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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 7, 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 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marsie West, Youth Liaisons Mary Kate Kelley and Eric Johnson, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the following list of interested persons: Bill Brown, Diane Manahan, Angela Lordi, Mary DeLai, David O' Sullivan, Bill McElhiney, Bridget Souza, Nancy Docktor. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Ben Tafoya thanked staff for all the work that was done for Town Meeting. He and John Arena are working on the new Town Manager contract and they will get that to the Board as soon as possible. Saturday is the Letter Carrier Food Drive and the Food Pantry usually needs volunteers. Daniel Ensminger noted that Officer Kristen Amandola replaces Justin Martel as the Safety Officer. The Ipswich River Bridge has safety issues so the southbound lane is closed indefinitely. James Bonazoli noted that three people have been appointed to the Library Building Committee. He also thanked Rick Schubert for noticing that one of the Town Meeting members that was removed was done so because she had passed away. He also noted he had the office hour tonight and met with Lenka Nicholls of 104 Ash Street who had lost her sidewalk and is requesting sidewalks on the easterly side of Ash Street. Eric Johnson noted that the Boys Track Team is playing Woburn tomorrow and if they win they will clinch the Middlesex title. Interviews are also being conducted for a new Assistant Principal. Mary Kate Kelley noted that this is the seniors last week so it's been very busy for them. Public Comment — Bill Brown read a statement noting that the Reading Municipal Light Board Chairman John Stempeck was arrogant and condescending to the Town Manager and North Reading Selectman Michael Prisco. He suggests that Mr. Stempeck apologize before July 1, 2013 or he will take actions for a recall petition. Town Manager Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ I have deeds for the Board of Selectmen to sign this evening for lands being sold— Board of Selectmen Minutes–May 7, 2013 –page 2 Lothrop Road and the 2 small parcels on Audubon Road/Pearl Street. Closings are set for May 15 and May 13 respectively. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the signing of deeds for the sale of the property at 50 Lothrop Road to David M. Chuha, as Sole Trustee of the Lothrop Road Realty Trust; and two 3,700 square foot properties at Audubon Road and Pearl Street, one to Peter A. Genovese and Patricia A. Genovese, and one to Patricia Crowley was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. ♦ 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. ♦ Notices are going out this week to BCC members as to their interest in being reappointed. ♦ The last day to register to vote for the June 25 election is June 5th at Town Hall—the Town Clerks office with be open until 8:00 PM on June 5. ♦ Today we are sending out 663 reminder letters for unlicensed dogs — we have licensed almost 2,000 dogs already—we still have over 80 unresolved violations from 2011 and 2012. ♦ Memorial Day — May 27 — we need to know who the speakers will be from the Board of Selectmen for the 4 cemeteries. ♦ Postal Workers food drive— Saturday, May 11. List of recommended donations is on the Town web site Community Services ♦ 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 Departments 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 ♦ 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 (48 hours) in responding to the storm. ♦ Letter from Boston Police Board of Selectmen Ed Davis. Public Works • Street line painting started last week - still have 3 to 4 more days to complete all traffic Board of Selectmen Minutes–May 7 2013 –page 3 markings. All should be completed within the next week or two. • Street Sweeping has begun. •North Main Street bridge over the Ipswich River. • Hopkins and Main Street intersection. • Playground construction and tree removal— Sturges Park. • FY 2014 - sidewalk construction/reconstruction on the easterly (non-RR track) side of Vine Street from Mineral Street to High Street. • West Street: 100% design plans are complete, have been submitted to MassDOT, and this project is recommended by MPO staff to be funded in FFY 2014 - which begins October 1, 2013. • We took bids for pavement work and the bid prices on $1.5 million of work came in $100,000 lower than estimates. • Roadway paving to start next week. Contractor will start on Haverhill Street. The schedule is tentative and under review. • Poets corner work has been completed. Reconstruction of the roads is scheduled in May/June. • MWRA - May 1 removed the existing 24" globe valve and 36" butterfly valve in Woburn and installed 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 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. . • Solid Waste/Recycling - All business hours - Electronics Recycling and Styrofoam recycling • May 11th–9:00 AM to 1:00 PM -paper shredding, rigid plastics, clothing, shoes, books etc. • May 18th - Household Hazardous Waste collection 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Metals recycling - curb side by 6:00 AM. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Bicycle Month- A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen proclaim May 2013 to be Bike Month and May 17, 2013 to be Bike to Work Day in ReadinsE was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. DPW Appreciation Week - Public Works Director Jeff Zager was present to receive the proclamation. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen proclaim May 19 to May 25, 2013 as Public Works Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. EMS Week–Fire Chief Greg Burns was present to receive the proclamation. Board of Selectmen Minutes—May 7, 2013 —page 4 A motion by Ensminaer seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen proclaim May 19 to May 25, 2013 as Emergency Medical Services Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Badge Pinning—Police Sergeants—Police Chief James Cormier noted that two Officers are being promoted to Sergeants: Chris Picco and Kevin Brown. Sgt. Picco was pinned by his girlfriend and Sgt. Brown was pinned by his children. Appointment of Reading Municipal Light Board Member—Reading Municipal Light Board Members John Stempeck, Phil Pacino, Bob Soli, and David Talbot joined the meeting at 7:58 p.m. James Bonazoli noted this was a joint meeting to jointly appoint anew member to the Light Board. Dave Mancuso was the sole applicant. John Stempeck noted that Mr. Mancuso has an excellent background with "Making Reading Better" and he is concerned about how many elected officials participate in this and wants to know how Mr. Mancuso can address this concern. Mr. Mancuso noted that "Making Reading Better" is not a political association, there is no membership or fee. There is no agenda or discussion deliberating Town policy. It is a forum to positively enhance what the community is doing. Bob Soli noted that Mr. Mancuso's election signs mention rate payers first. Mr. Soli indicated there is no rate payer service, it's called customer service. Mr. Mancuso noted that the end user of service is his concern. Mr. Soli asked Mr. Mancuso if he was in favor of the proposal for the billboard on West Street and Mr. Mancuso noted he was not in favor of the billboards, he was in favor of open public dialogue. Mr. Soli noted that what he heard from Mr. Mancuso was that the tax revenue would decrease due to the billboards. James Bonazoli noted that these questions have nothing to do with the Municipal Light Department and it is not appropriate to be asking questions of a personal nature. James Bonazoli asked Mr. Mancuso if he foresees any conflict of interest and Mr. Mancuso indicated he chooses to serve the Town. David Talbot asked Mr. Mancuso about his views on demand reduction and Mr. Mancuso noted that he is a big fan of it. How, when and where it happens is going to be a part of the energy programs. Dan Ensminger asked Mr. Mancuso what qualities he will look for in hiring a new General Manager. Mr. Mancuso indicated someone with a crystal clear record with the experience and skills to take on the job with an expertise in the New England energy market. James Bonazoli asked what the top qualities of the Reading Municipal Light Department are and Mr. Mancuso indicated that operations has an extremely strong reputation. Board of Selectmen Minutes—May 7, 2013 —page 5 David Talbot noted that Mr. Mancuso's blog on the REC's indicated they were worth millions and they weren't. He cautioned Mr. Mancuso that he should be careful about what numbers he puts out there. A motion by Pacino seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen and Reading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners jointly place the following name into nomination for a position on the Reading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners with a term expiring April 8, 2014: David Mancuso. Mr. Mancuso received eight votes and was appointed. Appoint Trust Fund Commissioner, VASC and RCASA — A motion by Ensminger seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen confirm the appointment of the following Selectmen to the following Boards, Committees and Commissions: ♦ Marsie West to the Trust Fund Commissioners with a term expiring June 30,2014; ♦ John Arena and Daniel Ensminger to the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee with terms expiring June 30,2014; ♦ James Bonazoli to the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse with a term expiring September 30,2014,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Application for Package Store Liquor License—Pamplemousse, 26 Haven Street —The Secretary read the hearing notice. Diane Manahan and Angela Lordi were present. Ms. Manahan noted that they have owned the Pamplemousse in Salem for 11 years. They sell kitchen gadgets, pots and pans, vinegars, oils, sauces, food and wine. They focus on wine but will do full service. They will have a big cheese case and offer meals you can take home and heat up. They will not sell nips, cigarettes or the lottery. Dan Ensminger asked if they ever had any incidents of selling to underage people and Ms. Manahan noted they did not, they ID everyone. James Bonazoli asked what the hours will be and Ms. Manahan noted 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will also sell coffee, artisan bread, and homemade pasta. Mary Delai noted she lives in Salem and she loves Pamplemousse. A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing for an all alcohol package store license for Pamplemousse, Inc. at 26 Haven Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the application for the Retail Package Goods Store License for All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages not to be drunk on the premises for Pamplemousse, Inc. at 26 Haven Street. Subiect to the following conditions: Board of Selectmen Minutes—May 7, 2013 —page_6 ♦ Retail space will be limited to a total of 3,300 square feet as designated on the approved plan entitled "Concept Floor Plan scale: 1'-0" = 1/8" dated April 22,2013, Pamplemousse—Reading,26 Haven Street, Reading, MA;" ♦ 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 and certificate of occupancy prior to opening was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Curb Cut Waivers — St. Athanasius — The Town Manager noted that they have site plan approval. One curb cut has three lanes — one going in and two going out. Abutters were notified during the site plan and they received approval. A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the curb cut variance and curb cut approval for 312 Haverhill Street as proposed on Exhibit 1 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Inter Municipal Agreement With Wakefield Re: School Nutrition — Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mary Delai noted that the School Department is expanding on regional efforts. They are not renewing the school nutrition person at the end of June so they will regionalize with Wakefield's School Nutrition Director. Wakefield will pay $60,000 annually to cover her salary. The person will work half time in Reading and half time in Wakefield. James Bonazoli asked how the person could keep up with two communities and Ms. Delai noted the same menu plan will be used at each school. Daniel Ensminger asked if the School Committee supports this and Ms. Delai noted they did vote to support. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve the Inter-local Municipal Agreement with the Town of Wakefield for regionalization of the School Nutrition Director position in substantially the form submitted the evening of 5/7/13 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review of Options Regarding Medical Marijuana Prohibition/Restriction— Health Director Ruth Clay was present. The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approved a Bylaw amendment prohibiting marijuana dispensaries in Reading but the Attorney General denied it. The Town could appeal the Attorney General's decision and can join Wakefield in the appeal; the Town could institute a moratorium or the Town could establish zoning restrictions which would designate a zoning district for that use. The Town could also do nothing and see what happens. A temporary moratorium should be initiated by CPDC and the Bylaw would be in effect as of the date of the first publication of the CPDC public hearing. There would then have to be Town Meeting action within six months. The Town Manager noted the moratorium Board of Selectmen Minutes—May 7, 2013 —page 7 could be until June 30, 2014 which would give the Town time to gather more information and do a planning study. Daniel Ensminger asked if it is a use by right and the Town Manager noted the Attorney General says no. The Town cannot prohibit because the voters put it in place. Daniel Ensminger noted that this is for medical use of marijuana, not a place where kids will get pot. He does not want to join the lawsuit and he is in favor of a zoning amendment. Mr. Ensminger asked when the Department of Public Health regulations will be finalized and Ruth Clay indicated by the end of this month and that the draft regulations are on their website. Ruth Clay noted that a moratorium will allow the first round of sites to be sited elsewhere. Ben Tafoya and Marsie West indicated they have no problem with a moratorium. The Town Manager noted the consensus was not to appeal and he will get the process for a moratorium and ask Town Counsel about the timing of Town Meeting. James Bonazoli noted for the record that Police, Fire and Health are not in favor of the dispensaries. Approval of Minutes A motion by Ensmimer seconded by Tafova to approve the minutes of April 9, 2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafova to approve the Executive Session minutes of April 9,2013 as written was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property — Causeway Road; and that the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the body; not to reconvene in Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, <e�cretary