HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
June 21, 1994
The meeting was convened at 7: 09 p.m. Present were Chairman
George Hines, Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Selectmen Camille An-
thony and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the
following list of interested parties: Marie Patterson, Nancy
Eaton, Cathy Baranofsky, Bill Murphy, Christopher Vaccaro.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the minutes of the
Selectmen's Meeting of April 26, 19,94 were approved as amended by
a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the minutes of the
Selectmen's Meeting of June 7, 1994, were approved as amended by
a vote of 4-0-0.
Liaison Reports
Bill Burditt indicated that he had attended the reception for
Paul Guerrette as Elementary School Principal of the Year and was
extremely proud of our schools . He also attended the
Groundbreaking for the Ice Rink. He apologized for not attending
the Understanding Handicaps reception but he had another family
commitment.
Camille Anthony also attended the reception for Guarette, the
Groundbreaking for the Ice Arena, and did attend the Understand-
ing Handicaps reception.
Sally Hoyt attended the Middlesex County Advisory Board meeting,
Paul Guarette's reception, the closing ceremonies for the 350th
Anniversary, and the Understanding Handicaps reception. She
apologized for not attending the Ice Arena Groundbreaking
ceremonies but she was not aware of the schedules.
George Hines attended the closing ceremonies for the 350th, and
commented on the great feeling that the community had as a result
of all of the 350th activities. He attended the Killam School
reception for Paul Guerrette and the Groundbreaking Ceremonies
for the Ice Arena and indicated that a December 1, 1994, start
date for the facility looks promising.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager announced the appointment of Glen Redmond as
Building Inspector. He also noted that Dick Monroe has been ap-
pointed as Head Public Safety Dispatcher, and that John McKenna
will be joining the Reading Police Department. He had previously
been laid off and had been employed by the META Police.
The Town Manager reviewed Reserve Fund transfers for year end ex-
penses and will request it of the Finance Committee tomorrow.
George Hines asked about the report that the School needs a
reserve fund transfer. The Town Manager indicated that they felt
there was a need for $109, 000 in transfer for FY95. He noted
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 2
that the Finance Committee will hear the School Committee's
request tomorrow night, but cannot make such a transfer because
it is not in the fiscal year for which the transfer is requested.
The Town Manager reviewed the Sewer Rate methodology that is
being proposed by the MWRA Advisory Board. The Board of
Selectmen concurred that we should express our preference for all
expenses being done on a flow basis. However, if we are not suc-
cessful in securing that change, then the Advisory Board's
Subcommittee's recommendation of having all operating and main-
tenance cost on a flow basis, and 25% of the capital cost on a
flow basis will be acceptable. The Town Manager talked about
setting an open space planning working group, and the Board =sug-
gested that we go through a formal policy adoption process in or-
der to maximize public input.
The Town Manager noted that Bill Goodrich's term on CPDC expires
June 30, 1994, but he chairs the Mineral Street Bridge Task
Force. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to
extend Mr. Goodrich's term as Chairman of the Mineral Street
Bridge Task Force until July 15, 1994 . The vote was 4-0-0.
The Town Manager reviewed material received from Reading, Ohio,
as a gift to the Town of Reading as part of our 350th Birthday
celebration. Reading, Ohio, celebrated their 200th Anniversary
this year.
Support of Technology Grant Application - The Town-Manager
reviewed the technology grant application that is being made. On
motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board voted to recognize a
need in the Town of Reading to develop' a planning and implementa-
tion model to reach consensus and achieve community goals thereby
unifying the community and making the best of its resources; and
the Board of Selectmen considers this to be a major priority for
the Town; and the Board desires to see communication improved
throughout the Town of Reading through the use of modern technol-
ogy. Specifically, communication among the Town Government
Departments and the School Department, and between the depart-
ments and the public (ie. voters and citizens) could be improved
through the greater and better use of technology. The use of
technologies as a teaching and learning tool should be expanded.
The Board of Selectmen supports a town-wide priority effort to
develop and implement a joint Town, School and technology plan.
The Board approved on motion by a vote of 4-0-0.
A question was raised as to whether the Newbury Bakery Shop signs
are legal and the Town Manager indicated that he thought they
would be out of conformance as of July 1. The Town Manager
reported on the success of the Hazardous Waste Recycling Program,
and Camille Anthony suggested that we advertise in each issue of
the Reading Notes that the Waste Oil Facility is available and at
no cost.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 3
r
Discussion/Action Items
Water/Sewer Bill Appeal - Mr. Richard D'Angelis representing Ar-
dean Associates of Wakefield Massachusetts, requested a two-day
grace period for the payment of the water bills for the ten-
apartment building complex known as Washington Street Apartments.
He neglected to pay his bill in a timely manner and therefore
missed the $1, 102.63 discount.
The Board reviewed the concerns, but was concerned about setting
a precedent. There were no particular extenuating circumstances
that caused the bill to be missed. On motion by Burditt seconded
Hoyt the Board did not approve a two-day grace period for Ardean
Associates to pay their water and sewer bill due June 1 in order
to preserve their 10% discount. The vote was 0-3-1 with Hoyt
abstaining.
Public Hearing to Amend the Pay and Classification Plan - The
Secretary read the notice on the public hearing to amend the Pay
and Classification Plan for the Town of Reading Non-union
Employees for FY95. The Town Manager reported that there were
three positions that had been reviewed. He has recommended the
upgrade of the Outreach Worker position from a Grade 7 to a Grade
8, based on a complete and thorough review by the Town Manager,
the Department Head, and the employee of the 13 points of the
classification plan.
The Town Manager did not recommend a change in the Meals on
Wheels Coordinator position from a Grade 5, based on an exhaus-
tive review. Marie Patterson, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, was
present and reviewed the job requirements with the Board of
Selectmen.
The Town Manager has not yet reviewed the Conservation
Administrator's position because the Conservation Administrator
has not produced the requested material in a timely manner. This
will be scheduled for review at a later date, perhaps in July.
Members of the Board of Health spoke in favor of changing the
Human Services Director's position title to Director of Health
and Human Services.
Dan Ensminger joined the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to in-
crease the Outreach Worker's position from a Grade 7 to a Grade
8 . The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Ensminger
abstaining.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony the Board voted not to in-
crease the Meals on Wheels Coordinator position from a Grade 5 to
a Grade 6 by a vote of 2-2-1 with Ensminger abstaining.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to change
the title for the Human Services Director to Human
Services/Health Director by a vote of 4-1-0 with Hines opposed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 4
On motion by Burditt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to ap-
prove the FY95 Pay and Classification Plan for Non-union
Employees effective with the payroll of July 15, 1994, by a vote
of 5-0-0. The Town Manager noted that this would increase
salaries for FY95 by 4. 5%.
The Board indicated that they would review the Town Manager' s
salary once the Town Manager's performance review is completed.
Public Hearing - Water and Sewer Rates - The Secretary of the
Board of Selectmen read the hearing notice. The Town Manager
reviewed the process. Ted McIntire, Director of Public Works,
and Gail Wood, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Advisory Com-
mittee, reviewed the proposed rates. The water rates are
proposed to increase 9.4%, from $2 . 13 per hundred cubic feet to
$2 . 33 per hundred cubic feet. It is anticipated that $200, 000
will be left in the emergency reserve.
The sewer expenses were reviewed. Three scenarios were outlined
which would result in a $5. 03 per hundred cubic foot charge,
$5. 13 per hundred cubic feet, or 45. 23 per hundred cubic feet.
The lowest amount would reduce the emergency reserve to $46, 000
and would not recover any additional expense for that reserve.
The recommendation was to set a rate of $5. 13 per hundred cubic
feet. Walter Shirkoff, a resident in the audience, suggested a
compromise of $5. 08 per hundred cubic feet. - -,
On motion by Burditt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to close
the public hearing on water and sewer rates to become e-ffective
with the August 1, 1994 billing by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve
the following water and sewer rates effective with the billing of
August 1, 1994 :
Water: $2 .33 per hundred cubic feet; minimum bill of $11. 65 per
quarter.
Sewer: $5. 13 per hundred cubic feet; minimum bill of $25. 65 per
quarter.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
The Board proceeded to review applicants for various volunteer
positions.
Zoning Board of Appeals - The Board interviewed John Coote for a
possible "promotion" to a regular membership from an Associate
membership, also present were John Jarema and Christopher Vac-
caro. ___
t
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 5
On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger the Board placed into
nomination John A. Coote for a position on the Zoning Board of
Appeals for a term expiring June 30, 1997, and the motion was ap-
proved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed John
A. Jarema to a position as an Associate member of the Zoning
Board of Appeals for a term expiring June 30, 1997 by a vote of
5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed
Christopher R. Vaccaro as an Associate member on the Zoning Board
of Appeals for a term expiring June 30, 1996 by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board noted that one vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals
Associate membership still exists.
Cemetery Board of Trustees - Mary Vincent was interviewed for a
position on the Cemetery Board of Trustees.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed Mary R.
Vincent to a position on the Cemetery Board of Trustees for a
term expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote of 5-0-0.
Cable TV Committee - There were three vacancies on the Cable TV
Committee and only one incumbent was interested in being reap-
pointed. Richard B. Cohen was present and was interviewed by the
Board of Selectmen. On motion by Burditt seconded by Ensminger
Richard B. Cohen was appointed to a position on the Cable TV Com-
mittee for a term expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board thanked Joseph Hagan and Theiss E. Winkler for their
service on the Cable TV Committee, and requested residents to
come forward if they are interested in a position on this com-
mittee.
Constable - The Town Manager noted that the Charter permits up to
five Constables be designated, and we had five Constables ap-
pointed at an earlier date. Currently, one incumbent's position
was due for reappointment, and Thomas H. Freeman, the incumbent
was interviewed and interested in being reappointed. On motion
by Anthony seconded by Burditt the Board appointed Thomas H.
Freeman as Constable for a term expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote
of 4-0-0. Sally Hoyt excused herself from all discussion on this
matter because she is a Constable in the Town of Reading.
Board - of Registrars - There was one position available, and the
incumbent desired reappointment. There were no other candidates.
The Board interviewed Gloria R. Hulse, incumbent, for the posi-
tion.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the Board appointed
Gloria R. Hulse to the Board of Registrars for a term expiring
June 30, 1997 . The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 6
Arts Council - The Town Manager indicated that there were five
vacancies on the Arts Council. One person desired reappointment
but was not available for an interview. Additional applicant
Chris C. Twichell was interviewed by the Board. On motion by
Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed Jane M. McKenzie
and Chris C. Twichell to positions on the Arts Council for terms
expiring June 30, 1996, by a vote of 5-0-0. Lisa Sinclair had
been an applicant but withdrew because of a conflict with the
meeting dates.
Town Counsel - On motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the
Board appointed H. Theodore Cohen, working with the firm of
McGregor and Shea P.C. , to a term of Town Counsel beginning July
1, 1994 and expiring June 30, 1995, by a vote of 5-0-0. Chairman
Hines noted that Cohen was not able to be present because of a
previous commitment, but that the Board had met with Mr. Cohen
very recently.
Board of Health - There was one position available on the Board
of Health, and the incumbent was interested in being reappointed.
Ms. Baranofsky was not present but had been present earlier in
the evening. On motion by Burditt seconded Hoyt the Board ap-
pointed Cathy P. Baranofsky to a position on the Board of Health
for a term expiring June 30, 1997 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Council on Aging - There were four positions available on the
Council on Aging and three applicants desired reappointment. Two
of the applicants, Gladys Cail and Dorothy Foxon are not able to
be present. Leonard J. Dergay was present and was interviewed.
In addition, Naaz N. Page was interviewed for the Council on
Aging. On motion by Burditt seconded by Ensminger the Board ap-
pointed Gladys B. Cail, Leonard J. Dergay, Dorothy L. Foxon and
Naaz N. Page to positions on the Council on Aging for terms ex-
piring June 30, 1997. The vote was 5-0-0 for each appointee.
Hazardous Waste Committee - There were two positions available
and neither incumbent desired reappointment. Naaz N. Page also
applied for this position. She indicated that she would be in-
terested in filling one of the positions in addition to a posi-
tion to the Council on Aging. On motion by Burditt seconded by
Hoyt the Board appointed Naaz N. Page to a position on the Haz-
ardous Waste Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1997 , by a
vote of 5-0-0.
Housing Authority - The Housing Authority appointments are for
five year terms. There was one position, and the incumbent was...,
interested in being reappointed. The incumbent was not present
to be interviewed. There was a letter of recommendation from the
Housing Authority requesting Mr. McIsaac's reappointment.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony the Board appointed William
W. McIsaac to a position on the Housing Authority for a term ex-
piring June 30, 1999, by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 7
Recreation Committee - There were three positions on the Recrea-
tion Committee and a number of Associate positions. The three
incumbents on the committee desired reappointment, and none of
the incumbent Associate members desired reappointment. The Board
interviewed Catherine R. Kaminer, Lorraine Z. Salter and David H.
Bryant for the positions. On motion by Anthony seconded by Bur-
ditt the Board appointed Catherine R. Kaminer, John McGrath and
Lorraine Z. Salter to positions on the Recreation Committee for
terms expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Ensminger the Board appointed
David H. Bryant as an Associate member on the Recreation Com-
mittee for a term expiring June 30, 1995, by a vote of 5-0-0.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee - Lynda M. Zarrow was present for
an interview. There were two positions on the Committee, and the
one incumbent was not interested in being reappointed. On motion
by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed Lynda M. Zarrow
to a position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a term
expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board expressed
their thanks to Linda King for her years of service on the com-
mittee.
Substance Abuse Advisory Council - There were five vacancies on
the Council, and three members were interested in being reap-
pointed. Lynda W. Schmidt was interviewed for reappointment, and
William H. Downing, Walter Shirkoff, and Lisa A. Sinclair were
interviewed for vacant positions. The Town Manager recommended
that one position be "reserved" for a Reading Memorial High
School student.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board voted on the
following candidates: Jean Russo Parks, 5 votes; Lynda W.
Schmidt, 5 votes; Robert J. Silva, 5 votes; William H. Downing, 0
votes; Walter Shirkoff, 2 votes; Lisa A. Sinclair, 3 votes. Ap-
pointed were Jean Russo Parks, Lynda W. Schmidt, Robert J. Silva,
and Lisa A. Sinclair, for terms expiring June 30, 1997.
Selectmen's Liaison to Technology Group - On motion by Burditt
seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed Dan Ensminger as the
Selectmen's Liaison to the Technology working group to develop a
technology plan for the entire Town of Reading. The Town Manager
explained that this working group would try to secure an EOCD
grant and pursue the development of a technology plan so that ad-
ditional federal or state funds might be available for implemen-
tation. The Board approved the motion by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Authorization of the Town Manager to sign grant agreements from
the Massachusetts Small Cities Program - On motion by Hoyt
seconded by Anthony the Board authorized Peter Hechenbleikner,
4 Town Manager, to sign grant applications and grant agreements on
--- behalf of the Town. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 8
Settlement of Litigation - On motion by Ensminger seconded by
Burditt the Board voted pursuant to section 4.2 . 1. of the General
Bylaws of the Town, that the Board hereby authorizes a settlement
of the disputes and differences which have arisen between Stuart
S. LeClaire and the Town of Reading regarding Mr. LeClaire's
employment by the Town and his separation therefrom all in accor-
dance with the terms of a Settlement Agreement dated June 14 ,
1994, and that the Board authorizes Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town
Manager, to execute said Settlement Agreement and any and all
other documents in connection therewith on behalf of the Town.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Chairman Hines noted that by vote today the Board of Selectmen
have authorized the execution of a Settlement Agreement between
Stuart S. LeClaire and the Town of Reading whereby certain dis-
putes and differences which have arisen between Mr. LeClaire and
the Town regarding Mr. LeClaire's employment by the Town and the
separation therefrom have been resolved to the satisfaction of
all parties. With one exception, all matters in regard to Mr.
LeClaire and the Town have been resolved by this settlement
agreement, and Mr. LeClaire has given a release of all claims he
may have against the Town, its officers, employees, agents, and
representatives. The only issue remaining unresolved is Mr.
LeClaire's claim for unemployment compensation benefits, the
denial of which is being appealed by Mr. LeClaire. The Town will
not oppose Mr. LeClaire's appeal of this matter.
Licenses
Taxi Driver license for Joseph P. Guazzaloca - On motiorr by Bur-
ditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve a taxi operators
license for Joseph P. Guazzaloca of 4 Crosby Road, Reading, driv-
ing for Town Taxi of Reading, expiring April 30, 1995. The mo-
tion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Taxi Driver license for Michael J. Smith - On motion by Burditt
seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve a taxi operator's
license for Michael J. Smith of 9 Vale Road, Reading, driving for
Town Taxi of Reading, expiring April 30, 1995. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Ms. Anthony noted that perhaps the Town should develop some kind
of a program to serve as a clearinghouse for youngsters in the
community who would like to volunteer. It was suggested that
that might be some how coordinated with a volunteer coordinator
program through the Council on Aging or through the Recreation
Division. It was also noted that tennis court signs need to be
installed prohibiting roller blading and street hockey on the
tennis courts. It was suggested that perhaps part of the recy-
cling program could be a way for residents who want to get rid of
materials that still have some value to be able to convey them to
another resident who might have use for such materials.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to go
into Executive Session for the purpose of approval of minutes and
the discussion of labor negotiations, not to come back into open
Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 21, 1994 - page 9
session. All five members present voted in the affirmative on a
roll call vote, and the motion was approved. The Board adjourned
into Executive Session at 11:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretar