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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 5, 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 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Joseph Duffy and George Hines, Town Collector Beth Klepeis, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Jim Sandell, Ron Stortz, Dr. Joseph Taylor, Bruce Cerrulo, Elaine Linscott, Dorothy Kelly-Flynn, Davina Shuman, Pete Moscariello, John Halsey, Scott Ferris, Attorney Brad Latham. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman George Hines noted that he attended a 193/128 Task Force Meeting that was a kickoff with the consultant. They concentrated on goals and Reading was well represented. He also noted that the Task Force will start meeting more frequently now. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee is looking into collection of trash and recycling for apartments, and Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested that they come before the Board before they go any further. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Fall issue of"Your Community Connection"was mailed out on October lst and the printing and mailing was paid for by Advancian Realty. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: + The Town Manager noted that the recent tragedy in Stoneham when a car drove into a crowd of children and adults spurred us to look at our schools and the Police and Fire Departments are evaluating. ♦ The Conservation Commission approved the Danis site plan but did not approve the skateboard park. The property owner is willing to work with the Town to either redesign it or give us money for another site. The major concern of the Conservation Commission was the removal of trees for a temporary site. Selectman George Hines suggested that site be looked at for the long-term. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — K of C Weekend for Physically and Mentally Challenged Children Representatives from the Knights of Columbus were present to receive the Proclamation. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5.2004—Page 2 A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to proclaim October 8-10, 2004 as Knights of Columbus Weekend for the Physically and Mentally Challenged Children was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation — St. Agnes Parish Celebrating a Century of Faith — Jim Sandell from St. Agnes was present to receive the Proclamation. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve a Proclamation congratulating Saint Agnes Parish on their 100th Anniversary Celebration was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Certificate of Recognition—Eagle Court of Honor for Jonathan Cameron Oliver—A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve the Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout Jonathan Cameron Oliver was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Board of Cemetery Trustees — The Board interviewed Ron Stortz for one position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees. Hines moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Ronald B. Stortz. Mr. Stortz received four votes and was appointed. Hospital Development Committee — The Town Manager noted that anyone with an affiliation with Winchester, Lahey, Hallmark/Wakefield medical institutes.would have a conflict serving on this Committee. Dr. Joseph Taylor was interviewed by the Board. He noted that he is a lifelong resident of Reading and has been practicing medicine for 20 years in Reading. He is a consultant to the Board of Health and he has an affiliation with Winchester Hospital -- he is on the Board of Directors and also served on the medical staff and various committees of the hospital. He also noted that he would expect the Commissioners to fulfill the wishes of donors. Selectman George Hines noted that the Trust Fund Commissioners have made this proposal because they heard there is a need for urgent care. Dr. Taylor noted that he would like to know the rules and then find out what the community needs. He also noted that an urgent care center is not an easy undertaking -- it is extremely expensive to start and it is not self sustaining. He thinks that it would be froth with difficulties. He noted that some states are putting urgent care facilities in Target stores. The community has needs and people in the community including doctors are interested in this. Selectman George Hines noted that it would be valuable to have someone with medical experience. Dr. Taylor noted that he doesn't have a specific political agenda. He has a strong connection with Winchester Hospital and Winchester Hospital has a strong connection with the community. If he were going to vote on a hospital affiliation, he would want Winchester Hospital. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2004—Page 3 Selectman Gail Wood noted that an actual or appearance of conflict can do harm and she asked Dr. Taylor if he would be willing not to participate in discussion regarding Winchester Hospital. The Town Manager noted that would be very difficult. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that Dr. Taylor is well known and respected in Reading but since he serves on the Board of Directors of the Winchester Hospital, there is definitely a conflict. The Board interviewed Bruce Cerrulo. Mr. Cerrulo noted that it is important to do the legal work up front. Selectman George Hines asked if he had any sense of a need for urgent care. 1\4r. Cerrulo noted that sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if he was involved in mergers. Mr. Cerrulo indicated that he is involved in investment raising so it is not likely that he would have a conflict but would make it known if he did. Selectman Gail Wood asked if he was the sole investor in companies that he invests in, and Mr. Cerrulo indicated that he was not. The Board interviewed Elaine Linscott. Ms. Linscott noted that she has lived in Reading for 37 years. She is a retired nurse and serves on the Board of Directors of the VNA East. She has a Masters Degree in community health. She understands Readings needs, and has concerns that an urgent care facility would be a liability to the Town. She also noted that $4 million might buy a building but won't be enough to put anything in it. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the purpose of the committee is to determine if an urgent care facility is viable, and asked if she has already decided that it is not a good idea. Ms. Linscott indicted that she has not but feels that it should be researched. Selectman Gail Wood asked if she had a conflict since she worked for the VNA. Ms. Linscott indicated that any health care official will have a conflict but she will not advocate for the VNA during this process. The Town Manager asked if the VNA Middlesex is affiliated with any hospitals, and Ms. Linscott indicated that it is not. The Board interviewed Dorothy Kelly-Flynn, Ms. Kelly-Flynn indicated that she has been a resident of Reading for 15 years. She is a nurse with a Masters in public health and is the Associate Director of Planning at Winchester Hospital. She indicated that she determines what programs need to be developed, and has resources and information that could be helpful. The Town Manager indicated that he would check with Town Counsel to see if there are any conflicts before appointing. The Board also discussed expanding the committee or appointing Associate members. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2004—Page4 Wood moved and Hines seconded to place the following names into nomination for five positions on the Ad Hoc Hospital Development Committee with terms expiring September 30, 2005: George Hines (BOS), Neil Sullivan (CPDC), Bob LeLacheur (FINCOM), Colleen Seferian (BOH) and John Daly (Commissioners of Trust Funds). Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Memorial Park Committee — The interviewed Davina Shuman for one position on the Ad Hoc Memorial park Use Review Committee. Hines moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Ad Hoc Memorial Park Use Review Committee with a term expiring December 31,2004: Davina Shuman. Ms. Shuman received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Approval of Letter Declining to Purchase Affordable Housing Unit — Sumner Cheney Place — The Town Manager noted that the owner of the affordable housing unit at Sumner Cheney Place is selling and the Town has the right of first refusal. The Reading Housing Authority is not interested in purchasing because they have no capital. The affordable housing price is $234,000. If after 120 days they can't sell, then any amount over$234,000 goes to the Housing Trust. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the only reason there are six units on that small piece of land is because of the affordable unit. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to decline the offer to purchase the affordable housing unit at 6 Sumner Cheney Place was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Section 20B Exemption — The Town Manager noted that Robert Soli is a Reading Municipal Light Board Member and an election worker. He receives a small amount of payment as an election worker. The Board needs to approve a Section 20B exemption. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the Section 20B exemption for Robert Soli was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Close Warrant for State Election—The Town Manager noted that the Board needed to close the Warrant for the State Election. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to close the Warrant for the State Election to take place on November 2, 2004 at Building E at Addison/Wesley/Longman, One Jacob WAY from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Change in Collections — Fire Department — Town Collector Beth Klepeis was present. She indicated that her and the Town Accountant met with the Fire Chief and explored several ideas. The most prevalent is the excise tax collection pattern. Board of Selectmen Meeting;—October 5.2004—Page 5 The Fire Department will originate the bills, print them and mail out. They will then commit the billed amounts to the Collector's Office. The Collector will receive the payments and the Town Accountant will get a copy. The Collector and Town Accountant will balance the records. If a bill is outstanding, then the Fire Department will either abate the bill, re-bill the client or send to a collection agency. The Collector and Accountant will be notified of what action was taken. Technology is writing the program now and proposes to begin on January 1, 2005. The Town Manager noted that the collection agency would be used for out of state bills. Selectman Gail Wood asked what the impact will be on the Collector's Office, and Beth Klepeis noted that remains to be seen but she doesn't think it will be enormous. Approval of Amendments to P & S Agreement—WBC — The Town Manager noted that he was approached by Dickinson Development to spread out payments such as the I/I and MWRA buy- in. He has a check for the MWRA and there is also the issue of replacing the letter of credit with another one. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the total was $388,000, and Attorney Brad Latham indicated that it is. The Town Manager noted that it will be paid over five years. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there is any collateral, and Attorney Latham indicated that there is not. The MWRA has been paid up front. The real collateral is almost fully rented but it's difficult because it's not built yet and there is no rent coming in. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the 5th amendment to the Purchase and Sales Agreement between the Town of Reading and Dickinson Development Corporation and that the BOS accept a replacement letter of credit for the Walkers Brook Crossing development from Eastern Bank contingent upon confirmation by Town Counsel that Eastern Bank has the applicable credit rating as specified in the Purchase and Sales Agreement, as stated in the 4th amendment, and that the BOS authorizes the Town Manager to execute all documents to execute this replacement was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Proposed Changes to Birch Meadow Park Morton Field—Pete Moscariello, John Halsey and Scott Ferris were present. The Town Manager noted that the Superintendent indicates that the School Department supports the proposed changes in the field but he hasn't heard from the maintenance staff yet. John Halsey noted that the fees don't cover the costs so they did fund raising and raised $22,000 and have earmarked$20,000 for this project. Pete Moscariello noted that the fence is no cost to the Town or School Department. He met with the School Committee Chairman and Bob Keating and they like the plan. He also noted that there have never been any improvements to Morton Field, and he has reviewed the proposed plan. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2004—Page 6 Selectman George Hines asked if they are proposing a black vinyl fence like the one at Symonds Field, and Mr. Moscariello noted that they are. Selectman Hines asked if they are extending the fence line, and Mr. Moscariello indicated that they are extending it by 60 feet. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the current condition of the field is unsafe, and Mr. Moscariello indicated that it is dirt and that is not what is recommended for a softball field. Mr. Halsey noted that it is a safe facility but it could be used more often if improved. The Town Manager noted that he is still waiting for comments from maintenance staff. He feels that public involvement is necessary due to visual impact of storage facility, scoreboard and fencing. Selectman George Hines suggested holding a hearing, and he asked the Recreation Committee for their comments. Mr. Moscariello noted that the fence is all that they have money for right now. Selectman George Hines indicated that they are not changing the batting cage, they are just fixing it so the Town Manager and DPW can give the final approval on that. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to grant permission for the batting cage work to be done pending final review by the Town Manager and DPW was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Town Manager will get the Recreation Committee's input on the fence and schedule a hearing. Approval of Minutes A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of August 10, 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of August 24, 2004, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by seconded by Hines to adjourn the meeting of October 5, 2004 at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Relpectfully submitted, Secretary