Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 11,2006 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 7:02 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert (arrived late), Selectmen James Bonazoli, Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Mary Anastos, Mac McEntire, Tam Gardiner, Steve Lewis, Will Finch, Kerry Mackin, Lt. Dick Robbins, Head Dispatcher Vicky Avery, Dispatcher John Rawcliff, Sandy Trainor, Bill Hecht, Jamie Maughan, Dan Howland. Reports and Comments Swearing; in of new Selectman— Stephen Goldy was sworn in by Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson. His wife,children and parents were present. Appoint Board of Selectmen Secretary— A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoll to place the following name into nomination as position of Secretary to the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2006: Stephen Goldy. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Goldy abstaining and Stephen Goldy was appointed Secretary. Chairman Camille Anthony designated Stephen Goldy to take the RMLD and Public Safety liaison assignments until the end of June. Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he covered Office-Hours.this evening and one person attended regarding water. He attended the CPDC Meeting regarding Stop & Shop, and they asked for an extension. He requested a copy of the draft decision that incorporates ideas regarding shielding and buffering of the neighborhood. Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the logistics of swearing in Town Meeting Members, The Town Manager noted that newly elected Town Meeting Members will be sworn in by the Moderator at 7:00 p.m. and then they can go to their precinct meetings. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that there is an Addison-Wesley Meeting tomorrow night. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked that future meetings be held in a larger room. Selectman Bonazoli asked about the Grove Street traffic study, and the Town Manager noted that it is being looked at. Selectman Bonazoli asked if Ted McIntire can provide the numbers for the Compost Center. He also noted that the lights at Jordan's seem better except for a couple of lights. Board of Selectmen Meeting_April 11, 2006—Page 2 Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the substance abuse meeting and it was very well attended. She also noted that we need to follow up with Town Counsel. Public Comment — Mary Anastos, owner of Advancian Realty, noted that Advancian is the sponsor of the Library House Tour, and they pay approximately $2500 to sponsor it. She feels that businesses should be able to advertise on the signs on the Common. She also feels that she should be allowed to advertise for two weeks instead of one. The Town Manager noted that the Town is going to a new sign on the Common that can advertise three events at one time. The Town limits to one week right now to give everyone a chance to advertise. All agencies that advertise on the Common are private non-profits. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if there is a policy on the length of time, and the Town Manager noted. that he will do a policy when the new signs are done. Selectman Tafoya suggested allowing two weeks if nobody else is using the sign, and noted that the Town Common is not the appropriate place for commercial advertising. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he likes showing who is sponsoring but no commercial advertising with a logo. The consensus was to allow Advancian Realty to advertise again this year indicating sponsorship but no logo. Two weeks will be allowed if no one else has reserved space. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Telecommunications Week — A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to proclaim April 9—April 15, 2006 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hi ,hlighis — Dispatchers — Police Chief James Cormier, Lt. Dick Robbins, Head Dispatcher Vicki Avery and Dispatcher John Rawcliff were present. Vicki Avery noted that the Dispatch Center is a busy place but well organized. They have seven full-time Dispatchers and answer to all emergency personnel. They handle approximately 52 crisis calls per day. She also noted that the Reverse 911 can target a specific area, the entire town or a certain group. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if people are automatically added to the phone list. Chief Cormier noted that they are—he gets weekly updates from 911, but he does not get internet base phone service phone numbers. He also does not include unlisted numbers in Reverse 911 calls for non- emergencies,unless the resident requests it. Re-Appoint Town Accountant — Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Town Accountant was in a couple of weeks ago so she does not need to be here this evening. I i Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 11, 2006—Page 3 A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to appoint Gail LaPointe as Town Accountant with a term expiring March 31, 2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Community Parish Nursing—Neighbor Caring about Neighbor Program — Sandy Trainor, from Community Parish Nursing (CPN), noted that she was present to deliver the results of the resolution authorizing the Town to give$50,000 to CPN. Chairman Camille Anthony excused herself and noted that she will refrain from discussion on this topic because her husband served on the Board. Sandy Trainor noted that CPN asked the community and government for financial support. They were never successful in getting Town financial support so she will close the doors on July 1, 2006. She is re-evaluating the model and moved away from the healthcare model and gone to neighbor helping neighbor. She also noted that she felt guilty for closing the doors so she created the resolution and collected 442 signatures asking the Town to support the Neighbor Caring about Neighbor Program. The Board thanked Sandy Trainor for her hard work. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Nurse Advocacy Task.Force is working on this problem. They've been focusing on medical issues. He also noted that the Town does support the elders—the only missing part was medical. The Town Manager noted that it is against the law to give money to an organization but the Town can contract with agencies. He also noted that the Finance Committee has already approved the budget. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked if there is an overlap of services. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that there is and he'll.bring in the grid. He also noted that most of the elders who called him are receiving services that the Town also provides. The Town Manager noted that he will put this on next week's Agenda. Chairman Camille Anthony returned to the meeting. Report on Implementation of Supplemental Water from the MRWA—The Town Manager noted that effective May 1, 2006, we will buy water from the MWRA. Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted that he-held an informational meeting at the Senior Center and three citizens showed up. Our current water use is 2 mgpd and we will purchase an average of 1.2 mgpd from the MWRA beginning May 1, 2006. He also noted that a control valve and instruments are needed before we begin taking water from the MWRA. The pattern of water flow will change and that may cause discoloration. Public Works is doing proactive flushing and spot flushing of the water pipes. He also noted that previous issues with taste and odor from the MWRA water has been resolved when they built a new Water Treatment Plant. i ; Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 11, 2006—Page 4 Ted McIntire noted that the vault for the control valve will be constructed by the end of May. It will be located on Border Road at West Street. The Town will be taking 1 mgpd from the Ipswich River and the Water Treatment Plant will be staffed 16 hours per day. Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Robinson asked if the 16 hours per day is budgeted. Ted McIntire indicated that is what we do now and it is budgeted. No additional personnel will be required. Decision — Water Supply— The Town Manager reviewed the results of the Open House. The rankings are as follows beginning with the highest priority: vulnerability/redundancy, impact on environment, water rights, capital costs, cost predictability, time to implement, local control, water restrictions,water taste, operating costs, alternate land use, compost center use. Ted McIntire did a presentation on the number of dry days per the USGS model. He noted that Wilmington has reduced their draw on the basin by 1.7 mgpd, and there will be a substantial reduction in the no flow with Reading taking just 1 mgpd from the basin. The Town Manager suggested that each Selectmen prioritize what is most important to them. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert indicated: (1) viability, (2) impact on the Ipswich River, (3) water rights/local control. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated: (1) water rights/local control, (2)redundancy. Tafo a indicated: 1 impact on environment 2 costs 3 redundancy, 4 staff Selectman Ben y ( ) p , ( ) , ( ) y, ( ) capacity. Selectman Stephen Goldy indicated: (1)viability, (2) impact on environment, (3) local control. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated: (1)viability, (2)potential waste of capital/risk. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she spoke with the Director of Water Resources for the State, and he indicated that the Town will not lose our registration if we go 100% MWRA, but the only way to get the wells back is if we can't get the water from the MWRA. He also noted that the registrations are going to be controlled now through restrictions based on streamflow. The Town Manager noted that the top three issues for the Selectmen are: viability, impact on environment and water rights/local control. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert defined local control as what is put in the water and costs — there is no control of supply. Selectman James Bonazoli agreed with Vice Chairman Schubert. Kerry Mackin, from the Ipswich River Watershed Association, noted that regarding local control, the Town is already proposing to buy a large portion of MWRA — do you want control over a portion of water? She also noted that there will be a greater scrutiny of water use in the Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 11,2006—Page 5 future by the State. She noted that Wilmington is proposing to buy 1.75 mgpd from the MWRA but are not doing that yet. Selectman James Bonazoli.noted that the Selectmen spent many nights talking about local control, and he asked what has changed since last year to cause us to give up our rights. It was noted that what has changed is that the MWRA will allow us 100%,and the costs of a new Water Treatment Plant. The Assistant Town Manager did note that the MWRA is cheaper in the beginning,but building a new Water Treatment Plant is cheaper over the longer period of time. Conservation Commission Chairman Bill Hecht noted that he walked with his granddaughter on the bed of the Ipswich River and it was bone dry. He also noted that a lot has changed from one year ago. Conservation Commission Member Jamie Maughan noted that the Conservation Commission supports going MWRA 100%. Kerry Mackin noted that regarding costs, a coalition is being formed to get funding for rate relief. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he has concerns regarding the viability of the Ipswich River and the impact on the environment and supports MWRA buy-in. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the risk of spending money on a new Water Treatment Plant is too great, and he is in favor of full MWRA buy-in. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that local control is important and no other town has given up their water supply. He feels that the MWRA in the Summertime is enough. The chance of contamination is the same for both. He supports building a new Water Treatment Plant. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he supports building a new Water Treatment Plant with MWRA in the Summertime. He also noted that there is no guarantee that the Ipswich River or Quabbin is going to be a viable resource. He noted that the MWRA is looking for people to buy in for money purposes and what if other communities don't and prices go up. Vice Chairman Schubert indicated that the Town should force other towns to conserve. If the Town of Reading drops out,then that takes the pressure off other towns. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that we can't trust the viability of the river.. She also noted that building a new Water Treatment Plant plus buying water from the MWRA will increase costs. The Town is also vulnerable due to the pollution across the river. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he would like to think that policy makers will be flexible in the future should something happen. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Town will have to pay$11 million to turn on the valve. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that we only have to pay $7.5 million because we already Board of Selectmen Meeting=April 11, 2006—Page 6 paid $3.5 million. Selectman Bonazoli also noted that we haven't even seen what will happen with the partial buy-in with the MWRA. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if a Special Town Meeting will be needed. The Town Manager noted that a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting is needed to do anything. He suggests giving a report to Town Meeting. Water Treatment Plant Operator Dan Howland noted that the Water Treatment Plant is old and tired and the Town needs to do something quickly. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that based on extensive public input and due consideration of all factors affecting this decision,hereby makes the following decision with respect to the future water supply for the Town of Reading: that the Town move forward with the design and bidding of the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant failed by a vote of 2-3-0, with Goldy,Tafoya and Anthony opposed. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that based on extensive public input and due consideration of all factors affecting this decision, hereby makes the following decision with respect to the future water supply for the Town of Reading: that the Town move forward with_aU approvals necessary to purchase the entirety of the Town's water supply from the MWRA, and the resultant demolition of the existing Water Treatment Plant and that the Board will present to Town Meeting the summary of this decision and the necessary actions including appropriate of funds and debt authorization to carry out the intent of this vote was approved by a vote of 3-2-0,with Schubert and Bonazoli opposed. Review Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager noted that there were previous concerns regarding Article 8 that establishes a Storm Water Management Enterprise Fund. He got additional legal opinion and a letter from the Department of Revenue and they indicate that it is okay. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if this will be a flat fee. The Town Manager noted that the proposal is a flat fee for single family, double family, etc. because we are trying not to add to administrative costs. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 8 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approve Sale of Bond Anticipation Notes—A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $3,680,000 Bond Anticipation Note of the Town, authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Sections 8(3), 8(5) and 8(6) of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended and supplemented by votes of the Town, be and hereby is ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted; Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 11,2006—Page 7 That the Note shall be dated as of April 18, 2006 and mature on September 19, 2006; That the Note shall be issued by means of a book-entry system; That J.P. MorIzan in Boston, Massachusetts shall act as Transfer Agent and Paving Agent; That the Note shall bear interest payable at maturity and is hereby sold and awarded as follows: Purchaser Note No. Amount Interest Rate Premium Eastern Bank $3,680,000 3.594% nic $10,125.72 That the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized to prepare and deliver a Material Events Disclosure Certificate and the Note to the aforesaid purchaser or purchasers or order against payment in full of the agreed purchase price was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approve Health Insurance Agreement— A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Health Insurance Agreement between the Town of Reading and the Public Employee Bargaining Committee effective Junes 2006 and expiring May 31, 2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of February 21, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of February 28, 2006, as amended,was approved by a vote of 3-0-2,with Goldy and Bonazoli abstaining. i A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of March 7, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of March 21, 2006, as amended,was approved by a vote of 3-0-2, with Goldy and Bonazoli abstaining. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to adiourn the meeting of April 11, 2006 at 11:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, cretary