MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY MARCH 15, 2010
______________________________________________________________________________
Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Yull, Mr. Veno, Mr. Delaney and the Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
1. ELECTION TRAFFIC & PARKING PLAN AT ST. THERESA’S
Barbara Stats was present and spoke in regards to the parking and traffic situation at St. Theresa’s for voting. In her opinion, at the last election half of the voters were used to voting there and parked as they did previously. The other half were parishioners and parked as they do at Services instead of the way the parking lot was lined.
What is being suggested is to eliminate angled parking and go along with stacked parking.
Sgt Romeo was present and spoke in regards to a parking suggestion made by Mr. Mauceri concerning pedestrian traffic.
The Board was given an opportunity to add input and discuss the situation.
2. MINUTES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 1, 2010 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR.O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 16, 2010 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
DISCUSSION: Mr. Veno requested an amendment to #8 Advance Life Support, p. 3. The vote was 3-1 and he wants it noted that Mr. O’Leary was the Board Member opposed. In addition, Mr. Mauceri abstained as he was not present at the 2/16/10 meeting.
VOTED: 4-0-1 (Mr. Mauceri abstained)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 16, 2010 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 27, 2010 SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
3. CORRESPONDENCE
NONE
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
NONE
5. STAND FOR CHILDREN
Mr. Yull started with reading a letter to Representative Bradley Jones and Senator Bruce Tarr.
MR. CHARIMAN, I MOVE TO SUPPORT STAND FOR CHILDREN POSITION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM AND SEND LETTERS TO OUR STATE SENATOR BRUCE TARR AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE BRADLEY H. JONES, JR.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
DISCUSSION:
Mr. O’Leary stated that he is reluctant to sign on at this time. He feels it is too important to preserve “our rights as a Board and employees rights to collectively bargain.” In the interest of fairness and local control, he feels we should step up.
Mr. Veno agrees with Mr. O’Leary. He doesn’t necessarily agree with certain statements in the letter.
Mr. Delaney is in favor of signing off on the letter and sending it off.
Mr. Yull is in favor as well.
Mr. Mauceri is going to support this.
VOTED: 3-2 (Mr. O’Leary & Mr. Veno are opposed)
6. APPOINTMENTS – PROCESS SERVING CONSTABLES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS A PROCESS SERVING CONSTABLE FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2010: (2 OPENINGS)
JOHN FREW, 5 SNOWCREST RUN (INCUMBENT)
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
DISCUSSION: Mr. Veno recommends his reappointment
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT AS A PROCESS SERVING CONSTABLE FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2010: (1 OPENING)
DAVID ROSATI, 8 CHESTER ST.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
DISCUSSION: Mr. Veno stated that this is a new appointment and he recommends him.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
ENERGY STUDY AD HOC COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS A MEMBER OF THE ENERGY STUDY AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2010: (1 OPENING)
DANIEL MCINNIS, 3 SURREY LANE (INCUMBENT)
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR.O’LEARY
DISCUSSION: Mr. Yull stated that Dan is great benefit to the committee.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
7. ONE DAY LICENSE
Rami Said, Treasurer of the FA Project, spoke in regards to a fundraiser being held at Candlewood Lanes on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from7-11p.m. to raise funds for Friedreich’s Ataxia.
The Board requested he have a letter from both the Chief of Police and the owner of Candlewood Lanes for permission of use of the business.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO GRANT A ONE DAY WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE LICENSE TO THE FA PROJECT, INC., FOR AN EVENT TO BE HELD AT CANDLEWOOD LANES, 35 MAIN STREET ON APRIL 10, 2010 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:00 P.M. TO 11:00 P.M. SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE AND LETTER FROM THE OWNER OF CANDLEWOOD LANES FOR PERMISSION OF USE OF THE BUSINESS.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
8. MEET WITH NORCAM
Rob Carbone, Executive Director, presented the annual status update. He gave a recap of the past year and goals for the future.
Mr. Mauceri asked to see a balance sheet annually, in regards to the budget, and a breakdown between Comcast and Verizon income and dues. Theo Pouliopolus, Cable Advisory Committee, gave blessing for the Board to accept or reject.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ACCEPT THE ANNUAL REPORT MADE BY NORCAM.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
9. WATER RATE AND CAPITAL INMPROVEMENT PLAN
Mark Clark, PE Utilities Superintendent, accompanied by Steve Casazza spoke regarding the water rate. Andover increased their rate by 10%, an increase of 4% is being recommended to provide sufficient revenue to operate the water department in fiscal year 2011.
The Board discussed different options and then made a motion to set the water rates.
Mr. Clark then went on to discuss the capital improvement plan which included two projects – energy efficiency improvements and chemical application controls upgrade. It will be put on June’s warrant and the Board is in support of it.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE THE WATER RATES FOR FY2011, FOR WATER BILLS ISSUED AFTER JULY 1, 2010, AT THE FOLLOWING:
FIRST TIER: $6.03 PER 1,000 GALLONS UP TO110 GALLONS PER DAY,
SECOND TIER: $8.84 PER 1,000 GALLONS FROM 110 GALLONS PER DAY AND
UP TO 440 GALLONS PER DAY,
THIRD TIER: $12.06 PER 1,000 GALLONS OVER 440 GALLONS PER DAY.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
DISCUSSION: Mr. Veno will go along with the motion, but would have liked to see option 2 with the discount. Mr. Delaney is opposed; he would have liked to have given the public a discount this year.
VOTED: 4-1 (Mr. Delaney opposed)
10. DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
HEALTH
Martin Fair, Health Department, presented the Board of Health budget. The difference falling under Mosquito Control, approximately $3000 difference (due to an increase in health insurance). The Board was given the opportunity to ask questions.
HILLVIEW
Larry Dyment presented the budget for the Hillview Commission. This year so far they’re up $53,000.
ASSESSING
Mr. Balukonis spoke for the Assessor, due to illness. The level funded budget is at the same level. Reevaluation is due up this year (for certification). 101 abatement appointments were timely filed – 90 last year.
TREASURY/COLLECTIONS
Maryann MacKay spoke on the Treasurer’s Budget and the Collector’s Budget. The Board was given an opportunity to ask questions.
Mr. Mauceri requested an updated copy of Tax Title Accounts and Commitment vs. Collections in regards to tax bills.
DEBT AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Mr. Balukonis presented the debt and employee benefits budget – two significant changes; short term interest increased and the county retirement assessment.
Mr. Mauceri requested a separate subtotal for override debt.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The information systems budget was presented. The level funded budget is the same. The level services budget is greater due to equipment replacement – mainly new computers.
The Board suggests that new computers be put into the Capital Budget.
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Balukonis went over the administration budget – picking up a portion of the youth services director salary.
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Per Board request, Mr. Balukonis estimated revenues attributable to “miscellaneous services” provided in running a BLS ambulance service. Estimated revenues of $50,000, includes oxygen, immobilization, extra EMT and airway. He recommends action on the ambulance policy and rate increase be held pending a report by the Ambulance/ALS Committee. Captain Barry Galvin was present and gave the Board figures to look over and discuss.
Mr. Balukonis went on to inform the Board of road closing, etc due to flooding from the rain. In addition, he mentioned that North Reading will be recognized by Mass. Common Cause for its municipal website.
He informed the Board that the FY2009 Audit Report and Management Letter is complete and Richard Hingston will be meeting with the Board on a future date to discuss it.
The Board previously asked him to review funding sources to support $70,000 in funding for various conservation projects recommended by the Energy Study Committee. He proposed up to $70,000 be transferred from the Stabilization Fund for this purpose.
Lastly, he informed the Board that a liquor license transfer was received for Tedeschi Food Shops and he requested the Board hold a special meeting. The meeting was set for Tuesday, March 30th.
12. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
MR. O’LEARY
- Acknowledged the efforts of Public Safety and DPW with the storm.
- Urged people to check on neighbors, particularly the elderly
- Reminded the public that with the Governor declaring a State of Emergency, there will be money available through FEMA – take pictures of any damage and keep your receipts
MR. YULL
- Good news – the Master’s Club of North Reading High School accomplished and received many awards and have to reschedule upcoming play due to a competition they’ll be in.
MR. VENO
Nothing
MR. DELANEY
Nothing
MR. MAUCERI
- Quick reminder—the Town Administrator’s evaluation is due
- Quick update on ALS at the next meeting
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN (11:40 PM).
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. VENO AYE MR. YULL AYE
MR. O’LEARY AYE MR. DELANEY AYE
MR. MAUCERI AYE
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