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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 4, 2009 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 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, RCASA Director Erica McNamara, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Erica Lynne Deane, Joseph Rossetti, Nancy Linn Swain, Lisa Gibbs, Terry Kennedy, Peter Moscariello and Rick Carter from Reading Baseball Club, Mark Nelson. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he will be meeting with the owner of Swiss Bakers to get feedback on the permitting process. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli thanked Reading Recreation and the Police and Fire for the 5K Road Race. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the RMLD is looking into the possibility of a joint power plant with Middleton. There are no concrete plans, just schematic designs. The RMLD is determining if it would be financially viable. He also noted that the Board received a petition regarding the windscreens at the tennis courts. The neighbors want the screens to be taken down. The Town Manager noted that staff was also surprised with the windscreens. They are a$10,000 item and we would like to recover some of the cost. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to direct the Town Manager to have the windscreens at the tennis courts removed and properly disposed of was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had Office Hours this evening. She also noted that the Audit Committee will be meeting to discuss what areas the auditors should focus on. Town Manager's/Assistant Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Tennis Courts • Sale of Bonds • Removal of tree—High/Haven Street • HC crosswalk on Birch Meadow Drive is complete. • Curb/sidewalk work on Prescott at Washington Streets • Franklin Street reconstruction Board of Selectmen Meeting_—August 4, 2009—Page 2 • Sewer inflow Infiltration smoke tests being conducted this Summer/Fall. • Downtown update— o Detour over the weekend o Current detail on 129 o Next week detour on Main for last cross-walk(Main north of Salem) • Amplified sound in public parks • Additional credits on insurance • 128/I-93 — Fay, Spofford and Thorndike selected as consultant for next phases of work — not clear as to what those phases and options are. • Preparation for September 29th Boards/Committees/Commissions training. The Assistant Town Manager noted that September 9, 2009 will be the first Financial Forum this Fall. The main topic will be the FY 2010 Budget. Personnel and Appointments Council on Aging— The Board interviewed Erica Lynne Deane for one position on the Council on Aging. Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Council on Ayzim with a term expirin! June 30, 2012: Erica Lynne Deane. Ms. Deane received five votes and was appointed. Recreation Committee — The Board interviewed Joseph Rossetti for one Associate position on the Recreation Committee. Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2010: Joseph Rossetti. Mr. Rossetti received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) — RCASA Director Erica McNamara, Nancy Linn Swain and members of the youth group were present, and gave an update on the events over the past year. Introduction — Terry Kennedy, Executive Director, ARC — Lisa Gibbs introduced Terry Kennedy, the new Executive Director of the Arc of Middlesex. Mr. Kennedy gave an overview of his experience and invited the Board members to a tour of his facility. Update on Fall Street Faire — Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that they have 65 vendors for the Fall Street Faire on September 13th and they are looking for volunteers. Progress Report on ad hoc Municipal Building Committee — Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that a meeting is being scheduled and asked who will be the Selectmen representatives. He and Vice Chairman James Bonazoli volunteered for the positions. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 2009—Page3 Discussion — Revised Liquor Policy — The Town Manager noted that the changes reflect the recent vote to not restrict the number of seats for an all alcoholic liquor license. Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert recommended striking the requirement for clubs to use pottery because it is more relevant for restaurants. The Town Manager noted that the orderly closing for clubs is the same as for restaurants, just one hour later. Chairman Ben Tafoya directed the Town Manager to ask Town Counsel if the Town can charge an application fee for liquor licenses. RevieWApproval of Installation of Scoreboard at Morton Filed and Future Expansion to Serve Lighted Softball Field — Recreation Administrator John Feudo, and Peter Moscariello and Rick Carter from the Reading Baseball Club were present. Mr. Moscariello noted that the scoreboard will be used by all organizations and will enhance the experience. He also noted that the funding, installation and maintenance will be done by the Reading Baseball Club. Mr. Carter reviewed the location and design of the scoreboard. He noted that they are requesting a scoreboard that is 36' long by 16'8"high and would be located in left centerfield. John Feudo noted that the scoreboard at Symonds Way is 10' by 5', and the scoreboard at the football stadium is 22' by 15'. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the master plan should be worked on first. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli had concerns about neighbors who are behind home plate and want a view. Mr. Carter noted that there is a dead spot behind the softball area and there is no sight line due to the screen. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that this will look like a building in the air it is so big. He also noted that neighbors have complained that they can't see the children walking to school because of the fence and there needs to be a balance. He noted that the fences prevent certain uses of the fields. Mr. Carter noted that this will be signature piece of the club and that timing is more important than size. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked about the components of the scoreboard. Mr. Carter noted that the components are innings, scoreboard, LED message display and advertising. Chairman Tafoya also asked what the revenue from sponsors will be spent on, and Mr. Carter indicated that it will be spent on maintenance of the field. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 2009—Page 4 Mark Nelson from Remax noted that they have made a six year commitment to be on the football field sign. Mr. Moscariello noted that the reps recommend 24" digits. He also noted that they can eliminate some of the categories if necessary. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked where the revenue goes if the board is used for advertising. The Town Manager noted that if it is a one time revenue, it would offset the cost of the sign and if it is annual, it goes to the Town. The consensus of the Board was to have a site visit on August 17th and then make a decision at their meeting on August 18th. Approval of Pilot Program for Appointment of Volunteers_; Appointment of two Selectmen members to the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee—The Town Manager noted that this is a pilot program and it doesn't need a formal process. Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested adding a number for mid-year appointments using the same process. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the policy establishing the Pilot Program related to the appointment of volunteers to Town of Reading Boards, Committees and Commissions, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee: Ben Tafoya and Richard Schubert was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and both were appointed. Approve Debt Sale of July 30, 2009 — The Assistant Town Manager noted that the debt sale is for the fire truck and energy performance. The $5.5 million is for energy savings in Town buildings and will take 18 months. Selectman Stephen Goldy requested that the Standard and Poor rating be put on the website, and noted that this is a credit and compliment to the Finance Committee, Bob LeLacheur, the Town Manager and Gail LaPointe. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy that the sale of the $5,525,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2009 Bonds of the Town dated August 1, 2009 (the "Bonds"), to Fidelity Capital Markets, a division of National Financial Services LLC, at the price of $5,588,214.20 and accrued interest is hereby approved and confirmed. The Bonds shall be payable on August 1st of the years and in the principal amounts and bear interest at the respective rates, as follows: Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4 2009—Page 5 Interest Interest Year Amount Rate Year Amount Rate 2010 $440,000 2.50% 2018 $335,000 3.00% 2011 440,000 2.00 2019 335,000 3.25 2012 440,000 2.00 2020 330,000 3.25 2013 440,000 2.00 2021 330,000 3.375 2014 440,000 2.00 2022 330,000 3.50 2015 335,000 2.25 2023 330,000 3.625 2016 335,000 2.50 2024 330,000 3.75 2017 335,000 4.00 Further Voted: that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Bonds, the preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated July 24, 2009, and a final Official Statement dated July 30,2009 (the "Official Statement"), each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted. Further Voted: that the Bonds shall be subject to redemption, at the option of the Town, upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Official Statement. Further Voted: that the consent to the financial advisor bidding for the Bonds, as executed prior to the bidding for the Bonds, is hereby confirmed. Further Voted: that the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver a continuing disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by Bond Counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Bonds for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds from time to time. Further Voted: that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approve Debt Sale of July 30, 2009 — The Assistant Town Manager noted that this is for the MWRA loan for infrastructure work. The loan is at 2% and that results in $327,575 in savings. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli that the Treasurer and/or the Town Manager be hereby authorized on behalf of the Town to enter into and to execute a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the "Authority") 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 $164,670 Sewer Bond (the "Bond") to Authority; Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 2009—Page 6 That the Bond is authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(1), of the General Laws, as amended and supplemented, and beim a portion of the $299,400 unissued balance of the $380,000 Sewer Bonds authorized by a vote of the Town duly adopted under Article 17 at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting, shall be an interest free loan in the aggregate principal amount of$164,670 dated as of its date of issue, and shall be payable $32,934 on August 15 in each of the years 2010 to 2014, inclusive,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. _Approval of Hiring of Community Services Director/Town Planner Position at Step 8 — The Town Manager noted that he recruited an excellent replacement whose level of experience and education are tailor made to what we need in Reading. He noted that Step 8 is where we need to be to hire this person. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he participated in both screening processes, and this person has significantly more experience especially in management. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the hiring of the Community Services Director/Town Planner position at Grade L, Step 8 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of July 13, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of July 14, 2009, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of August 4, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary