HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-06-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes k
Board of Selectmen Meeting
June 4, 1996
The meeting was convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Vice Chairman George Hines,
Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner
and the following list of interested parties: Bill Hughes, John C. Segalla, Mary E. Segalla, Mark
D. Segalla, Nancy Eaton, Ron O'Connell, Philip Rushworth, George Perry, Kay Clark, Frank
Driscoll, Bud Dickey, Tim Kelley, M. Clifton Proctor, Susan DeMatteo, Carol Nelson,
Christopher Vaccaro, David Schurman, Rick Schuber, Benjamin Nichols, Louise Sandberg,
Roberta Sullivan, Virginia Adams, Wilbar Hoxie, Gladys Montgomery Jones, John Silvaggi,
William Brown, Steven Tucker, Mike Flammia, Jacqueline Chipman, Richard Moore, Paul
O'Donnell, Stephen Chapman.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the
meeting of November 7, 1995 by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the
meeting of November 21, 1995 by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the
meeting of May 20, 1996 by a vote of 4-0-0.
Town Manager's Report
Swearing in Ceremony for Mark Segalla, Police Officer
Mark Segalla, his father John and mother Mary were present. Mr. Segalla was introduced to the
Board of Selectmen as Reading's newest Police Officer. Chief Marchand and Mrs. Segalla
participated in the ceremony to pin his Reading Police Department badge on Mark.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve a Certificate of
Appreciation for David Kieran for his Boy Scout Eagle Award by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve a Certificate of
Appreciation for Rena Mirken by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve a Certificate of
Appreciation for Patrick Schettini by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines; the Board voted to approve a Certificate of
Appreciation for Jennifer Page by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-June 4, 1996 -page 2
The Town Manager noted that the hearing on the Liquor License transfer to 34 Salem Street was
concluded and the Town should hear by mid-June. The Selectmen's Forum is scheduled for June
11. The Board of Selectmen have their sign up sheet for their liaison assignments. The Town has
been approved for a summer intern from the Harvard Graduate School of Design to assist in
working with the Downtown Steering Committee. A reserve fund transfer in the amount of
$3,000 will be needed to cover the cost.
A number of job opportunities have been posted in-house and have been advertised. Prescott and
Summer Avenue intersection improvements are on the agenda for later this evening. Work has
been completed on Upper Pearl Street and on South Street.
The building at 78-80 Woburn Street has been surveyed and a letter sent to the property owner.
Future action by the Board will be dictated by the response. CPDC held a hearing on June 3,
1996, at the Lecture Hail at RMHS regarding Adult Entertainment uses. A meeting is set for
DEP on June 10, 1996 regarding North Reading ground water cleanup efforts by G.E. A
mediation session has been set up on the Old Sanborn Lane issues for June 12, 1996. The Garden
Club has won the National Council of State Garden Clubs "Exxon Civic Development Award -
First Place".
The Town is selling almost $10 million in bonds this summer for elementary school projects,
school roofs, school boilers and the RMLD. Bond rating agencies have been in Reading on
Monday and will be in on Wednesday. The Board discussed its agenda for the next two meetings
and made some modifications to the agendas.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Sally Hoyt commended Camille Anthony and her committee for the outstanding work on
Community Day. Camille Anthony reported on the events.
Public Comment
Nancy Eaton commended all involved on the Community Day, and especially Sally Hoyt on her
pie baking expertise. Tim Kelly came to follow up on the issue of building demolition at 78-80
Woburn Street. He had suggested that the Board of Selectmen could have taken action some
time ago. He's concerned about the time that it is taking to get this building demolished. Hines
asked that a meeting be posted prior to the Selectmen's Forum on Tuesday night. MacDonald
asked if a Purchase and Sales Agreement is still in existence on the property, and the Town
Manager noted that to the best of his knowledge, there is no longer a Purchase and Sales
Agreement on the property.
1
I
Board of Selectmen Meeting-June 4, 1996 -page 3
Personnel and Appointments
Department of Public Works
Cemetery Board of Trustees - John Silvaggi, William C. Brown and Ronald O'Connell were
interviewed. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board appointed John M.
Silvaggi and Ronald O'Connell to two positions on the Board of Cemetery Trustees for terms
expiring June 30, 1999. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board appointed
William C. Brown to a position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees for a term expiring June 30,
1997.
Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves - The Board interviewed Frank Driscoll for a position
as Custodian of Soldier's and Sailors' Graves. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the
Board appointed Francis P. Driscoll to a position as the Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
for a term expiring June 30, 1997. The Board discussed with Mr. Driscoll improved coordination
on the Veteran's Day festivities.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee - The Board interviewed Kay E. Clark, Carol A. Nelson, and
Jacqueline S. Chipman for a positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Anne P. Mark
was interested in being reappointed but was not present for the interview. On motion by Anthony
seconded by MacDonald, the Board appointed Kay E. Clark, Anne P. Mark, and Jacqueline S.
Chipman to three positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for terms expiring June 30,
1999. On motion by Anthony seconded by MacDonald, the Board appointed Carol Nelson to a
position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1997.
Town Forest Committee - The Board interviewed Irving E. (Bud)Dickey, Jr. for a position on the
Town Forest Committee. On motion by Anthony seconded by MacDonald the Board appointed
Irving E. Dickey, Jr. to a position on the Town Forest Committee for a term expiring June 30,
1999.
Water and Sewer Advisory Committee - The Board reviewed the qualifications of Richard J.
Moore for the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee. On motion by Hines seconded by
MacDonald, the Board appointed Richard J. Moore to a position on the Water and Sewer
Advisory Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1999.
Community Planning and Development
Zoning Board of Appeals - The Board interviewed Stephen Tucker, Christopher Vaccaro and
Michael Flammia for a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. On motion by Hines seconded
by MacDonald, Stephen Tucker was appointed to a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals for
a term expiring June 30, 1999. On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board
appointed Christopher R. Vaccaro for a position as an Associate member on the Zoning Board of
Appeals for a term expiring June 30, 1999.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-June 4, 1996 - page 4
Community Planning and Development Commission - The Board interviewed Susan DeMatteo,
Paul O'Donnell, Richard W. Schubert, Michael P. Flammia and David Schurman for positions on
the Community Planning and Development Commission. On motion by Hines seconded by
MacDonald, Susan DeMatteo received four votes, and the other candidates received one vote
each and DeMatteo was appointed for one of the positions expiring June 30, 1999. On a second
vote, Michael Flammia received two votes and David Schurman received one vote and there was
no decision. On a third vote, Paul O'Donnell received one vote, Michael P. Flammia received two
votes and David Schurman received one vote and there was still no decision. Finally, on the
fourth vote, Michael P. Flammia received three votes, David Schurman received one vote, and
Mr. Flammia was appointed to a position on the Community Planning and Development
Commission for a term expiring June 30, 1999.
Conservation Commission - The Board interviewed Stephen A. Chapman, M. Clifford Proctor
and David Schurman for two positions on the Conservation Commission for terms expiring June
30, 1999. Chapman received three votes, Proctor received four votes, Schurman received one
vote, and Chapman and Proctor were appointed to two positions on the Conservation
Commission for terms expiring June 30, 1999.
Historical Commission - The Board interviewed Virginia Adams, Wilbar M. Hoxie, Louise
Sandberg, Roberta Sullivan and Gladys Montgomery Jones for two positions on the Historical
Commission. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, Virginia Adams received four votes,
Sullivan and Jones received two votes, and Adams was appointed to one of the positions for a
term expiring June 30, 1999. On a second vote, Sullivan received three votes and Jones received
one vote and Sullivan was appointed for a term on the Historical Commission expiring June 30,
1999. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the names Wilbar Hoxie, Louise Sandberg,
Alan Ulrich and Gladys Montgomery Jones were placed in nomination for Associate member
positions on the Historical Commission for terms expiring June 30, 1997. All who were
nominated received four votes and were appointed as Associate members.
Land Bank Committee - The Board interviewed Benjamin E. Nichols for a position on the Land
Bank Committee. On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, Benjamin E. Nichols was
appointed to a position on the Land Bank Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1999.
Housing Partnership Committee- The Board discussed the Housing Partnership Committee. John
Coote was not able to be present tonight because of a death in the family. On motion by
MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board appointed John A. Coote to a position on the Housing
Partnership Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1999.
Sign Review Board - Wayne A. MacLeod and Robert J. McIsaac were not available to be
interviewed for the Sign Review Board. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, Wayne A.
MacLeod and Robert J. McIsaac were each appointed for a position on the Sign Review Board
for terms expiring June 30, 1999.
I
1
Board of Selectmen Meeting -June 4, 1996 - page 5
E
t
Discussion/Action Items
- Public Hearing on Pay and Classification Plan - The Town Manager explained that there were
three positions being added, one position being modified, and the Compensation Plan was being
upgraded by 2.5%. There were no questions from the public. On motion by Hines seconded by
MacDonald, the Board voted to close the public hearing on the Pay and Classification Plan. On
motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the Pay and Classification
Plan for FY'97 as presented by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing on Change in Prescott and Summer Avenue Intersection - The Board opened the hearing.
The Town Manager explained that this hearing is a result of an Instructional Motion by Town
Meeting. The new regulations will create a four way stop and put the signals on flash. A notice
went to each of the abutting property owners. On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the
Board voted to close the public hearing on traffic regulations for the intersection of Prescott and
Summer Avenue by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the temporary traffic
regulations for Summer Avenue and Prescott Street, to provide for a four way stop sign and
flashing red lights until such time as the intersection is reconstructed in accordance with the
previously approved plan. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony to amend the motion
to add a requirement that the Town assess the removal of tree limbs and shrubbery at the
intersection as appropriate was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 and the amended main motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Board discussed the possibility of getting information from incumbents at an earlier date as to
whether or not they are interested in being appointed so that new applicants will know whether
there is an incumbent interested in the position. The Board also noted that the Land Bank
Committee requested information on the sale of Town lands including a copy of the deed.
Further, the Board requested future discussion with the Conservation Commission regarding the
role of Associate memberships versus consultants.
Establishing the Town Manager's Salary for FY 1997 - The Board discussed the Town Manager's
salary. MacDonald moved and Anthony seconded a motion to establish the Town Manager's
salary for FY '97 at $80,405 per annum. Hines noted the history of the Town Manager's salary
and the fact that his salary is based on performance. He would like to establish a salary at a 4.5%
increase or $81,974. MacDonald noted that because of the late hour if we are going to use
different guidelines, he would like to do it at an earlier time. He also noted that a higher salary
increase than the rest of the employees could create a problem for other employees. Sally Hoyt
noted that she would like the full membership of the Board of Selectmen to be available. Camille
Anthony noted that the salary survey previously done by the Board of Selectmen noted that the
Town Manager's salary is low right now.
............
Board of Selectmen Meeting-June 4, 1996 - page 6
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to postpone discussion until the
beginning of the next Selectmen's meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with
Hines opposed.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:17 p.m. by a vote of
4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Sectary