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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED [OWN CLERK rtLAOING. MASS. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen 2m OCT -5 A IDS 16 Date: 2016-09-06 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: Vice Chairman Kevin Sexton, Secretary Barry Berman, John Arena and Daniel Ensminger Members- Not Present: Chairman John Halsey Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Executive Assistant Paula Schena, Stephen Crook, Virginia Adams, Jonathan Barnes, At Sylvia, Carl McFadden, Brian O'Mara, Joe Zucchero Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Barry Berman ' Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Reports and Comments - Daniel Ensminger noted that he attended the September 1u Financial Forum and about 100 people attended. He noted the video of the meeting is on RCN You Tube and it contains some good Information. Barry Berman noted that he will be in jail at the Fall Street Faire to raise money for Understanding Disabilities and he hopes people will bail him out. John Arena noted that he attended Girt Scout Gold Award Ceremony and presented Tessa Senders with the certificate. It was a great evening at Rice Moody. Kevin Sexton noted that he attended the Financial Forum and there was a good turnout and good presentation. Public Comment - Will Finch, a resident on Mill Street and former Conservation Commission member spoke about the activities on the Mill Street Bridge. He encourages better communication with North Reading because they did not .follow the same steps of notification as we do. Turns out they didn't need to notify us about the work they were doing, but it seems they brought a legal notice to Town Hall but it didn't go any further. Jonathan Barnes spoke on behalf of the Historical Commission and noted that bridge is a ' significant historical bridge and archaeological site. That bridge is part of the process of the MWRA project. The Historical Commission has not been contacted on anything else regarding the MWRA project and he asks the Board of Selectmen to ask North Reading to communicate. Virginia Adams noted that the equipment was huge. Pag¢ I 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - September 6. 2016 - pace 2 Daniel Ensminger noted that they are in the design phase now. The Town Manager noted that he can't pass along information he doesn't know. All of the ' work was being done in North Reading. The contractor parked the vehicles in Reading. This was not part of the MWRA project. He also noted that Town Engineer Ryan Percival spent most of the day up there. Gina Snyder noted that they took rocks out of the river bed to do the work. Jonathan Barnes asked the Board of Selectmen to not wait until after the design phase to communicate with them. Daniel Ensminger noted that the Town Manager will draft a letter. Bill Brown noted there is an acute need for veteran's housing and he asked the status of the Oakland Road property. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel is trying to get a clear title to move forward. There might be someone in to see the Selectmen in a couple of weeks regarding that property. Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager noted there is an Invitation to the Morton Field dedication in tonight's handout. Also, residents are receiving phone calls regarding a fundralser for the Reading Fire Fighters but It Is a scam. The Reading Fire Department is not doing any fundraising and the Police are aware of it. Personnel and Appointments Fire Department Badge Pinnings - Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that it has been 12 years since there were any promotions in the Fire Department. He introduced Assistant Chief Paul , Jackson, Captain Mark Dwyer, Captain Rick Nelson, Lt. Tony Delsignore, Fire Fighter Brian Roche and Fire Fighter Eric Beaulieu. Each person was pinned by a family member. Cultural Council - Daniel Ensminger noted that Beth Mosier is a very qualified applicant. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminaer that the Board of Selectmen accept the recommendation of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee as follows: Beth Mosier to the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30. 2018 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Continued Hearing - Transfer of Liouor License from Brooks Brew and Fine Wines, 676 Main Street to Anastasi Brookline. 25 Walkers Brook Drive - Attorney Andrew Upton was present. He noted that Anastasi Giannopoulos seeks approval of the transfer to be located at Stop and Shop. He will be a tenant of Stop and Shop and there will be a strong separation. This license comes out of the bankruptcy of Brooks Brew and Fine Wines. He is an enthusiastic owner with no previous violations. The trend is for supermarkets to have liquor as a convenience - one stop shopping. This will also put a dormant license back Into circulation. Mr. Glannopoulos noted that he owns package stores in Boston, Brookline, Newton and Somerville and they are all different. He has had good experience with stores inside supermarkets. He will be onsite from construction until completion and will be the Manager of record. John Arena asked what he will do after the opening and Mr. Giannopoulos noted he will stay ' on. John Arena noted he is interested in giving it a try and he is interested to see if any negatives come out of it since it might lend Itself to abuse. Mr. Giannopoulos noted that it is a small area and a safe environment. There is only one entrance/exit and he will have full view of the site all of the time. Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - September 6. 2016 - page 3 Barry Berman asked how people get in and out of the store and it was noted that you ' cannot enter the store from the outside, you have to be in the store. Barry Berman asked if he will do wine tastings and it was noted he might pair with food in honor of certain holidays. John Arena asked what the co-marketing will look like and Mr. Giannopolous noted it will be within the dotted lines. Attorney Andrew Upton noted that they have secured an individual lender so they will not be doing the pledge. A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to close the hearing on the transfer of the liquor license, change of location and appointment of Manager from Brooks Brew and Fine Wines, 676 Main Street to Anastasi Brookline Inc. d/b/a Reading Fine Wine and Spirits. 25 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger that the Board of Selectmen, approve the transfer of the liquor license, change of location and appointment of Manager from Brooks Brew and Fine Wines, 676 Main Street to Anastasi Brookline Inc. d/b/a Reading Fine Wine and Spirits. 25 Walkers Brook Drive with a term expiring December 31. 2016 subfect to the following conditions: ➢ All Bylaws. Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed and also subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager or his designee. ' The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Chipotle Request for Liquor Policy Waiver - The Town Manager noted the Chipotle Is serving margaritas in plastic cups and that is against the Selectmen's Policy. When we notified them they stopped right away. The Selectmen's Policies are under review by Town Counsel to be brought to the Board in November. The Selectmen need to either waive that portion of the policy or tell them to stop using plastic cups. John Arena noted plastic saves water and breakage for outdoor use. He has no problem with a waiver. A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen grant a waiver of Section 3.2.2.2 of the Selectmen's Policies for Chipotle to serve alcohol in plastic cups through December 31. 2016 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Train Depot Roof Repairs - 32 Lincoln Street - The Town Manager noted that the 1985 deed indicates that the 'present slate will be maintained and well-kept as long as possible.' The owner has done that for 30 years and it is time to replace it. The owner wants to use an alternative because slate is dangerous. Kevin Sexton noted that the roof is in tough shape and all four sides need repair. Virginia Adams noted that she believes that building is on the National Register. She noted that slate is very character defining on the building and slate roofs will last for 100 years. She noted that the Historical Commission is meeting tomorrow night and it would be nice if the owner would come in and they can talk about some possible alternatives. Barry Berman asked if the library replace slate with real slate and Virginia Adams noted she didn't know. Bill Brown noted that North Reading did an artificial slate roof and it was a disaster. Page 1 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes - September 6. 2016 - pace 4 John Arena noted that the alternative is to do or not and he can't afford to do real slate. The Town Manager noted he will ask the owner if he is available to meet with the Historical ' Commission tomorrow night. Abandon Drainaae Easements - 21 Hunt Street and 26 Lee Street - The Town Manager noted that the Engineers noticed that we were originally abandoning too much of the easement so it was worked out as shown on the map on page 4. If the Selectmen approve this It will go to the November Town Meeting. The easement consists of two narrow bands. Staff and Engineering have no objection. A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen vote Pursuant to the Procedures established by M.G.L. c.40, 415 that a Portion of a certain drainage easement, shown as crossing Lots 43 and 44 on a plan of land entitled -Easement Through Private Property for Drainage and Sewerage Purposes Lee Street- Prepared by the Town of Reading Board of Public Works Philip Welch Superintendent Engineering Division dated September, 1963 said Plan being recorded at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds as Plan Number 1513 of 1963 is no longer required for public purposes was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Close Warrant for October 18, 2016 Special Election - The Town Manager noted that he will change the date July first to July 1 in the question that is listed on the ballot. Move that the Board of Selectmen close the warrant for the October 18, 2016 Special Election consisting of the following auestlon: Shall the Town of Reading be allowed to assess an additional $7.5 million in ' real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of general operation of the Town and public schools for the fiscal year beginning July first, 2017? Yes No The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Preview Warrant for the 2016 November Subsequent Town Meeting - The Town Manager noted that there are 29 Articles at this moment. Article 1 is reports; Article 3 is the CIP; Article 4 is to dispose of surplus property; Article 5 is to rescind Library debt authorization; Article 6 to rescind prior debt; Article 7 is to transfer previous debt authorization - the big one is the RMHS wall; Article 8 is to increase the size of the Library project; Article 9 Is to amend the budget; Article 10 is to pay prior year bills - we have one from the META; Article 11 is retirement increase in COLA; Article 12 is the drainage easement; Article 13 is for Oakland Road to abandon the streets; Article 14 will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell Oakland Road; Articles 15 - 21 are changes to the General Bylaws; Articles 22 - 29 are changes to Zoning Articles. Barry Berman asked if any of these could be delayed and the Town Manager noted that we could be, staff has run into problems and needs answers. John Arena asked if there is any way to template the changes. , FY17 Goals and Reading 2020 Updates - The Town Manager noted that there are five groups with five goals each. Under Financial Sustainability the first goal is complete; the second goal is complete; the third is 50% done; the fourth is complete and the fifth is 75% complete. Page 1 4 Board of Selectmen Minutes - September 6 2016 - pace S Under Operational Efficiency the Town Accountant has been doing two jobs because she is helping out the schools. The Master Plan for Human/Elder Services is 25% complete. ' Jessie Wilson is doing a project on Peer Comparisons. Under Communications the liquor polity is under review. Improving communications between appointed Boards and both the Selectmen and community is 5% complete. The website has too much information and we are continuously making Improvements. The Library project is 75% complete. Under Policy complete legal review of all union contracts is just starting. Personnel Policies review is 50% complete. Under Planning he suggests delaying the October 4, 2016 meeting with CPDC. We should do more regionally with the priority development areas. Assessing the Town's infrastructure Is 25% complete. Assessing status of Town owned land including Oakland Road is 50% complete. Discuss Town Manager Performance Evaluation Process - The Town Manager noted that there is a copy of the employee performance review in the packet. He noted that this form takes care of a lot of what the Selectmen want. The Selectmen need to review him within the next two months. John Arena noted that he likes the form. Approval of Amplified Sound Permit - Flag Football - The Town Manager noted that the request Is also to authorize the Recreation Committee to grant variances for this event In the future. ' Daniel Ensminger asked what kind of variances they are talking about and the Town Manager noted In the past they asked for extra speakers, etc. Kevin Sexton noted that there have never been any complaints and the Town Manager noted that's right because half of the Town was there. John Arena noted that he is not in favor of giving the Recreation Committee the authority to grant future variances because they will defer to the Selectmen anyway. There were a couple of instances when it ended up with the Selectmen. Carl McFadden noted that the rain date goes to the following Saturday. They have 750 kids this year and Chili's will give each child a free meal. Kevin Vendt, an abutter, noted that he can't hear the amplified sound. Carl McFadden noted that he has 42 RMHS kids working this year. A motion by Berman seconded by Arena that the Board of Selectmen approve the amplified sound permit for the Flag Football program from September 10 - November 15. 2016 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Warrant Articles for the September 12 2016 Special Town Meeting - Daniel Ensminger noted that this was not on the agenda but should be done before the Special Town Meeting. ' A motion by Ensminger seconded by Arena to recommend Article 3 of the September 12, 2016 Special Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4- 0-0. The Town Manager noted that if the cemetery garage is $2.5 million then it has to go to the voters per our Finance Committee policy. Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Seotember 6 2016 - page 6 A motion by Ensminger seconded by Berman to recommend Article 4 of the September 12 2016 Special Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4- 0=0. The Town Manager noted that $1000 is the common amount. , A motion by Ensminaer seconded by Berman to recommend Article 5 of the September 12 2016 Special Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4- 0-0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Arena to recommend Article 6 of the September 12 2016 Special Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4- 0-0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Arena to recommend Article 7 of the September 12 2016 Special Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4- 0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Berman seconded by Arena to approve the minutes of August 9 2016 as amended was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger to approve the minutes of August 19 2016 was aooroved by a vote of 4-0-0 A motion by Berman seconded by Ensminger to adtourn the meeting at 10.00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Re tfully submitted, S cre Page 1 6