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Board of Selectmen Minutes December 19, 2005
Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mrs. Bailey and Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.  

1.      7:30 PM – BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPOINTMENTS

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. DARDENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                MARK HALL, 12 UPTON AVE

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

Discussion:  Mr. Dardeno stated Mr. Hall’s qualifications as a local builder.  Mr. Dardeno also advised the board that he had filed a disclosure form because his wife is employed by Mr. Hall.

        VOTED:  MR. MAUCERI:  MARK HALL  MR. VENO:      MARK HALL
                        MRS. BAILEY:    MARK HALL        MR. O’LEARY:  MARK HALL
                        MR. DARDENO:    MARK HALL

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. DARDENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR RE-APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                CAROL DINGMAN, 7 CANTERBURY LANE
                HOWARD SOLOMON, 37 SPRUCE ROAD

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

Discussion:  Mr. Dardeno stated that though he appreciates all the volunteer efforts on this commission, he feels that it is time for a change and recommends Carol Dingman.  Mr. Veno agreed with Mr. Dardeno, that there are a number of committees in town that need change.  Mr. O’Leary stated that he will support both nominees, and that although Mr. Solomon has taken some criticism, he takes the role of the HDC to heart.  Mrs. Bailey also supported the re-appointment of both nominees, mentioning that they uphold the by-laws of the HDC.  Mr. Mauceri stated that he has been considering this over the past few weeks and due in part to the chain of events associated with the Batchelder School project, he also feels it is time for a change.

        VOTED:  MR. MAUCERI:    CAROL DINGMAN
                        MR. O’LEARY:    CAROL DINGMAN & HOWARD SOLOMON
                        MR. DARDENO:    CAROL DINGMAN
                        MR. VENO:               ABSTAINED
                        MRS. BAILEY:    CAROL DINGMAN & HOWARD SOLOMON

WATER COMMISSION

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. DARDENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT / REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE WATER COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                VINCENT RAGUCCI, 167 NORTH STREET
                JOSEPH FOTI, 25 VALLEY ROAD
                DICK OEST, 44 CHESTNUT STREET
                JOANNE MILLER, 5 HILLVIEW ROAD

SECONDED BY:    MR. VENO

Discussion:  Mr. Dardeno recommended Mr. Ragucci and Mr. Foti.

        VOTED:          MR. MAUCERI:    MR. RAGUCCI & MR. FOTI
                                MR. O’LEARY:    MR. RAGUCCI & MR. FOTI
                                MR. DARDENO:    MR. RAGUCCI & MR. FOTI
                                MR. VENO:               MR. RAGUCCI & MR. FOTI
                                MRS. BAILEY:    MR. RAGUCCI & MR. FOTI

LIBRARY TRUSTEES

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY TRUSTEES FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                GRACE CURLEY, 10 LAUREL ROAD

Discussion:  Mrs. Bailey stated that Ms. Curley is interested in serving again and that there were no other interested parties.

                VOTED:  MR. MAUCERI:    AYE     MR. O’LEARY:    AYE
                                MR. DARDENO:    AYE     MR. VENO:               AYE
                                MRS. BAILEY:    AYE

CULTURAL COUNCIL

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE CULTURAL COUNCIL FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                        GRACE CURLEY, 10 LAUREL ROAD
                        STEPHANIE BAKER, 8 TOWER HILL ROAD

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

Discussion:  Mrs. Bailey stated that the selectmen can choose two and that Grace Curley is a re-appointment.  Mrs. Bailey also thanked Mr. Rob String for his years of service stating that he was at his limit and could therefore not be re-appointed.

        VOTED:  MR. MAUCERI:    GRACE CURLEY & STEPHANIE BAKER
                        MR. O’LEARY:    GRACE CURLEY & STEPHANIE BAKER
                        MR. DARDENO:    GRACE CURLEY & STEPHANIE BAKER
                        MR. VENO:               GRACE CURLEY & STEPHANIE BAKER
                        MRS. BAILEY:    GRACE CURLEY & STEPHANIE BAKER

CONSTABLES

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLWING NAMES FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS DETAIL CONSTABLES FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                KARL BERG, 241 PARK STREET
                JERRY BERG

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

VOTED:          MR. MAUCERI:    KARL BERG & JERRY BERG
                                MR. O’LEARY:    KARL BERG & JERRY BERG
                                MR. DARDENO:    KARL BERG & JERRY BERG
                                MRS. BAILEY:    KARL BERG & JERRY BERG
                                MR. VENO:               KARL BERG & JERRY BERG

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                CAROL DINGMAN, 7 CANTERBURY LANE
                PATRICIA ROMEO, 253 HAVERHILL STREET
                MABEL DIFRANZA, 25 BOW STREET
                ANN M. SULLIVAN, 471 PARK STREET

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

Discussion:  Mr. Veno noted that Mr. Parker had asked to be nominated as an associate member of the Historical Commission (see next motion).

VOTED:  MR. MAUCERI:    DINGMAN, ROMEO, DIFRANZA, SULLIVAN
                        MR. O’LEARY:    DINGMAN, ROMEO, DIFRANZA, SULLIVAN
                        MR. DARDENO:    DINGMAN, ROMEO, DIFRANZA, SULLIVAN
                        MR. VENO:               ABSTAIN
                        MRS. BAILEY:    DINGMAN, ROMEO, DIFRANZA, SULLIVAN

HISTORICAL COMMISSION – ASSOCIATE MEMBER

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:

                THOMAS PARKER, 318 HAVERHILL STREET

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

VOTED:          MR. MAUCERI:    AYE     MR. O’LEARY:    AYE
                                MR. DARDENO:    AYE     MR. VENO:               NO
                                MRS. BAILEY:    AYE

MUNICIAPL HEARING OFFICER

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO DESIGNATE THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR AS MUNICIPAL HEARINGS OFFICER PURSUANT TO MGL CHAPTER 148A FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2006 TO DECEMBER 31, 2006.

SECONED BY:             MR. O’LEARY
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)
                                                                
2.      DISCUSS PROCESS FOR SELECTING FIRE CHIEF
Mr. Balukonis began by providing to the board his findings of discussions with nine local communities pertaining to their experience with Civil Service Assessment Centers.  Mr. Balukonis stated that he has also talked with consultants who run Assessment Centers and indicated that the cost for one is approximately $15,000.  Further, Mr. Balukonis had a letter from MRI Consultants in which they state that they would support the use of an Assessment Center in selecting a new Fire Chief.  

The board further discussed Assessment Centers.  Mr. O’Leary thanked Mr. Balukonis for gathering the information and that he believes it is a good way to evaluate candidates for the Fire Chief position.  Mr. Dardeno felt that he would like to see the Assessment Center identify the top two or three candidates instead of one final candidate and questioned if the town needed to go through the expense.  

Many members of the Fire Department were present.  Fire Captain Bill Warnock expressed his discontent with the Board’s indecision in choosing a method for hiring a new Fire Chief several months after postponing the Civil Service Exam.  He went on to say that he felt that the entire situation is an unfair labor practice and a direct violation of their contract and of past practices.  Firefighter Andy Nichols asked why there is even a discussion when the board had voted last spring to postpone the exam until March of 2006.  Captain Warnock stated that the Selectmen should have already called for the exam.  Fire Captain Barry Galvin stated that it was inconsiderate to the firemen who have been studying for the exam for the past year.

Mr. O’Leary stated that the Board did not close the door on itself last year, instead they want to look at all options available to the town in hiring a Fire Chief.  Mr. Dardeno felt that although the board could not determine at this meeting what methods to use in selecting a new Fire Chief, they should provide to the Fire Department a definitive date for their decision.

Mrs. Bailey agreed, stating that the board should make a decision as soon as practical.  Mrs. Bailey stated that the board needs to know two things:  1) What is the deadline for calling a Civil Service Exam and 2) When would the Board see the results from MRI consulting on their study of the Fire Department.

Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that filing for the exam should be done by the middle of January and that the Board should see the results from MRI in four weeks.  Mrs. Bailey said that that was unacceptable and hoped that the town hadn’t paid the consultant’s bill.  

Mr. Mauceri stated that the board should make a final decision at the next meeting.  The firemen stated that they would like to be on the agenda for the January 9, 2006 meeting and suggested that the town call for the exam with the knowledge that it could be cancelled.

There was a consensus among the board that if the Civil Service Exam needed to be called before the next meeting, January 9, 2006, that Mr. Balukonis had the authority to call for the exam on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Mauceri stated that the Board of Selectmen needs to make an appropriate decision for the Fire Department and for the community.  

7.      WENDY’S – COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSE

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO GRANT A COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSE TO WENDY’S OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS, 52 MAIN STREET TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND THE ISSUANCE OF AN OCCUPANCY PERMIT:

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

Discussion:  Mr. Edward Mitchell, representing Wendy’s, was present.  The board asked Mr. Mitchell when the store will be open and Mr. Mitchell stated that he plans to open the store before the end of the year.  Mr. Mitchell provided a construction update to the board.

        VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

3.      MINUTES:  DECEMBER 5, 2005 REGULAR SESSION

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 5, 2005 REGULAR MINUTES AS AMENDED.

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)


4.      CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Mauceri, Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Dardeno and Mrs. Bailey.

5.      PUBLIC COMMENT
None.

6.      LEGAL BILLS FOR OCTOBER 2005

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR OCTOBER 2005 IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,797.36 AS FOLLOWS:

                KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (GENERAL)      $ 6,763.00
                KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (LABOR)                      652.50
                KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (WATER)                   6,273.86
                THOMSON WEST                                    ___108.00

                        TOTAL                                   $13,797.36

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

8.      LICENSE RENEWALS

COMMON VICTUALLER

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                ANDREA’S HOUSE OF PIZZA
                BEYOND BAGELS, INC.
                CHINA CUISINE, INC.
                DAIRY QUEEN OF NORTH READING
                SHAUNA DONUTS, INC. D/B/A DUNKIN DONUTS
                GATHERINGS
                KITTY’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
                MARIO’S PIZZA & SUBS
                MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT
                NORTH READING CHRISTOPHER CLUB
                PAPA GINO’S
                PRO LANES
                RAPHAEL’S PLACE AND CATERING
                RISTORANTE DANIELA
                SHAW’S SUPERMARKETS
                THE BIG DOG SPORTS GRILLE
                THE HORNET’S NEST
                THE LOBSTER CLAW
                THOMSON CLUB, INC.

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

COMMON VICTUALLER / ALL ALCOHOL

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING COMMON VICTUALLER / ALL ALCOHOL LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                CHINA CUISINE, INC.
                KITTY’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
                RISTORANTE DANIELA
                THE BIG DOG SPORTS GRILLE

SECONED BY:             MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

COMMON VICTUALLER / WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING COMMON VICTUALLER/WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                MARIO’S PIZZA & SUBS
                PRO LANES

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

CLUB LICENSE

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING CLUB LICENSE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                        THOMSON CLUB, INC.

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

CLUB LICENSE (FRATERNAL)

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING FRATERNAL CLUB LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                        LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
                        NORTH READING CHRISTOPHER CLUB

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

PACKAGE STORE / ALL ALCOHOL

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING PACKAG STORE/ALL ALCOHOLICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                        NEW ENGLAND BEVERAGE AND REDEMPTION

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

PACKAGE STORE / WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING PACKAGE STORE/WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                        CHRISTOPHER’S MARKET
                        CONVENIENCE PLUS
                        HESS EXPRESS (DB MART)
                        
SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)





SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                                CANDLEWOOD LANES
                                KITTY’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
                                LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
                                PAPA GINO’S
                                PRO LANES
                                THE BIG DOG SPORTS GRILLE
                                WAL-MART

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)
                        
CLASS I

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING CLASS I LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                                BRIAN DUCHAK D/B/A NATIONAL SALES
                                BOBCAT OF BOSTON
                                DYAR SALES
                                NORTH READING MOTOR SPORTS
                                THE HONDA BARN

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

CLASS II

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING CLASS II LICENSE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                                A & J MOTORS
                                BRIAN DUCHAK D/B/A NATIONAL SALES
                                GREENBRIAR CLASSIC MOTORS
                                NORTH READING AUTO SALES
                                ROUTE 28 MOTORS EXCHANGE

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          4-0-1
                                Mr. O’Leary abstained due to family involvement

CLASS III

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING CLASS III LICENSE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                                BRIAN DUCHAK D/B/A NATIONAL SALES
                        
SECONED BY:             MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

LIVERY LICENSE

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING LIVERY LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                                BUCHANAN LIVERY SERVICE
                                NORTH READING TRANSPORTATION

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT DEVICES

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                                CANDLEWOOD LANES
                                KITTY’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
                                LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
                                PAPA GINO’S
                                PRO LANES
                                THE BIG DOG SPORTS GRILLE
                                WAL-MART

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)





JUKEBOX

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING JUKEBOX LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:

                        KITTY’S RESTAURANG AND LOUNGE
                        LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE
                        PAPA GINO’S

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

ABCC FORMS

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO SIGN THE ABCC 2006 RENEWAL CERTIFICATION AND ATTESTATION REQUIRED FOR CHAPTER 304 OF THE ACTS OF 2004.

SECONDED BY:    MR. DARDENO
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)

9.      TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§       Mr. Balukonis informed the board that an agreement has been reached and signed between the town and Nial Construction Company to renovate the police station.  The timeframe for the project is eighteen months. A date for the formal groundbreaking ceremony should be determined subject to the Board’s availability.  Mr. Balukonis stated that the police department will be moved to the Central Street location on Wednesday, December 21, 2005.  Mr. Balukonis thanked the Department of Public Works and Mr. John Welsh for their work in getting the temporary facility complete.   
§       Mr. Balukonis informed the board that Town Counsel is in the process of drafting a demand letter to S&R Enterprises, the contractor for the Route 62 project.  The demand letter is for the outstanding amount due for police details which totals $197,133.71.  Mr. Balukonis indicated that the Mass Highway Department has agreed to withhold any and all payments due to S&R Enterprises until the matter is fully resolved in the town’s favor.  If these efforts prove unsuccessful in securing payment from the contractor, Mr. Balukonis recommended the Board of Selectmen file a suit against S&R Enterprises for the amount due, and to also seek a claim against the contractor for engaging in deceptive business practices which are prohibited under law.
§       Mr. Balukonis informed the board that Representative Brad Jones had provided him with a copy of the special legislation approved at the October town meeting which seeks to amend the Charter to address conflicts with religious or legal holidays.  Mr. Balukonis stated that the House bill was filed under docket number 4934 and that he will apprise the Board of upcoming hearing dates when the bill is being considered by Local Affairs or other joint legislative committees.  
§       Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that a show cause hearing on the Kippy’s Liquor violation is set for January 9, 2006 and that notices were sent to respective parties specifying the public hearing date.  
§       Mr. Balukonis indicated that he had met with the Building Commissioner in response to the complaint filed by a resident of Parsonage Lane.  Mr. Balukonis has spoken with officials of Trinity Church.  Mr. Balukonis stated that he would like to see the matter addressed by the Building Commissioner before the parties are invited to meet with the Board of Selectmen in a public forum.
§       Mr. Balukonis stated that he is in receipt of correspondence from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety involving the National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance requirements.  Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that North Reading faces a mandate that all “first responders” become NIMS compliant as a prequalifier for the receipt of federal preparedness funds and that the town may need to engage in first responder training for some of its non-public safety departments.  Further, the deadline for completion of NIMS training is September 30, 2006.
§       Mr. Balukonis is investigating the possibility of creating a Town Administrator web blog as part of the North Reading municipal website.  Mr. Balukonis believes that a blog would provide a special service to residents and would be well received by those looking for reliable information from town officials.  Additionally, Mr. Balukonis felt that it would increase interest in the website and that he plans to establish a blog within the next few months.
§       Mr. Balukonis stated that in-house review of the FY07 budget is ongoing and that the town faces a considerable budget gap, which he and the Finance Director are trying to close.  Mr. Balukonis indicated that the budget books will be ready on Thursday, December 22, 2005.

10.     OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno

§       Mr. Dardeno extended wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
§       Mr. Dardeno informed the board that the Cable Committee had met with Verizon and that Verizon’s responses are due on December 23, 2005 and that the first negotiating session is scheduled for January 10, 2006.
§       Mr. Dardeno informed the board that on December 13, 2005 a group of citizens met whose mission is to address drug use among the youths of North Reading.  Their website is www.antiboredomleague.com.  

Mr. Veno
§       Mr. Veno wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
§       Mr. Veno complimented the DPW for the outstanding job they did clearing the roads after last week’s storm.
§       Mr. Veno also extended his compliments to the Police Station Building Committee now that the project is underway.



Mrs. Bailey
§       Mrs. Bailey distributed to board members maps of the Historic District, for informational purposes.
§       Mrs. Bailey thanked all resident volunteers for their service, stating that it is not an easy job, and wished everyone happy and safe holidays.

Mr. O’Leary
§       Mr. O’Leary wished everyone happy holidays and happy new year.
§       Mr. O’Leary informed the board of two more proposed 40b developments, one on Bow Street and one on Lawrence Street.

Mr. Mauceri
§       Mr. Mauceri extended holiday wishes to town residents and employees.
§       Mr. Mauceri informed the board that Mr. Brady, who had served on the Finance Committee, had recently passed away.
§       Mr. Mauceri provided an update on the J. T. Berry site stating that Lincoln Properties had filed documentation with the ZBA for a 40b development and that his hope is that the town will re-zone the site to 40r at the April town meeting.  

11.     EXECUTIVE SESESION (10:00 PM)

MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.

SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY

VOTED:          MR. MAUCERI:    AYE
                                MR. DARDENO:    AYE
                                MRS. BAILEY:    AYE
                                MR. O’LEARY:    AYE
                                MR. VENO:               AYE


ADJOURN (10:40 PM)

I, MR. VENO MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY:    MR. O’LEARY
VOTED:          UNANIMOUS (5-0)




_______________________________         ___________________________________
Joseph Veno, Clerk