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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes F Town of Reading Meeting Minutes , e,�a.ltrcoa Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2013-11-26 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman John Arena, Secretary Ben Tafoya and Selectman Marsie West (remotely) Members - Not Present: Selectman Daniel Ensminger Others Present: Town Manager Robert LeLacheur, Police Chief James Cormier, Erica McNamara, Julianne DeAngelis, Office Manager Paula Schena, John Halsey, Grace Stroman, Dennis Lane, Tom Gardiner, Mark Rumizen, Petra Conboy, Kenneth Harkins, Nick Gagnon, Susan Bowe, Jane Given, David Burke, Rohan C. Goodsir Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Ben Tafoya Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - James Bonazoli noted that Selectman Marsie West is participating remotely this evening. He also noted that he will not be seeking re- election. He has a heavy workload which doesn't allow him to give as much of himself as he wants to. He also noted that Pop Warner is sending the Football Team and cheerleaders to Disney. Ben Tafoya noted he attended the Thanksgiving Dinner in North Reading with hundreds of senior citizens. He thanked staff for a successful Town Meeting and thanked James for his years of service to the Town. John Arena also thanked James for his time. Marsie West thanked James for his time and also noted that she attended the Zoning Advisory Committee open forum. She noted it was well attended and the Town website has the schedule for upcoming meetings. Public Comment - Resident Susan Shields was present. She noted that she had a DVD made of her sewer line and a 3 foot section is gone. She is having a problem selling her house because of this and she does not have the money to repair it. The Town Manager noted that the Town Engineer says the connection to the house is the problem. The Town takes care of the main line and the homeowner is responsible for the connection from the house to the main. Ms. Shields feels it is the Town's responsibility because the pipe that is broken is in the road, not on her property. Page 1 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26. 2013 - page 2 James Bonazoli requested that the Town Engineer be at the next Board of Selectmen meeting to explain the situation. Town Manager Report - The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Services ♦ Volunteer Opportunities o Please check out the Town's website for some background information at http://www.readingma.gov/pages/volunteers-wanted-0 and to download an application form at httl2://www.readinama.gov/sites/readingma/files/file/file/volunteer apl2licatio n.pdf o There are two openings for FINCOM, with budget season just around the corner! Also two additional FINCOM members will hit term limits next summer. o Please send or drop off applications to Town Clerk Laura Gemme (lgemme(d)ci.reading.ma.us). ♦ The Reading & Stoneham Rotary Clubs hosted their 38th annual Thanksgiving Football Luncheon at Peter Sanborn Place. Football and Cheerleading captains, plus School & Town staff from both Towns were in attendance. We were promised a great game, which starts at 10 AM at RMHS on Thursday. ♦ Lawrence Mayoral Race - Town Clerk Laura Gemme and her staff participated in the vote recount over the weekend. The recount slightly widened the margin of victory from 58 votes to 81 votes for challenger Daniel Rivera over incumbent William Lantigua. ♦ Human Resources - We have a lot of hiring to do over the next few months, including replacing our HR Administrator Carol Roberts who will be retiring in early June 2014. * indicates a vacant or new position, otherwise the opening is caused by an impending retirement or departure. o Administrative Services (4) - *Assistant Town Manager; Business Administrator; HR Administrator; *Clerk (shared with Community Services); o Community Services (2) - *part time/regionalized Zoning Enforcement Inspector; *part time/regionalized Housing Services Coordinator; o Public Works (4) - *Assistant DPW Director; Water/Sewer Supervisor; Highway Supervisor; Water/Sewer Foreman; others TBD based on promotions. o Public Safety (2) - Deputy Police Chief; Police Sergeant; others TBD based on promotions - no net FTE changes expected in the department. Community Services ♦ New business activity - On Haven Street, both Pamplemousse and BoLea opened within the past ten days, and Snap Fitness is under construction. On Main Street (MF Charles building), D'Amici's Bakery was approved last night by CPDC and will file for a building permit and expects to open in about two months; Orange Leaf is under construction. ♦ Comprehensive Update of the Zoning By-Law - The first of four Zoning Advisory Committee Public Forums was held on Wednesday November 20th at 7:30 PM at the Pleasant Street Center. There was a full house (40+ residents) and a lot of good points were raised. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. has designed a project website that already has a lot of useful information, including a copy of last week's presentation AND the results of some resident interactive polling done that night: http://www.vhb.com/readingzoning/ ♦ Reading Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner - there were over 350 festive seniors in attendance at the Hillview Country Club last Saturday at the fifth annual Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Representative Brad Jones. Thanks to Congressman John Tierney, Representatives Jim Dwyer and Brad Jones, Sergeant Dan Clark (the singing trooper') and to Jane Burns and the elder/human services staff for putting together a great holiday kick-off event! Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26, 2013 - page 3 ♦ Community Services staff - filed a grant application to the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative to create a cultural district for Downtown Reading. ♦ Veteran's Day - congratulations to both Frank Driscoll and Jane Burns for another great ceremony and breakfast! Library ♦ A unique holiday tradition lives on as every year the staff of the Reading Public Library Children's Room host a Book Party at Rachel's home to bring staff and community members together to donate NEW children's books to families in need. Yesterday, on a bitterly cold Sunday evening, hot soup and a warm fireside welcomed guests who've donated 160 books so far. We're confident we'll meet our goal of 175 books with a few more days to go! This public service project is in its 16th year thanks to the dedication, generosity, and leadership of the Reading Public Library Children's Room staff. The beautiful new children's books will be distributed by the Reading Food Pantry to brighten Reading children's holiday season. Finance ♦ Assessing - The Tax Classification Hearing will be held at the Selectmen's meeting on December 10tH ♦ Treasurer/Collector - Tax Bills will be sent out as soon as possible after the Hearing, probably right around December 25tH Public Works ♦ Two follow-up survey questions we did after the last BOS meeting: o Do you have an early payment discount? Only Danvers, Mansfield, and a portion of Lynnfield of the 20 responses we received joined Reading in offering a discount. Eliminating the 10% discount next year and instead treating these bills like any others in terms of late payments would be a benefit in terms of both an immediate reduction in the stated rates, and a help in the Collections process, as currently payments are compressed into a small window just before the discount expires. o Do you have a discount for seniors? Mansfield offers a 10% discount; Stoneham offers an unspecified discount; and Westborough offers a $20/bill discount. Reading is in the majority in not offering a discount here, but it is food for thought. I will put together a brief presentation on billing as part of the January budget meetings. ♦ Weekend Storm - Reading was fortunate to suffer minimal damage. Tree Warden Bob Keating reports that a few private trees fell onto public sidewalks and streets, and were immediately cleaned up. ♦ Franklin/Main - No news since safety audit completed. Will meet with Town Engineer and acting District Manager of MassDOT in next few weeks to see what the status is. ♦ Current Projects: o Howard Street Sewer Replacement - Project ongoing, now 25% complete, contractor completed work on easterly side of West Street, work continues on westerly side. Work will continue throughout winter as weather permits. o West Street Roadway - MWRA completed design in 36" water main for project, MassDOT reviewing water addition. Current revised advertisement date late January 2014. o Water Main Projects - Design continues, first contract for main replacement to be bid late winter following Conservation Commission approval of Belmont to Ivy cross country portion. ♦ Future Projects to be bid out this winter: o Washington Park Improvements; Memorial Park Lights; Drainage Projects (late winter - early spring bid); Howard Street Drain (Conservation Commission required, application pending); Walnut Street Drain (Conservation Commission required, application pending); High Street Drain Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26, 2013 - page 4 (Vine to Dudley); Main Street (RR Tracks to Minot St) - (Conservation Commission required). Public Safety ♦ Forest Street House Fire - On November 22nd a fast-moving 2-alarm fire heavily damaged a home on Forest Street, but fortunately the three residents managed to escape in time. The home has been boarded up and the Fire Marshal's Office is now determining the cause, which is a routine step. Captain Marchetti was the Officer in Charge and he and his group did a great job. ♦ In conjunction with RCASA and other partners, including Reading Public Schools, Middlesex Juvenile Court, Eliot Community Health Services and Hallmark Health, the Reading Police Department submitted a grant application to the Department of Public Health. This 3 year grant is a police based jail diversion program for individuals with mental illness. In essence, this grant would provide training for the entire police department to be educated in alternatives for people with mental illness. ♦ On November 19th three Reading Firefighters responded to Ipswich as part of the Essex County Technical Rescue Team response to rescue a construction worker who was trapped in a trench. The worker was trapped for almost three hours due to a collapse of the trench. The team needed to shore the trench, remove earth from the patient, and treat the patient for his injuries. The responders were Lieutenant Puopolo, Lieutenant Nelson, and Firefighter Dole. The Essex County Technical Rescue Team is made up of Firefighters from 36 communities. They train every month and are certified in Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue, and Structural Collapse. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition - Grace Stroman - Ms. Stroman was present. GIS Coordinator Kim Honetschlager noted that Ms. Stroman made a contribution to the Trails Committee to have more brochures printed. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for Grace Stroman was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Update on Johnson Wood Project - Attorney Brad Latham was present representing the applicant. He noted that the phasing is for the affordable housing. The Town Manager noted that phase 1 is not complete but phase 2 is starting. He noted this is not a surprise, we've been expecting this. Approve Amendment for Johnson Woods - A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena to approve the amendment to the Regulatory Agreement for Johnson Woods in Reading and authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign all documents relating to this agreement was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse Overview - Erica McNamara and Julianne Deangelis were present. Ms. McNamara noted that the goal is to reduce substance abuse among youth. They have exceeded benchmarks on over 80% of the programs. They receive one federal grant for underage drinking. Initiatives include the RX (prescription drugs) round up; Text a Tip program, and the trial diversion program. John Arena asked how many investigations have come from the Text a Tip program and Sgt. Segalla noted 40 - 45. Ms. McNamara noted that they have served 90 youth through the pretrial diversion program and they are looking to create an adult diversion program for adults with mental health Page 1 4 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26. 2013 - page 5 issues. Chief Cormier noted there is a huge shift of cultural changes to address these issues and the Officers buy into this program. It helps the Police Department immensely. Approve Liquor Licenses - The Town Manager noted he is doing inspections and it is helpful to get feedback. They all understand the importance of compliance and they do care. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Readina Overseas Veterans, Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street ♦ Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading. MA d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street ♦ Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street ♦ Reading Veterans' Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62, 37 Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2014 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liauor Licenses for: ♦ Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street ♦ Athens Liauors, Inc. d/b/a Sauare Liquors, 11 High Street ♦ )ay and Ricky. Inc. d/b/a Ricky's Liguor, 214 Main Street ♦ Reading Fine Wines LLC d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street ♦ CWI, LTD d/b/a The Wine Bunker, 128 Market Place Shopping Center, One General Way ♦ Pamplemousse Inc. d/b/a Pamplemousse, 26 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2014 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Mandarin Reading. Inc. d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street ♦ Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri, 355 Main Street CAC Foods, Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street ♦ Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Mac Acauisition of Delaware d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ The Boland Group III, LLC d/b/a Fuddruckers, 50 Walkers Brook Drive Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26, 2013 - page 6 ♦ Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ RARE Hospitalitv International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti, 601 Main Street ♦ Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumov Dovle's, 530 Main Street ♦ KOK. Inc. d/b/a Ove's. 26 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Sam's Bistro, 107 Main Street ♦ Reading Pie LLC d/b/a Portland Pie Company. 54 Haven Street ♦ RKR Corporation d/b/a Bunratty Tavern, 622 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2014 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manaaer. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the Wine and Malt Liauor License for: • Palatat Pattenesuan d/b/a Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2014 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Readina and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Town Licenses - Options for Public Safety - The Town Manager noted the subject of fingerprinting is the issue at hand. Detective Sergeant Mark Segalla reviewed the four options for the Selectmen to consider. 1. Internal investigation by Reading Police which is a limited check. 2. The second option allows for a CORI check which covers the state and the Board of Selectmen are not privy to the results. 3. Option 3 is fingerprinting of the applicant which allows for a national search of any felonies. There is a $30 charge to the state for fingerprinting. 4. Option 4 delegates the Chief of Police as the issuing authority and the Police would issue the licenses for hawking, alcohol, taxi/livery and second hand articles. John Arena asked if a SORI check is done and Detective Sgt. Segalla indicated that is included in the CORI. Ben Tafoya asked Detective Sgt. Segalla what he recommends and he indicated Option 3 is best for the Town. The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting authorized charging up to $100 for the fingerprinting and the Selectmen will need to establish the fee. Marsie West asked why we would fingerprint for these licenses and Chief Cormier indicated that taxi/livery drivers have access to people who could be vulnerable so they should be Page 1 6 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26. 2013 - page 7 someone of reputable character. Solicitors have no roots in a particular area; and second hand articles because there is a huge black market for stolen items. John Arena noted that the last time this was on the agenda, the fee and frequency were issues for the applicants. He also noted that second hand articles could be expanded broadly. Ben Tafoya asked if there are other costs associated with Option 3 and Detective Sgt. Segalla indicated $25 for the CORI. He also noted that the fingerprints are mailed with a check and it could take three to four months to get results. The fingerprints are not stored afterwards, they are erased. Ben Tafoya indicated he is willing to go with Option 3. John Arena noted that the Class 2 licensees felt it was onerous to do it every year when they live right here in town. James Bonazoli indicated he felt $100 is a lot to spend every year. Chief Cormier noted that out of the comparable communities, 3 of the 8 do not fingerprint. Of those who do fingerprinting, they charge a $100 annual fee except one who charges a $50 fee. John Arena asked if Class 1 will be included and Chief Cormier indicated they are not because they are heavily regulated by the state. The Board directed the Town Manager to schedule a public hearing on December 10th and invite the applicants. Marsie West left the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Hearing - Washington Park Final Design - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Recreation Administrator John Feudo is out sick so he recommends continuing the hearing to December 10 at 7:40 p.m. The Town Manager noted that the basketball court and tennis court could not be built as planned so they have to shift the field. Ben Tafoya noted the point was to orient the field away from the neighbor. Petra Conboy, 35 Warren Avenue, noted that she lives at the first base and she asked if the field is being moved to the right. The Town Manager indicated it is not. Ms. Conboy asked if the netting is still planned and the Town Manager indicated it is. John Arena asked if lighting is being contemplated and it was noted it is not. A Washington Street resident noted that the netting is supposed to prevent balls from going out in the street too. He asked if there will be netting around the tennis courts as the previous Town Manager had suggested. The Town Manager was not sure about netting around the tennis courts. A resident from 76 Washington Street asked if the stonewall is being removed and it was noted that it is not. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Arena to continue the hearing on the Washington Park final design to December 10 at 7:40 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Page 1 7 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26, 2013 - page 8 Hearing - Memorial Park Lighting - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that he received an email today from an abutter who is opposed. The Town Manager noted that the lights were always part of the plan. It is not meant to be like daylight, just enough light for the ability to skate at night. The lights have timers and sensors. Six lights are proposed. The lights are direct light, they are not meant to light up the neighborhood. He noted that the plan is to go out to bid in January or February. A resident from 42 Charles Street asked what time the lights will go out and the Town Manager indicated he wasn't sure but he thinks John Feudo mentioned 10:00 p.m. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Arena to close the hearing on Memorial Park Lighting was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Arena to approve the Memorial Park Lighting design as shown on the plan entitled "Memorial Park" dated Nov. 14. 2014 with a maximum of six lights to be accepted, was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Recreation Update - The Town Manager noted that there is a grant available to fully fund building a dog park. We would need to decide on a location. The Open Space and Recreation survey results indicated that 23% were interested in a dog park. The number of dogs in town has increased 32%. He asked if the Board wanted to set up an ad hoc committee. John Arena noted that he sent Rick Wetzler pictures of a dog park in New Hampshire and it was really nice. Ben Tafoya noted he would be interested in a dedicated area and recommended having an ad hoc group take a look at it. He also noted that if they look at the water treatment plant location then they should get input from the Grove Street residents. James Bonazoli suggested having the Recreation department take a first swing at this mission. Jane Given from Tennyson Road noted that the Town Forest Committee survey results show that 90% of the people using the Town Forest are dog walkers. Susan Bowe from West Street noted that parking is a huge problem at the Town Forest. Tom Gardner asked who would maintain the park and James Bonazoli noted that would be a task for the committee. Regionalization - The Town Manager noted that there has been discussion with Wakefield because they don't have a good recreation program but they have great fields. Both Recreation Committees have met to discuss this. This is not about money - it's a resource issue. Birch Meadow Planning Committee - The Town Manager noted that there is $2 million in the capital plan for Birch Meadow. He suggests creating a new committee. Some things are complete and others are not. There is the question of what the pavilion should be. Shade is needed there. Reconfiguring the fields is a significant cost for a small benefit. Nelson Burbank is concerned about the future for the YMCA because parking is a serious issue. He feels there needs to be discussion about the reconfiguration of Arthur B. Lord Drive. Ben Tafoya noted that the Arthur B. Lord Drive issue should be in the Selectmen's hands. Page 1 8 Board of Selectmen Minutes - November 26, 2013 =page 9 James Bonazoli noted that the Master Plan doesn't need to be reopened because nothing can change. He also reminded everyone. that there is a drainage problem in that area. He also suggested getting public viewpoints on the pavilion. John Arena suggested involving the users and having the Recreation Committee do that. He also suggested looking at the Ice Rink and Symonds Way area. John Halsey noted that there has been discussion about a Recreation Center at the Ice Rink baseball field and noted there is revenue potential if it is developed properly. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of October 30 2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of November 5 2013 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meeting at 10.10 P.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, -- reta ry