Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00pm in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Harris, Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary and the Town Administrator, Greg Balukonis.
1. CSF PROCLAMATION:
Members of CSF were present and explained there will be a phoneathon this week to raise money for the students. Please be as generous as possible
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO, MOVE TO PROCLAIM MARCH 4-8, 2007 AS “CSF DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS WEEK” AND TO READ THE ATTACHED PROCLAMATION.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS)
Mr. Mauceri read the proclamation.
2. OPEN SPACE PLAN:
Brain Wood, Susan Murphy and Juliet Walker from Taintor Associates were present to discuss the open space plan for North reading. The OSP is an urban self help grant. If town has an eligible plan then we are eligible for state grants. Juliet overviewed the packet that she handed out to the Board. She talked about the history of placeNorth Reading and protecting the historical areas of the town and the current regulations of land growth. OSP looks at soils, waters, and river ways of PlaceNameplaceIpswich PlaceTypeRiver PlaceTypePark and protecting it. Recreational sections change every five years and protected by natural resources. Doing inventory of school areas and areas that have on use and are we losing or gaining open space and doing an inventory of the property. Mr. Mauceri thinks the Smith plan should be added to this plan. The actual plan will change every five years and area of input will change also. This will be made available on the placeNorth Reading website
for the public to read it and comment on it. OSP reps hope to submit it by the end of March and need approval from various departments. It is a work in progress. This provides a great opportunity to get grants from the state. Mr. Mauceri recommends that Board meet next Monday and address the Open Space Plan.
3. MINUTES:
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 5, 2007 REGULAR SESSION MIUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0(UNANIMOUS)
Mr. Veno did not do a motion for the February 5, 2007 Executive Session minutes because he wanted to discuss them first In Executive Session.
MR.CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 12, 2007 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. VENO
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 4-0
ONE ABSTENTION: MR. HARRIS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 12, 2007 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. VENO
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 4-0
ONE ABSTENTION: MR. HARRIS
4. CORRESPONDENCE:
No correspondence.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT:
No public comment
6. APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS:
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT AS A MEMBER TO THE LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE TO FILL AN INDEFINITE TERM:
THEOPHILOS KULIOPULOS, addressStreet19 WILLIAM RD.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
ROLL CALL VOTE: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
Mr. Veno thanks Mr. Kuliopulos for coming forward for this position.
7. SEASONAL ESTIMATE:
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO SIGN THE ABC SEASONAL ESTIMATE FORM.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS)
8. ACCEPT CHECK:
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO ACCEPT CHECK NO. 1094 PAYABLE TO THE TOWN OF NORTH READING, REPRESENTING PAYMENT IN FULL ON BEHALF OF LINCOLN NORTH READING, LLC (AS SUCCESSOR TO LINCOLN PROPERTY COMPANY SOUTHWEST, INC.) OF ITS SHARE OF THE AGREES FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION TO THE TOWN FOR PROVISION OF A PUBLIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY, PURSUANT TO SECTION 1(A) OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS)
Mr. Mauceri let public know that the $750,000 is a result of the Berry Property to CityplaceLincoln. It is restricted use for the wastewater treatment facility and as easement for sewer.
7:50 – 8:00 pm – short break
At 8:00pm Mr. Mauceri called the meeting back into session
9. INFORMATION HEARINGS:
Open Public Hearing in Warrant-Mr. Mauceri goes through the Warrant Articles.
MOTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS AT TOWN MEETING:
ARTICLE 3 – AUTHORIZE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 3 – AUTHORIZE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 4 – AUTHORIZE TREASURER TO ENTER INTO COMPENSATING BALANCE AGREEMENTS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 4 – AUTHORIZE TREASURER TO ENTER INTO COMPENSATING BALANCE AGREEMENTS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 5 – AUTHORIZE CHAPTER 90 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION FUNDS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 5 – AUTHORIZE CHAPTER 900 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION FUNDS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 6 – CONSERVATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 6 – CONSERVATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 7 – PARKS AND RECREATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 7 – PARKS AND RECREATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 8 – DAMON TAVERN REVOLVING ACCOUNT – RE-AUTHORIZE
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 8 – DAMON TAVERN REVOLVING ACCOUNT – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 9 – RAIN BARREL REVOLVING ACCOUNT – RE-AUTHORIZE
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 9 – RAIN BARREL REVOLVING ACCOUNT – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UANIMOUS
ARTICLE 10 – SPEICAL EDUCATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 10 – SPECIAL EDUCATION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 11 – RECYCLING PROMOTION REVOLVING FUND – RE-AUTHORIZE
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 11 – RECYCLING PROMOTION REVOLVING FUND – REAUTHORIZE.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 12 – OPERATING BUDGET
No motion.
ARTICLE 13 – FUND NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO MOVE TO NOT RECOMMEND ARTICLE 13 – FUND NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 2-2-0
MOTION IS LOST.
Mr. O’Leary wants to see more information about this. He feels that the Fire Department is in a state of flux with the fire chief and deputy chief issue. He is in favor of the 2 in
and 2 out position. Feels we are not in a position economically to do this right now. It is not a warrant to remove just to recommend.
Mr. Veno thinks it should be a warrant to recommend and should stay in and let town meeting decide.
Mr. Mauceri said he cannot remove it on a 2-2 vote. Should hold off until next year when appoint new Fire Chief.
ARTICLE 14 – CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
No motion at this time.
ARTICLE 15 – RETIREMENT TRSUT FUNDS
No motion at this time.
Mr. Balukonis says this is just routine and no funding request. If surplus occurs set up a trust fund to offset withdrawal and should be read at town meeting.
ARTICLE 16 – FUND RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 16 – FUND RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 17 – PRIOR YEAR’S BILLS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 17 – PRIOR YEAR’S BILLS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 18 – AMEND FY2008 BUDGET
No motion at this time.
ARTICLE 19 – FUND TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT FOR POLICE STATION
No motion at this time.
ARTICLE 20 – FUND SETTLEMENTS – EISENHAURE POND PARK
No motion at this time.
ARTICLE 21- RESCIND BOND AUTHORIZATIONS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND ARTICLE 21 – RESCIND BOND AUTHORIZAATIONS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 23 – FUND FY2008 REVALUATION
No motion at this time.
Funds coming from free cash and overlay at $105,000 in free cash.
Board wants to hold this one.
ARTICLE 24 – TRANSFER FY2005 ABATEMENT MONIES
No motion at this time.
ARTICLE 25 – APPROPRIATE MONEY TO STABILIZATION FUND
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND AT TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 25 – APPROPRIATE MONEY TO STABILIZATION FUND.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 26 – LAND TRANSFER – JUNIPER ROAD
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO RECOMMEND AT TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 26 – LAND TRANSFER – addressStreetJUNINPER ROAD.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 5-0 UNANIMOUS
ARTICLE 27 – AMEND CODE – SECTION 200-101.D.6 OF THE ZONING BY-LAWS
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION AT TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 27 – AMEND CODE- SECTION 200-101.D.6 OF THE ZONING BY-LAWS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 4-0
ARTICLE 28- AMEND CODE – ADD ZONING BY-LAW ARTICLE XXI – AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE MAKE A RECOMMENDATION AT TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 28 – AMEND CODE – ADD ZONING BY-LAW ARTICLE XXI – AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY DISTRICT.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 4-0
8:55 PM MR. VENO WAS NOT PRESENT FOR VOTING ON ARTICLES 27 AND 28. HE STEPPED OUT OF THE ROOM.
9:00PM MR. MAUCERI CLOSED THE PUBLIC MEETING ON APRIL TOWN MEETING WARRANT INFORMATION.
10. FY 2008 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mr. Mauceri stated 4 basic budget proposals.
1-Balance of the budget of the available revenues.
2-A carry over budget proposal that is carried forward in school and municipal services which is $890,000 and no lay-offs and programs remain the same.
3-A three year over ride with a carry over budget.
4-A level services budget. On the town side turning the human resource position into a full time position. On the school side stabilizing the cost for the middle school and the high school.
The school department budget involves about 16 positions, health programs, text books and adding programs to schools. It is about 2.9 million over a single year. Talk to the public on March 19th and print a warrant next week and need an override amount.
If going with a three year override we are voting on numbers of this year and raise the levy limit something above what we need this year. Not everyone is thinking this way anymore. Do not know if we can do it this year so how expected to know 3 years from now.
If we reduce the town budget Mr. Mauceri is concerned with moral issues with the town employees.
We need to try and prevent lay offs and it is not good for moral. Once we let go of one position it is going to be harder to get that position back later for the town or the school.
11. SIGN APRIL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
Skipping over and will sign next week.
12. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:
1-Retirement of Henry Purnell and using his accrued vacation time.
2-Get positions for Police and Fire Chief filled and hiring qualified applicants . A total of 13 positions changing.
3-The contamination status of addressStreet70 Concord Street and it can be used for commercial/industrial uses. DEP is filing a lien and not going to be anything with it.
4-The StateMassachusetts Campaign for Open Government and placeNorth Reading is receiving an award for information over the internet. Greg is going to this on March 15, 2007.
Mr. Dardeno compliments Mr. Balukonis and the town employees for doing a tremendous job with the website. The website went from nothing to something tops.
5-Benchmarking survey between the town and the schools and hired a consultant to compare how placeNorth Reading compares with other area towns. The Board and Finance Committee will receive a copy of the report and the consultants will present it.
13. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Veno – Commenting that the CSF does a wonderful job with the community.
Mr.Dardeno – Agrees with Mr. Veno about the CSF doing an outstanding job.
Mr. Harris – The Historical Committee is in desperate need for members.
Mr. O’Leary – CSF doing a tremendous job. Congratulating the winter sports teams in placeNorth Reading who advanced to tournament play. Mr. O’Leary was not happy with
Comcast customer service. He called about a problem and was on hold for 54 minutes. He said that it was unacceptable and that he would be filing a complaint but at least it was a toll free number.
Mr. Mauceri – Asks Mr. Balukonis where we are with regard to getting new phone system. Mr. Baluknonis said that he is preparing a package to put out for a bid this spring and would have phone system available thereafter. They already have money funded and they will stay within the budget. Mr. Mauceri attended the wine tasting for IRP and it was good food and good wine. Cable Access Corporation Board appointments have been posted. Looking for perspective Board Members for this committee and should be up and running a year from now.
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 10:05PM
MR.CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING LEASE VALUE FOR PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AND PENDING LITIGATION, AND FURTHER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WILL RETURN TO OPEN SESSION THEREAFTER FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE
MR. HARRIS: AYE
5-0 UANIMOUS
11:30PM BOARD RETURNS TO OPEN SESSION
ADJOURN 11:30PM:
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR. VENO, MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. VENO
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: 4-0
________________________________ ________________________
DATE JOSEPH VENO, CLERK
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