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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-21 Finance Committee MinutesM I N U T E S R E A D I N G F I N A N C E O C T O B E R 2 1, C 0 M M I T T E E 1 9 9 2 This meeting of the Reading.Finance Committee was held in the Conference Room of Town Hall on the evening of Wednesday, October 21, 1992. Chairman Dick Coco called this meeting to order at 7:30 PM. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dick Coco, Chairman Fred Van Magness, Vice Chairman Liz Greene(arriving at 8:30 PM) Bill Albro Jim Keigley Gerry MacDonald Carroll McMillan Bill Murphy Nate White 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL *Chairman Dick Coco called this meeting to order and led the roll call of the Board. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Fred Van Magness moved to approve the minutes of September 30, 1992 and Bill Murphy seconded this move to approve. DISCUSSION: Carroll McMillan would like added to the minutes that Mr. Matt Cummings indicated that $52,000 was allocated in open public meeting. VOTE: 8 - 0 - 0 (with Liz Greene absent) III. NEW BUSINESS A. School Department *Chairman Dick Coco announced that Dr. Munnally would be attending the meeting this evening with a package of information for the Finance Committee. B. Jim Keigley/Capital Outlay Discussion .*Jim Keigley took the floor and presented a brief report on the Capital Outlay Subcommittee. *Jim indicated that there would be a field trip on November 10th to tour from school to school to see the makeup of the schools. *Another meeting of this subcommittee will be held next Wednesday at 7 PM. *It was announced that the Messrs. Petrie, Walker, and Dahl are most interested in serving on this subcommittee. *The Finance Committee will meet to see that this subcommittee is appointed by the first of the year. *Gerry MacDonald announced that this group should have the tour of the schools because it is very worthwhile and enlightening. C. Peter Hechenbleikner/Gas Spill *Town Manager Hechenbleikner discussed the gas spill that occured on September 30th and distributed information pertaining to the 10,000 gallons of gasoline that spilled. *Water treatment personnel shut down the Treatment Plant when they smelled gasoline. The wells were automatically shut down with th-d Water Treatment Plant closed. this was the correct thing to do, according to the Town Manager. *There is the potential for a Town of Reading caused by this gasoline 93 close to the Water Department well f that the Finance Committee remain up to associated with the clean-up activities effects. financial impact on the spill that occurred on I- ields. It is important date on the costs and any future possible *Most of the soil from the affected wetland area has been removed. When a.ll remediation and clean-up has been completed, the wetland will be replicated through the replacement of the peat material and plantings. *Recovery wells exist inside the area of contamination, concentrated mostly in the I-93 embankment area where contamination has been found. About 2,000 yards of the soil in the embankment area will have to be removed. The recovery wells are being pumped and treated, with the treated water going into the MWRA sewer system in.Wilmington at the Woburn line. Very soon the connection into the Grove Street line will be completed, and the water will be allowed into that line on a metered basis. The cost of treatment will be borne by Cumberland Gulf. The -2- water meets EPA drinking water standards. The amount allowed in at first will be 100 GPM, with an increase up to 200 GPM following an analysis of wet afford maximum protection to will be paying for.materials water lines to 5 homes on Gr water. These residents will and if they want to. weather flow in this line. To Reading residents, Cumberland Gulf and Town workers time to install ove Street that currently use well be able to tie in to the line when *Reading is currently tied into Wakefield at Ash Street; Woburn at We.st Street; and two connections to the MWRA high pressure line at Washington Street and West. All water is MWRA water, and is being chlorinated at each interconnection via a metered chlorine pump. There is no pumping from the Revay well, except when we need to pump to meet demand. The current water emergency and its restrictions needs to stay in place until: 1. Well .'82-20 and Town Forest wells can be turned back on and supplement MWRA supply or; 2. The town is hooked up directly to the MWRA high pressure line with a 24" line, expected to be done sometime this Winter. *In the meantime, residents are asked to continue to conserve, and the water restrictions need to continue. *Peter's overview followed along with his documentation and there were questions from the Committee members. *Fred Van Magness had a question regarding leverage from the State of_Mas.sachusetts, but. Peter does not think that this would be worthwhile. water. *Questions followed regarding salt content of the *The work going on is being done at the direct cost and expense of Cumberland Gulf. The Town of Reading is not paying for this. *No contamination was shown around the spilled area or on the river. *Soil on the embankment near the spilled area shows contaminant and that area is being pumped. *Five families on Grove Street that are on wells are concerned and the Town of Reading has asked for help in this area. *Peter indicated that he is trying now to maintain public confidence in the Reading water system. *Details were discussed and Peter used a map of the area to explain and back up his documentation, to better allow the Committee to understand what is most current regarding this unfortunate emergency situation. *Funding authorization will be asked soon to make a connection of more permanent means. *Peter discussed the major.costs associated with this spill and went through the itemized list of costs incurred. All charges being billed to Cumberland Gulf. Costs are roughly at $125,000, and Cumberland Gulf has been put on notice by our legal counsel. . *Peter does not know when the wells will be turned back on...it may be months. *Again, the key concern is gaining confidence for the people. *Fred Van Magness had another question regarding the purchase of water and how it was being handled. .*All charges will be addressed to Cumberland Gulf. *Fred had another question regarding the enterprise account and talked of the rate payers of Reading and charges. *Peter indicated that the Town has the ability to operate this system with the money that the Town now has, if the possibility exists that Gulf--is slow in payment. *Fred mentioned loss of interest being included, and Peter assured Fred that this is a part of it. *There was a discussion regarding consequential damages between Peter and Fred. Fred also discussed restoration and future retention of the well fields. *Nate White had a Chapter 11 question of Cumberland Gulf, and Peter indicated' that insurance covers this. *J~im Keigley discussed DEP. *Fred asked if perhaps something may be done for the wonderful people who responded immediately to this emergency situation. *Peter mentioned a recognition ceremony at Town Meeting and letters sent to area communities in thanks for their help. i *Fred mentioned that perhaps some monies could be transferred from the Reserve Fund to appropriate some money for -4- recognition of people involved in the task of emergency operations. *Peter indicated that he would discuss this with the Selectmen to see how they feel a.bout this type of recognition. D. Warrant - Subsequent Town Meeting 11/9/92 *Peter outlined the Articles for the Committee: ARTICLE 5 *Requests $143,000 to replace portions of the Reading High School roof in the Industrial Arts and foreign Language areas. This amount will be bonded. ARTICLE 7 *Requests funding to provide chair lifts at the Coolidge Middle School to access the gymnasium and the art tech ed areas of the building, in order to make them handicap accessible. The total amount requested is $31,000. *Gerry MacDonald has a general question here about getting involved in each of these Articles and Peter indicated that this must be done for this Special Town Meeting. MOTION: Fred Van Magness moved to approve Article 5 and Article 7, in the amounts of $143,000 and $31,000 respectively. This motion was then withdrawn by Mr. Van Magness. DISCUSSION: Bill Murphy asked procedural.questions. ARTICLE 4 *Amends the FY93 Budget that we are currently in now. There are approximately $95,000 worth of increases needed, and approximately $50,000 worth of surplus funds in various accounts. The remaining amount of $44,000 will be needed from the Town's "Free Cash". In addition, approximately $100,000 in water capital will be needed to effectuate a permanent connection between the Town of Reading and the MWRA water supply in Woburn. These monies will need to be paid out by the Town, and it is anticipated that recovery costs will be had from other sources. *Fred Van Magness asked a question of salaries at this time. *Peter explained the Capital Data System and the Committee all discussed the computer options. *At this point, the Superintendent of Schools arrived at the meeting and Chairman Coco discussed where the meeting was in -5- agenda currently. *Gerry MacDonald had a question about whom the Data Processing person in the Town was, and it was mentioned that Bill Connors is this designee. System choices were discussed. *Peter discussed the Fire Department, mentioning that three fire personnel are on long-term disability. *Mr. Van Magness had a question of the Chief's increase of salary, and how this increase was determined. *Community comparisons are used to determine salaries, according to the Town Manager. *Fred Van Magness talked of the employment agreement and vacation buyback questions. *It was mentioned that the Fire Chief is now hired with no contract. *There was a question from Fred regarding refinancing bonds and explanation was given by Peter Hechenbleikner. *Fred indicated that he would like to hold on to the Reserve Fund and re-establish this fund. Following were questions that Fred had on "new initiatives". *Bill Murphy had a level of funding question of the Reserve Fund. Bill mentioned that we are six months into the year and we do not know what the future will bring. *Peter explained Reserve Fund purposes, such as snow and ice. *Chairman Coco discussed his strong feelings at not purchasing another police vehicle at this time. *Gerry Macdonald asked about the documentation on taking home police vehicles. *Fred discussed the emergency situation that had occurred at the high school last week.. *Fred suggested deferring any action on Article 4 so that more information can be obtained. *Liz Greene indicated that she recalled a discussion on the police vehicle. *Dick commented that the Fall Town Meeting seems to surface ) "plums" that may have been brought out in the Spring. *Fred Van Magness and Liz Greene discuss this issue. -6- *The Chairman aired his concerns with regard to the computer situation. MOTION: Fred Van Magness moved to Table, to wait for more information and Gerry MacDonald seconded this move. MAIN MOTION: Jim Keigley moved to accept as is and Carroll McMillan seconded this move to approve. VOTE TO TABLE: 7 - 0 - 1 (Keigley abstained/White absent). FIVE MINUTE BREAK AT THIS TIME 9:50 PM RECONVENED ARTICLES 5, 6, 7, 8 *Chairman Dick Coco discusses these School Department- related articles and the Superintendent of Schools takes his seat with the Finance Committee. ARTICLE 5: Requests $143,000 to replace portions of the Reading High School roof in the Industrial Arts and Foreign Language areas. This amount will be bonded. *Superintendent discussed having a study done to determine the need for re-roofing. There is no threat now that the roof will give in. *Fred had a question on hiring the architects or engineers. He mentioned that the roof is already in place. $6,000 seems too much for a bid spec for roof replacement, according to Mr. Van Magness. *Superintendent talked of the architects deciding pitch and drainage. *Gerry MacDonald has had experience in roof repairs and specs from a licensed engineer are necessary or a roofer will ,not touch the property. *Fred asked if there may be a Town Employee available for this work. ( I MOTION: Bill Murphy moved to approve Article 5 for $143,000 for roof repairs and Gerry MacDonald seconded. AMENDMENT MOTION: Fred Van Magness moved to amend to $137,000, deleting the architectural fee. Gerry MacDonald seconded. AMENDMENT VOTE: 1 - 6 - 1 (Liz Greene abstained) MAIN MOTION: for $143,000 motion VOTE: 7 - 0 - 1 (with Liz Greene abstained) ARTICLE 6: Conversion to Gas *This Article would provide for conversion of school buildings in the Birch Meadow area (Birch Meadow School, Coolidge Middle School, and Reading Memorial High School) to gas heat. The gas company will run the supply into the sites, right up to the buildings. However, the Town will be responsible for removing oil tanks and converting burners to the natural gas supply. This item has been on the capital program, and is part of an ongoing effort by the Town to eliminate underground oil storage tanks in public buildings throughout the community. *The Superintendent discussed environmental issues. *Bill Murphy had a question regarding taking out the tank and replacing another as being a probability. here. *Fred indicated there should be an evaluation necessary *Carroll McMillan discussed asbestos question in schools. *Superintendent answered that there is no asbestos in public areas. *Peter Hechenbleikner told the Committee that tanks in vaults are costly. NO ACTION AT THIS TIME -8- ARTICLE 7: HANDICAP ACCESS *This article requests funding to provide chair lifts at the Coolidge Middle School to access the gymnasium and the art tech ed areas of the building, in order to make them handicap accessible. The total amount requested is $31,000. *There was an American Disabilities Act discussion at this time. MOTION: Carroll McMillan moved to approve from funds taken from the excess bonding $31,000 and Bill Murphy seconded. VOTE: 6 - 1 - 1 (with Liz Greene abstained) ARTICLE 8: SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE *This Article requests funding for the School Building Committee to evaluate building needs in the school system and to deal with the increased enrollment and structural obsolescence. $25,000 in funding is requested. *Fred asked where the money was coming from and the Town Manager indicated that it would come from Free Cash. *Fred Van Magness had a philosophical question on space issues. Where is this money coming from. *Matt.Cummings from the School Committee discussed populations of Birch Meadow, Joshua Eaton and Parker Junior High. *Tim Twoomey talked of the School Building Assistance Board in reality of funding. *Robin, a member of the School Building Committee discussed expansion and renovation plans. . *Carroll had an override discussion at this time and asked for School Building Assistance Board clarification. He feels strongly that a direct effort for Parker Junior High School is necessary. *School Building Committee member, Robin, talked of the necessity of long-range plans. Mr. Cummings included commentary on overcrowding in a building designed for 50's and 60's. *Mr. Van Magness advised the School Department people that he needed more information for a valued judgment call. „f *Gerry MacDonald asked if the money recently received for the School Committee could have been used for this Study and the answer was that it could have been spent on this Study. *What followed was a bonded indebtedness discussion from Dr. Munnelly. *Bill Albro had a question on an architect's retention letter of detail, and could the Finance Committee have one. *Carroll McMillan talked of timeframe. TABLED DISCUSSION IV: ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Bill Murphy moved to adjourn this meeting of the Reading Finance Committee at 11.:30 PM and Gerry MacDonald seconded this move to adjourn. VOTE: *The held earl Committee This will beginning 8 - 0 - 0 UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED FOR ADJOURNMENT next meeting of the Reading.Finance Committee will be ier than the monthly meeting, for purposes of Sub- Appointments and Capital Outlay Committee business. take place on the evening of Wednesday, October.28th, at 6:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Susan Finn, Recording Clerk, Reading Finance Committee 11/2/92 /sf -10-