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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-10-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October.9, 1984 Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Dustin,Paul Landers, Jolui Russell, Mary Ziegler, John Agnew, Executive Secretary, John Faria, Dr. Green, Jolu-I Fallon, David Gould, William Hughes, Fire Chief. Licenses, Permits and Approvals Alcoholic Beverage License - John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen grant a one-day all alcoholic beverage license for Friends and Alumni of Austin Prep at Austin Prep on November 17, 1984 subject to approval of the Police Department for adequate protection. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Johii Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen grant a one-day all alcoholic beverage license for the Masonic Building Association for October 18, 26, 27 and November 4, 1'7, 1984 subject to approval of the Police Department for adequate protection. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen grant a one-day all alcoholic beverage license for the Eastern Mass. Bridge Association at Austin Prep on October 20, 1984 subject to the approval of the Police Department for adequate protection. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Personnel & Appointments The Selectmen interviewed the candidates: John Fallon, David Gould and William Hughes. The fourth candidate was not available this evening. Maureen O'Brien read a letter from the Recreation Committee recommending the appointment of John Fallon. Action was deferred until the next meeting. Discussion/Action Items Correspondence - John Agnew stated the proposed letter to DEQE is outdated since they are already proceeding with the investigation. The Selectmen felt they should be on record and send the letter as it is still within the filing deadline. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen adjourn until after the appointment to the Finance Committee is completed. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Finance Committee Appointment Hearing - John Faria, the Moderator, called the meeting to order and noted that other candidates were interviewed and some appointed at an earlier meeting. The Board of Selectmen has one vote, the Chair of the Finance Committee has one vote and the Moderator has one vote. Dr. Green reviewed his background and interest. After discussing the time commitment, Dr. Green withdrew his name. There are two vacancies. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9, 1984—Page 2 Maureen O'Brien nominated Roberta Botticelli to a three-year appointment to the Finance Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Graham. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen cast their vote for Roberta Botticelli. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. John Fan'a called the vote: Maureen O'Brien and Mr. Graham voted in the affirmative and Roberta Botticelli was appointed to the Finance Committee. Mr. Faria adjourned the meeting. Maureen O'Brien reopened the Board of Selectmen's meeting. Charter Commission - Maureen O'Brien reviewed the history of interest from Town Meeting. The Selectmen have placed a Warrant Article for Town Meeting to endorse the proposed Charter Commission and in order to place the issue on the ballot, there must be a petition signed by 15% of the number of people who voted in the preceding State Election, then ten days to certify the signatures, and then an article can be placed on the ballot. Individuals interested in serving on the Commission can submit their names. In order to gamer the signatures, the Board is looking to Town Meeting Members to solicit those I signatures. Precinct Chairs asked why the Board of Selectmen felt this was the appropriate time to proceed with a Charter Commission. Maureen O'Brien explained the specialized oversight needed over personnel and the issues with the audit and coordination with other departments, consolidation of Town departments and fiscal responsibility. John Russell noted the previous Charter Commission was an all or nothing proposition but it had raised many good points. Maureen O'Brien spoke about the potential for improving Town government and greater efficiencies. She stated the Board had areas the Commission should look at but did not have preconceived ideas about what the Commission should be doing. Discussed the Charter Commission would be a Town Government Study Committee. John Russell noted it is an 18 month study. About 300 signatures per precinct would be necessary. The Board asked for the support of Precinct Chairs in collecting signatures as well as supporting it at Town Meeting. The League of Women Voters has worked on this in the past and could be solicited again. Maureen O'Brien asked the Chairs if Town Meeting approves it, what their commitment would be. One speaker felt there could be three approaches: Bylaw changes, petition to the General Court and Charter reform, and asked why only one approach was taken. John Russell explained that was the concept that would be presented to Town Meeting and if that body approves it, signatures need to be gathered quickly. Some felt a Charter Commission would not have sufficient time to do an adequate study, that-a Study Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9, 1984—Page 3 Committee should be formed first to identify the issues, and that he would not be in support of a Charter Commission, and regardless of what Town Meeting votes as a Precinct Chair would not help to get signatures. Another felt there was no precinct machinery and eight people could not generate the results needed. A third stated he could not support getting signatures and would need to get precinct approval first and felt a study should be made first. There was further discussion about a study conunittee. The Board thanked the precinct chairs for their input. Right-To-Know Law - The Fire Chief was present. Maureen O'Brien felt requiring compliance was premature. Until a consultant's report is received, Maureen O'Brien stated the Board of Selectmen would take the lead role. There are not enough consultants and they are all swamped with work. A final coordinator could not be selected until the scope of the work is known. The job may be able to be handled by the Fire Department doing inspections or a full time person may be needed at the Board of Health. The State deadlines are unrealistic, and it is unknown if the study will be funded by the State. There are four different departments in State government that the mandate comes under: DEQE, Department of Revenue, Attorney General's Office and Administration and Finance. One consultant estimated his fee at$14,500. The Fire Chief stated he could supply names of other consultants. Maureen O'Brien requested John Agnew to keep a detailed documentation of efforts they have made to comply. Last year, the Hazardous Waste Committee surveyed and documented hazardous materials used by towns and it is a good beginning resource. A complete copy of the law was sent to the departments that most often use hazardous materials: The school, DPW and building maintenance. The Selectmen felt the Fire, Police, Cemetery and Library Departments should also be included. There is a return form to identify substances. Each department was requested to contact their suppliers for detailed information. The Fire Chief stated his survey only dealt with flammables and combustibles and the Hazardous Waste Committee survey was not that in-depth. John Agnew stated every item has to have two labels, one for combustibility and one for toxic substances. The law at this point is only concerned with1600 chemicals out of 24,000. Paul Dustin stated there is a two-prong approach: The Town's obligation to disclose to its employees, and the other to monitor such uses within its jurisdiction. Town Departments should be able to generate lists from doing an inventory. Maureen O'Brien directed John Agnew to have departments supply an inventory within three weeks. The Board discussed delegating responsibility of coordinator to the Fire Department; Health Department or a full time employee. Maureen O'Brien felt once the initial inventory was complete, there would be minimal work involved. The Fire Chief was not sure if an inventory could be completed, suppliers notified and data sheets returned within three weeks. John Agnew did not see how the Town could be cited when the State didn't even have the regulations spelled out. The Fire Chief stated efforts should be directed to the most volatile chemicals. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9, 1984—Page 4 . ....Capital Outlay Plan: Fire Department 7 Fire Station — 1.5 million. Maureen O'Brien stated there is not even a construction committee appointed and construction should be deferred to 1987. A Fincom representative was present and participated. Discussed replacing ambulance, engine, car and pickup track. Discussed moving various vehicles to different years for replacement: '86, Engine 5; '87-'89 Fire Station; '87 ambulance; '88 fire prevention car; '89 pickup truck. Paul Dustin inquired why the station was 500,000 for three years. Discussed bonding in one year for twenty years and showing carrying costs carried in subsequent years. Asked the Fire Chief to supply new figures showing amount of bonding and yearly costs. Police Department - The Police Chief requested funds for a vehicle for the Dog Officer. No other details were available. Compliance Issues - Discussed Federal Revenue Sharing and compliance with handicapped access. The Board discussed inability to bring all Town buildings into compliance in one year. Cost of group health insurance program could have an impact on the budget as well as unfunded pension liability and current cost of living for retirement. Self-funding of worker's comp has been a better experience than anticipated. Report of the Executive Secretary - A letter was received from Town Counsel Ted Cohen regarding the right-of-way issue of the spur from Goodall Sanford. The Board has to sign off that it has not been used in the last two years. Parade—The Colonial Chorus wants to have a Parade to start at Town Hall at 10:00 a.m. on October 201h and return to Town Hall at 12:15. Ten or twelve people would pass out flyers. Discussed potential litter. Maureen O'Brien suggested running from 12:00 to 2:00 and avoiding the heavy traffic earlier. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the permit on the basis that it starts at 12:00 noon. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The Bylaw Committee is meeting to discuss the Charter Warrant Article on October 18Ih Maureen O'Brien is unable to attend as she has three other commitments. Ann Tobin, a 100 year old resident, sent a thank you. Attorney Brown asked for a certified copy of the proposed taking on the Hurford property. She stated she needed permission to release information from the Executive Session, and was upset that the information had been released to the press by "observers" in attendance. Requested the matter be referred to Town Counsel... Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9 1984—Page 5 Report of the Chairman - Brad Saunders has not been made an Associate Member of the Conservation Commission. John Agnew will set up an interview. Requested John Agnew find out status of Summer Avenue and Route 28 project. Public Health Department letter regarding the Dog Officer being the Aminal Inspector. Mary Ziegler moved that the Board of Selectmen allow the Dog Officer to be appointed by the Board of Health as the Animal Inspector. They have proposed a rate of$7.00 for a quarantine notice and $7.00 for lifting the quarantine. John Agnew has interviewed four new individuals and they all understand the pay. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Liaison Reports - John Russell asked for details and timing for the sale of the Depot and the Community Center. Discussed deed restrictions. Jolul Agnew stated there was only one detailed proposal back on the Depot. Mary Ziegler stated the Board of Health wants to meet with the Board regarding the Dubitsky property. A letter was received from the Wilmington Handicapped Affairs Committee regarding funding for vans for nonprofit agencies. Maureen O'Brien asked that the letter be published in the newspaper and let interested parties contact them directly. John Agnew reminded the Board they were supposed to set up a committee for the Federal Handicapped Compliance. A letter was received regarding the Pearl Street School rental fee. Two groups have withdrawn their interest. The Selectmen want to see a firm budget. Maureen O'Brien will check with the School Department regarding the issue. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated 10/9/84, provided by the Town of Reading, on December 28, 1999. I i