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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes o� OFRr�/ Town of Reading - = Meeting Minutes °+a„rrcoxvoa�° Board - committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2013-10-08 - Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Vice Chairman John Arena, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marsie West, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena Members - Not Present: Chairman James Bonazoli Others Present: Frederick Van Magness, John Carpenter, Bill Helliesen, Nancy Smethurst, Ted Smethurst, Tony Capobianco, Danny Gray, Brad Latham, Carl McFadden, Bob Lynch ' Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Ben Tafoya Topics of Discussion: Resorts and Comments _ Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Ben Tafoya noted that he and the Town Manager made a visit to the Post Office and got a tour from the realtor. Also, he met with the Town Manager, Ruth Urell, Andrew Grimes, and Vicky Yablonsky today regarding the organizational chart and the classification plan. He also noted that there is a bill to provide funds for water projects and he will talk to staff regarding prior funding to make sure we are covered. Marsie West noted she attended the first ad hoc Zoning Advisory Committee meeting. She recruited two folks and they held off on organizing until they have a full membership. Daniel Ensminger noted that he attended the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse meeting and this covered a breadth of subject matter. The surveys are intrusive, but they get helpful information. He also attended a meeting regarding the Main and Franklin Streets intersection. Public Comment— Bill Helliesen, 36 Whittier Road noted he had concerns regarding traffic on Birch Meadow Drive. There was an article in the Chronicle that called it the "Reading Speedway.” This is a school and sports area and there is no school signage. He walks that area ' every day and there are a lot of near misses. He counted 18 cars that went through the stop sign coming down Oakland Road onto Birch Meadow and he is requesting that the Town take a look at this. Ben Tafoya asked what time he walks the area and Mr. Helliesen noted between 7:00— 7:30 am. Page 1 1 Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 8, 2013 —pave 2 John Arena noted that the Board had looked at signage for that area but nothing happened. The Town Manager indicated he will ask the Chief later tonight. ' Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administration(• =attachment tonight) ♦ October 15' at 7:00 pm — deadline for 10% discount on water/sewer/storm water — no exceptions! ♦ *Governor Patrick has signed the bill clarifying our Library debt exclusion issue. Thanks to the help from our entire legislative delegation for advancing this through the process. ♦ *Meals tax—approaching$1 million in cumulative revenues,run rate is now$375-400K and a couple of new restaurants are scheduled to open in the next few months. ♦ •RCTV—one of the liaison reports tonight, see six-year financial summary. Community Services ♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By-Law-ZAC conducted their fust meeting on 9/30— five members,two prospects. ♦ Post Office— several of us met with the real estate firm handling the national disposition of postal property and got a tour of the facility. Time frame for property disposition is not imminent. The Town needs to stay on the inside track and the Town needs to decide if we are interested in purchasing. Ben Tafoya recommended an Executive Session at a future meeting to discuss this. Library ' ♦ 'One-day liquor license request — Donor Recognition scheduled for November 15" at the Library that needs the Selectmen's approval to serve alcohol in a public building. A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the one day special liquor license and approve such event in a public building pursuant to Section 8 9 4 2 of the General Bylaws, for the Donor Recognition Event at 64 Middlesex Avenue on November 15, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. ♦ Library Building Project o We met with one of the proposers of temporary space, and countered with a different layout than the one proposed. Stay tuned. o Joint Library Trustees/Library Building Committee upcoming—update scheduled for the next BOS meeting on 10/22. Public Safety/Public Works ♦ Main/Franklin intersection—meeting on-site held on Monday—detail to follow in advance of your next meeting on 10/22. ♦ Traffic&Safety—discussion scheduled for tonight. ♦ We met with the North Reading DPW on 9/26 to discuss impacts on Reading of extending MWRA water service to our northern neighbors. More to follow ' ♦ On November 5t° the Board is going to review the Enterprise Funds. The Conservation Committee will join you for a discussion on the River projects currently in the long-term capital plan of the Storm Water fund. I would like you to consider changing the date we institute the annual water/sewer rate changes. We have always done that with the September Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 8,2013 —page 3 ' billing, which is the heaviest water usage period. I would like to move that one quarter (in either direction). The Town Manager noted there was a draft policy in the packet regarding Paint and Sip. It is not legal to restrict the number of drinks. Ben Tafoya asked if someone wants to Dance and Sip would that fall under the category of instructional classes and the Town Manager indicated it would. John Arena asked for the definition of beverage being 24 ounce or 32 ounce. He suggested scheduling a hearing and Town Counsel will be present to answer any questions. Marsie West asked what the concerns are about other classes. Fred Van Magness noted that someone could be at consecutive sessions for 4 —6 hours. He is not sure the community really needs this. Judy Barolak noted that she could go through a restaurant beer and wine license and make food part of the experience. Personnel and Appointments Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee—There being no applicants there was no action. Discussion/Action Items RMLD Citizen Advisory Board Member Report — Citizen Advisory Board member Tony Capobianco noted that the CAB member is the result of a 20 year agreement with the Reading Municipal Light Department and participating towns. Coleen O'Brien is the new General Manager and she is proactive rather than reactive. They are looking at green or renewable options to determine if they are good for the towns. John Arena asked about the status of the Renewable Energy Certificates policy and Mr. Capobianco noted that the policy is the same. They are retiring less valuable RFC's. John Arena asked about LED lighting and Mr. Capobianco noted they will be doing a case study on this. RCTV Member Report— RCTV Board of Director members Ted Smethurst, Kevin Walsh and John Carpenter were present. Kevin Walsh noted that longtime member Dick Curtis recently passed away. He noted that RCTV has been in the community 15 years. They rent studio space and members produce shows. They are currently doing a show on scams. Membership is open to everyone. ' Ted Smethurst noted that some shows are on You Tube. PEG stands for public access, educational and government. RCTV is working to improve the media equipment in Town Hall and the Schools but they will need Town IT support to improve the connection to broadcast two programs at the same time. He noted there is a new website for government requests at govna,rctv.ore. Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 8.2013 —page 4 Ben Tafoya suggested that if they are looking to rent out space they should contact the Library ' because they are turning people away. Hearing—Liquor License Transfer, Change of Location—Wine Bunker—The Secretary read the heating notice. Attorney Fogelman was present for the applicant. John Arena noted that both applicants have sold to minors at other locations that they own. Attorney Fogelman noted that was a trainee who checked the ID and misread the birthdate. John Arena noted there was an earlier incident in 2004 and the Attorney Fogelman indicated they did not own that location at that time. He also noted that Jasmin is only an investor, not a Manager. John Arena noted that in years 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 there were violations at their other locations and he asked what years she owned. Attorney Fogelman noted all of those years back to 2007,but she is only an investor. John Arena noted that the current license has restrictions because it was primarily internet sales. Ben Tafoya noted that was at the request of the licensee. Marsie West noted that George Danis was in before the Board in July asking that the restrictions be lifted to help facilitate the transfer. Attorney Fogelman noted that they are requesting that the restrictions be lifted and allow an ' increase in retail space but the total square footage will be the same. John Arena noted he would like to see the statement of what was originally approved and understand why by reading the minutes. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen continue the hearing on transfer of the package store liquor license from CWI, LTD d/b/a The Wine Bunker to Kaial and Kevin LLC d/b/a Liquor Junction at 1 General Way to October 22, 2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Board directed the Town Manager to have counsel present at the heating. He also wants to know how the restrictions work and don't work. Reading Ice Arena Authority Report—Carl McFadden,the Town representative on the Reading Ice Arena Authority noted that he and Bob LeLacheur took a tour of the facility with Fd Peduto. He noted that Nelson Burbank set this up so it would not be a burden on the Town. It is designed like a community rink and there is no advertising. They have paid almost$2 million to the Town. The School system gets a discount of approximately$10,000 per year. They hada Title 9 issue a few years ago where the girls needed equivalent locker rooms and that was paid out of the reserve fund. Carl McFadden noted the biggest capital item on the horizon will be the replacement of the ' compressor and repair of the boilers. This will be paid through the reserve fund. John Arena noted that there is a question of a cell tower going on the ice rink and he asked if that is Town or Reading Ice Arena Authority. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel suggests amending the agreement to allow for it. Page 14 Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 8 2013 —page 5 Marsie West asked if the annual financials are done and shared with the Town and Carl McFadden noted that they are and the reserves are in good shape. Auburn Street Water Tank — Project Update — Town Engineer George Zambouras noted we initially had$550,000 planned for repairs to the Auburn Street water tank. When a more detailed study was done, accessibility and structural issues arose as a result of the cell phone companies cutting holes in the catwalk for cables. According to the cell phone company contracts we can only ask them to remove their equipment to paint two times and they have already done it once. The problem is whenever the tank is repaired on the inside the outside needs to be painted. So the revised project needs, including repainting and addressing the safety and structural issues, increases the cost to $720,000. We will need an additional $170,000 from Town Meeting to do this. The Town Manager noted that Verizon wants to put 12 antennas on the tank. George Zambouras noted that the plans don't show in fine detail how they are installed. The Town Manager noted that the $550,000 went back to the reserves so he will be asking Town Meeting for$720,000. Franklin and Main Intersection — George Zambouras noted that he doesn't know the short term solutions. A safety audit was done. Fred Van Magness noted he's been waiting 12 weeks for a meeting regarding funding for Franklin and Main. A crosswalk is needed from the gas station to Dandilyons. Daniel Ensminger noted the crosswalk cannot connect without sidewalks, but they are working on a solution. Mr. Van Magness noted that we need short term improvements now or else we will have to wait until the spring. George Zambouras noted that if an intersection is worked on, then all four corners have to be handicap accessible. Other Traffic Issues - George Zambouras noted that he petitioned the State to look at the Hopkins and Main Streets intersection and the audit was done last April. Bayside is working on the 25%design and they have identified funding. Bob Lynch, 24 Shelby Road, noted that everyone is going in the same direction now at the Barrows School. He is asking for a crosswalk across Shelby to Stewart and he is looking for a school zone speed limit designation. He noted that the speed limit is 30 because there is no signage and there must be 20—30 children living in that neighborhood. George Zambouras noted that prior to last year we installed what the Board of Selectmen approved. The PTTTF have not seen any changes since one year ago to bring it back to the Board. Safety Officer Christine Amendola noted that she observed the children in the neighborhood and most of the kids were with their parents. She never saw 20—30 kids. There is a school zone on West Street. Marsie West indicated that the Town spends money only where it is needed. Maybe this is not required right now. Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 8 2013 —nage 6 George Zambouras noted that we could do a speed study. The handicap access will cost$5,000 - ' $7,000 and we will need to find out where all of the children are coming from. Music West indicated she would like to see more data before approving. Mr. Lynch asked how many people have to cross to warrant a crosswalk and George Zambouras noted it is purely judgment. West Street Project Overview— George Zambouras noted this project is included in this year's TIP. The State anticipates advertising on December 7, 2013 with a three month period for - submission. This will be at least a two year project at a $6.7 million construction cost. A 36" sewer main will be included in the project. National Grid will be replacing 540 feet of gas main. Our appraiser has appraised all parcels at approximately $170,000 for easements. A webpage has been created and public hearings will be scheduled. The project runs from the Woburn town line to Willow/Summer Avenue for a length of 1.6 miles. Review of Downtown Public Parking- Safety Officer Christine Amendola updated the Board on the Traffic Rules and Regulations. She noted that the heavy vehicle exclusion on Bancroft Street was temporary during the High School construction. The special speed regulations signs on South Street are correct. Scotland and Summer Avenue have been removed from appendix one because no stop sign was authorized. The"no parking here to corner"sign has been relocated 20 feet from the intersection on Temple Street. The Town Clerk is updating the Traffic Rules now. Officer Amendola noted that the Latham's are asking for a no tum on red coming out of the CVS lot onto Main Street because you have to pull into the crosswalk to see the oncoming traffic. Mary Ellen O'Neil is requesting a stop sign exiting Brande Court and Atlantic Way for pedestrian safety walking on Haven Street. Fred Dafu. owner of Cookies n Cream Bakery at 2 Haven Street, is requesting two 30 minute parking spaces on the westernmost spaces on the north side of Haven Street. Ben Tafoya noted that the Board went through a very long process to evaluate parking in the downtown and he has never had a problem getting a space. Music West indicated she sees a need with new businesses opening up. Bob Lynch asked if there is handicap parking in that area and George Zambouras noted there is at the Depot and on Haven Street near Portland Pie. John Arena noted he was inclined to entertajn and Daniel Ensminger noted he would entertain only if it was part of a comprehensive look. George Zamboums noted that there has been a request to look at installing a four way stop at , Fairview and Sunnyside. The study shows the volumes are low, speed is not excessive, there are no adverse grades,pedestrian traffic volume is low, and it is a suggested"safe routes to school." The bushes at 57 Fairview Avenue restrict the sight line and the only solution is to ask the property owner to cut down the hemlocks. Page J 6 Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 8.2013 —page 7 ' Marsie West noted that she walks that route and never sees any cars but the bushes are overgrown so much that she has to walk out on the street. George Zamboums noted that the Salem/Main Street signal timing has been fixed. The Salem pedestrian crossing at Baystate Road will be a push button pedestrian crosswalk. Easement language for the bus stop at Walkers Brook Drive is being reviewed by Mark Dickinson. Also, North Reading is requesting a heavy vehicle exclusion and a letter has been sent not supporting the requests. Town Government Re-Organization — The Town Manager noted he had 50 plus meetings with staff. His goal is to design the optimal Town Department/Division structure and improve current operations. The sustainability requirement is that it does not use free cash; it draws down the permit revolving fund over 10 years and it sustains under 3%revenue growth. The Town Manager noted that there will be an article on the November Town Meeting Warrant to approve the organizational chart. His intent is to bring back a revised chart; request pay and class study at the November Town Meeting and request $50,000 be added to the Human Resources budget to fund the results of the study. Marsie West asked if we could change the Town Accountant's duties in the Charter. The Town ' Manager noted he will send this along to the Charter Commission who is looking at changes to the Charter. Ben Tafoya noted Town Meeting could give the Selectmen the authority to change the title of the Town Accountant and Treasurer/Collector. He also wants Executive Sessions regarding union negotiations before negotiations are started. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Ensminger to approve the minutes of September 9, 2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0., A motion by Tafova seconded by West to approve the minutes of September 24, 2013 as amended was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. - A motion by West seconded by Ensminger to adiourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Resp ly sub 'tted, 1 Page 1 7