Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Harris and Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
1. MINUTES: JULY 10, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
JULY 18, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE JULY 10, 2006 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE JULY 10, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE JULY 18, 2006 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
2. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Harris.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
4. AMEND POLICY 1.5 – REGULAR MEETINGS, 1ST CityplaceREADING
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ADOPT THE FIRST READING OF AMENDED POLICY 1.5 – REGULAR MEETING.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
5. APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS:
• Election Workers
• Board of Registrars
Town Clerk Barbara Stats was present and described the annual process, which is normal procedure. A brief discussion followed which included the options available to the board as outlined in Ms. Stats’ memo dated dateMonth7Day31Year2006July 31, 2006. Mr. O’Leary noted that he would be abstaining because a family member is on the list to be appointed.
Mr. Veno recommended that the board choose option #2, “appoint election officers from the list submitted by the Registrars as recommended by the Registrars” and the board agreed.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO EXERCISE OPTION NUMBER TWO FOR APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION WORKERS FOR ELECTIONS HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2007:
2. APPOINT ELECTION OFFICERS FROM THE LIST SUBMITTED BY THE REGISTRARS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE REGISTRARS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 4-0-1 (MR. O’LEARY ABSTAINED)
Mr. O’Leary recommended Mrs. Exum to the Board of Registrars.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO, BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE, MOVE TO APPOINT FRANCES A. EXUM, addressStreet201 HAVERHILL STREET, TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF REGISTRARS FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE APRIL 2009.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
6. AMBULANCE ABATEMENTS
Acting Fire Chief Harlow was present to discuss the $142,000 in ambulance fees that the town has been unable to collect payment on. Chief Harlow noted that the town’s collection rate on ambulance bills is 89%. Mr. Mauceri asked what the annual billing is and Mr. Harlow said that he didn’t have that number handy but that he would get it and forward it to Mr. Mauceri.
A discussion followed about the town’s billing and collection process. The board discussed the use of a collection agency and agreed that under certain circumstances, the services of a collection agency may be warranted and should remain an option.
The board agreed that they would like to avoid ambulance bills which just get “tabled”, meaning they don’t get abated or go to collection.
Mr. Balukonis will draft a policy on ambulance billing and collection for the August 21, 2006 meeting. Mr. Mauceri suggested waiting until the policy is adopted before making any decision on the outstanding bills.
8. 08:00 PM –BERRY PROJECT PRESENTATION
Mr. John Noone from Lincoln Properties, along with DPW Director David Hanlon and attorneys Greg Peterson and Jim Senior were present.
Mr. Hanlon began the presentation with the history of the site and the proposed developments and improvements to the site as well as the benefits to the town. The town benefits because it will fulfill its affordable housing obligation until at least 2011, the town will receive state funding under the 40R zoning, and the wastewater treatment aspect of the development will afford the town the opportunity to provide sewer services to the Route 28 corridor.
Mr. Noone continued with the presentation stating that the development will be comprised of 406 apartment units in eleven buildings plus a clubhouse. He is hoping that permits will be obtained in order to raze the buildings currently on the property this fall, and begin construction in the spring of 2007. Mr. Noone noted that their goal is to be leasing apartments in the spring of 2008.
ASHWOOD DRIVE – CONVEYANCE OF PARCEL A
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN VOTE ITS INTENTION TO ALTER THE LAYOUT OF ASHWOOD DRIVE AS A TOWN WAY TO EXCLUDE “PARCEL A,” AS SHOWN ON THE LAYOUT PLAN, AND THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN FORWARD THE LAYOUT PETITION AND PLAN TO THE COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR ITS COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 41, §§ 81g AND 81I.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
9. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that placeNorth Reading will receive $125,678 under Chapter 90 funding as approved by Governor Romney. Mr. Balukonis noted that Chapter 90 funds are restricted to road improvement projects, including street reconstruction, drainage, curbing and sidewalks.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the town recently received Department of Environmental Protection approval of its annual recycling program for the period of July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. The DARP (DEP Approved Recycling Program) designation allows placeNorth Reading to operate under less restrictive rules its solid waste disposal practices.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the Department of Environmental Protection approved the modified administrative consent order concerning water use by the Hillview golf course. The order was approved by the Hillview Commission in early July. The order stipulates actions the town must take to prevent excess water use for irrigation purposes. In addition to the order, DEP also received a best management practices plan that showed the location of all water withdrawal points, wetlands, culverts and irrigation piping. The matter is now closed and the town is required to monitor its water usage going forward. The order provides that Hillview
shall provide DEP with quarterly monitoring reports for a period of two years. Annual reports shall be required for an additional five years. The town may petition DEP to suspend water monitoring at the end of a seven year period (2013).
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that work is progressing in the Finance Department to close out Fiscal year 2006. The independent audit firm of Guisti and Hingston has been in town hall for several weeks conducting the annual financial audit. At this time, work on the audit is progressing without interruption to secure a Free Cash estimate for the October town meeting. It should be noted the Town successfully met its revenue projects for Fiscal 2006 and it is anticipated a positive Free Cash balance will be available. A substantial portion of Free Cash is due to money due under the NESWC program that ended in Fiscal 2006. Approximately
$600,000 in additional revenues was realized, and these funds should be directed to the Solid Waste Stabilization fund vote at town meeting to offset trash collection fees. Mr. Balukonis had prepared a brief history showing Free Cash amounts for a seven year period going back to Fiscal 2000. The average is $735,000.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the Fiscal 2007 cherry sheet was received. It confirms projections that placeNorth Reading will see a net increase in State Aid of $176,620. These funds may be voted at the October town meeting toward the budget.
11. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno stated that competition for cable services is indeed a good thing, and that he recently was able to negotiate a better package with Comcast because of Verizon’s recent offerings.
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno and Mr. Veno will commence work on the Fire Study Committee in September. Additionally, discussions will begin soon with Comcast regarding the renewal of their contract.
Mr. O’Leary
§ Mr. O’Leary asked if the naming of Carey Field would appear on the October warrant. Mr. Dardeno noted that Mr. Carey doesn’t feel comfortable with the honor. A brief discussion followed.
§ Mr. O’Leary asked Mr. Balukonis about the cement trucks which are being parked on a regular basis at a site along Route 62. His concern is that the company may not be paying excise taxes in town. Mr. Balukonis informed the board that the town is documenting the license plate numbers and looking into this matter.
Mr. Harris
§ Mr. Harris asked about the construction in front of the fire station. Mr. Mauceri stated that the road will reopen on August 28 with the septic being completed several days before that.
§ Mr. Harris stated that everyone he knows who has been inside the new PlaceNameplaceBatchelder PlaceTypeSchool has been very impressed with it.
§ Mr. Harris stated that he has requested a fuel usage report broken down by department. He is exploring the idea of purchasing more economical vehicles for various town departments instead of using former police cruisers which have large engines and aren’t fuel efficient.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri noted that there are several items that need to be discussed for PlaceNameplaceOctober PlaceTypeTown Meeting.
11. EXECUTIVE SESESION (9:45 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STRATEGY AND THE ACQUISITION OR VALUE OF REAL ESTATE, AND FURTHER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WILL CONVENE IN OPEN SESSION THEREAFTER FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE
MR. HARRIS: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION (11:00 PM)
ADJOURN (11:00 PM)
I, MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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