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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 4, 1994 The meeting was convened at 7:34 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting - Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Eugene Nigro, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Bill Burditt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the fol- lowing list of interested parties: James Blomley, Marc Guyott, Nancy Eaton, Jim Keigley, Richard Radville, Camille Anthony. Approval of Minutes On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the minutes of December 14, 1993 were approved as amended by a vote of 3-0-1 with Ensminger abstaining. On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the minutes of December 15, 1993 were approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-0. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Dan Ensminger indicated that he had attended the Town Hall Christmas Party. Gene Nigro indicated that he had been able to attend the RMHS Band Chorus Program and it was a very enjoyable evening. He also attended a meeting of the Reading Public Library group regarding their loth Anniversary Celebration the weekend of February 26 - March 6. r Mr. Nigro then indicated that he would not be seeking re-election to the Board of Selectmen and welcomed new candidates to come forward for the vacant position. George Hines expressed regrets on Mr. Nigro's decision and wished him the best in his "retirement. " Bill Burditt also expressed regrets that Mr. Nigro will not be running for re-election - he had appreciated Mr. Nigro's counsel- ing as the junior member of the Board of Selectmen. Burditt has attended the first of the Swimming Pool Task Force Meetings - at which the task force was organized and options were discussed. They have a site visit scheduled for next Saturday. He attended the Library Appreciation Program and the Town Hall Christmas Party. He also attended the joint meeting with RMLD, FinCom and Selectmen Chairman regarding the sale of property on Haven Street. The RMLD has more available staff resources and can fund the appraisal, and therefore he would recommend that they pursue the bidding process. There will be two separate committees set up. He also indicated that he received material from Cathy Quimby regarding elections and copies will go to the Board of Selectmen this week. Public Comment There was no public comment. Board of Selectmen Meeting January 4, 1994 - page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager shared the invitation to visit the linkage hous- ing units from the Housing Authority. He noted the sale of $172,500 of bond anticipation notes for the DPW site clean -up to Boston Safe Deposit at 2 .70% interest rate. He indicated that Channel 21 cable tv was back on line. He outlined that the Christmas Tree Pick Up Program is scheduled for this week. He indicated with regard to a previously raised question about the Conservation land swaps, that we could use an opinion of value for property with a value of $25,000 or less and that we will be seeking proposals next week. He reviewed the Ask the Town Manager program, and distributed copies of the RMLD Calendar. He reminded the Selectmen that we will be having elections on February 1 for the State Primary for the State Representative seat; March 1 for the Special State Election for the State Repre- sentative seat; and March 22 for the Town Election. Special registration hours have been set. The Town Manager further indi- cated that we are doing snow removal and asked for residents cooperation. He indicated that tax bills have been sent, and the rate is $16. 69 per $1, 000 of assessed valuation. The Town Manager indicated that the Ice Rink and Nike Base clean up projects will be before the Conservation Commission this week for public hearing and approval. Public Hearing Policy Establishing a Task Force to Review RMLD Facility for Arts Center - On motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the Public Hearing on a Policy Establishing a Task Force to review the RMLD facility for an Arts Center was opened. The Town Manager reviewed the proposed policy. Bruce MacDonald suggested that perhaps a practicing artist should be on the task force. On mo- tion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the hearing was closed by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the Board approved a policy establishing a Reading Arts Center Task Force by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Nigro seconded by Ensminger Sally Hoyt was appointed as the Selectmen member of the Arts Center Task Force by a vote of 4-0-0. Marc Guyott, Richard Radville, and Bruce MacDonald were inter- viewed for positions on the Arts Center__Task Force. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the following names were placed in nomination for positions on the Arts Center Task Force: Bill Hughes, RMLD; Nancy Shipes, CPDC; Richard Radville, Town Meeting Member; Marc Guyott, Association of the Fine and Performing Arts; Bruce MacDonald, citizen at large/artist. The slate as nominated was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. We are still looking for a mem- ber from the Finance Committee, business owner, and another voter of the Town. Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 4, 1994 - page 3 Discussion/Action Items Presentation of Capital Improvements Program - The Town Manager reviewed the Capital Improvements Program as presented to the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen will individually review the program and make suggestions or comments to the Town Manager prior to the 31st. Budget Review - The Town Manager distributed to the Board of Selectmen a budget summary. Also distributed was the list of proposed priorities from the departments. This will be reviewed at the next meeting. on motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the Selectmen ad- journed at 9:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secreta