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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-01-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting January 14, 1992 The meeting was convened at 7:02 p.m. in the Selectmens' Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Chairman Eugene Nigro, Vice Chairman Dan Ensminger, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Russ Graham and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Public Works Director Tony Fletcher, and Attorney Roger Vacco from Palmer and Dodge. On motion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing litigation to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. All five members voted in the affirmative and the Board went into Execu- tive Session. The Board came into Open Session at 7:30 p.m. and continued its business. Present were Chairman Eugene Nigro, Vice Chairman Dan Ensminger, Secretary Sally Hoyt and Selectman Russ Graham, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following interested citizens: Matthew Cummings, Tom Stohlman, Ron Howland, Bruce Shick, Dennis Laabs, Debra Agganis, Mary Shaughnessy, Howard Mac- Millian, Janice M. Jones, Thomas A. Jones, Deirdre Hanley, Lois K. Bond, S. Thomases, J. Twomey, Jim Kiegley, Barbara Philbrick, and Anne Mark. Selectman George Hines returned to the Open Meet- ing a little later. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger the Minutes of January 7, 1992 were approved as submitted by a vote of 5-0-0. Liaison Reports George Hines indicated that the Ice Rink Committee had met and the consensus was that the Nike Site on Haverhill Street would be the primary site with the Birch Meadow Site as the backup site. They have gone through the charge to the Committee and the only problem areas are in development of a traffic study and a site plan. They have requested time with the School Committee, CPDC, and the Recreation Committees on their agendas. They have sent letters to private property owners. Sally Hoyt indicated that on Wednesday she had attended the demonstration of the Library computer system. She attended the public hearing of the School Committee the previous evening in the Lecture Hall. There was standing room only, and 58 parents spoke. It was indicated there were no salary increases for teachers for two years. It was suggested that the Board of Selectmen consider an .override. The School Committee would con- sider an override which would be approximately $150 per family. Dan Ensminger indicated that he had watched the School Committee meeting on tape the previous evening. Russ Graham indicated the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Task Force had met Thursday evening. Eugene Nigro indicated that he had attended the Library Selectmens' Minutes - 1/14/92 - page2 demonstration. The computers were funded without tax dollars. The Budget Sub-Committee had met Friday to talk about allocation. Public Comment George Shannon delivered a petition to the Board of Selectmen -as- king for level funding for the schools and supporting an over- ride. Dan Ensminger expressed concern about an override. The question was asked as to when a ballot question would need to be approved by the Board of Selectmen. Ron Howland spoke. Matt Cummings asked when the School Committee would know if the Board of Selectmen would support an override. George Hines suggested that we stop comparing trash vs. teachers. Debra Agganis sug- gested that we shouldn't need to beg for the kids. She asked where she could go to find out detailed information on the budget; it was suggested that she attend Selectmens' Meetings, FinCom Meetings and that the budgets are available in the Library and Town Hall. Bruce McDonald and Jim Keigley spoke. John Wood suggested that residents talk to their state representative and senators about the need for more state funding. He also sug- gested that we get in touch with Homart since they are planning - on building in Needham. Steve Thomases asked that the Ice Rink Committee not accept Birch Meadow as a "default site. " Janice Jones asked the Board of Selectmen to look at the 60-40 split of school to municipal ex- penses closer. Bruce Shick asked why we can't let people use the schools, pay for the schools - i.e. if a parent wants to pay more they can. Personnel and Appointments The Board of Selectmen interviewed Don Allen and Charles Hewitt for positions on the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Task Force. On motion by . Ensminger seconded by Hoyt both names were placed in nomination and each candidate received five votes. They were appointed to this Ad Hoc Committee. Public Hearing The Public Hearing was opened on a policy establishing a Senior Center Advisory Committee. Dan Ensminger and George Hines both asked why we had to have such a committee. The federal regula- tions require it. Sally Hoyt expressed interest in being liaison to that committee. Dan Ensminger asked about the role of the committee which was explained by the Town Manager. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines the Board voted to close the hearing by vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to adopt the policy by a vote of 4-0-0. on motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger the Board appointed - Sally Hoyt to be the Selectmen liaison to this committee by vote of 3-0-1 with Hoyt abstaining. The Town Manager presented a FY93 budget which would rely heavily on reorganization of Town services. The Board asked for much more information regarding organization charts and information to Selectmens Minutes - 1/14/92 page 3 show what was proposed to be changed. The Town Manager indicated that the budget did not close the budget gap. George Hines indicated that he thought there were some mismatches in what was proposed - for example Library and Leisure Services. He asked how we would be able to accomplish the Public Safety Department and was concerned that we only achieved 500 of the goal . He suggested we revise state aid figures to cover in- creases. The Board talked about trash on an override, and the Board was concerned about the proposed reorganization eroding plans to regionalize. The Board was concerned that the proposal was very radical and does not meet the budget goals. On motion by Graham seconded by Hines the Board voted to adjourn at 11:30 p.m. by vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted: Secret