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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-10-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Minutes October 10, 1989 The meeting was convened at 7 : 35 p.m. in the Lecture Hall at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road Reading, MA. Mem- bers present were Chairman Graham, Selectmen Russell and Nigro and Town Manager Peter I. Hechenbleikner. Members of the public present were: Bill Brown, Mark J. O'Brien, Bridget O'Brien, Maureen T. O'Brien, Patricia Driscoll, Bernice Herrick. Chairman Graham opened the meeting and asked everyone to stand for a moment of silence in honor of three Town residents who died during the last week - Bruce Latham, Mrs . Memmolo, and Lacey Packer. Minutes The Board dispensed with the approval of the minutes pending a full Board being present. Liaison Reports John Russell indicated that he had met with the RMLD and sur- rounding towns trying to work out the final issues for the agree- ment. Russ Graham indicated that he and several members of the Board of Selectmen had attended the Board Training Session, and felt that it was a very good and instructive meeting. He also indicated that he had met with the Chairman of the Finance Committee, the School Committee, the Superintendent of Schools, the Town Manager, the Town Accountant, and the Finance Director regarding budget. The Board of Selectmen will be meeting on October 17 to discuss specifics for the FY91 budget. The Depot Task Force had met, but Mr. Graham was not able to attend. This item for dis- cussion on tonight's agenda will be postponed until the full Board is present on October 24, 1989. Messrs. Graham and Nigro attended a testimonial for Geoff Be- ckwith honoring him as a Legislator of the Year by the Environ- mental Lobbies of Massachusetts for his work on the Toxic Waste Reduction Bill. Messrs. Nigro, Ensminger and Graham attended Henry Vik's 80th Birthday Dinner last Thursday night. Public Comment On motion by Nigro seconded by Russell the proclamation for Na- tional Business Women's Week was approved by a vote of 3-0-0, with Sally Hoyt attending for the Business and Professional Women's Association. On motion by Nigro seconded by Russell the Board approved a proclamation for YMCA Campaign Kickoff Day on Thursday, October 12 by vote of 3-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Sergeant Mark O'Brien, Reading's newest Police Sergeant, was in- troduced to the Board of Selectmen by Chief Marchand. Mr. O'Brien's wife Bridgett, and mother Maureen O'Brien (former Board of Selectmen Minutes - 10/10/89 - Page 2 Selectman) were in attendance. The Board noted the resignation of William Locke as Assessor, and the Town Manager outlined the process for reappointment to fill the vacancy. Representative Beckwith Representative Beckwith was present to discuss fiscal issues. He indicated that the Governor had developed a package of three hundred thirty million ($330, 000,000) dollars in reductions and/ or revenues to deal with the current revenue shortfall on a state basis. This includes tightening administration; one hundred fifty million ($150, 000, 000) dollars in cuts; and one hundred twenty million ($120,000, 000) dollars in non-tax revenue. The sentiment within the Legislature is not to further cut local aid either in FY90 or FY91. In addition, the Governor has proposed a one hundred eighty million ($180,000,000) dollar package for in- creasing aid to cities and towns. This includes three proposals endorsed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association: anti-double dipping; cable TV fees; and auto excise collections. The Gover- nor is also proposing a local option that would permit quarterly tax collections on a local basis. Mr. Beckwith hoped that by year end these measures would be in place. Executive Session Minutes The procedure for the release of Executive Session Minutes was t reviewed and approved by the Board of Selectmen. Stop signs On motion by Nigro seconded by Russell the Board approved stop `i signs on Haven Street westbound at High Street; and on Pearl Street north and southbound at Franklin Street by vote of 3-0-0. Press Box/Storage Shed On motion by Nigro seconded by Russell the Board approved the construction of a Press Box/Storage Shed next to the lighted ballfield in the Birch Meadow area in accordance with plans presented to the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on September 26, the facility to include toilets and phones; said facility to be built and maintained by the Softball Association without any expense to the Town. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0, and the Town Manager was directed to draft an agreement between the Softball Association and the Town to implement this project. Texaco Service Station The Board noted the three month report from Texaco Service Sta- tion. The Town Manager indicated that there were no direct com- plaints with regard to the operation, but it was being monitored by Town staff. The renewal will come before the Board of Selectmen by year end. Town Taxi of Reading, Inc. On motion by Nigro seconded by Russell the Board approved licenses for two vehicles and permits for four drivers for Town Taxi of Reading, Inc. by vote of 3-0-0. I i Board of Selectmen Minutes - 10/10/89 - Page 3 Warrant/Subsequent Town Meeting The Board reviewed the Warrant and assigned the different article to members of the Board of Selectmen. Positions on each article will be taken at a later session but prior to Town Meeting. On motion by Nigro seconded by Russell the Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. by vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted: 90--VV Secretary