Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. in the Large Group Room at the Middle School in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. Harris, Mr. O’Leary and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
The Board took item #7 out of order.
#7. BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES
Liz Craverio, Treasurer/Collector was present to explain the notes and the following motions were made:
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE SALE OF $4,280,000. BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES AT A RATE OF 3.6990% DATED MARCH 22, 2007 AND DUE SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 PAYABLE TO COMMERCE CAPITAL.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THAT THE MAXIMUM USEFUL LIFE OF THE MODULAR CLASSROOMS TO BE PURCHASED WITH THE PROCEEDS OF THE $913,183. BORROWING AUTHORIZED BY THE VOTE PASSED OCTOBER 16, 2006 (ARTICLE 14) IS HEREBY DETERMINED PURSUANT TO G.L. C. 44 S7(9) TO BE 15 YEARS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#1. FY2006 AUDIT REPORT
Richard Hingston of Guisti, Hingston and Finance Director Joe Tassone were both present to review the audit report for the period 7/1/2005 to 6/30/2006.
Mr. Hingston indicated the management letter shows good internal control levels. The most critical financial practices are in place. Mr. Hingston addressed findings on bond premiums. He recommends the Town comply with DOR regulations by using bond premiums to offset exempt debt. A second management letter comment relates to the revenue budget. Mr. Hingston recommends the revenue budget be included in the accounting records. A third finding relates to water rates. Mr. Hingston recommends the Town be more diligent in budgeting and collecting water revenues.
Mr. Hingston next reveiwed the financial statements. He pointed out that actual revenues exceeded the budget by approximately $1.6 million. Mr. Hingston pointed out the Town of North Reading is wisely using conservative revenue estimates to base its operating budget.
7:00 p.m. The Board took a short break.
#2. JOINT MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 7:07 p.m. with Chairman Mauceri opening the public hearing with members of the School Committee and Finance Committee. Mr. Mauceri made a Power Point presentation.
Finance Committee member Alan Wolpin commented that he had not seen the 3 year overide until that night.
There were several questions by residents in attendance about the presentation and specifically North Reading’s financial situation.
#3. CORESPONDENCE
Mr. Veno requested correspondence.
#4. PUBLIC COMENT
None.
#5. AMBULANCE WRITE-OFF
MR. CHARIMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO WRITE OFF AMBULANCE BILL #NR6- 1665 IN THE AMOUNT OF $696.98 IN ACCORDANCE WITH HILL-BURTON STANDARDS.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
NEXT MEETING
The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. The Board discussed the timing consideration for placement of a ballot question for the May Election. The Town Administrator will draft the override question.
#6. APPOINTMENTS - RECYCLING COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MIKE HARRIS MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE NAME OF JOAN L. MULLALY, 490 PARK STREET, FOR APPOINT AS A MEMBER OF THE RECYCLING COMMITTEE WITH AN INDEFINITE TERM.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
ROLL CALL VOTE:
MR. HARRIS: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE
R. MAUCERI: AYE
R. DARDENO: AYE
R. VENO: AYE
#8. SNOW AND ICE EMERGENCY
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO DECLARE A SNOW AND ICE EMERGENCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH MGL CHAPTER 44, SECTION 31D.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#9. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Mr. Balukonis announced the promotion of William Warnock as the new Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Warnock will assume his position as permanent Deputy Fire Chief effective March 26th (assuming his promotion is also approved by the HRD). In a related matter, Town Counsel forwarded for the Board’s approval a Settlement Agreement that concludes all pending claims relating to the Deputy Fire Chief position. The Board agreed to sign the Settlement Agreement. Mr. O’Leary states that he was signing upon the advice of counsel. He did not believe it was necessary or warranted and was generally opposed to having a signed
agreement on the issue.
2. Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that he will be meeting with candidates this week who expressed an interest in being appointed as the Acting Fire Chief due to the imminent retirement of David Harlow. Mr. Balukonis anticipates a provisional appointment will be made in the next week to coincide with Chief Harlow’s retirement date.
3. Mr. Balukonis has requested HRD to forward the civil service list for Fire Captain. He anticipate making 2 permanent and 1 provisional appointment to the rank of Captain. These appointments will be completed in the next 2 weeks, subject to HRD providing a certified list in a timely manner, and approval of the town’s selections.
4. Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that a second draft of the Open Space Plan incorporating revisions proposed by the Board of Selectmen at a recent public meeting. The revisions include details on other town-owned land not previously identified (Smith and Eisenhaure property), and details on the Chapter 61A process, including the LUC role. The LUC requested that Mr. Balukonis arrange a conference call with Town Counsel to review the status of Chapter 61A land. Mr. Balukonis is waiting to hear back from K&P.
5. Mr. Balukonis recently met with Lt. Nolan and the chairman of the Police Station Building Committee about a request for additional funds to complete the project. He recommended the Board schedule time at its meeting next week to review with the Committee the funding proposal submitted for consideration at the April town meeting.
#10. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno – Updated the Board on upcoming negotiations with Comcast.
#11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
ADJOURN 9:45 P.M.
MR. CHAIRMAN I MR.VENO MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
DATE JOSEPH VENO, CLERK
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