HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 27,2009
For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which
the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which
any item was taken up by the Board.
The meeting convened at 7:10 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James
Bonazoli, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, new Student
Representative Patrick Mahoney, Library Director Ruth Urell, Town Clerk Laura Gemme,
Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean Delios, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Police Chief
Jim Cormier, and the following list of interested parties: John Carpenter, Dick Curtis, John
Bizezenski, Stephen Crook, Priscilla Gottwald, Barry Berman, Marsie West, George Hines,
David Hutchinson, Dave Mancuso.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert attended a West
Street Historic District Meeting last week which now has more volunteer applicants than open
seats.
Selectman Stephen Goldy inquired if out-of-town athletes that are Special Education students are
subject to the higher recreation fees. He suggested that Town staff be empowered to make
individual exceptions to any Selectmen's Policy as long as a memo explaining the circumstances
and the decision was sent to the Board. He also mentioned the Friends of Reading Recreation
Halloween Parade, and thanked Pizza World for opening on Sunday just to donate pizza to the
event.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli stated that the Compost Center was now open, and that residents
should be courteous by obeying the speed limits and covering their leaves during their trip.
Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there was a 40R Meeting next Monday at the Senior Center
held by CPDC.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
• Ongoing discussions with Cedar Glen concerning affordability in perpetuity versus for a
minimum of 50 years continue. The Town would like a resident preference to be included.
• The West Street project may be eligible for Federal stimulus ARRA.funds.
• Unused prescription drugs may now be returned to the Police Station.
• The Tax Classification Hearing has been moved to November 24, 2009.
Discussion/Action Items
Introduction to Youth Liaison - RMHS student Patrick Mahoney was introduced as the new
Student Representative to the Board of Selectmen.
i
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 27 2009—Page 2
Town Clerk—Election Update-Town Clerk Laura Gemme gave a presentation on the upcoming
elections. December 8th is the State Primary — November 18th is the last day to register. The
Clerk's Office will be open until 8:00 p.m. that evening. January 19th is the date for the State
Election — December 30th is the last day to register. Lastly, April 6th is the Local Election for
Reading.
Holiday Decorations — New Trees/Light Posts — The Chamber of Commerce is seeking
donations (POB 771, Reading) to add garlands to 32 of the 85 new light poles in the Downtown
area. The estimated cost will be $3500. Even at six hours x 40 nights the cost of electricity will
be just over$100.
Library Board re: Building Assessment — Board of Library Trustees member David Hutchinson
and Library Director Ruth Urell were present. The Trustees are requesting a feasibility study to
be conducted at an estimated cost of $50K — 60K. They presented three different options
including a simple remodeling, a remodel and addition, and a new building in a new location.
The latter is roughly estimated to cost at least $9 million, based on 45,000 sq. ft. x $200 per sq.
ft. The Selectmen discussed the need to do any significant building project as a debt exclusion,
since the existing capital plan cannot handle the magnitude of these projects. They also discussed
the role of the proposed Building Committee in setting priorities for the DPW Garage, Cemetery
Garage and the Library.
Discussion - Customer Service — A group of residents called Making Reading Better has been
recently organized by Realtor Maryanne Quinn (Century 21 @ the Depot). Finance Committee
Chairman George Hines stated that this group was not just a gripe session, and that the goal was
improvements.
Dave Mancuso (Howard Street) noted that it was an informal group, well organized and
intending on finding a helpful role to play. Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean
Delios described several efforts underway to improve communication and customer service in
the areas of building inspection, conservation and health services.
Review Regional Initiatives —The Town Manager reviewed efforts including the Assessors and
Dispatch. Fire Chief Greg Burns and Police Caie ea agom Cormier o to review cribed the Reading-
combining dispatch
Wakefield-Stoneham-Melrose group that formedy g
of four is the shared NEMLEC, Fire Mutual Aid, and
capabilities. A benefit of this group
Emergency Planning networks that they currently participate in.
A motion t Gold seconded b Schubert to ad'ourn the meeting of October 27 2009 at
1005 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secr ary