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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting July 9, 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, Vice Chairman John Arena, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marsie West, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Police Chief James Cormier, Police Sgt. Detective Mark Segalla and the following list of interested persons: Rusty Harris, Mark Cardono, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Stephen Crook, Phil Pacino, Harold Torman, George Katsoufis, Kevin Sullivan, Bob Morelli. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Daniel Ensminger noted that he is happy to see the street paving in town. John Arena noted he enjoyed the 4th of July. Ben Tafoya thanked staff and the Town Clerk for working the special election in the heat in late June. He also noted that it would be nice to look at keeping Town Hall open for absentee voting on the Friday before an election. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ With tonight's approval for the sale of the house lot on Pearl/Audubon, the Town will have added $630,800 to the Sale of Real Estate Fund. In addition, two new single- family homes will generate annual property taxes when they are completed. This leaves only the Oakland Road property as previously identified parcels the Town should consider selling if it had no other uses in mind. (Ben Tafoya suggested including CPDC in this discussion) ♦ Fiscal 2013 has been completed, but there are another couple of weeks to pay 2013 bills. ♦ We have joined 16 other area communities and teamed up with the U.S. Geological Survey to participate in a project which will be managed by the USGS National Geospatial Technical Operations Center and produce high-resolution elevation products for our GIS needs. This flyover will occur during the Fall of 2013 (after the leaves have come down). The cost to Reading is only $2,286 and details are in tonight's packet. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9 2013 -page 2 Community Services ♦ Pleasant Street Center — dedication of Great Room is scheduled for July 18th at 5pm. Please contact Jane Burns (942-6658 or jburnsgei.readin .ma.us ) if you wish to attend. ♦ Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers — CPDC last night at a public hearing approved (5-0-0) to request for a one-year Moratorium to be voted on by the Subsequent Town Meeting in November 2013. ♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By-Law — reviewed again last night by CPDC. An RFP for consulting services is nearly finalized. What role does the Board wish to take—more details in tonight's packet. ♦ Perfecto's- Applicant is waiting for the National Grid to come in and cap the service so it is safe for demolition. They made the request a few weeks"ago, and were told there was a 6-8 week waiting period for service from the gas company. Also see tonight's packet for an email exchange with Conservation. Note they have paid the fine levied by the Board of Health for failing to pull a permit for their septic work. Library ♦ Library Building Committee — OPM contract signed; RFP issued for architectural services — over 20 firms were expect to attend a site walk through this morning. See tonight's packet for more details. o All architect proposals due by July 18th and a final selection by mid-August. o Search for temporary office space - town must follow procurement law and also request proposals that meet certain criteria. A reminder that the Library Trustees approved a search for temporary space outside of Reading. Schools ♦ Woburn Street School — several staff preparation meetings, the most recent one included Father Rock and other representatives from St. Agnes, the Chair of the ZBA, Town Counsel and Town staff. As stipulated in the LOI, staff has filed a Special Permit application with the ZBA on behalf of St. Agnes to seek relief from parking. On Thursday July 11 th the ZBA will hear the St. Agnes case to determine if a Special Permit is needed for extending a non-conformity related to parking. The Town will be presenting the case on behalf of St. Agnes,the applicant. Public Safety ♦ Franklin & Main Streets - MA DOT immediately responded with two site visits. Late in June Representative Jones met with a MA DOT engineer and Town staff on site. Expect both short and long-term solutions to be discussed briefly at your next Selectman's meeting on July 30tH Public Works ♦ West Street — draft TIP is again in the 30 day comment period, MPO committee to take final vote at their July meeting instead. FINCOM approved a Reserve Fund transfer on June 26th to begin some paper work on land-takings. This should allow construction to begin in the spring 2014 if the project is funded. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9 2013 —page 3 Road Improvements - Completed ♦ Charles Street (Haverhill Street to Dana Road.) — Traffic markings to be installed (wet weather delays) ♦ Haverhill Street (Wakefield Street to North Reading Town Line) — Traffic markings to be installed (wet weather delays) ♦ Batchelder Road, Boswell Road, Irving Street ♦ Weston Road (Parkview to Bancroft) - completion of some driveway aprons remain ♦ Longfellow Road - completion of some driveway aprons remain ♦ Hanscom Avenue (Weston to Hartshorn) - completion of some driveway aprons remain ♦ Tower Road(Winthrop to Bancroft) - completion of some driveway aprons remain Roadwork Performed by DPW ♦ Priscilla Road—Overlay roadway was completed this week Roads - In Progress: ♦ Winthrop Avenue -partially milled and reclaimed, binder installed, castings adjusted, paving in progress— what is not finished today will be completed paving tomorrow ♦ Hartshorn Street—Roadway milled, castings adjusted, to be paved tomorrow ♦ Howard Street(Summer Avenue to Sigsbee Avenue)—Roadway reclaimed and binder installed; castings raised, to be paved tomorrow ♦ Springvale Road (Overlook Road to 300' on Springvale Road)—Roadway reclaimed and binder installed; castings raised, anticipated to be paved next week ♦ Overlook Road—Roadway bindered, castings raised, anticipated to be paved next week ♦ Oakland Road—roadway has been bindered, casting being adjusted, island to be installed within a week—final paving TBD ♦ Poets Corner: Tennyson Circle, Wadsworth Road, Whittier Road, Tennyson Road, Browning Terrace—Roadway reclaimed, binder installed and driveway aprons adjusted. Castings being raised, curbing being adjusted, some curbing being installed privately (4 to 5 houses) - final paving TBD Roadwork Performed by DPW ♦ Waverly Road—Reclaimed by contractor—bindered by DPW today, casting to be adjusted tomorrow Water projects MWRA loan assistance has been applied for and approved ♦ Belmont to Ivy cross country—borings completed ♦ Main Street improvements—apply for required state permits by mid-July Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9 2013 —page 4 Sewer projects ♦ Howard Street replacement—plan to advertise for bids in July/Aug ♦ Charles-Lewis Streets -plan to advertise for bids in August Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Retiring Volunteers Who Served 5+Years—Phil Pacino, Harold Torman, Mark Cardono and George Katsoufis were present to receive their certificates. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Philip Pacino for serving 27 years on the Bylaw Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Dolores Carroll for serving 26 years on the Bylaw Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Alan Ulrich for serving 9 years as a Constable was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Michelle R. Williams for serving 6 years on the Economic Development Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Harold Torman for serving 9 years on the Finance Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Mark Cardono for serving 15 years on the Historical Commission was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for George Katsoufis for serving 5 years on the North Suburban Planning Council was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Patrice A. Todisco for serving 5 years on the Town Forest Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Eagle Scouts — A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for Jacob H. Westerman in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9 2013 —page 5 A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for Michael R. DeMild in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Audit Committee — Tafova moved and Arena seconded that the Board of Selectmen place the following name into nomination as the Selectmen's representative on the Audit Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2016: Marsie West. Ms. West received five votes and was appointed. Climate Advisory Committee — A motion by Tafova seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the appointment of Michelle Benson to the Climate Advisory Committee as an Associate member with a term expiring June 30, 2014 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Town Accountant Quarterly Report — Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom noted that she has been with the Town for one year. She is conducting training on Munis Dashboard tomorrow. The fiscal year has ended and there are still three warrants to process in July. From July to November she will be working on free cash, the audit, and the end of the year report for the schools. Her baby is due on November 6th so she will be working Fridays before hand to speed things up. RMLD Tree Trimming—RMLD Interim Manager Kevin Sullivan and professional arborist Guy Shepard were present. Mr. Sullivan noted that they would like to get on a three year cycle tree trimming cycle so they will need to cut back 5 feet around the conductor in order to accomplish that. Mr. Sullivan noted that 50% of outages are due to trees. They will use all forms of media to inform the public of the tree trimming. John Arena asked if this gives them the ability to remove diseased branches and Mr. Sullivan noted they can remove branches within 10 feet. Tree Warden Bob Keating noted that his department asks the professional crews to point out anything that they can take care of. Bob LeLacheur and Marsie West thanked Kevin Sullivan for stepping in as interim General Manager of the Light Department. Hearing—Tree Removal at 89 Woburn Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Susan Shields called him and mentioned the difficulty she was having with the tree root in her basement. She is selling her home and the buyer requested that the tree be removed first. The government has to respect private property and he doesn't believe this is the Town's responsibility. Susan Shields, 89 Woburn Street, noted that she does a lot of gardening and she brought in specimens of the roots. She noted that in 2007 she was out of Town and came back to a sewer back up. She noted her home is 211 years old and a historical architect explained Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9 2013 —page 6 how the foundation was built and she was told not to excavate around the foundation. She used a high power drill and poured bleach on the root. She feels the tree root came from the tree on the tree lawn. She noted the elm tree is one foot from the sewer line at the sidewalk. Tree Warden Bob Keating noted that he never had anyone approach him regarding tree roots in their basement. He noted that tree roots look for water and air. Private property is the home owner's problem. Mr. Keating also noted that there are larger trees on the property closer to her home. Dan Ensminger asked how many feet it is from the trunk of the elm tree to the roots in the basement. Mr. Keating indicated at least 75 feet. John Arena asked if there are any trees closer and Susan Shields noted the other tree is an offshoot of the elm tree. Ben Tafoya asked Mr. Keating if the elm tree is growing in the basement and Mr. Keating noted he doesn't believe so, if it was there are ways to correct the problem. If Ms. Shields had a solid foundation there would be no problems. Mr. Keating noted that there are plants and vegetation all over that property. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena to close the hearing on removal of a tree at 89 Woburn Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen take no action on removal of the tree at 89 Woburn Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Liquor License Violation — Meadow Brook Golf Club — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Sgt. Segalla noted that on June 20th the Police conducted alcohol compliance checks at all establishments. They instructed an 18 year old undercover operative to attempt to purchase a bottle of beer. He ordered the beer and purchased it at Meadow Brook from Rita Sarafian. Bob Morelli and Bob Finigan from Meadow Brook Golf Club were present. Mr. Morelli noted that all of the servers have been TIP certified and they have been retrained since the incident. This was a one day member guest event and there were a lot of unfamiliar faces. He noted that Ms. Sarafian is extremely remorseful. Daniel Ensminger asked what steps they will take to make sure it doesn't happen again and Mr. Morelli noted that they will card anyone who looks 30 or under. John Arena asked how many compliance checks they have passed and Sgt. Segalla noted at least six or seven. Ben Tafoya noted that past practice is a two day suspension. John Arena noted that the Selectmen's Policy list the first offense as a warning to three day suspension. He asked if a warning has ever been issued and it was noted that a warning has never been issued. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9 2013 —page 7 A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on the possible modification, suspension or revocation of the Club License to Expose, Keep for Sale and to Sell All Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages to be Drunk on the Premises for Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading Mass d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street, for violating GL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen find Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading Mass d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street, in violation of MGL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age on June 20, 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by West that Meadow Brook Golf Corp of Reading Mass d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street, be penalized with a two day suspension for violation of MGL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age on June 20, 2013 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the two day suspension for Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading Mass d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club,292 Grove Street take place on July 17 and 18, 2013; that the license be surrendered to the office of the Town Manager not later than 9 AM the first day of the suspension, to be returned to the licensee by 9 AM the day following the suspension; and that a placard be placed on the premises during the period of suspension indicating the business is "unable to sell liquor due to a suspension of the liquor license for sale of liquor to an underage person", and that Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading Mass reimburse the Town of Reading for Constable and advertising fees and this decision, including the designation of the dates of suspension, was rendered on the basis of Dario Morelli's waiver of appeal. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Customer Service Survey Results — The Town Manager noted that the Town is consistently receiving high ratings, but the number of responses has dropped off. He suggests revisiting what we are asking and how we are asking. Negative responses are unusual and staff usually remembers the situation. John Arena noted that there is no need to process the comments on transaction based comments. Ben Tafoya suggested that once a year the survey is mailed to everyone who pulled a building permit or another busy department. He also suggested entering phone calls. Marsie West suggested sending the link to the survey and asking for their response. Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 9, 2013 —page 8 Award bids for Purchase of 2 Audubon Road—The Town Manager noted that the high bid was $311,000 and the closing will probably be on July 200. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen award the bid for the sale of the property at 2 Audubon Road to James Lordan d/b/a Sage Development Corp., for a sum of$311,000 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 5-0-0. Finalize Goals—The Town Manager noted that the goals are slightly revised. He made the Veterans Agent a separate goal which increases the goals from 30 to 31. He is leaning towards goals that can be accomplished. Marsie West asked if the progress report is something new and the Town Manager indicated he will set up a shared folder so departments can'edit their progress. John Arena and Marsie West both requested a meeting to discuss operation costs for the Woburn Street project. James Bonazoli noted that we can have the discussion but it's the School Department's budget. Marsie West noted that the Board needs to talk about a potential large jump.in the budget since it might need an override otherwise the municipal end of the budget will be cut. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to approve the minutes of May 21, 2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Arena abstaining. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to approve the minutes of June 4, 2013- was 013was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Arena abstaining. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to adiourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, 2cretary