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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes O� FJ? c Town of Reading o Meeting Minutes RECEI�FRK '6d9'INCOR40�� TOWS C L �.�,�MHG, Mass. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen 101b SEP -1 A 25 Date: 2016-07-19 Time: 6:45 PM Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room Address: 49 Pleasant Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Chairman John Halsey, Vice Chairman Kevin Sexton, Secretary Barry Berman, John Arena and Daniel Ensminger Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob Lelacheur, Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Julie Mercier, Paula Schena, Donna Morin, Nancy Twomey, John Cain, Dave Freeman, Sheila Mulroy,Greg Johnson, Mark Beckley, Jane Parenteau, Greg Stepler, Caitlin Grant, Ed Sartell, Michael Giacalone, Tom O'Connor, Carl Mittnight, Jack Williams, Jacquie Carson, Jeff Hansen, Tom Connery, Heather McLean, Christie Moore, David Cory, Michael Kyes, David Traniello, Linda Snow Dockser, Mark Dockser, Peter Avtges, Stephen Weymicz, Angela Binda, Stephen Crook, Donna Beaulieu, Tony D'Arezzo, Robert Ferrari, Karen Dolan, Everett Blodgett, Chris Baird, Eilish Havey, Lorraine Willwerth, Rebecca Longley, Zachery Camenter, Jean Jacobs, Michael Bean, Jonathan Barnes, Michael Doyon, Neil Sumner, Chuck Tirone, Elaine Webb, John Coote, Elaine Stone Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Topics of Discussion: Overview of Planning Efforts and Obiectives Selectmen Chairman John Halsey noted that all Boards and Committees were invited to be here. He asked for everyone who was present representing a Board, Committee or Commission to stand and note which one. The following committees were represented: School Committee, CPDC, Historic District Committee, Permanent Building Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Trails Committee, Finance Committee, Fall Street Faire Committee, and the Historical Commission. John Halsey noted that three years ago we had a new Town Manager and it was time to look at what was being done and how. Communication was imperfect and residents and businesses were spending a lot of time with night time government. Communication internally is excellent. Communication to all levels of the organization was not as excellent leading to partial vision so we made some part time employees full time. The next step is how to improve communication with Boards and Committees so they made the Health Director and Conservation Administrator full time positions. The Board of Selectmen wants to involve all Boards and Committees in major items. Page 1 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - July 19, 2016 - page 2 1 John Halsey noted that the last rewrite of the Charter was in 1990's. They Bylaws are in better shape. The animal control bylaw had fallen out of date so it was brought into compliance with the state level. The Selectmen formed Reading 2020 working groups. The Selectmen all have varied background and they meet with staff and sometimes Selectmen from other communities. The fact that they agree to disagree has led to some very productive discussions. John Halsey reviewed the working groups including Financial, Communication, Policy, Long Term Planning and Operational Efficiency. He noted that there has been a loud message to diversify the tax base and streamline interactions with government. Economic development will follow the expansion of commercial property. We need to develop the space we have. He also noted that we actually have one of the fastest permitting processes now. He feels we need to change the Town in a positive away that doesn't change the fabric of the Town. He encourages Boards and Committee to do coffee shop sessions at their meetings. Presentation on Zoning Feedback, Options and Process CPDC Chairman Jeff Hansen noted this is a continuation of the April 11th workshop to discuss how to align zoning. The Master Plan was approved in 2005 - 2006 and includes preserving architectural heritage, managed growth, an improved downtown, a variety of housing and an increase in affordable housing. Jeff Hansen reviewed the Economic Development Action Plan. He noted that we have a vibrant downtown and commuter rail station. We have adopted policies for mixed use in the downtown. The Town is in the process of hiring an Economic Development Coordinator. We are looking at parking management and way finding. Jeff Hansen discussed mixed use. He noted that mix uses support and maintain each other. Residential in the downtown area creates foot traffic and supports the retail and dining businesses on the weekends. He noted that 80 people attended the April 11th meeting when they looked at possible zoning enhancements. Two area - Main Street and Lincoln Street are the fastest opportunities and they are looking at putting it on the April 2017 Town Meeting Warrant. Elaine Webb asked who pays the town for the 40R overlay district. Jean Delios noted that 40R is an overlay such as Haven Street. It allows an option without wiping out the zoning. This gives property owners a menu of options to choose from. The state cuts the Town a check when we change the zoning and then they cut a check for each residential unit. The Town Manager noted that there are no rules or strings attached to that money. We used the money for capital near areas being developed but it could have been used to hire an additional Police Officer. Someone asked about the difference in the number of parking spaces. . Jean Delios noted that residential is 1.5 per unit, smart growth is 1.25 per unit, Reading Village is 1.00 per unit because a 40b can do whatever they want. Smart Growth gets the Town proposal. If a business is within 300 feet of public parking lot then they don't have to provide parking. Jean Delios noted that 40R offers a walkable community so people get out of the car. A Green Street resident noted that people park all day with stickers in a densely populated area. Heather McLean, resident of Green Street, asked how things will change. Jean Delios noted that they are putting a hold on Green Street right now. John Arena noted that a 40R is proactive. The ability to control projects is most important and the 40R gives us control. It is the vehicle by which we say sorry, not here. Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - July 19, 2016 - page 3 Michael Giacolone asked how close to the 10% are we and Jean Delios noted 7.48%. A big- 40B would get us ahead of the curve. Jonathan Barnes, 41 Pratt Street noted that he supports the 40R. He asked to what degree can we impose the design especially when developers' designs are not what we want. Jean Delios noted we have design guidelines that include landscaping, height restrictions, setbacks, parking and how they get deliveries. Jonathan Barnes noted he is talking about design control not general parameters. John Weston noted that they do get into windows i.e. what percentage of windows, how they are arranged, etc. and if it doesn't fit the character of the Town they do public meetings and try to get those details worked out. Jonathan Barnes asked if the Town can deny an application as a result of that process if they fail to comply. John Weston noted that the 40R allows us to develop a set of guidelines. A lot of waivers were requested for 30 Haven Street. CPDC can decide not to issue a waiver but he assumes they cannot deny on guidelines because they would then become a requirement. Angela Binda, 10 Orchard Park Drive, asked if a 40R precludes a 40B and Jean Delios noted they do not unless we have met the 10%. Angela Binda asked if the 40R's make net even and Jean Delios noted we get 20% for 40R's. Angela Binda asked if that is for a lifetime and Jean Delios noted the old deed riders are jumbled up but the new deeds are at least 30 years or in perpetuity. John Weston noted that 40B's have to be approved by the State first. A developer noted that the lots on Main Street are not deep enough for green space so the Town will never get what it wants. John Weston noted that he was correct but they are not talking about big development. They are looking at small commercial with residential over it. John Halsey noted that Family Dental put in two residential units and in increased the value of the property and no additional parking was needed. He noted that people want to stay in Reading and some want to downsize. He also noted that when there is an overlay on your property it increases your options. You can change one story buildings into two stories. Elaine Webb asked if we can put 40R over residential zoning and John Weston indicated we can be we are not proposing that now. Barry Berman asked CPDC if they talked to people in development when the boundaries were being developed and John Weston noted that they had spoken to developers about size but that is a different discussion. Kevin Sexton noted that the Economic Planner Coordinator would act as a person to work with developers. Tom Connery asked how infrastructure is addressed and Jean Delios noted that when we created the Smart Growth District the state asked us to address this to show we have the capacity. Tom Connery asked who pays if there isn't enough infrastructure. The Town Manager noted that we have plenty of pipes and water. North Reading on the other hand has the land but doesn't have enough water. The developer pays the I/I fee upfront to get into the infrastructure. The owner of the property on Green and Main noted that uiznos is one. He is looking for P P Y Q 9 9 tenants and the 40R gives him options. He noted that Professor's market is great. John Halsey noted that the Board received a letter from the Chamber of Commerce today endorsing the concept. Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes - July 19 2016 - page 4 Daniel Ensminger asked if the industrial zone is being looked at and Jeff Hansen noted not right now, staff is working on that. Daniel Ensminger asked if this is going to Town Meeting this fall and Jeff Hansen noted they have a few articles but nothing specific to this. The Board of Selectmen and CPDC adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Re ectfully submi ed, i cr ary Page 4