HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 11, 2001
The meeting convened at 7:00 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, Fire Chief Emergency Management Director Greg Burns, Police
Chief Robert Silva, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Health Service Administrator Jane Fiore, Paul
Feely from the Chronicle, Nadine Wandzilak from the Advocate.
Chairman George Hines opened the meeting by indicating that the regular business meeting of
the Board of Selectmen had been cancelled this evening out of respect for those who died in the
terrorist activities today. He asked the Town Manager to brief the Board of Selectmen on
security activities taken in Reading.
The Town Manager indicated that the Town's first responsibility was to the safety of the
residents of Reading, and might have additional responsibility to respond to request for
assistance from other communities. The Town is not expecting any problems related to the
terrorist activities of today that took place in New York and Washington but the emergency
management staff have met and taken the following actions.
1. Mobilized additional public safety staff, with the ability to mobilize more if needed.
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2. Increased protection of water and sewer systems and other utilities upon which
the community relies.
3. Taken additional precautions to safeguard emergency communications and all
of the support systems needed to deal with public safety issues.
4. Provide additional security to all public facilities.
Additionally, the Superintendent of Schools advised the Town Manager this afternoon that he
has met with all top administrative staff and handed out an information sheet on how to deal with
students who may be experiencing anxiety related to these incidents. All teachers and
administrators will meet early tomorrow for an update on the situation and how it affects our
children.
The Town Manager indicated that the community will continue this level of vigilance as long as
needed to ensure the safety of the community and its residents. At the same time, all public
services will continue to be provided. The Town Manager noted that he has had the flag on the
Common lowered to half staff out of respect for the countless number of people who have died
in these incidents.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 11, 2001 —Page 2
The Board complimented staff on having emergency management plans available and activating
them. Selectman Gail Wood suggested that the Town might want to take advantage of the
emergency management training available through FEMA at the Emetsburg, Maryland
Academy.
There being no further business, the Selectmen adjourned their meeting of September 11, 2001 at
7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary