Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 22, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Conservation Administrator Frances Fink, Health Administrator Jane Fiore, Elder Services Administrator Pamela Brown, Library Director Kimberly Lynn, Business Administrator David Lee, Town Engineer Joseph Delaney, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Gerry MacDonald, Steve Conner, Andy Bramhall. Personnel and Appointments Bicycle Path Committee—The Town Manager reviewed the policy for the Committee. Wood moved and Cummings seconded to place the following names into nomination for five positions on the Ad Hoc Reading/North Suburban Bicycle Path Committee with terms expiring December 21, 2004, or at such earlier date that the North Suburban Regional Bicycle Path Plan shall be completed: Gail Wood (Board of Selectmen), Alan Beaulieu (Recreation Committee), Neil Sullivan(CPDC) and Larry Goulet(Conservation Commission). The Board interviewed Andy Bramhall for a position on the Bicycle Path Committee. Mr. Bramhall is a licensed surveyor who sometimes appears before Boards, Committees and Commissions in the Town of Reading. The Town Manager will check with Town Counsel regarding a conflict of interest. After interviewing Mr. Bramhall, Wood moved and Schubert seconded to add his name to the list of nominees and Gail Wood, Alan Beaulieu, Neil Sullivan, Larry Goulet and Andy Bramhall received five votes each and were appointed. MAPC —A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to appoint William F. Crowley as the Town of Reading's representative on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council with a term expiring December 31, 2002 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items FY 2003 Budget — The Town Manager noted that the budget is late because the State budget is late. He is assuming there will be no increase in State funding. Library Director Kimberly Lynn and Library Trustee Steve Conner were present. Ms. Lynn gave an overview of the department. She noted that she spends 10% of her time at the reference desk to help out because the current staff level cannot handle the volume of customers. She also noted that if materials are reduced, then State aid could be lost or reduced. Hours are being cut and she -- is starting to lose employees. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 22, 2002—Page 2 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the Library can charge fees for services. Ms. Lynn indicated that the trend is not to charge. Steve Conner noted that materials reduction is a main concern. He also noted that reducing hours is also an issue because hours are a criteria when applying for grants. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked what capital items are needed. Ms. Lynn noted that the primary issues are water seepage in the lower level, water leakage in the attic, carpeting in the lower level and on the stairs, interior and exterior painting, security keypads, computer equipment, alarms, circulation system and windows. She also noted that they try to replace computers every three years. Department of Public Works — Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Business Administrator David Lee and Town Engineer Joe Delaney were present. The Town Manager noted that the Department of Public Works' budget was reduced$100,000 in FY01, $164,475 in FY02 and the FY03 budget has a $96,979 reduction with a potential for another$187,543. Ted McIntire noted that the Department of Public Works consists of eight divisions. One clerical position will be eliminated in the Administration Division. The Engineering Division will reduce Police details because of a reduction in roadway and sidewalk construction, and a reduction in the Junior Engineer(Co-Op)position. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the landfill and other projects have any impact on the Engineering Division. Ted McIntire noted that they do because the Engineers need to inspect the projects and make sure they are done properly. He also noted that the Water and Sewer Divisions also need the Engineers' support. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the Town Engineer also reviews plans for the ZBA and Conservation Commission. Ted McIntire reviewed the functions of the Highway Division. There will be a reduction in engine fuel and a savings with the Mechanic III position. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked about the Vehicle Maintenance Study. Ted McIntire noted that it was discussed with the RMLD but no action has been taken. Ted McIntire reviewed the functions of the Parks and Forestry Division. He noted that the current staff cannot keep up with all of the functions. The school properties were added first and also Symonds Way. There will be a reduction in the overtime in the Compost Center, and the replacement of the Tree Climber I position will not have longevity. Ted McIntire also noted that 72 trees were removed last year and only 25 were planted because of lack of funding. Chairman George Hines asked if the Senior Tax Workers could be used at the Compost Center. Ted McIntire stated that he will look into it. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 22. 2002—Page 3 The Town Manager noted that the Town doesn't have the money to mulch this year so the areas around municipal and school buildings will look weedy. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested sending a letter to the PTA's informing them ahead of time. Chairman George Hines suggested contacting the Garden Club for the Adopt-An-Island Program. Ted McIntire noted that the Street Lighting Division is staffed by the Highway Division. The reduction in electricity reflects a reduction in fuel costs. The reduction in the rubbish and recycling is due to three condominium complexes who wish to continue with private collection. Ted McIntire noted that there will be no reductions in the snow and ice budget. He also noted that there are no reductions in the Cemetery Division budget. There was discussion regarding the trust fund, and the Town Manager noted that he is meeting with the Cemetery Board of Trustees next Tuesday regarding the trust.fund. Community Services — The Town Manager noted that this budget was reduced by $43,025 in FY01, $3,500 in FY02, and we are reducing by $22,298 in FY03 with a potential for another $14,183 in reductions by eliminating the Shopper's Assistant and reducing the hours of the Van Driver by three hours per week. , Conservation Administrator Frances Fink was present. She reviewed the functions of the Conservation Division. The Town Manager noted that a Recording Secretary is needed for the Conservation Commission. He is also proposing utilizing $10,000 out of the $30,000 Conservation Fund. - Selectman Richard Schubert asked what else the $10,000 would be used for, and the Town Manager noted that it could be used to acquire open space. Fran Fink noted that about $1500 of the trust fund can be used for education. Selectman Gail Wood asked if the Conservation Commission knew of this, and Fran Fink indicated they would be discussing this at their meeting this week. Town Planner Anne Krieg reviewed the functions of the Planning Division. The Town Manager noted that CPDC also needs a Recording Secretary. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about coverage of the zoning since the layoff of the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Ms. Krieg noted that zoning enforcement is reactive. Chairman George Hines suggested that an RFP for development of the CVS parking lot be developed. The Town Manager noted that the Town doesn't own the whole parking lot and that would be a huge effort. Health Administrator Jane Fiore reviewed the functions of the Health Division. She indicated that the smoking cessation grant might be cut from the State budget. If it is not funded, then that - - position will be eliminated. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 22, 2002—Page 4 Elders Services Administrator Pamela Brown reviewed the functions of Elder Services. The Town Manager noted that the Van Driver and Coordinator of Volunteers' hours will be reduced, and the Shopping Assistance Coordinator position will be eliminated. The Town Manager reviewed the Inspection Division's functions. He is suggesting eliminating the Sign Review Board and adding that function to the Community Planning and Development Commission. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why there is a 16% increase in salaries when the level of staff is the same. The Town Manager will follow up on this. Chairman George Hines noted that the Coolidge Spelling Bee is on March 23, 2002, and the consensus of the Board is to sponsor a team. Chairman George Hines noted that the Reading Municipal Light Board put the General Manager on a 30 day paid leave of absence. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that this vote was inconsistent with past statements, and he wants the public to have the opportunity to hear the full thought process on this decision. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked who is managing the Light Department. The Town Manager noted that the Assistant General Manager Vinnie Cameron is Acting General Manager. The Board directed the Town Manager to ask the Light Board for a written explanation and to invite them in on February 5, 2002. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to adjourn their meeting of January 22, 2002 at 11:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Res ectfully submitted, 9 J Secretary