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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 21, 2011 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared.on the agenda.for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken zip by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary. Richard Schubert, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleiluier, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: John Arena, John Halsey, Michael Cerullo, Ruth Urell, Mary Ellen Downey, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Tom Connery, Michelle Kramer, Michael Mesullo, Lynne Cassinari, Frank Driscoll, William Hughes, William Cataldo, Terry Weir, Deb Miller, John B. Sullivan, Donna Dudley and Bill Crowley. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Ben Tafoya indicated that Friends and Family Day was a great event. He noted that CPDC approved the MWRA design last night and asked if there will be an information session with the South Street neighbors. The Town Manager noted that once the bids are in and a contractor has been selected then there will be a meeting. Ben Tafoya asked if solar panels were considered with our performance contracting and the Town Manager indicated that it was. There is solar water at the fire stations and solar heat at the field house. Richard Schubert noted that the West Street Historic District Commission toured an 1896 house last night. He requested that the West Street Historic District Commission and Historical Commission have a staff liaison at Town Hall. Stephen Goldy noted that John Feudo did a great job with Friends and Family Day, The Fall Street Faire Committee meeting is on Monday. Camille Anthony indicated the Board received a letter from the resident at 114 Prescott Street regarding concern of the state of the sidewalks and lighting on Prescott Street, Mrs. Anthony noted that she would like to have a workshop meeting to discuss money for sidewalks. James Bonazoli noted the Board received a letter from a neighborhood who wants to do a betterment for sidewalks on Edgemont and Stewart. Mr. Bonazoli noted that the Fall Street Faire 9-11 Memorial service will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Reading Memorial High School and then on the Common from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00. Marls Dwyer is still looking for donations. Public Comment — .John Halsey submitted a petition to the Board of Selectmen regarding the Reading Bulldogs being allowed to use amplified sound. Town Manager's Report —The Town Manager gave the following report: Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 21, 2011 —page 2 Administrative matters ® 292 'Pickets went out in the mail for having unlicensed dogs. There are a total of 330 unlicensed dogs in Reading. Finance Three months of meals tax equaling $74,680.92 is scheduled for payment by end of June —this is well above our FYI budget of$150,000 for the whole year. Public Safety ® The RCASA Youth Crew is looking for additional 14 year old to 18 year old members. Contact Erica McNamara at the RCASA office if interested. Public Works ® MWRA water interconnection with Stoneham—work this fall —completed summer 2012. o National Grid gas line work on 4 streets—notices have gone to abutters. Construction projects ® Causewav Road - Trees have been removed; RMLD will be starting pole relocation this week, DPW has completed drain installation. Still need to meet with administrator on site to discuss wetland line Cor filling status. o Haverhill Street Water Main Project--Will receive bids for project the last week in July. Will forward final application to MWRA regarding zero interest loan after bids (MWRA's requested method). o Sidewalk contract—Contractor to start tomorrow correcting 2 driveway aprons from previous work. Will start Imagination Station curb and sidewalk relocation following Conservation Commission request for determination. ® Roadway Paving — Contractor designing mix, should submit designs for review in 2 weeks. Expected roadway work to commence mid July. m Gas Company gas main installation — Vine Street area: should finish main line installation this week. To start services the following week. ® Memorial Park Culvert - DPW to clean sediment end of July to the beginning of August. Repair of masonry channel to follow(by Contractor). Dates and Events: o Reading Fail Street Faire— September 11, 2011. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution — African American Patriots — A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to approve the resolution for the African American Patriots National Memorial was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Appointments, Boards, Committees and Commissions — The Board discussed the new process for interviews and the consensus was the process is great and if there are any issues the Board of Selectmen can meet with any of the Boards, Committees or Commissions during the year. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 21, 2011 —page 3 A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the recommendation of the Volunteer Appointment Sub-committee for appointments and or reappointments to various Boards, Committees, and Commissions for terms beginnink July .1, 2011 as listed below: Position Appointment Term ending Animal Control Appeals Com. Tinh'Ohlson 6-30-14 Board of Appeals John Miles 6-30-14 Board of Appeals (Associate) Damase Caouctte 6-30-14 Cemetery Board of Trustees Olive Hecht 6-30-14 Janet Baronian 6-30-14 Board of Registrars Harry Simmons 6-30-14 ACCCP David Williams 6-30-14 Ronald Daddario 6-30-14 ACCCP (Associates) Michele Benson 6-30-12 Gina Snyder 6-30-12 Commissioners of Trust Funds Beth Klepeis 6-30-14 Stephen Goldy 6-30-14 CPDC David Tuttle 6-30-14 Charles Adams 6-30-14 CPDC (Associate) George Katsoulis 6-30-12 William Keating 6-30-12 Conservation Commission William Hecht 6-30-14 Tom Laughlin 6-30-14 Constable Sally Hoyt 6-30-14 Council on Aging Dorothy Derosa 6-30-14 Carol Oniskey 6-30-14 Cultural Council Margaret Caouette 6-30-14 Economic Development Com. Sheila Clarke 6-30-14 Ben Yoder 6-30-14 EDC (Associates) John Russell 6-30-12 Michelle Ferullo 6-30-12 Karl Weld 6-30-I2 Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 21, 2011 —page 4 Fall Street Faire Committee Ben Tafoya 6-30-14 Fall Street Faire Committee (Associate) Denise Benard 6-30-12 Historical Commission Roberta Sullivan 6-30-14 Historical Commission (Associate) Virginia Adams 6-30-12 MAPC Steven Sadwick 6-30-14 RCTV Board of Directors Edward Smethurst 6-30-14 Kevin Walsh 6-30-12 Reading Ice Arena Authority Carl McFadden 6-30-14 Recreation Committee Adams Chase 6-30-14 Recreation Committee (Associate) Joseph Rossetti 6-30-12 RMLD Citizen Advisory Board Tony Capobianco 6-30-14 Town Forest Committee (Assoc.) Louis DeBrigard 6-30-12 Trails Committee Alan Rosh 6-30-14 Trails Committee (Associate) John Parsons 6-30-12 Will Finch 6-30-12 VASC James Bonazoli 6-30-12 Ben Tafoya 6-30-12 West Street Historic District Richard Schubert ' 6-30-14 (Associate) Ilene Bornstein 6-30-12 Sharlene Reynolds Santo 6-30-12 The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Appointment of Town Counsel — Camille Anthony noted that she and Stephen Goldy reached out to Boards, Committees and Commission and staff for comments. All comments received were positive. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to reappoint the firm of Brackett and Lucas as Town Counsel for FY2012 with a term expiring June 30, 2012 was approved by a vote of 5- 0-0. Discussion/Action Items Board of Selectmen Reorganization — James Bonazoli thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Chairman and turned the meeting over to the Town Manager. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 21, 2011 —page 5 Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the name of Camille Anthony into nomination as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring 6-30-12 or until a successor is appointed. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to close*the nominations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The main motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Anthony abstaining. Schubert moved and Tafoya seconded to place the name of Stephen Goldy into nomination as- Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring 6-30-12 or until a successor is appointed. There being no other nominations, the motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Goldy abstaining. Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the name of Ben Tafoya into nomination for the position as Secretary of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring 6-30-12 or until a successor is appointed. There being no other nominations, the motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Town Accountant Quarterly Report — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe was present and gave a review of events to date. She noted that the auditors have started their preliminary work. She also noted that she is working on getting the Human Resources module of Munis up and rurnling and we will probably need a new server in one to two years for the Munis upgrades. Approval of Outdoor Dining — Sammy Jo's — The Town Manager noted that this is the first application for outdoor dining. The request is for two tables outdoors. The Board of Health has approved and there is plenty of room to maneuver. Camille Anthony asked it'there was an issue with the sign and the Town Manager indicated that it has been brought into compliance. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the outdoor dining for Sammy Jo's 'Bakery and Cafe located at 2 Haven Street with a term expiring December 31, 2011. . pursuant to the plan submitted was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 (Schubert had left the room Hearing= Approval of FY2012 Compensation Plan — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts noted that the Pay and Classification Pians are for non-union employees and there are no changes from last year. Town Meeting Member John Carpenter asked if the numbers are working out as discussed at Town Meeting regarding the cutbacks. The "Town Manager noted that some positions are not being filled and some are being tilled other ways. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing was approved by a vote of 5- 0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to Approve the FY2012 Compensation Plan was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 21, 2011 —page6 Further Consideration of the Use of Amplified Sound — Summer 2011 — Reading Bulldogs — Selectman Richard Schubert recused himself because he is a resident of the neighborhood and signer of the petition so he-will sit with the audience. Mr. Halsey, 75 Beaver Road, indicated lie was unable to be at the last meeting. I-ie submitted a petition with 330 signatures earlier this evening. He is asking for a motion to reconsider the Selectmen's direction to the Recreation Committee to rescind the Bulldogs use of amplified sound. Iie noted that he was not informed of the last meeting and'his permit was already in place. He asked why it took so long for this to come before the Board of Selectmen when this discussion began last July. He went before the full Recreation Committee in April and he heard no public comment. II.e noted he played his first game on June 5"' at 1:00 p.m. and finished at 5:00 p.m, They play 30 minutes of music before the start, then the National Anthem and announce players during the game. lie also noted that the speakers are set up properly, unlike Reading Babe Ruth All Star Day which had people running the sound systems who did not know anything about them. Mr. ]-Ialsey noted that the music makes it interesting— it adds to the venue. The resident who lives in the last house on Bancroft Street has concerns about setting precedence. He noted that parking is also a struggle. John Sullivan, 134 Belmont Street, asked the Board to reconsider. John Arena, 26 Francis Street, indicated that a vote was taken without both parties present. This is an opportunity to undo the vote. The resident from 44 Woodland Street noted that he watched great baseball on Fathers Day and felt that music is the sound of community. Pete Moscareilo noted that Morton Field has been improved. It is an enhanced atmosphere with music. lie is in favor of the music. Lynne Cassinari indicated that she signed the original petition and she wanted to be heard just like Halsey, but she wasn't given that chance from the beginning. She noted this is for several games over the course of the slunmer and if you grant for one group, then others will want to do the same. She is against the music. Michelle Kramer noted that Reading is a booming community and everyone needs to work in partnership. Mary Ellen Stolecki, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, noted that Mr. Halsey's permit is revolted and there was no process for both sides to meet. The Recreation Committee asks the Selectmen to reconsider and work out a compromise, Bill Crowley noted that watching vintage baseball is a wonderful. experience. His nephews commented on the beautiful field and their eyes lit up when they heard the music and announcements. 1 le highly praised Mr. Halsey. Board of Selectmen Meeting—.lune 21, 2011 —page 7 Tom Connery, 101 Beaver Road, indicated that he was speaking on John IIalsey's behalf and endorsed his character. He asked the Board to reconsider their vote. A resident from 102 Winthrop Avenue noted that baseball is not the issue — amplified sound is. She is not asking him to cease his activity,just the sound. A resident from 26 Glenmere Circle indicated that broadcast is his major in school and he's had the opportunity to broadcast at the field. He also noted that someone else did the sound on Babe Ruth Day and Mr. Halsey was not even there. Julie Scott, 129 Hanscom Avenue, indicated she is a direct abutter and has lived there for 25 years. She feels it is a great opportunity for the Town to have the Bulldogs play here and she is willing to work with Halsey. Selectman Richard Schubert spoke as a Town Meeting member and resident. He noted there was an urgent need to address the policy, but a policy is broad based and will affect all fields. He noted that the issue is not just the sound, but the frequency. John Carpenter, 114 Hanscom Avenue, indicated he has lived there 27 years and this is not new. This is the sound oi'enjoyment. Ile encourages the Board of Selectmen to reconsider. David Pinette noted that John Halsey received a permit. The neighbors complained about an event that wasn't the Bulldogs. He feels the Board of'Selectmen jumped the gun'and should reinstate the permit and go down and observe the activity themselves. Williams Hughes, 156 Salem Street, indicated he supports reinstatement of the permit. James Bonazoli noted that the policy was set back in 1991 — 20 years ago. It needs to be revamped, but the Board needs to understand what sound is. They need to allow the amplified sound on a probationary period, hear it in action, and then put it back on an agenda with the Recreation Committee and the subcommittee. Steplien Goldy noted that the Board should reconsider because they only heard one side of the story two weeks ago. Ben Tafoya noted that the existing policy is not adequate and there needs to be a policy in place before taking any action. Camille Anthony noted that there were meetings with Mr. Halsey and they couldn't come to an agreement. She suggests reconsidering to announce players and the national anthem, but no music. John Halsey suggested the national anthem, announcing the players and a two minutes song in between innings. He feels that will work with the neighborhood. Board of Selectmen Meeting_June 2l,'201 1 —pane 8 A motion.by Gold seconded by Bonazoli to direct the Recreation Committee to rescind the permit to use amplified sound was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion seconded by Bonazoli to reinstate the sound for effective dates with the condition that the sound be used only for the National Anthem and 'announcements of the players was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. James Bonazoli noted that lie will be the liaison with Mr. Halsey. The Town Manager noted he will send a letter to the Recreation Committee asking them to met and confirm /ASAP. Bill Crowley noted that if this was a true test case then the music should be allowed. Town Manager Goals—The Town Manager reviewed the goals. Set Town Manager's Salary — A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to set the Town Manager's salary at$132,700 for the fiscal year 2012 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the minutes of May 3, 2011 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the minutes of May 24, 2011 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by `Tafoya to approve the Executive Session minutes of May 3, 2011 as written was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m..was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respect fu ly submitted, Secretary