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. MINUTES: FEBRUARY 27, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
Postponed until March 20, 2006.
2. CORRESPONDENCE
None.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. LEGAL BILLS FOR JANUARY 2006
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR JANUARY 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,965.73 AS FOLLOWS:
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (GENERAL) $ 5,656.56
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (LABOR) 2,146.00
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (WATER) _8,163.17
TOTAL $15,965.73
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
5. AMEND BOARD OF SELECTMEN POLICY SEC. 3.2 – 1ST READING
Mr. Veno explained the reason for the amendment and reviewed the language to be added.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ADOPT THE FIRST READING OF THE AMENDED POLICY 3.2 APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
Discussion: Mr. O’Leary stated that he was concerned that by adding the language it would remove the volunteer’s choice of remaining an active participant by a vote of the Board, because if a volunteer does not get reappointed they would automatically be removed from the “active” list. Further, Mr. O’Leary felt that the language singles out incumbents or citizens who have already served. Mr. O’Leary noted that incumbents should be treated similarly to those who have never been appointed.
Mrs. Bailey suggested that incumbents whose terms are expiring and who wish to be considered for reappointment attach a Citizen Activity Form which would keep them listed as “active” for three years.
Mr. Mauceri suggested that any incumbent who wishes to be considered for reappointment indicate so in writing and complete a Citizen’s Activity Form. Further, Mr. Mauceri stated that any individual who is removed from any board, committee or commission must complete a new Citizen Activity Form before they can be considered for reappointment.
Mr. Veno will amend the language and have it placed on a future agenda. Mr. Veno withdrew his motion and Mr. Dardeno withdrew his second of the motion.
8. CATV PUBLIC ACCESS CORPORATION
Mr. Dardeno reviewed his memo to the Board dated March 1, 2006 regarding the Public Access Corporation. The Board discussed the set-up of the Public Access Corporation and its Board of Directors.
Mr. Mauceri noted that he would like to see a pro forma business plan. Mrs. Bailey suggested staggering the terms of the Board of Directors in order to prevent all terms from expiring at once. Mr. Veno asked if the town would be liable for any lawsuits that may develop. Mr. Dardeno stated that the corporation would carry its own liability insurance but that he would consult with town counsel on this matter. Mr. Dardeno will also gather financial information to present at an upcoming meeting.
6. 8:15 PM - April Town Meeting Information Hearings
School Committee
Dr. Troughton presented information on Article 21, Fund Project Manager for High School Building Project. Dr. Troughton noted in his presentation that the project could not move forward without the addition of a part-time Project Manager.
The Board discussed the topic and Mrs. Bailey asked if a funding source had been identified, to which Mr. Balukonis replied that a funding source has not been identified.
The Board next discussed Article 15, Capital Expenditures, which included the Technology Lease, modulars for the Middle School Cafeteria, renovations to the High School football field and air conditioning for the district-wide operating center.
Board of Health
Mr. Martin Fair made a presentation on Article 27, Emergency Preparedness Memorandum of Understanding.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 27, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
SECONDED BY: MRS. BAILEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Department of Public Words
Article 4 – Authorize Director of Public Works to Accept Easements
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 4, AUTHORIZE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: (UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 6 – Authorize Chapter 90 Highway Construction Funds (Pending Authorization by the Department of Revenue
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 6, AUTHORIZE CHAPTER 90 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION FUNDING (PENDING AUTHORIZATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE).
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 20 – Appropriate Funds – Water Department Unanticipated Costs
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 20, APPROPRIATE FUNDS – WATER DEPARTMENT UNANTICIPATED COSTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 12 – Establish Recycling Promotion Revolving Account
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 12, ESTABLISH RECYCLING PROMOTION REVOLVING ACCOUNT.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Finance
Article 19 – Appropriate Money to Stabilization Fund
This article was passed over.
Article 16 – Retirement Trust Fund
This article was passed over
Article 17 – Fund Retirement Obligations
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 17, FUND RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS
Article 13 – FY2006 Budget Transfers
No action was taken.
Article 24 – Create Overlay Property Valuation Stabilization Fund
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 24, CREATE OVERLAY PROPERTY VALUATION STABILIZATION FUND.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 23 – Create Solid Waste Stabilization Fund
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 23, CREATE SOLID WASTE STABILIZATION FUND.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 11 – Special Education Revolving Fund – Re-authorize
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 11, SPECIAL EDUCATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 7 – Conservation Revolving Fund – Re-authorize
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 7, CONSERVATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 8 – Parks and Recreation Revolving Fund – Re-authorize
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 8, PARKS AND RECREATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 9 – Damon Tavern Revolving Account – Re-authorize
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 9, DAMON
TAVERN REVOLVING ACCOUNT – REAUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 10 – Rain Barrel Revolving Account – Re-authorize
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 10, RAIN BARREL REVOLVING ACCOUNT – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 15 – Capital Expenditures
Mr. Balukonis explained that he and Finance Director Joe Tassone will identify a funding source by the end of the week. The article was briefly discussed.
Town Administrator
Article 1 – Select Town Officers
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 1, SELECT TOWN OFFICERS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 5 – Authorize Treasurer to Enter into Compensating Balance Agreements
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 5, AUTHORIZE TREASURER TO ENTER INTO COMPENSATING BALANCE AGREEMENTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 26 – Amend Code – Delete Section 158-10 – Utility Pole By-law
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 26, AMEND CODE – DELETE SECTION 158-10 – UTILITY POLE BY-LAW.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Article 25 – Amend Code of the Town of North Reading – General By-Laws
Chapter 5, Article VII – Town Property
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 25, AMEND CODE OF THE TOWN OF NORTH READIING – GENERAL BY-LAWS; CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE VII – TOWN PROPERTY.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: The board discussed the article. Mr. Veno stated that he would not be recommending the article because he had questions about what constitutes the act of hunting. Mr. Dardeno noted that he would like to see the fines increased.
VOTED: 4–1 (MR. VENO OPPOSED)
Article 28 – Accept MGL Chapter 32B, Section 18
Mr. Balukonis distributed and discussed a summary of benefits for two health plans. Mr. Veno asked if the Board could postpone voting on this article until Wednesday March 8, 2006, in order to review the materials. Mr. O’Leary noted that he would be recusing himself from discussing and voting on the article because of family involvement.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. DARDENO MOVE TO POSTPONE VOTING ON ARTICLE 28, ACCEPT MGL CHAPTER 32B, SECTION 18 UNTIL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2006.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
Discussion: Mrs. Bailey noted that the budget is based on this article passing. There was a discussion about possibly taking the article out of order on the floor of town meeting.
VOTED: 4-0-1 (MR. O’LEARY ABSTAINED)
7. APRIL TOWN MEETING
STREET ACCEPTANCES – VOTE OF INTENTION/ORDER OF NOTICE
(postponed to October)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Article 18 – Fund Open Space Plan
The Board discussed the article briefly and will make a decision on it Wednesday night, March 8, 2006.
Article 29 – Citizens Petition – Establish North Reading Dog Park
The Board decided not to recommend article 29.
SIGN WARRANT
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO, MOVE TO SIGN THE APRIL 3, 2006 TOWN MEETING WARRANT.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
The warrant was signed in the presence of a Constable John Firriello
10:10 PM – 10:20 PM – RECESS
9. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that he had received a notice from the Department of Environmental Protection which states that the Hillview Country Club is in violation of the Water Management Act. Mr. Mauceri noted that he has spoken with George Stack of the Hillview Commission and Mr. Stack is already in discussions with the DEP regarding this matter.
§ Mr. Balukonis distributed and reviewed the construction schedule for the Police Station Project.
10. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno stated that he is not in favor of an override. Mr. Dardeno further stated that if the town cannot balance its budget year after year, then additional revenue needs to be found or the town has to live within the budget
§ Mr. Dardeno informed the board that the Cable Advisory Committee is meeting on March 7, 2006.
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno had nothing new to report this week.
Mrs. Bailey
§ Mrs. Bailey informed the Board that the Infrastructure Committee is meeting on Thursday March 9, 2006.
§ Mrs. Bailey asked if the Board would be having a Public Budget Hearing and Mr. Mauceri indicated that one had been scheduled for March 20, 2006.
Mr. O’Leary
§ Mr. O’Leary stated that he will be pulling papers for re-election to the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri stated that he will work with Mr. Hanlon to draft a report on the Board’s position on the 40R Overlay District.
§ Mr. Mauceri noted that he has collected all the input regarding the Town Administrator’s six month review and will be reviewing it with Mr. Balukonis later in the week.
11. EXECUTIVE SESESION (10:35 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 (11:00 PM)
I, MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
| 
