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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-10-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 22, 1984 I Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien (arrived late), Vice Chairman Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell, Mary Ziegler, John Agnew, Executive Secretary, Fire Chief, William Campbell, Stephen Ballou, John Mooney, James Sharkey, Ken Campbell, William Campbell. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - John Russell reported it was a quiet fire week despite high dryness in the woods, and many blazes in adjacent communities. Paul Dustin reported on the Bylaw Committee Meeting. He gave a report on the Charter Conunission Article. He was asked to return on Thursday. As worded, the Committee felt action was not possible and requested amendment language. The thrust of their comments showed they favored a study committee before a Charter Commission Article. The Selectmen discussed the Cable TV letter. If residents wait until the outside contractor is working in an area, installation is free. If someone wants immediate installation, the work needs to be done by the cable company, and there would be a fee assessed. Discussion/Action Items i Fire Department - The Board interviewed three candidates for Fire Lieutenant: William Campbell, Stephen Ballou and John Mooney; and three candidates for Fire Captain: James Sharkey, Ken Campbell and William Campbell. The list for Fire Captain expires on the 26th. The Fire Lieutenant's list has an extra three weeks. If candidates are selected tonight, the Chief requested pinning of badges be postponed until the next meeting so family could attend. The Chief recommended James Sharkey as Captain and William Campbell as Lieutenant. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint James W. Sharkey as Captain of the Reading Fire Department. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Paul Landers moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint William F. Campbell, III as Lieutenant of the Reading Fire Department. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen terminate the provisional appointments of William F. Campbell, III as Lieutenant and Donald V. Jackson as provisional Captain effective October 22nd. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Police Contract - John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen enter into an agreement with the Reading Patrolmen's Association. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The parties signed the documents. Board of Selectmen Meetinf,—October 22 1984—Page 2 Report of the Executive Secretary--A DPW employee grievance is in tonight's packet. A letter from the Cable TV company was received. The Police Chief would like to have interviews for Lieutenant next week. The only other item on the agenda is the potential Depot purchaser interviews. Civil Service Termination Notices -John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen sign the termination for Chester Pearson by reason of disability, John S. Corcoran, Jr. by reason of resignation to go back to a previous town, and Paul Vallee by reason of disability from the Reading Police Department. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Police Department - Paul Landers moved that the Board of Selectmen appoint Annuncio Presti of Haverhill Street as a Special Police Officer in the Reading Police Reserve. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Personnel Board- John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen accept the resignation of Dorothy Williams from the Personnel Board and to send her a letter of thanks for her service. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. John Agnew noted that Jim Morley will continue to work half time for the Personnel Board. The Board received a report from the Building Inspector for 1983 figures and 1984 for nine months. There were 10% more permits issued this year to date, 25% higher in fees collected than last year and 10% higher in inspections than last year. Paul Landers requested the information since 1980 for comparison purposes. A letter was received from Thomas Troy. The matter has been deferred until Maureen O'Brien arrives to meeting. League of Women Voters - John Russell reviewed the proposed Charter Commission ballot question and the task of collecting signatures. Paul Dustin inquired what level of support the League could provide in spearheading the effort. The representative stated it would need to be approved by their Board, and she was not sure at this point what the level of volunteer support would be. Mary Ziegler related that several people felt there should be a study committee prior to the Charter Commission question. Paul Dustin felt that a greater townwide participation would give the ballot question more support. The Charter ballot question was tried in 1974. The League representative asked what discussion had been held with the Town employees and Boards because their opposition was a major reason for its failure last time. She stated the only two options are a Town Manager or a Town Administrator. Paul Dustin felt the issues today that prompt the study and Charter Commission are not the issues that defeated it before but are new issues that make it critical to reevaluate the structure of Town Government. They include: OSHA, Right-to-Know, State building code, State zoning code, Environmental Protection Agency and code, affirmative action, handicapped laws, freedom of information act, rights of privacy, the State mandated hazardous waste, Proposition 2 '/2 with its constraints, fair housing codes and regulations, changes brought by Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 22, 1984—Page 3 computerization and communication, energy audits, two new unions, Cable TV regulations,training mandates for Police and Fire, annual audits, new insurance demands, hazardous waste, and Council on Aging. Add to that the proliferation of Town appointed jobs. He stated that there is no central authority in Town. There are two committees who could commit the Town to substantial expenditure of money, 4-4 %2 million dollars of bonded indebtedness. He outlined the possibility of a Proposition 2 Y2 override failing and relocation of Public Works. The League representative stated that without support from the existing employee structure, she felt it would not be successful. She stated the only other governmental option was a city structure and the residents are not interested in being a city. Another spokesperson stated she had been in support of Charter reform for a long time. Miscellaneous - Paul Dustin announced the all Boards meeting next Tuesday. He asked John Agnew to request 10-15 minutes on the FinCom Agenda to make a presentation. A letter was received from the DPW regarding an auction. Letters were received regarding the candidates for the Fair Housing Committee. John Agnew was directed to set up interviews. PUment of Bill- John Russell moved that the Board of Selectmen approve payment of a bill for $1,235.76 of which $1,231.25 are fees and $4.51 expenses. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. A letter received from the Town Accountant was generated from a discussion at FinCom which was concerned about how low free cash was. Paul Landers noted that the auditors last year picked up the first 60 days of revenue and attributed them to the prior fiscal year but it has not been done yet. Mr. McDonald is looking for direction. The Board requested clarification. Will wait for Maureen. O'Brien for her understanding of the issue. A Community Service Award was previously signed for Andrew S. Newman. Old Library Reuse/Grievance -Maureen O'Brien stated she had spoken to Labor Counsel and the issue stems from the consolidation which is an arbitatrable item. Individuals, including employees and Town volunteers, spoke about concerns in making into the former Library including uncontrolled access, no safety procedures, no safety in the dark, and they are afraid. Windows have been broken, drinking and foul language from youth hanging out in the Common both in the daytime and evening. There are electrical boxes with exposed wires. Discussed cleaning up building before employees moved in. Maureen O'Brien stated there was not an anti-loitering ordinance. The Board has spoken with the Police and urged the individuals to contact the Police if such conduct occurred again. A Spokesperson stated personal experiences and complaints of others. Another spoke about vandalism to vehicles. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 22, 1984—Page 4 Maureen O'Brien requested John Agnew to send copies of posted evening meetings for Conservation and Planning to be forwarded to the Police Department and request patrols. She stated 9-5 there could not be restricted access. John Agnew is looking into a panic button by the phone that would be an automatic call to the Police Station. Also discussed an audible alarm when the door opens. Right now, only the Chair has a key for evening access. Maureen O'Brien asked building maintenance to inspect the situation. John Agnew stated he would look at it tomorrow. Discussed barriers and other safety concerns and remedies such as reception, crowd channeling, etc. Employees discussed filthy conditions on the day they moved in, and no building maintenance was done until after the grievance was filed. The building has been cleaned in office areas but stacks and air circulation filters still need attention. John Agnew stated the carpets were cleaned but he did not have the staff to clean the stacks on a regular basis. Mrs. Plansky spoke about her need to be on medication because of the mold and mildew. Maureen O'Brien requested John Agnew get a cost for a one-time cleaning. This was not a problem when the Library was there because the heat and air circulation was always on. Since they moved, the building has not had the same air circulation. John Agnew stated building maintenance is spending about three hours a day there now. Arbitration dates will be arranged. Free Cash - A letter was received from Town Counsel regarding the free cash situation. The Selectmen discussed certified free cash at the time of Special Town Meeting as of July 1st. Cash Receipts for July and August are approximately 11 million dollars but that amount is not certified. Paul Landers felt that Mr. McDonald was asking what the best option to take was. A meeting with the Finance Committee, Board and Mr. McDonald was recommended. Telephone Bid Proposals - There was one bid to finance acquisition, and one bid for provision of equipment. Police De ap rhment — The Selectmen discussed Police capital item requests and which year of the capital program to place them. Maureen O'Brien and John Agnew will review the submission tomorrow, and it will be available to the Board. Electric - The Board discussed correspondence from the Town of Wilmington regarding their three large companies purchasing electric power from Boston Edison. The Board discussed ramifications to the Town since 60% of RMLD's sales are to these three companies. The Board discussed what role the Selectmen should play. Some felt RMLD should deal with the issue and others felt RMLD should come to the Selectmen's meeting for a meeting with Wilmington. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated 10/22/84, provided by the Town of Reading,on December 29, 1999. -