MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 23, 2007
Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Dardeno, Mr. Veno, Mr. O’ Leary, and the Town Administrator, Greg Balukonis.
I MOVE TO APPOINT MR. VENO AS ACTING CLERK UNTIL THE ARRIVAL OF MR. HARRIS.
MOTIOIN BY: MR. MAUCERI
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS 4-0
Mr. Harris arrived at 7:08 p.m.
#1. MINUTES
No action was taken at this time.
#2. CORRESPONDENCE:
No request for copies.
#3. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
#4. PROCLAMATION - ADA
Ashley Speicher of the Independent Living Center was present.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PROCLAIM JULY 26, 2007 TO BE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES DAY AND TO READ THE ATTACHED
PROCLAMATION.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Chairman Mauceri read the proclamation recognizing the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary.
#5. RMLD PLAN 1911 – CENTRAL STREET
Mr. Mauceri read the legal notice that provides for location of poles on the easterly side of Central Street. Mr. Smith from RMLD was present. Mr. Mauceri asked why the pole locations were necessary. Mr. Smith responded it is to provide for a loop in fiber optic cable connecting to the Town of Andover. Mr. O’Leary questioned RMLD having a fiber optic system. Mr. Smith noted the system services only RMLD interests, and to better manage power distribution.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO GRANT THE PETITION OF READING
MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT TO LOCATE POLES ON CENTRAL
STREET AS SHOWN IN PLAN #1911 DATED 6/4/2007.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#6. MEET WITH FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING
Carol Lundgren, President of the FNRCOA was present with members Barbara Thomas, Eileen Lee, Sally Heinze, Louise Broughton and Elder Affairs Director Mary Prenney. Ms. Lundgren explained the role of the FNRCOA. The Senior Center serves approximately 2,600 residents age 65 and over. A plan of the existing Edith O’Leary Center was presented. The Center contains one floor consisting of approximately 2,400 square feet. Ms. Lundgren requested the Board of Selectmen provide for renovation of the Director’s office in FY08.
Barbara Thomas thanked Mary Prenney for her ongoing efforts. The Friends propose that North Reading work toward either a new or renovated Senior Center. She sees the FNRCOA assisting this effort.
#7. APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS
ELECTION OFFICERS
Town Clerk Barbara Stats was present to address the appointment of Election Officers. Ms. Stats recommends the appointment follow the list submitted by the Board of Registrars.
Mr. O’Leary noted he is abstaining due to a family member on the list provided by the Board of Registrars.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO EXERCISE OPTION #2. “APPOINT ELECTION OFFICERS FROM THE LIST SUBMITTED BY THE REGISTRARS AS RECOMMEND BY THE REGISTRARS” FOR APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION WORKERS FOR ELECTIONS HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2008.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: 4-0-1 (MR. O’LEARY ABSTAINED)
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Mr. O’Leary nominated Thomas Romeo to serve as an Associate Conservation Commission member.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPOINT THOMAS ROMEO, 74 NORTH STREET, AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2009.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. HARRIS
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#8. AMBULANCE WRITE-OFF
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO WRITE OFF AMBULANCE BILL #NR4-0336 IN THE AMOUNT OF $476.00, DATED 3/1/2004 IN ACCORDANCE WITH HILL-BURTON STANDARDS AND AS RECOMMENDED BY THE FIRE CHIEF.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#9. DOG PARK DISCUSSION
Michael Prisco, Chairman of the Recreation Commission addressed key discussion points concerning the Dog Park. Art Grossman, Vice Chairman of the Dog Park Committee presented a compromise for consideration by the Board of Selectmen.
Frank Roberts, 2 Park Street, approached his neighbors about the proposed “discussion points”. All of the recommendations were rejected by the Dog Park neighbors. Mrs. Roberts reviewed instances where individuals used the Dog Park at times other than posted hours of operation.
A resident at 116 Emerson Road suggested there be a sign-up sheet for persons using the Dog Park.
MR. CHARIMAN, I MOVE TO CLOSE THE PARK STREET DOG PARK NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 3, 2007.
MOTION BY: MR. VENO
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Mr. Veno believes the point is quality of life for the neighbors. He prefers the Park be moved to a location where it can not affect residents. Mr. Veno also cited possible liability if a dog injures an individual using the Dog Park.
Mr. Dardeno acknowledges there is a real problem. He is not sure a Dog Park is needed in North Reading. The adverse impact on neighbors is real and forces a decision on the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Dardeno feels the impact on neighbors must be considered.
Mr. Harris feels it is an unfair burden on neighbors by operation of the Dog Park on Park Street. He regrets that one side will not be pleased with the actions this evening.
Mr. O’Leary did not see a compromise being worked out between the parties. He has not heard anything that causes him to reconsider a decision to close the Dog Park. He stated it is a quality of life issue.
Mr. Mauceri does not support the Dog Park at its current location.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0) (to close the Dog Park no later than
9/3/2007)
Mr. Dardeno suggested the front fence be removed to prevent the site being used as a Dog Park.
#10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Mr. Balukonis provided the Board with a draft public notice concerning the possible sale of six (6) town-owned land parcels. If approved, the notice will be distributed to town committees and abutters informing them of an agenda item on August 6th where the Board of Selectmen shall consider the disposition of these parcels. Private individuals previously indicated an interest in acquiring the identified property.
2. The Chief of Police requests the Board of Selectmen schedule a show cause hearing on a liquor violation on the package store license granted to Christopher’s Market. Mr. Balukonis recommended a hearing be scheduled for Tuesday, August 28th at 7:10 PM, and all parties be notified accordingly their attendance is required. Additional details relating to the complaint will be forwarded to the Board in advance of the show cause hearing.
3. Mr. Balukonis informed the Board he had received an update that morning on the Police Station construction project on recent progress. A letter was attached from KBA Architects which documents continued project slippage by the General Contractor. The most critical items are completion of site work and door locks and related hardware. The General Contractor was provided with notice the Town intends to begin occupancy beginning on August 1st. In a related matter, Nial Construction has requested a meeting with town officials to discuss outstanding change orders. Mr. Balukonis was not sure of the relevancy of a meeting
given the August 1st deadline. The remaining work to be completed on the project is $222,545. The total being held in Retainage is $197,018. Total $419,563.
4. Capital Plan – Total requests submitted $3,618,000. Mr. Balukonis will be meeting with Department Heads during the week and will present his recommendations at the 8/6 Selectmen’s meeting.
5. Mr. Balukonis requested an Executive Session for the purposes of strategy related to collective bargaining and litigation. The subjects for discussion in executive session include Eisenhaures Pond Park eminent domain settlements, and a claim submitted by the retired Chief of Police for additional compensation.
6. Munis Proposal – No action was taken – the Board of Selectmen would like Joe Tassone to attend the meeting to explain the proposal.
7. Important Dates – July 26 (MMMA meeting)
#11. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno – commended the efforts of the Independent Living Center and Friends of the Council on Aging this evening. He also informed the Board that the Cable Committee has 2 upcoming meetings for negotiations with Comcast.
Mr. Veno – would like to see a Proclamation for the Girls 2007 Softball State Champions. He would like to see the Town sign changed to reflect the Team’s achievement.
Mr. Harris – recommended the Energy Committee consist of 9 members – 5 residents and 4 employees. He wishes to see the Committee advertised.
Mr. O’Leary – acknowledged an application before the ZBA for an adult bookstore to be located at 90 Main Street. The hearing is August 2nd at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Mauceri – asked about the Board of Selectmen/Community Planning Commission joint appointment. It was suggested the appointment be scheduled for an upcoming meeting after the CPC interviews candidates.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION 9:45PM
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF PENDING LITIGATION STRATEGY AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING DISCUSSIONS AND THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WILL RETURN TO OPEN SESSION THEREAFTER FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED:
MR. MAUCERI: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MR. HARRIS: AYE
UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Mr. Harris left the Executive Session at 10:42 p.m.
ADJOURN 10:47PM
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. VENO
SECONDED: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
________________________________ _________________________________
DATE MR. MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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