MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007
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Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Room 14 at the Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Harris and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
#1. POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Chairman addressed the first item on the agenda of the two promotional appointments in the Police Department, then turning the microphone over to Mr. Balukonis. After thanking the Board and the audience, Mr. Balukonis informed everyone that after many years of service in the Police Department, Lieutenant Edward Hayes retired, followed thereafter by Chief Henry Purnell. Acting Police Chief Edward Nolan introduced the Sergeant promotional appointment awarded to Michael P. Murphy. Mr. Murphy thanked everyone and was sworn in. Acting Chief Nolan then introduced the Lieutenant promotional appointment be awarded to Kevin F. Brennan. Mr. Brennan then thanked everyone and was sworn in. There was a brief adjournment so that congratulations could be given to the newly promoted officers and
their families.
Mr. Balukonis then introduced and welcomed Donna Muise, the new Recording Secretary to the Board.
The meeting then commenced again at 8:15 p.m.
#2. CONSERVATION RESTRICTION – JUNCTION ROAD EXTENSION
Mr. Balukonis noted this matter had previously come before the Board, but it was referred back to Legal Counsel for review. This restriction is recommended by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Veno asked Mr. Balukonis for background information on the 4.11 acres located on addressStreetLeland Road and addressStreetJunction Road with regard to ownership of the land, usage and restrictions. The land is held in private ownership by Mr. Neve, who is also the developer. The Conservation Commission and the developer have determined that the appropriate use of the land is to be kept open and in its natural state. The land would remain in private ownership.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE CONSERVATION RESTRICTION ON A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF NORTH READING CONSTITUTING APPROXIMATELY 4.11 ACRES LOCATED ON LELAND ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD, TO THE TOWN OF NORTH READING PURSUANT TO MGL CHAPTER 184, SECTION 32.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#3. MINUTES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS, MOVE TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 1, 2007 MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS, MOVE TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 15, 2007 REGULAR MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
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MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS, MOVE TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 15, 2007 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
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#4. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Mauceri.
#5. PUBLIC COMMENT
The question was raised by Diana Castro, 9 Broadway regarding the Group Insurance Commission. Mr. Balukonis gave her a status report, noting at this time, that the town needed additional time and could not proceed until further study was undertaken. Ms. Castro asked when the next opportunity would be and Mr. Balukonis responded that he could not give an exact date, maybe next fall. Ms. Castro asked if this would be followed up on and was concerned it would be abandoned. Mr. Mauceri noted that current health insurance for this year was going out for bid. Mr. O’Leary agreed that more studies were needed, but the proposal would be pursued as he feels it is a good idea with good potential, but costs must be contained. Mr. Dardeno felt it was a “win/win” situation, both for
the town and its employees, but it is a process requiring more time.
#6. LEGAL BILLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2007
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,361.99 AS FOLLOWS:
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (GENERAL) $15,883.49
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (LABOR) 429.00
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (WATER) 49.50
TOTAL $16,361.99
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#7. VETERANS DAY PROCLAMATION
Mr. Mauceri will be away for the Veterans Day Celebration, which takes place on Sunday, November 11th at 11:00 am on the Town Common. Mr. Veno will read the proclamation in his stead. Mr. Veno read the proclamation aloud. Mr. Mauceri urged all citizens to attend.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO READ THE ATTACHED VETERANS DAY PROCLAMATION:
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#8. APPOINTMENTS:
COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES
Mr. Veno spoke on behalf of Mr. Russo, saying Mr. Russo would be an asset to the Committee. He has attended the meetings for at least a year or two and he will do a fine job for us.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT AS A MEMBER TO THE COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2009:
GEORGE RUSSO, 333 PARK STREET
MOTION BY: MR. VENO
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
ENERGY STUDY AD HOC COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE ENERGY STUDY AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2008:
David Patton, 27 Tower Hill Road
Joseph Bilicki – Reading Municipal Light Department
John H. Rogers,39 Tower Hill Road
Daniel Mcinnis, 3 Surrey Lane
Noel Kelly, 33 Leland Road
Carl Nelson – School Department
John Welch – DPW
MOTION BY: MR HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Mr. Harris noted that all the candidates were qualified. He stated that Mr. Bilicki is employed by the Reading Municipal Light Department and he would like to be a part of the Committee because he believes that he could be a liaison for the Committee. Mr. Mauceri also noted that
Mr. Nelson would be a good candidate as well, as he is an employee the School Department.
Mr. Veno intervened, however, stating that three of the candidates had not filled out the Citizens
Activity Form, which was required; Mr. Noel Kelly, Mr. John Welch and Mr. Carl Nelson. Mr. Veno felt all the candidates should complete the Citizens Activity Form before a vote could be taken. Mr. Dardeno felt the four candidates that had the required form could be appointed, but exclude the other three until the form was received.
THE CHAIR WILL MOVE TO AMEND THE MOTION TO EXCLUDE MR. KELLY’S NAME, MR. WELCH’S NAME AND MR. NELSON’S NAME FROM THE MOTION PENDING RECEIPT OF THEIR CITIZENS ACTIVITY FORMS.
MOTION BY: MR. MAUCERI
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#9. ACCESS TO MAP 5, PARCEL 73 – OFF HIGH STREET (continued)
Copies of easement agreements were provided from Warren Pierce from some of the neighboring property owners. However, Mr. Balukonis stated that he had not heard back from Town Counsel yet as they had just been provided with the agreements and a recommendation would be made at the next meeting.
#10. MUNICIPAL BENCHMARKING DISCUSSION
Mr. Mauceri noted there was a Finance Committee meeting on Friday and municipal benchmarking was discussed again. The Chair’s recommendation is that another public session be held. After discussion, it was agreed that this issue be prioritized and the meeting be held on December 3rd.
#11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. The NIMS (National Incident Management Systems) training is in its final phase. Questions were answered regarding who organizes and runs the program, which is done by the Fire Chief. Also the question was raised as to if the training needs to be done annually, which Mr. Balukonis believes it does not, but there are different levels of NIMS training.
2. Training was completed by Mr. Balukonis, the Finance Director, the DPW Director and the Building Superintendent on Construction Reform CHAPTER 193 of the Acts of 2004, focusing on new reporting requirements for public building construction projects in excess of $100,000 to include certain women and minor owned business goals of 4-8% of the total contract amount. All cities and towns must comply with CHAPTER 193. This program has been in effect for a number of years, but must be newly prioritized.
3. Chairman Mauceri and Mr. Balukonis met with representatives from the Mass. Office of Business Development and the Gutierrez Company to review strategies for the implementation of the CHAPTER 43D district for remaining commercial/office portion of the Berry Center. All parties’ priorities are consistent, confirming high quality office commercial uses.
4. An update was given by Mr. Balukonis regarding a number of calls received from residents regarding the junk vehicles along addressStreetMain Street. The Building Inspector is diligently trying to enforce the junk vehicle bylaws concerning state licensing of junk vehicles. There are two remaining businesses the Building Inspector is currently working with to remedy any additional violations. There are some junk vehicles that have been there for a while and the goal is to make sure this is cleaned up in the appropriate manner.
5. October 17th – Town-owned land - offered for public sale. These were the parcels of land the Board wished to auction off for public sale. The auction was held and Mr. Coppola the town’s tax attorney was present. There were four parcels for sale. There were interested parties at the auction, but no bids were submitted. Some potential bidders did not want to meet the minimum bids. The Board discussed whether to lower the auction prices or to hold the requests until the town goes to the next municipal review in the summer of 2008. Although some of the Board members were in favor of keeping the
land until 2008, it was felt that inquiries should be made as to why no one bought the property when it was put up for sale to aid potential buyers.
6. Mr. Balukonis informed the Board that the site paving at the Police and Fire Station will be taking place this Friday. Upon completion of the paving, it is expected that the mechanic will be relocated back into the basement of the building.
7. On a final note, Mr. Balukonis had the opportunity to attend a meeting in placeCityLowell on Friday afternoon. In attendance was Lieutenant Governor Murray. It was a meeting of his Cabinet Officers. There were a lot of municipal officials from the area to tell them what they could do better. A number of issues were addressed, including funding of special education and the Group Insurance Commission. It was a two hour meeting and it seemed to go well.
8. Important Dates – Phones: Mr. Dardeno asked when the phones would be installed at the Town Hall. Mr. Balukonis hoped it would be completed this week, as the work is being done in increments.
#12. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Mr. O’Leary wanted to congratulate Lieutenant Hayes on his well-deserved retirement and to thank him for his 36 or so years of service to the community.
2. Mr. O’Leary asked what the assessment status was on the Chief’s position. Mr. Balukonis then explained the various positions available including the “acting” Chief and the “acting” Captain’s positions. A permanent Captain’s appointment should be made in March. Mr. Balukonis then went on to explain the two “acting” Lieutenant and Sargent positions, which would become “permanent” positions upon the permanent Chief ‘s appointment. The two last positions available would be two patrolmen positions.
3. Mr. Veno asked Mr. Mauceri to inform Mr. Pierce about his land. He explained that Town Counsel was reviewing the access agreement, so no action had been taken. Action will be taken at next town meeting, assuming feedback is given from Town Counsel.
4. Mr. O’Leary asked about the Rte. 62 project. placeCityADA issues being addressed. No activity with relation to the utility poles in the middle of the sidewalks. Dave Hanlon will be asked tomorrow by Mr. Mauceri.
5. Mr. Harris thanked the DPW for fixing the water main break and congratulated the newly promoted police officers.
6. Mr. Veno and Mr. Dardeno also gave their congratulations to the newly promoted officers and the Police Department.
7. Mr. Dardeno spoke regarding the negotiations were still taking place with Comcast. The date the Cable Advisory Committee will make its recommendation to the Board of Selectmen is December 3rd. The Board must either accept or reject the agreement by the end of December.
8. Mr. Dardeno hoped to see everyone on Sunday at the Veterans Day Celebration.
9. Mr. Mauceri also offered his congratulations and urged all citizens to attend the Veterans Day Celebration. He also noted the next meeting will be on the 19th of November.
10. Mr. Mauceri raised the question of budget books, which will be seen at the 2nd meeting in December. Mr. Balukonis will be doing a presentation to the Board at that time and books will be received then. The Finance Committee will also receive their books.
#13. EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION STRATEGY, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND CHARGES RELATING TO PROPERTY DAMAGES, AND FURTHER 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. OLEARY: AYE
MR. HARRIS: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE
MR. MAUCERI: AYE
9:45 P.M. The Board returned to open session.
ADJOURN (9:45 PM)
MOTION TO ADJOURN
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_________________ _________________________________
DATE MR. MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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