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Home My WebLink About1988-09-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes i s Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting i September 20, 1988 Meeting convened at 7 : 30 p.m. at 6 Lowell Street, Reading. Present were Chairman Eugene Nigro, Vice Chairman Russell Graham, Selectmen Paul Landers and Mollie Ziegler. Under Liaison Reports, Mollie Ziegler indicated that the Municipal Space Build- ing Committee was meeting in Room 140 of the High School, Wednes- day evening, September 21st. On motion by Ziegler, seconded by Landers, the Board of Selectmen approved Arts Council membership at twelve members, rather than the current fifteen members. This was approved by a vote of 4-0- 0. The Fire Facility Study Committee was introduced by Paul Landers. Present were John Hughes and Joe Lafo from the firm of Hughes and McCarthy, Architects, Chief Redfern, Virginia Adams, and Fire Facility Study Committee member Bill Brown. The three and five- bay concepts were reviewed. A four-page handout reviewing cost estimates and the detailed building program summary were also reviewed. In response to a question, Chief Redfern indicated that the five-bay station as a single, central fire station in the community would provide better fire service to the entire community with no diminution of service. On motion by Landers, seconded by Ziegler, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the recommendation of the Fire Facility Study Committee and endorse the warrant article for a five-bay station, utilizing the single central station concept by a vote of 4-0-0. The issue of salary for Mike DeBrigard, Highway Supervisor, was discussed. It was indicated that Mr. DeBrigard was appointed ap- proximately twelve months ago. At his ten-month anniversary, he received a 5% increase per the salary bylaw. The Public Works Director had recommended a salary of $622. 64 per week, which is the same as the two other supervisors in the department. The Town Manager indicated that although we had no methodology for establishing salaries beyond the base level at this time, Mr. DeBrigard had done an excellent job, and this salary did not seem out of line. In terms of any potential problems this might create with the other supervisors, Mr. Fletcher was aware of this issue and would have to deal with it. On motion by Paul Landers, seconded by Russell Graham, the Board approved a salary of $622 . 64 a week for Michael DeBrigard, effective at his twelve- month anniversary by a vote of 4-0-0. The draft warrant was reviewed by the Town Manager with the Board in some detail. The Municipal Space Building issues will be held for a Special Town Meeting within the Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting, since there will be a presentation on 10-4-88. In addi- tion, water storage and modification to the water treatment plant will be presented to the Board on 10-4-88. Chairman Nigro indicated that the Library should consider private fund-raising to replace the turret roofs at the library. Some concern was expressed about not having adequate background regarding a ticketing bylaw. The sense of the Board was that f I Minutes - 9/20/88 - Page 2 j they would approve it going n the warrant, but would want a presentation prior to Town Mee-c.ing. The question was raised as to whether or not a Special Town Meet- ing Article on the Voke School bonding issue would be required. The Board questioned the proposed CPDC article on "Auto Graveyards. " They support the concept of improved control, but wondered whether permitting no unlicensed and unregistered vehicles for any period of time was realistic. What if somebody wanted to sell their car after they had bought a new one. The Board discussed the CPDC article on Site Plan Review. They are concerned about the workload of the Commission. Their feeling was that some better measure than purely dollar value was impor- tant in determining whether site plan approval is needed. They also felt that public buildings should not require site plan ap- proval, but this can, and should be done on an advisory basis. The Board discussed a special meeting which will convene at 7:30 p.m. on 11-21-88. The warrant will be opened on 10-17-88 at 8:30 a.m. and will be closed on 10-18-88 at 8:00 p.m. The Town Manager discussed the fact that new bus stops had been located in Town, including one at the Depot. These stops are temporary until the Selectmen approve them at their meeting on September 26, 1988 . On motion by Ziegler, seconded by Landers, the meeting was ad- journed at 10:25 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully_ submitted, Secret ry