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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 10, 2005 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 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Richard Schubert, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gary Nihan, Marcel Dubois, Gene Nigro, Richard Moore,.John Gall. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony requested that goals be put on a future agenda. She noted that there was correspondence from the east side neighbors, and correspondence on Safe Routes and sidewalks on Franklin Street in the Selectmen's packets. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he and the Board met last night with CPDC regarding Addison-Wesley. He also noted that there was correspondence regarding traffic enforcement on West Street, and he requested that Jordan's lighting be put on the next Selectmen's agenda. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he will be taking a tour of the cemeteries with the Cemetery Board. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that the Reading Municipal Light Board has reorganized, and Andrew Herlihy is a new Chairman, Robert Soli is the Vice Chairman and Ellen Kearns is the Secretary. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Railroad horn blowing — There is no documentation of Reading being a quiet zone. The MMA has sponsored a petition to retain the quiet zone. The DTE inspected each crossing. Ash Street is dangerous and there has been a vehicle accident there. We were informed on Wednesday that the whistles will start blowing on Monday. The Town is eligible to retain the quiet zone as long as we make progress. The plan is to eliminate the crossing by bringing Ash Street out to Main Street before the crossing. The whistles will stop blowing on June 24, 2005. o State Budget—State aid is probably increasing by$20,000- $30,000. ♦ Town Meeting follow-up is scheduled,for May 31, 2005. May 17th meeting for bond approval—Water projects. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 10, 2005 —Page 2 + Reading has received its 2& annual recognition as a "Tree City USX'. Congratulations.are due to the DPW Parks and Forestry Division under Bob Keating's leader-ship. They are able to do this with some major constraints on staff and funding. + We are in the process of re-paving Woburn Street. ♦ Police Memorial Week is the week of May 15, 2005. The Board of Selectmen will have a Proclamation re: PMW at the Tuesday, May 10th Board Meeting. + Also at the May 10th Board of Selectmen meeting, Chief Cormier will have his ceremonial badge pinning at approximately 7:45 p.m. + Selectmen Forums have been scheduled for 6/21, 9/20 and 12/6. 4, Legislation has been approved for the easement on Longwood Road for three residential abutters. + Reading Friends and Family Day will take place on Saturday, June 25th right outside of Town Hall and the Upper Common. If you or your department would'like to participate with an information table or program, please contact John Feudo at Ext. 074 or email him at jfeudo@ci.reading.ma.us. There is currently over 30 different groups and organizations involved. Should be a fun day for all involved! + On Saturday, May 21, 2005,the Police Department will host its annual Open House from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. The Honor Guard will be on hand to give tours. * House Bill 2121 —Safe Routes to School Program. ♦ CAB representative Fred Van Magness is not applying for re-appointment. * Arnold Rubin called and is removing all of the auxiliary signage for beer and wine. + We are receiving calls regarding a large mobile billboard. This is against our bylaws and we are taking action. + Regarding the lighting at Jordan's, the Town Manager will have to go out at night and see if they are abiding by what they said they would do. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that it would be best to hear from the abutters. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Town should be following up with either a meeting or a letter. She also asked for a report on the number of trees planted and the number of trees removed. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — National Police Memorial Week — Police Chief Jim Cormier was present to receive the Proclamation. A motion by Duffy seconded by Anthony to proclaim the week of May 15th as Peace Officer's Memorial Week in Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Proclamation—VFW Poppy Week—A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to proclaim the week of May 22-28, 2005 as V.F.W. Poppy Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Proclamation — National Physical Fitness Month — Gary Nihan was present to receive the Proclamation. A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to proclaim the month of May as National Physical Fitness Month was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Mav 10, 2005—Page 3 Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning— Chief Jim Cormier - The Town Manager noted that Jim Cormier was sworn in when he started duty and this badge pinning is a formality with the Board of Selectmen. Jim Cormier, his family and friends were present, and Jim's father did the badge pinning. Master Plan Advisory Committee—The Town Manager noted that the Historical Commission is recommending Virginia Adams as their representative on the Master Plan Advisory Committee. Bonzoli moved and Duffy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position as the Historical Commission representative on the Ad Hoc Master Plan Advisory Committee with a term expiring December 31, 2005: Virginia Adams. Mrs. Adams received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Approval of Borrowing�from MWRA re: Sewer I/I Hearing—Finance Director Beth Klepeis was present. The Town Manager noted that the Town has approved borrowing for UI and 40% will be from a grant and 60%will be an interest free loan. Beth Klepeis noted that we are borrowing $418,385 and will pay it back over five years. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoll that the Board of Selectmen are hereby authorized on behalf of the Town to enter into and to execute a Financial Assistance Agreement and a Loan Agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "MWRA") and any other agreements as may be deemed necessary in connection with the issue and sale of an interest free loan in the aggregate principal amount of a $418,385 Sewer Bond (the"Bond") to MVVRA; and That the Bond is authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(1) of the General Laws, as amended and supplemented, authorized by a vote duly adopted by the Town under Article 12 at the 2004 Annual Town Meeting {$209,385) and $209,000 being a portion of the $209,835 authorized by a vote duly adopted by the Town under Article 10 at the Subsequent Town Meeting held on November 8, 2004;.that it shall be an interest free loan in the aggregate principal amount of $418,385, shall be dated as of its date of issue; and shall be payable in the amount of $83,677 on May 15 in each of the years 2006 to 2010 inclusive was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing— Classification and Compensation Plan — FY 2005 and FY 2006 — Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts was present. The Town Manager noted that he is asking the Selectmen to modify the FY 2005 Classification Plan and to approve the FY 2006 Class and Compensation Plans. Carol Roberts noted that the School Crossing Guards formed a union and then withdrew. When they were negotiating salary, a Grade 2 is what was offered. The Town Manager noted that would be retroactive to September 1, 2004. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 10,2005—Page 4 Carol Roberts noted that with the retirement of the Finance Director, the position is being reorganized as Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked why an Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Collector are needed. The Town Manager noted that the Treasurer/Collector position was budgeted at 1.5 FTE. The Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Collector are Administrative Assistants. We will be adding Clerks. We are only adding .50 FTE for the Assistant Town Manager position. The Treasurer/Collector position is going from a Grade 11 to a Grade 15. The Town Manager noted that the Treasurer/Collector position has been filled but we still need to fill the Finance Director position. The Board of Selectmen requested additional information including FY 2005 organizational structure,job descriptions, and a classification cbart showing comparables. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to approve the Crossing Guards FY05 Classification from a Grade I to a Grade 2 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to continue the hearing on the FY05 Classification Plan was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager noted that Carol Roberts did a review of all non-union positions. Carol Roberts noted that there are 66 non-union job titles with 111 employees. The employees reviewed their job descriptions and then were rated by the Municipal Rate Manual. A survey was then done of 13 communities and she uses the average to the midpoint. Nine positions are changing as a result of the survey. She also noted that if a position is moving up a grade, then it goes back a step. If they are moving more than one grade, then it will be done over two years. She noted that four positions are being eliminated. The Veterans' Agent title is being changed to the Veterans' Services Officer. The Town Manager noted that the Cell Monitors, Veterans' Services Officer, Animal .Control Officer, Library Division Head, Office Manager,Human Resource Administrator and Recreation Program Coordinator positions are all being upgraded. The Board also requested additional information on these positions. The Town Manager noted that the Board received a memo from the Town Clerk regarding reclassification. He also noted that he will update the Board next week - this position is classified correctly. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to continue the hearing on the FY06 Classification and Compensation Plans to May 17, 2005 at 8:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 10, 2005 —Page 5 RCTV Agreement Status—The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen negotiated an agreement with RCTV. There were concerns regarding RCTV's ability to reach the terms of the agreement. The Town has received the franchise money and has been distributing it to RCTV in 1/12 payments per month. All of the requirements have now been met. There is one issue with 4C 11 regarding pledging of assets. RCTV has indicated this may need to be done to acquire another space if RMLD does not renew their lease. President of RCTV Board of Directors Marcel Dubois noted that the contract is specific about not pledging assets. There is nothing in the works currently but he wants to bring it to the Board of Selectmen's attention. He also noted that their goal is to investigate a future home because they are running out of space. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Board will need to know the specifies before making any changes. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if any other communities contacts were expiring with Comcast. The Town Manager noted that we are working with Verizon coming to Reading. He could get a list of communities undergoing renewals. Marcel Dubois noted that the Selectmen's representative term expires in June. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that a three month goal is to fill a vacancy to get the Board back to seven members. He also noted that the letter indicates that the vote in May was seven but actually should have been six. Gene Nigro noted that the current Board is functioning well. The Selectmen and School Committee reps are very helpful. The Town Manager noted that the School Committee meetings and Town Meeting are not being televised live due to construction. He also noted that Town Meeting needs to be live, and it is Comcast's responsibility to provide a live signal. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if there are any other locations where we have this problem. RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth noted that at Parker Middle School, the connections are too far away to hook up. The Board directed the Town Manager to write a letter to Comcast indicating what the problems are. Hearing—Establish a Health Insurance Task Force— Chairman Richard Schubert noted that this will be rescheduled for May 31, 2005. Finalize Town Position — MWRA Purchase — Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, WSSWAC Member Richard Moore and Consultant John Gall were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 10,2005—Page 6 The Town Manager noted that the Water Resources Commission is meeting Thursday to review the application and then will vote on June 9,2005. The Town Manager noted that it is important to be clear that if we purchase 219 mg before October 31 st, then the Ipswich River will be the primary source of water. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if a drought was an emergency. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that a drought is only declared by DEP, and a Town cannot declare a drought. The Town Manager noted that Section 2 talks about stream flow triggers. If the USGS in South Middleton is at or below 18.7 for three days straight, then the Town will have to enforce restrictions. In Table 3, the trigger date has changed from the 15th to the lst of the month. In Table 4 in the first level, he has added "not less than" so we are not restricted. In the second level, he has added "not less than" and taken out only hand held devices. The third level addresses no hand held devices. The Town Manager noted that Section 3 is not consistent so he crossed out the first sentence and referenced Table 4. Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the Board of Selectmen has the ability to change the policy once it is adopted. The Town Manager indicated that they cannot because it becomes the baseline. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that under the current policy,there are no tools to put restrictions in place. He feels that we need an intermediate step based on stream flow to limiting outdoor water use to once a week. The Town Manager noted that the Town has the flexibility to do that in the way the contract is written. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that in 2002, the river had an event and the Town didn't respond to. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that there was discussion in 2002. Ted McIntire noted that the Selectmen reduced the hours at one point in response to a request. He also noted that Stage 1 now was Stage 2 then. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked who takes responsibility for implementing the water restrictions, and the Town Manager indicated that the Selectmen do and a policy should be written. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he wanted an interim policy. Ted McIntire noted that it should be sent to the WSSWAC for their review. The Town Manager noted that he will come back with a schedule next week. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve as a statement of the Town's position on the buy-in to the N1WRA Water system in the application pending before the Water Resources Commission the draft conditions dated May 10, 2005, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 10,2005—Page 7 Establishment of a Veteran's District— The Town Manager noted that State law states that if a town has a population of 12,000 plus, then we are required to have a full-time Veteran's Agent. The Town of Reading has never had a full-time Veteran's Agent. He wants to discuss forming a district with Wilmington to share a full-time Veteran's Agent. He suggests that the Town Managers be Commissioners of the district. His goal is for July 1, 2005. The Town Manager noted that the Veteran's Officer can distribute aid to veterans or their families, and can work with the community on celebrations. The only other alternative is to hire a full-time employee. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of April 19, 2005, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of April 26, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to adjourn the meeting of May 10, 2005 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary i