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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 20,2012 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, Selectmen John Arena and James Bonazoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Brenda Sousa, Mark Hall, Joanne Senders, Erin Calvo-Bacci, Ralph Colorusso, Jeanne Borawski, Fred McGrane, Michael Giacalone, Bill Crowley, and Pat Sullivan. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session to consider ♦ the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property; ♦ strategy with respect to labor negotiations (health insurance) and ♦ approval of minutes 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 five members voting in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — John Arena noted that Town Meeting was completed in two nights. He had a question regarding the Bylaw Committee's recommended language on a Town Meeting article and James Bonazoli noted that the Bylaw Committee speaks on their opinion. Stephen Goldy noted that the Charter is very vague about the Bylaw Committee and suggested that be an agenda item and invite the Bylaw Committee and Town Moderator in to discuss. Ben Tafoya thanked everyone involved in the election and Town Meeting. James Bonazoli also thanked Town Meeting. He noted that the Sturgis Park meeting is tonight. The committee wants to level the sunken pit and they hope to have a plan wrapped up before the end of December. Mr. Bonazoli also attended the Girl Scout Silver Awards and the Veteran's Day celebration. Stephen Goldy thanked Representative Brad Jones and his wife for the Thanksgiving dinner they had for the seniors. The Fall Street Faire Committee will give their annual Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 2012—page 2 report to the Board on December 18th. He also requested an update on the Baystate Road pedestrian light. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ Volunteers are still needed for the Bylaw Committee; West Street Historic District Commission; and Zoning Board of Appeals. ♦ The Girl Scout's calendar for 2013 is on sale now and is available at The Hitching Post on Haven Street and Gregory's on Main Street or orders are delivered free of charge to Reading addresses. They have attached an order form but invite you to visit their website. www.calendarofreading.com to view the photos from the calendar. ♦ The Toys for Tots boxes are around town for the season, including one across the hall from the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall. Thanks as every year go to the Firefighters for handling this. ♦ The Adopt-a-Family program is now gearing up for the Thanksgiving and Holiday season. If you have a need or want to donate call Adopt-a-Family at 781-942-6680. It is an answering machine and anyone who calls will get a return call. Community Services ♦ Veterans Day was celebrated on Sunday on the common. A breakfast for veterans was served at the Senior Center prior to the ceremony. ♦ You have in your packet a memo regarding joint meetings of regulatory Boards/Committees/Commissions. ♦ A Preliminary application for a 40 b or LIP program on north Main Street has been received and it is being reviewed by staff, with intent to get a report to the Board of Selectmen after the first of the year. ♦ I have given you a memo regarding properties added to the List of Historic Structures in 2010. I find no fault in the method of distribution of notices, and in fact, the Reading Historical Commission went beyond what is required to see that property owners were notified. Library ♦ I am recommending that a Special Town Meeting be held on January 28, 2013, the primary purpose of which would be to vote on funding of the Library project, subject to debt exclusion. I would ask that the Board of Selectmen approve this date so that all parties can plan accordingly. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to hold a Special Town Meeting on January 28, 2013 with the primary purpose to vote on funding of the Library project was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Public Safety ♦ All Town staff and residents handled the impacts of Super Storm Sandy extremely well. I was out of Town during this event, but was very comfortable in knowing that Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 2012 —page 3 the Reading team would handle it well. Special thanks to Acting Town Manager Bob LeLacheur for leading the Town's efforts. Public Works • The Town of Reading received an award on Tuesday night from MassRecycle for the Municipal Recycling Award for 2012. Congratulations to Jeff Zager, Jane Kinsella, Mike O'Halloran, Mike DeBrigard and all those involved in managing and administering the recycling and rubbish program, and to the residents of the community who have embraced this program and make it work. • A petition for acceptance of Roma Lane has been received — for April Town Meeting. • North Reading has filed an ENF for establishing a wastewater system (sewers) and potentially buying water from the MWRA through Reading. • The last curbside leaf collection for this season is the week after Thanksgiving, so make sure that you have your bagged leaves out on your regular day of collection. The compost center will close for the season on Friday, November 30, but will be open on January 19 for disposal of Christmas trees and any left over bags of leaves or brush that residents want to bring that day. • Construction news from DPW: • Main Street between Washington Street and the railroad tracks was overlaid and new traffic markings installed last week. • Irving Street, Boswell Road, and N-S Pleasant Street reconstruction will not be done this year. The preliminary work of lowering structures will be reversed for the winter. • Poets Corner sewer repair is expected to start on or about November 26, and work will continue throughout the winter. • The Howard Street water line construction and trench paving is complete, minor punch work items remain. • Curb and sidewalk for Bancroft Avenue and Highland Street curb and sidewalk is completed; Mineral Street bridge pole relocation — RMLD has installed the relocated poles; awaiting transfer of all cabling; sidewalk repairs to occur following transfer. ♦ MWRA water line borings are in progress. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificates — Eagle Scouts - A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout David Scott Graham was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout Luke Beaulieu was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout James Bedingfield, Jr. was approved by a vote of 5-'0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 2012—page 4 Personnel and Appointments Animal Control Appeals committee, Cultural Council, Historical Commission and Trails Committee — James Bonazoli noted that he will resign from the Animal Control Appeals Committee. A motion by Schubert seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen confirm the recommendations by the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee to the Board of Selectmen for the appointment of the following members to the respective Boards, Committees and Commissions for terms expiring as listed below: ♦ Jean Jacobs to a position on the Trails Committee with a term beginning November 20,2012 and expiring June 30,2015; ♦ Carl Mittnight to a position on the Historical Commission with a term beginning November 20,2012 and expiring June 30,2014; ♦ Catherine Folan to a position on the Animal Control Appeals Committee for a term beginning November 20, 2012 and term expiring June 30, 2015; ♦ Catherine Folan to a position on the Cultural Council for a term beginning November 21,2012 and expiring June 30, 2015 The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Town Manager Profile — Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur recused themselves from the meeting. Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts was present. The Secretary read the hearing notice. Stephen Goldy noted that the Collins Center has been hired to assist in the hiring of a new Town Manager. The draft profile was sent to the Board and comments have been received from Ben Tafoya, Richard Schubert and Town Counsel Gary Brackett. Ben Tafoya noted that on page 26 of the handout we should mention the Town is discussing one or more debt exclusions. John Arena suggested adding MWRA water system improvements. Ben Tafoya suggested adding that the Town devotes approximately 66% of the budget to the schools and facility maintenance. He noted that the TV show is incorrectly referred to as"weekly." He also suggested adding an establishment of goals section. Richard Schubert noted that he spoke with Town Counsel Gary Brackett regarding the provisions in the Charter regarding experience and he noted that five years is the bottom threshold for experience. Stephen Goldy noted that he received a phone call from the Town Moderator who feels he or another Town Meeting member should be added to the Screening Committee. The consensus of the Board was that Town Meeting is already represented on the Committee. Board of Selectmen Minutes–November 20, 2012 –page 5 Brenda Sousa of 79 Howard Street noted that the Board of Selectmen and Collins Center did a great job on the profile. Stephen Goldy reviewed Fred Van Magness' comments and noted that 41 is done; for #2 we could mention that the Town has a Municipal Light Department that serves four communities, but has an elected Board; for #4 add "including significant regionalization" under finance or organizational design. Carol Roberts suggested swapping a mature leader for "an experienced leader" in the professional section. Carol Roberts noted that the Town Clerk will be at the first meeting on the Town Manager Screening Committee to speak about the Open Meeting Law. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on approval of the Town Manager profile was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Town Manager profile as amended was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing-Tax Classification–Town Appraiser Victor Santaniello, Fred McGrane, Ralph Colorusso, Bob Quinn, and Pat Sullivan were present. Mr. Santaniello noted that the residential factor of 1 equals $14.39. Reading has the option of shifting 150% of tax rate to commercial. He reviewed a chart showing the tax rate for an average home value of$432,300 at a rate of 1 is $6220 and at a rate of 1.5 is $5870. Mr. Santaniello noted that for the average commercial property valued at $1.5 million at a rate of 1 equals $21,698 and at a rate of 1.5 equals $32,555. Mr. Santaniello reviewed the open space and small commercial exemptions. Erin Calvo-Bacci noted that Mike Palmer asked her to read a letter that indicated that the Town Planner called him to persuade him to come to Reading. His taxes have tripled in the last three years. Taxes are generated from business sales and he feels that businesses will leave Reading if the tax rate is shifted to commercial. Bill Crowley, 42 Locust Street, who is an attorney and a Board member on the Chamber of Commerce noted that he is in support of a level tax rate. He feels that a shift on commercial properties is not fair. He noted that Reading is attractive to businesses due to the level tax rate. Leslie McGonagle, who lives on Pine Ridge Road and is a business owner indicated that shifting the tax rate is revenue neutral and only impacts the businesses. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 2012—page 6 Richard Schubert asked Victor Santaniello about Mr. Palmer's concerns of the assessments. Mr. Santaniello indicated it is an income and expense approach. It's a matter of what people are willing to pay for space. When property is under construction the value increases on an ongoing basis. If anyone has questions regarding assessment they should email him and he would be happy to explain. Ben Tafoya asked that commercial rates be added to the percentage chart in the future. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing establishing the tax rate for fiscal year 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0- 0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen not grant an open space discount for Fiscal Year 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen not adopt a residential exemption for Fiscal Year 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen adopt a residential factor of 1 for Fiscal Year 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen not grant a commercial exemption for Fiscal Year 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of License — MBTA Vine Street Parking Lot — The Town Manager noted that the license is good for one year. If the Board of Selectmen approve this then he will bring it back to the Board to discuss parking in that area. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the "license for entry 12474" between the Town of Reading and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for use of the Vine Street Parking lot for a term beginning January 1, 2013 and expiring December 31, 2013 and authorize the Town Manager to sign on the Board's behalf was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Community Innovation Challenge Grant Application — The Town Manager noted that we applied for the grant last year. It requires the Board of Selectmen in each community to sign or they can designate the Town Manager. He noted that there could be as many as 40 communities joining in to do the fly-over. The fly-over will be done in the Spring of 2014. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the Community Innovation Challenge Grant application for Aerial Imagery Regionalization, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the application on the Town's behalf was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 2012 —page 7 Bob LeLacheur noted that Reading is receiving a grant to regionalize community access to information because other communities cannot afford to do it on their own. Reading will take the lead and charge other communities. This will raise revenues and we know other cities or towns in the country are doing this. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the Community Innovation Challenge grant application for Community Access to Information, and authorize the Town Manager to sign the application on the Town's behalf was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Establish Fees for Fingerprinting — The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approved the fingerprinting bylaw. We pay the state $30 but the Police Department recommends $100 fee with $70 going to the Town and $30 to the state. This is required for hawking/peddling, door to door sales, taxi, Class I, II and III and alcohol licenses. Currently, the Police Department can only determine if someone has been arrested in Reading. Stephen Goldy felt $100 was too high. John Arena noted $75 will cover everything and Richard Schubert was okay with $100. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen set the fees for fingerprinting pursuant to Section 5.4 of the Reading General Bylaw — "Criminal History Check Authorization" at $100 per applicant was approved by a vote of 3-2-0 with Arena and Goldy opposed. Approve Liquor Licenses — Richard Schubert asked for an update on the suspensions and the Town Manager indicated that all suspensions have been served and he will be visiting all of the licensees next month. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street ♦ Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading, MA d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street ♦ Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street ♦ Reading Veterans' Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62, 37 Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2013 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 2012—paw A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board Qf Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street ♦ Athens Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street ♦ Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag, Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors, 150 Main Street ♦ Reading Fine Wines LLC d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street ♦ CWI, LTD d/b/a The Wine Bunker, 128 Market Place Shopping Center, One General Way for a term expiring December 31, 2013 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Mandarin Reading, Inc. d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street ♦ Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri,355 Main Street ♦ CAC Foods, Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street ♦ Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Mac Acquisition of Delaware d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ The Boland Group III, LLC d/b/a Fuddruckers, 50 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ RARE Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti, 601 Main Street ♦ Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyle's, 530 Main Street ♦ KOK, Inc. d/b/a Ove's,26 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Sam's Bistro, 107 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2013 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—November 20, 20.12—page 9 A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the Wine and Malt Liquor License for: • Palatat Pattenesuan d/b/a Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2013 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0=0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of October 16, 2012 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Arena abstaining. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of October 23, 2012 was augroved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Arena abstaining. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, "W Secretary