1985-01-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes

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TOWN OF READING BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of January 21, 1985 Attendance: Maureen O'Brien, Chair, Paul Dustin, Paul Landers, John Russell and Mary Ziegler, Selectmen and John Agnew, Executive Secretary. Public Hearing: Mr. Dustin read the legal notice for the Application of Summit Terrace for Fuel Storage tank for 1350 gallons of gasoline. Mrs. O'Brien read the fist of abutters. The representative stated there would be a two level open parking structure in conjunction with the fuel storage. He stated he had a building permit from the building inspector and sign-off by the fire chief. The Board discussed alarms, ventilation, and ability to meet code. Abutters raised concerns. After discussion, Mr. Dustin moved that the hearing be continued until 7:30 on January 28. Seconded. Vote: Unanimous. Meeting with Representative Jeff Beckwith: Representative Beckwith reviewed proposed state aid with a projected increase for the Town of$548,338 over last fiscal year. The Governor has proposed $156 million in increased aid for the next fiscal year, partly based on a need formula. He also discussed proposed education reimbursements. The legislature will be looking at the proposed figures over the next few weeks and getting cherry sheets out so Town Meetings will know a concrete state reimbursement figure. Selectmen discussed grant eligibility even if town is in noncompliance with affordable housing requirements and asked Representative Beckwith to keep their concerns in mind during budget discussions. Mrs. O'Brien documented the Town's efforts and noted 248 of the cities and towns were not in compliance. The Board discussed the Main and South Street state work and Main Street and Summer Avenue and asked his support for funding. Although the South Street project is more likely to be funded, the discussion is that they would not reimburse both and that Summer Avenue has greater cross-town impact. Representative Beckwith also discussed the issue with the Municipal Light Department and the participation of other communities. Mrs. O'Brien reviewed the history and Mr. Beckwith proposed resolutions, acknowledged the Town's financial obligations with Seabrook and requested a Board representative to be involved along with the Selectmen from the other communities. Mr. Dustin felt the Light Board was the appropriate Board to be represented. Mrs. O'Brien stated there was a Board liaison to the Light Department and that would be the appropriate person. Housing Authority: Representative(male) reviewed history of obtaining state funding. The state is not approving the proposed acquisition and recommended that the town build. The committee has a proposed site. An architect has not been chosen. The state inspector said the site would support the proposed units. Discussed potential wetlands. They requested the Board support a Town Meeting motion that the proposed site be transferred to the Housing Authority at no cost. Mr. Dustin asked how he would get around the single-family residence zoning. They suggested a Comprehensive Permit. Discussed placements out of town and income eligibility.