HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 22,2011
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 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy,
Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen James Bonazoli and`Richard Schubert, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleilmer, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur; Town Counsel Gary Brackett
and Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Virginia Blodgett,
Erin Calvo-Bacci.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive
Session for the purpose of strategy with regards to litigation to come back into Open
Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all five members
voting in the affirmative.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Richard Schubert indicated he responded to the
correspondence about him being absent the night of the tax classification hearing.
Ben Tafoya thanked Town staff for getting everything ready for Town Meeting.
Stephen Goldy noted that he visited with the seniors last week. He. attended a Trust Fund
Commissioner meeting. He feels a policy should be established for the Trust Fund
Commissioners and he will discuss that with them at their next meeting. Mr. Goldy also noted
that he was very disappointed in the way Town Meeting concluded without voting on,the
instructional motions. He would like the Board to carry out the instructional motions as if they
had passed.
James Bonazoli noted that the Amplified Sound Committee finalized the survey today and he
requested that the Board extend their term.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to extend the term of the ad hoc Amplified Sound
in the Parks Committee to January 31,2012 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Camille Anthony announced that she will not be running for re-election.
Town Manager's Report— The Town Manager noted that Chief Cormier was present to answer
any concerns regarding the allegations that the owner of the Wine Shop made alleging that the
Police Department employed a convict to do a sting and that it is all untrue. He met with Mr.
Carp yesterday and he expects a written apology from Mr. Carp.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 22, 2011 —page 2
Chief Cormier noted that these are disturbing allegations. He noted that their procedures are
triple-checked and the Reading Police has done everything they were supposed to do. Their only
goal is to have 100% compliance and nothing else. He feels the allegations were irresponsible
and noted that the Police get no bonuses by catching people. The young man has no criminal
violations whatsoever and the allegations were completely false.
The Town Manager continued and gave the following report:
Administrative matters
♦ Correspondence with Mr. Carp of the Wine Shop
♦ Donation from the Nigro Family to the Veterans Flower Trust Fund
♦ 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.
♦ Staff met with the Assistant General Manager from the MBTA two weeks ago, and as a
result I have sent a letter, copied to the Board of Selectmen, expressing interest in acquiring
by lease or purchase the underutilized parking lot on Vine Street. This idea originated with
Assistant Town manager Bob LeLacheur
o Residents will notice enhancements of the holiday decorating in the square this year — red
bows on the lampposts in addition to the garland, and wreaths on locations Where we had
banners during the warmer weather. The materials are purchased through the proceeds from
the Fall Street Faire, and are installed by the Fire Department (garland and bows) and the
DPW(tree lights and wreaths).
♦ We need to know who from the Board of Selectmen is going to the MMA Annual Meeting in
January, and who will be going to the MIIA luncheon
♦ We have been notified by the ABCC that package stores in Massachusetts will be closed on
December 25th and December 26th this year for the Christmas holiday.
♦ Census forms will be going out the first of the year. Remember to license your dog.
® We have just completed a grueling but successful Subsequent Town Meeting.
♦ Nomination papers for the Town election are now available in the Town Clerk's office.
Community Services
♦ The Reading Board of Health met last week 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 hosted the Senior Citizen
Thanksgiving dinner for 350 Reading seniors on November 19 at Hillview Country Club.
♦ Jane Burns has joined us as an interim Elder/Human Services Administrator replacing
Richard Cardillo who had filled in since the spring.
♦ 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 -
RNRchambercomgao 1.com
o Shop the Block- December 1.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 22, 2011 —page 3
♦ 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 22, Berger Room- Town Hall (first floor
next to Community Services Department) 5:30—6:30 pm.
Public Safety
♦ Meeting in Reading set up by Senator Clark's office on December 8 at 6 PM at the Police
Station regarding HazMat routing.
♦ The Reading Firefighters Association is again doing the Toys for Tots program. Collection
boxes are at Town Hall and a number of other locations or you can drop toys off at the Fire
Station on Main Street.
Public Works
♦ MWRA water interconnection with Stoneham.
♦ Fall leaf collection- 10/31 114, 11/14 s- /18, 11/28-12/2.
♦ Dye testing of sewers and drains.
♦ A side benefit of the smoke testing program is the discovery of properties that are tied into
the Town sewer system but who have not been being billed. There were 30 such cases
identified this year, on top of 25 in 2009, representing an estimated annual billing of a total
of$40,000.
Town Construction projects
♦ Milling and overlay of Lowell Street, - Done.
♦ Roadway Reconstruction — Causeway Road & Hanscom Avenue. Base course completed.
Raising structures today, paving Monday.
♦ Haverhill Street Water Main: stopped for the year.
Personnel and Appointments
Fall Street Faire Committee, Human Relations Advisory Committee and Council on Agin —Ben
Tafoya noted that the VASC met and made the following recommendation
A motion by Tafoya 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:
♦ Carie Ann Torrence to one position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee
with a term expiring June 30,2014
♦ Kevin Walsh to one position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30,
2014
♦ Leslie Leahy to the Fall Street Faire Committee with a term expiring June 30,2013.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting—Town Accountant Gail LaPointe was present. She noted
that the end of FY2011 is done and all of the information has been inputted into the state's
Gateway website. She noted that every year there is an upgrade in Munis and she suggests
Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 22, 2011 —page 4
moving forward with technology. She noted the OPEB Actuarial Study is being done and she
recommends establishing a trust fund even if it is not funded right away. A one-time revenue is a
good way to fund this.
Ben Tafoya noted that in the tax classification information you can't see the actual numbers
collected. He would like to see that on the tax side, not just the assessment numbers.
Richard Schubert noted that a process is needed to replace the Town Account. Ben Tafoya and
Stephen Goldy volunteered to serve on a subcommittee.
Approval of Liquor Licenses — The Town Manager noted that the package stores have to be
closed on December 25" and 26" this year for the holiday.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the All
Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for:
♦ Reading Overseas Veterans,Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street
® _Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading, MA d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292
Grove Street
♦ Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street
e Reading Veterans' Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62,37 Ash Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2012 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws,
Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the
establishment by the Town Manager,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen approve the All
Alcoholic Package Store Liquor Licenses for:
♦ Busa's Reading Liquors,Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors,345 Main Street
e Athens Liquors,Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street
e Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag,Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors, 150 Main Street
o Reading Fine Wines LLC d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street
® Peter J. Donovan d/b/a The Wine Bunker, 128 Market Place Shopping Center, One
General Way
for a term expiring December 31, 2012 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws,
Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the
establishment by the Town Manager,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 22, 2011 —page 5
A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the All
Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for:
♦ Mandarin Reading,Inc. d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant,296 Salem Street
♦ Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri,355 Main Street
® CAC Foods,Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street
♦ Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive
s Mac Acquisition of Delaware d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook
Drive
The Boland Group III, LLC d/b/a Fuddruckers,50 Walkers Brook Drive
Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook
Drive
o RARE Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steals House, 39 Walkers
Brook Drive
♦ Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti, 601 Main Street
♦ Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyle's, 530 Main Street
♦ KOK,Inc. d/b/a Oyes,26 Walkers Brook Drive
♦ Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Sam's Bistro, 107 Main Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2012 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws,
Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the
establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen approve the Wine
and Malt Liquor License for:
• Palatat Pattenesuan d/b/a Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street
fora term expiring December 31, 2012 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws,
Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the
establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Sidewalk and Pedestrian Improvements — The Town Manager noted that the PTTTF met with
"Walkable Reading" to discuss sidewalk and pedestrian improvements. The Town Manager
reviewed the cost of pedestrian improvements: bituminous cost $27/lf equaling $75,000 for
2780/lf or .50 mile; concrete is $36/lf and 2100/If equals .40 mile; granite curb is $38/lf and
1975/if equals .37 mile. George Zambouras noted these numbers are based on six foot
sidewalks.
The Town Manager noted the Board has a policy on bituminous and concrete and basically the
core area of the town is intended to be concrete.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 22, 2011 —page 6
Ginny Blodgett asked about the longevity of concrete vs. bituminous and George Zambouras
noted concrete lasts longer. The Town Manager noted that the Town has the better ability to
repair bituminous instead of concrete.
The Town Manager noted that there is a list of staff and resident requests on page 10 of the
handout,but it is not prioritized. Stephen Goldy requested that the PTTTF weight this list.
The Town Manager indicated his request is to find out if the Selectmen want to spend.$75,000
on sidewalks/pedestrian improvements and if the Selectmen want to concentrate on new or
replacements. Camille Anthony noted that there are sidewalks with tree roots coming up through
the bituminous; below McDonald's there is no sidewalk until you get over the railroad tracks and
utility poles prevent us from plowing the Mineral Street Bridge sidewalk.
George Zambouras noted that 75% of the sidewalk on Prescott Street needs to be replaced and
the repairs are the same price as new.
The Town Manager indicated he will put together a grid and involve "Walkable Reading."
Follow Up on Traffic Issues — The Town Manager noted that Pulte is a making a $50,000
contribution towards the traffic signal at Hopkins and Main Street. He would like to ask for the
money now to start the design if the Board agrees and the consensus of the Board was yes.
The Town Manager noted that on Main Street all of the street lights have been fixed, trees have
been replaced and bike racks secured. The State still has not closed out on the project yet
because they now require 100% documentation.
The request for nighttime heavy vehicle exclusion on Washington Street has been denied. The
design for the downtown parking signs are not allowed-only the green"P" is allowed.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of November 1,2011 was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of November 8,2012 was
approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Schubert abstaining.
A motion by-Schubert seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting at 935 p.m. was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Icretary