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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes or Town of Reading i Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2013-09-10 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Board of Selectmen Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Chairman James Bonazoll, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marcie West Members - Not Present: John Arena Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Planner Jean Dellos, Steven Sadwlck, Lyn Whyte, Office Manager Paula Schena, Max Gabriello, Fred Johnson, Patrick Mallon, Don Feltman, Charlie Adams, Carl McFadden, Jeff Hansen, Brenda Byrne, Barry Berman, Carl McFadden,Housing Authority members Timothy Kelley, Diane Cohen, Mary Connors, Karen Flammla and Kevin Mulvey,Rlchard Rice, Don Antis, ZBA member Damase Caouette Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Ben Tafoya Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Ben Tafoya and Dan Ensminger thanked everyone involved with the Fall Street Faire. Public Comment — Max Gabriello, owner of Perfecto's, indicated that he had been fined for noncompliance and feels that it is unfair. He noted that he had an understanding with the previous Town Manager that it was going to take 14 weeks for National Grid to come and cap the service. He received his demolition permit on August 12,2013. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that this Board requested the fines be issued. The Town has been looking at that property for a long time and the Selectmen are receiving phone calls from residents. The site is not up to the Town's standard as being a clean site and the Board's request through the Town Planner was to at least paint over the graffiti. Town Manager Bob LeLacheur noted that the Town reached out with simple requests regarding trash and graffiti and Mr. Gabriello refused to communicate with him. ' Jean Delios reviewed the timeline of events noting that the fust site plan was submitted in October 2009. There have been 50 meetings and email communications regarding this project and the applicant has been contentious. Ms. Delius and staff have made every effort to assist the applicant. The Town's vacant property Bylaw was specifically created for sites like this. Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 10,2013—page 2 Mr. Gabriello indicated that he feels the Town is very difficult to deal with. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that a private meeting will be set up with Mr. Gabtiello, staff, ' and two Selectmen within one week. In the meantime, he wants a confirmation email when the demolition has started. Mr. Gabriello asked if he should begin the demolition and the Board indicated he should as soon as possible. Resident Fred Johnson noted that the Reading Police Department is using ALPR's which scans license plates and stores information. He will be meeting with the Police Chief about this and he feels that residents should be aware of this procedure. Chairman James Bonazoli directed the Town Manager to have the Police Chief attend a future meeting to discuss this. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters (*indicates additional material in tonight's packet) ♦ *Please see the invitation for the Change of Command Ceremony at Camp Curtis Guild. ♦ *Woburn Street School — the schools have decided not to pursue this option for early childhood education.Please see the letter in your packet from Dr. Doherty for details. ♦ *Amplified Sound Permit — please see the request from Carl McFadden to repeat a past event at RMHS over several days. The Recreation Committee approved the fust requested day as your policy allows. ♦ *Revenue opportunity (now in two parts) — Verizon Wireless has formally requested to ' appear on the Board's agenda and I have included my return correspondence to them. If they wish to proceed, they may appear at your meeting on September 24'". I met with resident Nelson Burbank and Bill Jennings from the RIAA Board to describe the opportunity to place cell coverage somewhere over at the Burbank Skating Arena at Symonds Way. Town Counsel is working on language to revise the 10-year RUA lease agreement. I have a site visit scheduled for noon on September 17" if any member of the Board wishes to join me. Your RIAA liaison(Carl McFadden)will be at your fust October meeting with an update. Community Services ♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By-Law o We have selected a consultant for the project, subject to some background checks and then contract negotiations. The fee is fixed at$75,000 but the terms are negotiable. o Tonight the Board will interview applicants from the public for the 7-member ZAC,which will likely hold their kick-off meeting on September 3e. There will be a great deal of outreach to the community over the following year as the final product will reflect the long-term values of Reading. ♦ Development—the Community Services Director/Town Planner and Staff Planner will present updates tonight as part of the Planning&Development workshop. ♦ *MBTA lot—some excellent news is in your packet! Library ' ♦ Library Building Committee — Preliminary results for the RFP for temporary space were received on September 9"i and are now being examined by the evaluation committee, which includes the Library Director, Facilities Director and Owner's Project Manager to see how many are qualified. The Library expects to move in March 2014. Contract negotiations are still underway with the designer/architect. Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 10,2013—page 3 *Vehicle Day— another rousing success for the kids (of all ages!). See the thank you note from the Library to DPW. We'll have to discuss another location during renovation for the next two years. Public Safety ♦ *Resident's thank you —I don't usually include all the many issues from residents that staff routinely resolves, but thought that I would include one that involved the Police Department and had great one-day turnaround. Public Works-Road Improvements ♦ All paving for our spring/summer round is complete. We are using some leftover funds to do some minor curb and sidewalk repairs. ♦ We will be opening bids for our second round of paving and crack sealing the second week of September. We had to delay until we knew how much money we would get from Chapter 90—the latest figure is about$600k,which is well below the Governor's initial$900k figure,but in line with recent history. It is possible more Chapter 90 funding will be freed up during the fiscal year-we will wait to bid micro-seal work until winter/spring. The Town Manager noted that he received a request from Carl McFadden for an amplified sound permit which is the same as last year. ' Carl McFadden noted that they started flag football last year and had 200 kids. This year they have 400 kids. This is a community type event. Mr. McFadden noted that approximately 1,200 1,300 were at the event. The music is G rated and they are respectful of the neighbors. He is requesting the use of amplified sound for the remaining seven Saturdays. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve an amplified sound Permit for SNL Fla¢ Football/Jim Murphy & Carl McFadden for the dates September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 26, November 2, 9 and the time from 6:00 nm until 8:30 Pm at the RMHS Fields, subiect to Rule 4 of Section 4.14.3 of the Board of Selectmen Policies and Procedures regarding use of amplified sound was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Appointment of A_d Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee — Ensminger moved and Tafova seconded to place the name of Marsie West into nomination for one term on the ad hoc Zoning Bylaw Committee with a term expiring July 15, 2014. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 and Ms.West was appointed. Discussion/Action Items MAPC Member Report — MAPC Representative Steve Sadwick was present. He noted that MAPC continues to work on regional efforts;priority mapping; energy action plan;public health ' and planning initiatives; bike and pedestrian master plan and are looking at south Main Street clean up. There is an energy tool kit forum on September 19,2013. Ben Tafoya asked how Tewksbury administers their Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Mr. Sadwick indicated they took the lead from Reading and-established a trust fund. There is a 15% requirement with the difference between the market value and affordable rate. The Board of Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 10,2013—page 4 Selectmen authorize the funds. They have $1.5 million to capture units that will be expiring to ' keep them on the inventory. An assisted living project contributed$500,000. The Board thanked Mr. Sadwick for his update. Planning and Development Workshop — Joint meeting with Housing Authority re: Affordable Housina — The Housing Authority called to order at 8:07 p.m. Present were Housing Authority members Timothy Kelley, Diane Cohen, Mary Connors, Karen Flammia, and Kevin Mulvey. Also present were Housing Authority Director Lyn Whyte, Jacquie Carson, Richard Rice,Patrick Mallon,Don Artis,ZBA Chairman Damase Caouette, and CPDC members Charlie Adams and Jeffrey Hansen. The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approves the Affordable Housing Trust Fund yearly and the balance is approximately$200,000. We need a plan to add money to it and then a plan on what to spend it on. The Board might want to consider adopting the state regulations. Town Planner Jean Dehos noted that the Housing Production Plan is required by the State. We need to show how we are getting to the 10%. The Town looks at the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help develop affordable housing. The Town is also considering a Regional Housing Services Coordinator. When the Housing Production Plan was updated,the Town reached out to Mass Housing, EMARC, and they are also looking at zoning and land use. The Housing Authority has met with Artis regarding payment in lieu of units. ' The Town Manager reviewed other communities' formulas and noted that some negotiate an amount based on zoning requirements. Artis Development costs are heavily on services and hard to calculate. They could provide GAP financing to an existing affordable housing provider, or there are single family homes in town that could be purchased and used as a group home. For Artis, the 10% of 64 beds equals 6 units. With the median being $432,000, then $133,000 per bedroom times 6 equals $789,000 and a GAP of 75% funding equals $598,500. That could be broken down to three payments of $199,500 with one payment up fiont, the second payment when the occupancy permit is issued, and the third would be waived if the zoning is changed to exempt. Karen Flammia noted that the Housing Authority will focus on any opportunity to use the trust but there are none there. They sold a house last year that was donated to the Housing Authority and they built two prefab homes on Wilson Street Tim Kelley noted that the Housing Authority has never asked to access the Affordable Housing Tryst Fund and they haven't received any grants. They use mortgage financing and would consider looking at multi-families and condos. Gazebo Circle has an affordable housing program but the sales are tied to the market. Lyn Whyte noted they may purchase another unit if they can get some money. Marsie West asked how the Regional Housing Coordinator would work into this and Jean Delios noted that person would help preserve units and make sure the proper procedure is followed. They will also have a ready buyers list. Lyn Whyte noted there is no centralized list right now. - Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 10,2013—page 5 Daniel Ensminger asked if the Woburn Street property could become housing and Jean Delios noted yes, and that it has already been ANR'd. Ben Tafoya noted that he likes the way the Affordable Housing Trust Fund works now but noted it would be good to have opportunities to replenish it. He noted that inclusive zoning provides for affordability and also suggested increasing the % and rationalizing zoning types with inclusive zoning. James Bonazoli noted that Artis Development is a senior living community being built where Eric's Greenhouse used to be. He likes the Town Manager's recommendation to spread payments out at$133,000 per unit. Tim Kelley noted that Ards did a presentation to the Housing Authority and they gave numbers they thought were reasonable. The process bas to go on and consult with CPDC. Don Feltman, President of Ards, noted he is not seeking to change the Town's Bylaws. The Batem family is a philanthropic family. They are proposing a memory care product for people with Alzheimer's. The concept is secured freedom that replicates a lifestyle. The facility consists of four neighborhoods. The homes will have small bedrooms, a living room, dining room, and kitchen. It will have a fenced secured area so patients can leave the house and go for a walk. In regards to payment to the town in lieu of affordable units, there are only two communities in the ' area who consider assisted living as part of affordable. The state regulations don't consider assisted living because it's a service. The facility has only four kitchens so it's only four units. Jay Hicks approached him about paying $125,000. He went on vacation and when he came back Mr. Hicks was talking about $175,000 to the Housing Authority. It is difficult for his board to come up with $175,000 and they can't do any more than that. In addition, the property owner has been difficult about giving them additional time to get through the process. Ben Tafoya indicated he endorses the Town Manager's recommendation with inclusion and recommends that the Housing Authority include the Town Manager or designee in their discussion. Both Massie West and Dan Ensminger indicated they were not ready to endorse and would not make a recommendation to the ZBA. Tim Kelley noted that the Housing Authority needs advice from the CPDC before making a decision. Charlie Adams requested the Selectmen's advice so CPDC is not making a decision on their own. Ben Tafoya noted it was up to the Housing Authority,CPDC,and the proponent. James Bonazoli noted he had an issue with a letter going out accepting$175,000 without having met with CPDC. Tim Kelley noted the vote does not accept the dollar amount. - Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 10,2013—page 6 Lyn Whyte noted that her calculations were based on a Reading Housing Authority one-bedroom unit with 200 square feet which equals $29,000 per unit equaling the $175,000. She noted the ' Town has a need for this type of facility. Both Marsie West and Dan Ensminger indicated that makes sense and they would make the recommendation of$175,000. James Bonazoli noted he supported the original proposal. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen recommend to the Reading Housing Authority with input from the CPDC that a payment in lieu of affordable units of $175,000 be accepted for the proposed Arts Senior Living development at 1090 Main Street, consistent with the Zonine Bylaw requirement under the Nursing Home Section 4.3.1.4(k) as part of the Zonine Board of Appeals Special Permit app6cafion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Kelley seconded by Mulvey for the Housine Authority to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Permits Process Update — The time being limited, it was decided to move this item to a future agenda. Economic Develonment Committee Mission — The Town Manager noted he met with the Economic Development Committee and they are looking for direction. Sheila Clark noted that ' the information in the packet was requested by John Arena. She noted that their mission is to recruit business,retain business, and partner with businesses. Sheila Clark noted that future Board of Selectmen and EDC workshop topics include: Fall Street , Faire revenue; meals tax revenue; EDC government body; and commercial development task force. Marsie West noted it would be useful to see the number of businesses that have been helped and how will the EDC follow up. Sheila Clark indicated she will get that information. Meaghan Young noted that Calareso's took advantage of the best retail practices and interns were working on the building fnade program. Ben Tafoya noted that the post office is an important building downtown. It would be nice to have a group of people monitoring them. Mr. Tafoya noted that there is a difference between the people who own the property and the people who tent. He also suggested that they look at the eastside of Main Street. Daniel Ensminger gave kudos to EDC and Jean Delius for streamlining the process. Jean Delius noted that the software program is very helpful and smoothes things out a lot. Having everything under one roof is good too. KarlVeld asked if it is time to relook at the Master Plan and Marcie West indicated it is time to ' revisit it,i.e. it references the Atlantic Market and the Post Office. Jean Delios noted that we could do a stand-alone economic development plan. Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 10,2013—page 7 Development Updates — Jean Delios noted that the MBTA agreement has been extended for another year and she gave a quick update on the developments around town. Ben Tafoya asked about the former gas station on Main Street and Jean Delios noted there is a DRT meeting next week on that because Pizza World bought the property. She also noted that the Hot Spot is going to be a beauty caf6. Preview Subsequent Town Meeting — The Town Manager reviewed the outline for the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant consisting of 16 Articles. Ben Tafoya noted it would be helpful to get more information from the Housing Authority as to what they do. The Town Manager indicated he will schedule quarterly meetings with Lyn Whyte and update the Board. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to approve the minutes of August 20,2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by West to approve the minutes of August 21, 2013 as amended was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by West to adjourn the meeting at 10:32 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Res ly s 'fled, S 1