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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-10-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 15, 1984 Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell, Mary Ziegler, John Agnew, Executive Secretary, Ken Nicolini, John O'Brien, Bradford Saunders. Personnel & Appointments After interviewing Ken Nicolini, John O'Brien spoke in favor of his appointment and read the commendation that the Board of Selectmen had issued when he retired previously from the Recreation Committee. John Russell moved to place the names of John Fallon, David Gould, William Hughes and Ken Nicolini into nomination for a three-year term on the Recreation Committee. The motion was seconded. Each Selectman has one vote. The first candidate receiving a majority vote will be appointed. If no majority, the top two candidates would stand for the second ballot. On a show of hands, the vote was no majority. William Hughes requested that his name be withdrawn and remain an associate member. On a vote to break tie between John Fallon and David Gould, John Fallon received 4 j votes,David Gould received 1 vote, and John Fallon was appointed. Bradford Saunders was interviewed for the Conservation Commission. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint Bradford O. Saunders as an Associate Member of the Conservation Commission for a period of one year. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. A letter from the Planning Board announced that John Shaw was retiring from his position and seeking another candidate. A letter was received from Jacqueline Stevens, Executive Director of the VNA who spoke with the Board about the opening of the Trust Fund. Discussion/Action Items Report of the Executive Secretary - John Agnew submitted a copy of the November Warrant Election that he requested the Board sign. Date has changed from the 27t" to 28t". The Fire Chief submitted his recommendation on results of the Civil Service List. Letter was received from Attorney Brown. l I Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 15, 1984—Page 2 Good Citizenship Award Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen present a Good Citizenship Award to Scott Newman for his Eagle Scout Project at the Town Forest. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Either Paul Landers or Mary Ziegler will attend. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen, subject to Article 41, of the 1984 Amlual Town Meeting, accept the abandonment of the drainage easement. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Creative Arts requested$5,000 for funding. The Board referred them to the Reading Arts Council who awarded them $500.00. Discussed if they are looking to the Town to fund this organization, they should propose a Town Meeting Warrant Article. Approval of August Unemployment Benefits - $5,519 of which Town cost was $174.00 and the school cost was $5,345 for the month ending August 31St John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the unemployment benefits for the month ending August 31" in the amount of $5,519. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Review of Warrant Articles The Selectmen discussed the Warrant Articles without taking positions on any until further information was obtained. While discussing the Assistant Building Inspector position and the need for it, the Board discussed the ability of the Building Inspector to fulfill his work obligations. Maureen O'Brien requested weekly reports of the work he does and a doctor's certificate that he is capable of doing the job. Capital Outlay — The Police Department submitted a list. The Board asked for clarification and justification of why the items are necessary and a description of each item, how the computer system is different than the Town's and why office furniture is separate. Veteran's Agent- The Board discussed difference in cost between a Town employee and a district agent based on number of hours, insurance and retirement as well as supplies and furniture. Paul Landers raised the issue of billing back retirement and insurance services to the second community. Town Counsel will be asked for an opinion. Maureen O'Brien will then have further discussion with Wilmington, and she asked for a list of expenses so far as compared to the same time last year. Clerical Union-The dates for meetings need to be arranged. Maureen O'Brien requested more than the Chair show up for the meetings. The Board reviewed outstanding labor contracts. Four copies for signing and side letters should be available before the next meeting. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 15. 1984—Page 3 Liaison Reports - John Russell asked about fire appointments. Maureen O'Brien stated they should be treated the same as the Police and all candidates for Lieutenant and Captain will be interviewed. The Fire Department Open House was a success. Paul Dustin represented the Board at the Choate Hospital. Mary Ziegler asked about the Dog Officer. John Agnew stated he was down to two people and is checking references. Maureen O'Brien felt the Board could not vote on the position since it was not on the agenda. Maureen O'Brien met with the Personnel Board and discussed their part-time worker and his duties. Right-to-Know and Affirmative Action issues could be covered here. John Russell felt the Board should discuss the job description. John Agnew stated the position was in the budget but wasn't filled due to pending personnel action. John Agnew described how his office's responsibility is to react to the direction of the Board of Selectmen. Paul Dustin asked John Agnew to scope out Mr. Beckwith's duties when he held the job. Discussed the possibility of developing Pearl Street School as elderly housing. Also discussed the issue of the$5,000 donation for this property in 1909 dollars. Dog Officer- John Agnew stated of the four candidates his first choice would be George Taylor (still awaiting reference information). Maureen O'Brien felt he had little experience and had not worked since April. Second choice would be Regina Benoit,then Nancy Hart. Paul Dustin moved that the Board of Selectmen vote to authorize John Agnew to evaluate and select either George Taylor or Regina Benoit as Dog Officer for the Town of Reading. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Depot - Paul Landers asked about the sale of the Depot. Maureen O'Brien stated the Board would have interviews on October 29th with interested parties. The Board established a minimum price. Paul Landers inquired about noisy youthful congregation on the Common at night. Maureen O'Brien stated there was no bylaw prohibiting their congregation, only about public drinking. An interested resident asked if the Board would be taking a public opinion on the 2 Y2 override question before the election. Maureen O'Brien reviewed escalating costs and the need to fund $500,000 this year. John Russell pointed out that even if the ballot question passes, the money would still need to be appropriated by Town Meeting. Maureen O'Brien stated the Board could not expend any funds to take a public position. The School Department's newsletter was informational. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 15-1984—Pajze 4 Licenses/Permits/Approvals Common Victualler's License: John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen approve a Common Victualer's License to John A. Ouellette in his business as the Pewter Pot Restaurant. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting of October 15, 1984. The motion was seconded and voted unanimously. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated 10/15/84, provided by the Town of Reading, on December 29, 1999.