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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 23, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Town Counsel Joan Langsam, Police Chief Bob Silva, Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini,Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Mary Ellen and Caroline O'Neill, Rheta McKinley, Pete Dahl,Bill Brown, Vinnie Cameron,Phil Pacino, Paul Guerrette, Lori Burke, Dick Stosez, Karen Powers, Mary Grimmer, Joe Piccolo, Bill O'Halloran,Dave Billard,Bob Nordstrand, Tom Ryan, Ralph Colorusso. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended a meeting of the Reading Municipal Light Board and they have appointed a liaison to the Citizens Advisory Board. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she was in touch with the Mission of Deeds and she invited them to come into a Selectmen's meeting to notify the public of their mission. This will be scheduled for a future agenda. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended the tour of the landfill. The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee had their conservation "kick off' meeting and approximately 100 people attended. The West Street Historic District Committee has defined the historic district and are drafting a bylaw but they still need to do the inventory and guidelines. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Master Plan Advisory Committee is holding a Forum on Economic Development on October 15, 2003 at the Coolidge Middle School from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Chairman George Hines noted that he attended a meeting of the Ice Arena Board of Directors and they are entering their 10th year. They have a need for capital expenses this year and may not be able to match last year's donation. He attended the MMA Councilor Session and it was very valuable. Public Comment — Mary Ellen O'Neill of 125 Summer Avenue indicated that she received a notice in the water bill regarding emergency siren tests. She has concerns that testing every month is excessive. Chairman George Hines indicated that this would be put on a future Selectmen's Agenda for a briefing and discussion with our emergency management employees with a notice to the public and Mary Ellen O'Neill. i Board of Selectmen Meeting-September 23, 2003 -Page 2 Town Manager's Report Acting Town Manager Beth Klepeis gave the following report in the absence of the Town Manager: ♦ The street patching and crack sealing program is underway and will be finished before the end of the Fall. It's amazing how fast you can spend $300,000. The quality of work seems to be good. ♦ Included for your information in your material for tonight's meeting is a copy of the letter and bill sent by Fire Chief Greg Burns to the company that owns the tanker truck that tipped over on Route 128 the week before last. This incident closed down the two interstate highways. We can bill for direct costs only for the personnel and equipment that were on scene. We have billed for other incidents in the past and have been successful in getting paid. ♦ We have received our certification of Affordable Housing from the State based on the Archstone and Longwood developments being approved. We are now at 7.6% of our units being considered as affordable, up from 4.69%previously. ♦ On October 8th, the Town will be hosting a meeting of Downtown businesses relative to Downtown parking. This is a follow-up to the Board of Selectmen's Meeting in which staff proposed changes were rejected, and the Board of Selectmen asked for further dialogue with the business community. ♦ We have received a petition from residents of Pierce Street regarding the curb and sidewalk. We are doing some survey and engineering work and expect to have further information in one to two weeks. I have sent a letter to the petitioners informing them of this. - ♦ The second issue of "Your Community Connection," a quarterly newsletter to the Community, is at the printers. Advancian Real Estate has sponsored the cost of printing and mailing. ♦ The Town's "emergency warning" sirens are repaired and ready to be tested. October 4th is the first test, giving time to let residents know of the testing. ♦ The Fall Household Hazardous Waste Collection is scheduled for October 4th at the DPW Garage. ♦ The hours for the Compost Center in October will be: Starting October 3rd on Fridays and Mondays from 8:00 a.m. `til 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. `til 5:00 p.m. The Compost Center will NOT be open on October 13th-Columbus.Day. ♦ The tour of the landfill on September 18th at 5:30 p.m. was well attended. Progress on the project is excellent. ♦ The Financial Forum met on September 3rd at the Coolidge Middle School. Major agenda items included the financing plan for the Reading Memorial High School project, review of the FY 2004 Budget and whether to establish a Stabilization Fund, and the beginning of the FY 2005 Budget process. As follow up' a chart on the cost to the average household of 30 year borrowing on the Reading Memorial High School project is included in your packet. ♦ The Conservation Commission held a hearing on the proposed new hunting regulations but was not able to secure a vote because of one member being absent. They will try again. ♦ The Finance Committee is meeting on October 16th to review the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting. ;-_ Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 23 2003 -Page 3 ♦ The training session for Boards Committees and Commissions and staff is scheduled for October 16th at 7:00 p.m. This is the Annual Ethics training and we will be doing it jointly with Stoneham in Stoneham this year. A reminder and directions to the Stoneham Town Hall will be sent out soon. ♦ The Fire Department's Annual Open House will be on Saturday, October 4, 2003. ♦ On October 15th, the Planning Division will be holding a Master Plan Forum on Economic Development at the Coolidge Middle School. ♦ The Financial Forum has been scheduled for October 9, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Municipal Light Department. Personnel and Appointments Mystic Valley Elder Services —The Board interviewed Rheta McKinley for one position on the Mystic Valley.Elder Services Board of Directors. Anthonv moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Mystic Valley Elder Services Board of Directors with a term expiring September 30, 2006: Rheta McKinley. Ms McKinley received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant— Subsequent Town Meeting - Chairman George Hines noted that Police Officer -- Pat Iapicca contacted him regarding the personnel policy on military leave. Finance Director Beth Klepeis noted that he is requesting that if an employee is on active military leave, the employee's pay be offset and health insurance and other benefits continue. He is requesting that an Article be placed on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. Town Counsel Joan Langsam indicated that this is a personnel policy issue and that the Selectmen adopt the Personnel Policies. There is a committee being formed who will review this, and then the changes will be reviewed by Department Heads, employees and then to the Board of Selectmen for a hearing. Selectman Gail Wood asked if the Personnel Policy provides for leave for a certain amount of time, and Beth Klepeis noted that the job is held for a cumulative total not to exceed five years. Beth Klepeis reviewed Article 9. She noted that the Town borrowed $450,000 for the schematic design of the High School. When the School Building Committee expired, there was $23,563 left. It can only be used for like purposes so it needs to be transferred to expend— it could be used for architectural fees. The money has already been borrowed so it can't be rescinded. Chairman George Hines asked if the money could be used to accelerate repayment of the debt. Beth Klepeis indicated that she did not know but she would find out. Beth Klepeis reviewed Article 10. She noted that it is a mechanism for appropriating money for Barrows School, if necessary. Board of Selectmen Meeting-September 23. 2003 -Page_4 School Committee Chairman Pete Dahl noted that they won't know until after Town Meeting how bids will come in. The project was originally contracted a few years ago but the project was delayed and costs could increase. It is the School Committee's intent to bring the project in on time and under budget. He also noted that the School Committee voted to hire a Project Manager for all three projects but there are no funds in the Barrows project for that. He noted that it isnot'the intent to take left over money from Sunset Rock and move it to the Barrows project. Bill Brown noted that he contacted the Department of Revenue and they indicated that this was not legal,that an exclusion can only be used for an exclusion. RMLD General Manager.Vinnie Cameron and RMLB Member Phil Pacino were present to discuss Article 17. Beth Klepeis noted that the Early Retirement Incentive allows the Board of Selectmen to designate one department and then it has to go to Town Meeting. Town Counsel Joan Langsam noted,that if Town Meeting doesn't act by October 1St, then the Selectmen has to accept by.November 1st. If the Light Department decides it does not want it, then the Article can be tabled. Vinnie Cameron noted that the Light Department is having.an actuarial study done and they should have the results by the end of the month. If there are no savings, then it will be a mute subject. If there is a savings, then he will come back to the Selectmen. Beth Klepeis noted that Article 4 is to pay bills. Article 5 is to amend the FY 2004 Budget. Article 6 is to establish a Stabilization Fund. She noted that Moody's criticized us for not having a Stabilization Fund established. Article 7 is to authorize expenditure of Chapter 90 funds. Article 8 is for approving sidewalks on Franklin Street. ` Article 11 is for improvements to the Water Treatment Plant. Article 12 is application to the MWRA. Article 13 is for water main replacement. Article 14 would require members of Boards, Committees and Commissions to be residents. Article 15 increases the amount of tangible property from$500.00 to $5,000. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 23 2003 -Page 5 Article 16 is to amend the bylaw regarding smoking in public buildings. r Article 18 is a zoning amendment article. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to close the Warrant consisting of 18 Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting to take place on November 10 2003 at 7.30 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium 62 Oakland Road Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Status of Crossing Guards — Police Chief Robert Silva, Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini and Killam School Principal Paul Guerrette were present. Chief Silva noted that a survey was conducted last May to determine the level of activity at several Crossing Guard posts. A similar survey was also done at the beginning of this school year. A uniformed Officer conducted the survey but there were a couple of occasions when the Officer was not available because they had to cover an emergency. The Officers reported that at a large number of these posts a parent escorted the children to school. His recommendations are based on the number of children crossing at a post, their age, if a parent escorted them, the location, available alternatives and the cost to have a Crossing Guard at that post. If changes are made at a post,he would send a letter to affected school parents through the school. _ Chairman George Hines noted that the Chief is adding one location. Chief Silva noted that he is adding one at Temple Street because there are 10-12 children crossing there. He is eliminating the post at Main and Norwood and Haverhill Street behind Killam. Paul Guerrette noted that he has been at the Killam School for 20 years. There are 552 children at this school and he encourages them to exit at the rear. He also noted that there is a high volume of traffic along Haverhill Street, and he strongly encourages retaining the Crossing Guard at that location. Lori Burke, a Killam parent, noted that this is a safety issue. The Crossing Guard slows down traffic on Haverhill Street. Dick Stosez of 25 Emerson Street noted that Crossing Guards are the cheapest form of insurance for the Town. His post at Main and Birch Meadow increased 100% in the morning and 200% in the afternoon. Karen Powers, a parent, noted that there is a level of comfort with having the Crossing Guard at Killam. The Crossing Guard prevents the children from running out in the street. Mary.Grimmer, parent and owner of the school across the street, noted that this is a very dangerous corner. She also has concerns about child abduction because the location is right next to Route 128. Crossing Guard Joe Piccolo noted that he did a study on three towns, and Reading is the lowest paid and other towns also offer benefits. Board of Selectmen Meeting;—September 23,2003 -Page 6 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert indicated that the number of Crossing Guards are appropriate. - Chairman George Hines urged Chief Silva to continue the Crossing Guard at Haverhill Street. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the concern last year was that some locations had no children. He recommends keeping the same number of Crossing Guards to allow for flexibility to fill in for the sick, and eliminating stations but not the person. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that the PTO's do a survey for each school to get an idea of where the Crossing Guards are needed. Selectman Gail Wood suggested that if a letter is sent to the parents, they should be informed that in emergency situations there may not be a Crossing Guard at the post. Refer Zoning Article to CPDC for a Hearing — Finance Director Beth Klepeis indicated that Article 18 has to be referred back to CPDC for a hearing. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to refer a proposed amendment to Section 6.3.11 of the Zoning By-Laws to the Community Planning and Development Commission for a hearing was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. T-TAC Report to Board of Selectmen — Bill O'Halloran, Chairman of the Technology and Telecommunications Advisory Committee, was present. He noted that the Technology and Telecommunications Advisory Committee was established two years ago to advise the Board of Selectmen. Mr. O'Halloran reviewed the Mission Statement and committee membership. Mr. O'Halloran noted that the committee is working with Comcast on a number of issues. He also noted that the stereo signal has not been provided in the proper format. Comcast will pay the cost for their side and RCTV will pay the cost for theirs. The I-Net is an old system, especially at the High School. There are audio programs at RMLD too, and Comcast is supposed to be responsible. Mr. O'Halloran noted that the committee is having a hard time getting the response performance report. He received one today but they need to know more than just the first 30 seconds of the call. He also noted that specifications need to be put on the report with more helpful information. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the phones at Comcast are being answered by an auto attendant or a human being. Mr. O'Halloran indicated that he did not know but that Comcast is more customer oriented than AT&T. Mr. O'Halloran noted that the T-TAC also advised the Selectmen on the RCTV bylaw changes, and have worked with the High School regarding the laptops. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 23 2003 -Page 7 Selectman Camille Anthony voiced her disappointment with RCTV's programming and suggested that we find out what the community wants. She suggested putting some questions on the survey going out with the Census. Review Board of Assessors' Letter re: "Additional Value" — Appraiser Dave Billard and Board of Assessors Members Bob Nordstrand, Tom Ryan and Ralph Colorusso were present. Bob Nordstrand indicated that the Board of Assessors have to charge the supplemental tax unless the Selectmen take action not to. Dave Billard noted that this provides an avenue to access after the assessment date rather than waiting a full year. The supplemental assessment is issued when the Occupancy Permit is issued and the value is more than 50% higher than the assessed value. Mr. Billard noted that in FY2003, there were 12 properties that would have been affected at a cost of$6,000. Vice Chairman.Richard Schubert asked when the assessments are done. Dave Billard noted that assessments are done on June 30, 2003 for the value as of January 1, 2003. Selectman Gail Wood asked about the cost of implementing. Beth Klepeis noted that there would be costs in man hours and they would need to prepare commitments on a monthly basis. Selectman Gail Wood indicated that$6,000 is not sufficient versus the manpower. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that some of the costs are one time and there is a lot of demolition of buildings and new ones going up. Bob Nordstrand noted that staff is already stressed and the amount was not a major amount of money this year. He feels that it is a lot of effort for a small return. Ralph Colorusso suggested practicing with the few parcels now because we need the money. Tom Ryan recommended rejecting it because it can be rescinded whenever the Selectmen want to go ahead with it. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to take no action under Chapter 59, S2D supplemental assessment of new construction was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 Review Early Retirement Legislation lation — Beth Klepeis noted that the Town did an analysis last year. Five people in the School Department retired and it cost the Town $250,000. Staff does not recommend reduction. The RMLD is requesting so Town Meeting can approve just for the RMLD. Beth Klepeis noted that the number can be limited per group, retirement goes by seniority, and the application for retirement has to be by December 2nd and retire by December 31st. Sick leave buyback is also a big expense and the Selectmen can negotiate to pay vacation and sick time over three years. The Board took no action at this time. Board of Selectmen Meeting_—September 23, 2003 -Page 8 Approval of Minutes A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of September 2, 2003, both Open Session and Executive Session,were approved by a vote of 5-0-0. -- A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of September 3. 2003, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of September 9, 2003 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of September 23 2003 at 10:55 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, lFv L Af Secretary