Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:15 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. CSF PROCLAMATION – DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS WEEK MARCH 5-9
Mr. Dennis Marasca made a presentation. Mr. Mauceri stated that the Citizen’s Scholarship Fund is a good cause and urged all to donate when called.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PROCLAIM MARCH 5-9, 2006 AS CSF DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS WEEK IN NORTH READING.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
2. APPROVE USEFUL LIFE OF EQUIPMENT FOR BORROWING
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE THAT THE MAXIMUM USEFUL LIFE OF THE DEPARTMENTAL EQUIPMENT LISTED BELOW TO BE FINANCED WITH THE PROCEEDS OF THE $675,000 BORROWING AUTHORIZED BY THE VOTE OF THE TOWN PASSED OCTOBER 17, 2005 (ARTICLE 9), AND BY THE PORTION OF THE $750,000 BORROWING AUTHORIZED BY THE VOTE OF THE TOWN PASSED OCTOBER 17, 2005 (ARTICLE 11), IS HEREBY DETERMINED PURSUANT TO G.L. C.44 s7(9) TO BE AS FOLLOWS:
PURPOSE BORROWING AMOUNT MAXIMUM USEFUL LIFE
PUMPER TRUCK $370,000 25 YEARS
POLICE CRUISERS (2) $ 50,000 8 YEARS
FRONT END LOADER $125,000 15 YEARS
DUMP TRUCK $130,000 10 YEARS
COURSE EQUIPMENT $ 50,000 5 YEARS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
3. MINUTES: JANUARY 30, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 30, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 2006 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested from Mr. Mauceri.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Norton was present to provide an update on the RMLD rate increase scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2006. Mr. Norton stated that due to the warm weather and other events, the rate increase will not go into effect until April 1, 2006. Mr. Norton further explained that it looks as if the litigation against Calpine will carry over into the next fiscal year. Mrs. Bailey asked if there was any indication how long the litigation would last and Mr. Norton stated that at this time he had no idea.
6. APPOINTMENT – RECYCLING COMMITTEE
Mrs. Bailey stated that recycling overall is up and that is good news as it helps the budget. Mrs. Bailey noted that Mr. Terrence Tully had applied to be on the Recycling Committee and that she has had the opportunity to meet with him on a few occasions.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE RECYCLING COMMITTEE FOR AN INDEFINITE TERM:
TERRENCE TULLY, 7 PEABODY STREET
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
ROLL CALL VOTE:
MR. O’LEARY: AYE MR. DARDENO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: AYE MR. MAUCERI: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
7. SIGN ABCC SEASONAL ESTIMATE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO SIGN THE ABCC 2006 SEASONAL ESTIMATE.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
8. ADOPT PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN
Town Engineer Mike Soraghan made a presentation on the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan. Mr. Veno stated that he hadn’t had an opportunity to review the plan and would like to do so before voting on it. Mr. Hanlon recommended that the Board endorse the plan. It was determined that the Board would vote on the plan on Thursday, March 2, 2006 in order to give members an opportunity to review.
9. APRIL TOWN MEETING INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS
Mr. Mauceri read into the record the Notice of Information Hearings.
Transfer Parcel of Land – Ashwood Drive
Ms. Heidi Griffin explained that this Article will be removed from the warrant.
Fund Hillview Commission Projects
Mr. George Stack made a presentation. The Board will take under advisement and give their recommendation at Town Meeting.
Fund Open Space Plan
Mr. Brian Wood made a presentation. Mr. Wood described that having an updated Open Space Plan is a tool that is required for future grant funding. Mr. Wood outlined the work that needed to be done to update the plan, including title searches of town-owned parcels and digitizing of records. Mr. Wood explained that it would cost $25,000 in consultant fees to accomplish this goal.
Ms. Mullin noted that the funds to develop Ipswich River Park were obtained through the Open Space Plan. Mr. Mauceri asked what the implications would be if the funding was held over until the Fall Town Meeting. Ms. Lauren McMullen noted that the efforts of the Anti-Boredom League could be affected. Ms. Mullin stated that the Land Utilization Committee could also be affected.
Ms. Heidi Griffin stated that the Planning Department supported the article because it enables the town to apply for and receive grants. Mr. Warren Pearce mentioned that one benefactor could be the Eisenhaure Pond area.
Mr. Michael Prisco, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, suggested that the Board view the plan as an investment that would generate revenue for the town. .
Mr. Mauceri stated that the Board will take the issue under advisement.
Citizens Petition – Establish North Reading Dog Park – Map 60, Parcel 17
Mr. William Mundy described his reasons for wanting to establish an “official” dog park. Ms. Rita Mullin stated that the Parks and Recreation Department is the caretaker of the parcel and that the purpose of Mr. Mundy’s petition is to ensure that the site is established as a dog park. Ms. Mullin further stated that the Recreation Committee may be opposed to this article at Town Meeting. Ms. Mullin would prefer that the interested citizens establish themselves as an ad-hoc committee.
Discussions continued about the impacts of making the site an “official” dog park. Mr. Dardeno stated to Mr. Mundy that it would seem that his group of citizens may be better served by working with Parks & Recreation to maintain the site as an unofficial dog park. Mrs. Bailey agreed stating that it allowed Parks and Recreation to determine the best use for the land.
Mr. Doug Glendon of 15 Chestnut Street, an abutter and opponent to the dog park, made a presentation. Mr. Glendon distributed materials stating that the users of the park have not properly cleaned up after their dogs, causing pollution to the adjacent wetlands. Additionally, Mr. Glendon stated that there are currently no rules or regulations for the park. Mr. Glendon felt that his group has been denied due process and has therefore retained the services of an attorney.
Mr. O’Leary stated that he understands the neighborhood’s frustration with the park and that controls regarding levels of activity need to be put in place. Further, Mr. O’Leary stated that he would like to see control of the parcel be left to the Recreation Department and that he would not support the article.
Mr. Mauceri felt that a reasonable solution could be obtained by getting representatives of both sides together. Mr. Mauceri stated that the Board would take the issue under advisement but urged the Recreation Committee to move the dog park up on their list of priorities.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO NOT RECOMMEND THE CITIZENS PETITION TO ESTABLISH A DOG PARK.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Amend Code, Zoning By-Laws – Add 40R Overlay District By-Law
Mr. Pearce made a presentation regarding the overlay district for a portion of the Berry site. A discussion followed. Mr. O’Leary suggested that the Board go on record supported the 40R proposal.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE THAT THE BOARD RECOMMEND THE PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT ADDING THE 40R OVERLAY DISTRICT BY-LAW.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Bike Grant Appropriation
Ms. Heidi Griffin stated that she will be withdrawing this article.
Street Acceptances
Ms. Griffin stated that there is a hearing on March 7, 2006 and that she will make her presentation to the Board after the hearing.
10. APRIL TOWN MEETING
Mr. Balukonis reviewed the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan. At Mr. Mauceri’s request, Mr. Balukonis will prioritize the list for the March 2, 2006 meeting.
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis provided the board with the status of the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief Civil Service Exams which are scheduled for March 18, 2006, and that four individuals from within the Fire Department have signed up for the exam.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the FY2007 Municipal Priorities Report was sent to Senator Bruce Tarr and that the Senator’s office was most interested in the Senior Center and Technology requests.
§ Mr. Balukonis asked the Board to re-schedule the meeting with MRI Consultants, initially scheduled for March 9, 2006. The meeting was re-scheduled to March 14, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
§ Mr. Balukonis recommended that the Board consider offering supplemental insurance benefits to town employees, stating that there is no cost to the town and that it would enhance the employee benefit package.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that he will be attending a Municipal Hearing Officer training seminar on Wednesday March 1, 2006 in the afternoon.
11. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. O’Leary
§ Mr. O’Leary stated that he was happy to learn that Officer Dorsey was not seriously hurt in last week’s automobile accident.
Mrs. Bailey
§ Mrs. Bailey had nothing new to report this week.
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno distributed information regarding citizen appointments and re-appointments. Mr. Veno suggested adding language that would require citizens to resubmit a Citizen Activity Record if they wish to be considered for re-appointment. Mr. Mauceri will add the topic to the March 6, 2006 agenda to be voted on.
§ Mr. Veno stated that he was upset with School Committee member Mr. Stephen Jervey’s statements which he made at the February 13, 2006 School Committee meeting. Mr. Veno quoted many of Mr. Jervey’s statements in which he claimed that the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator and Finance Committee is diverting funds away from the School Department. Mr. Veno challenged Mr. Jervey to substantiate his comments at the upcoming joint meeting between the three boards on March 2, 2006.
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno complimented the HDC for moving ahead with their plans to resolve the parking issue at the Batchelder School and that he was impressed with Ms. Difranza’s leadership.
§ Mr. Dardeno applauded the efforts of Mr. Marasca and others with regards to the Citizen Scholarship Fund.
§ Mr. Dardeno provided a brief update on the Cable Committee.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri noted that he had heard about the comments made by Mr. Jervey at the School Committee Meeting, and that like Mr. Veno, he was surprised by their content.
14. EXECUTIVE SESESION (11:00 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND LITIGATION STRATEGY 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 (11:45 PM)
I, MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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