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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting July 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 Tafoya, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectman John Arena, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Joanne Senders, Lorraine Horn, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Aron Wynette, Mark Reserve and Betsy Shea. Executive Session Real Estate — A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to go into Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property at 136 Haven Street, and that the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the body and to reconvene in Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:35 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — John Arena indicated he is working on the Demolition Delay Group and it is working well. Stephen Goldy noted that the State Representatives took a bus full of seniors to the State House. Bill Brown gave him suggestions on sale of real estate including changing the zoning for the Oakland Road parcel and maintaining the right of way on Lothrop Road. Mr. Goldy noted that this agenda item is being rescheduled for when there is a full Board. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Volunteers still needed — ZBA, Bylaw Committee, Finance Commission, and Trails Committee. ♦ I have included in your material the semi-annual customer service survey results. Through the end of June we had 59 forms submitted. Customer satisfaction was very high—98% rated good or excellent—the vast majority excellent. It is my intent to report the results to the Board of Selectmen annually from here on in, unless a customer service problem surfaces. ♦ Demolition Delay Bylaw Working Group is still meeting. ♦ The Town's home rule petition regarding the water and sewer easements between Belmont Street and Ivy Drive has passed the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10, 2012—page 2 Community Services ♦ FREE Clinic for seniors - Tetanus/Whooping Cough vaccine—went very well. ♦ The ZBA and CPDC held a joint hearing on an application by Home Depot. I will want to survey participants and see how they feel it went. ♦ You have received material from the National Association of Tobacco Outlets regarding the Board of Health's approval of new tobacco regulations which are consistent with many such regulations in Massachusetts including those in Melrose and Wakefield. ♦ The Farmers Market is now open at the depot on Tuesday afternoon/evening. ♦ The staff kick-off of the Retail Visioning program is Thursday afternoon, with the public part of the program — a community workshop — on September 12, from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Individual consultations will be solicited following that workshop program. Public Safety ■ Everbridge issues with Comcast. ■ Fire truck fire. ■ Licensing of Parking Garages—30 Haven Street on July 24; others in August. Public Works Street Paving • Pearl Street, Belmont Street, Wilson Street, Track Road,Norman Road, and California Road. • William Road, Kieran Road, Susan Drive, Sandra Lane, Joseph Way. • Microseal —Washington Street, Lowell Street, Hopkins Street, Charles Street. • Upper Lowell Street and Causeway Road (by state). • Blueberry Lane (All)— scheduled to pave on Monday 7/9. • Mill Street (Old Sanborn Lane to Short Street) - scheduled to pave on Monday 7/9. • Short Street (All) - scheduled to pave on Monday 7/9. • Bancroft Avenue (Woburn Street to Middlesex Avenue) -scheduled to pave on Tuesday 7/10. • Copeland Avenue (All) - scheduled to pave on Tuesday 7/10. • Evergreen Road (All)—paving not scheduled as of this date. • Susan Drive (All)—paving not scheduled as of this date. • Willow Street—Lowell Street westward 1,200 feet. • Additional roads this year: Oakland Road (next summer), Boswell Road, Main Street, Washington Street to RR, Pleasant Street, Manning Street to end, Garret Street, Irving Street. Curbing/Sidewalk ♦ Edgemont Avenue—almost complete. ♦ Haven Street— Starts in 2-3 weeks. ♦ Mineral Street—RMLD getting access rights addressed. Utilities ♦ Haverhill Street water main replacement. ♦ Howard Street water main. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10, 2012—page 3 ♦ "Poet's Corner" sewer main. ♦ Lewis Street Sewer main—reauthorize funding next fall. Reading Fall Street Faire will be held on September 9. We are in need of money to complete the conversion of our holiday light display (expanded by 6 trees) to LED 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." Assistant Town Manager's Report — Bob LeLacheur noted that the water bills are due on Monday to be eligible for the discount. The Assessors RFP was inadequate so a second RFP was issued. All the work can be done as scheduled and there should be adequate funding. Also there has been $650,000 in state aid funding added to our base. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Recognition of Board, Committee and Commission Members who are Retiring and Served More than Five Years — Stephen Goldy thanked the retiring Committee members for their service. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Marguerite Bosnian for serving six years on the Council on Aging was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Lorraine Horn for serving six years on the Cultural Council was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Victoria Schubert for serving six years on the Cultural Council was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Charles McDonald for serving nine years on the Human Relations Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Appointment of Reading Municipal Light Board Member — Light Board members Phil Pacino, Marsie West, Robert Soli and Gina Snyder were present and called their meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. It was noted that this is a joint meeting of the Reading Municipal Light Board and Board of Selectmen to fill an opening midterm due to Mary Ellen O'Neill's resignation. The Town Manager noted there are three applicants and five votes are needed to win. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10, 2012—page 4 Applicant John Stempeck noted that he is a 30 year resident and he spent time on the Community Planning and Development Commission and worked on the I93/I95 project. He does consulting work and has followed the Reading Municipal Light Board and feels it is a good fiscally run organization. He noted that his work experience lends itself to qualify him for the position. Phil Pacino asked how he felt about renewable energy and Mr. Stempeck indicated he would buy fossil fuel but still invest in renewable energy. John Arena asked how he weighed the options on REC's and Mr. Stempeck indicated that we have to be fiscally responsible and noted that Germany invested in solar energy for 10 years and when they stopped investing it bottomed out. Gina Snyder noted that the average electric bill in Reading is $94 per month and asked how he would reduce it. Mr. Stempeck noted there is a savings by going to off hours and he also suggested subsidizing an LED lighting program. Richard Schubert asked if he will run for election in the spring and Mr. Stempeck indicated he will. Robert Soli noted there are 20 meetings per year and asked if Mr. Stempeck can fit those into his schedule and Mr. Stempeck indicated he could. Marsie West asked how he would make the biggest impact and Mr. Stempeck noted he has a strong analysis background. Applicant David Talbot noted that he is a 14 year resident and a technology journalist who works at MIT. He has been to research labs, including Germany, and he has also been a news reporter. He would suggest giving better analytical data on the bill. He also suggests finding and promoting new communication strategies because only a couple of hundred residents are using time use. Phil Pacino asked how he felt about renewable energy moving forward and Mr. Talbot indicated to go all in as feasible. Marsie West asked his position on REC's and Mr. Talbot indicated a couple of weeks ago he felt we should have kept them but he would need to see the balance. Gina Snyder asked him how he would reduce the average bill of $94 per month and Mr. Talbot indicated he would promote demand reduction. Robert Soli asked about his work schedule and Mr. Talbot indicated he has children and a job but still has time, but not as much as Mr. Stempeck. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10, 2012—page 5 Richard Schubert asked what kind of strategies he would use as a Light Board member and Mr. Talbot suggested getting more involved with the schools, the website, I-phones and best use practices. Applicant John Carpenter indicated he served on the School Committee, Town Meeting, and the RCTV Board of Directors which meet on Tuesdays so there is no conflict. He's been volunteering since 1985. His day job evolved into project management and he is working as a contractor at Hanscom Air Force Base. He would focus on how to do things more efficiently, advocate for stakeholders and consumers, encourage more input from customers, and evaluate if we can recover from terrorist attacks, storms, etc. John Arena asked what the largest single challenge was that the RMLD faces. Mr. Carpenter indicated it was smart use of technology and also nuances on how to conserve. Phil Pacino asked about renewable energy and Mr. Carpenter indicated that he likes it and it promotes conservation. Richard Schubert asked if he plans on running for election and Mr. Carpenter indicated most likely. Gina Snyder asked Mr. Carpenter how he would reduce the average monthly bill and Mr. Carpenter noted that RMLD rates are already low so he would suggest technology, conservation, and outreach. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen and Reading Municipal Light Board, acting as a committee of the whole, place the following names into nomination for one position on the Reading Municipal Light Board for a term expiring upon the conclusion of the Town Election scheduled for April 2, 2013: John Carpenter, John Stempeck and David Talbot. Mr. Stempeck received six votes and Mr. Talbot received two so Mr. Stempeck was appointed to the position. A motion by West seconded by Snyder for the Light Board to adiourn at 8:47 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Confirming Causeway Road Betterments — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted the project is complete. The estimate was $230,000 and the final cost is $130,000. The highest estimated assessment was originally $22,000 but now $8,600 is the highest assessment. The interest rate is the Town's borrowing rate for up to 20 years. John Arena asked who pays if the building is sold and Bob LeLacheur noted that the assessment goes with the property. Joe Curto, 81 Causeway Road, indicated that this is a public road and he feels that he should not have to pay for betterments. He will go to court if he has to pay for betterments. Stephen Goldy noted that this road is listed as a private way. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10, 2012—page 6 Fred Livingstone, 52 Causeway Road, complimented the employees in Engineering and Public Works on the great job they did. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on confirming the Causeway Road betterments was approved by a vote of 4-0- 0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen confirm the betterments for the improvement of Causeway Road at a total cost of$129,705.25 with the assessments apportioned as follows among the benefitting property owners and at the rate of interest on unpaid balances of 3.97% per annum for a maximum term of up to 20 years• CAUSEWAY ROAD BETTERMENT ASSESSMENTS—July 10, 2012 Taking No. MAP PARCEL ADDRESS FRONTAGE ASSESSMENT T-15 31 1 (RMLD) 30.80 $ 2,069.67 T-12 31 2 31 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 60.64 $ 4,074.83 T-11 31 3 33 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 60.53 $ 4,067.44 T-13 25 57 (RMLD) 221.28 $ 14,869.38 T-13 31 4 (RMLD) 179.30 $ 12,048.45 T-14 31 5 (TOWN) 169.19 $ 11,369.08 T-6 25 46 80 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 129.20 $ 8,681.87 T-7 25 47 74 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-8 25 48 66 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-9 25 49 60 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-10 25 50 52 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 126.47 $ 8,498.42 T-5 25 51 53 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-4 25 52 61 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-3 25 53 65 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-2 25 54 73 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 120.00 $ 8,063.66 T-1 25 55 81 Causeway Rd, Reading, MA 112.81 $ 7,580.51 $ 129,705.25 Total private road frontage 1930.22 feet Final construction cost for the private section of roadway = $ 129,705.25 cost per linear foot= $ 67.20 Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10, 2012—page 7 The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Presentation of Draft Report on Saugus and Aberjona Rivers Drainage Study — Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that AECOM did the study of the Aberjona and Saugus River Drainage Study. Aron Wynette, Mark Reserve and Betsy Shea from AECOM were present. Staff has not reviewed it yet. Mark Reserve noted that they did a site walk and identified problem areas. There are issues of deteriorating structures. There are two issues in area 1 — the bridges on Track Road are not in good shape and should be closed, replaced or left as is. Also, the beaver dam was removed last October and the beaver population needs to be maintained. Aron Wynette noted that on Bolton Street there are three properties with an open channel. This is a safety concern because it has deteriorated. The channels could be covered and landscaped or a footbridge could be provided. He recommends covering the channel which will provide residents with full access to all of their property. Mr. Wynette noted in area 3 in the Sunnyside area he proposes to increase the size of the pipes and put in a control gage to prevent an increase in flows downstream. At Minot Street at Main Street he recommends a similar solution or just divert the flow to the wetland area and there will be no downstream impact. In area 4 on Whittier Road he recommends improving the conveyance of capacity of the culverts. The Board members indicated that a lot of time has been spent on Whittier Road flooding issues and any help would be appreciated. Mr. Wynette suggested mitigating flooding in the Bond Street area by offering a channel . release instead of flooding backyards. Richard Schubert asked how old some of the deteriorating structures are and it was noted 1936. Mr. Schubert asked if there is a broader model that covers the impact on towns downstream. George Zambouras noted that the Saugus River is being blocked downstream. Bill Brown noted that the Town of Reading owns the Aberjona up to a certain street in Wakefield. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Wakefield for Tax Assessment Services — Bob LeLacheur noted that the agreement is for 18 months to share the current Assessor Director in Wakefield 50150 and there is a clause to opt out if it is not working. This is similar to the health agreement and the Appraiser is confident that half time is enough time to get the job done. The Town Manager noted that this will need a vote of Town Meeting. He also noted that the Board of Assessors does not approve of the purchase of service. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 10 2012—page 8 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the Inter Municipal Agreement Between the Town of Reading and the Town of Wakefield for the services of a Director of the Assessing Department as presented was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Authorize the Sale of Land—This will be rescheduled when there is a full Board present. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of May 22, 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary