HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes f
Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting
,i April 6, 1993
The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Chairman Dan
Ensminger, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Sally Hoyt,
Selectmen Bill Burditt and Eugene Nigro, Town Manager Peter I.
Hechenbleikner, Bill Brown, Ron Wood.
Bill Brown indicated he would support legislation if needed for
an underride, but reviewing the 1981 Acts Chapter 782 on page
1310, he feels that legislation will probably not be required.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Sally Hoyt gave a liaison report since she had not been at the
last meeting. She talked with Walter Spaulding, Jr. regarding
school custodians. Dan Ensminger indicated that had been dis-
cussed at the previous meeting and FinCom had not voted to
eliminate custodial positions in the School Department. She
spoke of traffic issues at Hawkes Field House, the Chronicle ar-
ticle on tax deferrals and exemptions, offered congratulations to
the Middle School Band for earning a silver medal, and con-
gratulations to Coolidge Middle School Science Team.
Warrant
The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant. Article 6 regarding the
Capital Improvements Program was discussed. There was a concern
that perhaps there was not enough money in this program for
street improvements. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the
Board voted to support Article 6 by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board deferred action on Article 7 - Modifications to the
FY93 Budget.
The Board discussed Article 8 Improvements to Washington and
Main Streets. Burditt indicated he would like to hear more from
the abutters. Hines indicated that the Town has come up with al-
ternate designs to address the concerns and that the compromise
proposed is at no little cost. He would like to have heard from
the abutters before taking a position. Dan Ensminger asked about
resident concerns. Ron Wood spoke and felt that the proposed im-
provements would hurt 128 Tire if he wants to sell the building.
It would also hurt Charlie Gray. Mr. Woods parents live next to
the Mobile Station and they have to be careful going out of the
driveway. We're spending $270, 000 that could be used on other
projects. The accidents have always been there. The problem is
not the intersection, it's drivers. He suggested signal lights
before the tracks. The Board made suggestions with regard to how
the presentation could best be handled. On motion by Hines
seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to support Article 8 by a vote
of 5-0-0.
The Board discussed Article 9 and indicated that individual mem-
bers of the Board of Selectmen could support it since the site
committee report is not yet completed.
Board of Selectmen Minutes - 4/6/93 - page 2
The Board discussed Article 13 . Gene Nigro wants to go on record
as supporting it, but he won't be here on the 13th when the Board
- is going to vote it.
The Board discussed Article 15. On motion by Hoyt seconded by
Hines the Board voted to support Article 15 by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board discussed Article 18. On motion by Hines seconded by
Burditt the Board voted to support Article 18 by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board will review the revised budget at a later date. The
Board discussed a number of issues of general interest but not on
the agenda. Specifically discussed were the signs on awnings,
possibility of a moratorium on common Victualers licenses -
Woburn had done this; a notation that the ribbon cutting for the
350th building on Haven Street will be scheduled for 9: 00 on
Saturday. There is notation that some communities are petition-
ing the state to be able to set their own speed limits. A com-
ment was made that the condo owners are requesting relief on the
taxes because the rubbish collection disposal is now within the
tax rate. There is a State law proposed on this issue. There is
, also State law regarding binding arbitration for police and fire
which is pending.
-- On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted .to go into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing labor nego-
tiations and sale of real estate not to come into open session.
All five members present voted in the affirmative and the motion
was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9: 55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_k.
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