HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
January 20,2004
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Richard
Schubert, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings,
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, State Senator Richard Tisei, State Representative Bradley
Jones, School Committee Member Rob Spadafora, Finance Committee Members Hal.Torman,
Jim Francis,Robert LeLacheur,Dick McDonald and the following list of interested parties: Paul
Feely.
Discussion/Action Items
Meet with State Representatives - Representative Brad Jones reviewed a packet of material on
the budget that was prepared by the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman John Rogers.
The Governor's commitment at the MMA Conference and the sense from both Senator Tisei and
Representative Jones is that State Aid will be level funded, with some additions in Chapter 70.
This level funding includes additional assistance. Reading could be eligible for some of the
additional Chapter 70 funds.
There followed discussion on the Governor's proposal for fully funding SBA for school
construction projects. The proposal is for the State to float 40 year bonds and pay the
communities immediately. There are a lot of details that would have to be worked out.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the State may want to consider funding this at less
than 40 years so that some of the elements of the school buildings that do not last 40 years
(HVAC,roofs; etc.)would be appropriately covered.
Rob Spadafora asked whether funding would be available for all day kindergarten, and
Representative Jones indicated that probably would not happen for.at least the next couple of
years.
Representative Jones talked about the SPED Circuit Breaker Program. The Town of Reading
was to have received $1.2 million but would receive approximately 35% of that or $562,000 in
FY 2004. This amount could increase somewhat. The intention is to level fund this next year,
and the amount to reimburse should go up slightly because none of the FY 2005 funding would
be diverted to pay for prior years' SPED costs. The FY 2005 Budget reflects approximately
$300,000 offset by the Circuit Breaker, and the Finance Committee Members noted to School
Committee Member Rob Spadafora that this could be an adjustment in the budget.
Other matters covered in the discussion included the discussion of the PWED grant and the
efforts of Representative Jones and Senator Tisei to make sure that these monies were not
rescinded under the new administration. There was further discussion on funding the Summer
Avenue Footprint Road Program(this has to go on the TIP and it should be announced at the end
jof the month), and the Downtown Improvements Program that needs to be included in the TIP
and which the Senator and Representative felt would be able to go on the TIP this cycle.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 20,2004—Page 2
There was also discussion on the need for master planning Camp Curtis Guild, the need for
developing a model program for spill containment on, 1-93, a request for assistance from
legislators at the appropriate time on the MWRA buy-in, and a request for assistance from the
legislators at the appropriate time on maintaining Reading's position on the SRF application for
financing of the Water Treatment Plant.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the Route 128/1-93 process. Representative Jones
indicated that someone from his office goes to all of the Task Force meetings. The Task Force
will be reviewing proposals for consulting services in February.
The Board of Selectmen thanked Representative Jones and Senator Tisei for coming and for all
of their efforts on behalf of the Town of Reading.
Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested that a letter be written to the Finance Committee
regarding what we have learned about the Circuit Breaker Program.
Selectman Gail Wood noted that for the closing of the Warrant next week, she would like
information on the difference between active military pay and the base pay for employees on
active military duty. She also asked if this would include their housing allowance.
FY 2005 Budget The Town Manager reviewed the status of the budget to date. We are still
revising some of the cost and some of the revenue estimates, and should have a more complete
picture next week. Selectman Matthew Cummings indicated that. he would like to know the
status of the Fire Fighter clothing year to date and the Police clothing year to date.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked for information on the breakdown of steps versus COLA in
the salaries.
The Town Manager reported that the Town of Reading would be reimbursed by FEMA for the
blizzard of December 2003, and those monies will go directly to offset the overrun in the snow
and ice account. He noted that we had a pipe break in the Police Station on Saturday and all
departments were very cooperative in addressing the issue. He reminded the Board of Selectmen
of the Franklin Street sidewalk hearing tomorrow night and he suggested and the Board agreed to
cancel (postpone) the site walk scheduled for Saturday because of the weather. He reviewed the
issue of removal of the defibrillators from the Police cars for the Board of Selectmen.
Chairman George Hines reported that he, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert and Selectman Gail
Wood went to the MMA Annual Meeting and received the credit for the Workers' Comp
insurance.He noted that the Town got a$2,000 grant from MlIA for training.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Wood, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of January 20,2004 at 9:20 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfally subnV*tted,
Secretary