HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
March 23, 1998
The meeting was convened in Room 13, Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B. Lord Drive,
Reading, Massachusetts at 7:30 p.m. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman
Bruce MacDonald, Selectmen George Hines and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, resident Fred VanMagness, Library Director Deirdre Hanley.
The Town Manager reviewed options for dealing with the reductions in the municipal budget as
recommended by the Finance Committee. The Selectmen felt strongly that the Assistant Town
Manager position needed to be funded because of major initiatives being undertaken this year.
Camille Anthony was concerned about the capping of the increases in the Library salaries at
10%. Discussion took place with regard to the level of salary for the Assistant Town Manager,
and the Town Manager agreed that a $45,000 salary would be manageable for this position. It
was suggested that Line B8 — Community Development General Personnel - be reduced by
$3,000 to eliminate the Harvard Intern this year.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to add the Assistant Town
Manager at $45,000,'reduce Line B8 by $3,000, and fund the following new program requests at
the level as recommended by the Town Manager:
♦ Fully fund the step increase program but reduce the non-union salaries by $9,600
reflecting a 2.1% cost of living increase instead of 2.5%;
♦ Fund the increase in Library salaries (classification adjustment) at a 10% cap;
♦ Fund the Library acquisitions at a reduced level;
♦ Fund the full Police Officer;
♦ Fund some level of the Sergeant position.
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Deirdre Hanley was asked whether the Library
salary was manageable. She felt that they could live with the proposal.
The Board of Selectmen adjourned to the joint meeting with the School Committee and the
Finance Committee. This session was in progress. The Board took no further action at this
meeting and on motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Selectmen's meeting was
adjourned at 10:30 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
r:
,,secretary ,