1996-01-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes

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i Board of Selectmen Meeting January 23, 1996 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Engineer Joe Delaney and the following list of interested parties: Paul Feely, Steve McLaughlin, Nathan White, Jim Keigley, Nancy Eaton. Discussion/Action Items Discussion on Route 129 Project - The Town Engineer reviewed a two page paper and sketches relative to the Route 129 reconstruction project. In response to the Selectmen's Meeting of January 16, 1996, the Town Engineer conducted further research into the parking issues on Salem and Lowell Street, and has established six criteria for establishing parking locations. The rationale for the criteria are to limit parking areas to places where there is a demonstrated need, to cluster parking spaces in specific areas, to provide safe distances from driveways, to provide sufficient sight distance when entering Route 129 from a side street and to help meet the needs of residents without significantly effecting the safety and aesthetics of the project. Five locations for on-street parking were determined. A sketch showing the modification to the design layout for parking was presented. The Board of Selectmen appreciated the work of the Town Engineer and expressed support for -- the proposals as submitted. Additionally, Steve McLaughlin from Mass Highway Department commented on planting of trees. He noted that the Mass Highway Department likes trees to be planted on projects like this. The Town Engineer noted that the Tree Warden does not like trees planted on the tree lawns because of damage from salt. Ted McIntire noted that trees in the tree lawn tend to push sidewalks upwards as the trees grow. George Hines asked about having townwide criteria for planting trees. Bruce MacDonald asked what species would be planted, and it was noted that perhaps Red Oaks and fruit trees would be planted. The consensus of the Board of Selectmen was to proceed with approval of planting trees in tree lawns along the project where it would not interfere with existing trees. The consensus also was to approve the parking plan as proposed. They agreed to modify the distance from driveways in area #4 in the area from Bancroft to Middlesex to 15 feet. FY97 - 2006 Capital Plan - The Town Manager reviewed the Capital Improvements Program with the Board of Selectmen. A memo from the Capital Improvements Advisory Subcommittee was presented to the Board of Selectmen also. There was significant discussion on the parks improvements program. FY97 Budget - There was discussion about goal setting and tying it into the budget process. Camille Anthony noted that we need zoning enforcement, the Assistant Fire Chief is needed, and r.. we need improved parks maintenance. Dan Ensminger asked how to address the budget shortfall. The Town Manager noted that other programs proposed were the employee assistance program. The Board asked for a synopsis of budget requests. They also asked for a copy of the last retreat