2011-04-28 Town Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 28, 2011 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:34 PM, there being a quorum present. The meeting was started with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 18 Motion made by Richard Schubert, Board of Selectmen to move that the Town vote to delete Section 5.15 — Storing or Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products, of the Reading General Bylaw. Background - given by Peter Hechenbleikner: Since the Town of Reading enacted General Bylaw 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products on April 26, 2004, there have been significant changes in how underground storage tanks containing these products are regulated in Massachusetts. Major changes are outlined below: 1. As of August 8, 2007, the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code requires underground storage tanks and related piping to be inspected by a third party inspector once every three years. Third party inspectors must have a level of training that is approved by the State Fire Marshal. 2. As of April 1, 2008, the State Fire Marshal and the local Fire Chief may prohibit delivery of product to an underground tank for a violation of the Fire Prevention Code, including conditions that endanger public health, safety and the environment. 3. As of July 1, 2009, the Massachusetts Underground Storage Tank Program was transferred to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). MassDEP is now responsible for aspects of the underground storage tank system in areas of environmental concerns and leaks. MassDEP also has rule making authority to promulgate regulations governing underground storage tanks that relate to leak prevention. 4. Beginning on August 8, 2012 the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code requires operators of underground storage tank systems to be operated by trained personnel. Among other requirements, this regulation will mandate a trained operator to operate underground tank installations and to inspect safety systems and leak detection systems monthly. Trained operators must have completed training that is approved by the State Fire Marshal. The local Fire Chief is responsible to issue permits for underground tank installations, the product stored, self service fuel stations and the removal of underground storage tanks. The State Fire Marshal and the local Fire Chief has the authority to conduct random inspections of facilities that have been inspected by a third party inspector to ensure the integrity of the system. Therefore the local bylaw is unnecessary and redundant, and can be rescinded. Finance Committee Report: No Report Bylaw Committee Report - report not given on floor: The Bylaw Committee agrees the Section 5.15 of the General Bylaw is now redundant of State Law and thus no longer needed. The Bylaw Committee recommends the subject matter of this article by a vote of 4 -0 -0. Presentation given by Chief Greg Burns - See Attached After discussion with Town Meeting Members Motion Carried ARTICLE 19 2011 Annual Town Meeting