HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-01 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
May 1, 2001
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, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Police Chief Bob Silva,
Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties. Bill Brown, Phil Pacino, Pat and Victor
Medina, Steve Sliwosky, Wendy and Eric Coyne, Bill Hughes, Sally Hoyt, Allan Ames, Kathy
Greenfield, Linda Phillips, Thomas Ryan, Gladys M. Jones, David Swyter, Dan Halloran, Ron
Wood, Paul Dustin, Jack Downing.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about
communication with Boards, Committees and Commissions. He suggested that the liaisons
facilitate communication.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked when the Trust Fund Commissioners would be coming
back to the Selectmen and if Selectmen goals would be on the Agenda before Summer.
Chairman George Hines noted that he attended the Trust Fund Commissioner's Meeting last
week and they are brainstorming and doing research. As Chairman, he will work on goals and
liaison assignments, and will be working with the Town Moderator regarding a requirement that
instructional motions be given ahead of time at Town Meeting.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Town Manager noted that FEMA will be in Reading on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. relative to the flooding. Residents are encouraged to attend. The SBA will also be here
for business owners.
♦ The Town Manager also noted that Summer Avenue construction starts on Monday. The
project is paid for from Chapter 90 monies.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation—Arbor Day—A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to proclaim April 27,
2001 as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Appoint Member to RMLD Board—with RMLD Board— The Town Manager noted that this is
to fill a vacancy that was created by the resignation of Bill Burditt before his term expired. A
majority vote of six will be needed to appoint.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 1. 2001 —Page 3
Options to prevent this are to remove the facilities from the basement, use a test ball or install a
back flow preventer. The Town has an ongoing infiltration/inflow program, have completed the
construction of main sewers in the areas of Walkers Brook Drive and New Crossing Road, and
sealed approximately 16,000 feet of clay pipe.
The Town Manager noted that the issue is people pumping into an overworked sewer system.
The Town Manager noted that FEMA will assist with backflow devices.
Chairman George Hines asked if the Town cleans up sewer backups. The Town Manager noted
that the Town is not certified to do cleanup but could perhaps help with the cost of clean up.
Insurance will not cover sewer backups.
Steve Sliwosky of 18 Larch Lane noted that there are no procedures or policies in place for
sewer backups, and feels that sewer backups should take priority over flooding. He suggested
that the Town mail out flyers to residents. He also noted that FEMA did come out and he
received a check for $2700. Ted McIntire noted that area was checked and there was no
blockage.
Pat Medina of 570 Franklin Street noted that Winchester was handing out plugs to people who
had a problem.
Eric Coyne of 176 Grove Street noted that Jane Fiore sent out health flyers but the plumber told
him to get a shot for hepatitis.
Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the Town or the MWRA is liable. The Town Manager
noted that it is beyond the control of the Town or MWRA and that is why FEMA gets involved.
Selectman Matthew Cummings requested the estimated cost to perform pumping service over the
past two storms.
Confirmation of Appointment to Police Chief— The Town Manager reviewed the process for
hiring the new Police Chief.
Bob Silva noted that the process was open and fair. His primary goals include traffic control,
control the use of sick time, reassign duties to the Sergeants due to layoffs, quality control in
handling complaints, sorting out problems in the Dispatch area and work with other departments
to share resources and experiences. He is looking forward to serving on the Human Relations
Advisory Committee.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he had concerns regarding ongoing issues at the Police
Department and he commends Chief Silva for dealing with the issues up front. The comments
he has received from people are that we couldn't have a finer candidate and he agrees. The
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community expects trust and he thinks that trust is well founded.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 1, 2001 —Page 5
A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on a Beer and Wine License
for Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant at 76 Haven Street in Reading was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the Beer and Wine License for Bangkok
Spice Thai Restaurant located at 76 Haven Street in Reading expiring December 31, 2001 and
subject to the following conditions:
1. Section 3.3 of the Board of Selectmen Policies — Sale of Beer and Wine in Restaurants,
all Zoning and other Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are adhered to;
2. All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall
be trained in TIPS or an equivalent program on the effective date of this license, and new
employees shall be trained within 3 months of being hired, and the operator of the
establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this condition has been
met;
3. There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises.
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to approve the minutes of their meeting of March
13, 2001 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of their meeting of March
27, 2001 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Schubert abstaining.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of their meeting of March
28, 2001 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of their meeting of April
10, 2001 was approved by a vote of 4-01, with Wood abstaining.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of their meeting of April
17, 2001 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to adjourn their meeting of May 1, 2001 at 10:55
p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary