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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-29 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 29,2004 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 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines (arrived at 8:25 p.m.), Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Gaff Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Joseph Duffy, Town Accountant Richard Foley, Town Counsel Ellen Callahan Doucette, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill ' Brown, Jim Keigley, Tim Kelley,Betty Cronin,Mark Cardono, Sarah Ifilgendorff List, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, George Perry, Attorney Brad Latham, Timothy and Barbara Leary, Louis Peterson, John Savarino,Ted Moore. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she met with George Hines regarding goals, and the Selectmen need to come up with a Mission Statement. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended the Route 128/1-93 Study Committee Meeting with Rick Schubert. She also noted that there is a question as to whether they can get the information that the residents want. She attended a meeting of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee and if the Selectmen want a recommendation for the storm water funding, then they should pass that along to the committee. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that they give a review of options prioritized, showing possibilities and problems. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that a subcommittee was formed to determine how and what to collect regarding the Route 128/1-93 Interchange, and he is serving on that subcommittee along with Jeff Everson. Public Comment—`Ihere was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: + The Town Manager noted that he received. a phone call from the Chronicle regarding a lawsuit against the Town of Reading regarding a train accident. He also noted that the Town has not received anything yet. He is familiar with the situation and feels that the Police responded appropriately. + Greg Anderson from the Chronicle noted that he spoke with the person's attorney and he indicated that the court is responsible for letting the defendants know and they have 120 days to do that. + The Board discussed touring the proposed new site of the Water Treatment Plant and suggested July 6, 2004. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 29,2004—Page 2 Personnel and Appointments Council on Aging—The Board interviewed Betty Cronin for a position on the Council on Aging. Wood moved and Hines seconded to place the following names into nomination for three positions on the Council on Aging with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Elizabeth Cronin, Sally M Hoyt and Carole N. Scrima. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Historical Commission — The Board interviewed Mark Cardono, Sarah Hilgendorff List and Sharlene Reynolds Santo for positions on the Historical Commission. Hines moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Historical Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Mark Cardono and Sharlene Reynolds Santo. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Wood moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Historical Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Sarah Hilgendorff List. Ms.List received five votes and was appointed. Housing Authority — The Board interviewed Timothy Kelley for a position on the Housing Authority. Anthony moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Housing Authority with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Timothy Kelley Mr. Kelley received five votes and was appointed. Land Bank Committee— The Board interviewed George Perry for a position on the Land Bank Committee. Hines moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Land Bank Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007: George B. Perry H. Mr.Perry received five votes and.was appointed. North Suburban Planning Council—The Town Manager noted that there are supposed to be four members on this Board and we only have one Selectman. The Selectmen need to designate a Selectman and an alternate, and CPDC needs to designate a member and an alternate. Wood moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination as the Selectmen's Representative on the North Suburban Planning Council with a term expiring June 30,2006: Camille Anthony. Mrs.Anthony received five votes and was appointed. Wood moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination as the Selectmen's alternative representative on the North Suburban Planning Council with a term expiring June 30,2006: Richard Schubert. Mr. Schubert received five votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 29, 2004—Page 3 Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee (T-TAC) — The Board interviewed Jim Keigley for a position on T-TAC. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30,2007: James Keiglgy. Mr.Keigley received five votes and was appointed. Hines moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Benjamin T. Ream. Mr. Ream received five votes and was appointed. The Board indicated that they want to interview John Griechen before re-appointing him. Discussion/Action Items Board of Selectmen Reorganization — George Hines thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chairman for the past year. He turned the meeting over to the Town Manager. Anthony moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination for the position of Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2005: Richard Schubert. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to close the nomination for the position of Chairman was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Mr. Schubert received five votes and was appointed. Hines moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Camille Anthony. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to close the nomination for the position of Vice Chairman was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Mrs. Anthony was appointed by a vote of 4-0-1,with.Anthony abstaining. .Anthony moved and Duffy seconded to place the following name into nomination for the position of Secretary of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2005: Gail Wood. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to close the nomination for the position of Secretary of the Board of Selectmen was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Mrs. Wood received five votes and was appointed. Quarterly Meeting with the Town Accountant — Town Accountant Richard Foley was present. He noted that the actual revenues are better than expected. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the audit had recommendations and asked if they are being implemented. Richard Foley indicated that policies are in place and implementation is scheduled for later this Summer. The Town Manager noted that training is also being done. I . Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 29, 2004—Page 4 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the RMLD should be on a fiscal year by now. The Town Manager noted that they are deciding now on whether to do a six month budget or an 18 month budget. If they do a six month budget,they will need an extra audit. Selectman Gail Wood asked about a Special Town Meeting for the money for the water line. Richard Foley noted that we are getting money from developers that will need Town Meeting authorization. The Town Manager noted that Longwood is required to construct a new piece of water line and we will do the work. 'We will use other money and then appropriate the Longwood money in the Fall. Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the school projects impact his workload. Richard Foley indicated that he receives one bill per month from the contractor and all of the information is provided with it. Final Retort — Charter Review Committee — Selectman George Hines noted that the Charter Review Committee voted this report as their final report. They held 11 meetings and John Gannon and Gary Brackett from Brackett&Lucas participated. Selectman George Hines noted that there are no changes to Article 1, In Section 2.6, they wanted to recommend at least 10 votes for write-in candidates but Gary Brackett indicated that change would require a Charter Commission so they will take out that recommendation. Section 2-11 will provide that any person who is not a Town Meeting Member may be allowed to speak at Town Meeting. Section 2-12 would provide that Town Meeting could not establish a standing committee with only one person making the appointments, and it will establish a Bylaw Committee Appointment Committee. In Section 3-1, the recommendation to require 50 write-in votes for an elected Board or Committee requires a Charter Commission so that will be taken out. In Section 3-2 ,the Insurance Committee will-be removed. Section 3-3 changes the School Committee's powers to be consistent with Education Reform. Section 3-5 modifies the requirement for RMLB to sign contracts. Section 4-4 will change the ZBA to five members. Section 4-7 expands the Commissioners of Trust Funds. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 29,2004—Page 5 Section 4-10 will require Boards, Committees and Commissions to reside in Reading during the term of office. It also provides that elected Boards, Committees and Commissions can establish ad hoc committees with terms no longer than 12 months that can be extended for up to 12 months and the 15 day waiting period would not be required. Sections 5-1 and 5-5d make it clear that there is no contract for a term for the Town Manager, but there is an employment agreement. It also increases the severance agreement to 12 months' (instead of three),and it is not available if the Town Manager is terminated for cause. The Town Manager noted that he recommends that the increase in the severance pay go into effect with the next Town Manager. The changes to Article 6 are to clarify this section. Article 7 changes provide for the Building Maintenance Budget to be voted separately by Town Meeting, and no funds can be transferred into or out of without Town Meeting approval. Bill Brown noted that the School Committee feels that this does not conform with Education Reform. Section 8-8 adds the definition of ex officio and provides that an ex officio does not have to be sworn in again. Section 8-12 eliminates the 28 day waiting period. The Town Manager noted that the next step would be for the Selectmen to decide what changes to send to Town Meeting in the Fall. All of the amendments that Town Meeting approves Would go on the ballot. A copy of the Charter would be mailed to all households in the Town before it goes on the ballot. A motion by Hines.seconded by Wood to accept the report from the Charter Review Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review of Access to Lands via Longwood Road—Town Counsel Ellen Doucette, Attorney Brad Latham, Timothy and Barbara Leary, Louis Peterson and his attorney, John Savarino, and Ted Moore were present. Attorney Ellen Doucette noted that the Town Engineer's opinion is that the formal layout of Longwood stops short of Old Gravel Road. The Town put a sewer extension in 1992 and paved the road to a 12 foot width. CPDC approved an ANR with no frontage. She also noted that the Mazzalo property was acquired in 1992. Attorney Brad Latham asked if the taking of the Mazzalo property effected the properties west of it. He noted that CPDC adopted a map in 1974 that identified the road as Longwood Road. In 1999, the Town extended the sewer further and assessed a betterment. The Town picks up the trash and plows the road. He also noted that the property owners cannot sell their property or refinance. Attorney Latham noted that John Savarino has a contract with Johnson Woods to transfer his house to a new location. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 29,2004—Page 6 Selectman Gail Wood asked if this is for adding more units. Attorney Latham indicated that they are adding four units but it will not increase traffic on Longwood Road. Attorney Latham noted that the issue is if there is legal access. He also noted that Longwood Farm used this road for years for farm equipment. He is asking for the Board of Selectmen to take this to Town Meeting because three pieces of property don't have access to their homes. The Town Manager noted that the issue is that Mx. Savarino is proposing to build a new house on property with no frontage. John Savarm' o of 6 Kelch Road noted that he was approached by the developer of Longwood who offered to buy his property. At the time he was not interested but since then, he has three children and his house is too small. The developer has offered to build him a new house in a different location. This will eliminate the house on Kelch Road. Attorney Latham noted that they are requesting an easement so people can enjoy their home. Timothy Leary of 113 Longwood Road noted that when the Town laid down the pipe, he was charged a betterment and he doesn't have legal access. He also noted that none of the residents on that road wanted the sewer line. Attorney Latham indicated that they are asking for the grant of legal right to use the road. The Board of Selectmen decided to set up a working group consisting of Gail Wood, George Hines, Town Counsel, Town Engineer,property owner representatives and the developer. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of June 22, 2004, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. (George Hines was not present at the time). A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to adjourn the meeting of June 29, 2004 at 11:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, �ecretary