Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 18,2013 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 7:02 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman John Arena, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marsie West, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the following list of interested persons: Steven Ryan, Susan Bowe, Jamie Maughan, Linda Blomerth, Mark Rumizen, Jennifer Driscoll, Steve Dennen, Susan Melanson, Dave Melanson, Pat Foley, Mike Foley, Kerry and Sean Mcauley, Jessie Wilson, Nancy Docker, Roberta and Anthony Guarciariello, Dorothy Marshall, Marilyn Simmons, Keith Driscoll, Kurt Habel, Farrukh Najmi, Tom Gardiner, Jean Delios and Will Finch. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — John Arena noted that he and Daniel Ensminger interviewed applicants for Boards, Committees and Commissions. He indicated it is nice to see the interest in the positions. He also noted that he met with a professional regarding developing a brochure of Reading and he would like to have a meeting to discuss this. Ben Tafoya thanked the Town Manager, John Feudo and the Lions Club for Friends and Family Day. Daniel Ensminger noted that he attended a Rotary meeting and Peter Hechenbleikner was awarded. Marsie West noted that she attended the MMA new Selectman orientation. She spoke with the Finance Committee regarding their concerns re: potential state aid cuts. She also mentioned that in regards to the brochure that Mr. Arena was talking about she has actually seen Town strategic plans on websites. James Bonazoli noted that he attended a meeting of the Recreation Committee on Tuesday and the Girls Softball wants to stay at the field by RMHS and make improvements. They will bring their proposal to the Board of Selectmen. Jeff Harding requests the Board to revisit the second water meter issue. Bill Brown requests an update on the status of Oakland Road and he is requesting that CPDC look at that. Bill Brown also asks about the flag display and he noted that James forgot to thank the Cemetery Department for the Memorial Day work. Mr. Bonazoli also noted that dog owners need to step it up and be responsible by cleaning up after their dogs. Public Comment —Susan Shields, 89 Woburn Street, noted that the tree roots from the Town tree is crushing her pipes and coming up through her basement floor. She wants Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 —page 2 the tree taken down but the Tree Warden refuses to take it down. She feels her 211 year old house is more important than a tree. The Town Manager noted that the contractor who did sewer work for her has been banned from the Town due to poor quality of work. Ms. Shields indicated she feels the contractor did a good job. James Bonazoli indicated that the Board will hold a hearing on July 91h and for the Tree Warden to be present. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ Sale of Real Estate - proceeds go into Sale of Real Estate fund for use for debt service, capital improvements, or funding unfunded pension liability. o The Town has closed on the sales of land at 50 Lothrop ($305,000) and two small parcels at Pearl & Audubon ($14,800 total). Proceeds will be added to the Sale of Real Estate Fund. o House lot on Pearl/Audubon — three bids opened today, all exceeded the $200,000 minimum. The bid packets will be evaluated early next week with Town Counsel. Award scheduled for July 91h BOS meeting. ♦ Town Departments — given three tasks in preparation for BOS longer-term goal setting process: o June 2013: Comment on and prioritize existing CY13 goals set by BOS last winter(attached); o August 15`2013: Submit organizational changes desired to Town Manager for review with BOS and then November Town Meeting as needed; o January 1 S` 2014: Create task lists & ways to measure key tasks. Begin measuring in CY14 in order to be able to feed into the Selectman's next goal-setting process. Community Services ♦ Pleasant Street Center—dedication of Great Room is scheduled for the COA's lobster roll dinner on July 18`h at 5pm. Please contact Jane Burns before June 26`h (942-6658 or ibums@ci.reading.ma.us) if you wish to attend. ♦ Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers — CPDC has reviewed and voted to pass along a request for a Moratorium to be voted on by TM at STM 2013 to the Selectmen. If the BOS agrees and refers the matter back to CPDC, a Public Hearing notice will be published (6/24) which starts the moratorium. Further details in tonight's agenda item. ♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By-Law — reviewed by CPDC, further details in tonight's agenda item. ♦ Portland Pie — open for business on Monday June 17`h. Applicant was very complimentary on Town's well-organized approach to planning and permitting process. ♦ Pamplemousse—ABC has approved their liquor license. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 —page 3 ♦ Bunratty Tavern is requesting an extension on the deadline to be fully operational due to construction delays. A motion by Tafoya seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen extend the deadline for R CR Corp. d/b/a Bunratty Tavern at 622 Main Street to be fully operational to September 14,2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 ♦ Artis Senior Living — Applicant has filed for Site Plan Review, and then will be before the CPDC (6/24). Permitting has been expedited including coordination with ZBA and ConsCom. ♦ Perfecto's- Pre-Construction Meeting on 5/30/13 (demolition), applicant submittals are pending. A violation notice will be going out from the Health Director as the applicant did not file for a permit as required under Title V for Septic Abandonment. This was addressed previously with the General Contractor, however, the applicant and the demolition sub-contractor took their own course of action. Ben Tafoya noted that Town Meeting voted the bylaw to take action against Perfecto's. Marsie West noted that the Town should institute the fines and move forward with demolition. Jean Delios noted that multiple violation letters have been sent out. The first violation fine was $50 and they balked at it and management decided not to enforce. Jamie Maughan noted that the wetland permit required preconstruction permitting and he has heard nothing from them. Jean Delios noted that it has been a revolving door of contractors and what they really need is a project manager. John Arena noted that the clock has run out on this so the Town should change its posture immediately. James Bonazoli requested that a letter be sent out requesting a DRT meeting. ♦ S. Main Street Roadway DIET — Grant funds awarded, CTPS site visit last month, scope of work received last week. ♦ Retail Visioning and Fagade Improvement Program—next phase by BFSI Committee and EDC. ♦ MF Charles progressing with construction(Building Permit issued last month). ♦ Reading Housing Production Plan - approved by DHCD. Library ♦ Library Building Committee — OPM contract signed; LBC met last night with STV's Jim Kolb and staff to begin preparation for two next steps (hire a designer/architect and find temporary space). The key date is May 2014 from a State Grant perspective, process designed backwards to achieve that goal. o For the architect search, ad will be submitted today for publication in the Central Register on June 26th with the expectation to have all proposals in by July 18th and a final selection by mid-August. o Search for temporary office space will be lagged one week, town must follow procurement law and also request proposals that meet certain criteria. A Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 —page 4 reminder that the Library Trustees approved a search for temporary space outside of Reading. Public Safety ♦ Franklin& Main Street- MA DOT immediately responded with two site visits, further news pending. ♦ Ipswich River Rte. 28 bridge repairs — shorter time frame solution possible, decision by late June. ♦ Our consultant has completed counts on Main and Salem, Woburn, Pleasant, and Haven. Report about two weeks away to see if we can adjust signal timing to move traffic through better. Public Works ♦ West Street — draft TIP is in 30 day comment period, MPO committee to take final vote at their June 27th meeting (Town Engineer will be in attendance). Affirmative vote funds the project in FFY 2014 — October 1, 2013. In preparation, FINCOM Reserve Fund transfer request on June 26th to begin some paper work on land-takings. This should allow construction to begin in the spring 2014. Road Improvements - Completed ♦ Charles Street (Haverhill St. to Dana Rd.) — Traffic markings to be installed this week ♦ Haverhill Street (Wakefield St. to N. Reading Town Line) — Traffic markings to be installed this week Roads - In Proeress: Due to recent rains, installation of the final layer of pavement will probably not resume until next week. ♦ Batchelder Road—Roadway reclaimed and binder installed, castings raised ♦ Boswell Road—Roadway reclaimed and binder installed, castings raised ♦ Irving Street—Roadway reclaimed and binder installed, castings raised ♦ Poets Corner: Tennyson Circle, Wadsworth Road, Whittier Road, Tennyson Road, Browning Terrace — Roadway reclaimed, binder installed and driveway aprons adjusted. Completion is pending the curb and/or sidewalk betterment question, results so far close to 50/50 ♦ Hanscom Ave. (Weston to Hartshorn) - Roadway reclaimed and binder installed, castings being raised/adjusted this week ♦ Hartshorn Street—Roadway milled, castings being adjusted this week ♦ Longfellow Road—Roadway milled, castings being adjusted this week ♦ Tower Road (Winthrop to Bancroft) — Roadway milled, castings being adjusted this week ♦ Weston Road (Parkview to Bancroft) - Roadway reclaimed and binder installed, castings raised ♦ Winthrop Ave. - partially milled and reclaimed, binder installed, castings being raised/adjusted this week ♦ Howard Street (Summer Ave. to Sigsbee Ave.) — Roadway reclaimed and binder installed; castings raised Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 —page 5 ♦ Springvale Road (Overlook Rd. to 300' on Springvale Rd.) — Roadway reclaimed and binder installed; castings raised ♦ Overlook Road—Roadway milled, castings being adjusted this week Roads - To be scheduled ♦ Oakland Rd. (after school closes) Water projects ♦ Belmont to Ivy cross country—borings this week ♦ Main St. improvements—apply for required state permits by mid-July Sewer projects ♦ Howard Street replacement—plan to advertise for bids in July ♦ Charles-Lewis Streets - plan to advertise for bids in August Discussion/Action Items Review Medical Marijuana Moratorium—Town Planner Jean Delios, Staff Planner Jessie Wilson and CPDC member Charlie Adams were present. Mrs. Delios noted that CPDC voted to approve a draft amendment and the Selectmen need to vote to submit it to CPDC. She will advertise tomorrow and that way the zoning will be frozen. There will be a public hearing on July 8, 2013 and the moratorium will be for one year from when Town Meeting approves it. Also, the Attorney General wants us to update the Bylaws so we will need to hire a consultant for updating them. Charlie Adams noted that CPDC agreed on the proposed timeline. Daniel Ensminger asked who else has voted a moratorium and Jean Delios noted Wakefield and a couple of other towns. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafoya to refer back the zoning amendment to CPDC was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Zoning Bylaw Project - Jean Delios noted that the Zoning Bylaw is the rule book on where things can happen and it needs to be updated. Phase 1 will include looking at the existing bylaw and simplify the language. Staff will do the formatting. Phase 2 will be a whole new bylaw and there will be a public process. It will take 18 to get through phase 2. She is drafting an RFP to get a consultant on board in September. Daniel Ensminger noted we need a good clean sign bylaw. Charlie Adams noted it will be key to keep to the schedule and yet get everyone to respond. They also want to look at the Dover amendment regarding schools, churches, etc. being exempt from zoning issues. Daniel Ensminger suggested they also look at the PUD because it was drafted with other things in mind. He suggested perhaps removing it. Jamie Maughan noted that the Conservation Commission revised the wetland bylaws and they heard from over 1000 residents and it took them one year. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 image 6 Marsie West asked if we can change the mandate for ZBA to give feedback and Daniel Ensminger noted that the ZBA is chartered under state law. Appointment of Boards. Committees and Commissions — The Town Manager noted that there are some changes to the motion of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee. He noted that under Conservation Commission, Jamie Maughan should be a three year term; and the Custodian of Soldiers and Sailor's Graves was omitted. Also, we have received three more applications for the Town Forest Committee since the VASC met on Monday night. Each applicant asked to be considered in this round of appointments because no deadline was posted for applying. The Town Manager noted that the VASC filled two 3 year terms and one 1 year term on the Town Forest Committee when they met on Monday night. The Board interviewed Susan Bowe, Jennifer Driscoll, Kurt Habel and Farrukh Najmi for positions on the Town Forest Committee. With some of the applicants representing dog walkers and some of the applicants representing the boy scouts, the Selectmen noted that they are not interested in appointing anyone with special interests because then once the issues are resolved they are no longer interested in serving. Town Forest Committee member Tom Gardiner noted that the Committee is addressing all of the issues and if anyone comes to the meetings they will see the progress. Jamie Maughan noted that the Conservation Commission worked with the Town Forest Committee and he's never seen the Town Forest so well run. He noted that Patrice Todisco did a lot of work. The Town Manager noted that Patrice Todisco withdrew her renewal application. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by Bonazoli to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Town Forest Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2016: Thomas Gardiner and William Sullivan. Each received five votes and were appointed. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafoya to place the following names into nomination for four Associate positions on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2014: Louis DeBrigard, Jennifer Driscoll, Kurt Habel and Farrukh Naimi. Each received five votes and were appointed. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen confirm the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee's recommendations to the Board of Selectmen for the appointment and/or reappointment of the following members to various Boards, Committees and Commissions for terms beginning July 1, 2013 as listed below: Position Appointment Term ending Animal Control Appeals Com. John Miles 6-30-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 —page 7 Board of Appeals John A. Jarema 6-30-16 Board of Cemetery Trustees Ronald Stortz 6-30-16 Elise M. Ciregna 6-30-16 Board of Health David Singer 6-30-16 Board of Registrars Krissandra Holmes 6-30-16 Climate Advisory Committee Michele Benson 6-30-16 Climate Adv. Com. (Associates) Laurie Ann Sylvia 6-30-14 Gina Snyder 6-30-14 Commissioners of Trust Funds John Daly 6-30-16 Conservation Commission Annika Scanlon 6-30-16 Terrence Selle 6-30-14 Jamie Maughan 6-30-16 CPDC Nicholas Safina 6-30-16 John Weston 6-30-16 CPDC (Associate) George Katsoufis 6-30-14 Council on Aging Sally Hoyt 6-30-16 Steven Oston 6-30-16 Carole Scrima 6-30-16 Cultural Council Jacalyn Wallace 6-30-16 Custodian of Soldier and Francis Driscoll 6-30-14 Sailor Graves Economic Development Comm. Meghan Young 6-30-16 Karl Weld 6-30-16 EDC (Associates) Camille Anthony 6-30-14 John Russell 6-30-14 Maria Higgins 6-30-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18 2013 —page 8 Fall Street Faire Committee Leslie Leahy 6-30-16 Sheila Mulroy 6-30-16 Denise Benard 6-30-14 Historical Commission Robyn Parker 6-30-16 Historical Commission (Associate) Nancy Kohl 6-30-14 Virginia Adams 6-30-14 Housing Authority Kevin Mulvey 6-30-18 Human Relation Adv. Com James Cormier 6-30-16 Lori Hodin 6-30-16 Jacalyn Wallace 6-30-16 HRAC (Associate) Camille Anthony 6-30-14 North Suburban Ben Tafoya 6-30-16 Planning Council Recreation Committee Francis Driscoll 6-30-16 Michael Dipietro 6-30-16 Catherine Kaminer 6-30-16 Recreation Committee Associate Sean Whalen 6-30-14 Trails Committee Terrence Selle 6-30-16 David Williams 6-30-16 Trails Committee (Associate) John Parsons 6-30-14 West Street Historic Everett Blodgett 6-30-16 District Commission The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Appointment of Town Counsel — The Town Manager noted that he asked the frequent users of Town Counsel for their opinion. Ellen Doucette left the firm and has not been effectively replaced. Timeliness is an issue. He recommends reappointing until December 31, 2013 so he can talk to Town Counsel regarding the coverage. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen reappoint the firm of Brackett and Lucas as Town Counsel for a term expiring December 31, 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—June 18, 2013 —page 9 Discuss Goals — The Town Manager reviewed the current Selectmen & Town Manager Goals as approved last winter for the calendar year 2013. He suggested that the process change to be based on a fiscal year, since that is how all other employees are reviewed each year, and this would put the two evaluation processes in step with each other going forward. He outlined his prioritization of the current Goals as well as that of the Department Heads. In general there was strong correlation, although some differences remained. He also listed a series of additional Goals as discussed with the Department Heads during the past several weeks. These would replace some the low-priority Goals. Mr. Arena stated that he liked the new calendar of fiscal year, and Mr. Tafoya agreed that this would make the evaluation of the Town Manager more easily accomplished. In the early fall the Selectmen could gauge the relative success and performance in time for the December 31"six-months contract renewal notice for the Town Manager. Mr. Arena said he looked forward to a proposed workshop joint meeting with EDC as proposed by the new Goals. He handed out some material from a Jupiter, FLA website which described a five-year Strategic Plan. He said that it is important to think beyond the single year in terms of Goals, and to note which ones that are proposed are multi-step and multi-year ones. Mr. LeLacheur stated that there needed to be an improvement in communication between the Boards, Committees and Commissions. He said that the BOS liaison assignments were a good place to start, and that many BCCs understand that Selectmen cannot attend every meeting, but they are interested in more feedback. Ms. West agreed and added that there was some overlap among the current BCCs. She encouraged better BCC/BCC communication, for example CPDC and CONSCOM. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by West to approve the Executive Session minutes of May 7, 2013 as written was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Ensminger to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a 5-0-0 vote. Resp ly su tted, etary