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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes F Town of Reading 3 Meeting Minutes � ,-- FFCFIVfD ► ti . Naga Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen 1GI6 FiN'f -ti P R 30 Date: 2016-04-05 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Chairman John Halsey, Vice Chairman Kevin Sexton, Secretary Barry Berman, Daniel Ensminger Members - Not Present: John Arena Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Mark Segalla, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Head Dispatcher Vicky Avery, Town Counsel Ray Miyares,.Executive Assistant Paula Schena, Carol McFadden, John Feudo, Kate Kaminer, Angela Binda, Jeanne Borawsky, Stephen Crook, Tim Kelley, Lyn White, Richard Robbins, Robert Scott Kajonda ' Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Barry Berman Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reoorts and Comments - Dan Ensminger noted that he attended a meeting with Representative Brad Jones that was called by the Climate Advisory Committee. Representative Jones noted that there is discussion on Beacon Hill re: power supply. The state has two large power sources going off line next year so the state is considering hydroelectricity from Canada and offshore windmills. Solar will not play a big role. Canadian hydro could be expensive and windmills are not very effective. The Kinder Morgan pipeline was not a favorite in the room even though it is the friendliest source and clean. Unfortunately, Kinder Morgan has not treated communities very well. Barry Berman noted that he has been invited to meet with the Library Trustees to talk about fundraising for the new library. John Halsey noted that he attended the Birch Meadow Committee meeting. There are two phases being looked at. Phase 1 is the lighting and It Is in process. He's guessing Phase 1 will be done before year end and the hope is to get all fields lit. Phase 2 is being worked on and that Includes Items such as the pavilion, plumbed bathrooms and other Items in the survey that they are trying to address. ' Town Manaaer's Report - The Town Manager noted that the Reading Police were highly Involved in two fast arrests last week and he congratulated all of them. He noted that a future agenda item involves the Bylaw Committee coming in to talk to the Board about recommending Bylaw changes. The Board also needs to form a Cable TV Advisory Committee to enter Into negotiations with the cable companies. It will be time consuming and challenging. Page I 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - April 5 2016 - page 2 The Town Manager noted that Dan Ensminger, John Halsey and himself have been meeting ' with North Reading re: MWRA. North Reading Selectmen will come here to speak with the Board and then the Reading Board of Selectmen will attend one of the North Reading Board of Selectmen meetings to discuss their MWRA hook up. This is an important project and there will be many discussions. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Reading Rockets - Snow Shovelers - A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen approve the Certificate of Recognition for the Reading Rackets for volunteerina their time to shovel for elders was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. National Telecommunications Week - Chief Segalla, Chief Burns, Police Office David Clark and Head Dispatcher Vicky Avery were present. Vicky Avery noted she appreciates her position and staff and noted that both Chlefs are very supportive. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen declare April 10 - 16 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Letter of Support - COA - The Town Manager noted that the Council on Aging is requesting the Board to send a letter to the state reps to increase the line item in the budget to support $10 per elder per year. A_motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen approve a ' Letter of support for the Council on Aaino and ask the Chairman to sign on the Board's behalf was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - Recreation Fees - Joint Meeting with Recreation Committee - Community Services Director John Feudo, Jenna Fiorente and Recreation members Kate Kaminer, Frank Driscoll, Michael DePietro, Jeanne Borawski and Daniel Foley were present. The Recreation Committee called to order. John Halsey noted that he is a regular user of fields so he will not be part of the discussion. Frank Driscoll asked Mr. Halsey repeatedly why he participated in the field lighting talks at a previous Selectmen's meeting. John Halsey noted that was because it was a much broader discussion and he did recuse from some of the discussion. He pays for fees for field use so he will recuse himself tonight. Daniel Ensminger reminded Frank Driscoll that the whole board agreed with the priorities set for the lighting. John Halsey recommended that Frank Driscoll look at the minutes and he will see how much he had to say. In fact, he only spoke on one safety question that was brought up by the Recreation Committee. He will refrain from discussion tonight and Mr. Halsey left the room. The Secretary read the hearing notice. John Feudo noted that the fees need to remain somewhat reasonable. The goal is to cover costs but keep it reasonable. Fees were last changed in 2006 when they were increased by $7000 to $20,000. He noted that the admin/scheduling of field costs are approximately $25,000. The revolving fund pays for electricity, minor repairs and portable restrooms. The ' proposed increase will bring the fund up to $60,000. DPW support is $20,000; Administrative support Is $25,000 and minor repairs $15,000. John Feudo noted that notable changes include in town fees increased from $10/$12 to $12/$14 per player; non-reading residents Increased from $20/hour to $30/hour for field passes; the fee was increased from $75/hour to $100/hour for Collins Field; and resident Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes -April 5. 2016 - pace 3 fees for one time use remain the same at $10/block of time. Another notable change is the camp and clinic field fee matrix was eliminated so he doesn't have to go out and physically ' count the number of people on the field. Barry Berman noted that it looks like the per person fee Increased 10% but it's not a lot of money. John Feudo noted he applied it to last year's numbers. Barry Berman noted that there is a lot of wear and tear on the fields and asked if we could incorporate the fees to cover future costs. The Town Manager noted that is illegal because the general fund must pay for the capital. He noted that the Schools have a significant amount of money in their revolving fund but Recreation is governed by the state and they are only allowed to keep $10,000 at year end. John Feudo noted that the Recreation revolving fund turned back $124,000 last year to the general fund. John Feudo noted that the proposed fees are at the bottom of the chart and there has been no push back from organizations. Barry Berman asked if the new lights will be metered so we can charge and John Feudo noted we are working on that. Angela Binda noted that there has been discussion about revenue generation and she asked if that was something being looked at with in town costs and out of town costs or are we just trying to cover costs. The Town Manager noted that we can't pay for capital or debt but increased fees will turn money back to the general fund. Angelo Binda asked if there has been philosophical discussion regarding in towners and out of towners. John Feudo noted that philosophically the fields are for Reading first. We would never give a field to out of towners before in towners. Angela Binda asked if there is any correlation between what the ' town charges and what the organizations charge and John Feudo noted the he assumes' they will increase their fees. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing amending the Recreation fees was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 (Halsey was not present). A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the recommended field and facility fees as indicated in the memo from John Feudo to Bob LeLacheur dated February 29. 2016 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 (Halsey was not Present). The Recreation Committee adjourned. John Halsey returned to the meeting. Reading Ice Arena Report - Carl McFadden noted that he is appointed by the Board of Selectmen to be their representative on the Burbank Ice Arena Board of Directors. The original agreement was 20 years ago. The Board recently renewed for another 10 years. Mr. Burbank never wanted the arena to be a white elephant to the Town. He noted that North Reading was using the Ice.arena a couple of years ago but the feeling was that Reading needed more time so North Reading went elsewhere. They have $310,000 in their rainy day fund and will be turning back $50,000 to the Town this year. Over the years the Ice Arena has returned $2.3 million to the Town plus ice time. All capital items under ' $5,000 are paid out of the cash Flow. Carl McFadden noted that in regards to succession planning if Ed's position becomes vacant then there will be applicants from all of the other rinks who would love to come to Reading. Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes -April 5 2016 - oaae 4 Barry Berman noted asked if there is a formula for returning funds to the Town and Carl McFadden noted that they will never sacrifice their rainy day fund. The payment is actually ' a bonus to the Town. The Town Manager noted that we should expect $0 and not work into the budget planning. He noted this is the perfect public/private partnership. John Halsey noted that the savings to the school programs is great. Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) Member Report - CAB member Dave Mancuso was present. He noted that things are going well at the Light Department and they are busy with the budget season. The CAB asked them to. flip things around this year and to the operating budget before the capital budget. Ms. O'Brien is putting together a work plan. A lot of time and effort will be going Into the network which will create a series of fee increases. The RMLD plans to look at distributive generation with a 2MW generator to reduce peak load and reduce costs. The RMLD will receive payments from ISO New England for this. Barry Berman asked If there is a site location for this and Dave Mancuso noted it is not a huge generator and he will get the details. It is not terribly loud but will create some noise so wherever they put it they will need to work with the neighbors. They are also continuing to work with the solar project. Daniel Ensminger noted that Representative Brad Jones came to Reading to talk. He talked about solar metering and noted that the legislature dropped the reimbursement amount. This has become a politically driven topic. With the Pilgrim and Brayton Point power stations going offline the state is looking at offshore wind and hydropower to replace the more than 2,000 megawatts of lost generating capacity. This would effectively replace two economical and reliable sources of energy with two that are less reliable and more costly. The RMLD has to keep abreast of these things. John Halsey noted he was surprised no ' RMLD employees were present at the meeting with Representative Brad Jones. Dave Mancuso noted that Salem is coming online soon and that is gas powered. Dave Mancuso noted that the RMLD is also talking about other ancillary services i.e. telecommunication and cable TV. He also noted that Comcast upgraded 6 - 10 times this year and keeping up with that would be a huge challenge for the RMLD. Security would also be a challenge. He doesn't see this being a revenue generator. Dave Mancuso noted that the Town needs to grow high end users of power into our economic development. We have the lowest electric rates. John Halsey noted that was correct but will we maintain the same costs. Dave Mancuso noted that RMLD will be like the rest of the market - up and down. He suggests the Town work closely with the RMLD. Dan Ensminger noted that North Reading is short on water but has a lot of land that could be converted to commercial development. Kevin Sexton noted that the new Planner should work with the RMLD. Housing Authority Report - Housing Authority Director Lyn Whyte, and Housing Authority Members Tim Kelley and Dick Robbins were present. Lyn Whyte noted that Karen Flammia retired and Dick Robbins was appointed in her place. Two of her long-term employees left and she has added a bilingual employee. They spent $80,000 on capital projects this year and they added a two bedroom unit to their program. ' She expects no more change over in staff and they have a larger agency assisting in maintenance. Barry Berman asked if 4013's affect the Housing Authority and Lyn Whyte noted that they have assisted in the lottery process but they don't have enough staff to run it. Barry Berman asked how they preserve affordable units and Tim Kelley noted that is managed by Page 14 Board of Selectmen Minutes - April 5 2016 - oaae 5 the Federal and State. The Housing Authority doesn't manage the percentage but the units they own count towards the Town's percentage. The Town Manager noted that our ' Regional Planner will be in to discuss this at the Board's next meeting. John Halsey asked if the Housing Authority can help us if we get proceeds of 15 units from the 40B project. Lyn Whyte noted that she has worked with Archstone and CHAPA oversaw that project. John Halsey noted that he would feel better if the Housing Authority was involved in this. He asked if it is inappropriate for them to fund a position and Lyn Whyte noted it is not inappropriate and that most agencies have an assigned person. Hearing - Amend Traffic Rules and Regulations - Police Station Parking Lo - The Secretary read the hearing notice. Police Chief Mark Segalla noted that parking at the Police Station is a big issue so he came up with a plan and met with the residents. In 1999 they had 13 cruisers and we now have 18. In 1999 they had 37 Officers and they now have 42. In addition, they had two civilian employees in 1999 and they now have five. So, due to an increase in staffing there is a shortage of parking. When the media room is in use there is no parking either. He proposes "Police only parking" in the three spaces on Middle Street. He is asking for designated spots in the parking lot and wants to secure the entrance with a sign that says "Police entrance only." Chief Segalla noted it is not secure to have civilians walking around when they are bringing in prisoners. Barry Berman noted there should be a designated spot for the Police Chief and it was noted there is not. ' The Town Manager noted that when the Police Station was built it was another world. Also, the drugstore is empty now so It is a good time to do this. John Halsey noted that basically they are just adding three spots on the street. He asked how easy this will be to do and Chief Segalla noted it is mostly signage and line painting. Joyce Gould, neighbor on John Street noted that this is an old neighborhood. A lot of families are parking on the street. One neighbor suggested making the driveway one way and do angled parking. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on Enactina Article 517 of the Traffic and Parking Regulations was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen Enact Article S.17 Police Vehicle Parkina Only - No person shall Park any vehicle in a designated Police Vehicle Parkina Only on any Parts of streets listed to which this Article has been applied as listed under Article 12 was approved by a vote of 4-0- 0. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve designated "Police Vehicle Parkina Only" at the following location: Street to be amended: Middle Street Location on Street: Westerly side for a length 73 feet between Union Street and The Police Station Driveway Reaulation: Article 12 Pursuant to: Article 5.17 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes - April 5. 2016 - page 6 A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen enact Article 5.18 Police Station Parking Lot by arantina the Chief of Police the authoritv ' to regulate the Parking and traffic flow in the off-street parking lot immediately surrounding the Reading Police Department Station House, more specifically located on Assessor Parcel ID's 022.0-0000-0079.0 and 022.0-0000-0075.0. Such regulations shall be appropriately signed and subiect to Periodic review and adiustment by the Town Manaaer and Board of Selectmen as needed. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Continued Hearing - Amend Liquor License Policy - The Town Manager noted that the applicant came before the Board of Selectmen a couple of years ago and she now has a location. Town Counsel says the current policy is not sufficient to address this type of license. Town Counsel offers a solution in the letter dated February 23, 2016. There are 10 licenses available. Daniel Ensminger asked if the hours need to be set and Town Counsel noted that the State sets the minimum hours. John Halsey noted that the Board is creating a new category because the applicant doesn't want to serve food. Town Counsel noted that they are not creating a new category because it already exists - General on Premise. The Selectmen need to create a policy. John Halsey noted that the applicant will be operating at the Frame Shop after hours. He asked if the license is just for evening hours. Attorney Brad Latham representing Judy Barolak noted it would be for three hours during the painting. The average customers are 35 - 60 year old ladies. The hope is that they will go downtown to eat afterwards. ' Kevin Sexton asked how the hours would be controlled and Attorney Latham noted that the lease to occupy can restrict the hours. Town Counsel noted that the Selectmen can put the hours as a condition on the license but if the applicant changes her mind then the Selectmen have to allow because the state sets the hours. John Halsey noted that his concern is not the hours, just trying to consider if he want this type of license. Barry Berman asked how people pay for the tickets. Judy Barolak noted they will sign up ahead of time online and a bartender will serve beer and wine from a bar. Barry Berman asked if they will pay for drinks separately and July Barolak indicated yes. The Town Manager noted this is a new category for the Town and others will follow. Town Counsel noted that currently Reading only Issues licenses to businesses with common victualler licenses. General on Premise licenses are typically bars so once the Board decides to issue then that is what you are doing. Barry Berman noted that there are only 10 licenses available and we need to reserve some for future development. We need to determine how we Issue - is it first come first serve. If we create another category do we want to envision who we want? Daniel Ensminger asked how we raise the quota and Town Counsel noted it would need a Special Act. ' John Halsey asked if we issue one do we have to issue more. Town Counsel noted that it has to serve a public need. Many towns prefer their licenses go to restaurants instead of bars. The Board of Selectmen need to determine if it fills a public need, so when you make a decision then Indicate in the motion that"it serves a public" need in case there are Page 1 6 Board of Selectmen Minutes - April 5. 2016 - nage 7 appeals in the future. The Selectmen need to make a finding each time of what the public need is i.e. they want to hold out for restaurants. John Halsey noted that the policy Is out of date. When we rewrite then we should add in the polity that It is our obligation to serve the public need. Kevin Sexton noted that none of the comments said tonight reflect on the applicant. He received a nice note from Brook Chipman supporting the applicant. Town Counsel noted that the Board needs to set the hours and fees. The consensus of the Board was to set the hours 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 noon to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays. The Board discussed fees and John Halsey noted there is a cost to the Town of providing this service. Town Counsel noted that the Board could establish a subcategory for Instructional classes and set a separate fee for that. The Town Manager suggested setting the fees for four categories: General on Premise All Alcohol, General on Premise Malt and Wine, General on Premise for Instructional Classes All Alcohol and General on Premise for Instructional Classes Malt and Wine. Town Counsel recommended that the fees be equivalent to the cost to the Town. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminaer that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on amending Section 3.2.4 of the Board of Selectmen Liauor License Policies was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectman revise Section 3.2. of the Board of Selectmen Liquor License Policies as indicated in the memo from Town Counsel to the Town Manager dated February 23, 2016 and set the hours to be 11.00 a m to 11.00 P.m. Monday throuah Saturday and 12 noon to 11.00 P.m. on Sundays: and to set the fees as follows: • General on Premise All Alcohol - $3700 • General on Premise Malt and Wine - $2700 • General on Premise for Instructional Classes All Alcohol - $700 and General on Premise for Instructional Classes Malt and Wine - $500 The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton to approve the minutes of March 22 2016 as amended was approved by a vote of 3-0-1 with Berman abstaining. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton to adjourn the meeting at 10.00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, See/c tary a Page 1 7