HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
a` March 16, 1999
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt,
Secretary Matthew Nestor, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Personnel Administrator
Carol Roberts, Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Rose DeGiorgio, David
Proch-Wilson, Gladys Montgomery Jones, Nancy Eaton, Gina Snyder, Daniel Forsythe, Bethann
Matathia, George McPherson, James & Jeanette O'Rourke, Edward Wright, David Santomenna.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussion of the sale of real estate and approval of minutes to come back into Open
Session at 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative.
The Board came back into Open Session at 7:37 p.m.
Chairman Bruce MacDonald announced that the Board has been considering a draft Letter of
Intent for lease of the landfill. This is a non-binding step and although Corporex will put up
550,000 now in good faith, this will have to go to Town Meeting. Chairman Bruce MacDonald
noted that George Hines is not present, and he read George's letter of support into the record.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to authorize the Town Manager to enter
into the Letter of Intent with Corporex in substantially the same fore as the one reviewed in
Executive Session. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Camille Anthony noted that April 24, 1999 is
Earth Week. Earth Day and Community Day will be combined.
Matthew Nestor reminded everyone that Tuesday is Election Day. He has received calls on
diversity.
Sally Hoyt noted that she attended the EMARC Dedication last Wednesday on Gould Street.
She met with the RMLD Subcommittee, Camille Anthony and the Town Manager and the 2.6
formula was agreed upon.
Bruce MacDonald reminded everyone that the Budget Council is meeting on March 18, 1999 at
7:15 p.m. in the Parker Middle School. He noted that Peter has drafted letters regarding diversity
and training, and these letters will be sent to elected Boards, Committees and Commissions and
all employees.
� Public Comment—There was no public comment.
I
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 16, 1999—page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Assistant Town Manager gave the following report:
e The Health Division did an excellent job on the Health Fair.
♦ He is celebrating his six month anniversary with the Town.
♦ Public Works will be starting their street sweeping program on April 5th.
Personnel and Appointments
Conservation Commission — The Board interviewed Daniel Forsythe and Bethann Matathia for
one position on the Conservation Commission.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to place the following names into
nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission for a term expiring Julie 30, 2001:
Daniel Forsythe, Michael Pacillo and Bethann Matathia. Bethann Matathia received four votes
and was appointed.
Chairman Bruce MacDonald suggested that Daniel Forsythe consider an Associate position on
the Conservation Commission.
Proclamations/ Certificates of Appreciation
Certificate of Appreciation — Jay Gallagher of Troop 702 — On motion by Nestor seconded by
Hoyt, the Board voted to approve a Certificate of Appreciation for Jay Gallagher of Troop 702 ,
achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Award Bond Anticipation Notes—Finance Director Beth. Klepeis was present to review the Bond
Anticipation Notes. She noted that the notes totaled $8.4 million- $2.4 for the Police Station and
$6 million for Coolidge Middle School. Bank of Boston is the winning bid.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
issuance, sale and delivery of$8,400,000 Bond Anticipation Notes (Municipal Purpose Loan of
1999) of the Town of Reading. Said Bond Anticipation Notes shall be dated March 25, 1999 and
shall mature on January 13, 2000. There will be one note, issued by means of a book entry
system. The Board of Selectmen approves the acceptance of the bid of Bank of Boston and
designates State Street Bank and Trust Company as Note Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying
Agent. The winning bid to purchase the notes was a 3.50 interest rate, with a premium of
$29,171.52. The net interest cost (NIC) was 3.0659%. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
Review Acquisition Options for Land on Mill Street — The Assistant Town Manager noted that
he had met with Camille Anthony, Sally Hoyt, the Town Manager and David Santomenna from
the Trust for Public Land regarding the acquisition of a parcel of property off of Mill Street.
This is the only privately owned parcel of land along the Ipswich River in Reading.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 16, 1999—page 3
- , David Santomenna noted that the Trust for Public Land is a private non-profit organization that
acts as a facilitator in real estate transactions. The site is the object of a subdivision plan that is
currently before the Town. If the Town is interested in the property, he would enter into
negotiations with the developer. The value is approximately $800,000 and it could be developed
into seven lots. The Town could qualify for Self Help Grants and Open Space Grants. The
deadline for applying for a grant through the State is June and the result would be announced in
October.
Gladys Montgomery Jones, President of the Friends of the Reading Historic Preservation noted
that this site has historical and environmental significance.
Camille Anthony noted that it was important that the other three Selectmen have a site visit.
The Board directed the Assistant Town Manager to work with David Santomenna to work out
what funding is available and to arrange for a site visit.
Appeal from Street Regulations—South Street— The homeowners, James and Jeannette
O'Rourke were present. The Town Manager noted that the Town regulations allow a maximum
curb cut of 24 feet for driveways. The O'Rourkes expanded that curb cut and paved the tree
lawn.
James and Jeannette O'Rourke noted that they paved the area because it was originally stone.
The water drainage is eroding their driveway. It is also a very dangerous intersection. They are
f asking the Board for a variance or need to know what to do to come into conformance.
Camille Anthony noted that all that has changed is the medium, it's gone from rocks to hot top.
She asked why 24 feet is the maximum. The Town Manager noted for safety and aesthetic
reasons.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to deny the request for a variance at
148 South Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Board directed the O'Rourke's to work with Public Works to come into compliance.
Approval of Plaques — Washington Park — Ed Wright was present representing the Mudville
Gang. He noted he had sent the Board a letter with the history of Mudville and a diagram of the
plaques and a plot plan. There will be two 8 X 10 plaques honoring the Doucettes installed on
rocks near the flag pole. The larger plaque with the history of Mudville would go on a rock
between the two oak trees near the children's playground.
George McPherson noted that they would like to name the walkway "Doucette Walkway" and
possibly add benches and shrubbery. The Town Manager noted that the Town would want to
approve the benches and shrubbery.
The Board approved of the work with a safety review by Town staff.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 16, 1999—page 4
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the wording of the Mudville
plaques as presented by Edward Wright. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion — Pay and Classification Plan — FY2000 — Personnel Administrator Carol Roberts
was present to review the plan. She noted that the study is done every two years. It is done in
two pieces —to look at the job descriptions and the survey surrounding towns. There are a total
of 73 positions. Four positions will be eliminated and 32 positions will change grade affecting
108 non-union employees.
Camille Anthony suggested in the future raising the salary instead of the grade, so that we don't
outgrow the salary schedule. The Town Manager noted that he didn't want to increase everyone
when half of the employees are already being paid right.
The Town Manager noted that they tried to be sensitive about costing—the cost will be $40,000.
The Board directed the Town Manager to schedule a hearing in April.
Continue Review of Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the remaining
Articles.
Article 20 is to re-divide the property at Wood End Cemetery. On motion by Hoyt seconded by
Anthony, the Board voted to approve the subject matter of Article 20. The motion was approved
by a vote of 4-0-0.
Article 21 is to accept a parcel of land on Van Norden Road. On motion by Anthony seconded
by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the subject matter of Article 21. The motion was approved
by a vote of 4-0-0.
Article 22 is to vacate a sewer easement. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board
voted to approve the subject matter of Article 22. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Article 23 is to convey or abandon the gravel easement on Grove Street. The Board asked for
more inforination on this Article.
Article 24 is to amend the 1997 vote regarding the landfill. On motion by Nestor seconded by
Hoyt, the Board voted to support the subject matter of Article 24. The motion was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
Establish Town Manager's Compensation for FY2000 —Camille Anthony noted that the Finance
Department has asked that the car allowance be part of the base salary. She also noted that the
Town Manager wants disability insurance, but he will deduct it from his salary.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted that the compensation package for
the Town Manager for FY2000 be set at $94,255 which includes the car allowance and a 3.8%
increase. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 16, 1999—page 5
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of their
meeting of February 9, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the minutes of their
meeting of March 2, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of March 16,
1999 at 10:45 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
e etar
Y