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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting July 8, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Judith Junker, Louise Sandberg, Alan Beaulieu, Bob McCarthy, Alan and Anna Foulds, Glen Hartzler, William Hecht. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Selectmen still need to meet with the Reading Municipal Light Board. Selectman Gail Wood asked about the letter regarding 128 Ford, and the Town Manager noted that Town Counsel will respond. She also asked about Correspondence Item 8f. re: Mobil at 1330 Main Street in the packet, and the Town Manager indicated that he would get more information on the petition. There was discussion among the Board regarding notification of environmental problems. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she met with the Finance Committee two weeks ago and the RMLD gave a good presentation. She is trying to get a group together to work over the Summer but the concern is that it shouldn't be a subcommittee, it should be the full Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, Library Board of Trustees and School Committee. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that we shouldn't wait until the Fall to address the additional money. The Town Manager noted that the Warrant for Town Meeting closes on September 23, 2003. He suggests the first week in September before the Assessors set the tax rate. Selectman Camille Anthony had concerns about the Summer Avenue construction. The Town Manager noted that we will be taking out the temporary patch and trenches, then mill it and put down two inches of base material for the Winter. The curbing, sidewalks and final overlay will be done in the Spring. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the Route 128/93 Task Force Meeting on June 26, 2003. He also noted that the RFP will be sent out and the responses will be due back in October. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that if 128 Sales is building a new building, it must be in Reading. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 8, 2003 —Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ We are done hauling residuals to the landfill. ♦ The Finance Committee is meeting on July 23, 2003. ♦ The latest State budget shows a reduction of$92,000 in additional assistance. ♦ The SBA list language has not been vetoed and will be put on the list. ♦ All three air raid sirens are working and testing will begin in August. ♦ The Rotary Circus will not be held this year. ♦ Summerfest is July 31—August 2, 2003. ♦ The Northeast Regional Vocational School District assessment came in lower than anticipated. Personnel and Appointments Reco nizing Volunteers who have retired after five or more years of service — Judith Junker, Louise Sandberg and Alan Beaulieu were present to receive their Certificates of Appreciation. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for James Nugent for serving 20 years on the Board of Health was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Judith Junker for serving six years on the Cultural Council was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for "! Louise Sandberg for serving seven years on the Historical Commission was approved by vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Alan Beaulieu for serving five years on the Recreation Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Susan Fav for serving five years on the Recreation Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Northeast Vocational School District Representative — The Board interviewed Bob McCarthy for one position as the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Representative. Mr. McCarthy noted that he has served in this position since 1998. He applied for the Superintendent's position at the Vocational School and was told that he had to resign as the representative 30 days before his interview. After he resigned, he withdrew his application for the Superintendent's position and would like to be reappointed as the Town's representative. Anthony moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Representative with a term expiring November 2, 2004: Robert S. McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy received four votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting;—July 8 2003 —Page_3 Cultural Council —The Town Manager noted that Kathleen Kelly could not be present. She does want to be appointed as a full member, not an Associate. Cummings moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, '2006: Kathleen Kelp Ms. Kelly received four votes and was appointed. Celebration Committee—Kurt Habel was unable to be present. Anthony moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Celebration Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2006• Kurt Habel Mr. Habel received four votes and was appointed. Conservation Commission — The Board interviewed William Hecht for one position on the Conservation Commission. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2005• William Hecht. Mr. Hecht received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Discussion on Charter Review — Town Meeting Member Bill Brown was present. He reviewed the suggested changes to the Charter. ♦ He noted that Section 2.4 of the Charter indicates that Town Meeting Members need to be notified in 7 days when Section 7.6 indicates 14 days. ♦ He feels that it is no longer necessary to declare vacancies of Town Meeting Members. ♦ Section 2.8 states that the Moderator will give the oath of office to Officers but Town Meeting Members are not Officers. He suggests allowing the Moderator with the Town Clerk to give the oath of office in his absence. ♦ Under Section 2.13, he feels that only 10 signatures should be needed to put an Article on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. ♦ He feels that Section 3.3 is not needed because of Ed Reform. The School Committee appoints the Superintendent and he appoints everyone else. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the School Committee enters into negotiations, so that would need to stay. ♦ Under Section S.12, he feels that an Ad Hoc Committee should not have to go through the 15 days' notice as long as the term is defined. ♦ He noted that the Finance Committee is suppose to make their recommendation before Town Meeting, but they usually don't get it until Town Meeting. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked about the process for Charter changes. The Town Manager noted that major changes need a Charter Commission, then it goes to Town Meeting and then to the voters. He suggests a Charter Review Committee to review minor changes. Glen Hartzler, former Charter Commission Member, noted that a modest size group could study i these changes. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 8, 2003 —Page Town Moderator Alan Foulds indicated that he thought it would be a good idea to look at the inconsistencies. The Town Manager noted that all Charter changes to date have been Ad Hoc. He also noted that the Selectmen could set up a body or go through Town Meeting. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested using a Charter Commission to bring it up to date. Glen Hartzler cautioned that if we use a Charter Commission, we could end up with a totally different Charter. The Town Manager noted that there is an expense of$25,000-$30,000 for a Charter study. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how often Towns review their Charter. The Town Manager noted that there is usually a precipitating event in the community or a problem. Alan Foulds noted that recent changes are due to major changes in government such as creating a Charter to become a city. The Board directed the Town Manager to come up with a process and potential membership to consider these changes. Discuss Options Relative to RCTV — The Town Manager noted that the Board will be meeting with the RCTV Board on July 22, 2003. When RCTV was established, the Board of Selectmen appointed three appointees and the School Committee appointed one. RCTV recently changed their Bylaws so there are no Selectmen or School Committee representatives on the Board, just liaisons. The Town Manager noted that the School Committee is concerned that this is a community TV and they want community representation. Currently, there is no guarantee that the Board members are residents. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that there needs to be a contract between the Selectmen and RCTV. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Selectmen sign the contract with the cable provider which provides money to RCTV. The Board of Selectmen recommended that RCTV not change the membership but the link between the Selectmen and RCTV has been broken. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel recommends a contract. Selectman Gail Wood indicated that this would be a better position for both sides. She also noted that the Selectmen are advocates for RCTV when they have a problem. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that RCTV got their funding through the Selectmen's connection. The consensus of the Board was to look at a contract. The Town Manager will get samples of what other communities have. ._..._...... Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 8 2003 —Page 5 Discussion on Compost Center Hours — The Town Manager noted that there are two major complaints that he receives -- the pace of street sweeping and the lack of Compost Center hours. He also noted that the solid waste budget closed out for FY 2003 with a $42,000 surplus, and there is a projected FY 2004 surplus of$17,719. He recommends restoring Christmas tree pick up at $1380, and open the Compost Center for additional Saturdays at $3800. This will still return a surplus. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested spending the remainder of the money now on something that we need. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to agree with the Town Manager's recommendation to pick up Christmas trees in January 2004, and open the Compost Center for an additional 10 Saturdays in July, August and September was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Selectmen Liaison Assignments FY 2004—Deferred until the next meeting. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to adjourn the meeting of July 8, 2003 at 10:05 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 Respeptfullll�y, submitted, Secretary Secretary