HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
February 18, 1997
The meeting was convened at 7:36 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, lb Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony,
Secretary Bruce MacDonald, Selectman Sally Hoyt (Dan Ensminger joined the quorum at 7:45
p.m.), Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Nancy
Eaton, Bill Brown, Ted McIntire, Peter Tassi.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the Board approved the minutes of the meeting of
January 14, 1997 as amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board approved the minutes of the meeting of
January 28, 1997 as amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Sally Hoyt had no comment.
Bruce MacDonald had two issues -the Howard Street group has contacted him with regard to the
-- PRD amendment. They've sent a card of appreciation for the work that the Board has done on
this issue. With regard to the Police Station siting process, there may be some misunderstanding
with regard to the process. The process has been very open, but a lot of work has been done in
Executive Session regarding purchase of real estate. A decision has now been arrived at, and the
Board continues to be very open in this process.
Camille Anthony announced Community Day in the month of June, kicked off by the June 1
Community Day. The end of June will be the Summerfest. Organizations can join this effort.
March 1 is their next meeting.
Dan Ensminger reported that the Reading Business Park Task Force has met regarding packaging
data for the landfill sale and marketing. It has been recommended that a due diligence package
and RFP be done together and that the RFP be put "out on the street" right after Labor Day. This
would be on target with the goal of selecting a developer by the end of 1997. The Town has
received a letter from Modern Continental regarding availability of clay material. The Town can
also get over burden material that can be used for compacting.
George Hines noted that the Town of Reading is in good shape with regard to the landfill sale.
He offered the Selectmen's congratulations to the Reading Memorial High School Hockey Team
for a perfect league season. Dan Ensminger also noted that the RAMS Track Teams did their
usual outstanding job this year.
Public Comment-There was no public comment.
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Board of Selectmen Meeting,-February 18, 1997 - page 2
Town Manager's Report
There was no Town Manager's report.
Discussion/Action Items
Review of Water Taste Issues - Peter Tassi and Ted McIntire appeared before the Board of
Selectmen relative to water taste issues. They reviewed a packet of material that was submitted
to the Board - this is the material that was part of the RFP for water quality consultants. Staff
noted that the raw and finished water is tested. Also the Ipswich River water is tested. Four
consulting firms are being considered and the work will take six to eight weeks to complete.
Bruce MacDonald noted that residents who have complaints should continue to call so that we
can keep record of time and the location of the complaint. Dan Ensminger asked if residents
could collect samples and it was noted that the Town would need to do this in order to make sure
that the sampling was done properly.
Ted McIntire noted that there appeared to be a direct connection from the Town Forest well to
the Ipswich River and this was initially considered as part of the problem. Dan Ensminger asked
about bacterial tests, and McIntire noted that they are done weekly throughout the system. It is
not uncommon to have a positive test in the well, but there is no positive results in the finished
water. Camille Anthony asked if there is a correlation of the taste problems to the opening of
wells 2, 3 and 15. McIntire noted that the initial complaints were before well 15 pump tests were
done. Wells 2 and 3 were on-line. McIntire noted that the initial complaints were "swampy
taste." It was felt that this was related to the Town Forest well direct connection to the Ipswich
River.
Bruce MacDonald asked how many complaints we are getting, and it was noted that we are
logging five to seven per week. Ted McIntire notes that the calls do help us to determine where
the problem is. Bruce MacDonald asked if this kind of a taste problem is unusual. McIntire noted
that the consultants have done a lot work in this area and it is not terribly unusual. George Hines
asked if there is a connection between the maintenance on one of our storage tanks and the taste
problems. It was noted that the complaints started before the water tank that was being painted
came back on line.
Camille Anthony asked if we've talked with the Ipswich River Watershed Association and whether
there are other problems in the basin. McIntire indicated that we had not but one of our
consultants, D.L. Maher, has contact throughout the basin. We've also contacted the
Beverly/Salem water plant and they provided us with some help. They draw from the river only
from November to January to fill their reservoir. George Hines asked what the consultant will be
able to do that we can't do. McIntire noted that they will be able to bring together scientists and
chemical engineers to resolve the problem. Their work should take six to eight weeks to
conclude. The consultants will be selected next week in accordance with procurement laws.
Board of Selectmen Meeting -February 18, 1997- page_3
George Hines noted that it would be a good idea to have updates periodically on the Board of
Selectmen Agenda, or at least reports to the Board of Selectmen in their packets. Camille
Anthony asked that any changes be reported. She asked if we could supply the Town's water
without the Town Forest well and it was noted that we can at this time of year. Bruce MacDonald
asked if we had tested for volatile organic chemicals and it was noted that we do test for those.
Dan Ensminger noted that one part of the study seems to be sampling at usage points. Peter Tassi
noted that there are different perimeters. In some instances, we test at the homeowner's tap. In
other situations, we take water from a hydrant. Sally Hoyt noted that in some communities the
problem is in household piping. She asked if anyone has become ill and it was noted that there
was only one complaint from a customer at Friendly's and there was no medical treatment
required.
Close Warrant for Annual Town Meeting - On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald,
the Board voted to close the Warrant for the 1997 Annual Town Meeting consisting of 37
Articles. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager reviewed the Articles.
Dan Ensminger asked why Article 36 was proposed, and Town Counsel noted that it is another
effort on the part of the Town to control adult uses.
Quarterly Report on Budgets - The Town Manager reviewed the status of budgets through the
first half of the year. There were a number of situations where budget transfers will be needed in
April.
Discussion of Town of Reading; Position on the Future of Counties - The Town Manager
reviewed a memo relative to the future of County Government. The Board discussed a number of
aspects. Sally Hoyt noted that Middlesex County Commissioners vote the budget, and the
Middlesex County Advisory Board is only a recommending body. She noted that she was ready
to accept the abolition of Middlesex County as long as the assessments are forgiven and the value
of the County's assets are placed against the liabilities. Dan Ensminger noted that he supports the
Town Manager's points and the Town Manager was directed to draft a motion for future Board
consideration.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary