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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-08-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 6, 1984 Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell and Mary Ziegler, Executive Secretary John Agnew, Fire Chief Redfern. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Appreciation - It was moved, seconded and unanimously voted that a Certificate of Appreciation be presented to George(Skip) and Roberta Mansfield for their devoted and valuable service to the Town of Reading for their work in beautifying the entrance to Town Hall. Discussion/Action Items Criterion Road - Maureen O'Brien stated Town Counsel would attend the meeting for this item on August 13`x'. Paul Dustin inquired as to what the Board's role was in the dispute between two other boards. Fire Department - Chief Redfern announced the mechanic was retiring effective August 30`x', and with vacation time was effectively leaving on Friday. He urged hiring immediately. A joint maintenance facility was discussed. Chief Redfern was not - I opposed to a joint location but noted that Tony Fletcher (DPW Director) stated he was not in favor of the same mechanic doing the work, as fire apparatus was unique. The Fire Department mechanic maintains all auxiliary equipment at all stations on all vehicles and the pumps. The mechanic is willing to cover for emergencies until a replacement is found but has family obligations that necessitated the retirement. The Chief urged an upgrade from Grade 7 to Grade 8. The Board discussed other positions in the two grades. The Personnel Board would need to approve the change. The Chief presented a written job description for the position. John Russell moved that the Chief be authorized to advertise and interview applicants for the mechanic position, Grade 7, and to present to the Board'of Selectmen a list of candidates with his recommendation. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Chief Redfern requested the Board appoint provisional officers as Captain Turner was retiring and we are awaiting the results of the Civil Service Captain's exam. He reviewed other personnel injuries and illnesses. John Russell moved to accept the retirement of Theodore W. Turner, Jr., Fire Captain, having served the Town of Reading for 31 years. The Selectmen will send a letter of appreciation and invite him to a future meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. John Russell moved that Donald Jackson be appointed Provisional Fire Captain effective August 5, 1985. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. - Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 6, 1984—Page2 John Russell moved that William F. Campbell III be appointed Provisional Fire Lieutenant effective August 5, 1984. The. motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Chief Redfern reported that damage to the rear of the pickup was $574.91.and the front $1,530.55. There is a $500.00 deductible. Traveler's, which insures the motor vehicle, only sent a check for$88.00. The Chief will return the check as unacceptable as the cost is $574.91. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen authorize the expenditure of funds to repair the damaged vehicle. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. There is an interested buyer for an old, unrepairable deck gun. Maureen O'Brien will check with Town Counsel. The sale would need to be approved by the Finance Committee. ISO Report - The Chief reported the ISO is an insurance rating that is based on staffing and resource availability. Increasing staffing to meet the insurance criteria would only result in a 5% reduction in costs. The water system is good and the department can't pump all that is being supplied. He stated he was pleased to be in Class 4. The Board inquired if the hydrant flow could be corrected. The Chief stated hydrant ratings differed between water that was needed and water that was available. Veteran's Agent - Paul Farrell reviewed his hours and responsibilities in Reading and Wilmington. The Selectmen and Paul Farrell differed on the number of hours for himself and the secretarial position. The previous motion will be checked. The Selectmen expressed concern about going to the district position as it seemed Reading was paying more than its proportional share of costs. The case load in Reading for 7/27 was 17 active cases, 29 ordinary or medical benefit, 11 active service cases and 127 pending service cases awaiting adjustment. Total VA reimbursement for Reading residents was $190,280.64 for fiscal year ending 6/30/84 through his efforts. $2,300,000 was expended by the VA in Reading for veterans and/or their dependents. In Wilmington, $1,600,000. was received. There are 600 fewer veterans in Wilmington than Reading, mainly due to elderly housing availability. There are 11-12 medical cases, 88 service cases, 7 current. The population of Wilmington is about 7,000 less than Reading. This past week, Paul Farrell spent 10 hours in Wilmington and 27 hours in Reading. Paul Dustin felt the issue was whether Reading had a full time office, not whether the work was necessary. Others were concerned about the ratio of costs and hours between the two communities. Paul Farrell discussed legislation that was filed and passed at the State House due to the agents' lobbying efforts. As of July 1st, all benefits paid to veterans will be reimbursed by the State to cities and towns at 75%, up from 50%. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 6 1984—Page3 Executive Secretary Report - John Agnew reported that Town Counsel is reviewing the labor contracts and the side letters. There were three replies to the ad for a Sealer of Weights and Measures. They have not been interviewed yet. It was moved, seconded and unanimously voted that the Board of Selectmen delegate to the Executive Secretary the interviews of candidates, and to report back with the recommendation of the best candidate. Jolm Agnew is reviewing a proposal for Animal Control Officer and is checking with other communities on rates. The Board discussed the job description. The Board requested a copy of the supplemental cherry sheet. Trust Fund Committee - Maureen O'Brien reported the committee had met, held a brain storming session and is scheduling appointments with Social Service Departments of local hospitals to discuss unaddressed needs. The Board reviewed local hospitals (Lahey, Winchester, Choate, Symmes, New England Memorial and Melrose-Wakefield), and also discussed a possible dental clinic for the elderly. Persomzel Board - Betsey Fuller wants to meet with the Board of Selectmen and discuss what their function should be, legal issues and the worker's comp issues. Assessment forms were sent out inquiring about the most pressing needs for the Town but they have received no feedback. They are offering to conduct management training for the employees. Auditors—Maureen O'Brien will meet with the auditors and Mr. McDonald to review the figures on August 15`h. Coming out of this review will be a meeting on townwide issues. Appraisals - Appraisals for John Street and the Depot were received. The Board discussed whether to have Executive Session with prospective purchasers or to meet with the appraiser first. Status - Mary Ziegler asked whether the Board of Health had done the cleanup work discussed at the prior meeting near Gallahue's. Army Corps or Engineers — A letter was received stating that they would like to inspect the Nike silos which are currently sealed to see if there is any contamination. John Agnew will inquire whether they will reseal the silos when they are done. Correspondence - The Committee to Elect Sandra Trainor requested to use the Senior Center for an event. John Russell moved to allow the Committee to Elect Sandra Trainor to use the Senior Center meal site on August 23rd at 2:00 p.m., if available, at the usual fee. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. I - '' Board of Selectmen Meetin —Au st 6 1984—Pa e.4 A letter was received from a Green Street resident with a dog complaint. These ( individuals already have pending litigation on an earlier dog issue. The Board discussed whether this letter can be separated from the previous incident and treated as enforcement of the leash law. Paul Dustin requested that advice from Town Counsel be obtained first. Riaht-To-Know Seminar- John Russell will attend. He suggested notice be circulated to the Hazardous Waste Committee and DPW. Reconsideration of Vote - It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to amend the appointments made to the Reading Arts Council at the last meeting from three-year terms to two-year terms. John Agnew will notify appointees. MMA Meeting - Paul Landers moved that John Russell be appointed as the representative of the Board of Selectmen to attend the Massachusetts Municipal Association meeting in October. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Executive Session - John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session for the purpose of negotiation of land sales and possible litigation, not to return to Open Session: On a roll call vote, all five members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. The meeting of August 6, 1984 was adjourned. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated 8/6/84,provided by the Town of Reading, on December 24, 1999.