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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes OFR r O x c Town of Reading s Meeting Minutes �sJ9./NCORQ0PP Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2016-05-17 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference 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, Community Services Director John Feudo, Executive Assistant Paula Schena, Will Finch, Kim Honetschlager, Jonathan Barnes, John Feudo, Frank Driscoll, Emily Sisson, Richard Hand, Kate Kaminer, David Swyter, Kannan Kesavalu, Shanker Krishna, Virginia Adams, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Al Sylvia Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Barry Berman Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Barry Berman noted that he attended the Audit Committee meeting. We are not broke, we are in good shape. The auditors indicated they love coming to Reading because the Audit Committee actually talks to them. This is the first year Gatsby and OPEB are included in the balance sheet. They will continue to look at the School Revolving Funds. They will look at the Town Clerk's office next year. This is the normal process of looking at departments that handle money. Barry Berman noted he attended the Library Building Committee meeting. We will spend all the money and there might be some things pulled out. Kevin Sexton asked if there were any specifics of what is being taken out and Barry Berman noted there was nothing major, some things might get delayed. John Halsey asked if a replacement is being hired for Ruth Urell and Barry Berman noted that the Library Trustees were supposed to appoint an interim Library Director. In addition, he attended the North Reading Town meeting with Dan Ensminger and Kevin Sexton. Kevin Sexton noted that he attended the ZBA meeting and the 40B developer announced that he will be purchasing Brown's Automotive. They asked for an extension and received a 90 day extension. The next ZBA meeting is June 23rd but the Town needs the plans two weeks in advance. Dan Ensminger asked if the number of units will change and the Town Manager noted the numbers will decrease and they will lose a floor. John Halsey thanked Kevin Sexton, the Town Manager and Jean Delios for all of their hard work on this. Page 1 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 17, 2016 - page 2 John Halsey commented that he works at Sanborn Place and they receive a lot of visitation from the EMTs. We are very lucky to have the caliber of employees that we have. They work to stabilize so the residents don't have to go to the hospital. In addition, he attended the Mystic Regional Planning Committee meeting and Reading had quite the showing. They talked about the chaos that happens when the Chief arrives on scene. He noted that residents don't realize how much is going on in the background. Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager noted that a lot goes on that we hope people never have to see. Chief Burns knows every rule and regulation there is. Our police and fire work well together. The Town Manager noted that there is a copy of an outstanding receivable report for the Town and Reading is second from the top for collecting the most taxes. On another note, a resident from County Road has low water pressure and it is the Town's obligation to provide a certain pressure. The former owner never mentioned it. The resident purchased equipment and paid a plumber so he suggests reimbursing the resident by abatement. Barry Berman noted that he would like to amend the proposed draft motion to include language that says the Town is obligated to provide a certain number of pounds of pressure. The Town Manager noted that the threshold is so low that a person would know. If it becomes an epidemic then he will take it back to the Board. Barry Berman noted that sometimes it is a gray area as to the Town's and the homeowner's responsibility and he doesn't want to set a precedent. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel suggests creating a policy. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen acting in their role as Water and Sewer Commissioners agree to fully abate the May 2016 cost of equipment and installation at 106 County Road in order to remedy a low water pressure situation. This abatement will be funded by the Water Enterprise Fund and include all water bills previously paid in fiscal year 2016 by the current residents, and continue for all future water bills for these residents until the above costs have been fully repaid by the town was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation - National Police Officer Week - Daniel Ensminger thanks all the officers in Town and in response to a recent police incident involving the Massachusetts and New Hampshire State Police he feels we should let the people in blue do their job and the higher ups should stay out of it. John Halsey noted that they are all important to us and we offer support and gratitude. Police Chief Mark Segalla noted that 35 Officers have been killed in the line of duty nationwide this year. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen proclaim May 15 - May 21, 2016 as National Police Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation - National DPW Week - Daniel Ensminger noted that a resident cannot get through the day without touching Public Works. He thanked them for all they do. Public Works Director Jeff Zager noted the Town received two awards - one for water conservation and one for water operations. We have a 1.5% water savings. Jeff Zager also introduced the new Town Engineer Ryan Percival. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen proclaim the week of May 15 - May 21, 2016 as Public Works Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 17, 2016 - page3 Proclamation - Walk Reading Weekend - Will Finch was present to accept the proclamation. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen proclaim June 4 and 5, 2016 as Walk Reading Weekend in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Continue Hearing Liquor License Application for the Art Lounge on Haven - John Halsey noted this is a continued hearing. The Town Manager noted that the applicant submitted a new plan at the last hearing and the Building Inspector has approved it. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on the application for a Wine and Malt General on Premise Liquor License for The Art Lounge on Haven, 78 Haven Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen find that a Wine and Malt General On Premise Liquor License for the Art Lounge LLC does serve a public need, and that there are sufficient remaining unused licenses for anticipated economic development of future restaurant businesses was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve a new Wine and Malt General on Premise Liquor License for The Art Lounge LLC d/b/a The Art Lounge on Haven, 78 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2016 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 Manager or his designee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Climate Advisory Committee Report - Ron D'Adarrio and David Zeek from the Climate Advisory Committee were present. Ron D'Adarrio noted that they have a full board and will be reorganizing. He noted their mission statement included educational and community outreach. They did 52 Green Sense articles this year. They did outreach at the Senior Center and talked with the 5th grade class at Birch Meadow on climate change. He also noted that Earth Day was April 23 at the RMLD. David Zeek noted that they held a community meeting with Brad Jones regarding the future of energy. He noted that 32 communities passed resolutions regarding gas leaks and House bills 2870 and 2871 are still in the legislature. Reading ended the year with 93 gas leaks and started this year with 94. Daniel Ensminger noted it looks like more serious leaks are being taken care of David Zeek noted that 6000 gas leaks in Mass were removed from the list and 23 of those were in Reading. Ron D'Addario noted that they are evaluating an action plan using the Leap Study and they would like more interaction with the Board of Selectmen. They want to see community solar work and want to make solar more profitable for the RMLD. Trails Committee - Kim Honetschlager, Tom Gardiner and Will Finch were present. Tom Gardiner noted that the Northern Greenway is mostly done. They have been building new trails and standardizing. Four trails were completed in Bare Meadow. Volunteers are needed to build a trail on June 11th. The Committee replaced 85 steel rods at Mattera Cabin. They have finished the Evergreen Trail by taking back the vegetation and blazing it. Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 17, 2016 - page 4 Barry Berman asked if they have funding and Tom Gardiner noted that they received $1000 from the Town each year and donations are welcome. Last year 226 hours of volunteer work was done and that equals $6554. Walk Reading weekend is June 4 and 5th. The Ipswich River Association purchased the kiosk but the Town had to install it. Kim Honetschlager noted that Chuck Tirone has been working with expanding the parking at Mattera. Tom Gardiner thanked the DPW, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for their hard work. Hearing - Hartshorn Street and Bancroft Avenue Parking Regulations - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen recently held a hearing on no parking on Bancroft Street from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. The intent tonight is to change the time to 10:00 p.m. and extend the no parking to a section of Hartshorn Street. There was a proposal to restrict parking on Hanscom Avenue but the PTTTF does not recommend it. The Birch Meadow lights project is out to bid. The Town has no objection to the time change and adding a section of Hartshorn Street. Police Chief Mark Segalla noted that it is better to leave Hanscom Avenue alone due to the hill. There should be no parking but we are not doing that tonight. A resident from Belmont Street asked if this includes the parking at the tennis court and it was noted it does not. David Kramer noted the new signs are not working and Chief Segalla noted he should call the police station and ask for enforcement. A resident noted that Bancroft Avenue should have no parking at all because buses are - coming down that street. A resident noted that cars are parking the wrong way. Daniel Ensminger asked if cars get ticketed for parking the wrong way and Chief Segalla noted they get a warning the first week, then a ticket. John Halsey noted that school buses were told not to go there. David Swyter suggested that the Board take a vote of the houses on that street and John Halsey noted that is not the way we do things. The Town Manager noted that the Town must follow legal process. Dave Swyter noted that there should be no parking signs in front of the chain gate and the rock. There should also be a stop sign on Bancroft. Chief Segalla noted that they can go back to the PTTTF for no parking and additional signs. David Swyter noted he drove down there this weekend and he had to back up to get out. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on Hartshorn Street and Bancroft Avenue Parking Regulations was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen amend the Town of Reading Traffic and Parking Regulations Article 5.2.2 - Reading Resident Community Access Sticker Residents Only Parking by amending the hours from 2.00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that in accordance with article 5.2.2, parking shall be restricted by permit to those with a Reading Resident Community Page 1 4 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 17, 2016 - page 5 Access Permit Sticker, from the hours of 2:00 am to 10:00 Pm from April 1st through August 31st Street to be amended: Hartshorn Street Location on Street: Northerly Side between Hanscom Avenue and Bancroft Avenue Regulation: Article 12 Pursuant to Article: 5.2.2 The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Morton Field Signs - Community Services Director John Feudo noted he wanted to talk about the Birch Meadow Complex wayfinding signs. A sample sign is the Reading Center sign and is PVC coated, 18 X 24 inches and will be mounted on telephone poles. He suggests putting wayfinding signs at the end of both Route 93 and Route 95. They have a total of nine signs. John Halsey suggested putting one on Lowell Street. Barry Berman suggested putting one at the deli. John Feudo noted he could if there is a pole there. He noted that the Selectmen could give him permission to work with the Police Department on the location of the signs. Kevin Sexton noted that if you put a sign on Lowell Street then you have to pick a street. John Halsey recommended not limiting the number of signs and for John Feudo to work with the Police Department. John Feudo asked what the next steps are for the Morton Field dedication sign and also the Reading Little League want a solar scoreboard. Mark Ventura noted that a permit is needed for the footings on the signs. North Reading MWRA Project Update - Joint Meeting with North Reading Board of Selectmen - John Halsey welcomed our friends from North Reading. The North Reading Board of Selectmen Chairman Robert Mauceri, Michael Prisco, Kathryn Manupelli, Jeffrey Yull and Stephen O'Leary were present and called to order at 9:30 p.m. Also present were Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto and Water Supervisor Mark Clark. The Town Manager noted that North Reading gets 10% of their water from Andover and 40% from the Ipswich River and this is not sufficient capacity. They are also in need of capital investments. On the other hand, Reading used to get 100% of its water from the Ipswich River and capital investments were needed for a new water treatment plant. The Town decided to go 100% with the MWRA and the water quality improved and the MWRA average rate increase was 8%. The Town Manager noted that North Reading needs to join the MWRA and do a full buy-in. They believe that going through Reading is the best route and their permitting begins in 2016 and will be final in 2019. So what's in it for Reading: good neighbors: this will help the MWRA sell more water and that will lower the rates; the Town will receive a wheeling charge; we want part of the best deal that North Reading gets since we are still paying $1.5 million in interest payments; we will regain redundancy through Andover. The Town Manager noted that DPW staff has been talking for over one year and Reading's long term goal is to have a backup. What is not in it for us is no new debt and Reading is willing to discuss forming and managing a formal water district after the second phase of the IMA is in place. There will be two sets of meters. The MWRA will bill North Reading for what goes in and we will be billed the amount minus what North Reading gets. Barry Berman asked if there will be any potential disruptions and the Town Manager noted it will be very minimal. Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 17 2016 - page 6 Mark Clark noted that North Reading has a cap on what they can draw from the Ipswich River and they have one well that is down so this provides a long range solution. Daniel Ensminger noted that the MWRA said they could put the pipes underground at Mill Street and he would want that. Barry Berman asked if this needs to go to Town Meeting and the Town Manager noted that if it was costing us money we would have to but it is not costing us anything. Daniel Ensminger noted that it would be prudent to give a report at the Subsequent Town Meeting. North Reading Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto noted this is going to his Town Meeting for approval in June and he thanked everyone for their support. Historical Commission members Jonathan Barnes and Virginia Adams were present. Jonathan Barnes noted that there is one issue. The filing of the EIR with the State has started and there is one aspect is acknowledgement of historic places. The Mill Street Bridge and also the location of the Lobs Pound Mill and the old water pump dates back to 1640 - 1842 and have been designated by the State as an archaeological site. They are grateful the pump station is being moved to North Reading. The EIR is anticipated to be minimal so the roadway construction should have no effect. The Mill Street Bridge is an integral part of the archaeological site. The undergirding contains original stones of the Mill. If the water main gets moved under or over the bridge they consider that adverse action. The consultant said it is routine to tunnel under. They ask that they be sensitive to the site and preferably go underground. Will Finch, member of the Ipswich River Watershed Association, noted that there could be bedrock under there so they should be prepared. Other dams were built on bedrock. In addition, any pipe exposed on the side of the bridge would take away from the historic nature of the bridge. Virginia Adams asked if this meeting was advertised as a public hearing and John Halsey noted it was not because we are not voting on anything. He also made note at Town Meeting that we are in discussion with North Reading. Daniel Ensminger noted that the Historical Commission wants to be notified. Jonathan Barnes noted that the characterization in the EIR is not accurate so the Town should be aware of that. Daniel Ensminger asked if the comment period is still open and Jonathan Barnes noted the Historical commission gave their comments. The Chairman of the North Reading Board of Selectmen noted that they appreciate our concerns. A North Reading representative noted that they are looking for an "Engineering solution" that is the best long term solution for them. Jeff Yull, Selectman from North Reading, noted that it is nice to work together in an amicable way. The Chairman of the North Reading Board of Selectmen noted it has been a pleasure to work with Dan Ensminger and John Halsey. The North Reading Board of Selectmen adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Page 1 6 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 17, 2016 - page e Change of Beneficial Interest Application for the All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant Liquor License for Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza 48 Walkers Brook Drive - Attorney Joseph Devlin was present representing Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza and noted this is buy in of investment firms. He noted they are opening in Littleton, Northborough and Newton. Nothing will be changing at any of the locations. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the change in beneficial interest application for an Annual All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License - Anthonv's Coal Fired Pizza of Reading LLC d/b/a Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, 48 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - Transfer of All Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License from Ristorante Pavarotti Inc to Boston Foods Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti at 601 Main Street - The Secretary read the hearing notice. Kannan Kesavalu was present. He noted the menu will remain the same. He has worked as chefs at many places including the Marriott. The Town Manager noted that the Police Department gave their okay with the application. John Halsey informed Mr. Kesavalu that the Town of Reading enforces the law and he will have to be TIPS trained. He noted the Police Chief will test his system and we take a firm position on serving alcohol to adults not children. Barry Berman asked if he will honor gift certificates that have already been sold and he noted he will honor them. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton to close the hearing on the transfer of the All Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License from Ristorante Pavarotti Inc to Boston Foods Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti at 601 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen approve the application for the transfer of the All Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License from Ristorante Pavarotti Inc. to Boston Foods Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti at 601 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2016 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 Manager or his designee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of May 3, 2016 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Sexton that the Board of Selectmen adiourn the meeting at 10:16 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secreta Page 1 7