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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 28,2000 The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, lb Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Will Finch, Gina Snyder, Kerry Mackin, Bill Lavoie, Karen Burdick, Henrietta Marotta, Marie Velardo, Michael DiPeitro, John Parsons, Alan Foulds, Anna Carroll Foulds, Lois Carter, Nancy Eaton, Jim Hagan, Maria Silvaggi, Steve Conner, Steve Lewis, Dick Ogden, Gerry Horton, Shu Lan Lok, David Kwong, Gail Wood. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman George Hines noted that he attended an MMA Meeting regarding education financing and a meeting regarding school building construction reform. He has given the Board notes on both of these meetings. He also attended the Finance Committee Meeting last Wednesday. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she met with Town Counsel Ted Cohen, the Town Manager and Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor regarding legal services for FY 2001. CPDC voted to put both zoning changes regarding the landfill in one Article for the Special Town Meeting. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he felt there should be two different motions. Selectman Camille Anthony noted she also suggested that but CPDC feels that Town Meeting will get into politicizing the RFP process. Town Meeting could favor one over the other and if they vote down one, then we could be left with nothing. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended a meeting with Lincoln Property. A schedule has been set for the search for a Library Director. He thanked residents for their phone calls on the budget, and noted that he has received phone calls regarding the Police Station. He asked when the curbing and paving will be done, and noted that he has received complaints about the police vehicles being parked on Union Street. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he attended the meeting with Town Counsel regarding legal services. Their contract is up on June 30, 2000. Keegan, Werlin and Pabian want to fix the dollar amount at approximately 2% increase over last year with 1000 hours capped. We would have to pay an hourly rate over 1000 hours. Selectman George Hines suggested starting legal services review now because they are changing the terms. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested having the Legal Services Review Committee meet as soon as possible and enter into a short term contract. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he received a phone call from Bill Brown asking for his support to have another Proposition 2%i override put on the ballot. He indicated that he does - not support this. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Page 2 Public Comment — Gina Synder of 11 Jadem Terrace encouraged the Board of Selectmen to adopt the Ad Hoc Water Supply Committee's recommendation later this evening. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Compost Center opens April l st and will be opened Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in accordance with the schedule that is advertised on Channel 22. ♦ The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection program will be in Reading on May 20th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Reading DPW. ♦ The Spring Curbside Leaf Collection is the week of April 24th and May 8th on the collection day. ♦ Week of May lst is the Town's Annual Curbside Bulk Waste Collection Program. ♦ Selectmen's Forum—Is April 25th OK with the Board of Selectmen? ♦ Summerfest has requested to move from a Wednesday—Saturday event to a Thursday— Sunday event, with fireworks on Sunday night. ♦ The Board of Selectmen permitted me to participate as an evaluator in the Innovation in Government Awards Program. The process was a one day evaluation of 45 nominations, and was very enjoyable and educational. The stipend for this work was $170. ♦ Federal census forms have been mailed out. It is very important that residents return the census form to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are a number of effects of having an accurate count, including distribution of Federal funding, reapportionment of the Congressional and State legislative districts and redrawing of Town precinct boundaries. ♦ The Reading Cultural Council needs members. The authorized membership is 7 and there are now only 5. The Cultural Council distributes Arts Lottery funds in the amount of $10,500 annually. One of the current 5 members has to leave office in September and if at least this position is not replaced, the community will lose the funding. ♦ Mill and Short Street sewer project is out to bid, with construction taking place this Spring. ♦ The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee hearing on water and sewer rates is scheduled for April 12tH ♦ The new Police Station will be dedicated on April 8th at noon—tours will be conducted prior to the ribbon cutting. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition— Eagle Scout Edward Luddy, Boy Scout Troop 704 - On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Certificate of Recognition for Edward Luddy in recognition of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation—Forget-Me-Not-Week— Gerry Horton from the Disabled American Veterans was present to receive the Proclamation. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to declare the week of May 15-22, 2000 as Disabled American Veteran's "Forget-Me-Not-Week." The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Paye 3 Discussion/Action Items Hearing— Rename Streets C & H — Secretary George Hines read the legal notice. The Town Manager noted that the legal notice was sent to the residents on C and H Streets. The H Street residents would like to change the name to Ivy Way or Lane. The residents on C Street would like to change to Crocus or Cook Lane. The Board has received correspondence from John Parsons who indicates that the residents on the east side of Libby want to change but the residents on the west side of Libby do not want to change. Marie Velardo of 5 C Street noted that she is opposed to changing the name. She doesn't mind the name C Street. Karen Burdick of 10 C Street asked to at least change the name of her side of the street., John Parsons of 3 C Street noted that he would have to pay an attorney to change the deed, and that this could affect people who don't live on C Street if their property abuts property on C Street. Mr. Parsons also noted that he has never had a piece of mail misdirected. Henrietta Marotta of 9 C Street had concerns about the expense of changing the name. The Town Manager noted that all of the residents on H Street want to change the name to Ivy. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on renaming C and H Streets. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the renaming of C Street from Libby Avenue east as Crocus Lane. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the renaming of H Street in its entirety as Ivy Lane. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Town Manager's Participation on MITA Board of Directors —The Town Manager noted that he serves on the MIIA Board of Directors and it could be considered a conflict of interest. MIIA is our insurance company for workers comp, property and casualty, general liability, police and professional liability and health insurance. He does not get paid for serving on this Board. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to grant the Town Manager an exemption from Section 19(b) (1) of Chapter 268A, the State Conflict of Interest Law allowing him to serve on the MIIA Board of Directors. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing on Downtown Parking Regulations—This will be rescheduled. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Page 4 Final Report — Millennium Steering Committee — The Millennium Steering Committee Chairman Anna Foulds gave the final report. She noted that the goal was to give one day and night of celebration for New Year's Eve. That was done and a profit of about $21,000 was made. All money has been repaid to the 350th Trust. She is keeping $5,000 in the account until all of the books have been closed. The Millennium Steering Committee consisted of herself, Alan Foulds, Steve Crook, Mary Williams, Dick Stosez, Karen Sawyer, Alan Smith and Mary Hatfield. Mary Williams asked that the Board of Selectmen appoint a"Last Night 2000" Committee. She indicated that a lot of people believe the Millennium hasn't come yet. She wants to have a celebration in one of the school buildings on December 30th not on December 31st. It is easier to get talent, she wants to do fireworks, and it is cheaper on December 30th. She is asking that the profit that was returned to the 350th Trust be returned for this celebration. The Town Manager noted that a policy would have to be adopted, and the positions would have to be posted. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to start the process of adopting a policy and posting of the positions. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion on Depot Deed — The Town Manager noted that there has been a lot of correspondence regarding the building being open for the morning commute. He sent a letter --- dated February 18, 2000. He received a letter from Shu Lan Lok indicating that if the Town persists, he will have to get another buyer. David Kwong, the owner of the restaurant, and the property owner Shu Lan Lok were present. Mr. Kwong thought this matter was settled when the liquor license was renewed. This requirement was never enforced in the past so there was no reason to require it now. This would place a heavy financial burden on him, and he would have to ask for financial help from the Town and/or MBIA. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the term of the Deed is clear. The transfer of a liquor license is not the place to deal with this. Mr. Kwong asked for an extension so he could get an attorney. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the Board can hold a tenant responsible. Selectman George Hines noted that the liquor license requires that the Deed be adhered to. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the two can be tied together, and if the property owner could go back to the B &M and get it waived. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there are facilities available all along the line. Mr. Kwong noted that he spoke with the MBTA, and they indicated that Winslow's is the ticket agent and they provide the facilities. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Page 5 Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that Mr. Kwong purchased the property knowing what is expected and that it is not the tenant's responsibility, it is the property owner's responsibility. Jim Hagan, owner of the Reading Vacuum Cleaner Store, noted that there is no restroom in Wakefield or any of the other stops along the line. The MBTA should be responsible for providing a restroom outside. The Town Manager noted that the Deed does allow the owner to construct a restroom and waiting area. The consensus of the Board was to put this back on the Agenda in 60 days, to find out from Town Counsel if this requirement could be tied to-the liquor license, and to find out who can extinguish the Deed. Selectman George Hines asked for financial data on options. Review Water Supply Recommendations - The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen received a report last Fall, and he needs direction to go through with the recommendations. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Ad Hoc Water Supply Committee was formed to look at the issues. It has been a nine month process of developing criteria, interviewing experts, developing options and weights, look at assumed yield, review demand forecasts and costs, held public meetings and then developed the findings. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the recommendations are to have a combination of the supply come from the Ipswich River and supplement that with MWRA to meet peak demand during the dry seasons, to lessen the stress on the Ipswich River, to provide alternative source of supply, to implement a conservation program and renovate the Water Treatment Plant. They would like to begin negotiations with the MWRA, set up a timeline, work with Mass Highway to develop a wellfield protection measure, investigate storm water recharge strategies and the inter- basin transfer of water. Selectman George Hines asked what the interbasin transfer of water was, and Selectman Camille Anthony noted that it is taking water out of our basins and transferring it to Deer Island. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the costs for Ipswich/MWRA - $10.3 million; for MWRA alone- $15.7 million and for Ipswich alone- $6.9 million. Kerry Mackin, Executive Director of the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), noted that she supports Reading's initiatives and partial hookup to the MWRA but the amounts have to be sufficient. She noted that the State regulators are releasing a model of the river this week, and she urged the Selectmen to take a look at the model before making a decision on the amount of - volume. She indicated that more than .6 mgpd will be needed and recommends 1.5 — 1.7 mgpd is needed to accomplish our goals. Will Finch, Member of the Ad Hoc Water Supply Committee, noted that the Town has been looking at other options since the 1800's. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked why the Town hasn't changed, and the Town Manager responded because of quality and costs. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Page 6 Selectman Camille Anthony requested that our consultant give feedback on Kerry Mackin's request. Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted that a consultant is being hired to do a model of the current system. That will be done by June 1, 2000. He will have the recommendations on the storage issue by June 1, 2000 and noted that the Ipswich River issue is not Reading's alone—it is a regional issue. Gail Wood noted that cost was the issue in the past but that has changed. One oil spill almost wiped out our supply. The Town needs to be involved in a conservation effort. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the report of the Ad Hoc Water Supply Study Committee and that the Board of Selectmen direct the Town Manager to proceed with all measures necessary to implement the recommendations of this report, to report to the Board of Selectmen regularly on the progress of such actions, and to bring back to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting for approvals all actions that will require the expenditure of public funds. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Finalize Budget—Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the overtime numbers if positions are not filled. The Town Manager noted that there are no minimum requirements in Police or DPW. Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted that if the cut is made in the Highway Division, it will take longer to get work done. If the cut is made in Parks and Forestry, it will effect parks, school grounds, shade trees, etc. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Fire services by$14,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen vote to shift clerical to revolving funds in Recreation in the amount of$14,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate one half of a clerk in the amount of$11,500. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate zoning enforcement by reducing $12,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the motion to reduce zoning enforcement by $6,500. The motion to amend did not pass by a vote of 2-2-0, with Nestor and Cummings opposed. The main motion carried. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce overtime at the Compost Center by $4,200. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Nestor seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce the animal control budget by$10,000. The motion was not approved by a vote of 0-4-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting_March 28, 2000—Page 7 On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce animal control by$6,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Police through attrition and layoff in the amount of$90,000. The motion was not approved by a vote of 1-3-0, with Nestor, Cummings and Anthony opposed. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce one Firefighter by attrition by $33,000. The motion was not approved by a vote of 1-3-0 with Nestor, Cummings and Anthony opposed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce one DPW Laborer by attrition by$35,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce the Firefighter replacement salary savings by $14,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to charge $10,000 to the Police grant. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to offset the Elections budget with a grant for$6,400. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce the Veteran's Agent budget by$3,700. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce the ZBA Recording Secretary by$100. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce fire alarm maintenance by$2,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the Pay and Classification was an increase more than 2%. Town Manager noted that it was. The Town Manager also noted that the Board of Selectmen approved the Pay and Classification Plan last year and this is the second phase of the plan. On motion by Cummings seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce salary increases by $8,190. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate the Assistant Town Manager position at $50,870. The Town Manager noted that if this position is eliminated, the Board of Selectmen will lose the ability to address long-term, complex issues such as the landfill closure/sale, water supply, Pearson redevelopment. We will lose the Department Head for Human Services and Community Development. There will be a delay of Selectmen initiatives including Downtown parking garage, south Main Street beautification, etc. Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—March 28, 2000—Page_8 There will also be a lack of staff to work with volunteer committees on major projects (Reading Business Park, water supply, Spence Farm, Budget/FinCom). The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce the Assistant Town Accountant position by $7,762. The motion was not approved by a vote of 1-3-0 with Hines, Anthony and Nestor opposed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce expenses in personnel by$5,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Labor Counsel by $7,400. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce insurance claims/premiums by$10,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Professional Development by $4,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate the Reading Notes at$12,800. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to defer a police vehicle at $25,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate the street sweeper rental at$17,800. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce snow and ice by $12,000. The motion was not approved by a vote of 1-3-0, with Nestor, Cummings and Anthony opposed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce school parking lot maintenance by$10,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony,-the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce school grounds maintenance by$3,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to shift the property tax program to the Burbank Trust in the amount of$10,500. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate the Retreat in the amount of$500. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Page 9 -- On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to charge cemetery overhead and expenses the amount of$25,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce the Library budget by$10,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to charge overhead to water fringe benefits in the amount of$43,700. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to charge overhead to sewer fringe benefits in the amount of$28,100. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce fire alarm maintenance by$1,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce mileage in Community Development by$1,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce General Services expenses by$2,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to level fund veterans benefits by$500. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce technology consulting training by$2,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Dispatch expenses by $1,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to eliminate ballfield irrigation at Barrows in the amount of$10,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Town building maintenance by $10,000. The motion failed by a vote of 2-2-0, with Nestor and Cummings opposed. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce Town building maintenance by $7,500. The motion failed by a vote of 2-2-0, with Nestor and Cummings opposed. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to reduce street lighting by$7,200. The motion failed by a vote of 0-4-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 28, 2000—Page 10 Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted to the Board of Selectmen that the Pay and Classification Plan was endorsed by the Board of Selectmen last year. To fund part of it and then to stop is wrong. He asked that staff be allowed to look elsewhere for the money. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Board still needs to find $7,200 to cut but they would be open to hearing an alternative for the $8,190. On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of strategy with respect to the sale of real estate and litigation, not to come back into open session. On a roll call vote, Nestor, Anthony and Cummings voted in the affirmative and Hines voted in the negative. The open session was adjourned at 11:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secret;-Ow""