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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 27, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Police Chief Edward Marchand, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Robert Nordstrand, Tom Ryan, Ralph Colorusso, Robert Marshall, Judith Junker, Anne Marie Rotondo, Karen Flaminia, Wiibar Hoxie, Mark Cardono, Sharlene Santo, Jerry Kaper, Edward Smethurst, Richard Schubert, Paul Frederick White, Christopher Vaccaro, Nancy Eaton, Mark Gillis, Anne Mark, Michael Pacillo, Douglas Greene. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that a Library Director has been hired from within. Her name is Kim Lynn and he wished her good luck. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Legal Services Review Committee is meeting on Thursday. She noted that this has been a difficult year for Sally Hoyt and thanked her for sticking with it. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor had no report. Chairman Sally Hoyt noted that Senator Richard Tisei is filing a bill regarding transportation. It will allow communities to make their own speed limits and limit heavy trucking. She attended the Masonic Anniversary on Sunday, and noted that Andrew Grimes was appointed to the Finance Committee. She raised $1500 for the M.D. lock up, and attended the CPDC meeting regarding Addison-Wesley. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report. ♦ Several employee positions will be reduced or eliminated effective this Friday due to budget constraints: A Principal Clerk in General Services will be leaving June 30th; The Zoning Officer will be leaving June 30th; The hours of the Veteran's Agent are reduced; The Animal Control Officer's hours have been reduced. ♦ The Library will be closed Saturdays beginning this Saturday(7-1-00) and continuing until Labor Day weekend. This is because of budget constraints. ♦ The RMLD new substation in North Reading is now "on line" on time and within budget — just in time for peak load. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27, 2000—Page 2 ♦ I have confirmed with Mass Highway that the guide rail on the northbound side of Main Street south of Summer Avenue is on the priority list to be replaced this Summer. ♦ DPW will be placing traffic counters on West Street within the next couple of weeks so that we will be prepared with the necessary data to institute heavy vehicle exclusions once the Industriplex Connector of I-93 and Commerce Way is completed, along with the connection of Commerce Way with Presidential Way in Wilmington and Woburn. ♦ DWP is doing paving work this Summer— Bancroft from Hartshorn northward is complete; Pine Ridge will be done this week; Pearl from Main to Franklin is under construction; John Street from Green to Haven is being prepared. These are all on this year's or last year's Capital Plan. Several other smaller streets will be done this Summer or next. All these projects are using DPW employees with a small amount of materials monies provided each year. ♦ We will be replacing drainage on Highland this Summer, and hope to repave it next year. The Summerfest schedule is from July 6th through July 9th. ♦ There are two gasoline storage license transfers that need the Selectmen's approval -- they are for the Exxon stations. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the license for three underground storage tanks at 136 John Street as follows: 2 gasoline tanks with a capacity of 6,000 gallons 1 gasoline tank with a capacity of 10,000 gallons The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the license for three underground storage tanks at 85 Main Street as follows: 3 gasoline tanks with a total capacity of 36,000 gallons The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen received information in their packet regarding the storm water report, and she asked if we were doing anything with it. The Town Manager noted that he will check with Engineering. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there was a gasoline spill on Sunday in Wilmington, and she noted that we have to get Mass Highway to do something about containment barriers on I-93. She spoke with Kerry Mackin from the Ipswich River Watershed Association, and noted that grant money is available. She also asked that this be put on the tracking form. Discussion/Action Items Board of Selectmen Reorganization—Chairman Sally Hoyt turned the meeting over to the Town Manager for reorganization. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board placed the name of Matthew Nestor into nomination for the position of Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2001, or until a successor is named. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27, 2000—Page 3 On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close nominations for the position of Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and Matthew Nestor was appointed Chairman. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board placed the name of George Hines into nomination for the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2001, or until a successor is named. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the nominations for the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and George Hines was appointed Vice Chairman. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board placed the name of Camille Anthony into nomination for the position of Secretary of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2001, or until a successor is named. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board voted to close the nominations for Secretary of the Board of Selectmen. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and Camille Anthony was appointed Secretary. Award of Bid — Sprint — The Town Manager noted that the Town took bids, and this bid is in conformance with the RFP. The award will be subject to submittal of the final plans. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve and award the bid for a cellular antenna license on the Auburn Street water tank to Sprint Spectrum, L.P., subject to the submittal of detailed construction plans for the premises. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Follow Up on the Station House re: Waiting Room—The representatives from the Station House Restaurant were not present. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen cannot tie conditions to the liquor license. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the owner was going to see if the requirement could be extinguished. It is not the tenant's responsibility-- it is the owner's. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if Winslow's was providing restroom facilities. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he didn't know and if they were -- it is not practical because they are across the street. He also noted that the owner has to enforce through the lease with the tenants. . Selectman Matthew Cummings asked what alternatives we had, and the Town Manager noted that we could take action in Superior Court. -`= Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if the MBTA had a policy on this because they might have an interest in it. The Town Manager noted that the MBTA is not involved -- the B&M was involved. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27, 2000—Page 4 Selectman Sally Hoyt asked if they would consider portable fixtures, and noted that in Scotland there are portable fixtures on the sidewalk. The Town Manager noted that the Deed allows for the owner to provide an alternative. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Deed also notes a waiting area, and he asked if we are required to enforce. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that if we put a business under, then nothing will be available. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Town cannot afford to go to court. He suggested sending a letter to the owner telling him to honor the Deed or get it extinguished. Chairman Matthew Nestor instructed the Town Manager to have Town Counsel research what action can be taken. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if the Town could call back the license before the due date. The Town Manager noted that the Town cannot do that unless they are in violation of the license, or in violation of State law. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Selectmen are contributing to the delay by approving the licenses. The Town Manager will follow-up with Town Counsel regarding what options the Board has. Discuss Retirement of the Police Chief — Chief Edward Marchand was present. The Town Manager noted that the law requires that Chief Marchand retire by his 65th birthday. Under the Town Charter, the Town Manager appoints the Police Chief with the Board of Selectmen confirmation. There are three options to choose from in hiring the Police Chief. One is the written civil service exam, the second is an assessment center, and the third is both a written exam and assessment center. Vice Chairman George Hines asked who would be eligible if we did just the assessment center. The Town Manager noted that it would be the people who are eligible to take the exam. There are two types of exam — a department exam and an open exam. The department exam is for the four lieutenants, and the open exam would be for anyone in the Commonwealth. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that some people can test well but cannot lead, and she asked the Chief for his thoughts about this. Chief Marchand noted that all four lieutenants are very capable and we are very lucky to have them. He suggested doing a pass/fail and an assessment center. We can put 50/50 on each. Civil Service will do whatever we want. Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that all four lieutenants are very well qualified, and she hopes to keep it closed to the community. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27, 2000—Page 5 Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if we can give preference to our own if it is an open exam. The Town Manager noted that the only preferences are veterans and 25 years or more of service. The - Town Manager noted that if it is open and the Reading lieutenants aren't at the top, then their names won't be on the list. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if any members of the department have taken the test before, and Chief Marchand noted that they have and they did well. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that if anyone has served as Acting Police Chief, then they will get merits for that also. Chairman Matthew Nestor instructed the Town Manager to put the issues of testing and internal vs. external on the next Selectmen's agenda. Personnel and Appointments Board of Assessors — The Town Manager noted that the term is vacant because Molly Ziegler left before her term expired. This is a joint appointment by the Board of Assessors and Board of Selectmen. Bob Nordstrand and Tom Ryan were present for the appointment process. The two Boards interviewed Ralph Colorusso and Robert Marshall for the position. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen and Board of Assessors placed the following names into nomination for one position on the Board of Assessors with a term expiring March, 2001: Ralph Colorusso and Robert Marshall. Mr. Colorusso received seven votes and was appointed. Council on Aging — The Town Manager noted that Raymond Cabot was interviewed last week for a Constable position and was not appointed. He is interested in a position on the Council on Aging. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Raymond Cabot. Mr. Cabot received four votes and was appointed. Cultural Council —The Board interviewed Judith Junker and Anne Marie Rotondo for positions on the Cultural Council. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Judith Junker and Anne Marie Rotondo. Ms. Junker received five votes and was appointed. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Anne Marie Rotondo, Ms. Rotondo received five votes and was appointed. Readin,Housing Authority The Board of Selectmen interviewed Karen Flammia for a position on the Reading Housing Authority. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27, 2000—Page6 On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Reading Housing Authority with a term expiring June 30, - 2005: Karen Flammia. Ms. Flammia received five votes and was appointed. Historical Commission — The Board interviewed Wilbar Hoxie, Mark Cardono, Sharlene Santo and Jerry Kaper for positions on the Historical Commission. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Historical Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Wilbar Hoxie. Mr. Hoxie received five votes and was appointed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination for three Associate positions on the Historical Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2001: Mark Cardono, Sharlene Santo and Jerry Kaper. All three members received five votes each and were appointed. Sign Review Board — On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Sign Review Board with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Leslie McGonagle. Ms. McGonagle received five votes and was appointed. Land Bank Committee—The Board interviewed Edward G. Smethurst for a position on the Land Bank Committee. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Land Bank Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Edward G. Smethurst. Mr. Smethurst received five votes and was appointed. Community Planning and Development Commission - The Board interviewed Richard Schubert and Paul Frederick White for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Richard Schubert and Paul Frederick White. Mr. Schubert received five votes and was reappointed. Board of Appeals — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he had concerns about reappointing the incumbents. He asked if their terms could be extended until the litigation is over. The Town Manager noted that the terms have to be for three years. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the suit is over the process and benefit of the Town. The Selectmen can shape the Board by who they appoint to it. If any Board does not fit, then change the members. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27 2000—Page 7 Selectman Matthew Cummings asked that the Town Manager ask Special Counsel's opinion on whether reappointment will in any way be construed as positive or negative in the suit. The Board of Appeals appointments were postponed until July 11, 2000. Board of Appeals Chairman Christopher Vacarro was present. He noted that the ZBA has a meeting on July 6'h, and he asked if these two members can vote. The Town Manager noted that they could not. Chris Vacarro noted that John Jarema has not been to a meeting in over one year. He would like to see John Coote reappointed. Solid Waste Advisory Committee = The Board interviewed Anne Mark for a position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2001: Anne Mark. Ms. Mark received five votes and was appointed. Conservation Commission — Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he is putting in a pool at his house and will have to go before Conservation so he will not participate in' the appointments for the Conservation Commission. He excused himself from the rest of the meeting, and turned the meeting over to Vice Chairman George Hines. Nancy Eaton, Mark Gillis, Douglas Greene and Michael Pacillo were present to be interviewed for positions on the Conservation Commission, Conservation Commission Chairman Nancy Eaton reviewed the issues that the Conservation Commission are dealing with. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he had concerns about how contentious issues are dealt with, and they could be handled more amicably. Nancy Eaton noted that not all individuals cooperate. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that Nancy Eaton has had confrontations with the Board of Selectmen individually and at Town Meeting. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Nancy Eaton does a lot but she gets complaints about how people are treated very rudely by the Conservation Commission, and applicants feel like they got"chopped off at the knees." Nancy Eaton noted that she has not treated applicants badly, and maybe the people who praise her don't tell the Selectmen about it. She noted that if the Selectmen do not want her, then they don't have to reappoint her, and the votes of the Conservation Commission are almost always unanimous. She would also be happy to rotate the Chair but nobody wants to be Chair. Conservation Commission Vice Chairman Mark Gillis noted that the Conservation Commission has the charge of being the educational authority and the enforcement authority. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 27, 2000—Page S Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Selectmen's issues are with Nancy Eaton not with the Conservation Commission. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the architects for the School Department were hesitant to go before the Conservation Commission for the Dividence Road project. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Nancy Eaton had made a comment before the meeting about the Dividence Road project that she wasn't going to vote for it. Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that she appreciates everything that Nancy Eaton has done but she needed to act in a more professional manner. The Board interviewed Mark Gillis, Douglas Greene and Michael Pacillo for positions on the Conservation Commission. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination for three positions on the Conservation Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2003: Nancy Eaton, Mark Gillis, Douglas Greene and Michael Pacillo. Nancy Eaton received three votes, Mark Gillis received four votes, Douglas Greene received three votes and Michael Pacillo received one vote. Ms. Eaton, Mr. Gillis and Mr. Greene were appointed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of June 27, 2000 at 11:30 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, - , Secreta ``