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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes — . Board of Selectmen Meeting January 23, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Town Accountant Richard Foley, Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm, School Committee Chairman Susan Cavicchi, School Building Committee Chairman Russell Graham, Conservation Commission Chairman Nancy Eaton, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Fire Chief Jack Mooney, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Dick McDonald, Gerry MacDonald, Nathan C. White, Harry L. Curtis, Chuck Robinson, Paula Perry, Kathy Guyott, Linda Phillips, Paul Feely, Tim Twomey, William Griset Jr., James Keigley, Pete Dahl, Robin D'Antona, Andrew Grimes, Catherine Martin, Bob LeLacheur, Alex McRae, Richard Radville, Dennis LaCroix, Jeff Strueble, Jane Darveau, Michael Scarpitto, Eileen O'Shea, Kathy Greenfield, Clayton Jones, Nancy Ortiz, Jack Ghazi. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Reports and Comments— Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she and Selectman Matthew Cummings are in charge of doing the Town Manager's evaluation. This will be put on the February 6, 2001 Agenda. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the Playground at Summit Village, and the Town Manager noted that there is a drainage problem that needs to get resolved. Public Comment—No public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Chief Don Wood's retirement as Fire Chief took place last Saturday evening --he had a great sendoff with about 200 people in attendance to wish him well. ♦ Frances Fink, our new Conservation Administrator, has started work this week. Fran has a great deal of experience working for the Town of Wenham. ♦ The Compost Center was open for the first time since the new Community Access stickers -- see the attached report from Bob Keating. ♦ We have received the concept plan filing for the Reading Business Park from Dickinson—for the development to be called "Walkers Brook Crossing." This will be before the CPDC on February 7th,jointly with the Conservation Commission. ♦ The Clergy Association's MLK Day Breakfast Celebration at St. Athanasius Church was well attended. It was held at the new Parish Center which is a terrific classroom building. Phil Fogelman from the Anti-Defamation League was the speaker. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 23, 2001 Page 2 ♦ We are experiencing a "crisis" in Advanced Life Support (ALS) created by a change in Medicare regulations. Our existing agreement that Armstrong Ambulance provides such services is in jeopardy, and the Fire Department is monitoring the situation with representatives of other communities served by ALS to determine our best short and long term options. ♦ The convenience store (Reading Quick Stop) at Washington and Main has left the community. Dunkin' Donuts will be expanding, and Kabloom will be locating in the remainder of the building. ♦ The DPW, by best estimates, is out of money for the year on snow and ice control -- we will keep plowing, of course, and are making efforts to minimize the expenses such as doing snow removal on straight time daytimes. ♦ Bids for exploration of Bedrock Wells are being evaluated as part of the options for ensuring long-term water supply for the community while minimizing impact on natural resources like the Ipswich River. ♦ A presentation is scheduled for early February to the Board of Selectmen on the Water Hydraulic Study -- a review of the water storage and distribution system and what is needed to maintain and improve the system. ♦ We are getting ready to bid rubbish collection and recycling for a new three year contract. ♦ "Ask the Town Manager"will take place on Thursday night. Personnel and Appointments Mystic Valley Elder Services — On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Mystic Valley Elder Services Board of Directors with a term expiring September 30, 2003. Rheta C. McKinley. Ms. McKinley received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Round Table — Joint Meeting with the School Committee School Building Committee and Finance Committee re: RMHS Project — School Building Committee Chairman Russell Graham called the School Building Committee to order, School Committee Chairman Sue Cavicchi called the School Committee to order and Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm called the Finance Committee to order at 8:00 p.m. School Building Committee Chairman Russell Graham noted that the School Building Assistance Grant Program is the largest in the Commonwealth. They have recently revised the regulations and the rate of reimbursement has changed. In the past, the School Building Bureau leaned towards new construction but they are now concerned that they won't be able to keep up with that so they are leaning towards renovations. He met with Town Officials, State Representatives and the Finance Director of the program, and he thought we would get 66% reimbursement. Vice Chairman George Hines asked at what point do we know if we qualify, and Russ Graham noted that it is early on in the process. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian noted that he has asked the architect to take the new regulations and apply them. It is being worked on. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Januga 23 2001 —Page 3 Dr. Harutunian noted that four points are given for maintenance. The amount of money being spent on maintenance is a factor, and Reading is above the foundation budget. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the chart on Pages 5a2 and 5a3 indicates that Reading is required to spend $865,538. Dr. Harutunian noted that number is based on a report that Town Accountant Richard Foley generates. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if it will be specific to the project we are talking about, and Dr. Harutunian noted that it would probably have some correlation. Russ Graham noted that the High School is tired. The new part of the High School is 32 years old, and it does not contribute to modern programs. The projected increase of students within the next 12 years could be between 1400 and 1600 students. He noted that the School Building Committee has not taken a formal position as to what to recommend but whatever it is, it will require a debt exclusion. He also noted that phasing of the project is critical, and a full-time Project Manager is essential. School Building Committee Member Richard Radville noted that the first numbers they got were four years ago, and the latest number is more thorough. There was very little money in the budget for structural upgrades, and 33,000 square feet of space in the field house was left out of the original budget. Mr. Radville noted that previously volunteers from the School Building Committee were used on projects but this project will need a full-time Project Manager. Russ Graham noted that there has been no formal vote but the consensus of the School Building Committee is that Town Meeting should have the wholesale plan brought to them, and an in- house school based building committee will be essential based on the magnitude of the project while classes are going on. He also noted that approximately$400,000 to $500,000 is needed for the design. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if a work schedule has been determined. Russ Graham noted that three studies have been done on timelines and the longer we wait, the higher the costs. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked the timeframe for an architect to do schematics. Russ Graham indicated that it was three to four months. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if the plan was to go out to bid for procuring design services, and it was indicated that it was. Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm asked which option in the Executive Summary was the $60 million option. Richard Radville indicated it is Option 3. Carol Grimm indicated that the $43 million projects out to $60 million. She also asked if that includes a walkway. Richard Radville indicated it does not -- the plan is to spend money on space instead of a way to get to it. A Finance Committee Member asked if all of the options are reimbursable by the State, and Russ Graham noted all of the options except"A" are reimbursable. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 23, 2001 —Page 4 Vice Chairman George Hines indicated that we should move quickly to seek architectural services, and noted that he feels a project of this magnitude should have a specific building committee. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she hopes to move forward because the High School is becoming deplorable. FY 2002 Budget — Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that a debt exclusion needs four votes and the fifth member is not present tonight. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he thought the best way to resolve the problem is through an operational override. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to place an operational override in the amount of $2,112,564 on the ballot for the April 3, 2001 Election was not approved by a vote of 2-2-0, with Anthony and Nestor opposed. Anthony moved to amend the motion to read $1.2 million in real estate and personal property taxes for school and municipal government. No action was taken on the amendment. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he won't vote for $2.1 million because it is too much, and thinks that a debt exclusion is the best way to vote. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he feels an operational override in the amount of$2.1 million is the best way to go, and we should ask for what we need. Harry Curtis of 668 Haverhill Street noted that the Town allowed for 2% inflation when inflation is 4%, and the Town needs to pay for services somehow. School Committee Member Peter Dahl noted that a debt exclusion goes away but an operating override is part of the permanent tax base. A Buckskin Drive resident noted that even with a$1.2 million override, the Town will be cutting services. He also noted that parents are concerned that the lower number will not get us to where we want to go. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that two members of the School Committee stated that they could make do with$1.2 million, and people are not in favor of a permanent tax increase. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the electorate wants to know what they are voting for, and feels an item needs to be put with an override. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he could support a debt exclusion if it will get us the number that is needed, and a lower number is not going to settle the problem. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 23, 2001 —Page 5 A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to put a debt exclusion override in the amount of $2.112 million on the ballot was not approved by a vote 2-2-0, with Nestor and Cummings opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor to put an operational override for school and municipal government in the amount of-$1.2 million on the April 3, 2001 ballot was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Nestor opposed. Nancy Ortiz of 148 Eastway noted that an operational override is very difficult to pass. She submitted a petition with 200 signatures for a debt exclusion, and she is very disappointed that the Board approved an operational override. Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm noted that with the $1.2 million override, $900,000 still has to be cut. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian noted that the School Committee has taken little action with budget cuts. He inquired about the procedure and what percentage the School Department should use. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that School Committee Members stated that they could support $1.2 million and that a 62%/38% split of the deficit had previously been acknowledged. Dr. Harutunian noted that those were their personal opinions. Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that the percentage for the schools would be 62%, and Dr. Harutunian had previously indicated that he could make that work. Carol Grimm noted that typically the Finance Committee'reviews the capital first, and then calculates the percentage which has been 62% for the schools, 31% for the Town and 7% for building maintenance. The Town Manager reminded the Board of Selectmen that per the Charter, the budget goes to the Finance Committee as the Town Manager's recommended budget. School Committee Member Tim Twomey noted that it is inappropriate to take his comments and view them as speaking for the whole School Committee. A motion by Cummings seconded by Nestor to place a capital exclusion override in the amount of $500,000 for the schematic design for the Reading Memorial High School on the April 3, 2001 ballot was not approved by a vote of 1-3-0, with Anthony,Nestor and Hines opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the High School project needs to be treated separately. There was question as to whether $500,000 was the right amount, and the Town Manager will seek the School Building Committee's advice on a number. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he feels it is premature to set a figure for the design and inappropriate to put on the ballot. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 23. 2001 —Page.6 Finance Committee Member Bob LeLacheur noted that if you put multiple questions on the ballot,people will vote for the lesser number. Continued Public Hearing — Street Opening Permit Policy — Town Engineer Joe Delaney was present. Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that there is a one page policy for the street opening permits. Joe Delaney noted that the policy establishes a $25.00 fee for driveway and sidewalk openings, and a$50.00 fee for utility construction. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if we can impose a fee for utility companies and if it was difficult to collect. Joe Delaney noted that other communities do it and most of the permits go to the gas company. The details would be worked out with each utility. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if these fees will cover expenses. Joe Delaney noted that it will cover survey crews,time in the office and inspections. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to close the public hearing on the Street Opening Permit Policy was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to approve the Street Opening Permit Policy as presented to the Board of Selectmen on January 23, 2001 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearin: — Gasoline License — Ghazi - Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Mr. Jack Ghazi, owner of the property, was present. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen had rescinded the previous license because the proposed deal that Mr. Ghazi was working on didn't go through. Mr. Ghazi is requesting approval of that license. Mr. Ghazi presented as is plans to reinstall two tanks — 15,000 and 14,000 gallons. He will be removing the island and replacing with a new one in the exact location, and will be replacing concrete and asphalt. The Town Manager noted that this site was last used as a gas station in December of 1998. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if this was in the acquifer protection area. The Town Manager noted that it was. Selectman Camille Anthony asked what company he is dealing with, and Mr. Ghazi noted that there are no affiliations at this time. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Mr. Ghazi's plans indicate he will be patching the asphalt. Mr. Ghazi noted that he will be paying a lot of attention to detail. The Town Manager noted that $13,652 are owed in back taxes on the property plus additional 2001 taxes. The Town Manager asked if any other business would be conducted at the station and Mr. Ghazi indicated inspections but no rentals. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 23, 2001 —Page 7 Fire Chief Jack Mooney noted that the Fire Department has several concerns. He noted that Mr. Ghazi doesn't adhere to State and local regulations in a timely manner, and he has shut him down three times. He had to take Mr. Ghazi to court to get him to remove the tanks. He asked Mr. Ghazi to remove the heating oil tank when the other tanks were removed, and he would not. He is asking the Selectmen to put restrictions on the license. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she has concerns about the way business is being done. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why the tank was not removed. Mr. Ghazi noted that the Fire Chief asked him to remove it two months ago. He has to give DEP 21 day's notice. He also noted that the fence would have to be taken down and he didn't want to destroy the fence. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to close the hearing for a gasoline storage license at 1337 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Nestor to approve a gasoline storage license at 1337 Main Street for the underground storage of 29,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel subject to the following conditions: (a) payment of taxes and fees; (b) approval of the Fire Department; (c) removal of tank and (d) adherence to State and local bylaws was not approved by a vote of 2-2-0, with Anthony and Cummings opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that if the license is granted, then he will continue to delay in removing the tank. He also noted that this is in the acquifer protection district and what has been done to clean up the site if not enough, and $13,000 is owed in back taxes. He further noted that if those items were taken care of, he will change his vote. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Mr. Ghazi's past practice shows that he is not responsible dealing with hazardous material and this is not a quality project. Fire Chief Jack Mooney noted that he is not against issuance of the license but attitude is the problem. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to approve a gasoline storage license at 1337 Main Street for the underground storage of 29,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel, subject to the following conditions: (a) payment of taxes and fees; (b) approval of the Fire Department; (c) removal of tank prior to issuance of the license and (d) adherence to State and local bylaws was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Anthony opposed. Confirmation of Fire Chief's Appointment — The Town Manager noted that the Charter allows the Town Manager to make the appointment with the Board of Selectmen confirming. The Town Manager reviewed the hiring process. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he participated in the Assessment Center. He stated that it was a unanimous decision, and he commended staff for their hard work. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 23, 2001 —Page 8 A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Gregory J. Burns as Fire Chief of the Town of Reading effective.April 13, 2001 in accordance with Section 5.2(b) of the Reading Home Rule Charter was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to confirm the Town Manager's appointment of John T. Mooney as Fire Chief effective January 19, 2001, through April 13, 2001, in accordance with Section 5.2(b) of the Reading Home Rule Charter was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. "Old" Police Station - The Town Manager reviewed briefly with the Board of Selectmen the proposed bid documents to offer the "old" Police Station for sale or lease. The Board reiterated that they want to maintain the requirement for a bid deposit; that the Purchase and Sales agreement needed to be executed within 30 days of the award of the bid; and that the bidders needed to be placed on notice that a "substantial" non-refundable deposit will be required upon the signing of the Purchase and Sales agreement. The Board agreed that the Annual Town Meeting Warrant will contain an Article authorizing the sale of the building in the event that we have an acceptable bidder. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve the advertising for sale or lease of the old portion of the former Police Station at 67 Pleasant Street in accordance with the bid packet reviewed and amended on this date was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of their meeting of December 19, 2000 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Nestor abstaining. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to approve the minutes of their meeting of January 16, 2001 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to adjourn their meeting of January 23, 2001 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, p v. Secretary _..M .............