HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
January 14, 1997
The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony,
Secretary Bruce MacDonald, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Deirdre Hanley, Don Wood, David
Lee, John Silvaggi, Daniel Driscoll, Ed Marchand, Ted McIntire, Nancy Eaton, Bob Keating.
Town Manager's Report
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation for
Cerebral Palsy Week by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board agreed to meet next Thursday evening, if needed, in Executive Session regarding the
sale of real estate.
George Hines noted that the Metropolitan Planning Organization structure is being established.
Communities will elect three representatives from cities and three from towns. The Town of
Burlington is requesting Reading's support. The Town holds a position for a two year term.
Currently George Judge of Burlington is the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and Burlington
- would be the representative.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to support the nomination of
Burlington as a member to the Metropolitan Planning Organization by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Budget Discussion - The Town Manager reviewed the proposed FY '98 budget. He noted that
the revenues are a little bit more than $41 million, including $632,000 in sale of real estate funds.
The amount of state aid available will not be known until the Governor submits his budget on the
22nd of the month. The available revenues to date represent a$2.045 million increase or 5.24%.
Expenses - Major issues being addressed are implementation of the Pay and Classification update,
a focus on economic development, and restructuring of a couple of departments. The proposed
budget is based on the department's request including new programs. .The proposed budget is
$42,875,000. The Town Manager's recommended budget is the base budget without new
programs. The debt and capital improvement section of the budget represents a 12% increase.
This represents the first major debt for the Parker Middle School project.
Employee benefits represent a 4% increase. This includes a Health Insurance increase of 9.4%
based on expectation of additional hires especially in the School Department.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 14, 1997 - page 2
The process this evening will be to review the budget on a department by department basis, and
answer questions regarding the base budget. Secondly, the Board will focus on an understanding
of the new program proposals by the department. Thirdly, the Board of Selectmen will move
towards identification of priorities for new program requests.
The Budget Council meets on January 22, 1997 to review the revenue and identify the problems
in balancing the budget.
The Town Manager reviewed the budget. It was noted that we need to make allowances for
setting up a volunteer and employee training program, and the Town Manager noted that this will
be done but it probably will not require any cost.
General Services Department- The Board asked about the success of the Tax Work Program and
whether it was also being extended to the Schools. The Town Manager noted that it is being used
in the Schools and the program is very successful but there doesn't appear to require an expansion
of the program. The Board asked that the Property And Casualty Insurance Program be
evaluated - the increases seem too high. They also asked for a summary of School expenses that
are being paid by the Town. The Town Manager will get a copy of the Schedule 19. There was
discussion regarding the Grants Coordinator and how this program would work.
Employee Benefits - It was suggested that we should bid the Life Insurance Program - there may
be some better deals available. The Board also asked for what the amount of the county
assessment is.
Community Development - The Board suggested that the increase in the Mechanical Inspector's
salaries to bring them to the appropriate grade and step should be included in the base budget
without being considered a new program request. The Board suggested the economic
development fund should be added in the amount of$30,000 - $50,000 which would be used for
appraisals, a broker, and a marketing consultant.
LibraN - The NOBLE money includes money for two Coolidge terminals. This may change
based on discussion with NOBLE.
Department of Public Works - The Board discussed the sale of cemetery lots - specifically when
the Wood End Cemetery would be available.
Public Safety- The Police radio was determined to be a base budget item and not a new program.
The proposed budget would add one Crossing Guard at Lowell Street probably at High Street.
With regard to the request for a new Clerk, it was asked whether the Senior Tax Work Program
could provide assistance here. The need is for computer work for the Safety Officer, the
Detectives, and for training. Civil Service promotion exams have been given for Sergeant and
Lieutenants, and those eligible to take the exam are those within the department and depending on
the length of service and the position.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 14 1997 - page 3
Sally Hoyt asked about the possibility of adding a Fire Fighter versus increasing the overtime.
The overtime is created by time off to a major extent and, to a lesser extent, by fire and ambulance
emergencies. Increasing the number of Fire Fighters would decrease the overtime but not in equal
measure. George Hines expressed concern about the Assistant Fire Chief. He agreed with the
need for additional help but feels that it should not be at the executive level. Further information
was requested regarding what comparable departments have for administrative help, and at what
levels that help is provided. It was suggested that these issues should be discussed at a staff level
within the department. The transitional overtime process works somewhat but there still is not
the continuity. The Board wants an evaluation of the current approach.
Public Works - Camille Anthony discussed the need for sweeping the sidewalks downtown - Ted
McIntire noted that from April to November we have been doing that on an overtime basis, but
that we don't do it in the winter time. She also asked about turning street lights back on in the
dowtown area.
The Board agreed that they would submit to the Town Manager their ratings of the new program
requests, and the Town Manager would make modifications in the budget based on that.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to adjourn at 10:55 p.m. on a
vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secr ary