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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 4,2012 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 (arrived at 8:12 p.m.), Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectman James Bonazoli, Youth Liaisons Eric Johnson and Mary Kate Kelley, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Kevin Brown, Gary Catalfamo, Bill Brown, Bob Lynch, Charles Gray, Jacob Westerman, Joseph Westerman and Steve Sadwick. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Richard Schubert gave kudos to those involved in the tree lighting. He noted that the Board received a letter regarding Planet Fitness and asked if they are required to do a traffic study. The Town Manager noted they are not. They have all permits and are ready to go. They will report back to CPDC in 11 months to evaluate the traffic. James Bonazoli noted he attended a meeting with the Town Manager at the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School where they saw a presentation on the design of the bandstand. He also noted that Cemetery/Parks Administrator Bob Keating noted that their new equipment is working out extremely well but they still need a new garage. They are doing more with fewer employees. Ben Tafoya noted that he attended Shop the Block, the Festival of Trees and the Memory Tree ceremony. Eric Johnson noted that the RMHS football team won the Superbowl and he thanked the coaches, cheerleaders, band, and the fans. Mary Kate Kelley noted that she attended the Festival of Trees and a lot of clubs were involved in that. She noted that the Interact Club is bringing laser tag to RMHS as a fundraiser on December 15, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Public Comment — Kevin Brown, owner of an auto business and holder of a Class 2 license noted that the Town is requiring a driving history and CORI check this year for Class 2 and 3 licenses but not for Class 1. He is appalled that the Town is requiring this. Gary Catalfamo from 128 Tire indicated that he feels the same as Mr. Brown and noted that every year the Town is requesting more and more. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 4, 2012 —page 2 Charlie Gray, owner of Gray's Towing, noted that he is tired of being scrutinized and feels over-burdened. He feels enough is enough and recommended that all Town employees have a CORI check done. The Town Manager noted that a recent Bylaw change was approved that requires this. This will be enforced next year because it is a taxing project to implement. He noted a driving history is not required for Class 2 and 3 but the CORI check is. The only other requirements are a $25,000 bond and workers comp insurance that the state requires. Kevin Brown noted that when he received his dealer's license from the Registry, the State Police came to his shop and checked him out. He asked why Class 1 licensees aren't required to do a CORI. Mr. Catalfamo asked if something negative came back would they still get the license. Ben Tafoya requested putting this issue on a future agenda. James Bonazoli suggested delaying the requirements. Richard Schubert indicated he was comfortable delaying and requested a list of who is required to have this done. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: • Nomination papers are available next week and due back to Town Clerk on 2-12-13. • Volunteers are needed for the West Street Historic District Commission and the Bylaw Committee. • Toys for Tots bins are available at public buildings. • Reading Steeple fund at Old South is in search of donations. • 1 will be attending a MASSDOT meeting in Lynn tomorrow night regarding transportation needs and funding. • Earlier this afternoon, Governor Deval Patrick announced that the state is facing a $540 million shortfall in its fiscal 2013 budget and he unveiled a plan to close the budget gap this year. He announced that he is using his "9C" emergency budget powers to implement $225 million in immediate cuts to state-funded programs in executive agencies under his control and he proposed legislation to expand his 9C authority so that he can cut $9 million or 1% from unrestricted general government aid as well as I% cuts to the judiciary, constitutional offices and the legislature. His plan would also withdraw $200 million from the state's rainy day fund. Community Services • Staff has reviewed a proposed 40 (b) plan for north Main Street next to the Mattera cabin. It is our intent to get a report to the Board of Selectmen per our LIP regulations around the first of the year. Board of Selectmen Meeting_December 4, 2012 —page 3 Schools • MSBA has let us know that we were not successful in advancing the proposed Killam School project this year. We may apply next year, and I believe that is the intent of the School Department. RMLD • We are offering the second in a series of free winter workshops to all RMLD residential customers, with the goal of increasing awareness and education on the many residential energy efficiency options available today. The next workshop will be held in the Board Room at RMLD, 230 Ash Street, Reading on Wednesday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. The focus of this workshop will be on home energy audits, weatherization and appliance rebates. In addition, customers who use oil will have the opportunity to talk with several heating and cooling experts at the workshop. The workshop series is sponsored by RMLD and a grant from the MAPC along with Local Energy Action Programs. Public Safety • The Reading, Wakefield and Stoneham Police combined forces to arrest the "gas station bandit" who has hit a number of local establishments. This was a strong collaborative effort on the part of all three agencies. Congratulations and thanks on a job well done. DPW • The Compost Center is closed for the season but will be open on January 19 for Christmas trees and any left over bags of leaves, etc. • Poets Corner sewer and storm water piping is being installed. • RMLD is working on the Mineral Street Bridge sidewalk pole relocation. • Auburn Tank: Consultant will be inspecting the tanks internal steel roof members tomorrow to determine the extent of repair needed. • Main Street: Four crosswalks were repaired, Main at Haven, Main at Woburn, Main at Pleasant and Pleasant Street; most settlement areas in the sidewalk brick banding were also repaired. Bob LeLacheur noted that there have been 9C cuts and he will take a look at this year's budget. He noted the concerns are for future budgets. He is also sending a memo to the Board of Assessors. Victor Santaniello eliminated the school debt in his tax calculations so the average family tax increase is 2.50% instead of a decrease of I%. The mistake was caught before it was sent to the State. Discussion/Action Items Presentation Eagle Scout Project — Eagle Scout Jacob Westerman noted that he worked with the Fire Chief and Jim Richardson from the Water Department to target hydrants that needed markers. He raised funds to buy 150 markers that cost $10 -$12 each. The Fire Department Union is willing to donate money so he can do more. The Boy Scouts installed the markers. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 4, 2012 —page 4 MAPC Member Update — Steven Sadwick, the Town's MAPC representative, gave the Board an update. He noted that if the West Street project is at 100% design we will receive funding faster. He will bring the draft priority mapping project back to the Board in February. The Town is also part of the Regional Housing Program. Richard Schubert requested that a letter be sent to the State when West Street is at 100% design. Request for Re-Naming of Senior Center — Steve Oston, member of the Council on Aging, noted that the Town offered to pay for a new sign for the Senior Center. They are proposing Pleasant Street Center as the new name. He noted a survey was done by the National Institute of Senior Centers and 63% were in favor of a name change removing "Senior Center" from the name. The new name will give flexibility for uses. The Council on Aging voted 8-0 in favor. Carol Oniskey, Chairman of the Council on Aging, noted that the new sign still references seniors. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the renaming of the Senior Center as Pleasant Street Center was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Extension of Sturges Park Committee to February 28, 2013 —James Bonazoli asked the Board to extend the term of the Sturges Park Committee to February 28, 2013. They are meeting on a regular basis and their next meeting is December 11 with the Recreation Committee to review the draft plan. They have gone before the Conservation Commission twice. They are trying to move the playground inside away from the street but they can't due to conservation land. They are looking to fill in the wetlands for a hockey area and will flip the basketball and tennis courts due to sunrise locations. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the extension of the term of the Sturges Park Committee to February 28, 2013 was approve by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — New Do Not Enter sign, 7:30 — 8:30 AM and 2:30 — 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, September 1 — June 30, Shelby Road at Arcadia Avenue — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Safety Officer Justin Martel and Police Chief James Cormier were present. Officer Martel noted that Bob Lynch raised the concerns. There are currently no regulations on Shelby Road and the traffic pattern is dangerous. The Police Department observed that there are people doing three point turns. The proposal is to restrict entrance during the school year which will make it one way during drop off times and the Principal agrees with the proposal. A new crosswalk will also be added. Chief Cormier noted that the school parking lot is not sufficient for staff. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 4, 2012 —page 5 James Bonazoli asked if this will put parked cars on Munroe Street and Officer Martel indicated it shouldn't. The Town Manager noted that the Board received an email requesting no left turn onto Shelby. Bob Lynch, 24 Shelby Road, noted that this is a result of stopping the bussing. The majority of the traffic comes in Shelby and goes out Munroe. There will be no additional traffic, this will just get people going in the same direction. Lisa O'Connor agreed with Mr. Lynch. She indicated that the worst is when it snows with two way traffic on a narrow road. Chief Cormier noted this does not make Shelby one way. If a person is pulling out of their driveway they can go either way. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on traffic regulations on Shelby Road was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, for the Town of Reading, by adding a new listing to Appendix A-15, referenced by Section 6.25.1, which prohibits entry to certain streets from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 pm. Monday through Friday from September 1St through June 30"'. The new listing will create a time restricted Do Not Enter as follows: "6.25.1 Vehicles shall be prohibited from entering Shelby Road from Arcadia Avenue from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for the period of the year beginning on September 1St and ending on June 30th." Street Location Regulation Do Not Enter Shelby Shelby Road at Arcadia Avenue 7:30 am to 8:30 am Road 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm Monday—Friday Sept 1St —June 30th Emergency Vehicles Exempt The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — Change of Manager — Ristorante Pavarotti — The Town Manager noted this is a hearing without notice. Katherine Dao and Massimo Fiume were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 4, 2012 —page 6 Richard Schubert asked Ms. Dao if she has had TIPS training and Ms. Dao indicated she has through Serve Safe. She was a supervisor in a restaurant in Florida. A motion by Goldv seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on the change of manager for Ristorante Pavarotti to Katherine Dao was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the change of manager for Ristorante Pavarotti to Katherine Dao was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Veterans Services — The Town Manager noted that the state requires towns with a population over 12,000 to have a full time Veterans Services Officer or to join a district. Wilmington is not interested in continuing and our current Veterans Services Officer cannot work full time. He is exploring a district with Melrose, Wakefield and Saugus and the state has given a verbal okay by June 2013 to allow time for transition. He should have an agreement in January and will bring it back to the Board then. Approve Early Openings/24 Hour Opening— The Town Manager noted there is a memo from the Police Chief on all of the locations. There has been police activity at JK's Market and there have been four complaints in the past month regarding early delivery trucks. Stephen Goldy asked if the Board should invite the owner of JK's in before the Board and it was decided to send the Town Manager out to speak with the owner but if it continues to have him appear before the Board.. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve applications by: ♦ Dunkin Donuts and West Street Mobil, 4 West Street ♦ Starbucks Coffee, 24 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Starbucks Coffee, 288 Main Street to open at 5:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, effective January 1, 2013, and excluding State designated holidays. This approval will expire December 31, 2013. The Board of Selectmen finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare or that public necessity or convenience will be served by permitting such operation; and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the application by: ♦ JK's Market,212 Main Street to open at 5:45 a.m., Monday through Friday, effective January 1, 2013, and excluding State designated holidays. This approval will expire December 31, 2013. The Board of Selectmen finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare or that public necessity or convenience will be served by permitting such operation; and Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 4, 2012—page 7 - • All conditions of Site Plan approval, all other bylaws, licenses and requirements of Town agencies and the requirements of Section 3.9 of the Board of Selectmen Policies shall be met. Where there is a conflict among these bylaws, permits, approvals and licenses, the most restrictive shall be met; and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by G_oldy seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the application for 24 hour sales by 87 Walkers Brook Drive, LLC and Leigh Enterprises, _Ltd d/b/a Reading Shell Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. The Board finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, or that public necessity or convenience will be served by permitting such operation; and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the. immediately abutting neighbors. • The Board determined that in accordance with Section 5.10.5 that no public hearing will be required for this application. The approval of this application is subject to the following conditions: 1. This approval expires at midnight,December 31,2013; 2. All signs shall conform to the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading; 3. The gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; 4. The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all hours that the station is open; 5. The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 6. The operator will prepare and post a list of local towing and repair shops that are open 24 hours a day for those who need it; 7. Restroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day,seven days a week. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review'2012 Goals — The Town Manager reviewed the 2012 goals and noted that he is working with the Department Heads on goal statements. A_ motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary