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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 11, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Highway Supervisor Mike deBrigard, Elder Services Administrator Pamela Brown, Police Chief Bob Silva, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Dick McDonald, Vicki Yablonsky, Pete Dahl, Ruth Boyd, Chuck Robinson, Linda Phillips, Betty Cronin, Edwina Kasper, Sue Reardon, Marie Ammer, Patricia Boyd, Jay Smith. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman George Hines noted that he attended a meeting on the Interchange to review the scope of work. He also noted that on the issue of the Election—given the state of the budget, the_likelihood of reimbursement on a timely schedule is very slim. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended the RMLD Meeting last Thursday regarding the appointment of the Acting General Manager and management salary policy. The - RMLB passed a vacation buyback policy allowing one week and it is a poorly written policy. Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings and the Town Manager gave a presentation to the Wilmington Board of Selectmen regarding the RMLD. Special Counsel reports that there are no problems with any of the recommendations. The recommendations will need a Charter change. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that changing the fiscal year is on the RMLD agenda, and the General Manager is recommending not to change even though Special Counsel indicates that the fiscal year is a statutory requirement. He also noted that they voted longevity the same as management. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the Martin Luther King Celebration a few weeks ago. He also noted that the High School and operating budget crisis are separate issues. He further noted that he received a copy of a letter from the Town of Franklin which stated that now is the time to do the projects because of the low interest rates. Selectman George Hines noted that the Town of Franklin has a brand new school that they cannot open because they can't staff it. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that the Selectmen need to speak as one voice on how to deal with the budget. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that all of the Selectmen have different approaches and priorities. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 11, 2003 —Page 2 The Town Manager noted that he will be coming back with specific responses to PAYT, costs for Fire Department, Dispatch, Police, Finance and Accounting. He will schedule the Selectmen to meet on February 24th and February 26th regarding the Budget. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she met with the Mayor of Melrose. The City of Melrose just instituted a trash fee, and he is interested in hosting a joint meeting of Selectmen from Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose and Reading regarding PAYT. Chairman Camille Anthony also noted that she and the Town Manager met with officials in Wilmington today regarding West Street Heavy Vehicle Exclusion. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that with the change of leadership at the School Department, this might be a good time to change building maintenance to the municipal side of the Budget. Vice Chairman of the School Committee Pete Dahl was present. He noted that the School Committee is dismayed in the revenue split. He also noted that the School Committee approved a motion asking the Selectmen and Finance Committee to reject the Town Manager's recommendation. The Town Manager noted that he applied the same percentage as last year, and it has never really been at 1/3, 2/3 --there is no exact mark along the line. ............ Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to sign the deed for the portion of land on Governors Drive that the Town sold to Mark O'Brien. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the execution of a deed transferring 1000 square feet of property on Governors Drive from the Town of Reading to Mark O'Brien of 20 Governors Drive in accordance with the bid award, and subject to the purchaser's compliance with all terms and conditions of the bid was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Council on Aging re: Social Worker Position—Betty Cronin, Co-Chair of the Council on Aging and member Edwina Kasper, Elder Services Administrator Pamela Brown and staff, Sue Reardon, Marie Ammer and Pat Boyd were present. Betty Cronin noted that the Selectmen asked the Council on Aging to fund the Social Worker position for the rest of FY 2003. The Council on Aging approved funding it in the amount of $8400 from the Burbank Trust. Their policy is not to fund salaries but because of the importance of the position, they temporarily amended their policy. They will be asking the Hospital Trust to fund the department's work in administering the Medical Transportation Program. The Council on Aging is also requesting that the Board of Selectmen include a line item for staffing in Elder -- Services, if there will be an override vote for individual departments. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 11, 2003 —Page 3 Pamela Brown reviewed the responsibilities of the Social Worker. Social Worker Marie Ammer indicated that she understands the cuts and hopes that the Social Worker position will not be cut - out entirely. Chairman Camille Anthony recommended that the Council do an evaluation of all services and how much is financial need based before going to the Hospital Trust Fund. Close Warrant— Special Town Meeting—The Town Manager noted that the Warrant consists of five Articles. If Town Meeting approves them, they will go on the ballot. He also noted that Special Counsel reviewed the Ad Hoc Committee's recommendations, and feels that it is best to put them in one single Article for a Home Rule Petition. The fiscal year issue is not in the Warrant because the law states that it is suppose to be the same as the Town's. The Town Manager noted that Article 4 provides for the responsibilities of the Light Board, employ the same auditor, the RMLB approve and sign the bill roles, set the electric rates and approve the budget and CIP. Article 5 amends the General Bylaws establishing an Audit Committee. It adds one member of the RMLB and increases the Moderator appointment to two. The Audit Committee shall determine the firm(s) to audit. The Town Manager noted that he distributed copies of the Special Counsel's report to the RMLB, CAB, the three communities and the Ad Hoc RMLD Governance Advisory Committee. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the RMLB has approved the recommendations. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings indicated that he wasn't sure but they did participate in the process. The Town Manager noted that there is a motion in tonight's handout that states that the Light Board approved to initiate the process of changing to the fiscal year but the General Manager sent a letter indicating that the CAB has not made their recommendation yet, so the changing of the fiscal year was not approved. Selectman George Hines noted that two members are being appointed by one person in Article 5 and he feels that this is not appropriate. He also noted that the School Committee is a huge part of the Budget and he suggests increasing their membership to two. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to increase the School Committee and Selectmen representatives to two members and eliminate the Moderator representatives was discussed and approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board directed the Town Manager to send the Warrant Articles to the RMLB, CAB, etc., indicate the deadlines for their comments, and to clarify why the issue of the fiscal year is not in the Warrant. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to close the Warrant consisting of five Articles for a Special Town Meeting to be held on March 3, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 11, 2003 —Page 4 Review Parking Enforcement Program — Jay Smith from the Chamber of Commerce, Public - Works Director Ted McIntire and Police Chief Bob Silva were present. The Town Manager noted that the program has made a profit but less spaces were sold than anticipated, and a lot of tickets have been issued. The problem is that only the money from selling the spaces goes into the revolving fund which funds the program. The Town Manager noted that the availability of customer parking has improved dramatically. He met with Jay Smith, Chief Silva and Ted McIntire and they are suggesting two hour parking in front of Town Hall, regulating all of the spaces at Hamden Yard until more spaces are rented, and consider renting some of the parking spaces in front of the Depot. The Town Manager also noted that there is a nonresident business owner who is interested in renting a space all night because he doesn't want to take his vehicle home. The Board suggested increasing the rate for 24 hour parking and restricting the type of vehicle. Jay Smith indicated that he agrees with the recommendations. He noted that the reason spaces haven't sold is because there are still free spaces available. There are business owners who are still moving their vehicles every couple of hours. He suggests limiting it to two hours per day per car. The Town Manager noted that there are 30-40 cars per day playing musical chairs. Selectman George Hines cautioned the Town Manager about selling spaces on the street because we are also selling access stickers. Police Chief Silva noted that the Parking Enforcement Officer does a great job. He knows all of the vehicles and if he is given the right language, he can regulate. He also noted that there are residents who are interested in renting spaces because they don't have parking available to them at their residence. The Town Manager noted that the revolving fund was established with the money from the sale of spaces, not the fines. Selectman George Hines suggested changing it to include fines and then put the remaining excess back into the general fund. The Board directed the Town Manager to schedule a hearing in one month and the Chamber will notify the business owners. Review Proposed Street Sims — Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Highway Supervisor Mike deBrigard were present. Mike deBrigard noted that the State has mandated that all street signs must be reflective and have 6 inch letters by the year 2012. There are two types to choose from -- the diamond grade that is $80 per sign, or the basic grade for $38 per sign. There is $10,000 per year budgeted in the Capital Plan for this. He is asking the Selectmen to choose the sign they prefer so that he can put the new ones up as he replaces the old signs. Pete Dahl suggested auctioning off the old street signs. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 11 2003 —Page 5 Selectman George Hines suggested accepting donations if people want to put their sign up sooner. The Board discussed the type of lettering and it was decided to put one in all caps and one with initial caps up for a trial period to see which was easier to read. Selectman Gail Wood indicated she prefers the "dropped" street. Preview Warrant — Annual Town Meeting - The Town Manager reviewed the outline for the Annual Town Meeting. He noted that Article 16 would be taken off because it is on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. The Town Manager noted that Article 17 would require residents to clear their sidewalks. Selectman Gail Wood indicated that the term "sidewalk" needs to be defined. Chairman Camille Anthony suggested that the School Committee also review that Article. The Town Manager noted that Article 21 is to require members of the ZBA to be Reading residents. Selectman Gail Wood recommended requiring residency for all Boards, Committees and Commissions. The Town Manager indicated that he would change the wording but will exclude the Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council. The Town Manager noted that Article 23 regarding Police mutual aid will be taken off. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to approve the minutes of January 28, 2003 - ' was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Hines to go into Executive Session for the purpose of: strategy with respect to litigation (Pierce Street), labor negotiations and Approval of Minutes not to come back into Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, ecretary Board of Selectmen Meeting Executive Session February 11, 2003 The Executive Session convened at 10:50 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Paula Schena. Litigation — The Town Manager noted that there is an agreement to settle the Welch litigation regarding Pierce Street. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to approve the settlement of litigation with Welch regarding the Pierce Street development and authorize Town Counsel to execute all documents related thereto was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. Labor Negotiations — The Town Manager reviewed a letter from Chris Picco, President of the. Patrol Officers' Union. They are requesting a change in the detail rate. The consensus of the Board was that should be dealt with in contract negotiations. - Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to approve the Executive Session Minutes of November 19, 2002 was approved on a roll call vote with Anthony, Schubert, Hines and Wood voting in the affirmative and Cummings abstaining. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 18, 2003 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 25, 2003 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A_motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 28, 2003 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to adjourn the Executive Session Meeting of February 11, 2003 at 11:20 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted,, Secretary