HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-08-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 20, 1991
The meeting was convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmens Meeting
Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Vice Chairman
Dan Ensminger, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Russ Graham and
George Hines . Also present were Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties :
Penny Richards, Anne Mark, Trish Brigham, Diane Young, Stephen
Thomases, Nathan C. White, Fred Van Magness, Pete Dahl, George
MacDonald, Marty McWilliams, Nick Agneta, Bill Burditt, Henry
Marcy, Steve Hutcheson.
Liaison Reports
George Hines indicated that he had attended the Ice Rink
Feasibility Committee meetings. They have evaluated sites and
will be hearing the proposed business plan on Wednesday night.
They will have a draft report to the Board of Selectmen in two ±
weeks. They will hold a public hearing and then make a full
presentation to the Board of Selectmen prior to the Warrant clos-
ing for the Subsequent Town Meeting.
Sally Hoyt reviewed the status of the Elder Services Formula
Grant, the Fire Station Grant, the Baby Show, indicated that the
Pool was out of commission for the rest of this week because of
storm damage, and indicated that the Sherburne family had con-
tacted her about concerns regarding the paving of Haverhill
Street.
Russ Graham had no report.
Dan Ensminger had no report. He did indicate that, contrary to
press reports, the Town of Reading water supply was a good
potable water supply and did not need to be boiled prior to con-
sumption.
The Town Manager mentioned several items including: the method of
cleanup from the aftermath of Hurricane Bob; the problems with
the Grant Memorial Pool and its projected cleanup; the fact that
the RMLD had planted plantings on the Common to screen the
transformer boxes; reiterated the water quality comments that Dan
Ensminger had made; and outlined the outstanding job that the
Town work forces had done in preparing for and working during
Hurricane Bob. The Town Manager also outlined the grant for the
Household Hazardous Wastes Collection Program.
The Town Manager outlined the FY92 budget status. As a result of
the state budget that was adopted, and vetoes by the Governor,
the FY92 budget as approved by Town Meeting is $750,885 short of
revenue. This includes $6501,885 of reduced revenue reflecting
actual revenues for FY91, and an additional expense of $100,000
for special needs. The Town Manager noted that the new insurance
allows us to reduce that line item by $9,900, and the Vocational
School final budget came in at $7,516 under budget. The Town
Manager also indicated that he would recommend dropping the
curbside recycling program effective October 1, at a cost savings
Selectmens Minutes - 8/20/91 - page 2
of $135, 000 . This leaves a net shortfall of $598, 000, which
would be shared $359 , 000 by the School Department (60%) and
$239,000 by the Town (40%) . The Board discussed the options of
having an override election on "Super Tuesday" and using a
teachers' deferral program. Bill Burditt, representing the
Finance Committee, indicated that the FinCom had voted 8-0-0 not
to recommend a teachers' salary deferral. Sally Hoyt indicated
that some options may be to reduce hours, close for holidays, and
offer early retirements. The Selectmen indicated that they did
not favor either the Super Tuesday or the teachers' salary defer-
ral. The Town Manager indicated that the recommendation from the
Finance Director, Town Accountant, and the Town Manager was to
use neither the Super Tuesday option (which was felt would be
unsuccessful) nor the teachers deferral which was felt was an ac-
counting methodology which did not yield any real savings. The
various members of the Board of Selectmen agreed.
Steve Thomases felt that we should use the same criteria for all
areas of expenditures. There should be no "sacred cows. " We
should explore other options regarding trash and recycling.
Anne Mark outlined four reasons to continue recycling: 1) waste
bans established by the state will require it; 2) we have a
favorable contract in place; 3) participation is excellent - we
recycle 17 . 4% of our tonnage, and 70% of the households are
recycling; 4) recycling is environmentally sound.
Dan Ensminger indicated he hoped that reduction in curbside recy-
cling could be for only one year.
Nate White indicated that the actual percentage of household in-
come that goes to property taxes has declined significantly over
the last 20 years.
The Board of. Selectmen discussed whether cuts that are made
shouldn't be the more visible cuts or whether we should continue
to make reductions that have the least negative impact on public
services.
George Hines indicated that he hoped that when 'we made the cuts
that we would be able to keep the work forces such as the police
officers on patrol, and the firefighters in place.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted not to hold a
Super Tuesday election by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board voted not to sup-
port the deferral of teachers payroll by vote of 4-0-0.
The Board asked for options for other programs other than drop-
ping recycling, and for an evaluation of furloughs or reduced
work hours.
Selectmens Minutes - 8/20/91 - page 3
On motion by Hines seconded by Graham the Board voted to adjourn
at 9:31 p.m. by vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted:
s
Secre ry
`i