HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes ----- Board of Selectmen Meeting
December 14, 1999
The meeting convened at 7:40 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairnlan Sally Hoyt, Selectmen George Hines
and Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager
Russell Dean, Personnel Administrator Carol Roberts, and the following list of interested
parties: Jim Keigley,Nancy Eaton, Mary Williams, Frank Driscoll.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony received a
letter from the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Highway Department relative to
bridge deficiencies. The Town Manager noted that there was no particular bridge of
concern—this was a notice that went out to all towns. Selectman Anthony also expressed
the need for civility in our political life.
Selectman George Hines attended the AIDS vigil which has grown since the first time it
was done. He attended the RMLD tour of facilities and stated that no other Board of
Selectmen attended. He felt it would be nice.to do a joint meeting with other Selectmen.
Selectman Hines stated that the Board of Selectmen have not had a televised forum
recently and should organize forums soon. He toured the new Police Station and noted
that it is making good progress.
Selectman George Hines reported on Corporex—had some dialogue regarding a potential
alternative plan. Line striping and section of Lowell Street/Main Street needs signage so
new configuration—it is understood parking is not allowed.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked if signals have changed. The Town Manager stated
there will be opposing left turn arrows — pedestrian cycle will now be demand actuated
system. Regulation is in effect and signs will go up to that effect.
Chairman Sally Hoyt stated that the Reading Women's Club has done an educational
program with residents and businesses on proper disposal of fluorescent bulbs. She
attended a testimonial for Bill Hancock, "Man of the Year." Chairman Hoyt enjoyed the
tour of the Police Station, and stated she has received many calls and letters from senior
citizens regarding the need for Senior Center staffing.
Public Comment— Mary Williams of the Millennium Committee was present and stated
that the Millennium pins are $15.00 for a pair-- if you buy one at $10.00, you get second
pin for $5.00. There will be a 6 hour event planned for children. The Reading Co-
Operative Bank has paid for the tent on the Common. Events will begin on December
31St at 5:00 a.m. and continue until January 1, 2000 at 5:00 a.m. Mary Williams stated
that they are not totally staffed and would love volunteers.
Board of Selectmen Meeting=December 14, 1999—Pae_2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager commented on the death of the six firefighters and the solemn
atmosphere in Worcester.
The Town Manager also noted that the Town had won the lawsuit with the P & S
Convenient Store relative to Keeno.
Selectman George Hines met with the School Committee Chair and the Town Manager
on dialogue. It was a good meeting and it was pointed out that working together is
important.
Discussion/Action Items
Approval of License on Beacon Street — Puopolo — David and Susan Puopolo are still
reviewing the license with their attorney. This will be rescheduled for later in January.
Selectman Camille Anthony understands that the license is not transferable.
Hearing to Amend Personnel Policies — Selectman George Hines read the hearing notice.
The Personnel Administrator Carol Roberts recapped the process. The first discussion
was on committee of employees and union and non-union employees. There has been
four months of discussions. The Labor Counsel reviewed the entire policy. There were
changes in FMLA, ex-initiated by Labor Counsel. Employees and Union Presidents had
ten days to respond.
Frank Driscoll questioned Section 7.6 on the drug free workplace, and particularly
whether or not a conviction outside of the workplace should be reported to the Town.
The Town Manager felt that there were circumstances under which this would be
appropriate.
The Board reviewed the remainder of the policies, and in Section 8.1 and 8.2 change the
word permanent to employment status.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to close the hearing to amend
the Personnel Policies by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve the amendments
to the Personnel Policies as amended in Section 8.1 and 8.2 by a vote of 3-0-0.
The Board thanked Carol Roberts for her efforts.
Appointment of Legal Services Review Team — The Board discussed whether or not to
proceed with a legal services evaluation process. Selectman George Hines suggested that
perhaps this should be deferred given all of the potential changes going on currently
including potential changes on the Corporex landfill sale.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14 1999—Page 3
-- License Renewals — The Board of Selectmen reviewed the license renewals. The Town
Manager noted that licenses would not be renewed where fees, taxes or other revenues
are due to the Town. We try to get all of these items straightened out by the end of the
year. No action is required by the Board.
Evaluation of Town Manager — The Board discussed the issue of the Town Manager's
evaluation. Selectmen Matthew Cummings and George Hines represent the Town
Manager's Evaluation Committee. A memo from Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor was
given to Selectman Hines and will be given to Selectman Cummings. They will try to do
the evaluation process by the 15th of January.
The Town Manager noted that based on discussions with the Police Chief, we were
having second thoughts about the "Do not Enter, Emergency Vehicles Exempted" to the
new Police Station lot from Middle Street.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to defer the implementation
of traffic regulations relating to this matter until an evaluation of approximately six
months. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of November 30, 1999 as amended by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of December 1, 1999 as amended by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session
for the following purposes not to come back into Open Session: Discussion of strategy
relative to labor negotiations and approval of Executive Session minutes and the sale of
real estate. On a roll call vote, all three members voted in the affirmative and the Board
adjourned its regular session at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secre ary