HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-07-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
July 23, 1984
Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, Jol-m Russell, Maly
Ziegler, Executive Secretary John Agnew, Mike DeLuca.
Personnel & Appointments
Council on Aging - Paul Dustin moved to place the following names in nomination for
three three-year positions on the Council on Aging: John F. MacDonnell, Ann Marie
McCarron, Mary Segalia and Jane Soule. The motion was seconded and approved and
Ann Marie McCarron, Mary Segalia and Jane Soule were appointed to the Council on
Aging by a unanimous vote.
The Selectmen discussed with the Council on Aging their request for funds to pay for
overtime/comp time, and that the money needed to be in the budget to begin with and
requires Town Meeting vote and could not just be processed after the end of the fiscal
year.
Personnel Board - Paul Dustin moved that Betsey Ray Fuller and John J. Castellano each
be reappointed to the Personnel Board for three-year terms. The motion was seconded
and approved and Betsey Ray Fuller and John J. Castellano were reappointed to the
Personnel Board by a unanimous vote.
Insurance Committee - John Russell moved that the number of members on the Insurance
Committee be increased from five to six, and that Howard Troutman be reappointed for a
three-year term and David Pratt and Barbara Luddy each be appointed for three-year
terms. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Discussion/Action Items
Criterion Road— The Selectmen discussed the Board of Appeals decision, the Planning
Board action, and the fact that no occupancy certificates have been issued for the three
houses. Paul Dustin felt strongly that the builder/violator should have been fined. The
Board will meet with all parties at a subsequent meeting.
Animal Control (8:30 p.m.) - Mike DeLuca is affiliated with charitable humane societies
that provide animal control services and assist Dog Officers in investigations and with
injured animals. All their staff is trained and most are Constables. The services would
be the same as if Reading had a Dog Officer under Chapter 140, Section 151. Fees
would depend on the services requested, from picking up and housing strays, to being on
call, to one person in a vehicle patrolling 24 hours a day. They currently cover the
Metropolitan Area seven days a week, 24-hours a day. Per fee dog charges must be in
the local bylaw.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 23, 1984—Page 2
At this point, they only have contracts assisting Animal Control Officers but are
expanding into providing services into communities that do not have services. Maureen
O'Brien asked for a specific dollar proposal for providing dog officer/animal control for
8 hours a day, 5 days a week program, also training program to assist, and back-up
service only.
Mr. DeLuca stated that the training might be received from the Mass. Criminal Justice
Training Council. He stated an 8-hour, 5-day work week would be $21,000 but there
would be additional charges after that. Maureen O'Brien stated that the budget is
$15,000 for salary and $5,000 for expenses.
John Russell stated that the hours could not be 8:00-5:00 and provide effective coverage.
Mr. DeLuca stated the hours could be split but that an officer might need to spend some
hours in court.
Mary Ziegler inquired about the cost for 20 hours plus emergency coverage. Mr. DeLuca
stated 40 hours within 7 days would be $21,000, and they would pick up and shelter
strays. Violators do not always come to retrieve their dogs. They have been providing
some services to the Reading Police Department.
Labor Contracts - Paul Dustin reported that the Police Union is taking a vote this week.
The DPW Union contract is ready for their review. Veteran's District Agent and
secretaries would have to join the retirement program of the largest community in the
district. The Selectmen expressed concern about continuing with the proposed district
with the retirement and insurance expense. The hours and expenses are increasing.
Maureen O'Brien questioned any savings. John Agnew will get additional information.
Appointment of Municipal Supervisor-John Russell moved that the Board appoint Town
Clerk Lawrence Drew as Municipal Records Supervisor. The motion was seconded and
approved by a unanimous vote.
Municipal Space Study - When and if Town Meeting votes funds the consolidation, work
will need to be done to the old Library. The Board will evaluate what procedures will be
implemented during construction and discussed whether consolidation could occur at the
Community Center. Details will be ready for Fall Town Meeting and construction, if
funded, could start in April or May. In conjunction with installation of the new Town
phone system, the old jacks will be removed. The pros and cons were discusssed
concerning leaving the building empty until construction would start. Project completion
is estimated as September, 1986.
Miscellaneous - The Correspondence was reviewed. The Board requested additional
information from the Conservation Commission. Paul Dustin moved if it is all right by
the Insurance Committee that additional insurance charges be paid. The motion was
seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 23, 1984—Page 3
John Russell moved to approve the Wakefield Y's Road Race on October 14th. The
motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
A letter to Town Counsel Ted Cohen regarding Timberneck Road was received. John
Agnew said the Police Department is monitoring the situation. Gallahue's has cleaned up
their area and the Town also needs to do some cleaning. There was discussion
concerning what department could do the work. If necessary, get a reserve fund transfer
for clean up through the Board of Health. A letter from MCAD on how to prevent
discrimination was received. After discussion, the Board postponed signing the proposed
policy on a subject that has not been an issue.
The Board received a letter regarding acquiring Oakland Road land that the School
Department does not want to release. A letter was received from the Fire Department
about a retirement and a job description for a mechanic. Inquired whether the new DPW
facility can accommodate repairs for other departments. The Board will meet with DPW
and both Chiefs to discuss joint repairs and staff.
The School Department is finishing language for ballot articles.
On motion by Dustin seconded by Russell, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of
July 23, 1984 by a unanimous vote.
jThese summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes
dated 7/23/84 provided by the Town of Reading on December 23, 1999.
i