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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 8,2011 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 up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectman James Bonazoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Assessor Bill Boatwright, Fire Fighter Bob Beck, Ralph Colorusso, Bob Nordstrand, Fred McGrane, William Crowley, Kevin Ye from Oyes, Tom Dumont from Chili's, Dan Busa from Busa Liquors, Palarat Pattanescan from Bangkok Spice, Chirs Shomos from Square Liquors, Bob Donohue from the Wine Bunker, Steve Kintigos from Knights of Columbus, Massimo Pavarotti from Ristorante Pavaroti, Michael Bonnell from Bertucci's, John Cafazzo from Knights of Columbus, Dennis Lane from American Legion, Robert Carp from the Wine Shop, Jim Boland from Fuddruckers, Michael Enos from Cafe Capri, Zeke Janas and Dermot Bolger from Grumpy Doyle's, and Hiu Lee from the Mandarin. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Stephen Goldy noted that he will be visiting the Senior Center on Thursday. Ben Tafoya asked about the schedule for Oaktree and the Town Manager noted that they are not starting the modular construction before the Shop the Block or Buy Local events. The first modular will arrive on December 5, 2011. James Bonazoli noted that the ad hoc Amplified Sound Committee continues to meet. November 22 is their next meeting and they are now looking at duration, seasonal, one time, etc. He noted that the Compost Center is very busy. He would like to have a casual conversation with Jeff Zager and staff regarding movement of loam—perhaps delivery. Camille Anthony noted that Dunkin Donuts wants to donate $30,000 to a park. She noted that at the Reading, Kansas wine tasting she met a man who installs charging stations for cars and she will get more information on that. She met with the Assessors regarding the overlay. She would like Walkable Reading in on November 22 for the sidewalk discussion. The Town Manager noted that he will be proposing a significant increase for repair and replacement. She also indicated the need to talk about sidewalk plowing. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ Due to Election deadlines the Town Clerk's office only at Town Hall will be open on Friday December 23`d from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. ♦ Don't forget Veterans Day 11-11-11 at 11 am on the common. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 8, 2011 —page 2 ♦ The Dedication of the RMHS Library and Media Center in memory of former Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini is scheduled for Thursday, November 17 from 6 PM to 7 PM. ♦ The Town has been ruled to be eligible for some expenses related to Tropical Storm Irene and Chief Burns will coordinate Reading's application. ♦ The Board of Selectmen received a response from State Rep's Dwyer and Jones regarding the Board's letter on replacing the aging gas infrastructure in the Commonwealth. ♦ Staff met with the Assistant General Manager from the T this week. The T is very amenable to a long term lease or possibly sale of the commuter parking area along Vine Street (60 spaces) and needs a letter of interest from the Town in order to proceed with their evaluation of any such transaction. Community Services ♦ The Reading Board of Health is meeting this Thursday night in Wakefield with the Boards of Health from Wakefield and Melrose, and staff as part of our regional initiative with the communities on Public Health administration. This is an initiative of Health Director Ruth Clay. ♦ Representatives Jones and Dwyer and Senator Katherine Clark are again hosting a Senior Citizen Thanksgiving dinner on .November 19 at Hillview Country Club. Reservations are required and are available on a first come first served basis. Reservations can be made through the Reading Senior Center 942-6794 ♦ Jane Burns has joined us as an interim Elder/Human Services Administrator replacing Richard Cardillo who has filled in since the spring. ♦ We have received site plans for the MF Charles building. ♦ We have had a meeting with businesses regarding the Oaktree construction, and have followed up with a staff meeting and an additional meeting with Oaktree. The goal is to facilitate construction and minimize impact on the downtown businesses and abutting residents. ♦ The Chamber is sponsoring a Holiday Window Display contest from 11/24 —12/24 RNRchambercomna,aol.com ♦ Shop the Block -December 1 ♦ Buy Local Weekend, December 2—4 ♦ The Reading Cooperative Bank is celebrating their 125th anniversary with the grand re- opening of their renovated building. ♦ WALK-IN FLU CLINICS Tuesday, November 15, Lower level Conference Room- Town Hall 5:30 — 6:30 pm and Tuesday, November 22, Berger Room- Town Hall, 5:30 — 6:30 pm. The flu vaccine is free for those 18+ with the following insurances: Blue Cross of Massachusetts, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Fallon, Health New England, MassHealth, Medicare Part B, Neighborhood Health Plan, and Unicare. Please bring your insurance card. The vaccine is $10 for those without one of the accepted insurances. Please be sure to wear short sleeves. Please call the Reading Health Division with any questions at 781-942-6656. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 8, 2011 —page 3 Public Safety ♦ The Reading Firefighters Association will again be doing the Toys for Tots program — watch for their collection boxes or drop toys off at the Fire Station on Main Street Public Works ♦ October 29 storm recovery — DPW is pretty much finished with storm damaged brush and tree limb pick-ups. Residents are responsible for tree limb and brush removal on their own property. The compost center has.been seeing over 1,000 trips per day over the weekend. ♦ The Town has been informed that our application for a MIIA Loss Control Grant has been approved for the following items and amounts: Work Zone safety trailer $5000 . ♦ MWRA water interconnection with Stoneham ♦ Fall leaf collection = 10/ 1 11/4, 11/14-11/18, 11/28-12/2 Town Construction projects ♦ Milling of Lowell Street, between Bradford Road and Hartshorn Street was done during evening hours last week. Following milling, the contractor will be replacing approximately 2 dozen castings that are worn and need replacement. Final paving will occur during daylight hours at a date to be determined once castings work is completed,. ♦ Roadway Reconstruction— reclaimed: Causeway Rd. & Hanscom Avenue. ♦ Haverhill Street Water Main: Water main installation on Haverhill Street has stopped for the year. The last section of 12 inch water main installed was between Franklin Street and Rustic Lane. This section of the water main has been pressure tested and chlorinated and we are awaiting the results of the bacteria sampling (results should be available 11-9-2011). The connection of water services to the new water main is expected to be completed the end of next week. This will wrap up the water main replacement for this year and work will commence the spring of 2012. Personnel and Appointments Council on Aging — Ben Tafoya noted that the VASC interviewed Jean Prato and recommend her for a position on the Council on Aging. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen accept the report of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee and confirm the following appointments to the following Boards,Committees and Commissions: ♦ Jean Prato to one position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30,2012,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Presentation on Toys for Tots — Fire Fighter Bob Beck was present and noted that we are now covering six communities. Last year they helped 65,000 families. Camille Anthony asked how a family qualifies and Mr. Beck indicated it can be done online at Toys for Tots. He noted that the program ends on December 15, 2011. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 8, 2011 —page 4 Hearing — Tax Classification— Set Tax Rate —The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted there is $600,000 in the overlay account. Bill Boatwright reviewed the class and exemption options. He noted the residential exemption is for communities with a .high percentage of apartments and seasonal homes. The small commercial exemption is for properties under $1 million with 10 employees or less. The exemption limit is 10%. There are 133 commercial properties in Reading. Mr. Boatwright noted that the median sales price is down from last year and there is 2.96% in new.growth. He noted the tax rate would be $14.15 with a factor of 1. Camille Anthony noted that the average homeowner would save $170 if the factor was shifted to 1.5 and the commercial would increase $11,233. Bill Boatwright noted that once the decision is made to split it is very hard to go back to a single rate. He also noted that low split factors tend to be insignificant. Bill Crowley, co-chair of Government Affairs for the Chamber of Commerce read a letter asking the Board to keep a residential factor of 1. He noted that increasing the taxes on a building makes it less valuable and harder to sell. Ben Tafoya noted that having a lower tax rate than other surrounding communities for commercial puts the profits in the pockets of the companies. He feels there should be some level of fairness. Stephen Goldy noted he has concerns regarding the residential tax rate and noted we put a significant investment into the downtown. Camille Anthony noted she is in favor of a split tax rate. James Bonazoli noted he sees very few who can take advantage of the small commercial exemption. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing establishing the tax rate for FY2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen not grant an open space discount for Fiscal Year 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen not adopt a residential exemption for Fiscal Year 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen adopt a residential factor of 1.1 for Fiscal Year 2012 failed by a vote of 2-2-0 with Bonazoli and Goldy opposed. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 8, 2011 —page 5 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen adopt a residential factor of 1 for Fiscal Year 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen not grant a commercial exemption for Fiscal Year 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Decision on Combining 2012 Local Election with Presidential Primary Election — Town Cleric Laura Gemme noted that moving the Local Election to March 6th allowing the Presidential Primary and Local Election to be held the same day will save money, cause less disruption to the RMHS, increase voter turn out and ease voter fatigue. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Section 2.1.1 of the Town of Reading General Bylaws move the 2012 Local Election to the date of the 2012 Presidential Primary election on March 6,2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion Re: Liquor License Renewals with Licensees — Chairman Camille Anthony asked everyone to introduce themselves. She asked how many licensees lived in Reading and three indicated they are residents. Camille Anthony noted that the Town has had issues with substance abuse including a shooting and there is a lot of concern regarding kids and adults and substance abuse. She noted that three community meetings have been held. The Town is asking for the help of the licensees and she asked how we can work together. Stephen Goldy introduced Erica McNamara, the Director of the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, and urged everyone to get to know her. James Bonazoli indicated it has been a very long time for most licensees since they have come before the Board of Selectmen. He noted that a liquor license is an asset that can be taken away. Law enforcement is the Selectmen's agent and they can do compliance checks. He noted that he is dismayed that there was a 23% increase in establishments failing the compliance checks. The town is counting on establishments to hold the front line and he asked that they work with the police and remain vigilant. Ben Tafoya noted that all of the licensees came before the Board of Selectmen initially and were told that training was mandatory for all servers within 90 days of being hired. The TIPS must also be renewed every three years. Erica McNamara is a TIPS trainer. He noted that typically the violations are due to a breakdown in procedures. Stephen Goldy indicated he is the Vice Chairman of the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) and he asked everyone to get involved and keep up to date with the initiatives via newsletters. He noted that RCASA can provide support and education to staff. He also noted that there is a call in the community for tougher penalties and they don't want leniency. Camille Anthony asked if the Managers are all up to date and the Town Manager indicated , he will make sure when he does his inspection. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 8, 2011 —page 6 Attorney Robert Carp noted that his business was caught in the sting and he did some investigation. He indicated he believed the sting was not only done improperly, but that certain facts were not brought to the light of the Board which he believes impaired their ability to make a decision that was based on all of the evidence. He noted that Reading has adopted the ABCC compliance check and with adoption of that they are obligated to follow the rules promulgated by General Laws Part 1 Title 3 Chapter 30A Section 11. He noted there are allegations that the person they used to go into the shops is an adjudicated home invader, also with an assault and battery charge behind him and that he was sent into the shops to make a very good attempt to buy the liquor because if he didn't, his probationary period would not be lowered. He noted these are allegations and.he is not allowed to investigate these allegations because the person is protected by the laws created by the ABCC. He requested that the Board of Selectmen review this and find out what happened. He indicated this person would have every incentive to lie to lower his sentence and if he brings in violations he very obviously has "earned his keep." Attorney Carp requested the Selectmen review this investigation with the police and possibly provide everyone with the results. James Bonazoli thanked all of the licensees who have contributed to the community schools and recreation and hopes they will continue. Review Human Relations Advisory Committee — Human Relations Advisory Committee members Lori Hodin and Monique Gnanarantnam were present. Lori Hodin noted that the committee had no leadership so it fizzled out in 2010. Monique sent an email to the committee to try to revive it and they met. Ms. Hodin noted that they created a new mission statement which includes promoting and encouraging respect, prevent prejudice and discrimination, and to plan opportunities for multi cultural events. Monique indicated that the committee needs to integrate into the community and expand membership. They would like to continue with the art project for peace and also the Martin Luther King Day Celebration. The Town Manager suggested they add EMARC to their art program. James Bonazoli suggested they contact Paula Tucci with Understanding Disabilities. Camille Anthony offered to work with the committee and they will bring their modifications back to the Board. Review Burbank Ice Arena Bids — Attorney Brad Latham, Nelson Burbank and Bill Jennings were present. The Town Manager noted that the Town solicited proposals and received only one. It meets the requirements of the RFP and Town Counsel will draft the lease. He noted the ice rink is an asset to the community. Camille Anthony asked about the insurance requirements and the Town Manager noted he will check with the Town's insurance to make sure it is the correct coverage. Camille Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 8, 2011 —page 7 Anthony asked if the Burbank Ice Arena has a capital improvement plan and Bill Jennings indicated there are no major expenses except for the ceilings and dashboard that will need to be done. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen approve the award of the lease for the Burbank Arena to the Reading Ice Arena Authority and authorize Town Counsel to draft the lease and all other related documents to finalize the lease was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Establish a Town Manager Evaluation Subcommittee — Camille Anthony and James Bonazoli volunteered to do the Town Manager's evaluation. Stephen Goldy indicated he would email them the template for the evaluation form. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the minutes of October 12, 2011 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectful ubmitted, cretary