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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 18, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:05 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Counsel Joan Langsam, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: George Perry, Richard Moore, Douglas Cowell, Mary Connors, Karen Schneller, Mike deBrigard, Ronald O'Connell, Jack Downing, Susan Giacalone, Domenic LaCava, Valerie Alagero, Anne Hooker, Karyn Storti, Amy Brough, Richard Cohen, Rob Travers, Attorney Brian Blaesser, Bob McCullough, Dick Howard. Personnel and Appointments Council on Aging — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Edwina Kasper was requesting reappointment but was unable to be present. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Edwina Kasper. Ms. Kasper received three votes and was appointed. E Board of Health — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Colleen Seferian was requesting reappointment but was unable to be present. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Colleen Seferian. Ms. Seferian received three votes and was appointed. Housing;Authority—The Board interviewed Mary Connors and Karen Schneller for one position on the Housing Authority. Schubert moved and Cummings seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the Housing Authority with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Mary E. Connors and Karen Schneller. Ms. Connors received three votes and was appointed. Conservation Commission Chairman Will Finch noted that he had spoken to Ms. Schneller about her interest in the Conservation Commission and he would be pleased to have her come forward. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Karen Schneller. Ms. Schneller received three votes and was appointed. - = Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council—The applicant was not present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 2002—Page 2 Town Forest Committee—The Board interviewed Mike deBrigard for one position on the Town Forest Committee. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Mike deBrigard. Mr. deBrigard received three votes and was appointed. Board of Cemetery Trustees — The Board interviewed Ronald O'Connell for a position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Janet Baronian and Ronald O'Connell. Ms. Baronian and Mr. O'Connell received three votes each and were appointed. Recreation Committee — The Board interviewed Jack Downing for a position on the Recreation Committee. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Recreation Committee: Jack Downing. Mr. Downing received three votes and was appointed. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for three Associate positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2003: Christopher Campbell, Catherine Kammer and Lorraine Salter. Each applicant received three votes and were appointed. Solid Waste Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Susan Giacalone for reappointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Schubert moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Susan Giacalone. Ms. Giacalone received three votes and was appointed. Water and Sewer Advisory Committee— The Board interviewed Richard Moore for one position on the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Richard Moore and Robert Salter. Mr. Moore and Mr. Salter received three votes each and were appointed. Telecommunications/Technology Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Doug Cowell and Domenic LaCava for two positions on the Telecommunications/Technology Advisory Committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting-—June 18, 2002—Page 3 Schubert moved and Cummings seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Douglas Cowell and Domenic LaCava. Mr. Cowell and Mr. LaCava received three votes each and were appointed. Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD — The Board interviewed Douglas Cowell for one position on the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD. Schubert moved and Cummings seconded ta'place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD: Jim Francis (Finance Committee) and Douglas Cowell. Mr. Francis and Mr. Cowell received three votes each and were appointed. Ad Hoc Storm Water Management Advisory Committee — Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for four positions on the Ad Hoc Storm Water Management Advisory Committee: Robert LeLacheur (Finance Committee), Dick Howard (CPDC), Thad Berry (Conservation Commission) and Gail Wood (BOS). Each applicant received three votes and were appointed. Cultural Council—The Board interviewed Valerie Alagero, Anne Hooker and Karyn Storti. Schubert moved and Cummings seconded to place the following names into nomination for three positions on the Cultural Council with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Valerie Alagero, Anne - t Hooker and Karyn Storti. Each applicant received three votes and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Discussion on Schedule for Roads Debt Exclusion Vote — Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Town Engineer Joe Delaney were present. The Town Manager noted that the road program went to Town Meeting last Spring and was approved. The Selectmen need to decide which ballot to put it on. Joe Delaney noted that he would like it on the ballot as soon as possible. He also noted that the roads need to be re-evaluated and contracts need to get out. He noted that if it were put on the September ballot, then construction could start in the Spring. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how waiting until April would hurt the roads. Joe Delaney noted that the road program has a deterioration curve. A new report would have to be run. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if we are under a certain time restriction with Town Meeting to put on the ballot. The Town Manager noted that if it goes on the September ballot, then it can go back to the November Town Meeting. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there are other financial issues to deal with including schools. He feels there should be a Financial Forum. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 2002—Page4 Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that he's been predisposed in the past to put these on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. He feels everybody should get everything at one time. The discussion on this topic will be put on an agenda in July. AT&T License Transfer— Status of Corrective Work — RCTV Executive Director Amy Brough, RCTV President of the Board of Directors Richard Cohen and Rob Travers from AT&T were present. Rob Travers noted that they have made substantial progress. They have visited all of the sites and made corrections but there are still issues at the School Administration building. They have committed to RCTV and the Town to work with them. They have ordered new equipment for the third access channel and it will be launched around July 15, 2002. He noted that the stereo equipment is more complex, major rewiring of Ash Street needs to be done, and the head end should be done by the end of the month. The Town Manager asked about the internet access at the High School. Mr. Travers noted that it was being worked on. Chairman Camille Anthony asked who is funding the stereo equipment. Mr. Travers indicated that there is no absolute answer on that -- AT&T will pay for equipment at the head end but the question is who pays for the equipment at the studio. Richard Cohen noted that simultaneous channels still are not happening. They are not satisfied yet. The Board of Directors met and they want a performance bond. He also noted that when two or three channels are run at the same time, the system crashes. The weather conditions affect the equipment and the internet is a big issue. Amy Brough noted that there have been problems with Channel 22, and they had problems with last night's School Committee Meeting. Rob Travers noted that more work needs to be done on the internet but this doesn't relate to the transfer process. He also noted that these are compliance issues and they are committed to working with the Town. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that compliance issues are managerial. Mr. Travers noted that was for AT&T -- not AT&T/Comcast. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that it was the same people. Mr. Travers noted that AT&T/Comcast will look at the issues and see what changes need to be made. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there is a history of problems in Cambridge too. They had the same issue when AT&T took over Media One. The judge stated that they had to give them a chance to correct the problems and now we have to give AT&T/Comcast a chance when AT&T didn't perform. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that it is important to have this discussion to put AT&T on notice. He feels this is a serious problem. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 2002 —Page 5 Mr. Travers noted that they are working in good faith to resolve the issues but they may not be able to resolve all of the issues by the end of the month. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she has received four emails from customers complaining about how bad the internet service in is the Barrows area, and there was discussion about this when AT&T took over from Media One. She also noted that she read an article that AT&T was being fined for noncompliance from some cities. Chairman Camille Anthony asked what type of community customer service will be available to Reading. Mr. Travers noted that AT&T/Comcast is not allowed to comment at this time. He noted that they implemented a plan to correct the problems with response time to telephone calls. They have hired more reps and are pulling back from outsourcing. He also noted that Comcast is not as diversified as AT&T and after the merger, the commitment to customer service will continue. Richard Cohen asked why we haven't heard from Comcast. Mr. Travers noted that Comcast is doing the same process at the same time. The antitrust prohibits talking about it. Selectman Richard Schubert asked what the ramifications of denial would be. Town Counsel Joan Langsam. noted that AT&T would appeal within 30 days, then there would be a hearing, review of record and then a decision. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about pursuing the compliance issue. Joan Langsam noted that the Town has to notify them in writing and give a timeline to resolve. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if a letter of guarantee or promise could be written. Mr. Travers noted that he has committed to the third channel tonight. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that the same players are on the form. Mr. Travers noted that the Board of Directors has not been made up yet-- 5 out of the 12 will be from AT&T. The Roberts' family is the principal of Comcast. Richard Cohen noted that a performance bond would cost AT&T $2500 for a $1 million bond. The Town Manager noted that a performance guarantee is very specific and could be problematic. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to require compliance by July 15, 2002, then start the compliance procedures was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The Board directed the Town Manager to send a letter to AT&T indicating this issue. Early Retirement Incentive Program — The Town Manager noted that this is the Workforce Reduction Act. He did an analysis and model. There are 128 eligible people not including - teachers. He met with the employees who would be eligible and he is recommending that the Board not approve. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 2002—Page 6 Finance Director Beth Klepeis noted that Reading is not laying off so it would cost the Town money. She also noted that the total salary for the first 10 people is $513,856. There would always be an actuarial cost. The Town accepted this for the teachers eight years ago and it cost $50,000 per teacher. The Town Manager noted that this program makes no sense unless the Town is reducing staff. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked if we could selectively offer to people who will be laid off. The Town Manager noted that we can't target to specific individuals, only by group; i.e., Police, Fire, RMLD. He recommends that the Board take no action on this matter. Approval of BANS — RMHS Schematics — Finance Director Beth Klepeis noted that the School Committee requested to borrow $400,00 for the architect plans for the High School. We will borrow until January 9, 2003. The rate is 1.96% from Bank North. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to: ♦ Accept the low bid of 1.96 % by Bank North in the sale of $400,000 Bond Anticipation Notes for architect's plans for the High School. ♦ That said notes are to be dated June 26, 2002 and will mature January 9, 2003. ♦ That interest will be figured on a 30/360 day basis and will be certified through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Bureau of Accounts. ♦ That$150,000 in principle and interest due will be paid down on January 9, 2003, the cost of -- principle and interest being added to the 2003 tax rate under the auspices of a Proposition 2 %2 debt exclusion override vote. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Review Request for Waiver of Notice from Bank— Archstone Project — Attorney Brian Blaesser and Bob McCullough from Archstone were present. The Town Manager noted that Archstone is buying Spence Farm for housing. There is also another comprehensive permit on the other end of West Street at the same time. He is recommending that the Selectmen waive the 30 day notice so the project can go before the.ZBA sooner. Brian Blaesser noted that the 30 day period was to give notice to the Town. It doesn't take away the due process. He reviewed it with the Chairman of the Housing Appeals Commission and they indicated that it is reasonable to modify the timeframe. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there has been discussion for the past six months and there is value to looking at the big picture. Brian Blaesser noted that if they get this waiver, then they will come forth next week and file before the 28t". Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 2002 —Page 7 CPDC Chairman Dick Howard noted that it is advantageous to the Town to grant this waiver. He also noted that it will be a three to four month public comment period. A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to approve a waiver of notice of the 30 day community review and comment period under 760 CMR 31.01(2)(d) for Archstone Smith Operating Trust for the Spence Farm and adjacent properties was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Referral of Zoning Amendments to the CPDC for a Hearing — The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen would have the opportunity to comment at the hearing, then it will go to Town Meeting. The action requested is to send it back to CPDC for a hearing in August. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to refer to CPDC for scheduling and conducting a public hearing, the proposed amendments to the PUD sections of the Zoning By-Laws and amendments to the Zoning Map related to the so-called Longwood Poultry Farm was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of REAP Lease — The Town Manager noted that both the School Committee and Commissioner of Education have approved the renting of surplus space to REAP. The rate will be$8.73 per square foot based on the Town Appraiser. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve the lease of a portion of the Reading Memorial High School to REAP effective from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of June 18, 2002 at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Secretary