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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 10, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:50 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman George Hines, Selectmen Matthew Cummings and Rick Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Eric and Wendy Coyne, Steve Sliwoski, Norman Garceau, Edward Toland, Peter Reinhart, Margaret Soli, Charles McDonald Jr., Kim Honetschlager, Patricia Lloyd, Philip Maher, Tim Kelley, Paul Kelley, Jamie Maughan, Louise DeBenedictis, Angela Change, David Corey, Sheila Young, Joe Veno, Bob Silva. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to go into Executive Session for the purpose of labor negotiations, sale of real estate and approval of.minutes to go back into Open Session at approximately 8:00 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all three members voting in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:00 p.m. Swearing in of New Members — Selectman Rick Schubert was sworn in by Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson. Rick's wife and son were present. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—There were no Selectmen reports. Public Comment— Steve Sliwoski of 18 Larch Lane was present. He noted that he had a sewer backup due to the flooding and asked about costs and resolution. The Town Manager noted that the names and phone numbers of residents who reported flooding and sewer backups were passed on to State and Federal representatives and we are waiting to hear regarding funding. The Town Manager also noted that 25 homes had sewer backups that seem to be from sewer discharges, and the Town passed out flyers to these residents during the recent rain storm. The Town Manager will report back with a policy on prioritizing -- what help is available in pumping sewerage and what mechanisms would be needed. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ I have hired two new Police Officers, replacing officers who have retired. We will have three fewer Police Officers than we had at the beginning of this fiscal year. The two new Police Officers will be starting next week in the Police Academy once they have passed their medical, physical agility and psychological examinations. ♦ The Town has been approved for a grant in the amount of$242,467 from the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation. The funds will be paid out approximately as follows: } FY2001 —50% less contingency - $97,500 Board of Selectmen Meeting=April 10, 2001 —Page 3 Hearing— Consideration of 4 Way Stop Sign=High Street and Middlesex Avenue— Selectman Matthew Cummings read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the notice was sent to residents within 300 feet of the intersection and everyone who signed the petition. The Town Manager noted that the staff had concerns about queing but the consultant's report showed no concern. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the existing signal has helped but more is needed. Residents Louise Debenedictis, Angela Change and David Corey spoke in favor of the four way stop sign. Resident Sheila Young noted that a sign is needed that says dangerous intersection. Safety Officer Joe Veno noted that the Police Department is not in favor of a four way stop sign because it doesn't meet the warrants. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on consideration of a four way stop sign at High Street and Middlesex Avenue was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve a four way stop sign at High Street and Middlesex Avenue was discussed and approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing= Amendiniz Fees — Town Clerk's Office, Plumbing; and Gas, Wiring — The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen requested the hearing before Town Meeting. He noted that most of the Clerk's Office fees are doubling, and in some communities plumbing and wiring fees are based on the value of the homes. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on amending the fees for the Town Clerk's Office and wiring permits was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to adopt the recommended fee changes for plumbing and gas as proposed in the Assistant Town Manager's list received on April 10, 2001 was discussed and failed by a vote of 2-1-0, with Cummings opposed. A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to adopt the recommended wiring and Town Clerk's fees as proposed in the Assistant Town Manager's list received on April 10, 2001 was discussed and failed by a vote of 2-1-0,with Cummings opposed. Police Department School Resource Officer—Presentation and Discussion—Acting Police Chief Bob Silva noted that the grant provides funding for a full-time Officer for three years. The grant is due May 11. The Officer would have to spend 75% of his time at the schools and we would have him the other 25% of the time which would help reduce overtime in the Summer. The Officer would have to be someone beyond the complement of what we have now. This item will be rescheduled for May 8, 2001. Appointment of Police Chief - The Town Manager reviewed the process for hiring the new Police Chief. He noted that he will make the announcement on April 18, 2001 and the Selectmen can confirm at their meeting on May 1, 2001.