HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes f
Board of Selectmen Meeting
March 9, 1999
The meeting convened at 7:05 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt,
Matthew Nestor (arrived late), Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following
list of interested parties: Len Rucker, Phil Pacino, Bill Burditt, Bill Hughes, Marty Schmidt.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussion of sale of real estate to come back into Open Session at 8:30 p.m. On a
roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
The Board resumed Open Session at 8:35 p.m.
Discussion/Action Items
Review Town Meetin- Warrant — Including RMLD — General Manager of the RMLD Len
Rucker, RMLD Board Members Phil Pacino, Bill Burditt and Bill Hughes were present to
discuss Article 10.
Len Rucker noted that this Article is to authorize debt for the new substation in North Reading.
The system is outgrowing the current substation on Causeway Road in Reading. The total cost
will be $10.5 million. The RMLD has $5 million in cash and will be bonding $5.5 million. The
RMLD will pay the cost of bonding. The new substation will add to the RMLD's net plant value
thus increasing the flow of payments to the Town.
Camille Anthony noted that she, Sally Hoyt, the Town Manager, Bill Burditt and Allan Ames
met to determine the CPI. It was decided that the all Boston area of 2.6 will be used.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 10. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Marty Schmidt, a neighbor to Eric's Greenhouse, was present to discuss Article 19. He noted
that this is a petition article to bring the Town regulations in parallel with the State regulations.
State law permits municipalities to impose a five acre minimum for agricultural business. He
noted that this is good for the community. Presently anyone could open a pig farm anywhere and
once that happens, it's too late. Mr. Schmidt noted that the intent is not to put Eric's out of
business but to restrict him from expanding. The regulation would not have an impact on Eric's
old lot but would have an impact on the new lot.
Sally Hoyt noted that there is a need in the community for Eric's business and that people enjoy
shopping there. She doesn't want to create a hardship for Eric's. Marty Schmidt noted that the
neighbors agree that Eric's provides a business but the integrity of the residential area is also
important.
Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—March 9, 1999—Page2
Camille Anthony noted that this is not spot zoning. Under this new regulation, any agricultural
business that has under five acres will have to get a special permit.
On,motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board voted to support the subject matter of Article
19. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager noted that Article 12 is to authorize acquisition of property on Summer
Avenue that is adjacent to the Parker Middle School. George Hines asked if it would be funded
in the FY 2000 Capital Improvements Program, and it was noted that it would. George Hines
asked the Board to consider the fact that the property would be available anytime and that funds
are very tight this year.
Article U is to reauthorize a revolving fund for compost bins. On motion by Hines seconded by
Anthony, the Board voted to support the subject matter of Article 13. The motion was approved
by a vote of 5-0-0.
Article 14 is to reauthorize the neighborhood improvements revolving funds. The Town
Manager noted that the money is received from cellular companies. The FY 2000 funds will be
used for the Police Station site.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to support the subject matter of
Article 14. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Article 15 is street acceptances of Lym-r Village Way, Roma Lane, Dividence Road, Parsons
Lane, Varney Circle and Anson Lane.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 15. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Article 16 is to authorize debt for the sewers for Walkers Brook Drive.`
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 16. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Article 17 is the approval of the FY 2000 budget. Sally Hoyt asked about trash fees. The Town
Manager noted that the Finance Committee had made a comment that the Board is on record as
not adopting a rubbish fee. George Hines noted that he never went on record of stating he would
never adopt a trash fee. Camille Anthony noted that she received a phone call from a citizen
who wants Pay As You Throw.
Article 18 is to change the date of the Election and Town Meeting. Camille Anthony asked if
Town Meeting would fall on school vacation week if this was passed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 9 1999—Page 3
Follow-up Discussion on Diversity in Reading — The Town Manager noted that his intent was
not to address specific issues in this discussion. He has spoken with the Reading Clergy
Association and the Town Managers in Belmont and Bedford. The Reading Clergy has
volunteered to help in any way they can. The Town Manager suggested that the Town should
secure a trainer in issues of diversity; consider training the entire workforce; work with
volunteers in the community and consider establishment of a standing body.
The Town Manager noted that the Town's Personnel Policy specifically states that: "The Town
shall maintain a working environment free from discrimination and harassment. Discrimination
or harassment of any individual by an employee of the Town in the performance of the
employee's duties, or in any way related to the employee's duties, or discrimination or
harassment of an employee by another employee is unlawful, prohibited and will not be tolerated
by`the Town."
The Town Manager noted that it would set a good example for the community leaders to receive
training in diversity.
George Hines noted that lack of diversity is not necessarily a bad thing -- what's bad is if people
harbor feelings of racism. He directed the Town Manager to prepare a letter from the Board to
the employees.
George Hines suggested that the Town Manager ask the real estate community how they deal
with diversity and see if they would sponsor diversity training.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of March 9,
1999 at 10:15 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respect It subm"Wd,
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