HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes i
Board of Selectmen Meeting
July 13, 1993
The meeting was convened at 7 :30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Chairman
George Hines, Vice Chairman Eugene Nigro, Secretary Sally Hoyt,
Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Bill Burditt, Town Manager Peter I.
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties:
William Brown, Paul Murphy, Pat Murphy, Steve Murphy, Tricia Mur-
phy, Ron Wood, Gary Demopoulis, Don Wood, Jonathan Edwards, Bill
Goodrich, Dick Howard, Tom Baillie, Nancy Shipes, Cathy Quimby,
Alan Foulds, Paul Sweeney, Everett Blodgett, Anna Carol, Nancy
Smethurst, Shirley Buzderewicz, Sharon Ofenstein, John McCauley,
Virginia Adams, Ellen Stanton, Frank Orlando.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to ap-
prove the minutes of June 29, 1993 meeting as amended by a vote
of 5-0-0.
Liaison ReportsfSelectmen's Comments
Bill Burditt indicated that he was happy to see the two nice
stories about Reading in the Globe.
Sally Hoyt reported on Health, Recreation and Elder Services.
She also reported on the Soft Second Loan Program.
Dan Ensminger indicated that he had heard from John Wood, resi-
dent of Reading, that there may be money available to fund
reconstruction of the Mineral Street Bridge - as a footpath. He
also reflected on the passing away of Maureen Rich, a long time
active member of Town government and former member of the Plan-
ning Board.
Gene Nigro added his sympathy to the Rich family. He indicated
that the third meeting of the Pearl Street School Evaluation Com-
mittee Meeting was last week and their last meeting is scheduled
for July 15, after which they will report to the Board of
Selectmen.
George Hines indicated that he has been travelling, but met with
Gene Nigro and the Town Manager regarding his evaluation. He
plans on utilizing the liaison program more actively and evaluat-
ing and reviewing the goals with the Town Manager.
The Board of Selectmen discussed their liaison assignments. On
motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the Board confirmed
liaison assignments for FY94 as outlined in the memo of July 13 ,
1993 from George V. Hines as subsequently amended. The vote was
5-0-0 and liaison assignments are as follows:
Sally Hoyt - Human Services, Housing Authority, 350th Committee,
Legislative Liaison, and Housing Partnership.
Bill Burditt - Public Safety, .Municipal Light Board, Middlesex
County Advisory Board.
Dan Ensminger - Finance, Accounting, Public Works, MWRA.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 13, 1993 - page 2
Eugene Nigro - Community Development, Library Board of Trustees.
George Hines - General Services, School Committee, Trust Fund
Commissioners.
The Town Manager introduced Steven Murphy, our newest
Firefighter, who will start July 26, 1993 . Chief Wood gave his
badge to Steven's wife Tricia who pinned it on him. Mr. Murphy's
parents, Paul and Pat were also present.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board awarded a cer-
tificate of appreciation to Sharon K. Ofenstein for her Nears of
dedicated service to the Town as a member of the Historical Com-
mission. This was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager reported on public information regarding lead in
the drinking water, MWRA Rate Relief, status of road construction
projects, Town reimbursement for Chapter 90 funds in the amount
of $61, 000 and FEMA funds in the amount of $43 , 744 . The State
supplemental budget will also include' $55, 000 for reimbursement
for blizzards; the sale of $2, 065,000 in one-year Bond Anticipa-
tion Notes at an interest rate of 2 . 48%; the Town will have to
make alternative plans for dead animal pick up and disposal; the
water situation is improving somewhat, but residents still need
to conserve.
The Board discussed briefly the liaison roles - staff contact
should be through the Town Manager. At the Selectmen's next
meeting the Board will discuss prioritizing goals, establishing
quarterly reviews of goals, and using those goals to develop
multi-year budgets.
The 350th Committee appeared before the Board of Selectmen to up
date them on their activities. Alan Foulds, Cathy Quimby, Paul
Sweeney, Everett Blodgett, and Anna Carol outlined plans for the
symphony written for Reading's 350th Birthday, the history book,
the kick-off ceremonies including Common lighting, the parade,
the Jubileve, Field Day, and Reading Day. Invitations have been
sent to Wakefield and North Reading. A total funding of ap-
proximately $50, 000 is needed. On motion by Burditt seconded by
Hoyt the Board voted to approve the use of the Town Seal by the
Reading 350th Committee as requested by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board voted to approve
the 350th parade route for June 4, 1994 as presented by a vote of
5-0-0.
r The Community Planning and Development Commission appeared before
the Board to discuss the development of the landfill and also
sign regulations. A subcommittee including Bill Goodrich and
Thomas Baillie have been assigned to the landfill development
issues, and a subcommittee including Jonathan Barnes, Nancy
Shipes, and Dick Howard have been assigned to deal with the sign
issues. The group reviewed Jonathan Edwards memo regarding the
Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 13, 1993 - page 3
sale of the landfill site, and a subcommittee meeting with repre-
sentatives from Town staff and the Board of Selectmen will be
held on the 19th.
With regard to signs, Jonathan Edwards' memo was reviewed and
CPDC will be pursuing this process of a series of public input
sessions.
The Board reviewed the Town Manager's Evaluation. Gene Nigro and
George Hines were the evaluation subcommittee. George Hines
reviewed the highlights of the evaluation. The overall rating
was 1. 7 which equates to an A- or B+. In 25 of the 33 areas
evaluated, the majority of the Board of Selectmen agreed with the
Town Manager's assessment.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the Board approved an
annual salary for the Town Manager in the amount of $66, 348, ef-
fective with the payroll of June 16, 1993 , representing a 2 . 5%
increase in current salary. The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to go into
Executive Session for the purpose of approval of minutes, sale of
real estate, labor negotiations, and litigation not to come into
open session. The motion was approved by a rale call vote of
all members present.
Respectfully submitted,
SecrItry
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