or enforce. John Feudo noted that there are no consequences for not following the policy, but organizations have their own way of dealing with situations. He also noted that he is hoping to get signs posted at each park with expectations. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked who was involved in the process. John Feudo noted Jack Kyle (who was present), Mike Sheedy, David Gray and Frank Driscoll. Jack Kyle noted that this is an opportunity to be proactive and is a great idea for the Town. This is community policing. He also noted that children should be having fun. A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to accept the "Reading Youth Sports Sportsmanship Partnership Handbook" as a positive statement of the expectation by the community of the expectation of players, coaches, parents, fans and officials in their behavior in participating in sports activities in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing—Parks Rules and Regulations—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Recreation Division reviewed the Rules and Regulations Relating to Parks, Playgrounds and Recreation Areas. They recommend adding that no person or business can use the tennis courts, fields, etc. to derive a profit. They also recommend adding under enforcement that violation will be subject to a fine or arrest. Another recommendation was to indicate that the parks close at sundown. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the Recreation Committee approves of these changes, and John Feudo noted that they do. Community Policing Officer Jack Kyle noted that Lt. Robbins asked him to speak on his behalf, and indicated that this will help the Police to do their job better. A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on the Parks Rules and Regulations was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to .approve the amendments to Section 4.2 of the Board of Selectmen Policies was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Report T-TAC and RCTV - T-TAC Chairman John Greichen, RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth, RCTV Board Members Marcel Dubois, John Carpenter and Gail Wood were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 7, 2006—Page 5 John Greichen noted that T-TAC and RCTV had three meetings. They set goals to fill the open Board position,review and update the RCTV Bylaws, approve a three year capital plan, establish fund raising strategies, revisit the RCTV Mission Statement, establish a strategic planning committee, adopt a RCTV Board of Directors code of ethics policy, work with the Town and T- TAC on the Verizon contact, review the Executive Director's performance, establish goals for the Executive Director; approve a policy and procedures manual, establish fundraising goals for 2006, and examine options for future home for RCTV. Marcel Dubois noted that the evaluation of the Executive Director and setting goals could not be rushed and need to be done correctly. They established a fundraising goal of $60.00 which is more realistic. They are exploring options for a future home for RCTV, they approved a RCTV employee handbook, they have established Board workshops including programming philosophy, strategic planning, community feedback and review of policy documentation. John Greichen noted that community feedback is important and should be done ASAP. The Town Manager noted that RCTV and T-TAC were involved in the working group for Verizon. There will be involvement from both groups in the Comcast renewal — that comes under strategic planning. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if there is a guidebook or classes to learn how to produce? Phil Rushworth responded that they have classes and they give out rules. They do special classes for people in need; i.e., churches. Mr. Rushworth noted that they do produce some programs such as the Selectmen's Forum, Ask the Town Manager, etc. They do election coverage and debates. He also noted that they are not allowed to endorse. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that RCTV is being used to promote a for profit operation and he feels uncomfortable with that. There were also public meetings held on the same subject and weren't given the same amount of air time. Mr. Rushworth noted that the Selectmen's hearing was aired the same amount of time but didn't seem like it because the Selectmen's hearing was four .hours long. He also noted that the program cannot be a commercial or have a call to action. The program was not asking for money or asking the viewer to do something. He cannot pull the program — only a Judge can order that. Gail Wood noted that this is public access television and democracy is being shown. They are entitled to their opinion. Marcel Dubois noted that running the program doesn't guarantee that it will work in their favor. He also indicated that Phil Rushworth knows the rules, and the Board of Directors rely on him for direction. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 7. 2006—Page 6 Mr. Rushworth noted that RCTV did not receive any money or produce the program. He also noted that if anyone wanted to do a program against it, there are crews willing to produce ` anything. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked what RCTV's space needs are. Mr. Rushworth noted that they are looking for approximately 3500 square feet of space in a couple of years. Hearing—Amending Drain Layers License Fees—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Town Engineer Joe Delaney is going to work.for the State. Civil Engineer Ryan Percival is present tonight with him. The Town Manager noted that the current license drain layers fee is $25.00, and he recommends updating the fees. Joe Delaney noted that he proposes a two tier fee. A higher fee of$100.00 for the first time and $75.00 for renewal. He also noted that the first time involves a lot of work such as checking references, etc. The Town Manager noted that the sewer connection fee is currently $25.00 for residential and commercial, and he recommends $75.00 for both. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what the insurance requirements are, and Ryan Percival noted that $2500 is pretty standard. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to close the hearing on amending the drain lavers license fees was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to approve the amendments to the drain lavers license fees and sewer connection fees as follows: Drain Layers: First time Drain Lavers license fee- $100 Annual Renewal of Drain Lavers license- $ 75 Sewer Connection Inspection Fee Residential and Commercial $ 75 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Follow Up— I/93 Containment — Joe Delaney noted that Ryan Percival will be the lead man in water issues when he leaves. He also noted that a draft report regarding I/93 containment was presented in October 2005. They have met with Mass Highway who was in favor of the toe slope. The key issue is the MWRA. If the Town abandons its well fields, then we don't need to protect them. He suggests waiting until a decision is made before going any further. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 7, 2006—Page 7 Presentation on Sewer UI — Joe Delaney noted that the purposed the Sewer UI Program is to correct incorrect connections to the sewer system. There are 140 known residents with sump pumps in the sewer system. The Town will be sending them a letter asking them to remove. He suggests that the Town look into building additional drainage systems. Joe Delaney noted that the sewer lines are inspected with television. Joint tests and sealing is done,root treatment is done, and manholes are sealed and lined. The Town Manager noted that lowering the inflow and infiltration will lower our rates. Review Town Meeting_Draft Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the draft Warrant consisting of 27 Articles. He noted that the Selectmen need to acknowledge receipt of the proposed amendment to Section 4.3.2.8 of the Zoning By-Laws. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to acknowledge the receipt of the proposed amendment to Section 4.3.2.8 of the Zoning By-Laws and return it to the Community Planning and Development Commission for a hearing was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested that the Town Manager put discussion regarding the purchase of land on North Main Street on the next Agenda so the Selectmen can decide if they want to move forward with this. Approval of Agreement — Health Insurance Extension — The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to approve the proposed agreement to extend the health insurance agreement until May 31, 2006. There will be a 4.9% increase for three months. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to approve the health insurance agreement effective March 1,2006 through May 31,2006 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to approve the Minutes of January 9, 2006 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to approve the Minutes of January 25, 2006 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to adjourn the meeting of February 7, 2006 at 10:45 p.m.was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, cretary