MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
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Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in Room 14 at the Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Delaney, Mr. Harris, and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis. Mr. O’Leary was not present.
#1. APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Mauceri stated on behalf of the Board, with great pleasure, the first item on the agenda was the appointments of the new Police Chief and the new Fire Chief. Chief Nolan was sworn in by the Town Clerk, Barbara Stats, followed by the swearing in of Chief Harris. The Board members thanked and congratulated both of the new Chiefs.
At 7:20 p.m., there was a brief recess for congratulations to the new chiefs.
At 7:28 p.m., the meeting returned to order.
#2. CARNIVAL PERMIT – 4TH OF JULY COMMITTEE
Warren Pearce informed the audience of the events that will take place over the 3rd, 4th and 5th of July, which would include the regular and children’s fireworks, carnival rides, and band night, but unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, the fireworks display would be a little smaller this year. Mr. Mauceri realized that this was a public hearing item, which needed to be deferred until 8:30 p.m. Mr. Balukonis suggested that the Board hold off on their decision until that time in case any one else came to public hearing.
Mr. Edward McGrath, Chairman of the Recycling Committee, addressed the meeting, noting that he had worked with Mr. Pearce last year, recycling all the paper and cardboard from the vendor booths and, this year, Cub Scout Pack #731 volunteered to be in charge of managing the recycling event. Mr. Pearce had another meeting to attend in the Town Hall, but would return at 8:30 p.m.
#3. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment at this time.
#4. SIGN BANS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE SALE OF $1,325,334 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES AT A RATE OF 2.3440%, DATED JUNE 6, 2008 AND DUE SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 PAYABLE TO EASTERN BANK.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
#5. TRASH FEES
Dave Hanlon of the DPW addressed the meeting noting members of the Recycling Committee, as well as John Kelleher, a member of the Finance Committee were here this evening to discuss the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Plan. A handout had been provided to the Board members, listing five items to be discussed this evening as follows:
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MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
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1. FY2009 Solid Waste Budget.
2. NESWC Stabilization Fund.
3. Disposal of Large Items.
4. Reducing Trash/Maximizing Recycling, which included bag limitations and a visual recycling policy.
5. Trash Fee for FY2009.
The DPW’s recommendation at this time is to limit the amount of trash to 4-6 bags per household, as well as visual recycling, which penalizes residents for putting recycling items into the trash. They would hope the Board could reach a decision by July 1st. Mr. Veno was adamantly against visual recycling, and the pros and cons of this issue were discussed.
At 8:50 p.m., Mr. O’Leary arrived.
TRASH DISPOSAL LIMIT
After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to limit the amount of bags or trash cans per household to four – 30 gallon bags/trash cans. Mr. Mauceri then asked for a motion.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO LIMIT WEEKLY SOLID WASTE PER HOUSEHOLD TO FOUR – 30 GALLON BAGS OR BARRELS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008.
MOTION: MR. DELANEY
SECONDED: MR. HARRIS
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
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IMPOSE VISUAL RECYCLING PROGRAM
Mr. Mauceri asked for a motion on the visual recycling policy. Mr. Veno stated he had some issues with this policy and asked that they be clarified.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO IMPOSE A VISUAL RECYCLING PROGRAM EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008.
MOTION: MR. DELANEY
SECONDED: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: (4-1)
Mr. Veno voted against this motion because he feels he does not have enough information on this policy.
Mr. Mauceri then brought Mr. O’Leary up-to-date with regard to the disposal of large and bulky items and the recommendations of the Board. Mr. Hanlon noted at some point in the future that charging a fee for this service should be discussed.
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MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
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INCREASE ANNUAL TRASH FEE
The last item discussed was the necessity of increasing the rate by $11.50 quarterly, effective July 1, 2008. Mr. Veno questioned whether the same discounts to certain citizens would still apply, and he was told they would. Mr. Mauceri entertained a motion.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SET THE ANNUAL TRASH FEE TO $226 PER YEAR, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008.
MOTION: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: (4-1)
Prior to voting, Mr. Veno stated that although he knows this motion will pass, he will be voting against it.
Mr. Veno asked for further clarification with regard to the visual recycling policy. Mr. O’Leary had some questions as well. Mr. Hanlon noted that some of the issues discussed this evening will be revisited in October for further discussion and clarification.
#6. 3% BUDGET TRANSFERS
WATER DEPARTMENT
Mr. Balukonis informs the Board that they received new handouts this evening with two new motions to be voted on. The first handout was a memo from Mark Clark, Utilities Superintendent, requesting a transfer of monies from the Water Department Personal Services accounts to the Purchased Services accounts in the amount of $49,000.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE WATER DEPARTMENT YEAR END TRANSFER REQUEST OF $49,000 FROM PERSONAL SERVICES TO THE PURCHASED SERVICES ACCOUNTS WITHIN THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
INSURANCE
The second handout was a memo sent to the Board from Mr. Balukonis with regard to the transfer of monies totally $9,861.23 from the Employee Benefits account to Property and Liability Insurance (945) for payment of insurance deductibles due on two closed cases to William Spencer in the amount of $2,845 and Timothy Grafton in the amount of $7,740.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE A YEAR END TRANSFER IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,861.23 FROM THE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ACCOUNT TO PROPERTY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE (945) FOR PAYMENT OF INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
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MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
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#7. MINUTES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE APRIL 28, 2008 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
ABSTAINED: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE APRIL 28, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
ABSTAINED: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
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MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE MAY 22, 2008 WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#8. CORRESPONDENCE
None at this time.
#9. APPOINTMENTS
FISCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mr. Mauceri had spoken to the candidate for this appointment today, Michael Gonthier, and due to an employment change and added responsibilities, he needs to withdraw his application, but would still like to be kept on the list for the future. As a result, no recommendation was made.
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FISCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE - LIAISONS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS OF THE FISCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2010:
CLIFF BOWERS (SCHOOL COMMITTEE LIAISON)
ALAN WOLPIN (FINCOM LIAISON)
SEAN DELANEY (SELECTMEN LIAISON)
MICHAEL KIRBY (FINCOM LIAISON – ALTERNATE)
ROBERT MAUCERI (SELECTMEN LIAISON – ALTERNATE)
MOTION BY: MR. MAUCERI
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
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MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
WASTE WATER PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS OF THE WASTE WATER PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN OR UNTIL THE MISSION IS COMPLETE:
BRADLEY H. JONES, SR., 251 PARK STREET
MARK WESTERVELT, 10 DARRELL DRIVE
(FINANCE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE)
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#10. VERIZON
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADOPT THE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6.2.2.2 OF THE VERIZON CABLE TELEVISION LICENSE.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: (4-1)
Prior to voting, Mr. Balukonis stated that council has reviewed this amendment and recommends it. This was up for public comment and no comments were received.
Mr. Veno voted against this, stating that Verizon only agreed to lower their fee to 5% because Comcast lowered there fee first. Mr. Mauceri feels the fault does not lay with Verizon. He credits the Cable Advisory Committee for their negotiations between Comcast and Verizon.
#11. CARNIVAL PERMIT – MOTION
This item was discussed earlier in the evening, but the vote was deferred until now.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO GRANT A CARNIVAL PERMIT TO THE FOURTH OF JULY COMMITTEE FOR JULY 3-5, 2008 TO BE HELD AT IPSWICH RIVER PARK SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#12. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Mr. Balukonis discussed the public hearing notice handout with regard to the sewer betterment discussion, which would be held at the June 16th meeting. Mr. Mauceri wanted to bring up that the Friends of the Council on Aging would like to do a presentation to the Board lasting approximately a half hour. They asked if this could be done at the next meeting, but Mr. Mauceri feels that they already have a full agenda that evening and asks the Board about the possibility of the first meeting in July. The Board agrees, and they will start the meeting a half hour earlier, so they can make their presentation first. The meeting
will be held in the small group room at the middle school.
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MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
2. The Housing Authority requests a re-vote from the Board, confirming its intention, to convey a parcel on land known as 0 Chestnut Street for the purpose of providing housing to low/moderate income senior residents age 62 and over. This vote will support an application submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Capital Advance Grant Program. Mr. Veno stated he and Mr. Balukonis had spoken with Mary Prenney earlier with regard to having Town Council review this document first. She had agreed, but noted the importance of completing this as soon as possible because of time constraints. The Board agreed to approve this subject to Town Council’s approval.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO CONVEY THE PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED AT 0 CHESTNUT STREET, CONSISTING OF 10.55 ACRES, MORE OR LESS AND SHOWN ON ASSESSOR MAP 56 AS PARCEL 62 (THE “PREMISES”) TO THE NORTH READING HOUSING AUTHORITY (THE “HOUSING AUTHORITY”), FOR A NOMINAL CONSIDERATION, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS, RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 11 ADOPTED BY TOWN MEETING ON OCTOBER 1, 2007 (THE “RESTRICTIONS”). THE VOTE SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR A PERIOD OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS, AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO EXTENSION BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN FOR GOOD CAUSE. THE PREMISES SHALL BE CONVEYED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOLLOWING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF AN APPLICATION FOR A CAPITAL ADVANCE TO PROVIDE
FINANCING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY PROJECT AT PREMISES THAT SHALL BE RESTRICTED TO PERSONS AGED 62 AND OVER UPON REQUEST MADE BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Prior to voting, Mr. Mauceri informed Mr. Delaney that this was not a new motion, but because the Board was asked to make changes to the wording of the document, they feel it would be wise to have Town Council review it first, so the motion is contingent upon Town Council’s approval.
#12. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. O’Leary apologized for being late this evening as he was attending a Spring Sports Award Ceremony at the high school. He was sorry to have missed the appointments of the new chiefs. He also brought up the need to support the various Town programs, such as sports, art and music.
Mr. Harris attended a presentation by the State Treasurer this morning. He again congratulated his father, the new Chief of the Fire Department, and also congratulated Mr. Nolan as the new Chief of Police.
Mr. Veno asked a question with regard to a mission statement being presented by the Fiscal Advisory Committee. Mr. Mauceri and Mr. Delaney will be helping with that statement.
Mr. Delaney congratulated both chiefs and he looks forward to working with them. Prior to tonight’s meeting, he attended the public elementary instrumental concert of about 20 to 30 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. He echoed Mr. O’Leary’s sentiments with regard to the importance of supporting these types of programs for the children of North Reading.
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MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008
Mr. Mauceri also congratulated the new Chief of Police and the new Chief of the Fire Department, noting it had been a long and arduous process. He also gave a tremendous amount of credit to Mr. Balukonis for his part in this process, noting the Board owes him a debt of gratitude. He stated that he also attended the ceremony at the Batchelder School, along with the Town Administrator, Mr. Harris, and Mr. O’Leary. The Town received a check for $5,000,000,
which was for down payment of state reimbursement for the Batchelder School with additional funds forthcoming once the audit is complete. This is payment for the override and will pay to remove some of the temporary bans.
Lastly, Mr. Mauceri informs the Board that they will be going forward with an offsite strategic planning meeting, bringing in a professional facilitator to help with putting their ideas, objectives, and priorities together for future projects and issues. Representative Jones has been invited and the meeting will be held in July.
Mr. Mauceri informed Mike Prisco that the candidate applying for appointment on the Fiscal Advisory Committee has withdrawn his application due to added responsibilities of his job. Mr. Mauceri gives his congratulations to all the students of the senior class who will be graduating this Friday.
Prior to motioning to adjourn, Mike Prisco updated the Board on issues that the Fiscal Advisory Committee has been working on, as well as the need for new committee members. He also noted that Heidi Griffin had attended a meeting to inform the committee about grants.
ADJOURN (10:05 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. HARRIS
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________ ________________________________
DATE MR. MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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