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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 10,2012 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 Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben a Tafoya, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen John Arena and James Bonazoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Chris Loiselle, Lisa Loiselle, John Loiselle, Nadine Wandzolak, Bill Brown, Sheila Clarke, Karl Weld, Jack Russell, Maria Higgins, Michele Williams, Erin Calvo-Bacci. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Ben Tafoya noted that the Screening Committee for the Town Accountant has picked two final candidates. The Board of Selectmen will be meeting on April 21, 2012 to conduct interviews. Ben Tafoya indicated he had the office hour tonight in place of Stephen Goldy. John Arena indicated he will attend the volunteer reception event. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ The deadline for licensing dogs without penalty is March 31. The rabies clinic is 3-31 at the DPW garage from 2 PM to 4 PM—see the web site for more details. ♦ The Animal Control Appeals Committee has completed a vicious dog hearing process relative to an animal on Pearl Street, and has ordered the dog to be "permanently restrained." ♦ If any members of the Board of Selectmen want a printed copy of the general bylaw let Paula know—it is also available on the web site. ♦ Reading will host a local public administrator from Pakistan in early May. The program is a partnership of the US State Department and the MMA. ♦ The Town has been approved for participation in 2 regional grant projects by MAPC—one to establish a regional Housing Services program for administering the community's obligations on affordable housing projects, and one for preparing information on regional priority development and preservation areas. Community Services ♦ Affordable housing available—30 Haven Street, and Reading Woods. ♦ Reading Elder/Human Services is having their Volunteer Appreciation event on April 19 at Parker Middle School ♦ I have made a request for CPDC to suggest a proposed location for a signalized crossing location of Main Street, between Washington Street and Summer Avenue Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 10, 2012—page 2 Finance ♦ The Town has received notice that the RMLD Earnings Distribution payment will be increased 2.7% for FY 2013, based on the 2011 CPI. Library • April 8 is National Library Week. There will be programs about Financial Literacy—called "Money Smart." • Volunteer Appreciation—May 1. Public Safety ♦ The Police Department has a new twitter account, @readingpolice. We invite the public to follow us on twitter. ♦ Don't forget to sign up for Reading Community Alerts (RCA). This is a public notification system where the various town Departments can share non-emergency information via telephone, email or text messaging at the user's choice. ♦ The Text-a-tip program is available for use. We encourage anyone with any information they would like to share with the police department anonymously to do so via text-a-tip. It's is easy to use: ■ Open a text message ■ Address it to 847411 ■ Type READINGPD in the message box ■ Add your tip and send. ■ Just a reminder about RX Round-up. Prescription drug take-back program located in the Reading Police Department lobby. Available 24 hours a day, it allows residents to get unwanted prescription medications disposed of properly. Public Works o Compost center opened April 2"d. Check website for specific Monday, Friday, & Saturday schedules through June. o Curbside leaf collection weeks of April 9`t', and 23`d. o The MWRA is doing work on the valve system that controls water to Reading. Some water discoloration may occur over the next couple of days. The project is important to Reading because it will improve the water flows into the community, as well as to Wilmington. ♦ Safe Routes to School project. ♦ Micro-Seal in the spring — portions of: Washington Street, Hopkins Street, Charles Street. Most likely will be installing in mid May. ♦ Road Construction will begin the week of April 23. This will start with Wilson Street, parts of Pearl Street, and Belmont Street. ♦ Haverhill Street Water Main: Completing May/June; Road overlay summer 2013. ♦ The Trails Committee is looking for adult and teen volunteers to assist in building the Kurchian Woods trail. They received a grant for materials and now need volunteers to actually assist in building. ♦ Reading is completely up to date on expenditure of available sewer grant/loan opportunities for inflow/infiltration. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 10, 2012—page 3 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Public Safety Telecommunications Week — Head Dispatcher Vicky Avery, Police Chief James Cormier and Fire Chief Greg Burns were present. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the proclamation for Public Safety Telecommunications Week from April 8—April 14, 2012 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Follow-Up on Ballet School — The Town Manager noted that the applicant went out to the site with staff—he had tried to meet with the applicant the following day but they were not available. They will install four spaces onsite with stone dust — the Town needs the specs from the applicant and the builder was in today applying for a permit. i Mr. Cecere indicated they are making good progress and the contractor is working with the inspector — he needs the fire permit and record of variance. The architect is meeting next Tuesday and they will be able to work inside while doing the outside work. Stephen Goldy noted that a checklist is needed so there are no surprises at occupancy permit time. James Bonazoli asked if the new permitting system can do a checklist and Bob LeLacheur indicated it could and we are ready to go live next week internally and it will go live public in about two to three months. It was also noted that the computer won't reconcile differences between two committees. Hearing — Request for Removal of Shade Tree — 10 Parkview Road — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Chris and Lisa Loiselle, owners of 10 Parkview Road, were present. Mr. Loiselle indicated they are new residents and the Town has been very receptive to removing branches, but numerous branches keep falling and it's a nuisance. One tree on the street was removed for splitting and this tree is doing the same thing. This is a safety concern. He also noted that he planted 14 evergreens on his property. Tree Warden Bob Keating noted that the tree is a Norway Maple and it is an invasive species that the Town doesn't plant anymore. He noted that all of the trees took a beating in the October snowstorm. He feels this tree is still sound and he is reluctant to take it down unless it is truly hazardous. If he removes all the "potentially" hazardous trees there would be no trees left. John Arena asked if this tree was diseased and Bob Keating noted that the canopy still has a lot of buds, but these trees give off a lot of dead wood. There is no soft wood or rot. Richard Schubert asked Mr. Loiselle if he plans on widening his driveway and Mr. Loiselle indicated he does and he is willing to plant another tree either on his property or elsewhere. Bob Keating indicated there is no public way for the Town to plant and he would not plant in that location because it is too close to the street. Stephen Goldy asked if there was anyplace else to Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 10, 2012—page 4 plant and Bob Keating noted it would have to be the right tree in the right location. The lower flowering trees are less intrusive. Richard Schubert noted that the trees on that street are all the same age and this is an opportunity to work with the homeowner to get new trees. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing for removal of a shade tree at 10 Parkview Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Arena to approve the removal of a shade tree at 10 Parkview Road, subiect to the condition that two trees be planted with the species and location to be determined by the Tree Warden was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Boards, Committees and Commissions and Sunset Clauses — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager reviewed the proposed changes. There are five Boards, Committees and Commissions and some had sunset clauses and some didn't. The Human Relations Advisory Committee did not have a sunset clause so that will be 2015. The Advisory Committee on the Cities for Climate Protection Program is changing their name to Reading Climate Advisory Committee and changing the sunset to 2015. The Trails Committee is changing from 2013 to 2015. The Economic Development Committee and Fall Street Faire will be 2015. Richard.Schubert asked when members are reappointed if it will remain staggered or all expire in 2015. The Town Manager indicated it will continue to be staggered. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on sunset clauses for Boards, Committees and Commissions was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve amendments to the policies establishing the Human Relations Advisory Committee, the Reading Climate Advisory Committee,. the Economic Development Committee, the Reading Trails Committee and the Fall Street Faire Committee with sunset clauses expiring June 30, 2015 and changing the name of the Advisory Committee on the Cities for Climate Protection Program to Reading Climate Advisory Committee as presented was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Economic Development Committee Presentation of Downtown Improvements and Events Trust Program for 2012 — Economic Development Committee members Sheila Clarke, Ben Yoder, Michele Williams;Jack Russell, Karl Weld and Meaghan Young Tafoya were present. Ben Yoder noted that this is the 5th Anniversary of the Economic Development Committee. They have implemented phase one of the wayfinding and branding strategy; established the building fagade improvement program and implemented the streetscape improvement projects including the baskets, banners and bows. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 10, 2012—page 5 Michele Williams reviewed the DIET. She noted that the Fall Street Faire is the biggest contributor and the largest user of the funds for the streetscape improvements. The Faire brought in $49,000 and cost $28,000. That left $21,000 in funds in the DIET and $10,000 was used for the building fagade program and $9100 for watering the flowers. She indicated they need a person independent from staff to review revenue and expense reports. They would also like to change their year end date to December 31 to better watch the activity of the Faire because with a June 30 end date there are two Faires overlapping in one year. She also suggests cutting off vendor registration on August 1 and payment by August 15. Sheila Clarke noted that they have a Peer to Peer Grant and they are waiting for the report from the consultant. They also applied for a grant for retail visioning program. Stephen Goldy suggested revisiting the Economic Development Committee policy during a workshop meeting after we get the report from the Peer to Peer consultant. He also suggested inviting CPDC to the workshop. } Jack Russell noted that the Downtown Steering Committee is still in existence because it takes a Supreme decision to go out of business, but once they receive the decree they have $12,000 to add to the DIET. Hearing — Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Bob LeLacheur noted that the MWRA kept rates low during difficult times but that has ended. Water and sewer total $5.8 million and if we exclude $550,000 from reserves then it is an 8.1% increase. Sewer alone is 6.8% increase. Richard Schubert asked if the MWRA is refinancing to get lower rates and Bob LeLacheur noted that they are rearranging some of their debt services, cutting back on capital and eliminating some positions. Bob LeLacheur noted that he used a four year average of 725,000 hcf for the FYI 2 budget and the MWRA bills us for what was used in CY11. The impact of conservation is greater than anyone thought. The projected revenue deficit for water is $204,269 and sewer is the same multitude. Bob LeLacheur noted there is $1.2 million in each reserve and if we use $200,000 from each then each will be left with $1 million in the reserves. He also suggested slowing down capital projects that could wait. Peter Tassi noted that the state standard is 65 gallons per person per day (gpppd) and Reading's current is 47gpppd. The Town Manager noted that if the Town doesn't start replacing sewer pump stations then we will have a crisis down the road. Ben Tafoya asked about the capital plan for.water and sewer in FY13 and FY14. The Town Manager noted that the truck and Ivy loop could be moved to 2014 if we need to. The $56,000 hydraulic study has to be done. The Town Manager also noted that the DEP wants the Town to Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 10, 2012—page 6 abandon our well fields and give up our water registration to keep the river flow healthy, but that will be discussed at a future upcoming meeting. The consensus of the Board was to move out the Ivy loop to FY2014 but to keep the truck in FY2013. Ben Tafoya asked if the Board had an interest in allowing second water meters and the Town Manager indicated that the rates are low for people with second water meters and everyone else pays a higher bill to make up the difference. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on setting the FY13 water, sewer and storm water rates was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Arena seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen set the FY 2013 Water Rate at $8.96 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $17.92 effective with the August 2012 billing was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Arena seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen set the FY 2013 Sewer Rate at $9.80 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $19.60 effective with the August, 2012 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Arena seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen set the Storm Water Rate at $40 per unit (3210 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the August,2012 billing was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Preview Town Meeting Warrant—The Town Manager reviewed the Town Meeting Articles. Ben Tafoya noted that Reading Coop Bank raised concerns regarding Article 16, but the Board has not heard from anyone else. Stephen Goldy noted that the Town has talked about a parking garage in that lot and the Town Manager noted that this is a one time opportunity to get two way access from Haven Street. The Town Manager noted that Article 21 is a petition Article and the response from Town Counsel is on page 34 of the handout. He noted that the terms are confusing and the Bylaw should be re-crafted so it is easier to understand. The Bylaw Committee suggests modifications that Town Counsel approves. Mark Cardono noted that there is nothing in the Bylaw regarding adding inventory but there is about potentially significant structures. Erin Calvo-Bacci noted that where it should be placed in the Bylaw is the question. Should the appeal to the Board of Selectmen be when properties are added to the inventory is what needs to be clear and concise. She also noted that the Historical Commission is not in favor of having an appeal in the Bylaw. The Selectmen decided to form a working group consisting of Richard Schubert, John Arena, two Historical Commission members and the petitioner to rewrite the Bylaw and Ms. Calvo- Bacci will postpone the Article until November Town Meeting. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 10, 2012—page 7 A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen recommend the subject matter of Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20 and 22 by a vote of 5-0-0. Schedule Site Walk — Birch Meadow "Tennis Court Baseball Field" — The consensus of the Board was to schedule the site visit for April 26 at 6:00 p.m. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submi ed, Secretary