HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 10, 1984
Present were Chainnan Maureen O'Brien, Paul Dustin, John Russell, Mary Ziegler, John
Agnew, Executive Secretary, Ray McDonald, Virginia Adams.
Maureen O'Brien reviewed the agenda.
Discussion/Action Items
Audit - Ray McDonald reported the 1983 audit was complete. There were some
problems making changes with the new computer software. Backups are made regularly.
Auditors were concerned about the figures balancing with the move from hand
accounting to the computer program. He expected all computer programs and systems to
be fully functional this year.
A letter was received from the Board of Assessors stating the tax rate was set as of
9/5/84, the earliest date yet, but will not be approved until the balance sheet is submitted.
Ray McDonald expected it to be ready on 9/17. Tax bills are due out October lst. The
list of unpaid water bills needs to be coordinated for inclusion with the tax bills.
Differences in the way information was entered in the two programs made comparisons
- difficult. Adjustments were made to correct this problem.
jPaul Dustin expressed concern that it was taking three years to get the system functional
and that would not work in private industry. Ray McDonald stated the programs had to
be modified for each department's use, and it might have been better if Reading followed
Andover's approach and implemented the programs one department at a time. Last year,
the tax rate was set on 11/10, the year before on 11/2. The previous early date was in
1980 and that was set on 10/9.
Report of the Executive Secretary - Paul Dustin moved that the Town send flowers, a
card and an Outstanding Citizen Certificate to Annie Holden of 39 Pilgrim Road for
reaching her 100th birthday on September 29th. The motion was seconded and approved
by a unanimous vote.
Planning Board, Building Inspector and Conservation will be moving to the former
Library on September 11th.
John Russell moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign the Division of Personnel
Administration form regarding one vacancy for the position of Fire Lieutenant. The
motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Town Meeting Warrant - The Board discussed proposed Articles for the Warrant:
establishing the position of Assistant Building Inspector; Trust Fund Committee Article;
uniform allowance for Public Safety (Police or Fire) that was:not funded last year. The
Board of Selectmen Meeting=September 10. 1984—Page 2
most discussion centered on the Charter Commission and the logistics of how to
implement. The Selectmen preferred getting support of Town Meeting.
The ballot question would be to establish a study committee. There was disagreement as
to whether named individuals had to be voted for or merely the number of positions to be
filled. There was substantial discussion on who would obtain ballot question signatures:
The Board of Selectmen, League of Women Voters, Town Meeting or a subcommittee.
The Board agreed to further investigation and discussion.
Grant - John Russell moved to approve the Grant application to the Department of Elder
Affairs. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Unemployment Benefits - Mary Ziegler moved that the Board approve payment of
unemployment benefits for July totaling $2,706 ($2,295 from the School Department).
The motion was seconded by Paul Dustin and approved by a unanimous vote.
Sealer of Weights & Measures Training - The person appointed to this position is also a
full time Police Officer. He would like to attend this training program. The Board
discussed whether he should take vacation time or be given paid time to attend. Concern
was expressed about Police Department overtime that might be needed, or whether he
could be scheduled to allow attendance without additional expense. The position pays
$2900 per year. Action deferred until the next meeting.
Sale of Train Depot - Three interested purchasers have sent in letters. After discussion,
the Board decided to place advertisements in the Boston Globe Real Estate section and
the Reading Chronicle soliciting bids, selection being dependent upon zoning and
historical concerns as well as price.
Virginia Adams from the Historical Commission expressed concern that the Commission
had not been kept involved in the process. Maureen O'Brien stated they were still
working with the same list that was previously developed. It was the consensus that the
Historical Commission be involved in the review process. This is a State/National
Register property. She stated that grant funds are available to municipalities for
renovation
A bid package submitted should include the intended use, compliance with the conditions
and an opening offer. The Board will interview the top three submissions. The Board
discussed negotiated price versus auction. It was unresolved whether the interviews
would be in open or Executive Session but that any price negotiation would be done in
Executive Session.
Fair Housing Committee — John Agnew stated no volunteers had come forward for this
committee, and he distributed draft letters to realtors and banks to solicit membership.
The Board also suggested the Housing Authority, Reading Clergy Association or similar
groups or residents of affordable housing would be appropriate candidates. The letters
ask for names of candidates to be submitted by the end of September.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 10, 1984—Page 3
Dog Officer-- John Agnew recommended Mr. Edward Larson who is Assistant Dog
Officer in Burlington.
Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint Edward Larson to the position of
Dog Officer at a salary of $13,312 plus a percentage of fines as listed in the incentive
program. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Motion was amended to pro rate the annual salary as of the actual starting date. The
amendment was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Wire Inspector - John Russell moved that the Wire Inspector be given a 5% salary
increase effective July 1, 1984 since he has not had a raise for two years. The motion
was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.
Personnel Board - The Personnel Board submitted a questionnaire in March and has
received no response from anyone. They would like to take a more active role in
personnel training and overall personnel issues but do not want to intrude if such action is
inappropriate.
After discussion, the Board directed John Agnew to invite Mrs. Fuller to a Department
Head meeting where the subject could be discussed. They would pass it down to those
under them and to the respective boards, committees and commissions. Discussed a 5-6
training time slot as having least impact on the workday. There could be a variety of
topics. John Russell felt communication would be an effective subject. Maureen
O'Brien will write to Mrs. Fuller expressing the Board's views and support.
Miscellaneous -Future agenda items were presented.
The Boosters Club has requested permission for their annual canvass. Maureen O'Brien
noted that they do not need a permit but it is customary for the Board of Selectmen to
give their blessing.
John Russell moved that a gun permit issued to Perry S. Griffin of 6 Hamden Street be
extended f6r one year subject to the agreement that he not store or deal in ammunition,
and that the Police Chief agrees with the issuance. The motion was seconded and
approved by a unanimous vote.
Executive Session: Mary Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen adjourn to
Executive Session not to return to Open Session for the purpose of discussing sale of land
and union negotiations. On a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and
the motion was carried.
Summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated
9/10/84,provided by the Town of Reading, on December 27, 1999.
