HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes t
Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 21, 1993
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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 Gene Nigro, Secretary Sally Hoyt,
Selectmen Bill Burditt and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties:
Andrew Samalis, Christopher P. Lucas, Nancy L. Eaton, Annette
Flanagan.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the minutes of the meeting
of September 7, 1993 were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the minutes of the meet-
ing of September 14, 1993 were approved as amended by a vote of
5-0-0.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Sally Hoyt reviewed the status of Elder Services, Recreation,
Health and Human Services programs. She attended the Reading
Health Center Open House, and the Retreat. She commented on
problems of Deputy Sheriffs pursuant to recent news articles, and
noted that Constables are local officers and subject to local
control.
Bill Burditt attended the dedication of the Reading Health
Center. He attended the Retreat and felt that it was outstand-
ing. The Tax Classification Task Force is meeting next Monday
and should finalize their work.
Dan Ensminger attended the Reading Health Center dedication, and
noted that his employer TASC is using their services. He com-
mended staff on the work in putting together the Retreat, and
noted that follow-up is needed. He is coordinating the Board of
Selectmen's team on the 350th Walk-A-Thon. He will be attending
the Middlesex Selectmen's Meeting this week, and a meeting of the
MWRA Overassessed Communities on Thursday.
Gene Nigro indicated that the Library's 10th Anniversary Group is
planning an event. He also attended CPDC meetings regarding Sign
Bylaws. He and the Chairman of CPDC will be having breakfast
monthly to assist in coordination. He is working with a group on
establishing a donations policy. He noted that the Town depends
a tremendous amount on donations including the supporter programs
like the shopping assistance program. He recognized the Town
Manager's work on the Retreat, and felt that there was good at-
tendance and excellent facilitators.
George Hines commented on the Retreat, and indicated that he was
impressed by the involvement of the senior staff. He noted that
Larry McCullough, one of the facilitators, was especially im-
pressed with Reading staff and volunteers. He attended the
Public Utilities Committee meeting of the MMA, and that Committee
has recommended local control of speed limits on residential
streets. He attended the Reading Health Center dedication. He
Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 21, 1993 - page 2
noted that research shows that a School Committee member cannot
serve on the Arts Council. . He also noted that a local business
will be in court for selling explosive devices, as a follow-up on -
a matter that was previously brought to the Board's attention.
He attended the RMHS Band Parents Golf Tournament and had an ex-
cellent time.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager reported on the Retreat; upcoming Board, Com-
mittee and Commission training; recognized the attendance of
Chris Lucas and Andrew Samalis at the meeting (they are Boy
Scouts working on a Community Service project) ; indicated that we
will be selling a Police vehicle for "parts only" at the Auction.
Gene Nigro brought up the issue of fill material being trucked to
Sanborn Village. The Town Manager indicated that this was part
of the project approved by Town Meeting to reconfigure this site.
The funds are being paid by the FDIC.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to al-
low the property owner to redeem the property at 66 John Street
from the tax lien, based on the recommendation of the Finance
Director and upon full payment of all monies owed. The motion
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
George Hines indicated although none of the Board members were
able to attend the meeting last Sunday at the Unitarian Church by
the Reading Art Group, the Board of Selectmen does, in fact, sup-
port the Arts in Reading. An injury of one of the Board members,
and the difficult scheduling at that time of year prevented any
of the Board members from attending.
Personnel and Appointments
The Historical Commission - The Board considered appointments to
the Historical Commission. This is to replace Sharon
Offenstein's term because she moved out of Town. The Board in-
terviewed Wilbar M. Hoxie for the position, and had previously
interviewed David H. O'Sullivan who is an Associate member. Vir-
ginia Adams, Acting Chairmam of the Historical Commission, indi-
cated that they would like to have both candidates serving the
Commission, but felt that the Associate should be moved up to the
full position.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Nigro the following names were
placed into nomination for a position on the Historical Commis-
sion for a term expiring June 30, 1995: David H. O'Sullivan and
Wilbar M. Hoxie. Mr. O'Sullivan received three votes and Mr.
Hoxie received two and Mr. O'Sullivan was thereby appointed. Mr.
Hoxie was appointed as an Associate Member with a term expiring
June 30, 1994.
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Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 21, 1993 - page 3
Discussion/Action Items
Approval of Bear Hill Purchase & Sale Agreement - The Board noted
-' that the Purchase and Sale Agreement for Bear Hill would be on
their next agenda.
Review of Draft Warrant - 1993 Sebsequent Town Meeting - The Town
Manager reviewed the Warrant for the upcoming Town Meeting. The
Board expressed some concerns about the status of the Sign Bylaw
and whether or not it would be ready.
Licenses
Taxi License for R. Gilbert Congdon d/b/a PBBCF - R. Gilbert Con-
gdon appeared before the Board requesting livery licenses. All
paper work was in order. On motion by Ensminger seconded by
Nigro the Board voted to approve licenses for R. Gilbert Congdon
DBA PBBCF as follows, for terms expiring 3/31/94: Livery Drivers
- R. Gibert Congdon and Peter J. Congdon; Livery Vehicles - one
1992 Ford Crown Victoria VIN 2FACP74W6NX211816; one 1989 Dodge
Caravan VIN 184FK4432KX632067. The motion was approved by a vote
of 5-0-0.
Taxi Driver License for Carl Fennelly - On motion by Hoyt
seconded by Burditt the Board approved a license as a taxi driver
for Carl E. Fennelly of 625 Main Street, Reading, to drive a taxi
for Town Taxi of Reading for a term expiring April 30, 1994, and
provided that the taxi vehicle be garaged at the driver's home,
with minimal visits to the Town Taxi offices. The motion was ap-
proved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Burditt the Board voted to go
into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of real es-
tate negotiations, labor negotiations, pending litigation, and
approval of minutes not to come back into open session. All five
members present voted in the affirmative on a roll call vote.
The open session was adjourned at 9: 19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary