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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 18, 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, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested persons: Gina Snyder, Everett and Virginia Blodgett, Charlie Adams, Jean Delios, and David Tuttle. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — John Arena noted that he went to Zinga's twice over the weekend and they're doing a great business. James Bonazoli noted that the Sturgis Park Planning Committee went before the Conservation Commission and they want to do a site visit. Their next meeting is in October and they hope to come before the Selectmen by the end of the year. Birch Meadow was a very active area all weekend. The Imagination Station site was full of parked cars. Kudos to John Feudo for doing a great job. Ben Tafoya noted that he is working on reconciliation of the Fall Street Faire. CPDC is holding a hearing on Monday night regarding medical marijuana facilities. James Bonazoli noted there was a roll over accident on Cape Cod Avenue and a neighbor said this is about the 4th time this has happened there. The Town Manager indicated he will look into it. Discussion/Action Items Follow Up on MAPC Mapping Project with CPDC Conservation Commission, Economic Development Committee Climate Advisory Committee and Staff— The Town Manager noted that the MAPC is doing a project map of priority areas. Staff met and a presentation was made to the Board of Selectmen. We now need to funnel down the regional plan to the community so the Town Manager reviewed the list as follows: #1. The downtown is a prime development area and we could possibly extend the 40R zoning. #2. We could consider mixed use on south Main Street. Richard Schubert suggested reconfiguring south Main Street for pedestrians and bike paths. Perhaps two lanes with a center turn. Board of Selectmen Minutes — September 18, 2012—page 2 Ben Tafoya suggested asking the state to make it a local road, otherwise the state makes all the decisions. Jack Russell noted that would mean extra maintenance and be a financial burden but if having control will get a light at Hopkins Street it's worth it. Charlie Adams, Chairman of CPDC, noted it would be good to bury the utility lines on south Main Street. The Town Manager noted that the community would have to vote to surcharge the utility bills to fund it. 93. The RMLD district has derelict buildings, dirt roads and is unsightly. It is zoned for industrial use, maybe we need to change the zoning. Ben Tafoya suggested asking CPDC to come up with a plan. Gina Snyder noted there is a historic structure (old power plant) next to the RMLD that could be a community place. Meaghan Young indicated she liked Gina's suggestion. Jamie Maughan noted that parcel 5 has wetlands and a 100 foot setback. Richard Schubert noted it would be nice to have alternative access from Ash Street to Main Street. #4. The Fraen site has a stream, a factory building, 9 acres of wetlands and 18 acres that is being marketed. There is a developer interested in going into that area. 95. Keurig is leaving Reading. #6. Haverhill Street—the desire is to add a bike lane. #7. Camp Curtis Guild — we tried to get them to put a state office there but they have no master plan for the site. We have an excellent relationship with the National Guard. Ben Tafoya suggested contacting the Governor to get them to do a master plan. Jamie Maughan noted that they come before the Conservation Commission a lot and they are good to work with. #8. Two parcels are owned by Zanni. Charlie Adams asked how we would go about getting the money for property like that and the Town Manager indicated it depended on the price. We could package whatever we could but Reading does not have the Community Preservation Act Fund. 49. Meadowbrook Golf Club — The Town Manager noted if this ever comes up for sale then the Town should consider buying it. #10. Chapter 61 land used as a tree farm. 911. Home Goods —could be redeveloped for a better use. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 18, 2012 —page 3 #12. Camp Rice Moody is a nice site and building. The Town Manager noted that the MBTA is planning on widening to double rails. Richard Schubert indicated he didn't want to lose the 128/I95 plans and indicated this needs to be flagged. Jean Delios noted that the footnotes call out for a bike/pedestrian master plan. Gina Snyder noted that if the sewer easements were better maintained they would be good walking paths. Review Presentation on Healthy Communities with CPDC Conservation Commission, Economic Development Committee Climate Advisory Committee Board of Health, Walkable Reading and Staff — Health Director Ruth Clay noted that Mark Fenton, Engineer, works to get people out and about. Reading received a $8,700 Mass in Motion grant. Staff walked the square with Mark Fenton and took pictures. Ms. Clay played a video of Mark Fenton's presentation highlighting areas such as remote drop off for schools; safe routes to school; painted crosswalks; healthy foods, and changing Town policies. Conservation Commission member Jamie Maughan announced that the Conservation Commission is having their public hearing on the Wetland Regulations on October 16 and all of the Boards, Committees and Commissions are invited. Ben Tafoya spoke about the proposed bus shelter on Walkers Brook Drive. He noted that the Town right of way is not enough room to put the shelter and the property owner said no. We are currently waiting for an answer from Keurig. Jamie Maughan noted that is riverfront property but the Conservation Commission will work with the Town. Annika Scanlon noted she read an article about the least healthy city where the mayor gained 20 pounds. He changed his diet, set up more parks, and created more walk friendly areas and the city saw a reduction in unemployment. John Arena noted that the Town needs to come up with a plan for what to do with properties if they come up for sale. The Town Manager indicated that the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan is being updated. Review Application for Amplified Sound at Flag Football Events — Jim Murphy noted that he launched a program for over 200 children at Birch Meadow for flag football. The event is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and he is hoping to continue for seven weeks and have a DJ. They will not be there past 7:30 p.m. John Arena indicated he had no problem with it as long as it wasn't too loud. James Bonazoli indicated they need to be vigilant regarding the volume and the time slot is also key. He feels the music is not the key component. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 18, 2012—page4 It was noted that the Recreation Administrator requests that the amplifiers be oriented away from the residential area on Whittier Road. Richard Schubert indicated this needs a public hearing with the abutters being notified. He noted that constant music is different than just announcements. Jim Murphy indicated he will not hire a DJ just to do announcements. Carl McFadden indicated they are trying to create a fun atmosphere for the kids. The Town Manager will schedule a hearing and notify abutters within 300 feet. Review/Approve Application for Sidewalk Dining — Zinga — 50 Haven Street — Owner Mr. Gauthier was present. The Town Manager noted that Zinga applied for outdoor dining. Staff has reviewed the request and he has shared the draft motion with the owner. We will need a map with dimensions and a certificate of insurance. There is seating for 6 on the Oak Tree property so this request is for the other 15 seats. There will be no tables, chairs or trash on the brick banded area. Mr. Gauthier noted that they also plan on getting umbrellas. The Town Manager indicated he needs to speak with him first before purchasing the umbrellas. A motion by Schubert seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the issuance of a license for the use of the public sidewalk in front of 50 Haven Street for outdoor dining, pursuant to Section 3.10 —Licenses for Utilizing Public Sidewalks for Outdoor Dining of the Selectmen's policies and in accordance with the application filed 9-10-12. The license is valid through October 31, 2012, and is subject to the following conditions: 1. A revised map shall be submitted showing the dimensions of the area to be licensed; 2. Table, chairs and rubbish barrels will not be permitted to be located on the brick paved areas; 3. The licensee shall provide, maintain, and empty as needed, outdoor trash receptacles during the times that the licensed premises are open for business. All trash receptacles shall be covered and trash removed nightly. The location of rubbish (and recycling if appropriate) bins and an operations plan shall be approved by the Public Health Administrator, and the locations of bins shall be shown on the plan; 4. The licensee shall be responsible for keeping the portion of the sidewalk subject to an Outdoor Dining License clean and free of dirt, dust, and other debris. In addition, the Outdoor Dining Licensee shall be responsible for preventing and/or cleaning up litter from the licensed establishment in areas abutting the licensed premises; 5. Outdoor dining areas shall be considered as part of the restaurant and shall comply with Board of Health Regulations. In addition to any other Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 18 2012—page 5 requirements, smoking is prohibited in seasonal outdoor dininIz areas per Board of Health regulations. 6. Furniture and trash receptacles shall be supplied by the applicant and shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner by the applicant. All furniture and trash receptacles must be removed at the end of each season. 7. In no event shall the placement of outdoor dining furniture, umbrellas, or perimeter barriers create a pedestrian or wheelchair passage along the public sidewalk of less than four feet in width. 8. Outdoor food preparation shall not be allowed. 9. The Outdoor Dining License shall be considered annually and every license shall expire on December 31 of each year, subject to renewal. No facilities or furniture shall be placed on the sidewalk as part of the license except for the period between April 15 and October 31 of each year. 10. Within the period from April 15 to October 31, upon notification from the Department of Public Works or from Public Safety personnel that weather conditions or work to be performed on the property of the Town requires removal of the outdoor dining furniture, the applicant shall immediately remove all of its property associated with the Outdoor Dining License from the public property. 11. The owner and operator of the restaurant shall sign a License Agreement and shall provide a required Certificate of Insurance before issuance of the License and before commencement of any activities under the License. 12. The Licensee shall provide evidence of insurance as required by the Town Manager and by State Statute. Such insurance shall cover the use of all equipment related to the premises related to the Outdoor Dining License. The Comprehensive General Liability Policy all insure against all claims and demands for bodily injury and property damage with respect to the sidewalk dining facilities and services, and the Town shall be named as an "additional insured" in all policies of such insurance. If alcohol sale and service is to be part of the outdoor dining license, a liquor liability insurance policy shall also be required The Licensee (and their heirs, successors and assigns in interest) shall hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Town of Reading and its employees and agents from any responsibility, liability and claims arising out of or related to the operations under the Outdoor Dining License. 13. The Licensee shall comply with all applicable laws (including the sign portions of the Zoning by-laws), rules, regulations, and conditions of other licenses and permits. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting at.9:31 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. VAl uiv Secretar