HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-31 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
March 31, 1998
The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Bruce
MacDonald, Selectmen George Hines and Matthew Nestor, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Dick McDonald, Chip Cahonn, Janet
Latham, Bill O'Brien, Joam1 Nestor, Jay Dumar, Janet DePasquale, Len White, Jane Fiore, Carol
Rocco, Cynthia Richards, Joan Vitale, Nelson Burbank, Lorraine Salter, Paul Gorman, Brad
Latham, Bill Jennings, Alice Grau, Jackie Chipman, Eileen Barrett, Bill Brown, Ted McIntire,
Philip Vaccaro, Phil Boisvert, Tom O'Rourke.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Bruce MacDonald thanked everyone for voting.
He attended a meeting of the Police Station Building Committee.
Matthew Nestor thanked everyone for their votes.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
o The Board of Selectmen and the Reading Business Park Task Force met in joint
session to hear a presentation on the two proposals and to recommend a course of
action. Two weeks ago was the date for any additional information from either of the
proponents. That material has been copied and distributed to the RBP Task Force and
the Board of Selectmen. I have received calls from and met with several businesses
and from residents relative to the Home Depot proposal. The Chamber of Commerce
meets next week and will have comments on the proposals.
o The Board of Selectmen had a very successful joint meeting with the Police Station
Building Committee and residents who are interested in the design of the Police Station.
The Architect will be coming back with some modifications to reflect the requests made,
and this will be back before the Board of Selectmen in April for final design approval.
o Town Counsel has notified me today that we were unsuccessful in getting a stay in the
case of P&S Convenient Store relative to KENO. This means that if the Lottery
Commission gives them the go ahead, they may begin the KENO operation there but
at their own risk, if the Attorney General's Appeal of the Superior Court approval of
KENO at that location is successful.
o Lisa Palermo and Michael Wood have been appointed to the Fire Department, have
passed all of the necessary tests, and have started work through an in-house training
program. They will be sent to a Fire Academy when slots in the available Academy
become available, probably in the Fall.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 31, 1998—Page 2
The Town of Reading has received a grade of"A"on our recycling report card and,
of course, we are very pleased. Along with that grade comes a check of just over
$5000 to encourage further efforts at recycling. The Public Works Director advises -
that the heavy brush collection efforts last Spring have contributed to the 45%
recycling effort of the Town.
Several construction projects are underway here in Town Hall: 7 windows have been
sent out to be stripped, re-glazed with thermopane glass and re-hung, so—no—nobody
stole the window in my office. The HVAC work in the Fire Station has been virtually
completed, and is well underway here in Town hall.
Personnel and Appointments
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Nestor, the Board voted to name George Hines as the
Chairman of the Reading Business Park Advisory Committee. The motion was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation — Community Health Day— Cynthia Richards, Jane Fiore, Carol Fiocco and Joan
Vitale were present to receive the Proclamation.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation for
Community Health Day. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Swear in New Member—The Town Clerk swore in Matthew Nestor.
Appoint Town Accountant — On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to
appoint Richard P. Foley as Town Accountant for a term expiring 3-31-99. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Public Input Swimming Pool—Nelson Burbank, Lorraine Salter, Paul Gorman, Brad Latham and
Bill Jennings were present to review the plans for the swimming pool.
Tom O'Rourke noted that over 400 people were surveyed, and only one person was opposed to
the concept.
Dick McDonald noted that it was time that the Town be out of the pool business and get into a
partnership. It will be a top notch facility.
Jackie Chipman noted that the new pool will draw a lot of users and she is behind it 110%.
Phil Vaccarro noted that the Town couldn't have a better partnership. The swim team will have
use of the pool.
George Hines thanked everyone for coming out to speak.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 31 1998—Page 3
Amend Pay and Classification Plan — Supervisor of Parks Forestry and CemeterX — The
Secretary read the notice to open the hearing. Ted McIntire was present to discuss the position.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public
hearing on the amendments to the Pay and Classification plan. The motion was approved by a
vote of.4-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
amendments to the Pay and Classification plan included in the Board of Selectmen packets of
March 31" which adds the position of"Parks, Forestry,and Cemetery Supervisor." The motion
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Balsam Road/Maple Ridge Road Request for Stop Sign — Phil Boisvert noted that there have
been a lot of near misses at this intersection and a lot of cut through traffic.
George Hines noted that Balsam Road is the lighter traveled road, and that the stop sign is
ID
normally place on the lighter traveled road.
On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to pursue the establishment of a
stop sign at Maple Ridge Road and Balsam Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Review Svmonds Way Plans for Recreation Improvements —George Hines noted that a full size
diamond could go on that site without a firing range. If it is lighted, it will get double the use.
Camille Anthony noted that recreation and a firing range are not compatible.
Bruce MacDonald asked about the cost of Option 4 versus Option 6. The Board asked what the
time constraints at Camp Curtis are, and how many other communities have their own range.
The Board asked for more information on the costs, need for a range, conservation review and
recreation review.
Review of Warrant for Annual Town Meeting — The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for
the Annual Town Meeting.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of strategy with respect to litigation, and
Approval of Minutes not to come back into Open Session. On a roll call vote, all four members
voted in the affinnative.
Respe ully submitted,
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