HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-02 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
December 2,2003
The meeting convened at 7:33 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,
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Paula Schena.
Personnel and Appointments
Town Counsel Review Committee — The Town Manager noted that the School Committee
appointed Rob Spadafora to serve on this committee. The Bylaw Committee does not have
anyone interested in serving. The Board of Assessors has indicated their interest in serving on
the committee.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to adjust the policy so that one member is
appointed by the Bylaw Committee or Board of Selectmen was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for
two positions on the Ad Hoc Town Counsel Review Committee with terms expiring March
31, 2004: Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert. They received five votes each and were
appointed.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Town Manager noted that the road conditions were awful this morning. The problem
was due to warm weather yesterday so the snow melted and then froze quickly. He noted
that Public Works had the sanders out as quickly as possible.
♦ The Town Manager noted that Mass Highway has approved the West Street Heavy Vehicle
Exclusion and will put signs up within two weeks.
Discussion on Delegation of Approval — Stop Sims — The Town Manager noted that Town
Counsel indicates that it is okay to develop criteria with appeal to the Board of Selectmen.
Chairman George Hines asked the Town Manager if he would follow the Selectmen's desire or
the recommendation of the Police Department. His concern is that the Police Department
opposes most of the time. The Town Manager indicated that he would follow the Selectmen's
direction.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he is not predisposed to delegate because the Board of
Selectmen are the road commissioners. He feels that the public hearing process is important.
Selectman Camille Anthony agreed. The Town Manager noted that there could be a process
where he would notify residents within 300 feet and give a timeframe to respond. Selectman
Gail Wood noted that this would hasten the process.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that none of the stop signs have been emergency
situations, and he feels that waiting three or four weeks is not onerous.