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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 24, 1984 Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien (except during attendance at RMLD Meeting), Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell, Mary Ziegler, Executive Secretary John Agnew, Police Chief Edward Marchand, Mr. Nichols. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation— Knights of Columbus Days for the Handicapped - Paul Landers read the Proclamation for the Knights of Columbus Days for the Handicapped.on October 5, 6 and 7, 1984 for their annual campaign. John Russell moved to issue the Proclamation as read. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Proclamation—National Business Women's Week—Paul Landers read the Proclamation for National Business Women's Week, October 21-27, 1984. John Russell moved to issue the Proclamation as read. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Boy Scouts Paper Drive—John Russell moved to allow the Boy Scouts to use the parking lot on October 13th for a paper drive subject to the condition that the parking lot be left in I its usual pristine condition. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. I Purchase Parcel of Land — Riverside Drive - A letter was received from John Silverio requesting to purchase a parcel of land that is Town owned, Lot 18, and abuts his land, Lot 16, Plot 62, Riverside Drive. Lot 17A is 85 feet. Mr. Nichols said it is paved and people on 17A use it and it effects the fence into Washington Park. He stated in 1806 Mike Tighe bought the place, in 1890 sold part and the church was moved and then some additional land was sold off for house lots before they built the new St. Agnes Church. The parcel was owned by the•Sweetser family. In the thirties, they sold remaining land and left this parcel. At one time, the Town felt it could be an entrance to the pool area from one side as well as entrance to the Parker Tavern. This has been used for years as a parking lot for the church and perhaps subject to adverse possession. Mr. Silverio wants to get a garage and an exit to Washington Street. The Board of Survey paid careful consideration to this. Maureen O'Brien requested we get a list of land ready for auction from Beth Klepeis. Police Department - Chief Marchand stated the two radar guns that are five or six years old are in need of frequent repair and we have two more modern ones which sustained recent damage. They are$1100 apiece. Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen place a Warrant Article on the November Warrant to replace two radar guns for the Police Department. The motion was seconded j and approved by a unanimous vote. Board of Selectmen Meeting_September 24, 1984—Page 2 Mr. Cormier will work night shifts and will have two nights off in order to accommodate the training for the Sealer of Weights&Measures. There will be a large overtime payroll this week as two officers were requested for each polling place and one at Town Hall while votes are being counted. Patrolman's List - Chief Marchand asked the Board to request the Patrolman's List. He listed personnel changes. An exam will be held next month. Lt. Granelli will be retiring at the beginning of the year. He needs four patrolmen. There is no active Sergeant's list at this time. Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen call for a patrolman's list for four men. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen call for a Lieutenant's list to fill one position. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. In addition to the medical exam, Chief Marchand asked if the Board wanted them to undergo psychological exams as well. More communities are using thein. Average is $200-300 per officer. The Board discussed implications of Section 504, costs and employment discrimination. Civil Service approves psychological exams. The Board asked for time involvement and costs. Accreditation for the Police Departments went into effect in 1979 throughout the country. Liability insurance premiums can decrease. The cost for the accreditation is $5,000- 6,000 but savings in premiums has not been calculated. The rating lasts for five years. The accreditation program is sponsored by the International Chiefs of Police and several other organizations. False burglar alarm bills have not been sent out due to lack of staffing. The Selectmen asked the Chief to quantify the problem. There are approximately 10 a week. There is concern about the Police Department collecting funds on citations it issues. The Fire Department bills for the ambulance services. Joint Maintenance Facility - A memo from the Board of Public Works with regard to future vehicle maintenance was discussed. The Police Chief is pleased with the current process. In addition to the vehicles, the mechanic repairs and reinstalls radios and the grates between the seats. The Selectmen felt that prior study should be reviewed and the issue decided in light of a new DPW facility. In other communities that have a combined facility, the Police Departments report poor work and no priority. The consensus of the Board was that the Chief conduct a review on the impact on his Department and submit a report and recommendation. The Chief asked if the lights in the Square are on the Capital Outlay Plan. The Selectmen felt it was but that the timing should be reviewed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 24, 1984—Page 3 Warrant - John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen close the Warrant for the 1984 Subsequent Town Meeting. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. There are 26 items: Purchase of Police uniforms, repair of swimming pool, purchase of Council on Aging van, Laurel Hill land for the cemetery, DPW drainage facility on John Street, transfer of land on Old Pearl Street to Board of Selectmen, transportation improvements in the Square, construction of Town ways, sewer construction on John Street, watershed protection for well fields, old Library renovations, bylaw change which would allow for promulgation of regulations by the Conservation Commission, drainage facility on Main Street, Trust Fund Committee for the Hospital Trust Fund, establishment of a Charter Commission, Planning Board legal fee regarding Criterion Road, lease- purchase permission for the telephone system, capital outlay amendment, capital outlay plan and Charles Lawn Cemetery to transfer or exchange land. Maureen O'Brien left to attend a meeting at the Municipal Light Board to get information for the audit. Paul Dustin assumed the Chair. Mary Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session to discuss a grievance, to return to Open Session in approximately 15 minutes. The motion was seconded and on a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. (Executive Session) Report of the Executive Secretary — John Agnew reported that Gretchen Latowsky informed him she was resigning as Chair of the Hazardous Waste Committee but not as a member. The Fire Department has a new capital plan. DPW is holding a meeting Wednesday regarding the new facility. John Russell suggested the Insurance Committee should be informed. The Board of Health is unhappy with the Animal Inspector. The Dog Officer position needs to be readvertised to include both duties as the selected Dog Officer disagreed with the salary. The Animal Inspector has a$800.00 salary. Discussed a Vet doing the work but could hire one as a consultant, if necessary. Discussed funding through the Board of Health. Finding kennel space is difficult and most are not open on weekends. Salary rate was discussed. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen establish a reasonable fee for making quarantine calls of$10.00 for the new Dog Officer over and above the $6.40 an hour, and it be established after consulting with the Board of Health, and that the Dog Officer assume the duties of the Animal Control Officer. _ Maueen O'Brien returned to the meeting. John Agnew stated he is contacting consultants on the Right-To-Know Law. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 24, 1984—Page4 Chief Redfern will be on vacation from Wednesday for a week. Deputy Chief Cail will be in charge. Correspondence - The Board of Health wrote regarding the Dubitsky property. The Board suggested more regular patrols. Maureen O'Brien stated the audit on Friday produced a trial balance but it is not accurate. She reviewed issues with the Trust Fund and the RMLD. The auditors will return on Monday to complete the 1983 audit and if they cannot complete it then, they will return in the Spring. The auditors asked for a lot more infon-nation this year than they had ever done before. Cost of the audit was discussed. It will require three additional people for a week. Discussed that the delays last year in preparing for the audit were repeated this year. Maureen O'Brien stated there were lot of issues with the computer, short term entering of a year's worth of transactions, and extended vacation time by the programmer. Discussed lack of central authority and staffing. Russell Graham, Chair of the Finance Committee, participated in the discussion. Oversight of Town Accountant McDonald's work was discussed. Future Agenda Items - Finance Committee Appointments, Recreation Committee, and invite Precinct Captains and Moderator to discuss how to proceed with the Charter Commission. The Selectmen expressed concern about the Fire Station Committee being filled with mostly firefighters. Discussed personnel board staff. Reviewed letter from Mr. Newhouse regarding "conservation land" sale. Recommended John Agnew confer with the attorney and advise the Board. The Selectmen requested plan showing land. Correspondence - Discussed Insurance bill. John Russell moved that the $429.36 bill be paid. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. A letter was received from the MSPCA on how to handle and dispose of animals. A letter was received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The Planning Board needs to initiate request for planning services. A letter was received from Betsey Ray Fuller of the Personnel Board that the Assistant Building Inspector has been approved at a Grade Level 8. John Russell moved that the Board allow a change in the Member in Charge of the Thursday night meeting as distinguished from the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday night. The motion was,seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Criterion Road- Maureen O'Brien has discussed the issue with Town Counsel. Discussed order of articles on Town Meeting Warrant. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 24 1984—Page 5 Mary Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations, not to return to Open Session. The motion was seconded and on a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. Board recessed to Executive Session. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated 9/24/84, provided by the Town of Reading, on December 27, 1999. l