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. O’ Leary, Mr. Harris and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis. Mr. Veno was absent.
#1. JOINT APPOINTMENT – CPC VACANCY
CPC members Warren Pearce, Patricia Romeo and Chris Hayden were in attendance. Warren Pearce reviewed the process for selecting a new CPC member. The CPC members recommend E. James Perullo to serve.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING NAMES IN NOMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMISSION, TO FILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM OF M. SHEPARD SPEAR, TO THE NEXT TOWN ELECTION IN MAY 2008:
WILLIAM REED, 17 GRANDVIEW ROAD
RUDOLF R. BOENTGEN, 30 WESTWARD CIRCLE
E. JAMES PERULLO, 18 PLEASANT STREET
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
ROLL CALL VOTE:
MR. DARDENO: MR. PERULLO
MR. HARRIS: MR. PERULLO
MR. O’LEARY: MR. PERULLO
MR. MAUCERI: MR. PERULLO
MS. ROMEO: MR. PERULLO
MR. HAYDEN: MR. PERULLO
MR. PEARCE: MR. PERULLO
Mr. Dardeno thanked the applicants for their interest in serving.
#2. MINUTES
None at this time.
#3. CORRESPONDENCE:
Board members passed requests to the Town Administrator.
#4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Acting Fire Chief Richard Harris noted a large brush fire Monday at the Harold Parker State Forest. The fire was fully extinguished by 1:00 p.m. Tuesday.
#5. APPOINTMENT – WATER COMMISSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO WAIVE POLICY 3.2 – APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES (ADVERTISING REQUIREMENT) IN ORDER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE WATER COMMISSION.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APOINT STEPHEN CASAZZA, 7 RODGERS CIRCLE, AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE WATER COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2009.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
#6. RYER’S STORE – CHANGE OF LOCATION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO GRANT THE PETITION OF MOLLY’S STORE, INC. D/B/A RYER’S STORE, 162 PARK STREET FOR A CHANGE OF LOCATION FOR THE PACKAGE STORE/WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE LICENSE SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
Mr. Dardeno noted that his wife works for Mark Hall, although not directly for Ryer’s.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
#9. UPDATE ON CABLE TELEVISION NEGOTIATIONS
Mr. Dardeno informed the Board a proposal was given to Comcast similar to the requests given to Verizon. Comcast responded with an informal proposal. The initial offer submitted by Comcast is unsatisfactory. Comcast is expected to submit Form 100. Mr. Dardeno stated an agreement needs to be reached within 120 days. Failing an agreement between the parties, the Board of Selectmen must vote on the Comcast license.
Mr. O’Leary asked about Comcast’s settlements with other Massachusetts communities. Mr. Dardeno stated the Town is looking for a contract equal to or better than the Verizon contract. He explained that under no circumstances will cable television service to residents be terminated. Mr. Mauceri suggested Comcast be afforded the opportunity to meet with the Board of Selectmen.
#10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Status of completion of the Police Station Construction project – Acting Chief Nolan addressed recent progress, including moving the Department earlier in the day. Mr. Mauceri asked about when the mechanic will be moved to the new Station. Mr. Mauceri recommended the Town Administrator coordinate relocation of the mechanic.
Mr. O’Leary asked about the temporary modular structures.
Acting Chief Nolan stated an “Open House” weekend will take place on October 13-14.
2. The Town Administrator updated the Board on the status of the town-wide property revaluation and FY2008 New Growth. He indicated the Board of Assessors believe both tasks are on schedule to provide for timely approval of this year’s tax rate.
3. The Town Administrator provided information on the Police/Fire Chief Assessment Center request for proposals. Proposals were received on August 10th.
7:51 p.m. The Board took a brief recess.
7:59 p.m. The Board reconvened with Representative Bradley Jones, Jr. present to update the $1,200,000 Chapter 40R payment due to the Town. Rep. Jones stated Gov. Patrick filed a supplemental budget request, however he cannot predict the date that funds will be transferred. He suggests North Reading officials resolve any outstanding documentation issues with the Commonwealth. Mr. Mauceri understood all documents were properly filed by the Town. Rep. Jones will be happy to work with DHCD to resolve any documentation issues. One remaining issue is to secure a letter from DHCD that provides for the leveraging of the Chapter 40R funds to support the October capital program. Mr. O’Leary asked whether DHCD would be willing to issue
such a letter. David Hanlon reported that construction activity at the Berry Center site is on-target.
#7. SCHOOL COMMITTEE CAPITAL
School Committee members Melvin Webster, Maureen Vacca and Nicole Davis were present with the Superintendent of Schools David Troughton. Dr. Troughton presented the School Department’s funding proposal for Safety and Security. He reviewed specifics for the High School, Middle School, Batchelder School, Hood School and Little School. Door alarms and enunciators and an automatic video buzzing system would be installed at all schools. Mel Webster spoke in favor of the automatic door buzzer and alarm system.
Mr. O’Leary stated he was not convinced that schools need to be locked-down to the extent proposed by the School Department. He had concerns about implementation of security measures. Mr. O’Leary inquired if the Schools were considering a phased approach versus the work being done all at one time.
The School Committee expressed an interest in sponsoring a warrant article creating a Special Education Stabilization Fund .
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL CAPITAL REQUESTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, EXCEPT FOR THE SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY AND SEPTIC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
#8. OCTOBER TOWN MEETING WARRANT ARTICLES
DPW Director David Hanlon updated the Board on the following warrant articles:
· Unpaid bill for the Water Department is in the amount of $66,000.
· Proposes the Solid Waste budget include language “up to” so the money goes back to the Stabilization Fund.
· Water Department account is in a deficit. A transfer is necessary from the Stickney Fund to cover the portion of the deficit not included in the new water rates.
· Proposal for acceptance of streets in the MacIntyre Crossing and MacIntyre Woods subdivisions. Mr. O’Leary expressed concerns about these articles. He cannot support them as submitted.
Acting Chief Edward Nolan and Detective Thomas Romeo were present to review a proposal for amending the Town Code to address Transient Vendor and Solicitors Licenses. Mr. Harris inquired about the applicability to charitable organizations.
The Chief presented his capital requests. He agrees with the Town Administrator’s funding proposal for a police cruiser and equipment and the LADAR units.
Acting Fire Chief Richard Harris was present. He noted a proposal to amend the FY08 Operating Budget to provide $36,000 for Fire Training. The amount would provide funds for a new fire fighter to attend the Mass Fire Academy.
The Acting Chief requested a second warrant article for the establishment of an Emergency Management All-Hazards Revolving Account. Mr. Mauceri indicated the article should be funded from insurance company recoveries for hazardous material incidents.
Richard Harris reviewed his proposal for thermal image cameras at $28,000, department server and equipment at $23,000.
Town Administrator Presentation of Sources and uses of Funds. The Town Administrator recommended capital expenditures totaling $3,785,472 from the following sources: Free Cash - $246,752; Borrow - $2,395,720; Other Funds - $143,000. The Town Administrator proposed borrowing of $208,000 for Hillview and $40,000 for the Water Department Enterprise Fund. The Town Administrator recommended the Town borrow $1,044,800 to fund settlements relating to the acquisition of land at Eisenhaures Pond Park. He reviewed other funding necessary at the October Town Meeting including $36,000 for Fire Department training (raise and appropriate); $153,700 for the Regional Vocational School assessment (raise and appropriate); $158,133 for the Snow and Ice deficit (Free Cash); $404,250 to the new
Capital Stabilization Fund (Free Cash) to pay off long-term debt service.
#11. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. O’Leary would like to see the signs entering North Reading changed to reflect North Reading School State Champions. He was disappointed the sports teams were not on the agenda.
Mr. O’Leary also had concerns about the “no right” turn sign at the traffic signals at Haverhill and Rt. 62.
Mr. O’Leary would like RMLD to attend an upcoming meeting to review the proposed rate increases.
Mr. Harris stated he was looking for volunteers to serve on the Ad-Hoc Energy Committee. Mr. Mauceri said he would like to see an ad in the Transcript after Labor Day for the Energy Committee and the West Side Fire Committee.
Mr. Dardeno thinks the Town should look into the MBTA Ride. He will review.
Mr. Mauceri reviewed the dates for the October Town Meeting. Mr. Mauceri would like the Board members to keep the following dates open for possible meetings – September 17th and 24th; October 1st (OTM), 15th and 29th; November 5th and 19th.
Mr. Mauceri addressed Municipal Benchmarking. He felt there should be one meeting with Town boards and a second meeting as a Public Meeting with the Board of Selectmen on October 15th.
#12. EXECUTIVE SESSION 11:20 PM
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF LEASE, VALUE OR PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STRATEGY AND 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. HARRIS: AYE
UNANIMOUS (4-0)
Mr. Harris left the Executive Session at 11:25 p.m.
ADJOURN 11:40 PM
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. DARDENO
SECONDED: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (3-0)
______________________________ _________________________________
DATE MR. MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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