MINUTES OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Harris, Mr. Veno and Mr. Delaney and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis. Mr. O’Leary was absent.
1. MINUTES: NOVEMBER 3, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR.HARRIS MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 3, 2008 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
MR.CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 10, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0)
2. CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Mauceri
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Jeff Yull of 247 Park St. commented on the Duel Tax Rate being presented later on in the evening.
Mr. O’Leary arrives at 7:10
4. PUBLIC HEARING 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Mauceri read through the Procedures for a Public Hearing.
The Board of Assessors presented Classification Hearing and Selection of Minimum Residential Factor for Fiscal Year 2009.
The FAC (Fiscal Advisory Committee) presented Split Tax Rate Consideration.
Finance Committee Recommends
Hearing was opened to the Public at 8:25 p.m.
Many Residents and Business owners commented on the Dual Tax Rate many were opposed to the notion.
Mr. O’Leary announced that he will be abstaining from the vote because a family member has a business in Town.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9:35 p.m.
Each of the Board of Selectmen stated how they will be voting and then commented on it.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO ESTABLISH A TAX CLASSIFICATION FACTOR OF 1.0.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: 3-1-1 (Mr. Delaney voted no - Mr. O’Leary abstained)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH A RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: 4 -0-1 (Mr. O’Leary abstained)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH A COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: 4 -0-1 (Mr. O’Leary abstained)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO RECOMMEND THE FY2009 PROPERTY TAX LEVEY AT $32,427055.00 WHICH IS $4221.85 LESS THAN THE LEVY LIMIT.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: 4-1 (Mr. Delaney voted no)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS THAT THE FY2009 TAX RATE BE SET AT $ 12.04 PER $1,000.00 OF VALUATION.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED 3-1-1
5. LEGAL BILLS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,573.32 AS FOLLOWS:
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (GENERAL) $5,240.16
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (LABOR) $2,618.00
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (WATER) $1,715.16
TOTAL $9,573.32
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (4-0) (Mr. O’Leary absent for vote)
6. ACCEPT GIFT FROM LINCOLN PROPERTIES FOR MULLIN FIELD
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO ACCEPT A GIFT OF $50,000 FROM LINCOLN NORTH READING, LLC FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MULLIN RECREATION COMPLEX AND ESTABLISH THE RECREATION COMMISSION DETERMINE THE EXPENDITURES OF SUCH.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Mr. Mauceri read the letter written to the Board of Selectmen from Rita Mullin, Acting Chairman of the Recreation Committee.
7. DISCUSSION OF COST CUTTING MEASURES
Mr. Balukonis made suggestions for Municipal cost cutting. Suggestions included across the board spending freeze, have the Town Report available on line only as well as the Town Meeting Warrant, suspend annual vacation leave –buy backs and reduce heating in public buildings.
8. REVISED VERIZON EASMENT RESCIND PREVIOUS VOTE
MR. MAUCERI, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO RESCIND THE VOTE OF JULY 7, 2008 UNDER ITEM # 8.
VERIZONE EASEMENT.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
AMENDED EASEMENT
MR. MAUCERI, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO GRANT AN AMENDED EASMENT TO VERIZONE NEW ENGLAND, INC. FOR 55 SWAN POND ROAD, ASSESSOR’S MAP 74, LOT 69.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: 4-1 (Mr. Veno voted no)
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
Mr. Balukonis informed the board that he signed a letter of intent with Covanta providing for acceptance of North Reading Solid Waste starting in 2010.
Mr. Balukonis recommended to the board to delay the start date of the April 2009 Town Meeting given the magnitude of the FY 2010 budget deficit and the uncertainty for State Aid.
Mr. Balukonis informed the board of the Union who have asked to open negotiations.
Mr. Balukonis informed the board that MIIA has provided information for the FY2010 Health Insurance Programs that could lower the cost. These are alternatives to the GIC.
10. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Delaney
- Mr. Delaney requested information on Waste Water Management.
Mr. Veno
- Mr. Veno stated that the Registry of Motor Vehicles will no longer mail out reminders.
Mr. Harris
- Mr. Harris informed the public that the number for the Fire Department in the “Yellow Pages” book is wrong. The correct number is (978) 664-3112.
Mr. O’Leary
Mr. Mauceri
- Mr. Mauceri thanked the FAC for coming in and presenting on the Split Tax Rate.
11. ADJOURN
MR.CHAIRMAN, I MR. HARRIS MOVE TO ADJOURN. 11:35 P.M.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
DATE MICHAEL HARRIS, CLERK
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