Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-06-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting IJune 18, 1984 Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Landers, Paul Dustin, John Russell, Mary Ziegler, John. Agnew, Executive Secretary, Marion McCoy, Edwin Balboni, Nicholas Haddad, Beth Klepeis, Richard Sullivan, Jim D'Agostino. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Maureen O'Brien, and was started one half hour early to resume the dog hearing that was continued from the previous meeting. Discussion/Action Items Dog Hearing— Mrs. Marion McCoy, owner of the dog Kaiser, was present as well as neighbors. Maureen O'Brien announced that the minutes of the last meeting which were taped would be incorporated into this meeting. John Russell moved that the Board direct Mrs. McCoy to enroll her dog in an obedience training, a complete course,. that the leash law be strictly enforced and, in this case, would not recommend and not impose a fine of $50.00. The motion was seconded by Paul Dustin. Maureen O'Brien felt that a copy of the completion certificate should be submitted for the files. John Russell amended the motion to include proof of such training be submitted. Paul Dustin moved to amend the motion that the obedience training be completed within eight weeks but that Mrs. McCoy could petition the Board for an extension of that time limit with good and sufficient reason. John Russell and the seconder accepted the amendment which was approved by a unanimous vote. Labor Negotiations — Mr. Campbell of Firefighter's Local 1312 presented the signed memorandum agreement for the Board of Selectmen's action. There will be a new contract. The Board requested to defer signing until it could be reviewed by Alan Drachman and that they would take action on it before July 1St. Changes from the previous contract are an increase in clothing allowance, 5 percent pay raise, extending the side letter for one more year and changing the dates. The Cemetery worker's contract was ratified. The title of the working foreman was changed to Cemetery Crew Master. The Board of Cemetery Trustees must also ratify the document. The negotiation subcommittee recommended ratification of the contract. Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen ratify the draft contract with the Board of Public Works effective July 1St for the year expiring June 30, 1985. The motion was seconded by Mary Ziegler and the vote passed with John Russell abstaining because his son is affected by the contract. I The Clerical Union has not yet ratified their contract. One more negotiation session is necessary. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18. 1984—Page2 Executive Secretary Report — John Agnew announced there would be a meeting at 7:00 p.m. prior to the Special Town Meeting. The sale of property to the 128 Sales hearing was continued to the second week of July. An appraisal is still necessary. The Building Inspector will be out for an extended period of time. Arrangements will be made to use one of the Woburn Inspectors. Perambulation of Town Boundaries — Maureen O'Brien and Paul Dustin perambulated the boundaries and three bounds were under water. Letters must be sent to the abutting communities notifying them of the perambulation (Lynnfield, Wakefield, Wilmington, North Reading and Stoneham). Appraiser Interviews — There were 7:30 p.m. interviews with the appraisers for two pieces of property, the railroad Depot and vacant land adjacent to Route 128. Edwin Balboni reviewed his qualifications in the field for the past 23 years. A report will be submitted within 30-45 clays. The work on both parcels would be done simultaneously and he could begin immediately. The price would be $3,000. Nicholas Haddad reviewed his credentials since 1965 working in the field and representative clients. He could deliver his report in 30 days or less for both projects, and is available immediately at a price of$1,500. He has prior experience with a railroad depot in Framingham. Correspondence, Appointments and Announcements — An invitation from the West Side Club in Wakefield to attend their July 4th celebration was extended. Anyone interested should RSVP. John Russell moved to reappoint the current members of the School Building Committee for a period of one year. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. McCarthy was previously interviewed. Mr. Brown and Leo Flynn did not appear. Action was deferred until later. The Selectmen were notified of the resignation of William E. Locke from the Board of Assessors effective June 25, 1984. This is an elected position. The vacancy must be filled by the Board in combination with the remaining members of the Board of Assessors for the remainder of the term. There will be discussion about placing an ad. A letter from Chief Marchand indicating that he will be out of Town on the 20th and 21" and Lieutenant Granelli will be in charge. The Council on Aging has received a$1,000 donation from the Wakefield Lodge of Elks towards the purchase of a new vehicle. John Russell moved to accept the gift of$1,000 from the Wakefield Lodge of Elks and the funds be placed in a separate account. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18. 1984—Page 3 A lengthy complaint letter from Mrs. David Gilman of 95 Harnden Street who lives adjacent to a rooming or boarding house with unruly tenants. The Selectmen requested a written report from the Police Chief. This location is not licensed. The Chief, landlord and abutters will be invited to attend, as well as the Health Department and the Building Inspector at the meeting on July 2na Ray Unswer's letter requires the Building Inspector's attention. The Board requested a report on that situation. A letter from MHFA regarding program and notice from Conservation regarding Wingate Development Corporation for 123 apartment units. John Agnew was requested to get additional information. A letter from the Conservation Commission for a strategy meeting on June 21st to draft a proposal to select engineering consultants. Mary Ziegler, who is the liaison to that Board, is not available to attend. Paul Dustin volunteered to do so. Action on the job description of Dog Officer was deferred. Motion was made, seconded and unanimously voted that Virginia Adams and William Fowler be reappointed to the Historical Commission for three year terms. Motion was made, seconded and unanimously voted that Cherrie Dubois be appointed as an Associate Member of the Historical Commission. Motion was made, seconded and unanimously voted that Irving Dickey be reappointed for a three year term to the Town Forest Committee. Motion was made, seconded and unanimously voted that William H. Watt be reappointed for a three year term to the Zoning Board of Appeals. On the request of Chief Marchand, John Russell moved, it was seconded, and the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Carl M. Accorto from Somerville and John D. Teneriello of 28 Heather Drive, Reading as Police Reserve Officers. They have both been approved by the Police Reserve. They have or will be attending the required training. Common Victualler License—The new owner, John.Jonas, was advised to speak with the Board of Health. It was moved, seconded and unanimously voted that a Common Victualler's License be issued to the J. C. Vitner Corporation to operate a Pewter Pot Restaurant at 580 Main Street, Reading for a one year term beginning June 25th Insurance Committee— (Speaker not identified on tape but Chairman is listed as Howard Troutman in Annual Report.) The Blue Cross plan is being separately reviewed. Status report - The Committee recommended the Town pay $2500 additional premiums for substantial increase in coverage. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 1984—Page 4 Property insurance, extra expense was doubled ($318); valuable papers coverage over all Town locations ($50), increased indemnity for volunteer fire and police to $200 per week ($279); boiler machinery, extra expense was doubled ($468). Under the crime insurance added extortion and kidnap coverage for all employees ($500) for $100,000 of coverage. $100,000 computer theft insurance ($287) which covers loss of money or funds by unauthorized use of data processing equipment. Maureen O'Brien asked that the Management Study report be reviewed for recommendations on insurance coverage. Other coverage has been improved without additional premium. Figures are prorated for the current year and are in effect now. It was moved, seconded and unanimously voted to accept the recommendations of the Insurance Committee on the adjustments to the insurance program with additional premiums of approximately$2500. A statement of values of real and personal property is being prepared for submission to the insurer. The Board will be asked to sign it. The coverage is $50 million, and it was felt that it far exceeded the value of buildings that could be destroyed by a single disaster. The Committee is waiting for confirmation of values from various Town departments. Enviroiunental and pollution liability coverage was discussed. $5,000 premium covers $500,000 coverage. A survey would need to be done to see if there is a potential for liability which would cost $2500. The Board of Selectmen will write an introductory letter to the involved departments. Coverage for underground storage tanks was discussed as well as school science labs. The survey should include Schools, Police, Fire, Library, Public Works and the Light Departments. It was reported that the reinsurance market was tightening, and things will get worse before they get better. Exposure on the underwriting costs include defense costs. Based on the results, the Board will decide whether to purchase coverage or remain self-insured. The Professional Liability Policy for the School Board and the Town's general Errors and Omissions of Public Officials liability will need to be renewed soon. It was discussed whether to renew with current agent or with James. A letter from the Council on Aging regarding Rita McKinley requesting to use current funds to pay comp time. Contract changes need to be covered under current budget. There will be $1700 left at the end of the fiscal year. A breakdown on the comp time has been requested. The Treasurer stated this week's payroll requested 110 overtime hours for payment, and she could only pay for work done in the current week. There was an agreement some time ago that all comp time should be used within three months. Requested Council on Aging to appear before the Board for discussion on July 2"d. It was moved, seconded and unanimously voted to issue a One Day All Alcoholic License to the Masonic Building for June 23, 1984. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 1984—Page 5 Ap raisers — John Russell moved that the Town contract with Nicholas L. Haddad to perform the appraisals of the Depot and the proposed McManus land sale for a total of i $1,500 to be completed within 30 days. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The contract will be reviewed by Town Counsel. A call to Mr. Haddad will be made, and a letter will be sent to the other candidates. John Russell reported that he would attend the Eagle Scout Ceremony for David Polcari, whose public service project was to clean up the trails in the Town Forest. Mary Ziegler moved that a Community Service Award be issued to David Polcari of Troop 704. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. John Agnew noted that the Fire Chief would be away for 72 hours attending a Fire Chief's Convention. The Law Committee will be meeting a week from Wednesday. Town Treasurer - Data Processing Coordinator. Beth Klepeis felt that the Board of Selectmen should listen to the Town Meeting tapes malting per position full time. Pursuant to General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 108, the setting of salary of public officials is done at Town Meeting, and the Selectmen have no role except as recommendation to Town Meeting. Beth Klepeis reviewed the process she had undertaken requesting the position of Treasurer become full time for $24,200. FinCom Voted not to recommend. The matter appeared before Town Meeing. The tape of Town Meeting was played. Beth Klepeis moved under Article 19, Line Items 11-14, in the Finance Committee Report that the sum of $6,300 be moved from the Municipal Light Department's Maintenance and Operations account to the Treasurer's salary account, and the sum of$69,227 be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling $75,527 be appropriated to the Treasurer as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $61,577; expense (including out of State travel not to exceed $450) $9,950; tax title $4,000 and that total is $75,527 and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Treasurer's salary is set effective July 1, 1982 at$24,200. The motion was seconded. Beth Klepeis reviewed her duties and responsibilities pursuant to MGL 41, Sections 35 and 36, Chapter 60 (tax title), Chapter 41, Section 39A (Assistant Treasurer) and the status in representative communities. She also discussed investing the Town's funds at the best possible rate, and related increases in interest income and savings on expenses. Finance Committee Report— Amend article to read $58,156 be raised from tax levy and the sum of $64,466 be appropriated and as the motion goes on. The salary figure $50,516. The other figures do not change. The Treasurer's salary is effective July 1, 1982 at $13,054. It was voted 7-2 for the salary of the Treasurer, and 9-0 for the balance of salaries. The motion was seconded. Fincom report was given. Another speaker felt the job description was not specific enough, and did not cover some of the activities that Beth Klepeis is doing. Mr. Rosenthal supported it and stated that the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to support the article. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 1984—Page 6 Richard Sullivan, Precinct 5, noted that the increased cost was more than made up for by the RMLD wire transfer savings. Mr. McDonald spoke from personal experience of the needs of the job and supported a full time position in Reading. In 1972, there were 57 million in transactions and in 1981; 311 million. In 1972, investment income was $2,309; tax title$4,600. In 1981, they were $553,885 and $92,631 respectively. In 1984 to date, $504,774 and projected to $700.000. Tax title $186,949. Jim D'Agostino, Precinct 3, stated he didn't know it wasn't a full time position because Beth Klepeis was always available. He supported the article. Mrs. Adams, Precinct 2, inquired what benefits are derived under a part-time versus full- time position. Beth Klepeis stated her salary is set and has no sick time or vacation buy back. She is eligible for retirement, the life insurance and Blue Cross/Blue Shield programs now and those items would not change. Vote to move the previous question passed. Voting on the amendment by the Finance Committee, the amendment failed. Voting on the main motion,motion carried. (End of Town Meeting tape.) The Selectmen have the authority to appoint the Coordinator. Beth Klepeis read from the Committee's report for the job description and the potential for a part-time position which must be approved by Town Meeting. The Committee recommended to the Selectmen that Beth Klepeis be appointed. The Auditors changed their recommendation and have now not recommended that the Treasurer's salary be reduced. The Selectmen discussed their individual memories of combining the positions and/or prorate salary for the dual titles. There was consensus that the position needed to be filled by someone working at Town Hall. Beth Klepeis felt if additional programming was needed that it be acquired through a paid consultant. Maureen O'Brien stated that the purpose of this meeting was to get clarification on the question of whether the Data Processor's position was a function of the Treasurer as voted by Town Meeting. The Committee has recommended that Town continue with a consultant for this year. The Selectmen stated that they were told that Town Meeting Members felt uncomfortable with raising questions with Beth Klepeis presenting her own article. Paul Dustin did not believe the purpose of this meeting was to adjust salary but to prove the point that the full-time Treasurer position was approved by Town Meeting and felt Beth Klepeis had proven her case. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 18, 1984—Page 7 Beth Klepeis reiterated.she was interested in the Data Processing Coordinator position as long as it was understood that it was not part of the Treasurer's position. Jolu1 Russell moved that Beth Klepeis be appointed for Fiscal 1985. The motion was seconded. John Russell reiterated that there was no lack of confidence. After discussion, it was decided to send a letter to each member of the Data Processing Committee to come forward as a candidate if they were interested. John Russell withdrew his motion, and it was agreed to ask the Data Processing Committee for a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen for the appointment of the Data Processing Coordinator. Executive Session — On a roll call vote, it was moved by Mary Ziegler to go into Executive Session for the purpose of labor negotiations not to return to open session. The motion was seconded and all five members voted in the affinnative. These minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton, as a volunteer, on December 18, 1999, based on three 90-minute, double-sided tapes supplied by the Town of Reading. I i