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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 13, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gerry MacDonald, Bill Brown, Bill Bogaert, Leah Hines, Pat Connelly, Bruce Adams, Kathy Greenfield, Virginia Adams, Roberta Sullivan, Clayton Jones, Jay Smith, John Crosby, Peter Simms, Jane and Bruce Harrison, Angelo Salamone, Karl Jessen, John Joyce, Peter Tassi, Gail Wood,Don Allen. Cummings moved and Anthony seconded to go into Executive. Session for the purpose of strategy regarding sale of real estate (Reading Business Park); strategy with respect to litigation (Fraen); and strategy with respect to labor negotiations (DPW and Fire Fighters) to come back into Open Session at 8:15 p.m. On a roll call vote, all three members voted in the affirmative and the Board went into Executive Session. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:23 p.m. Public Comment—John Joyce of 890 Main Street noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals made a decision in 1995 regarding the lot at 45 Beacon Street, and that a variance for Lot 2b was granted to allow a single family home. There is a restrictive covenant on the lot and he would like Town Counsel to address it. Labor Negotiations — The Town Manager noted that he is delighted to announce that DPW has ratified their contract. It provides for a 2% increase in the salary base and minor changes in the contract. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the labor contract between the Town of Reading and the AFSCME Council 93, Local 1703 DPW Union, for the Fiscal Year 2002 beginning July 1, 2001 and expiring June 30, 2002, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the contract on behalf of the Town was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Status — Water Saply and RBP — Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean reported on the water supply and the Reading Business Park. He noted that the PUD for the Reading Business Park is due this week. Presentation — Water Hydraulic Study — Bruce Adams, Leah Hines and Pat Connelly from Weston and Sampson, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, Jim Richardson, Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Chairman Gail Wood and Gerry MacDonald were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13, 2001 —Page 2 Bruce Adams noted that the goal is to maintain a high quality and an adequate supply at the best cost. He also noted that the water system was built in the 1890's and most of the original pipes are still in the system, and there are two water tanks in Town that supply 21,000 people. He further noted that the American Water Works Association indicates that if we have backup, then additional storage is not needed but the Department of Environmental Protection indicates that the Town currently has a storage deficit. He indicated that there is excellent pipe coverage throughout the system but the transmission is not strong in some areas. He is recommending a mixture of replacing some pipes and completing some loops. Leah Hines reviewed the areas of flow deficiencies and recommended improvements. The estimated cost of all recommended improvements is approximately $11,000,000 over the next 20 years. Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Member Gerry MacDonald questioned the conflicting reports on water storage. He noted that leaks in the system lead to lost revenue and feels if a 12 inch main is replaced, it should be replaced with a 16 inch main. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the DEP report states that the Town is 500,000 short. Bruce Adams noted that report is based on a fire load requirement and emergency storage. The American Water Works Association states that we have adequate storage but some deficiencies. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about the cost per gallon to do the recommendations in Table 7.1, and requested a management summary with respect to what was in the other studies. The Town Manager will get back to the Selectmen with answers to the questions. - i Review of Proposals — "Old' Police Station — Vice Chairman George Hines noted that this is a result of the Historical Commission invoking a demolition delay. The Town Manager noted that the Town solicited proposals for a second time and received three proposals. None of the three proposals meet the requirements of the RFP. Two proposals were from private parties and one was from the Reading Housing Authority. The Housing Authority is exempt from bidding so the Selectmen can negotiate with them if so desired. Anthony moved and Cummings seconded to reject all bids because they are unresponsive to the RFP. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to table the motion until the Selectmen read the proposals and gather more information was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Angelo Salamone of 45 Beacon Street noted that it is unfeasible to develop the property without parking. Bill Brown of 28 Martin Road noted that he hopes the Selectmen will consider putting the property back on the tax roll because the Town is losing $1,900 per year. Selectman Matthew Cummings requested an estimate of anticipated tax revenue on each proposal, wants to know if the $30,000 has to be returned to Danvers Savings Bank, and what the cost of a youth,center would be to the Town. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13, 2001 —Page 3 Don Allen asked what the money from Danvers Savings Bank was for, and the Town Manager noted that it was for the demolition of the building to create parking. Mr. Allen noted that part of the Town parking plan includes Reading Housing Authority land. - Bill Bogeart of 91 Pleasant Street asked that the Selectmen involve the neighborhood in the process. This issue will be continued on March 20, 2001. Review of FY2002 Budget - The Town Manager noted that when the Selectmen decided not to eliminate the Fire Fighter position, that was part of the tier one cuts. As a result, he moved items from tier two to tier one to make up the difference. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about free cash and snow and ice. The Town Manager noted that the State Representatives are working on getting State aid. Approval of Order of Taking Sunset Rock Lane— The Town Manager noted that the betterment taking has to be done today. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to approve the order to taking of Sunset Rock Lane was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of March 13, 2001 at - 10:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 1 l