No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 23, 2013 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 7:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman John Arena, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectman Daniel Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena; School Committee members Chris Caruso, Hal Croft, Karen Janowski, Chuck Robinson, and Rob Spadafora; Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, and the following list of interested persons: Steven Ryan, Bill Brown, Patty deGaravilla, Nadine Wandziliak, David Greenfield, Linda Engelson, Ruth Urell, Andrew Grimes, Rachel Baumgartner, Will Finch, Kim Honetschlager, Helen Aki, Joan Boegel, and Laurie Ann Sylvia. Reports and Comments Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ This is Administrative Assistants Week. We value and appreciate all of our Administrative personnel regardless of name — Clerks, Administrative Secretaries, Administrative Assistants, or Office Manager. ♦ On April 3 the RNR Chamber of Commerce honored a citizen of the Year from Reading — Dominick Rotondi, a Firefighter of the Year — Stephen Pelrine, and a Police Officer of the Year—Michelle Halloran. ♦ Pursuant to section 1.6 of the selectmen's policies, the agenda 2 weeks ago listed a series of Executive Session minutes of the Board of Selectmen that I have released and are now in the regular session meeting books and on the web site. "1.6- Declassifying Confidential Executive Session Minutes In accordance with the provisions of the Open Meeting Law, Chapter 39, Section 23, the Town Manager, acting as clerk to the Board of Selectmen, will review approved confidential minutes of the Board of Selectmen's Executive Sessions on a regular basis. It is the intent of the Board of Selectmen to withhold minutes only for as long as the publication of the record would defeat the original purpose of a lawfully convened Executive Session. At least once a month, the Town Manager will review all approved minutes still in confidential status, and will release for publication those segments that need not be confidential any longer. This action will be part of a report on the "Routine Matters" of the Board of Selectmen's meeting agenda." ♦ There is a Special Primary Election on April 30 for the vacant US Senate seat. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23, 2013 —page 2 ♦ The last day to register to vote for the June 25 election is June 5t' at Town Hall —the Clerks office with be open until 8:00 PM on the days above. Community Services ♦ Earth Day is at the Mattera Cabin-April 27. ♦ A Public Hearing notice for an application under the Scenic Roads program was sent out in error to residents on South Street. National Grid is installing a gas main within the pavement area,to serve the Reading Woods site. ♦ The Regional Health Department has been awarded a mini-grant of up to $1,500 to update the School Nurses' Policies and Procedures Manual. We will receive the award letter with the amount (and the check) sometime in the next week. Although the school nurses are not part of the Health Department in Reading and Wakefield, the Public Health Administrator has nonetheless been working with them to address various issues. Library • Children's Librarian Ashley Waring has accepted a two-year appointment to serve on the American Library Association Children's Services committee as a Liaison with National Organizations Serving Children and Youth. Congratulations Ashley! Public Safety ♦ May 1 —RCASA is Hosting a Film Screening of Point of No Return, 7:00 -9:00 PM, Woburn Showcase Cinema. ♦ The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has received a Major Disaster Declaration for the February 8-9, 2013 blizzard. The declaration includes Middlesex County. Therefore, Reading will be eligible to receive reimbursement of our eligible expenses for a specific time period (usually 48-72 hours) in responding to the storm. More details will follow as MEMA conducts applicant briefings. Public Works • Hopkins and Main Street intersection. • Tree removal — Sturges Park • West Street: 100% design plans are complete, have been submitted to MassDOT, and this project is recommended by MPO staff to be funded in FY 2014 — which begins October 1, 2013. • Poets Corner work has resumed. The contractor has about a month's work ahead of them — a couple of spot repairs, 3 manholes to replace, one small section of under drain to install to an unplanned connection, and sewer service laterals. • We took bids for pavement work, and the bid prices on $1.5 million of work came in $100,000 lower than estimates. • MWRA is targeting Wednesday evening, May 1 to remove the existing 24" globe valve and 36" butterfly valve in Woburn and install a new 36" globe valve and 36" gate valve on the south side of the bridge in front of the former West Marine store. The rough plan is to start early evening, and work through the overnight period to Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23, 2013 —page 3 perform the work. Back-up water supply if needed will be through the new interconnection with Stoneham. • The MWRA has completed their analysis of test borings on the route of the interconnection between South/Main Street and West Street, and they have found a significant amount of ledge. With Town staff they are going to look at alternative routes for this interconnection, and abutting residents will get an Everbridge call prior to marking out and taking borings. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Arbor Day Proclamation— The Town Manager noted there is an email from Kevin Barile regarding Arbor Day. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to approve the proclamation for Arbor Day on April 26, 2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Telecommunications Week — Fire Chief Greg Burns and Police Chief James Cormier were present. Chief Cormier noted that Vicki Avery was unable to be present tonight. He noted there are more burdens with emergency dispatching demands. James Bonazoli suggested having Vicki and others in to review changes. The Town Manager suggested doing a field trip. James Bonazoli also noted that he would like to have the discussion in the future regarding what to do in an emergency situation i.e. people not having any communication after the Boston Marathon bombing. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to approve the Proclamation for Public Safety and Telecommunications Week was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Joint Meeting with the School Committee Regarding Purchase or Sale of Real Estate for Full Day Kindergarten — Karen Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:07 p.m. Superintendent John Doherty noted that the School Committee received a report to look at elementary space. There have been significant program changes resulting in less space. They discussed full day kindergarten and the School Committee voted to move forward with full day kindergarten in the future. Options would be adding modular classrooms, adding onto schools, or the best option is to look at an existing building and renovate. They have been working with St. Agnes and the Archdiocese and they have reached a letter of intent with St. Agnes. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committee have met in Executive Session regarding this topic. The letter of intent is no authority to spend money. It is for the premises at 172 Woburn Street including the building, frontage, and parking behind the building for $1.4 million. The closing date is 11/1/13 and we will need approval of Town Meeting and approval of the voters. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23, 2013 —page 4 The letter of intent provisions include limitations on use; parking on certain hours and days. John Arena noted that Catholic holidays should be nailed down more than just Christmas. The Town Manager noted that the seller will retain 45 spaces. They want zoning to say parking meets zoning requirements by August 1, 2013. The Town will fund up to $40,000 to bring natural gas onsite. The driveway will need redesign; the church will use the school for CCD classes. There will be no real estate tax on that building and the Town will pay the loss of rent until November 1, 2013. John Arena noted that the Town needs to be transparent on all expenses for this and he asked the School Committee to target also the cost of operating into the total cost of the project. John Doherty noted that when we do get to full day kindergarten the Chapter 70 funds will increase. Daniel Ensminger disclosed that he is a parishioner of St. Agnes but does not serve on the Finance Committee. John Arena also noted that he would like to see a couple of plans at different costs. A motion by Croft seconded by Spadafora that the School Committee, approves the Letter of Intent between the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston, A Corporation Sole and the Town of Reading for the purchase of the so called Woburn Street School at 172A Woburn Street for use as an Early Childhood Center incorporating the RISE pre-school program and full day Kindergarten; and the School Committee recommends approval to the Board of Selectmen and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign the Letter of Intent on the School Committee's behalf was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen, at the request of the School Committee, approves the Letter of Intent between the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston, A Corporation Sole and the Town of Reading for the purchase of the so called Woburn Street School at 172A Woburn Street for use as an Early Childhood Center incorporating the RISE pre-school program and full day Kindergarten; and the Board of Selectmen authorizes the Town Manager to sign the Letter of Intent on the Town's behalf was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. SigningLibrary Construction Application Documents — Library Director Ruth Urell, Library employee Rachel Baumgartner and Library Trustees Andrew Grimes, Victoria Yablonsky, and Alice Collins were present. Ms. Urell noted that the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen needs to sign the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program four page agreement with 37 provisions and Chairman Bonazoli signed the document as requested. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23, 2013 —page 5 Request by Mr. Loiselle to Amend Tree Replacement Planting Requirements—The Town Manager noted that Mr. Loiselle planted two trees on his property not at the direction of the Tree Warden. The Board of Selectmen recommended that the Tree Warden work out something with Mr. Loiselle. Review Results of Rubbish Limits "Barrel Audit" — Public Works Director Jeff Zager and Public Works Business Administrator Jane Kinsella were present. Jane Kinsella noted that 92% of the households are at two barrels now. She would love to go to one barrel with an overflow bag at some time in the future. Jeff Zager noted they receive very few complaints and seven to eight communities have adopted our program. The program is running well. May 11 is textiles and shredding event and May 18`h is curbside metal week. Bill Brown noted that the Recreation Department should make teams clean up after themselves. Presentation on Mosquito Control — Health Director Ruth Clay and David Henley from the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control were present. Mr. Henley gave a very in-depth presentation on everything you would need to know about mosquitoes. He noted that they spray to control them and also treat catch basins. The Town can choose to do as little or as much as they want. Ruth Clay noted that the increase in the budget this year was approved by the Board of Selectmen. They increase it 2% — 3% each year to keep up with all of it. She noted we have different species year round. She also noted they will keep an eye on Sturges and Castine too. Hearing — Set Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Rates — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Bob LeLacheur noted there are four factors that impact our rate. Everything but MWRA is under our control. The water main projects are all within the scope of what is being presented. The MWRA is looking at a 6.50% increase over the same time period. There is a 2% increase in water reserves and 7% increase in sewer. Bob LeLacheur noted that the sewer rates will go up faster than the water rates. We have $560,000 in storm water reserves and he suggests using $30,000 of the reserves. He also recommends using no reserves for water and use $75,000 for sewer. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on setting the water, sewer and storm water rates for FY2014 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23, 2013 —page 6 A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen set the FY 2014 Water Rate at $9.17 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $18.34 effective with the August,2013 billing was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen set the FY 2014 Sewer Rate at $10.38 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $20.76 effective with the August,2013 billing was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen set the Storm Water Rate at $40 per unit (3210 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the August, 2013 billing was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Follow Up with Comment— Reading Post Office—The Town Manager reviewed the two options for comments on the sale of the Reading Post Office. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve the letter Option 1 to the US Postal Service regarding plans to close portions of the current operation in Reading, and to relocate the retail portion of the Post Office function, and to sell the existing building; and to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter on the Town's behalf was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — Amending Policy on Town Forest — The Secretary read the hearing notice. James Bonazoli noted that the only change is moving the Committee from Community Services to DPW. He also noted that the Boy Scouts want to know who approves the Town Forest Regulations. Michael Bourke from Boy Scout Troop 702 noted they have concerns regarding the use of the Town Forest for the Boy Scouts. The Town Forest Committee wants to limit the number of boys to 20 and they have 50 in the Troop. They are also limiting the number of vehicles. He doesn't want the rules to be too restrictive. There were 6 rules before and now they are up to 31 rules. The Town Manager noted that the Town Forest belongs to the whole community, not just the Boy Scouts. The Town Forest is under the care, custody and control of the Town Forest Committee. They need good strong rules and regulations and they should be created in a public hearing process. Will Finch noted that he feels the Committee should stay in Community Services because the Conservation Commission issues permits for trail blazers. The Town Manager indicated we cannot do that because there is no staff support. Will Finch noted that DPW is not a planning body and the Town Manager indicated that Recreation and Parks is in DPW and we don't work in silos, we work in groups. Kim Honetschlager noted that the Town Forest Committee was not told about tonight's hearing. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23, 2013 —page 7 Mr. Bourke noted that he gets the feeling that the Town doesn't want the Scouts camping up there and Mr. Finch noted the Committee does not want to restrict the Boy Scouts; they just need to get a handle on the situation. A motion_by Tafova seconded by Ensminaer that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on amending the Policy on the Town Forest Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the amendments to the Policy on the Town Forest Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. LEAP Presentation by MAPC — Helen Aki gave a presentation on the Local Energy Action Program. She noted that the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is the organizing entity and the plan is in draft form. They are developing programs. There is also a new energy audit program. National Grid is required by state law to pay for the audits, but they weren't. They are now. Ms. Aki noted that her recommendation is to align efforts with the RMLD programs and she will set up an action plan. James Bonazoli noted that the Town is leading edge with the Climate Advisory Committee. Climate Advisory Committee member Joan Boegel noted that this is a good program and some things need more analysis. The Town Manager noted that the Town is looking at solar collection at the schools and that could be a generator of green energy. Review Draft Amendments to Traffic Rules and Regulations — Police Chief James Cormier and Safety Officer Justin Martel were present. Justin Martel noted that he has been updating the regulations and they need to be formatted to make them similar to the other town bylaws. Chapter 85 S. 2 of the MGL requires that town must adopt. The Selectmen adopted the initial regulations in 1948 and re-adopted them in 1995. The new document improves record keeping issues, readability and public access. There are clear references to statutes and all streets public and private are listed. He is looking to review this with the Board of Selectmen and looking for guidance. Some stop signs have no records available. John Arena noted he would like a list of what needs to be corrected. The Town Manager noted that the intent will be to rescind the old one and approve the new regulations. Board of Selectmen Minutes—April 23 2013 —page 8 Daniel Ensminger asked if we will go out and survey the "no parking within 20 feet of an intersection"and it was noted that is not the intent. Award Bid — Sale of Lothrop Road Property — The Town Manager noted that he took bids on 50 Lothrop Road. Seventeen packets were taken out and four bids were received. The high bid was $305,000 from David Chuha. The closing will be May 15, 2013. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen award the bid for the sale of the property at 50 Lothrop Road to David M Chuha DBA Chuha Construction Company Inc., for a sum of $305.000 and subiect to all of the conditions of sale as detailed in the RFP; and authorize the Town Manager to sign all additional documents on the Town's behalf was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Naming of a Room in a Town Facility—The Town Manager noted that a Board wants to name a room in a Town facility after someone and it is a surprise. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of.Selectmen approve the naming of a room within a Town building as requested in an email addressed to the Town Manager dated April 9,2013. This action is intended to be a surprise to the person after which the room is being named. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of March 12, 2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1 with Ensminger abstaining. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of March 19, 2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1 with Ensmingyer abstaining. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen adiourn the meeting at 10:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 Respectfully submitted, ecretary