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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 25, 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 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen John Arena and James Bonazoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, John Halsey, Jack Downing, Grace Fitzpatrick, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Robert J. Kiley III, Robert Kiley, Carl McFadden, Mark Cardono, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Roberta Sullivan, Robyn Parker, Ralph Blunt, Manuel German, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Blodgett, Karen German and Mark Hall. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Ben Tafoya noted he received an email from a resident regarding a crosswalk at Walnut Street. He also spoke with a resident who had spoken with the gas company regarding getting gas on Richards Road. The Town Manager noted that residents have to pay the cost of having gas lines installed on a road. Richard Schubert noted that Yom Kippur is tonight. Reverend Wagner spoke with him regarding better communication. The Town Manager suggested two Selectmen and staff go to one of the Clergy Association meetings to address their concerns and the Selectmen might want to make a liaison assignment to the clergy. John Arena noted that he has spoken with Economic Development Committees in other towns to see how they function. In Southborough they are focused on making the business community aware of their roles in the town. Stephen Goldy noted that the RCASA Annual Meeting is September 27 at 7:00 PM at the Performing Arts Center. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted there are two port-a-potties at the compost center and one of them should be a handicap potty. Town Manager's Report —The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ Volunteers still needed — for the Bylaw Committee; Conservation Commission, Finance Committee (2), Trails Committee, Historical Commission, West Street Historic District Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012 —page 2 ♦ Last Day to register to vote is October 17 (Wednesday) and the Town Clerk's office will be open until 8:00 PM. Residents can apply now for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots will be available about 3 weeks before the election, and the Town web site will have an announcement when the ballots are available. Community Services ♦ The Reading Health Division will be providing seasonal flu vaccinations at the Killam School cafeteria on Wednesday, October 3, from 2:30 PM until 4:30 PM for adults 18 years and older. We ask that you bring your insurance cards so that we may be reimbursed for the vaccinations. The accepted insurances are: The fee for the vaccination without one of the accepted insurances is $10. Please do not get a flu vaccination if you are allergic to eggs or any other component of the flu vaccine. Please wear short-sleeved shirts. If you wish to complete the paperwork in advance, consent forms are available on the Reading Health Department website. Clinics open to Reading residents are also available in Wakefield and Melrose. • The Town of Reading will be hosting the MA Downtown Initiative 2012 Workshop— "The Economics of Downtown: Identifying and retaining the right retail mix for a healthy local economy." This will be held on October 18 at the Police Station Community Room. ♦ Open House—Northeast Ballet School on September 29. ♦ October 11 at 2:00 PM — Ribbon Cutting— Oaktree. Special guest will be Greg Bialecki. Finance ♦ Financial Forum October 10. ♦ Assessment update. Public Safety ♦ RCASA Annual Meeting Thursday, September 27 at 7:00 PM in the Performing Arts Center. ♦ Verizon will be visiting several streets—they have notified the Police Chief. Public Works • This is the final season for plowing of church parking lots, per the transition plan. There are 5 churches that we are plowing and getting reimbursement from. • We have modified the sidewalk plowing route from the east side of Bancroft between Lowell and Auburn Streets, to the west side of the street per the Board of Selectmen direction when we discussed sidewalk construction. We are unable to plow Green from Ash to High Streets as requested recently by the Board of Selectmen. • Transportation Conversations • Recycling event: o 504 cars drove through (up from approximately 400 last spring). o 1/4 container of Styrofoam. o Goodwill had 84 cars drive through with 1.96 tons donated. o Paper Shredding - 2.12 tons. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012 —page_3 o Rigid Plastics - 2.96 tons o Electronics - .95 tons Street Paving—next projects: • Main Street (Washington Street to the Railroad Tracks), Garrett Road, Boswell Road, Irving Street, West Street(thin overlay over water trench; Arcadia to Woburn Streets). Curbing/Sidewalk ♦ Mineral Street — RMLD getting access rights addressed. Highland Street sidewalk—may have to wait for next year. Utilities ♦ Howard Street water main— Summer to West Streets is completed, and West Street to County Road is in progress. Assistant Town Manager's Report— Bob LeLacheur noted that there is a Financial Forum on October 10 and the topics of discussion will be the Library project, the Killam School project and school needs. He also noted that the Town collected over $84,000 in meals tax. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution re: Transportation Funding — A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the resolution regarding transportation funding was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Use of Amplified Sound at Hollingsworth Field— Richard Schubert asked if he is considered an abutter and the Town Manager noted that notices were sent out to abutters within 300 feet and Mr. Schubert is not an abutter. Carl McFadden and Jimmy Murphy were present. Carl McFadden noted that this is the first year for flag football and they are looking to create a fun environment for the kids. They are not looking to be disrespectful and there were no complaints as far as he knows from the first night. The time of the event is 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Ben Tafoya asked if the music could be heard 100 feet away and Mr. Murphy indicated it could not. Richard Schubert noted he had visited the event on the previous Saturday and there were a lot of folks there and flag football was being played in the softball area. Mr. McFadden noted that is the warm up area and Mr. Murphy noted that the sound does not have to be amplified to them. Jack Downing of 91 Whittier Road noted that his neighborhood had its block party on Saturday and a resident asked them to turn down the music but it wasn't them — it was coming from the field. He noted there is continuous noise on Fridays with football and the band. Sunday is Pop Warner football and that starts at 6:50 AM. The activity and the lights make it difficult to get the children into bed. Mr. Downing also noted that the Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012—page 4 lights are on for two hours after the football games on Fridays and that creates a lot of pick up games after the police are gone. He asks that the sound be denied. Robert Kiley of 18 Tennyson Circle noted that the sound is amplified even more with the leaves falling. He has no problem with the kids using the field,just the sound. Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that the Board of Selectmen created a policy to protect neighbors and users and she encourages them to support their new policy. Bob Kiley of 18 Tennyson Circle, noted that the residents shouldn't have to keep their windows closed. The area has changed. John Halsey of 75 Beaver Road noted that it sounds like 7:30 PM is a good time to shut off the sound. The audience enjoys the festive nature of the game. Richard Schubert noted that one group is making application but they are not the only one using the fields. He noted that the kids last Saturday were having fun without sound. James Bonazoli noted that he was in the area on the first night and he didn't hear the music at the YMCA. He doesn't find this as negative as a rock concert. He has no problem granting this. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on the application to use amplified sound at Hollingsworth Field was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Bonazoli moved and Arena seconded that the Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Rule 4 of section 4.14.3 of the Board of Selectmen policies, approves for announcements and for music the use of amplified sound for the remaining 6 "Flag Football" games scheduled for 4:30 to 7:30 PM on Saturday evenings, 9-29, 10-6, 10-13, 10-27, 11-3, and 11-10 during the remainder of the 2012 season at the Hollingsworth Football Field, subject to the following conditions: ♦ Speakers will be located as directed by the Recreation Administrator and will to the extent possible be oriented away from the nearest residential area on Whittier Road or any other residential area. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to amend the main motion by adding "sound not to be audible beyond 100 feet" failed by a vote of 2-2-1. The main motion was approved by a vote of 3-2-0 with Tafoya and Schubert voting in the negative. Close the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager noted that Article 3 is to establish a school building committee. Ben Tafoya noted that the School Committee has come to no conclusions yet and he's uncomfortable doing something that the School Committee hasn't approved yet. The consensus of the Board was to remove Article 3 from the Warrant. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012 —page 5 The Town Manager noted that Article 9 is a drainage easement on Walnut and Curtis Streets. The issue is both of the abutters are not in agreement. The Town Manager indicated he will schedule a hearing to find out how everyone feels. A notice will be sent to the abutters. The Town Manager noted that Article 11 is the issue of the Library project. He suggests doing a report at the Subsequent Town Meeting and then do a special Town Meeting and put on the April ballot. Bob LeLacheur noted that the Finance Committee directed him to notify Town Meeting Members of the financial forum to discuss these issues. The Town Manager noted that he didn't incorporate all of Elaine Webb's comments in Article 14. Richard Schubert noted that the Article needs tweaking before going to Town Meeting and John Arena noted that this is not meant to be a debate on the floor. It is up to the Board of Selectmen to present. Stephen Goldy noted that he is in favor of both appeals. The Town Manager noted that the Conservation Commission requested that Article 15 be put on the Warrant and Article 18 is a Petition Article from Bill Brown regarding the code of the flag law. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to close the Warrant for the 2012 Subsequent Town Meeting consisting of 17 Articles to take place on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road at 7:30 PM was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Request for Tree Removal — 63 Forest Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were present. Mr. Boyd noted that they purchased the home in August 2011. They have difficulty getting in and out of the driveway and the tree also creates a blind spot. He called the tree department and they wouldn't approve removal but they did trim it. On July 2 a massive limb crashed on his wife's car and the Tree Warden still won't remove the tree. He noted there are still many branches the same size still on the tree. Since that event many small branches have fallen and there is one dangling. He removed one tree that was similar and it was rotted inside. He noted that the decisions made so far are more concern for the oak tree than for him and his family's safety. Richard Schubert noted that trees are an asset and the Tree Warden is protecting the tree. Mr. Boyd noted that it costs $1,500 to remove the tree and that is a fraction of the cost to repair his house and wife's car. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing for a tree removal at 63 Forest Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012 age 6 Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the removal of a 38" diameter oak tree on public property between 63 and 67 Forest Street, at the request of the property owner at 63 Forest Street, subject to the following conditions: that two trees be planted with the location and type to be determined by the Tree Warden was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Restoring Brande Court Parking Lot to Two Hour Parking — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the intent is to restore two hour parking. In 2009 the Board of Selectmen agreed on a temporary basis to change to blue zone all day with a sticker. The intent was to go back to two hour once the building was complete. Stephen Goldy asked how the lot is utilized now and the Town Manager indicated approximately 6 — 12 vehicles per day. Ben Tafoya asked if there was overnight parking and the Town Manager indicated there is in certain spaces with a sticker and he is proposing not to change that. John Gannon owns two office condos at 2 Haven Street and noted that the make up of two hour parking has changed. The types of businesses have changed. He asked where his employees will park. He is requesting that a portion of the 82 spaces in the parking lot be employee parking. Ben Tafoya asked how many blue stickers are available and the Town Manager noted we sold 110% of 110 stickers. James Bonazoli noted that we need to maintain a consistent over sale and we will need to add more at some point. The Town Manager noted that the Town represented to the developer that it would revert back to two hour parking when the building was done. Mark Hall, developer of 2 Haven Street, noted that they need their space too. They've struggled with it and paid for development and got two spaces. Stephen Goldy suggested adding in 7 blue spaces and John Arena suggested adding 12 with the eye to relocate to Vine Street when the property is available. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on restoring Brande Court Parking Lot to two hour parking was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Schubert moved and Tafoya seconded that the Board of Selectmen amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to: Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012—page 7 Appendix A-2 PARKING PROHIBITED DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS Two Hour Parking All Day in the Business District 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday through Friday) Location B_rande Court Municipal Parking Lot Bonazoli moved and Tafoya seconded to amend the motion to add "except for seven spaces as deemed by the Town Manager." A motion by Arena seconded by Bonazoli to amend that motion to read, "except for 12 spaces as deemed by the Town Manager to be effective January 1, 2013," was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The main motion as amended was approved by a vote of 3-2-0. Approval of Purchase and Sales Agreement — Pearl Street and Audubon Road — The Town Manager noted that both properties are 3,700 feet assemblage parcel for $7,400 each as is. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approves the negotiated sale of a 3700 +/- square foot "assemblage" parcel of land at the intersection of Pearl Street and Audubon Road shown as parcel 2 on a map entitled "Proposed ANR Plan Pearl Street" by the Town of Reading Massachusetts Department of Public Works dated September 25, 2012, to Peter and Patricia Genovese of 10 Duck Road and that the Board approves the signing of the Purchase and Sales Agreement as negotiated,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approves the negotiated sale of a 3700 +/- square foot "assemblage" parcel of land 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 September 25, 2012, to Patricia Crowley of 12 Audubon Road and that the Board approves the signing of the Purchase and Sales Agreement as negotiated was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Street Design Issues — Oakland Road, Haverhill Street, Downtown Streetscape Phase 2, Pedestrian Traffic Signal on Main Street — The Town Manager noted that Reading is the poster child for Smart Growth and that counts for points with the State. The Town Manager and Town Engineer reviewed the downtown streetscape. The Town Manager noted that Minot and Main Streets is the most suitable intersection for a pedestrian actuated signal. George Zambouras noted that we need state approval because it's a state road. Stephen Goldy asked where we are with the light at Salem Street and Baystate Road. The Town Manager indicated we are waiting for funding. Board of Selectmen Minutes— September 25 2012 —page 8 Ginny Blodgett noted that if crosswalks are painted with "zebra" marks they are much more visible. The Town Manager noted that Haverhill Street is being repaved in spring 2013 and they are looking at adding bike lanes. George Zambouras reviewed the map of Haverhill Street and reviewed the details of having bike lanes. The Town Manager noted that Oakland Road is scheduled for reconstruction in FY14. It has wide travel lanes. George Zambouras reviewed two plans for Oakland Road — one with a 6 feet center island with plantings and one with a stamped concrete island. Approval of Land Sales — Pearl Street and Lothrop Road—The Town Manager noted that the Lothrop Road variance was approved. An abutter suggested that the property be tree lined in the front perimeter. Two abutters to the lot on Pearl Street and Audubon Road have agreed to buy a portion of the lot and the Selectmen have agreed to that. Amotion by Arena seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen reconsider the original vote on the sale of the property on Pearl Street at Audubon Road and the Lothrop Road property was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Tafoya opposed. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen authorizes the Town Manager to arrange for the bid for sale pursuant to Chapter 30b regulations, one 17,800 +/-square foot parcel at the intersection of Pearl Street and Audubon Road shown as parcel 1 on a map entitled "Proposed ANR Plan Pearl Street" by the Town of Readinj4 Massachusetts Department of Public Works dated November 1, 2011, subject to the following minimum bid price and conditions: ♦ Minimum Bid.price - $200,000; ♦ Closinj4—90 days, subject to extension by the Town for good cause; ♦ Offered in "as is" condition; ♦ 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 was approved by a vote of 3-2-0 with Schubert and Tafoya opposed. 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, one +/-31,614 square foot parcel of land on Lothrop Road known as plat 9 lot 3 on the Town of Reading Assessor's map, subject to the following minimum bid price and conditions: ♦ Minimum Bid price - $250,000; ♦ Closing—90 days, subject to extension by the Town for good cause; ♦ Offered in "as is" condition; Board of Selectmen Minutes — September 25, 2012—page 9 ♦ Use restricted to one single family home and appurtenant structures, with no further subdivision of the parcel; ♦ Prior to construction on the site a plan will be submitted to the Town Engineer showing that a minimum number of trees within 15 feet of the abutting residential properties are to be removed; ♦ Use will exclude application of the parcel as a 40B development; ♦ Buyer pays all closing costs and real estate transfer tax, except Town's legal costs The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Tafoya opposed. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the minutes of September 10, 2012 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Arena that the Board adjourn the meeting at 11:00 PM was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary