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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Q� OFF? Q Town of Reading e Meeting Minutes J63glNCORP�pC Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2015-05-05 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Chairman Daniel Ensminger, Vice Chairman John Halsey, Secretary Kevin Sexton, Barry Berman Members - Not Present: John Arena Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena, Tim Kelley, Lyn Whyte, Madeline Hodgdon, Bryn Burkhart, Donna Beaulieu, Paula Simart, Annika Scanlon, Robert Kajanor, Scott Reinold, Ron D'Addario, David L. Williams, Jessie Wilson, Gil Congdon, David Zoya, Rob Haley, Steve Geth, Scotte Ferris, Jeff Pierce, Kevin Cignetti, John Barrett, James Lucci, Mark DeMasse, Tom Crowley, Phil Vaccaro, Lick Caster, Ken Hollingsworth, Chuck Tirone Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Kevin Sexton Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Barry Berman noted that the results of the survey done show that the overall majority are satisfied with the Town services and agree we need a sustainable monetary resource. In addition, he attended the Reading Education Fundraiser and he was amazed at how hard the volunteers work. Kevin Sexton noted that the Reading Education Fundraiser was outstanding. Also, he noted that Comcast employees cleaned up the areas at the Burbank YMCA as part of the Comcast Cares Day event. John Halsey noted that the Recreation Committee has begun a mobilization program regarding an operational plan for the lighting which will be tied to public hearings and a survey. Mr. Halsey also noted that there was a dinner to honor volunteers at the Pleasant Street Center and it was heartwarming to see what the volunteers do. He noted that Jane Burns does a great job. Daniel Ensminger noted that the Boy Scout Troop 702 will host a reception after the Laurel Hill ceremony on Memorial Day. He attended the Outstanding Citizen ceremony at which Camille Anthony was honored. He also noted that Justin Martel received the Police Officer of the Year award and Joseph Lappola received the Fire Fighter of the Year Award. Daniel Ensminger noted that he distributed the liaison assignments and asked for a motion to approve them. A motion by Sexton seconded by Berman to approve the 2015 - 2016 Board of Selectmen liaison assignments was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Page 1 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 5, 2015 - page 2 Daniel Ensminger also noted that the Historic District Commission voted to deny a certificate of appropriateness to Criterion. Public Comment - Bill Brown, 28 Martin Road, noted that he and Tom Ryan left letters as a handout at Town Meeting in regards to the Town Clerk having to approve all handouts. They feel this violates their First Amendment Right. He feels there is an enemy at the Town Clerk's office. The Town Manager noted that he spoke with Town Moderator Alan Foulds, Town Clerk Laura Gemme and Town Counsel about this. The previous Town Manager gave instructions to the Town Clerk to approve all handouts and make sure there was contact information on them. This was in an effort to eliminate anonymous handouts being given out at Town Meeting even when they did not relate to Town Meeting. Bill Brown noted that was fine and he will apologize to the Town Clerk. Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager asked that the Board make a motion on the Treasurer/Collector per the Charter change. A motion by Sexton seconded by Berman that the Board of Selectmen, upon the recommendation of the Town Manager, combine the powers and duties of the Town Treasurer with those of the Town Collector and the Town Manager may then appoint a Town Treasurer-Collector was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Town Manager also asked the Board to approve a motion for internal borrowing. A motion by Halsey seconded by Sexton to approve borrowing internally for two water main proiects, the modular classrooms and retaining walls as outlined but not the lighting project was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Barry Berman asked how much was being borrowed and the Town Manager noted a total of $2.365 million. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation National Public Works Week - Public Works Director Jeff Zager was present to receive the proclamation. A motion by Sexton seconded by Berman to proclaim the week of May 17 - May 23, 2015 as Public Works Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Women's Lung Health Week - A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey to proclaim May 11 - 17, 2015 as Women's Lung Health Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Administrative Services Director/Ombudsman - The Town Manager introduced Matt Kraunelis to the Board of Selectmen and noted that he worked at the State as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary in the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Methuen, Massachusetts for six years and held an elected position as a City Councilor for six years. Matt also served as Assistant General Counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Town Accountant Report - The Town Manager noted that the Town Accountant was unable to be present tonight so this will be rescheduled. Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 5, 2015 - page 3 The Town Manager took this opportunity to introduce Kevin Bohmiller as the Town's full time Veteran's Agent. He noted that Mr. Bohmiller will be arranging the Memorial Day event. Reading Housing Authority Report - Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte and Housing Authority members Tim Kelley and Madeline Hodgdon were present. Lyn Whyte noted that they are working on their website to make it more user friendly and it is filled with lots of information on current income levels, landlord information and tenant information. The website will also be translated in 50 different languages. Barry Berman asked if they have a wish list for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Ms. Whyte noted that they are always on the lookout to acquire property. They had a recent opportunity to add to the reserves and there is more demand for two bedroom units. Barry Berman asked if the demand is more senior or family. Ms. Whyte noted that they tend to purchase for families because the seniors have more available to them. She also noted that family waits are extensive -10 years. The Board thanked the Housing Authority for the update. Update on Timberneck Swamp - Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirone and Conservation Commission Chairman Anika Scanlon were present. Chuck Tirone noted they are requesting money for signs. The tree stands and cameras are proof that hunting was going on. Both the Conservation Commission and neighbors do not want any hunting in Timberneck Swamp. John Halsey noted that we have the cooperation of the private property owner. He also noted that he thinks there are regulations about how many signs have to be posted. Chuck Tirone noted that to post every 20 feet is a lot of signs. Daniel Ensminger asked if the tree stands are supposed to be taken down and Chuck Tirone indicated he did not know but they are usually territory markers and people leave them up. He suggests putting the signs at the public access and each homeowner can put up a sign on their property. Anika Scanlon noted that the Conservation Commission voted to approve the sign. They must be located on Town property. She has not been able to find an accessible trail, but the evidence supports what the residents are saying. John Halsey noted that the owner gives us permission to go on the property. Kevin Sexton asked if there has to be specific language on the sign and Ms. Scanlon indicated she has not contacted Town Counsel. John Halsey suggested contacting the Fish and Game Commission. Chuck Tirone noted that the cost for 19 signs is $456 for the non-reflected and $655.50 for the reflected signs. The Town Manager noted he has an account that will cover this. Barry Berman suggested ordering spares. Bryn Burkhart noted that there is a three to five day turnaround on the signs. She suggests going with the reflected due to the claim of hunting at night. John Halsey noted that if the neighbors are more comfortable with that then do it. Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 5, 2015 - page 4 Daniel Ensminger asked if there has been any more incidents and Dorothy Marshall noted not since March. She noted that is seems to coincide with day light savings time. Bryn Burkhart asked if DPW could put up the signs and the Town Manager noted they will and Chuck Tirone will have to go with them. Ad Hoc Reading Firearms Safety Committee - Daniel Ensminger noted that the committee extends through the end of the year and consists of two Selectmen, the Deputy Chief Segalla, one Town Meeting member, three residents at large with at least one living in the Timberneck Swamp area. The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee met tonight and interviewed six of seven candidates. A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey that the Board of Selectmen confirm the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee's recommendation to appoint the following to the ad hoc Reading Firearms Safety Committee with terms expiring December 31, 2015: Jonathan Scully as the Town Meeting member; Bryn Burkhart as a resident at large; David Pinette as a resident at large; Kenneth Lafferty as a resident at large; the motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Sexton seconded by Berman that the Board of Selectmen appoint Kevin Sexton and John Halsey as the Selectmen representatives on the ad hoc Reading Firearms Safety Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Daniel Ensminger noted that the committee will meet once or twice a month before summer and then pick back up in September. They will report back to the Selectmen in August. Dorothy Marshall asked how many hunters were appointed to the committee and Kevin Sexton noted two hunters and one gun owner who doesn't hunt. Daniel Ensminger noted it was an open process and he was surprised there were not more applicants from the neighborhood. John Halsey echoed the Chairman's response and noted we have responsible people looking out for the best interest of the Town. He also noted that Town Meeting rejected the warrant article and gave an instructional motion to accomplish certain things. There will also be a public comment process. Dorothy Marshall asked if the Board received her email regarding fines and John Halsey noted they did and the committee will look at updating that. Hearing - Liquor License Transfer - Grumpy Doyles - The Secretary read the hearing notice. Attorney Trish Farnsworth, Henry Pariseau and Scott Cantor. Daniel Ensminger asked why the applicant revised question #3. Attorney Farnsworth noted that question was not clear if it applied to in state or out of state. She sent two pages with information. Daniel Ensminger asked Police Chief James Cormier if he has enough information and Chief Cormier indicated he does not, he has not seen page 2. Daniel Ensminger asked what date the incident happened and Attorney Farnsworth noted 2002. Barry Berman indicated he wants to understand more of what happened. Attorney Farnsworth noted that Mr. Pariseau has been working as a manager at another location. Page 1 4 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 5, 2015 - page 5 John Halsey asked if he always checked no on question 3 and Attorney Farnsworth indicated yes and it was never questioned. Mr. Pariseau noted that he explained what happened to other licensing authorities and they had no problem with it. A previous attorney told him to answer no because the arrest was out of state. Mr. Cantor noted that the Unagi Servers Inc. is part of a neighborhood group. It is all about who you hire and he has been through several managers to find the right person. They will be a good neighbor and there will be no violence or situations with the police. He noted that we all make mistakes and he can appreciate the Board's concern. He noted that Henry is a formidable operator and they are looking forward to coming to Reading. John Halsey noted that people make mistakes but don't lie about it. He suggested that he get a new attorney or stop listening to that attorney who told him to answer no. He noted that he trusts the judgement of the Police Chief and staff. Mr. Pariseau answered wrong and the Police Chief has not reviewed the information provided. He recommends continuing the hearing to give the Police a chance to process the information. Daniel Ensminger noted that question #3 asks if he has ever been convicted of a state, federal or military crime and he could see how that could create some confusion. He also noted that the applicant needs to supply a full affidavit as it says in the fine print. Barry Berman noted he feels there is a lapse in judgement in not being forthcoming. Kevin Sexton noted that the Board's comfort level is to have full disclosure. A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey to continue the hearing on the liquor license transfer from Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyles to Unagi Servers Inc. d/b/a as Biltmore and Main at 530 Main Street to May 19, 2015 at 8:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - New Liquor License - Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, 48 Walkers Brook Drive - The Secretary read the hearing notice. Daniel Ensminger noted that the applicant is not available so we need to continue the hearing. A motion by Sexton seconded by Berman to continue the hearing for the new liquor license for Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza at 48 Walkers Brook Drive to May 19, 2015 at 8:40 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Naming of Fields - Phil Vaccaro and John Feudo were present. Phil Vaccaro indicated he recommends honoring Pete Moscariello and name Pete Moscariello Park at Morton Field. He reviewed a long list of Pete's accomplishments and noted that he used his knowledge and wisdom of family values to coach. Rick Carter, 15 Pondview Lane noted that his son's jersey was retired at RMHS. His son did not have the stats but he had heart. He is proud of Pete Moscariello. Ken Hollingsworth from New Hampshire noted that he lived in Reading and loves Reading. When his father had a field named after him, he was thrilled. He feels Pete Moscariello is the greatest figure we could ever have. Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 5, 2015 - page 6 Scott Ferris noted he played for Pete Moscariello from 1984 - 1985. His passion for baseball is great. Pete loves to hear stories of successes off the field. His loyalty and integrity led him to be his son's godfather. He noted that Pete spent 45 years on Morton Field. Jeff Pierce, 12 Pearl Street, noted he has been involved with the baseball community for 30 years. He is fully in support of the naming. He noted that Nute Morton was the founder and Morton Field is now a ball park. John Feudo noted that he played for Pete in 1995 and he even had him at his wedding. He noted that Pete ran clinics for Reading Recreation for 35 years. He is a local icon no matter where you go. He estimates that approximately 25,000 kids went through his program. Phil Vaccaro noted that there is a letter from Tom Crowley which notes that the moments that stand out has nothing to do with baseball, it is about how Pete handled success and defeat. John Halsey noted that Pete Moscariello was a great baseball coach and a great person who made a huge impact on the residents. Mr. Halsey noted that it is the Selectmen's job to recognize when something special happens. It's a ballpark now and he led the way. He feels obligated to act on the request. Barry Berman noted that he grew up in New York and then came to Reading. His son attended the clinics and he attended the coaching clinics and that was a whole new realm. He feels this is great to do before he passes. Daniel Ensminger noted that there are four fathers - the Father Almighty, our Founding Fathers, Biological Father and coaches. -- Kevin Sexton thanked everyone for coming out tonight. He noted he didn't know Pete Moscariello but this was a really impressive tribute. A motion by Halsey seconded by Sexton that the baseball complex on and around Morton Field be known as Moscariello Ballpark was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Recycle Container for Lot Behind CVS - Climate Advisory Committee - Community Services Director Jessie Wilson, Climate Advisory Committee members Ron Daddario and David Williams were present. Jessie Wilson noted that the proposal is to have a recycle bin in the CVS lot to encourage recycling. The Community Planning and Development Commission had concerns about trash being left outside the bin. Ron Daddario noted that they have been working on this for a long time. The recycling container will be totally free from JRM and will be only for paper and cardboard. They tried to put it on private property but that didn't work. This will be good for businesses to save on trash disposal costs. The Climate Advisory Committee took a survey and received 12 good responses. People are willing to walk across the parking lot. When they were asked if they were willing to give up a parking space for it, they all said yes except for one. Mr. Daddario noted that it is possible the container will not take up a parking space. The bin will have openings on the side to prevent large trash from being put in. This will be on a trial basis and is a win for the businesses, the environment and the Town. The Town Manager noted the Selectmen need to realize a parking space will be lost. It would be nice if all of the businesses worked together on trash and recycling. He is in favor of this. Page 1 6 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 5, 2015 - page 7 Ron Daddario noted if this is approved, the Committee will work with the businesses. Kevin Sexton noted he thinks this is a homerun and if it doesn't work then we'll take it back. Barry Berman indicated this is a great idea and the design should be so trash cannot be thrown in it. The Town Manager noted that the spot near the telephone pole is the best place. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Sexton to approve the Climate Advisory Committee's proposal for a cardboard/paper recycling bin to be furnished and installed by ]RM hauling on the Town owned lot behind CVS was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Sign Order of Taking - 25 Walkers Brook Drive - The Board signed the paperwork to finalize the order of taking. Approve Change of D/B/A Sam's Bistro to Fusilli's Cucina - The Town Manager noted this is just a change of d/b/a. A motion by Sexton seconded by Berman to approve the change of d/b/a from Sam's Bistro to Fusilli's Cucina at 107 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0- 0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey to approve the minutes of April 1, 2015 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1 with Berman abstaining. A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey to approve the minutes of April 14, 2015 as amended was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey to approve the Executive Session minutes of April 14, 2015 as written was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Sexton seconded by Halsey to adiourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Page 1 7