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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 19, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Sally Hoyt and Matthew Cummings (arrived at 8:30 p.m.), Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Library Director Kimberly Lynn, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian, Town Accountant Richard Foley, Building Maintenance Director Rick Barrett, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gerry MacDonald, Bill Brown, Lewis White, Paul Feeley, Linda Philips, Kathy Guyott, Kim Honetschlager, Virginia Adams, Clayton Jones, Roberta Sullivan, Bob McCarthy. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman George Hines offered Season's Greetings. Selectman Sally Hoyt had no report. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Town Manager's review needs to be done. It will be done on either January 23 or January 30, 2001. She asked about the conversion to new Legal Counsel, and asked what would happen to the Keeno license at the convenient store that is moving. The Town Manager noted that when the convenient store moves out of Town, the license expires. Public Comment--Bob McCarthy, Representative for the Northeast Regional Vocational school, presented calendars for the new year to the Board of Selectmen. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager noted that there are three families of beavers living in Town and the family in the Track Road area is a problem. The Conservation Commission will be acting on an emergency order tomorrow night. ♦ The Town Manager met with the new Executive Director of the Reading Housing Authority. They have bid the construction of a modular home that will be located at the lot on Pleasant and Wilson Street. ♦ As of January 1, 2001, there will be a change in Legal Counsel. The Town Manager met with Ted Cohen on Friday, and Ted Cohen will be meeting with Brackett & Lucas to turn things over. The Letter of Agreement is on the Selectmen's Agenda for January 91h, and they will be coming in on January 30th to give an update. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 19, 2000—Page 2 Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Librga After Hours Position — Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that this item was previously on another agenda. The Town Manager noted that the Library received a grant to provide after hours services. This is not an overtime situation. This position will be considered as a temporary employee. The term "conditional employee" will be added to Section 3.6.3 of the Personnel Policies. This position will be added to the seasonal pay schedule. Library Director Kimberly Lynn noted that this position provides for after hour service in the mornings, evenings and some holidays. There has been an increase in business. She noted that the toll free number is 1-866-REFONCALL. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that this position is paid for by a grant. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on the amendments to the Personnel Policies. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the proposed amendments to Sections 3.6.3 and 6.2.3 of the Town of Reading's Personnel Policies. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearine — Parking Regulations — Oakland Road at Reading: Memorial High School — Secretary - Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Board had questions at the previous hearing so it was rescheduled. The Town Manager noted that mostly teachers park in this location. Eight cars park there and there is adequate parking onsite. The Principal of the High School indicates that one hour in the morning on Monday through Friday would be sufficient. It is a safety issue and he recommends proceeding. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about afternoon pick up, and the Town Manager noted that there is not so much of a problem in the afternoon. Selectman Sally Hoyt asked if it would affect evening meetings, and it was noted that it would not. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on the parking regulations on Oakland Road at the Reading Memorial High School. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 5, Section 13 "No parking — Drop off zone, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m." on Oakland Road from the north driveway to the front entrance to the Reading Memorial High School•to the crosswalk. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meetin)z—December 19, 2000—Page 3 Acceptance of Gift from AT&T— Open Space Plan Printing - The Town Manager noted that the Open Space Committee received a grant from AT&T to print the Open Space Plan. Unfortunately, the donor was not present. Kim Honetschlager of 51 Mill Street noted that the draft plan was sent to the departments and she is waiting for a letter of support from the Selectmen. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if it would be of value to have a hearing to show the difference from the last plan, and Ms. Honetschlager noted that the Open Space Advisory Committee held a hearing in November and nobody came. She said it would be helpful to notify the press that the plan is available at the Library. The consensus is to have a hearing at the Board of Selectmen's January 9th Meeting to highlight the changes being made. FY 2002 Budget — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian, Town Accountant Richard Foley and Building Maintenance Director Rick Barrett were present. The Town Manager noted that the custodian salaries have gone up and down. Dr. Harutunian noted that the original budget had contract services for the new Police Station. The Police Chief decided he wanted Town employees to clean so the salary account was reduced in FY 2002 and moved to maintenance of buildings. Dr. Harutunian noted that $56,000 of the $105,000 maintenance of buildings account covers the cleaning of the four Town buildings. Rick Barrett noted that the remainder is used for maintenance such as replacing broken windows, electrical services and other miscellaneous items. Dr. Harutunian noted that the original contract had three buildings in it, and the fourth building was added after the contract so an additional $7,000 was needed. The new company is charging an additional $7,000 so this budget will have a$14,000 shortfall. Gerry MacDonald of 9 Bear Hill Road indicated that if it costs $25,000 to clean the Police Station, then we could pay a full-time person for the same amount that we pay a part-time person under contract. Selectman Matthew Cummings arrived at 8:30 p.m. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked how much we are paying per square foot, and Rick Barrett indicated he would have to look into it. The Town Manager noted that in comparing employees versus contracted, it was $2500 less the first year to contract it out. We have used contract services for the past 10 years. Dr. Harutunian noted that the bids were advertised extensively. The company that we were using chose to not bid forward. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 19, 2000—Page 4 Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that she feels the School Department should concentrate on education, and the building maintenance should come under the Town Manager. Dr. Harutunian noted that he is not an elected person, and that would have to be taken up with the School Committee at a Financial Forum. Rick Barrett noted that some of the buildings are in terrific shape. The Barrows School is scheduled for renovations so he won't put a lot of money into it. The west side Fire Station is tired. At the Library, handicap doors were put on, electrical work was done and new carpet will be put in. The Town Manager noted that Town staff will be working with building maintenance on the carpets.because it is a capital item. The Town Manager noted that a program needs to be set in place for roof and HVAC replacements. Gerry MacDonald asked if we are protected if S & J doesn't keep the contract, and Rick Barrett noted that we have a performance bond on them. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that there is $15,000 in the Human Services budget for building maintenance, and the Town Manager noted that is for the office, not maintenance. Dr. Harutunian noted that it is difficult to project gas and oil prices and there are a lot of variables. He noted that he contacted the gas vendor two weeks ago and they offered $.86/therm, so he locked in at that price which is a $22,000 savings over the price that was given four weeks ago. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked for the year to date on the gas bill, and Rick Barrett noted that he could get the end of October billing. Dr. Harutunian noted that he is proud of the accomplishments of the young people, and asked the Board of Selectmen to post a sign to recognize the students accomplishments; i.e., Super Bowl champs, drama champions. The Board indicated they would consider this. Historical Commission re: Police Station - Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Historical Commission notified the Board of Selectmen that the "old" Police Station is on the Registry of Historic Places. The Town has received a favorable bid to demolish and that bid needs to be awarded this week. He noted that this building has been under consideration for demolition for a long period of time and there has been much deliberation, and also noted that this raises the point relative to the Demolition Bylaw, and the Historical Commission coming up with identification of historical places at the 11th hour. Historical Commission Members Clayton Jones, Virginia Adams and Roberta Sullivan were present. Historical Commission Chairman Clayton Jones asked that the Board of Selectmen reconsider the reuse as a parking lot. Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—December 19, 2000—Page 5 The Town Manager noted that the Town has advertised for bids for demolition and we have already spent $30,000 for asbestos removal. It was his understanding that the "old" Police - Station was not on any list, and the Town has received $50,000 from Danvers Savings Bank to demolish the "old" Police Station. The bid uses the full amount and he is concerned that if we don't demolish, then we will have to pay$50,000 back to Danvers Savings Bank. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that all of the issues raised have been discussed at some length. Delays will have a financial impact and the decision is beyond the reversible point. Virginia Adams noted that it is "beyond reversible" after the building is torn down. She noted that she has received a letter from someone suggesting affordable housing and someone from the Reading Housing Authority has shown interest. She also noted that the Commission can vote at anytime to release the property if it cannot be saved. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that there will be a financial impact after December 21, 2000. Clayton Jones noted that was hypothetical, that conditions have changed in the past three years and the need for parking has changed. Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that she feels preserving historic buildings is important to the Town, and she wants to wait and go through the process. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Historical Commission will rule on the demolition delay tomorrow night, and the Town Manager has to award or reject the bids on December 21, 2000. Clayton Jones noted that the State grant for parking lot has been rejected twice, and he feels the Town will be stuck with a temporary parking lot. The Town Manager noted that the State wants a clear site before it will award a grant. Virginia Adams requested the Board of Selectmen to direct the Town Manager to not accept the bids on December 21, 2000, Vice Chairman George Hines noted that there has already been a three year delay and he urges the Historical Commission to not invoke the delay. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he appreciates the work of the Historical Commission but there has been three years worth of discussion to dispose of the "old" Police Station and turn the property into a parking lot. He noted that the Town does not have the resources to delay for six months, and also noted that there are historical reasons to keep the "old" Police Station, but there are not practical reasons. Clayton Jones noted that there are two portions of the "old" Police Station. One part was built in 1930 and the other in 1978. He suggested demolishing the newer portion and use that for parking and rehab the older portion. The Town Manager noted that the building needs a lot of work and there has been no interest in the building. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the process of going out to bid is overwhelming and the Town doesn't have the money to mothball a building. Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—December 19, 2000—Page 6 The Town Manager noted that some parts of the building such as stairs and architectural features will be saved. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there should be a time line for invoking the Demolition Bylaw. Virginia Adams noted that they found the building on the State inventory when the Selectmen asked the Historical Commission to start an inventory for the Town and that is why there was lag time. Vice Chairman George Hines indicated that a majority of the Board of Selectmen want the Historical Commission to not invoke the demolition delay so that the Town could take advantage of the financial opportunity. FY 2002 Budget — The Town Manager noted that we are $2,968,000 short of balancing the budget, and the budget assumes using $800,000 in capital. He also noted that if we use $600,000 in free cash to balance the budget, then there will be $216,000 left in free cash. The Selectmen will meet on January 10, 2001 to make a decision on the budget. Approval of Minutes On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of September 18, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of November 21, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of November 28, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of November 30, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of December 5, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of December 12, 2000, as amended. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of December 19, 2000 at 10:20 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Resptectfully submitted, I ,a y r € Secretary }