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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 19, 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 Vice Chairman Ben 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: Thomas J. Ryan, Bill Brown, Nadine Wandzilak, Joanne Senders, Erin Calvo-Bacci, David Tuttle, Charlie Adams, Gina Snyder, Virginia and Everett Blodgett, Virginia Adams, Angela Binda, and John Weston. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — John Arena noted he attended the Economic Development Committee meeting to listen to the Peer to Peer review but there was an issue of a car accident that day so the report was incomplete. Richard Schubert noted that Friends and Family Day was great; the bike racks at the south side of the Depot are filled to the brim; and he informed Gina Snyder that Sturges Park is one location to have a rain garden. James Bonazoli noted that there was a great turnout at Friends and Family Day. He attended the School Committee meeting regarding the need for more school space; he received four or five calls asking the Board of Selectmen to reconsider their vote on the ball field at the last meeting. Ben Tafoya indicated he received the same calls and suggested waiting a while instead of revisiting the issue right away. He also noted there was a great turnout for the Friends and Family Day and he noted that the Fall Street Faire Committee can always use volunteers. Public Comment— Thomas J. Ryan was present and noted that the comments at the joint meeting with the Board of Assessors were a move to discredit the Board members. Town Manager's/Assistant Town Manager's Report — the Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters Friends and Family Day was June 16; there is a vacancy on the Reading Municipal Light Board; the Reading Fall Street Faire is September 9; we are in need of money to complete the conversion of our holiday light display (expanded by 6 additional trees) to LED Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012 —page 2 lights. We need 500+ strings of lights at an average of$11 per string. Donations can be made to the Town of Reading with a note that they are for"holiday lights." Community Services There is a free clinic for Tetanus/Whooping Cough vaccine for residents 65+ on June 26, from 4:00 — 6:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. There are three online surveys at www.readingma.gov for housing, Town Forest and Open Space and Recreation. Violation letters to licensees who are in violation of sign bylaws will go out this week, giving licensees about six months to correct violations prior to this affecting their relicensing this fall. An Everbridge call from Elder Services went out regarding heat concerns. Finance We have met with officials from Wakefield about contracting for the services of a "Head Appraiser" for the next 18 months and we are drafting an Interlocal Services Agreement to cover that time, with a review of the process in December 2012 after the Patriot Properties conversion and setting of the tax rate. We would expect to have that agreement ready for Board of Selectmen action on 7-10-12. Public Works Street paving work - Pearl Street, Belmont Street, Wilson Street, Track Road, Norman Road, California Road, William Road, Kiernan Road, Susan Drive, Sandra Lane, Joseph Way. Microseal work —Washington Street, Lowell Street, Hopkins Street, Charles Street, upper Lowell Street and Causeway Road. Utilities — Haverhill Street water main replacement; Howard Street water main; "Poet's Corner" sewer main; Lewis Street sewer main. Personnel and Appointments Fall Street Faire Committee — James Bonazoli recused himself since the applicant is his sister. The Board interviewed Sheila Mulroy for one position on the Fall Street Faire Committee. A motion by Schubert seconded by Arena to appoint Sheila Mulroy to a position on the Fall Street Faire Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Appointments of Boards, Committees and Commissions — Ben Tafoya noted that he and James Bonazoli met several times to interview candidates and they are recommending two new ZBA members, a new CPDC member, two new Council on Aging members, three new Cultural Council members, two new Human Relations Advisory Committee members and a new Town Forest member. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012 —page 3 Richard Schubert noted it would be helpful to have the applications for the new applicants in the packet. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen confirm the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee's recommendations to the Board of Selectmen for the appointment and/or reappointment of the following members to various Boards, Committees and Commissions for terms beginning July 1, 2012 as listed below: Position Appointment Term ending Animal Control Appeals Com. James Bonazoli 6-30-15 Audit Committee Stephen Herrick 6-30-15 Board of Appeals Robert Redfern 6-30-15 David Traniello 6-30-15 Kathleen Hackett 6-30-14 Board of Appeals (Associate) John Miles 6-30-14 Board of Cemetery Trustees Mary Vincent 6-30-15 William Brown 6-30-15 Board of Health Barbara Meade 6-30-15 Board of Registrars Gloria Hulse 6-30-15 Celebrations Committee Kurt Habel 6-30-15 Climate Advisory Committee Ray Porter 6-30-15 Joan Boegel 6-30-15 Climate Adv. Com. (Associates) Michele Benson 6-30-13 Gina Snyder 6-30-13 Laurie Ann Sylvia 6-30-13 Commissioners of Trust Funds Neil Cohen 6-30-15 CPDC Jeffrey Hansen 6-30-15 CPDC (Associate) George Katsoufis 6-30-13 Conservation Commission Barbara Stewart 6-30-15 Brian Sullivan 6-30-15 Brian Tucker 6-30-15 Constable Thomas Freeman 6-30-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012 —page 4 Council on Aging Margaret Havey 6-30-15 Erica Lynne Deane 6-30-15 Thomas Procopio 6-30-15 Prabha Sankaran 6-30-15 Cultural Council Lynne Cassinari 6-30-15 Nancy Snow 6-30-15 Jacalyn Wallace 6-30-13 Eileen Collins 6-30-14 Economic Development Comm. George Rio 6-30-15 EDC (Associates) Camille Anthony 6-30-13 John Russell 6-30-13 Maria Higgins 6-30-13 Karl Weld 6-30-13 Michelle Ferullo 6-30-13 Fall Street Faire Committee Stephen Goldy 6-30-15 Sheila Mulroy 6-30-13 Fall Street Faire Committee (Associate) Denise Benard 6-30-13 Historical Commission Sharlene Reynolds Santo 6-30-15 6-30-15 Historical Commission (Associate) Nancy Kohl 6-30-13 Virginia Adams 6-30-13 Housing Authority Mary Connors 6-30-17 Human Relation Adv. Com Monique Pillow Gnanarantnam 6-30-15 Prabha Sankaran 6-30-15 Jacalyn Wallace 6-30-13 HRAC (Associate) Robin Decker 6-30-13 RCTV Board of Directors Kevin Walsh 6-30-15 Recreation Committee Eric Hughes 6-30-15 Mary Ellen Stolecki 6-30-15 Nancy Linn Swain 6-30-15 Recreation Committee (Associate) Joseph Rossetti 6-30-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012=page 5 Town Forest Committee Richard Wetzler 6-30-15 Terrence Selle 6-30-15 Town Forest Committee (Assoc.) Louis DeBrigard 6-30-13 Tom Gardner 6-30-13 Trails Committee Tom Gardiner 6-30-15 6-30-15 Trails Committee (Associate) John Parsons 6-30-13 VASC Richard Schubert 6-30-13 John Arena 6-30-13 West Street Historic District Commission Priscilla Poehler 6-30-15 Virginia Adams 6-30-15 West St. Hist. Dist. Comm (Associate) Ilene Bornstein 6-30-13 The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe and newly appointed Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom were present. Gail LaPointe noted that the upgrade to Munis went smoothly—we are focusing on the billing feature. The OPEB account was funded at Town Meeting. She will help Sharon with the year end close out. The Board thanked Gail for all of her hard work. Meet with Community Planning and Development Commission, Economic Development Commission and Conservation Commission re: MAPC Presentation on Priority Mapping — John Weston called the CPDC to order. The Town Manager noted this is the first presentation to the community. Jennifer Erickson from the MAPC noted that the North Suburban Planning Council (NSPC) is composed of eight towns and one city in the northern part of greater Boston. A representative from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development was present and noted that this gives the community an opportunity to identify promising places for growth and preservation which helps with prompt and predictable zoning and permitting. The Northshore Regional Strategic Planning Project creates a shared framework and awareness. The Town Manager reviewed the extensive list of Priority Development Areas; Priority Preservation Areas; Significant Transportation Investments and Significant Infrastructure Investments. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012 —page 6 Richard Schubert noted this is a useful tool and the interchange project needs to be included. John Arena asked if there are projects in surrounding communities that affect Reading and Ms. Erickson indicated the interchange project. Ben Tafoya noted that the Wakefield housing projects are literally right over the line. CPDC member David Tuttle noted that the interchange and highways are barriers to non- vehicular activity and it would be nice to have a bridge for those modes of transportation. CPDC member Charlie Adams asked if the report will include tools to help us achieve our goals and Ms. Erickson noted that she works with funding sources that could help. The Town Manager gave the maps to CPDC and indicated we will be meeting again. A motion by Charlie Adams seconded by John Weston that the CPDC adiourn their meeting at 9:10 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Review Process for Demolition Delay Bylaw Review — Richard Schubert noted that the Board instructed the Town Manager to put together a working group but the Town Manager suggests revising the processes. The Town Manager noted that he recommends an open process that he facilitates because there have been complaints about people being excluded. He will collect suggestions, input and thoughts and take all of that back to the Board with a draft bylaw at their August 7 meeting. Nancy Kohl, Associate Member of the Historical Commission, noted that an amended bylaw was sent to the Board of Selectmen and there were only a couple of issues to work out. She feels the group should be allowed to present. The Town Manager noted that the terms are difficult and it is a confusing bylaw that the general public doesn't understand. Virginia Adams noted that the draft that the Commission sent to the Selectmen clarified a lot of definitions. She also feels that looking at other communities will be long and cumbersome. Roberta Sullivan asked what the two issues were. The Town Manager noted — #1 is property being put on the inventory and not being able to opt out and; #2 the ability to appeal the demolition delay. John Arena noted that there have been two years of discussion on this bylaw and he supports the proposal to reformat. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012 —page 7 The consensus of the Board was to keep the working group and add one more member who has been subject to the conditions imposed by the bylaw. Approve Amendments to Town Manager's Employment Agreement - Ben Tafoya noted that he and John Arena met with Gary Brackett and drafted this language as follows: 1. Severance Pay — He will receive three months salary at retirement and the numbers are based on assumption of budgeted salary. 2. Vacation Time — He will receive five weeks prorated for next year which is equal to 78 hours. 3. The Town Manager waives the right to sick leave payment. 4. The Town Manager waives compensatory time. 5. The Town Manager requests indemnification of any legal issues. 6. The Town Manager will assist in the transition of a new Town Manager. John Arena asked if severance works into retirement pay and Bob LeLacheur indicated it does not. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the amendments to the Town Manager's contract with severance pay of$35,000 based on an annual salary of$140,000 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Establish Town Manager's Salary FYI — Richard Schubert noted that $140,000 is higher than the 2% budgeted. It acknowledges professionalism of Peter Hechenbleikner and this amount fulfills the reality of what the Town will have to pay a new Town Manager. He had Carol Roberts research what other towns pay and Burlington pays their Town Manager $160,000; Winchester $150,000 and Belmont is hiring between $140,000 and $160,000. John Arena indicated he struggles with that amount and feels a disconnect of what we do now and what happens in the future. He feels Mr. Hechenbleikner has done a competent job but the question is what was done at the Annual Town Meeting. James Bonazoli indicated he agrees with Selectmen Tafoya and Schubert and noted that the Selectmen always felt that Mr. Hechenbleikner was underpaid. He would like to get him where he should be and he doesn't think we will be paying a new Town Manager that amount of money because we won't get anyone with his tenure. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to establish the Town Manager's salary for FY2013 at$140,000 was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with Arena opposed. Review 2012 Goals—This item was postponed. Authorize Sale of Land — Ben Tafoya indicated he will vote against this because the Town will be losing money and the Town needs green space. He feels the Town is already absorbing a significant amount of housing. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19, 2012 —page_8 James Bonazoli noted that a lot could be done with the money in the Sale of Real Estate Fund. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Manager to negotiate the sale of two 3700 +/- square foot "assemblage" parcels at the intersection of Pearl Street and Audubon Road shown as parcels 1 and 2 on a may entitled "Proposed ANR Plan Pearl Street" by the Town of Reading Massachusetts Department of Public Works dated November 1, 2011, subiect to the following minimum bid price and conditions: ♦ Minimum Bid price- $7400 each; ♦ Sold only to an abutter; ♦ Negotiated sale with each abutter; ♦ Closing—60 days, subject to extension by the Town for good cause; ♦ Offered in "as is" condition; ♦ Subiect to noted utility easement; ♦ Parcel to be re-deeded to be attached to primary parcel, at the expense of the buyer; ♦ Buyer pays all closing costs and real estate transfer tax, except the Town's legal costs. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Manager to arrange for the bid for sale pursuant to Chapter 30b regulations, the sale of one 17,800 +/-square foot parcel at the intersection of Pearl Street and Audubon Road shown as Parcel 3 on a map entitled "Proposed ANR Plan Pearl Street" by the Town of Reading Massachusetts Department of Public Works dated November 1, 2011, subiect to the following minimum bid price and conditions: ♦ Minimum Bid price - $200,000; ♦ Closing—90 days, subject to extension by the Town for good cause; ♦ Offered in "as is" condition; ♦ Subiect to noted utility easement; ♦ Use restricted to one single family home and appurtenant structures ,with no further subdivision of the parcel; ♦ Use will exclude application of the parcel as a 40B development; ♦ Driveway access only from Audubon Road; ♦ Buyer pays all closing costs and real estate transfer tax, except Town's legal costs. The motion failed by a vote of 2-2-0 with Shubert and Tafova opposed. The Town Manager noted that he has a meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 12 to get a variance on a Lothrop Road property. Review Changes to Economic Development Committee Policy — This item will be rescheduled. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 19 2012—page 9 Review Draft of Board of Selectmen "Vision' Statements — This item will be rescheduled. Driveway Variance Request— 51 Edgemont Avenue—The Town Manager noted that the driveway is 29 feet and the maximum the Town allows is 24 feet. James Bonazoli noted that the pavement to the left must go to grass. Ben Tafoya asked that the issue of driveway variances be put on a future agenda. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve a variance for the Town of Reading driveway regulations to permit a curb cut width of 29 feet at 51 Edgemont Avenue was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with Schubert opposed. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of April 24 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of May 8, 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Executive Session minutes of April 24, 2012 as written was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Arena seconded by Schubert to adiourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, YW Secretary