MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
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. Harris, Mr. O’Leary and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
#1. ELECTION WARRANT
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE MAY 6, 2008 WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#2. MINUTES
A vote was not taken on the March 12, 2008 Regular Session Minutes as they were not ready for presentment.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE MARCH 31, 2008 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE MARCH 31, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE APRIL 7, 2008 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#3. CORRESPONDENCE
None at this time.
#4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Holly Chesnauskas, 22 Winter Street, raised the question of why everyone in the Town paid the same amount for trash pick up. She feels that the people who are more diligent about recycling and limiting the amount of trash they put out should pay less than the people who put out 20 bags of trash and do not recycle. Mr. O’Leary explained that although this is a very good idea, there really is not much of a savings for the low-end users and he explained the difference in the charges. He went on to say that it was a dilemma and will depend on the outcome of the override at Town Meeting.
#5. AMBULANCE RATE INCREASE
Mr. Balukonis introduced a proposal from Fire Chief Harris with regard to increasing ambulance charges. The major categories analyzed were the BLS transport base rate, the BLS mileage and the oxygen rate because they are the ones most commonly used. The last time the rates had been changed was in February 2006 and they are shown in the proposal. Prior to that, the rates had not changed since October 2003. He noted that by increasing these costs, the Town would gain approximately $100,000 in additional revenue. In order to recommend the rates, they must be advertised in accordance with the Town’s bylaw. The rates would become effective 30 days thereafter. He stated that the intent of the increase was to stay consistent with Medicare’s rates, as well as the rates of
neighboring communities.
Mr. Veno asked Mr. Balukonis for clarification of the rates on the proposal and who receives the monies from the increase in the rates. Mr. Balukonis replied that both the Town and the ALS company got a portion, but he was not sure of how it was divided.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE AMBULANCE RATE ADJUSTMENT AS PROPOSED BY THE FIRE CHIEF RICHARD HARRIS IN HIS MEMORANDUM DATED JANUARY 29, 2008.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
After the vote, Mr. Veno asked Mr. Balukonis if he could find out what percentage of the rate increase the Town would actually get.
#6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S AGREEMENT
Mr. Mauceri stated that the Board would be voting on the Town Administrator’s contract, which started in August almost three years ago and would be expiring shortly. The Board had discussed various proposals submitted by Mr. Balukonis at Executive Session and an agreement was reached. Mr. Mauceri noted the various changes to the contract.
Mr. Veno commented that Mr. Balukonis has done an outstanding job in the short time he has been here. He stated that this has been a very difficult budget year and Mr. Balukonis had worked very, very hard, spending numerous hours working on the budget.
Mr. Dardeno agreed with Mr. Veno stating the Town is lucky to have him and his contract is consistent with what other area town administrators are making, as well as the pay scale North Reading has for other department heads. He has enjoyed working with him very much.
Mr. Harris and Mr. O’Leary also agree that the Town is fortunate to have him. He works extremely hard, gets along with everyone and is a pleasure to work with.
Mr. Mauceri states it has really been a pleasure to find someone to work with on a professional level. He states it has been a very stressful year and they have gotten through because of his professionalism, as well as his accessibility. He noted that when Mr. Balukonis first started, he had to handle some very tough issues, including the negotiations with the Labor Unions and did an outstanding job.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2008 TO JUNE 30, 2011.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#7. BOWLING ALLEY LICENSE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE BOWLING ALLEY LICENSE FOR ROCKET ENTERTAINMENT, INC. D/B/A CANDLEWOOD LANES, 35 MAIN STREET TO EXPIRE MAY 1, 2009 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#8. FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Prior to making the motion, Mr. Mauceri feels an expiration date should be added to the motion for the term that a member can remain on the Committee. After discussion, the Board decided to make it a two-year term, but no decision was made as to limit the number of members on the Committee. Mr. Mauceri commented on the very diverse backgrounds of the Committee members, including State Representative Brad Jones.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2010.
MARIA LUKER, 6 PICKARD LANE
MICHAEL PRISCO, 12 BISHOPS WAY
JOSEPH P. LAURIA, 8 TARBOX LANE
ADAM SIGEL, 33 CEDAR STREET
MARTHA WALDO, 8 APPLETREE LANE
BRADLEY H. JONES, JR., 249 PARK STREET
BRYAN O’CONNELL, 4 WYOMING AVENUE
ROBERT CATALANO, 8 BERRIDGE WAY
MOTION BY: MR. MAUCERI
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: MR. VENO ALL CANDIDATES
MR. O'LEARY ALL CANDIDATES
MR. DARDENO ALL CANDIDATES
MR. HARRIS ALL CANDIDATES
MR. MAUCERI ALL CANDIDATES
Although Mr. Veno is in favor of the Committee, he questioned what their purpose and intentions were. Mr. Mauceri stated that currently nothing was on paper, but after the appointments were made, he would then schedule a meeting with the members for discussion. He also noted that Cliff Bowers, a member of the School Committee, had also applied and perhaps would be appointed as a liaison.
#9. APPOINTMENTS – RECYCLING COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS OF THE RECYCLING COMMITTEE FOR INDEFINITE TERMS:
JOSEPH GULBICKI, 47 LINDOR ROAD
KEVIN JOSEPH BENECKE, 6 APPLETREE LANE
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. VENO MR. GULBICKI AND MR. BENECKE
MR. O'LEARY MR. GULBICKI AND MR. BENECKE
MR. HARRIS MR. GULBICKI AND MR. BENECKE
MR. DARDENO MR. GULBICKI AND MR. BENECKE
MR. MAUCERI MR. GULBICKI AND MR. BENECKE
Mr. Harris stated there were three slots, but the last applicant had not filled out his activity sheet yet.
#10. MEETING SCHEDULE
Meeting dates for the month of May were discussed. It was decided to meet on May 19th for the regular meeting, with a brief meeting on the 15th for reorganizational purposes only. If an additional meeting is necessary, a date will be discussed later.
#11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Mr. Balukonis stated that the license issue is coming up involving cable t.v. franchise payment. As part of the agreement with Comcast, an access fee adjustment was agreed to, which allows Verizon the opportunity to do the same. As a result of the Comcast license being signed, the Board of Selectmen are now obligated to go forward and amend the Verizon cable t.v. license to establish the same fee amount. An advertisement was placed in the newspaper last week, and now a 21-day public comment period, which will allow people to come in and inspect the public records. The record simply states the intent to establish a level playing field
for the cable t.v. licenses. Once the 21-day period expires, the Board of Selectmen will hold a brief public hearing at the first meeting in June to vote on the amendment. No action is required at this time.
2. A memo from the Housing Authority was discussed, noting the Housing Authority had recently been given authorization to begin the process of applying for a grant for construction of affordable senior housing on the Chestnut Street land. As a result, a letter of support from the Board of Selectmen is required. The Housing Authority is also asking that the Board of Selectmen waive all permit fees associated with this project. Mr. Mauceri asked what fees would be waived. Mr. Dardeno noted his support for this project. He stated that he had recently spoken to the group who feel if they do not receive the grant this year, they are
confident they will get it next year. Mr. O’Leary commented on the issue accessibility to this property, stating preferable access would be by Chestnut Street as opposed to Parsons Lane. Mr. Mauceri asked for the motion.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR HOUSING AT 0 CHESTNUT STREET, MAP 56, PARCEL 62 AND TO WAIVE ALL TOWN OF NORTH READING PERMIT FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
3. The last item discussed was a contract awarded to Knight, Bag and Anderson of Charlestown for renovation projects to be done over the next three years through March 2011. The installation of a generator to the Town Hall would be done first, followed by new windows and doors. Renovations to the Library and DPW would also be done. This a large contract, currently with no specific dollar value, but they will cost each individual project separately. Mr. Mauceri commented on whether the sockets would be repaired or replaced as they were in bad shape.
4. Executive Session – An executive session is requested for the purposes of “litigation or collective bargaining strategy”.
#12. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Dardeno hopes people will get out and vote next week.
Mr. Veno also wants to remind everyone of the election next week and tomorrow night is the League of Women Voters Candidates Night. He makes mention that April is National Volunteer Month, a month for everyone to say thank you for all the Town’s volunteers. He stated that without the help of the hundreds of volunteers, the Town could literally not run. Also, the Friends of the Council on Aging had their annual yard sale on Saturday and, hopefully, because of the wonderful weather he hopes that they had great success. Although there are 300 or so members, they are always looking for new members and can contact Mr. Balukonis if anyone is interested. Mr. Veno also notes he has a statement he would like to read aloud, responding to comments made by the Town Moderator at the last Town
Meeting to clarify what he said when he stood up to speak on the meeting floor.
If the moderator had been listening to what I said, he would have realized I did not stand up to move the question. I repeat, I did not stand up to move the question. I stood because I thought the question had been moved. What I said was “Mr. Moderator, point of order the question has been moved”. However, I was incorrect; it had not been moved yet.
Mr. Murphy fired back at me stating he will allow anyone to speak on a question after all questions have been answered. I fully agree with this theory and that it is why I or any member of the Board of Selectmen never standup to move a question. Mr. Murphy should know this because he served on the Board of Selectmen for a short time.
I also feel Town Meeting should stay within the four corners of an article and not allow accolades to be given to someone in the middle of a very serious budget article. I realize as an elected office, I put myself in the limelight, and I accept that. I want to remind Mr. Murphy that he is in the same category and in order to command respect, he must show respect to others.
Unfortunately, the 700 or so people who were at that Town Meeting will not get to hear what really happened and will still think I attempted to stop the discussion, an issue which you now know is totally false.
The reason I bring this up at such a late date is we have not had a Selectmen’s meeting since Town Meeting and as a candidate for election, I cannot put a letter to the Editor in the newspaper.
He ended his letter, but added one more comment that he has no problem whatsoever with Mr. Jervey getting the accolades that he got. They are well deserved. Mr. Jervey has put in many, many years and a lot of hard work, however, it did not belong where it was.
Mr. Harris wants everyone to get out there and vote and tomorrow night was League of Women Voters Candidates Night.
Mr. O’Leary heard an interesting comment with regard to the Town’s health insurance plan and how Blue Cross Blue Shield has now been able to adjust their fees as a result of competition. The comment was how BC/BS had been milking the Town and the communities in Massachusetts for many, many years and why they can lower their fees now as a result of competition, but not in prior years. The suggestion was that perhaps Town Counsel could represent a number of communities across the Commonwealth to consider filing a Class Action suit against BC/BS to at least force them to respond to their previous actions with increases of 10-20% annually.
Mr. Veno asked if BC/BS did this to other surrounding towns. Mr. Balukonis stated the average increase this year was substantially less for North Reading and other communities. In the past, the costs have been at least doubled.
Mr. O’Leary last commented for the people to come out and listen to the candidates tomorrow night at the League of Women Voters and hopes everyone will come out and vote.
Mr. Mauceri received a letter postmarked April 26th, received April 28, 2008 and would like to read it aloud. The letter is from Tom Parker and in light that this month is volunteer month, he would like to share it. The letter was in regards to Mr. Parker’s mother, Margaret Stevens Parker who would be turning 100 years-old. The letter was with regard to extraordinary life, noting she had been a resident of North Reading since 1940. The letter expressed all of her accomplishments and community service over the years.
Mr. Parker asked that perhaps to commemorate this milestone, the Board members could perhaps write a letter or citation. On April 30th, a celebration of her 100th birthday was being held at the Hillview Country Club.
The Board discussed a citation, as well as proclaiming April 30th as Margaret Stevens Parker Day. The Board all agreed and a motion was made.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PROCLAIM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008 AS "MARGARET STEVENS PARKER DAY".
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Mr. Balukonis stated the citation would be ready to sign tomorrow.
Mr. Mauceri reiterates tomorrow night is candidate night at 7:30 p.m. here at Town Hall. He wishes everyone will take the time to exercise their right to vote and hopes to have a great turnout.
Mr. Veno also states he has received approximately 10 complaints with regards to leaflets being left on cars and then thrown on the ground. He feels a bylaw should be added, noting the person leaving the leaflets be penalized. This was discussed by the Board members.
#13. EXECUTIVE SESSION (8:20 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR
THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION OR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STRATEGIES, 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. VENO
VOTED: MR. HARRIS: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MR. MAUCERI: AYE
There was a short recess.
8:45 PM The Board returned to open session.
ADJOURN (8:45 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________ ________________________________
DATE MR. MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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