Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Dardeno, Mr. Veno and Mr. O’Leary, and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis. Mr. Harris was absent.
1. MINUTES
Minutes were not available for approval.
2.CORRESPONDENCE:
No correspondence requested.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Deanna Castro spoke on behalf of residents interested in the FY2008 budget. She addressed the anticipated budget shortfall and asked that the schools not be forced to shoulder the entire burden.
Mr. Mauceri reviewed the efforts by the joint Board of Selectmen/School Committee financial planning team. He acknowledged the shortfall with an understanding State Aid estimates are unknown as of this date. Mr. Mauceri stated he was contacted by several residents about the Board of Selectmen’s decision to place a separate override question on the ballot to increase staffing in the Fire Department.
Mr. Veno noted his intentions in supporting additional staff for the Fire Department. He doesn’t see how a separate question for the Fire Department could have a negative impact on a School override.
Mr. O’Leary indicated his opposition to having 2 separate override questions. Mr. O’Leary is not in favor of segregating specific budget priorities into override questions. Mr. O’Leary indicated there is no concensus on the municipal side providing funds to subsidize the school budget.
Mr. Dardeno clarified the current ALS service is dispatched from Woburn. It is not the same as what is being proposed for the Fire Department.
Mr. Veno stated his position on cost sharing between the Town and the Schools.
Marci Bailey spoke on a multiyear override. She cautioned against asking for an override in consecutive years. Ms. Bailey commented about specific budget reductions proposed by the Town Administrator.
Mr. O’Leary and Mr. Mauceri both indicated their positions on placing a separate override question on the ballot for the Fire Department. They donot support placement of a Fire override question.
4. NRYSSA ROAD RACE
Kim Wyman, 11 Bigham Road and Frank Row, 5 Bishops Way, both were present to seek approval for a road race on May 5, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Wyman stated a section of Haverhill Street would be closed from 9-1pm. In addition, a section of Park Street would be closed at the start of the race for approximately 40 minutes.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO, MOVE TO APPROVE THE NRYSSA ROAD RACE (“THE HORNET HUSTLE 5K”) AND ROAD CLOSURE TO BE HELD ON MAY 5, 2007 SUBJECT TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TOWN’S SAFETY OFFICER.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
Officer Tilton entered the meeting. He stated Park Street will be closed briefly to allow the runners to pass.
5. APRIL TOWN MEETING
Heidi Griffin was present to introduce the affordable housing by-law. The Board of Selectmen indicated its support.
Mr. Balukonis presented the FY2008 balanced budget.
6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Verizon
Mr. Balukonis informed the Board he was in receipt of a written notice from Verizon confirming the availability of PEG access to North Reading residents as of Feb. 2, 2007. Verizon request the Board of Selectmen cancel the non-compliance public hearing scheduled for March 5, 2007.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO, MOVE TO CANCEL THE PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 5, 2007 ON VERIZON’S FAILURE TO PROVIDE PEG ACCESS AS REQUIRED BY THE FINAL LICENSE AGREEMENT.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 3-1 (MR. VENO OPPOSED)
2. Town Audit
The Town Administrator informed the Board the Town’s fiscal 2006 audit was recently completed by Giusti, Hingston Company and Mr. Richard Hingston will be meeting with the Board on March 19, 2007 to present the audit report, including financial statements and management letter.
3. Police Union
The Town Administrator informed the Board he has been notified by the Mass labor Relations Commission with notice of a pre-hearing conference and formal public hearing on the question of union representation for the North Reading Police Association that is presently represented by Teamsters Local 25. A copy of the notice was forwarded to Town Counsel.
4. Chapter 61A Land
Mr. Balukonis informed the Board he had received a legal opinion from Town Counsel on the applicability of Chapter 61A on private property. The question was asked regarding the notice to the Town of conversion of 61A property. Town Counsel states the filing of plans with boards and committees alone does not trigger the Chapter 61A notice requirements.
5. 70 Concord Street
This was discussed at the last meeting. The Town Administrator has spoken with the Town Treasurer and she informed him the town is unable to swap ownership of private property that it does not own. The Town has secured a lien of the property which is referred to as “tax title”. The Town has not initiated foreclosure actions due to the property being contaminated. The Town Administrator was asked to check on the level of contamination and what the auction process would be.
6. Fire Chief
The Town Administrator informed the Board that he has received notice that Fire Chief David Harlow will be retiring prior to July 1, 2007. He thanked the Chief for his more than 33 years of service to the Town.
7. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. O’Leary recognized Chief Harlow for his efforts. He appreciates and respects the Chief’s decision.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION STRATEGIES, AND FURTHER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WILL RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
SECONDED: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: MR. MARUCERI: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
UNANIMOUS (4-0)
10:18 p.m. the Board returned to open session.
ADJOURN 10:18 PM
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR VENO MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
________________________________ ________________________
DATE JOSEPH VENO, CLERK
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