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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 20, 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, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Police Chief Bob Silva, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Dick Stosez, Amy Brough, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Bill Hanson, Marlene Wolf, Tom Murphy. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Gail Wood noted that the West Street Historical District Committee met last night. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the "House on the Move" Program is on this Thursday at the Library. She attended the house tour on Sunday, and attended an engagement party in Duxbury. There were two people at the party from Woburn District Court who praised the Reading Police Department. She asked about funding for the Summer Avenue project. The Town Manager will follow up with the State. Selectman George Hines praised the Public Works Department for responding so quickly to his pothole complaint last week. He asked what the RCTV Board of Directors voted. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that they voted not to have Selectmen representation on the Board. Selectman George Hines suggested sending a letter of dissatisfaction and indicate that the Selectmen may revoke the license and potentially form another Board. RCTV Executive Director Amy Brough noted that the Board voted to have seven members elected by the members, one non-voting member as a Selectmen liaison, and one non-voting member as a School Committee liaison. Ms. Brough noted that she is leaving RCTV because she is going to Stoneham, and Phil Rushworth will be the Acting Director as of June 6, 2003. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager noted that Representative Brad Jones's Office called, and the Governor is requesting a letter from the Selectmen supporting the 30 year bond issue. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to send a letter supporting the 30 year bond was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Cummings opposed. ♦ The Town Manager noted that he attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. ♦ He received a report from Chris Reilly that the Town has achieved 7.65% of affordable units. ♦ There were no appeals to the Spence Farm project. The appeal period for Longwood is not over yet. Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that Mr. Moore had mentioned a PUD. The Town Board of Selectmen Meetin�May 20, 2003 —Page 2 Manager noted that once the project is approved it counts as affordable housing but construction has to start within one year. Discussion/Action Items Update — Aquatics Advisory Board — Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that the Board of Selectmen approved an agreement in October 1998 with the YMCA whereby the Town would contribute $500,000 toward the construction of the indoor swimming complex at the YMCA, in exchange for certain benefits. The Town receives six benefits, five are swim related and one gives residents a reduction on all YMCA membership fees. The "learn to swim" program is offered to kindergarten students for eight weeks at no charge. Chairman Camille Anthony asked how many students have participated, and Ms. O'Neill indicated that she would find out. The other benefits include Reading Interscholastic Swimming, swim lessons, Summer Open Swim and the Summer Swim Program run by the Reading Recreation Department. In the past, the Recreation Department had to pay $3000 for the Summer Swim Program but that fee has increased, which includes an exchange of field space in lieu of administrative overhead charges and supplies. Ms. O'Neill indicated that there are a lot of activities going on at the YMCA, and the Aquatics Advisory Board meetings are well attended. Hearing—Gasoline Storage License at 4 West Street— Selectman George Hines read the hearing notice. The applicants Bill Hanson and Marlene Wolf and Fire Chief Greg Burns were present. Bill Hanson reviewed the plans for the site. Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that the plans have been reviewed, the information complies with the State regulations, and there are four underground tanks — three for gasoline and one for diesel. He also noted that the Certificate of Insurance, the environmental policy, and a permit from the Building Inspector for the foundation of the tank will be needed. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about maintenance and surveillance. Chief Burns noted that the State requires daily reconciliation. The tanks have double walls. They are required by law to notify the Fire Department if they detect any leaks. The Fire Department can run a tightness test if they don't comply. Chairman Camille Anthony asked how would we know if they are reconciling daily. Chief Burns noted that the Fire Department checks and they can revoke their license if they are not reconciling daily. Selectman George Hines asked Mr. Hanson if he will be the operator, and Mr. Hanson indicated that he would not. Selectman George Hines suggested putting a requirement on the license that the operator notify the owner of any discrepancies. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 20, 2003 —Page 3 A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve the license for two 10,000 gallon gasoline tanks, one 8,000 gallon gasoline tank and one 6,000 gallon diesel tank at 4 West Street pending the receipt of the Certificate of Insurance, the Building Inspector's report and other documents, and that the station owner notify the Fire Department if there is a y discrepancy in the daily reconciliation report was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — Amending Classification and Compensation Plan for FY 2004 — Selectman George Hines read the hearing notice. Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts was present. Carol Roberts noted that a study was done in FY 2002. Results of the study indicated that 14 positions should be changed. The recommended changes were not implemented in FY 2003 due to budget constraints. The FY 2004 budget does include the recommended changes with a 2.5% COLA. The Town Manager noted that the revised plan also eliminates the first two grades because nobody is in it. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that the Parking Enforcement Officer's salary is irrelevant to other communities because it is subsidized by revenues generated. The Town Manager noted that we pay what the position is worth no matter where the funding comes from. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings had concerns that we are not selling enough spaces to fund the increase in salary. Police Chief Bob Silva noted that 25 of the 31 spaces have been sold. The Board requested an analysis of the Parking Enforcement Program. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Zoning Officer is being taken out of the plan. - Selectman Gail Wood indicated that the position should be kept in the plan even if we are not filling it right now. The Town Manager noted that we are adding an Assistant Building Inspector position. A_motion by Hines seconded by Wood to close the hearing on amending the Classification and Compensation Plan for FY 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the amendments to the Classification and Compensation Plan for FY 2004 as presented except to keep the Parking Enforcement Officer in Grade 2 and keep the Zoning Officer in the plan was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review School Crossing Guard Positions — Police Chief Bob Silva and Safety Officer Tom Murphy were present. Chief Silva noted that Page 3 of the handout had a chart evaluating 19 Crossing Guard locations. He spoke with the people at the schools and he intends to review the locations every year. He recommends moving the Guards around as needed, and noted that there are 18 Crossing Guards and two spares. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that there are Crossing Guards at locations with no children, and it is senseless to pay someone to cross no children. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 20, 2003 —Page 4 The Town Manager noted that a process to evaluate needs to be set up. Crossing Guard Dick Stosez noted that he crosses at Main Street and Birch Meadow and there are a large number of trucks in that area. He also noted that the number of children changes with the weather. When it rains the parents drive them and when it is sunny, they walk. The Board directed Chief Silva to go back to the locations, verify the number of children, and report back to the Board next Tuesday. Establishing Town Manager's Salary — FY 2004 — The Board discussed the Town Manager's salary. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to set the Town Manager's salary for FY 2004 at$104,509 as budgeted was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to make the Town Manager's salary fully pensionable was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to approve the minutes of their meeting of May 6, 2003, including the Executive Session, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to adjourn the meeting of May 20, 2003 at 9:55 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary