HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 23, 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 Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Richard
Schubert and Selectman James Bonazoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula
Schena and the following list of interested parties: Ralph Colorusso, Fred McGrane, Bob
Quinn, Bob Nordstrand, Mark Cardono, Roberta Sullivan, Robyn Parker, Michael Rosati,
Lori Doughty, and Jean Neary.
Absent were Chairman Stephen Goldy and Selectman John Arena.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments —Richard Schubert wished a happy birthday
and anniversary to those who are celebrating today.
Public Comment—A resident from 152 Walnut Street spoke regarding the easement. He
noted that the 80 year old homeowner signed the document granting the easement and all
of the neighbors present are in favor of the easement.
Petra Conboy of 35 Warren Avenue noted that she is a former member of the ad hoc
Committee on Amplified Sound. She is curious as to the reason behind the Board of
Selectmen's latest decision on flag football. She noted the policy states that "it is not
intended for recurring events and the intent is to afford consideration to the neighbors."
Ms. Conboy noted the neighbors were opposed so she would like to know when the
Selectmen would not approve the use of amplified sound.
James Bonazoli responded that what she read is guidance to the Recreation Committee
and any variation goes to the Selectmen. When this Board looked at the application for
Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM the Board approved it. He noted that the concern was the
overuse of the field in the fall time.
Petra Conboy asked once again when a permit would not be issued and James Bonazoli
noted that the Selectmen have to take each one case by case. The Board can't say
broadly that no case will be approved.
Kate Kaminer, former ad hoc Amplified Sound Committee member and member of the
Recreation Committee, noted that the Board of Selectmen approved a policy in April
2012 on a 5-0-0 vote. She noted the subcommittee put a lot of work into creating the
policy and all the Selectmen approved it but went against it on the first test.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012 —page 2
Ben Tafoya noted that it is a learning experience for the Board and also noted that her
input would have been helpful during or before the hearing.
Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report:
Administrative matters
♦ Volunteers still needed — for the Bylaw Committee; Finance Committee (2); Trails
Committee; Historical Commission; West Street Historic District Commission; and
Zoning Board of Appeals.
♦ Absentee Ballot applications are being accepted now until noon on November 51n
Absentee Ballots are now available at the Town Clerk's office
♦ In your packet is a 2 page Election Day policy from the Town Clerk that addresses
issues such as photography at the polling place, and firearms carried by off duty
police officers, both issues that have come up recently.
♦ A petition for acceptance of Roma Lane has been received—for April ATM.
♦ I have included in your packet an email from MASS DOT regarding Routes 128/93.
♦ Walkable Reading has provided some information to the Board of Selectmen
regarding the Mass in Motion program.
Community Services
♦ Veterans Day will be observed on Sunday,November 11 at 11 AM on the common.
A breakfast for veterans will be served at the Senior Center from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.
♦ 504 vaccinations against Influenza have been given as of today, October 23. Numbers
from 2 of the 3 public clinics offered by the Reading Health Division were:
• 222 flu vaccinations given at Killam School Clinic on 10/3.
• 176 flu vaccinations given at Town Hall Clinic on 10/22.
The last public clinic being offered by the Reading Health Division will be this Saturday,
October 27 from 9:00— 11 AM at the Coolidge Middle School in the cafeteria.
Finance
• Medex renewal rates.
Library
♦ The Town has learned that the State grant for the Reading Public Library has been
approved, so the Town can now go forward and secure the local share of the funding
(Proposition 2 '/2 debt exclusion) and then proceed with construction.
Public Safety
• Police Department Recertification.
Public Works
• Construction news from DPW:
• An overlay of West Street has been done, improving the wearing surface
where the water trench was dug several years ago.
• Main Street between Washington Street and the RR tracks will be milled
and overlaid within the next couple of weeks—night time work.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012—page 3
• Irving and Boswell Streets reconstruction will not be done this year—the
preliminary work of lowering structures will have to be reversed for the
winter.
• Poets Corner sewer repair.
• The Howard Street Curb and Sidewalk; Bancroft Avenue and Highland
Street curb and sidewalk; Mineral Street bridge pole relocation.
♦ MWRA water line boring.
♦ Curbside leaf collection and hours of compost center.
Bob LeLacheur noted that out of a $10 million health budget, $1.5 million is for Medex
and the rates are down. We will save approximately $200,000.
Police Chief James Cormier was present. He noted that the Police Department received
their recertification. They met 151 standards. He gave special thanks to Sgt. Detective
Mark Segalla, Sgt. Abate, and Police Officer Christina Almadora for their hard work.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Girl Scout Silver Awards - A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the
Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Laura White's Girl
Scout Gold Award proiect was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve
the Certificate of Appreciation for Amelia Collymore's Girl Scout Gold Award
proiect was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve
the Certificate of Appreciation for Christina Brzezenski's Girl Scout Gold Award
proiect was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve
the Certificate of Appreciation for Jessica Strack's Girl Scout Gold Award proiect
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve
the Certificate of Appreciation for Tessa Senders' Girl Scout Gold Award proiect
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Boy Scout Eagle Scout Award—A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the
Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for David Scott
Graham's Eagle Scout proiect was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Conservation Commission — A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the
Board of Selectmen place the following name into nomination for one position on
the Conservation Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2015: Will Finch was
approved by a vote of 3-0-0 and Mr. Finch was appointed.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23. 2012 —page 4
Discussion/Action Items
Tax Classification Preview— Victor Santaniello was present. He is our shared Appraiser
with Wakefield. He handed out a spreadsheet showing the impact of splitting the tax
rate.
Ben Tafoya indicated that he will want to see last years spreadsheet for the hearing along
with the history of the rate and he wants to see the distribution of commercial values.
Mr. Santaniello noted that he will go into detail on everything the Board needs to vote on.
He indicated that the presentation he gives is available on the Town of Wakefield's
website.
The Town Manager asked how the conversion and inspections are going and Mr.
Santaniello indicated the values have been patched from the CAMA System to the new
system. He expects to produce values within the next week. Patriot Properties is
available to do inspections and he will manage that.
Bob LeLacheur noted that he me met with Steve Maio last week and he knows that
Victor is not at the Wakefield Town Hall as often but the arrangement is working out
fine.
Hearing — Change of Manager — Longhorn Steakhouse #5325 — Manager Gary Cannon
was present. The Town Manager noted that the application has been reviewed by all
departments and everything is fine. Mr. Cannon indicated that he has been in the
restaurant business since 1998.
Ben Tafoya reminded Mr. Cannon that compliance checks are done and asked him to be
vigilant. Mr. Canon noted that they don't get much of a bar scene because they are a
family restaurant and the corporate policy is to ID if under 30.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen close the
hearing for the Change of Manager for the Longhorn Steakhouse #5325 was
approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve
the change of Manager for the Longhorn Steakhouse #5325 from Leigh A. Bull to
Gary Cannon was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Approval of Local Action Units — Johnson Woods Affordable Housing — The Town
Manager noted that the Board needs to approve the local action units for Johnson Woods.
Attorney Brad Latham and Lottery Agent Judy Epstein were present. Attorney Brad
Latham noted that 19 units have to be affordable units. He will submit the application to
DHCD and then they will be added to the Town's inventory. Phase I has been approved
already.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012 —page 5
Richard Schubert noted that this is a special permit and asked if the time frame is in
perpetuity and if we reinforce that. Bob LeLacheur noted that it is in perpetuity and the
deed will reinforce.
Ben Tafoya asked if Phase 1 was done and Judy Epstein indicated it was not but some of
the units have closed. She will go back to the original list and if everyone has moved on
she will do a new wait list. Richard Schubert asked if she can share the lottery list with
other developments and Ms. Epstein noted that each project is required to do some
marketing and outreach. She will put it on the state and Town's website.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the local action units for
Johnson Woods, Phase II consisting of 19 affordable units was approved by a vote of
3-0-0.
Hearing — Establishment of Town Manager Screening Committee - The Secretary read
the hearing notice. Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts was present.
Ben Tafoya noted that the Board filled in the details last week and the composition of the
committee consists of: two Selectmen, the Superintendent of Schools, one Finance
Committee member, one Department Head and two public at large.
James Bonazoli asked about the timeline for making a decision and it was decided to
make the final decision at the end of February 2013 due to the upcoming election.
The consensus of the Board was to appoint all members at once and for the full Board to
make the appointments instead of the recommendation of the Volunteer Appointment
Subcommittee.
Finance Committee Chairman David Greenfield asked if the Selectmen are asking for
names or name from the Finance Committee and it was suggested that the Finance
Committee submit what they want because there are public seats open too.
The Board decided to hold a meeting on November 14, 2012 to conduct interviews and to
have all applicants present except for the Superintendent of Schools and Department
Head.
Carol Roberts noted that the Board has not discussed the new Town Manager's salary yet
and it was noted that will be done after the candidate profile is established.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to close the hearing establishing the ad
hoc Town Manager's Screening Committee was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Review/Action on Warrant Articles — The Town Manager noted that Article 8 is an
easement and the map shows the proposed easement. A letter was received agreeing to
certain conditions that are reasonable.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012 —page 6
The Town Manager noted that Article 3 is the Capital Improvement Plan and he is
proposing moving the Birch Meadow pavilion out one year. A motion by Schubert
seconded by Bonazoli to recommend the subiect matter of Article 3 of the 2012
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
In Article 4 the $350,000 for downtown improvement design will be taken out. Bob
LeLacheur noted that the schools will be asking for the modular money to be used for an
expanded feasibility. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to recommend the
subiect matter of Article 4 of the 2012 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was
approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Article 6 is to transfer Smart Growth money to the stabilization fund. A motion by
Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to recommend the subiect matter of Article 6 of the
2012 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Article 7 is to put $50,000 in the sick leave buyback fund. A motion by Bonazoli
seconded by Schubert to recommend the subiect matter of Article 7 of the 2012
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Article 8 is an easement. The Town Manager noted that the map shows the proposed
easement and a letter has been received agreeing to certain conditions that are reasonable.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to recommend the subiect matter of
Article 8 of the 2012 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of
3-0-0.
Article 9 is to authorize debt for sewer inflow and infiltration. A motion by Bonazoli
seconded by Schubert to recommend the subiect matter of Article 9 of the 2012
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to recommend the subiect matter of
Article 11 of the 2012 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote
of 3-0-0.
Article 12 will prohibit the collection of rubbish between 9:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. within
100 yards of commercial zoned districts. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert
to recommend the subiect matter of Article 12 of the 2012 Subsequent Town
Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
The Bylaw Committee met last week and recommend some changes to Article 13. The
Bylaw Committee focused on the Historical Commission comments. A motion by
Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to recommend the subiect matter of Article 13 of the
2012 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 failed by
a vote of 1-2-0 with Tafoya and Schubert opposed.
Article 14 restores noncriminal disposition and establishes fines for the Conservation
Commission. James Bonazoli noted that the fines are for something that hasn't been
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012 —page 7
approved. He doesn't feel the Conservation Commission has complied with the Board of
Selectmen wishes because they still have overwhelming regulations in the state.
Hearing — Discontinuance of Portions of Jacob Way and Alteration of Jacob Way and
South Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted this
establishes in the right-of-way what has been done on the ground.
Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the intersection of Jacob Way has been
altered so we will discontinue the original and transfer it to Pulte. Pulte will deed 5 feet
to the Town and discontinue a portion of the roadway; create the alteration of Jacob Way
and add a portion to South Street.
Paul McCarthy of 287 South Street noted that he couldn't figure out the language so he
came to see what was being done.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen close the
hearing on Discontinuance of a portion of Jacob Way and alteration of Jacob Way
and South Street was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Jacob Way Discontinuance
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen, having
determined and adiudged that common convenience and necessity of portions of the
town way know as Jacob Way, in the location hereinafter described, is no longer
necessary, and heard all persons present who desired to be heard, we have and do
hereby discontinue portions of the town way for use of the town substantially in the
locations along the northerly side line, of the town way known as Jacob Way.
Said area is identified as Parcel 7 on said plan,the boundaries and
measurements of said portion of the town way to be discontinued are as
follows:
Beginning at a granite monument to be set which is located on the north line of the
relocated Jacob Way, a public,variable width right of way which is also the north
west terminus of Jacob Way, as relocated;
thence N 81004'28" E a distance of 476.02;
thence 159.29' along a curve turning to the left with a radius of 280.00';
thence N 48028'45" E a distance of 163.99';
thence 29.19' along a curve turning to the left with a radius of 280.00';
thence 57.68' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 250.00';
thence S 48020'26" W a distance of 134.38' to a granite monument to be set;
thence 162.82' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 285.00' to a granite
monument to be set;
thence S 81004'28" W a distance of 445.86' to a granite monument to be set;
thence 31.76' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 100.00' to a granite
monument to be set which is located at the north west terminus of Jacob Way;
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012 —page 8
which is the point of beginning,
having an area of approximately 4,100 square feet,0.09 acres.
including portions of the land described in a deed of Reading Property Holdings
LLC to Pulte Homes of New England LLC dated February 11, 2011 recorded with
the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 56455, Page 160.
For further identification of this description and location reference is hereby made
to a plan entitled "Alteration of Jacob Way and South Street" prepared by
Marchionda & Associates, L.P. of Stoneham, MA, for the Town of Reading, dated
October 23, 2012 and the plan entitled "Modified Subdivision Plan of Land & Jacob
Way/South Street Alteration Plan Reading Woods in Reading, MA" prepared For
Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, 115 Flanders Road, Westboro, MA 01581,
dated September 20, 2011 and recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds
as Plan No. 327 of 2012.
The motion was approved-by a vote of 3-0-0.
Jacob Way Alteration
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen, having
determined and adiudged that common convenience and necessity require that a
town way know as Jacob Way be altered, in the location hereinafter described, and
heard all persons present who desired to be heard, we have and do hereby alter the
town ways known as Jacob Way for use of the town. Said alteration is identified as
Parcels 2, 3 and 6 on said plan, the boundaries and measurements of said town way
as so altered are as follows:
Beginning at a granite monument to be set which is located on south line of the
relocated South Street, a public,variable width right of way which is also the north
east terminus of Jacob Way, as relocated;
thence S 24°50'44" W a distance of 85.36';
thence 102.52' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 250.00';
thence S 48020'26" W a distance of 134.38' to a granite monument to be set;
thence 162.82' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 285.00' to a granite
monument to be set;
thence S 81004'28" W a distance of 445.86' to a granite monument to be set;
thence 31.76' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 100.00' to a granite
monument to be set which is located at the north west terminus of Jacob Way;
thence S 03119'02" E a distance of 45.22' to a granite monument to be set which is
located at the south west terminus of Jacob Way, as relocated;
thence N 81004'28" E a distance of 610.87' to a granite monument to be set which is
located on the north line of State Highway Route 128 also known as Interstate
Highway Route I-95;
thence along the north line of said highway 209.82' along a curve turning to the
right with a radius of 375.00';
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23, 2012 —page 9
thence N 33°26'28" E a distance of 193.93' to a granite monument to be set on the
south line of South Street at the south east terminus of Jacob Way, as relocated;
thence along the south line of South Street N 56033'32" W a distance of 58.96' to a
granite monument to be set;
which is the point of beginning,
having an area of approximately 43,163 square feet, 0.99 acres.
including portions of the land described in a deed of Reading Property Holdings
LLC to Pulte Homes of New England LLC dated February 11,2011 recorded with
the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 56455, Page 160.
For further identification of this description and location reference is hereby made
to a plan entitled "Alteration of Jacob Way and South Street" prepared by
Marchionda & Associates, L.P. of Stoneham, MA, for the Town of Reading, dated
October 23,2012 and the plan entitled "Modified Subdivision Plan of Land & Jacob
Way/South Street Alteration Plan Reading Woods in Reading, MA" prepared For
Pulte Homes of New England, LLC, 115 Flanders Road, Westboro, MA 01581,
dated September 20, 2011 and recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds
as Plan No. 327 of 2012.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
South Street Alteration
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen, having
determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require that a
town way know as South Street be altered, in the location hereinafter described, and
heard all persons present who desired to be heard, we have and do hereby alter the
town ways known as South Street for use of the town. Said alteration is identified as
Parcels 4 and 5 on said plan, the boundaries and measurements of said town way as
so altered are as follows:
Beginning at a point located on south line of South Street, a public,variable width
right of way and the east line of land now or formerly of Murphy;
thence along land now or formerly of Murphy S 08°47'52" E a distance of 5.17' to a
granite monument to be set;
thence N 80144'14" E a distance of 68.49' to a granite monument to be set;
thence 47.22' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 75.00' to a granite
monument to be set;
thence 46.10' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 30.00' to a granite
monument to be set;
thence S 56133'32" E a distance of 58.96' to a granite monument to be set which is
located on the south line of Jacob Way, a public,variable width right of way;
thence along the south line of Jacob Way the following two courses:
N 33°26'28" E a distance of 120.95' to a granite monument to be set;
34.68' along a curve turning to the right with a radius of 40.00' to a point which is
located at the south line of South Street;
thence along South Street the following three courses:
Board of Selectmen Minutes—October 23 2012—page 10
S 83007'18" W a distance of 128.34',
S 06052'42" E a distance of 7.66';
S 81012108" W a distance of 147.66' to the point of beginning;
having an area of approximately 9,409 square feet, 0.22 acres.
including portions of the land described in a deed of Reading Property Holdings
_LLC to Pulte Homes of New England LLC dated February 11,2011 recorded with
the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 56455, Page 160.
For further identification of this description and location reference is hereby made
to a plan entitled "Alteration of Jacob Way and South Street" prepared by
Marchionda & Associates,L P of Stoneham,MA,for the Town of Reading, dated
October 23,2012 and the plan entitled"Modified Subdivision Plan of Land &Jacob
Way/South Street Alteration Plan Reading Woods in Reading,MA" prepared For
Pulte Homes of New England,LLC, 115 Flanders Road,Westboro,MA 01581,
dated September 20,2011 and recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds
as Plan No.327 of 2012.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve
the minutes of October 9,2012 as amended was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen adiourn
the meeting at 10.00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary