Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 10 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Harris and Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
1. MINUTES: MAY 8, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE MAY 8, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE MAY 8, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
2. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Mauceri, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. Veno and Mr. Harris.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Marci Bailey was present to comment on the Chapter 32B vote at last week’s Town Meeting. Ms. Bailey stated that the Town Administrator and Human Resource Director were inaccurately accused of having malice with regards to this issue. Further, Ms. Bailey stated that when the Board is asked by citizens “where do our tax dollars go?” they should indicate that because of this action other priorities were put lower on this list.
Mr. Mauceri suggested that Mr. Balukonis review the entire insurance package. Mr. O’Leary agreed and Mr. Dardeno added that the unions should be involved in order to stop the idea of “us against them” attitudes.
Mr. Veno stated that he had received a number of phone calls from town employees who were surprised that he was in favor of this Article, but for the record, he was not. Mr. Harris stated that he also did not support the article but that he was taken aback by the attitudes in the auditorium that evening.
4. PROCLAMATION – PAPA GINO’S RUSTIC PIZZA DAY
Mr. Mauceri read the proclamation.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PROCLAIM WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2006 AS PAPA GINO’S RUSTIC PIZZA DAY IN NORTH READING AND TO READ THE ATTACHED PROCLAMATION.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
5. MEET WITH DEANNA CASTRO RE CHAPTER 70 FY2007 FUNDS
Mrs. Castro, Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Perrone of the Chapter 70 Committee were present. Mrs. Castro distributed material entitled “Chapter 70 Overview” and described the actions and efforts of the Chapter 70 Committee since its inception in January of 2006. Mrs. Castro stated that progress has been made, that an additional $210,000 in funding is coming to the town, and asked that the Board of Selectmen see to it that the funds get distributed appropriately.
Mr. Mauceri opened up the discussion to comments from the Board. Mr. O’Leary stated that the Board should take a good hard look at how the money is spent because the legislation is clear about what the funds should be utilized for; it is earmarked for education.
Mr. Veno stated that General Government did give up funds recently to help the schools and therefore should get something back.
Mr. Mauceri stated that on June 10, 2006, School Superintendent Dr. Troughton has to declare lay-offs if needed based on anticipated funding. Because of this, Mr. Mauceri suggested that the Board provide some indication as to how the money will be allocated so that Dr. Troughton can assess his risk.
Mr. Dardeno stated that he is in favor of preventing layoffs to teachers and school personnel and that the funding should be used to prevent layoffs. However, Mr. Dardeno would fist like to see $15,000 taken off the top to be used as a senior rebate program. If there is any funds left after the senior rebate program and the school funding, Mr. Dardeno would suggest that the remainder be used to restore overtime to the Police and Fire Departments.
Regarding Public Safety overtime, Mr. Mauceri stated that it is his view that the layoffs have been restored in that area and that the school should be given the same opportunity.
Mr. Veno agreed with Mr. Dardeno on the senior rebate program as long as it is a need-based program. Mr. Veno stated that he would still like to see some sharing of the funds and that the town needs to restore the overtime to Public Safety.
Mr. Harris stated that he is “90%” on board with Mr. Dardeno regarding the senior rebate program and somewhat torn on the rest of it. Mr. Harris does not want to see any layoffs but also believes in restoring overtime hours to Public Safety.
There was a discussion about the proposed senior rebate program and determining need among residents over sixty-five years of age. Mr. Dardeno felt that the rebate should be across the board because it is difficult to determine need.
Mrs. Bailey urged the Board to consider how the Legislature will look at how Chapter 70 funds are allocated. Mr. O’Leary added that in light of Representative Jones’ efforts, he would be concerned if the town started “dicing up” funding specifically earmarked for education.
Mr. Balukonis provided an update on state aid. Mr. Balukonis has informed his Department Heads to base their staffing on the funds currently available. Mr. Balukonis indicated that he would like to try to use some of the money towards Public Safety.
Mrs. Castro urged the Board to consider the spirit in which the funding had been derived and what the money is intended for.
In summary, Mr. Mauceri stated that he is sensing from the Board that their priority is to prevent layoffs.
6. APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS – HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Mr. Dardeno indicated that there is one slot open on the Historic District Commission and two applicants. After much review, Mr. Dardeno is recommending Mr. Ham. Mr. O’Leary stated that he agrees with Mr. Dardeno’s recommendation and that Mr. Ham would be an excellent choice for the HDC.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS A MEMBER TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
DAVID HAM, 126 CHESTNUT STREET
PATRICK O’ROURKE, 1 PEABODY STREET
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: DAVID HAM
MR. O’LEARY: DAVID HAM
MR. DARDENO: DAVID HAM
MR. VENO: DAVID HAM
MR. HARRIS: DAVID HAM
7. DISCUSS FIRE DEPARTMENT STUDY
Mr. Mauceri asked the board how they wish to proceed with the Fire Department study and suggested that a subcommittee be formed. A discussion followed regarding the makeup of the subcommittee, which is to be comprised of volunteers. It was discussed that the subcommittee have representatives from the Fire Department, Police Department, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Administrator and possibly the Community Planning Commission.
Mr. Mauceri suggested that the Board examine the study again in order to give the subcommittee some direction. Mr. Dardeno and Mr. Veno volunteered to be on the subcommittee. Final discussions on how to proceed will be made at the June 19th meeting.
8. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the Finance Committee is meeting on May 30th to consider FY 2006 reserve fund transfers. Departments have been reminded to submit all funding requests to the Finance Department by the end of this week. Additionally, Mr. Balukonis is expecting department heads to be present at the meeting to explain their budget needs and respond to questions by the Finance Committee.
§ Mr. Balukonis is continuing to monitor the town’s revenues as a means of indicating whether North Reading will meet its financial estimates for FY 2006. As of April 30th, the town realized 103% of its anticipated totals for Local Estimated Receipts. Real estate tax collections are at 93% for the same period. Mr. Balukonis is reasonably confident, based on these totals, that the town is in a strong position to realize its estimates for Local Receipts in FY 2007 which was increased to balance the budget. For comparison purposes, Local Receipts were at 92% and real estate taxes 78% collect to the end of March.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that a Leadership Seminar is being offered to department heads at Town Hall on June 7th. The goal of the program is to improve professional; development opportunities for department heads (the school administration was invited, but unable to attend). In addition to the Leadership Seminar, employee Excel 1 training is scheduled in town hall for tomorrow and Thursday, twenty employees are participating over both days.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that town officials continue to respond to numerous inquiries due to the recent floods that inundated the region. To date, representatives from FEMA, MEMA and the SBA toured North Reading as part of their damage assessment to review and to determine if our community qualifies for disaster assistance. The town estimates its losses to public facilities and infrastructure at $456,000. You should note that no estimate is available for damage to private property, including residences and businesses. In Mr. Balukonis’ opinion, the town has recovered fairly well from a serious disaster. His appreciation goes out
to those town employees who responded in a professional manner over the past eleven days.
11. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno stated that the Cable Advisory Committee is meeting Wednesday night.
§ Mr. Dardeno thanked the North Reading Fire Department for their efforts during the flood of last weekend.
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno also expressed his gratitude to the Fire Department, as well as all town employees, for their hard work during the flood.
Mr. Harris
§ Mr. Harris gave his thanks to town employees for their assistance during last weekend’s flooding.
Mr. O’Leary
§ Mr. O’Leary also expressed his gratitude to town employees, and noted that Mr. Balukonis was especially visible during the storms, setting a good example for others.
§ Mr. O’Leary provided a brief update on the 41 Elm Street 40B development. Mr. O’Leary noted there are currently no 40B developments “on the horizon” for North Reading.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri thanked town employees for their efforts during last weekend’s floods.
§ Mr. Mauceri thanked those who turned out for the Town Meeting on May 18th.
§ Mr. Mauceri thanked Town Clerk Barbara Stats and the CPC for getting all the necessary documentation together for the 40R zoning and forwarding it to the Attorney General’s office.
§ Mr. Mauceri reminded the selectmen to connect with their various liaison assignments.
§ Mr. Mauceri asked the selectmen to start thinking about goals for the upcoming year.
§ Mr. Mauceri noted that Mr. Balukonis’ one year anniversary as Town Administrator is August 8th and that the Board will do a review.
12. EXECUTIVE SESESION (9:50 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-UNION PERSONNEL AND TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE
MR. HARRIS: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
ADJOURN (10:30 PM)
I, MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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