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 13, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
MARCH 2, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 8, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 6, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 27, 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 27, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHIARMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 13, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE MARCH 8, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE MARCH 6, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE MARCH 6, 2006 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS AMENDED.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE MARCH 2, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: Mrs. Bailey recommended that the Board hold off on voting until later in the meeting. The motion and the second were withdrawn by Mr. Veno and Mr. O’Leary, respectively.
2. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Veno and Mr. Dardeno.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. SIGN BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE SALE OF $13,171,000. BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES AT A RATE OF 3.4657% DATE MARCH 23, 2006 AND DUE SEPTEMBER 23, 2006 PAYABLE TO MELLON BANK.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Mrs. Bailey asked Treasurer Liz Craveiro what exactly the bond was for. Ms. Craveiro explained that the bond was for the Batchelder School Project, the Police Station, tennis courts and golf course improvements, golf course equipment, DPW equipment, police cruisers, fire pumper and water system repairs.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
5. SEASONAL LICENSE RENEWALS
Webb Heintzelman’s Golf Shop
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE SEASONAL WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE CLUB LICENSE FOR THE THOMSON CLUB, INC. D/B/A WEBB HEINTZELMAN’S GOLF SHOP, 2 MID IRON DRIVE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS 5-0
Transient Vendor – Robert Connors
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RENEW THE SEASONAL TRANSIENT VENDOR LICENSE FOR THE SALE OF FLOWERS, CHRISTMAS TREES, ETC. AT 226 MAIN STREET FOR ROBERT CONNORS, 58 WYMAN STREET, WOBURN, MA TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
ABCC Forms
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO SIGN THE ABCC 2006 SEASONAL RENEWAL CERTIFICATION AND ATTEST REQUIRED FOR CHAPTER 304 OF THE ACTS OF 2004.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
6. AMEND BOARD OF SELECTMEN POLICY SEC. 3.2 – 1ST READING
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ADOPT THE FIRST READING OF THE AMENDED POLICY 3.2 APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: Mr. Veno pointed out the changes to the policy. Mr. Dardeno stated that he still felt that citizens who are not chosen for re-appointment should be required to complete a new Citizen’s Activity Form.
VOTED: 4-1 (Mr. Dardeno opposed)
7. BALLOT QUESTION FOR MAY 2, 2006 ELECTION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING QUESTION ON THE MAY 2, 2006 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION BALLOT:
“SHALL THE TOWN OF NORTH READING BE ALLOWED TO ASSESS AN ADDITIONAL $1,174,097 IN REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE PURPOSES OF FUNDING A PORTION OF THE GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET AS STATED IN THE WARRANT FOR THE APRIL 3, 2006 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPENSATION FOR ALL ELECTED OFFICERS, PROVIDING FOR A RESERVE FUND, AND ALLOCATING SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFRAY THE CHARGES AND EXPENSES OF THE TOWN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2006?”
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: Mrs. Bailey suggested that the Board hold off on voting until after the Public Hearing on the FY2007 Operating Budget and Capital Expenditures. The board agreed and the vote was postponed until later in the evening.
8. MEET WITH WASTE WATER AND STORM WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mr. Gary Hunt, Chairman of the Wastewater and Storm Water Planning Advisory Committee and Water Superintendent Mr. Mark Clark were present. Mr. Hunt introduced Mr. Scott Haynes of the committee who gave a presentation on the committee’s achievements and progress to date. Mr. Haynes will be presenting at April Town Meeting. A brief discussion followed his presentation.
9. PUBLIC HEARING – FY2007 OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Mr. Mauceri called the Public Hearing to order at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Mauceri commented on the situation where the School Department had a $1.2-$1.3 million deficit. The Board of Selectmen, he explained, felt that a critical situation existed with the School Department and worked with the Town Administrator to investigate where cuts could be made on the General Government side. The end result of which was a proposed $600,000 in cuts in General Government Mr. Balukonis then made a presentation outlining the budget balancing actions take to date and the Board of Selectmen’s recommendations, as well as the Capital Budget.
The discussion was then opened up to members of the audience. Mr. Prisco, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, asked how the budget got to this point. Mrs. Bailey and Mr. Mauceri both commented that this deficit had been anticipated since last summer, and elaborated on the reasons.
Mrs. Bailey further explained that at Town Meeting, budgets will be presented showing the reductions that will need to be made without an override. Additionally, an override budget will be presented which would keep the town at level services.
Ms. Rita Mullin, Vice Chairman of the Recreation Committee, disagreed with the proposed cuts to her department. Ms. Mullin reviewed the current structure of the department and the tasks performed by the part-time administrative assistant. Ms. Mullin asked the Board to consider asking the Town Administrator to query other departments to see if they could cut a few thousand from their budgets to save the administrative assistant’s position.
Mr. Mauceri asked the board for comments. Mr. Dardeno stated that he supports the override because he doesn’t wish to see these cuts happen. Mrs. Bailey noted that if the Town Administrator came to her with a recommendation to save the position, she would listen. Mr. O’Leary stated that he would support the Town Administrator taking another look at the numbers and making a recommendation before Town Meeting. Mr. Veno stated that if the TA was going to go back to the town departments, then he should go to the School Department as well.
Mr. Mauceri indicated to Mr. Balukonis that if there was a reason to alter his recommendation before Town Meeting, he would abide by it.
10:10 PM – 10:20 PM – Recess
Mr. Veno re-read the motion for the ballot question:
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING QUESTION ON THE MAY 2, 2006 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION BALLOT:
“SHALL THE TOWN OF NORTH READING BE ALLOWED TO ASSESS AN ADDITIONAL $1,174,097 IN REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE PURPOSES OF FUNDING A PORTION OF THE GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET AS STATED IN THE WARRANT FOR THE APRIL 3, 2006 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COMPENSATION FOR ALL ELECTED OFFICERS, PROVIDING FOR A RESERVE FUND, AND ALLOCATING SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFRAY THE CHARGES AND EXPENSES OF THE TOWN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2006?”
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis announced the appointment of Mr. Nicholas Carney of 3 Woodland Drive as a permanent firefighter.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that he had recently met with the Board of Assessors to discuss the establishment of a payment in lieu of taxes policy for exempt properties in North Reading. He noted that the total value of all exempt property is approximately $35 million, or 1.4% of the total assessed valuation for the entire town. Mr. Balukonis stated that staff is working with the Department of Revenue in seeing how other towns approach dealing with exempt property during these difficult financial times.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the town had undergone a review of its municipal bond rating by Moody’s Investors Services. Mr. Balukonis further stated that Moody’s retained the towns A-1 bond rating and issued a rating of MIG-1 for the temporary debt, the highest possible rating.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that notice was received from Habitech, Inc. to renew the Damon Tavern lease for an additional five year term. Mr. Balukonis anticipates having a discussion with Habitech about possible changes to the lease and will coordinate with the Historical Commission.
10. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno stated that he had attended Bud Warnock’s retirement party and that a good time was had by all.
§ Mr. Dardeno had also attended the fundraiser basketball game between the High School Varsity Team and members of the Police Department.
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno stated that he had also attended Mr. Warnock’s party and said that it was a great send of for Bud and his forty-three years of service.
§ Mr. Veno commented on the recent MRI study of the Fire Department. Mr. Veno stated that he was very disappointed with the study and that he felt that some of their answers seemed “canned”.
Mrs. Bailey
§ Mrs. Bailey stated that she will provide a preview and summary of the Infrastructure Committee’s Town Meeting presentation at next Monday’s meeting.
Mr. O’Leary
§ Mr. O’Leary informed the board that the Pilgrm Road 40B subcommittee has completed their work and that the developer was cooperative.
§ Mr. O’Leary sent his congratulations to Bud Warnock on his retirement and years of service.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri sent wishes to Mr. Warnock for a long and happy retirement.
§ Mr. Mauceri noted that the board will meet on Monday, March 27 to review Town Meeting presentation.
11. EXECUTIVE SESESION (10:35 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND LITIGATION 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 (10:50 PM)
I, MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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