HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-30 Board of Selectmen Minutes ' Board of Selectmen Meeting
July 30,2013
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 7:11 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Selectmen Daniel
Ensminger and Marsie West, Town Manager Robert LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula
Schena, Town Planner Jean Delius, Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts, and
the following list of interested persons: RMLD General Manager Coleen O'Brien, Bill
Brown, Charlie Adams,and Jacqui Carson.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Marsie West noted she attended the
School Committee Woburn Street School abutter meeting after being contacted by a
resident and there was a lot of good information but there were gaps in the traffic study—
they missed some key locations. Residents had concerns about traffic enforcement and
idling. There are problems now with just the Parker Middle School and this will add to it.
There were also concerns about whether there will be a crossing guard.
' Daniel Ensminger noted the Board received an email from a resident regarding the
sidewalk at Vine and High Streets and he was informed that there is an intentional curve
to force people to cross at a safe point. Mr. Ensminger asked if the Woburn Street School
traffic study looked at whether traffic will back up and the Town Manager noted that the
study did contemplate queuing and more will be done when school is in session. James
Bonazoli noted that these are CPDC issues and he asked when they will be reviewing
this. The Town Manager noted that CPDC will review it after the election. The ZBA
voted 4-1-0 to approve because there is only a small deficiency for parking on the church
site. There will be a.financial forum on the Woburn Street School on August 21 and
September 11.
James Bonazoli noted that he attended the dedication of the room at the Senior Center for
Sally Hoyt.
Public Comment—Bill Brown indicated that there is already a PRD in place for Bear Hill
and that could be extended to the Oakland Road property. He also noted that the
Cemetery Garage is the only building not covered under building maintenance. The
Town Manager noted that he could figure out the cost of maintaining and get approval of
Town Meeting.
Town Manager's Report — The Town Manager introduced Coleen O'Brien, the new
' RMLD General Manager, who was present to meet the Board. The Town Manager then
gave the following report:
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30, 2013—oaee 2
Administrative matters (*indicates additional material in tonieht's packet) '
♦ Sally Hoyt sent a very nice 'Thank You note to the Board for her recent honor of
having the Great Room of the Pleasant Street Center named after her. The honor is
well-deserved for all the work on behalf of the seniors she has done over many years
of public service.
♦ School Committee vacancy — Rob Spadafora has resigned because he will be
relocating. A joint meeting of the Selectmen and the School Committee will meet at
7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26 at the Superintendent's Conference room at
Reading Memorial High School to select a replacement. We are accepting
applications for the position — please check the Town's website in the lower right-
hand side "Volunteer Opportunities: Boards &Commissions" for further details. The
appointment will fill out Mr. Spadafora's term until the next local election,
scheduled for April 2014.
♦ *The West Street Historic District is looking forvolunteers to fill one full
membership on the Commission.
♦ Medford's Substance Abuse Prevention Team is designing a diversion program and
has sent Reading their thanks for RCASA's inspiration and help. They are using the
Reading model in their school system.
♦ RCASA will be working on a opioid grant collaboration with Stoneham, Melrose,
Wakefield, and Medford.
♦ *Finance — we added extra mailings in January 2009 after Town Meeting voted to
increase the demand fee from $5 to $25 to remind our customers that were not '
making timely tax bill payments. Since that time, a combination of postage costs and
lost demand fees is estimated at about $250,000 for the general fiord. A couple of
years ago we began to offer residents the opportunity to be reminded of bill
payments electronically —the difference being that if you sign up you are reminded
this way,even if you have already paid. During difficult economic times this was the
right thing to do for our residents. I recommend that we stop mailing out reminders
to residents as of January 1, 2014—and we advertise that fact in upcoming mailings
of water/sewer/storm water bills (tax bills are often escrowed and the billings
ignored).
♦ *Finance — the House & Senate overrode the Governor's local aid veto. Reading's
state aid for FY14 will be a bit higher than we estimated.
* Finance—former Town Accountant Gail LaPointe has agreed to cover for the current
Town Accountant when she goes on medical leave. Last week FINCOM transferred
the funding necessary for this.
Community Services
♦ *The Reading Shell Station on Walker's Brook Drive has had permission to be open
24 hours since 2007. The owner has recently been permitted to incorporate a Dunkin
Donuts. Selectmen's Policy Section 3.9 suggests that this request should be granted.
Since the Selectmen's Policy indicates that 24 hour approval is for the entire site,the
Board agreed that it be granted.
♦ George Danis of 128 Marketplace off Walker's Brook Drive will make-a brief '
presentation tonight concerning an investment he is making in his property. He will
ask the Board to consider changes to conditions on a liquor license. If the Board is
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30,2013 —naee 3
' willing to do so,we will seek comments from Public Safety and once we receive an
application we will advertise a Public Hearing.
♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By-Law—An RFP for consulting services has
been advertised.Tonight the Board will review a request to form an ad hoc Zoning
Advisory Committee.
♦ Perfecto's -Nearing the end of the 6-8 week wait for National Grid to come in to cap
the service so it is safe for demolition. Staff will meet with Applicant in August to
discuss community expectations and set a time frame for a compliance process that
will include a review of possible fines.
Library
♦ Library Building Committee — Results from the RFP for architectural services are
currently being reviewed; RFP for temporary space is finalized and will be advertised
on July 31".
Schools
♦ Woburn Street School — The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1-0 at their meeting
on July 11 that the ANR which creates two lots does not materially worsen the
current parking deficiency of the St. Agnes lot. The newly created lot and use are
exempt from zoning law&therefore not subject to ZBA review. This gives St. Agnes
the right to divide their lot and sell the former school building. Below is a list of
important dates:
' o August 21 — Financial Formas at the Pleasant Street Center to review the
expected changes to the annual School Operating Budget over a multi-year
period;
o September 11 — Financial Forum at the Pleasant Street Center to review the
entire project; -
o September 16 (and 19 as needed)— Special Town Meeting at RMHS Endslow
PAC.
Public Safety
♦ *Franklin & Main Streets - Jeff Gomes of MA DOT has finished his analysis and
design and is putting together funding for short-term improvements. There should be
a short term solution by September/October.
♦ Tree down on Summer Avenue—about ten days ago a street(Town)tree limb fell on
Summer Avenue. A DPW crew responded and cleaned up the debris. A few hours
later a micmburst went through Town and the tree twisted and fell towards the house.
There were no injuries and relatively minor damage. There was a series of inaccurate
media reports that the home was crushed—happily this was not the case.
♦ *Paint & Sip — Town Counsel has been in discussion with Newton as well as the
applicant in Reading. Newton required food service as a condition of the food&malt
license, which was a concern of both the Board and the Police Chief. I suggest we
proceed as previously planned and have a full discussion on August 20 with the
applicant as to the terms and conditions the Board would approve for such an
endeavor.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30,2013—page 4
♦ Traffic Rules & Regulations — at the August 20 Selectmen's meeting the Board will '
be asked to review&adopt the revised Traffic Rules &Regulations. We will send out
an electronic copy next week as the document is quite extensive. Former Safety
Officer Justin Martel will make the presentation, and has provided a well-organized
summary of the changes for you to review.
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 26 and we are ready to award a contract based on the results of an
RFP to begin paper work on land-takings. This will allow construction to begin in
the spring of 2014 if the project is funded.
♦ *The Town Forest Committee is in the process of scheduling a meeting in early
August. They have been copied on all of the emails sent to the Selectmen. The
meeting will be posted on the website once it is set—and a DRAFT Town Forest
Committee Agenda is in tonight's packet.
♦ Water debt—we have some forms for the Board to sign allowing us to borrow over
$4 million interest-free from the MWRA,thanks to diligence by the former Town
Manager.
Road Improvements
♦ *See summary in the packet. We're testing a mapping method to be able to show '
this visually to the public for the next construction season.
The Town Manager also noted that page 53 of the handout is a letter from Bob
Nordstrand which suggests that the Town owns the clock and bell tower at the Old South
Church and they are requesting Town funds for repairs.
He held a meeting with the business community regarding the Fall Street Faire.
Approximately 12 businesses attended and that included new people in Town who didn't
know about it. He noted that the tree lighting ceremony needs work and he would like to
,change to Friday night when businesses are open. He will speak with the business
owners about this. Daniel Ensminger commented that it would be nice to see a religious
undertone as was done in the past.
The Town Manager noted that there is a defect in Article 1 of the 2013 Annual Town
Meeting Warrant where the election date was left out. He asked the Board to meet on
Thursday to instruct him to ask the Governor for a Special Act to remedy the defect.
Also on Thursday the Board needs to approve a confirmatory deed.
Discussion/Action Items
Discuss "Peer Communities" — Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts was
present. Ms. Roberts noted that in 2008 the Town hired a consultant to do a study on
non-union employee pay and classification. Winchester and Wakefield did not answer '
the survey. A list of the peer communities is in the packet.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30, 2013—page 5
' The Town Manager noted that this was discussed with the Finance Committee last week
and the Finance Committee wants the Board of Selectmen to adopt the peer communities
as first comparison whenever possible. He noted that we have allowed other
communities in that we formerly did not.
Marsie West agreed that it made sense to use a list established by an independent party.
Memorial Park Lights — Recreation Administrator John Feudo and David Chase from
Friends of Reading Recreation were present.
John Feudo noted that Memorial Park was renovated three years ago but the Town didn't
have the money for lights. They are looking for decorative and functional lights to get
away from flood lights. They are looking at sets of three lights on black poles. The
neighborhood has been canvassed and the neighbors are okay with it. There will be 16
total light units— 12 dedicated to skating and 4 for passive recreation. The lights will be
energy efficient and a weather sensor will be incorporated to control the lights. The total
cost is approximately $30,000. The goal is to allow Friends of Reading Recreation to
start fundraising and have the lights installed by the end of November 2013.
Daniel Ensminger asked if the lights can be angled to just hit the field and John Feudo
indicated they could.
' The Town Manager asked how many poles there will be and John Feudo indicated six
poles and there will be a green box like the one on the Common.
John Feudo noted if the Selectmen give the okay to do fundraising then they will come
back for a public hearing. The Board gave the okay to start fundraising. James Bonazoli
suggested a snack shack would be nice.
Hearing — Bertucci's Restaurant — Issuance of Stock. New Officer/Director, New
Stockholder and Transfer of Stock — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Michael
Bonnell from Bertucci's was present and indicated that there is no change in Manager.
A motion by Ensminger seconded by West that ft-Board of Selectmen close the
hearing on issuance of Stock. New Officer/Director, New Stockholder and Transfer
of Stock for Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. at 45 Walkers Brook Drive was approved
by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Ensminger seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen approve the
issuance of Stock, New Officer/Director,New Stockholder and Transfer of Stock for
Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. at 45 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of
3-0-0.
Overview of 128 Marketplace (Danis) Building Project — George Danis noted that the
' liquor store(The Wine Bunker) is not successful due to the limit of what they are allowed
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30, 2013—nage 6
to sell and they will be asking the Board to remove the conditions. They have gone ,
before the Planning Commission and are talking to new tenants.
Jean Delios noted that the biggest change in the site plan is in the back. They are creating
additional parking in the rear for employees and a portion of the building will be
demolished. She noted it is a very good project. George Danis indicated he is adding 39
parking spaces in the front also.
Daniel Ensminger asked Mr. Danis to characterize the difference in the liquor store size
and Mr. Danis indicated the store will remain the same size. The present owner is selling
and is negotiating with a possible new owner.
James Bonazoli noted that the restrictions were self imposed by the applicant. The Town
Manager indicated the restrictions include not using all of the square footage and not
selling nips or lottery because the majority of his sales were through the internet.
George Danis noted that the new owner will be coming before the Board for a transfer of
the liquor license with the request that the restrictions be removed.
Request for Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee — Jean Delios noted that a
comprehensive update of the Zoning Bylaws is being done. She is requesting an Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee to help shepherd the project along with the consultant. The
committee will consist of representatives from multiple boards and she has drafted a '
policy for a seven member committee.
Charlie Adams, Chairman of CPDC, noted that input is needed from a variety of Boards,
Committees,and Commissions. A number of workshops have been scheduled and emails
have been sent out. He also noted that CPDC wants three members on the committee.
They feel if there is only one CPDC member then something will be missing.
Marsie West noted that strategy issues should be set by the Board of Selectmen first and
she asked if there should be more than one Selectmen representative.
Daniel Ensminger indicated he would like to have more than one member of the public.
He also noted that three CPDC members would be a quorum and they would have to post
each time they met.
Bill Brown noted that the Chamber of Commerce would be interested in this.
James Bonazoli recommended to Charlie Adams that CPDC appoint their strongest
member to represent CPDC. He noted it is difficult to manage a committee larger than
seven members.
Charlie Adams noted that it is an advisory committee and the more the better—he wants '
more overlap. Marsie West indicated she did not want CPDC appointing a committee to
do zoning.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30, 2013—page 7
The Town Manager noted that in the past the Board has leaned toward more public
involvement. It is dangerous to appoint large numbers from one committee especially
since this is a broad community wide project.
James Bonazoli suggested amending the policy to include two CPDC members, one ZBA
member,one Selectman and three members at large. The committee should have a sunset
date of one year. Mr. Bonazoli also noted that he wanted to wait until there is a full
Board to finalize the policy and have the-full Board interview applicants instead of the
Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee.
Develop Policy on Affordable Housing; Regional Housing Services Coordinator— Jean
Delius noted that the Town has done good work on affordable housing and Mass Housing
looks favorably on Reading for that. She is asking that the Board consider a shared
Housing Coordinator to make sure we don't lose units when they come up for sale and
would specialize in this area The process and timeframe is such that if the seller cannot
find a qualified buyer in 90 days then we lose the affordable housing unit. We are in
need of a ready buyer list.
James Bonazoli asked if there is interest from other communities to do this and Jean
Delius indicated there is and MAPC is offering a grant. The cost for the shared
Coordinator for Reading would be approximately $9,000.
' The Town Manager noted that there was $450,000 in the Affordable Housing Trust
Funds two years ago and then Oaktree asked for $200,000 so $250,000 is left. He asked
if the Board wanted to replenish the fund with Smart Growth money. The plan allows a -
maximum of 5% or $10,000 and he would propose to pay out of the general fund now.
He suggests discussing this with the Housing Authority and noted that Jacqui Carson was
present this evening.
Jacqui Carson, CEO of Peter Sanborn Place, noted that the fund is set up to be ongoing.
She noted that the State keeps a buyer list but they are ever changing and not reliable.
Follow Uro on Affordable Housing Trust Fund — Jean Delius reviewed the current
Affordable Housing Trust Fund versus the State Act. The Town depends on two Boards
— the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority, and the State requires a five
member trustee board with one member from the Board of Selectmen appointed by the
Board of Selectmen.
Marsie West noted that the State Act requires the funds to be audited and that will need to
be paid for. The Town Manager noted that the fund is small and there is not much to
audit.
Jean Delius recommended to the Board that they adopt a new Affordable Housing Trust
' Fund policy under MGL Chapter 44 S.55c and hire a Regional Housing Service
Coordinator. Both Marsie West and James Bonazoli agreed it was a good idea.
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30,2013—page 8
Marsie West asked about the status of Perfecto's Cafe. Jean Delios noted they filed '
papers for a demo permit on May 31. They are waiting for the gas company to cap the
gas for which there is a six to eight week lag period. The Health Division issued a fine
regarding the cesspool. The previous Town Manager made an agreement with Perfecto's
that as long as the project was moving along there will be no fine. Marsie West noted
that the Board voted in June to send a letter. Bob LeLacheur noted that the gas story was
a legitimate one. Staff will meet with the applicant in August and start fines in
September. Marsie West indicated that they could at least put some white paint over the
graffiti to make it look better. James Bonazoli noted that waiting until September to start
fining them is too generous and he directed staff to send a letter indicating that if there
are no improvements by the August 20 Board of Selectmen meeting, then the fines will
begin on August 21.
Review Constable Situation— The Town Manager noted that six years ago the Board of
Selectmen voted to decline to three Constables through attrition. We currently have two
Constables and really have the need for four. The Board directed the Town Manager to
post the vacancy and put this on the next agenda for a vote.
Preview Special Town Meeting —The Town Manager noted that Article 5 is sponsored
by the Retirement Board and Town Meeting needs to vote on the increase of the cost of
living for retirees. Article 6 is sponsored by the School Committee for the debt exclusion
for the Woburn Street School. The Town Manager also noted that he will be doing an '
Article at some point for adoption of a new organizational chart for Town government.
The Town Manager noted that the Board has shown interest in revisiting the use of
remote participation at meetings. The Town Clerk has indicated that a vote of the
Selectmen is all that is needed. He suggests asking for input from all Boards and the
Selectmen can exempt Boards if they wish.
Daniel Ensminger requested that the memo from Town Counsel regarding the demolition
delay be sent to the Historical Commission.
Approval of MWRA Water Bonds — The Town Manager noted that the Board needs to
vote on the MWRA sale of water bonds.
A motion by Ensminger seconded by West that the sale of the $4,012000 Water
Bond of the Town dated August 12, 2013 to the Massachusetts Water Resources
Authority (the "Authority"), is hereby approved and the Town Manager is
authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial
Assistance Aereement with the Authority with respect to the bond. The bond shall
be payable without interest on August 15 of the years and in the Principal amounts
as follows:
Board of Selectmen Minutes—July 30,2013—page 9
' Year Installment Year Installment
2014 $401,200 2019 $401,200
2015 401,200 2020 401,200
2016 401,200 2021 401,200
2017 401,200 2022 401,200
2018 401,200 2023 40L200
and that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, the Town
Clerk, and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and aB
such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents
as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to
carry into effect the provisions of the foregoine votes. The motion was approved by
a vote of 3-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Ensmineer to approve the minutes of June 18,
2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Ensmineer to approve the minutes of June 19,
2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve the minutes of July 9,2013 as
amended was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by West to adiourn the meeting at 9:56 p.m. was
approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Respec ly submitted,
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