MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY MAY 3, 2010
Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. MINUTES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE APRIL 5, 2010 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
DISCUSSION: Mr. O’Leary will be abstaining as he was not present for meeting prior to Town Meeting.
VOTED: 4-0-1 (Mr. O’Leary abstained)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE APRIL 20, 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 APRIL 20, 2010 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
2. CORRESPONDENCE
NONE
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
NONE
4. MEET WITH ANNE BERNIER, EIAC
Anne Bernier, from EIAC, 7 Sunset Avenue, represents retirees for the school system. Gus Lamont was present as well representing the Town employees. She spoke of penalties incurred being on medicare. She also talked about how she and Gus must split a vote on AIC and she requested more voting power. She thanked the Board and offered to answer any questions she could.
Board members stated that this was “eye opening,” and clarified if more voting power was all Anne was requesting at this time.
The Town Administrator did state, when questioned, that monies paid by retirees on a certain plan do come back to the Town but are applied back into Health Insurance – across the board. The Board requested human resources look into that and have funds returned directly back to retirees.
Gus Lamont briefly stated his opinion of individuals possibly being forced into taking medix instead of paying more for a HMO Blue. He said, “it’s their choice, let them make it.”
5. LEGAL BILLS
Mr. Balukonis briefly explained and recommended for approval.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR MARCH 2010 IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 14,594.45 AS FOLLOWS:
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (GENERAL) $10,938.95
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (LABOR) $ 3,115.00
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (WATER) $ 402.50
WEST $ 138.00
TOTAL $14,594.45
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
6. DPW MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Mr. Balukonis briefly explained the important points of the agreement.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE RATIFY THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF NORTH READING AND NORTH READING PUBLIC WORKS UNION FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2009 TO JUNE 30, 2010.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
DISCUSSION: Important to note that the DPW was cooperative and it’s greatly appreciated.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
7. FY 2011 BUDGET INFORMATIONAL HEARING
Mr. Mauceri began by reading the notice and called it to order.
Mr. Balukonis then gave a power point presentation discussing:
- FY 2011 Budget Assumptions
- FY2011 Budget Goals
- New revenue and cost avoidance
- Current status of reserves
- Municipal budget highlights
- FY2011 actions
He stated that this is merely a recommendation and thanked the department heads for being present.
Mr. Mauceri commented on it being a great power point presentation.
There was some questioning on money being transferred out of the public safety accounts, in order to balance the school budget, and being reimbursed with FEMA money coming in. Mr. Balukonis explained that they need to have a balanced budget going into Town Meeting, however, there will be a partial reimbursement through FEMA and will look into finding more to replace the money borrowed.
Board members took the time to express their opinions on the matter.
Public comments were made, many in support of education as they feel it continually gets cut and simply cannot be cut anymore.
The question was raised of why the money cannot be borrowed from the reserve fund.
Mr. Mauceri stated that the Board will vote on approving the budget, but perhaps the Chiefs and the Town Administrator can work out the dynamics.
8. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Balukonis began by updating the Board on a settlement with Getty Properties. He continued with informing the Board of a memo concerning efforts to collect past due water and trash accounts. Finally, he informed the Board how he requested the U.S. Inspector General issue and opinion on the proposed changes to the ambulance collection policy providing for insurance-only billing for North Reading residents. He does not intend on seeking an advisory opinion. The Board agreed not to use an advisory committee at this time and have information presented at the next meeting.
9. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
TA PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
For the public, Mr. Mauceri briefly discussed the five categories that the Town Administrator is rated. The Board rates the Town Administrator and the Chair tallies the points. The Town Administrator ranked overall in the commendable category, and the Board thanked him for his efforts.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ACCEPT THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION DATED MAY 3, 2010.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. O’LEARY
- Tomorrow is election day – thanked his two colleagues up for reelection and feels current make up of the Board is good and will vote for both for reelection.
MR. YULL
- Restated that tomorrow is election day
- Commends Mr. Scrima and Mr. Prisco for coming forward
- Feels the Board works very well together, thanked his colleagues and wished them success
MR. VENO
- Thanked fellow Board members for support and comments.
- Asked for the public’s vote and asked the public to vote for Mr. Mauceri, he’s and integral part of the Board.
- It has been a privilege to serve this community, Thank You.
MR. DELANEY
- Thanked Bob and Joe for their service and respects them both and appreciates their hard work.
- Encouraged the public to please vote.
MR. MAUCERI
- Thanked fellow Board members, it has been a privilege to work with them.
- Wished Mr. Veno luck.
- Told Mr. Balukonis that he appreciated his hard work –appreciates working with him.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION (9:40 p.m.)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR
THE PURPOSES OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STRATEGY, AND FURTHER THE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN WILL RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI AYE MR. O’LEARY AYE MR. DELANEY AYE MR. VENO AYE
MR. YULL AYE
ADJOURN 10:15 P.M.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS
___________________________ __________________________________
Date Michael Prisco, Clerk
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