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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes ' Board of Selectmen Meeting January 25,2011 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:03 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Police Lt. Dick Robbins, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the fallowing list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Matt Casey, Michele Williams, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young, Russ Graham, Ernie Bay, Lynn O'Brien, Lois Bell, Paul Kurker. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the MMA Annual Conference. He also attended the public hearing on Pulte Homes (Addison- Wesley site). They discussed potential parking for Eastern Middlesex Realtors at the hearing, and the hearing was continued to the end of February. The construction will be phased in over eight years. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the MMA Annual Conference. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended an Audit Committee meeting last week, and the report was great though unfunded health benefits are a big liability and the Town Clerk's Office will get a new register to track revenues. She also attended a meeting of the Economic Development Committee. She noted that Eastern Middlesex Realtors does three trainings per month, and they also have a problem with a lot of turnarounds on their property. She suggested that the Parking,Traffic and Transportation Task Force look at that problem. She also noted that the snow banks need to be cut down. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he attended the Volunteer Appreciation Night for Friends of Reading Recreation. He asked how the Saugus Appellate on 1/1 affects us, and the Town Manager indicated that he did not know but we spend our money. Selectman Goldy also noted that he will not be at the meeting on February 1st but he has spoken with many Boards, Committees and Commissions and he fully supports the proposed budget. He noted that Boards, Committees and Commissions don't want to lose the level of service if we go to regionalization, and he indicated that the services could be enhanced with regionalization. Chairman lames Bonazoli noted that he met with the Lacrosse and soccer groups — the Recreation Committee will be meeting with them regarding schedules. The Recreation Committee is also looking at ways to improve the fields; i.e., the turf field with lights—if we put lights on the back of the pole,then the softball field could be used at night. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25, 2011 —Page 2 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Board needs to look at a carry in/carry out policy. ' Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that the issue with the Saugus Appellate was using fees to supplement taxes. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters ♦ The National Guard is having a deployment out of the Reading Memorial High School Field House on Tuesday February 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. We are trying to mise $7000, $25.00 at a time, to purchase sweatshirts for these 300 soldiers. To date we have raised $3000. ♦ H.5122, Reading's Home Rule petition for an additional Package Store License at 30 Haven Street, has been signed by the Governor. Representative Brad Jones' advocacy for this bill has enabled it to proceed at this very quick pace. ♦ Reading's legislative delegation has signed on as primary sponsors to bill which would allow Boards of Selectmen to convey and accept easements rather than rely on Town Meetings to approve them, which can delay conveyance or acceptance of easements and create unnecessary hardships and bureaucracy. This bill is sponsored by the MMA Regional Policy Committee. ♦ I understand from Superintendent of Schools John Doherty that Reading has a contingent ' of about 30 students from South Korea visiting — 4`h to 8t° graders. They are here for three to four weeks. On January 25th from 5:00 to 71.00 p.m. at Coolidge, they will be celebrating"Whispering from Korea,"a Korean Children's Culture Day. ♦ Census forms are going out to all households beginning this week. We are doing the process in-house this year to see if we can save some money. In addition to the dog licensing, the Town Clerk will be including information for anyone interested in being a Poll Worker. Finance • The Governor has announced his proposed budget as it relates to local aid, legislative proposals related to employee health insurance, and increased levels of Chapter 90 road aid. There are a lot of steps between now and the approval of any of these. Community Development ♦ We have reviewed and responded to the Environmental Notification Form filed by Pulte Homes for the Reading Woods development on the Addison-Wesley/Pearson site. A copy of the letter is attached. • Four responses to the RFQ for Licensing and Permitting software have been received and are being evaluated. ♦ We have submitted, with Melrose and Wakefield, a letter of intent to file a grant application to evaluate a formal regional Public Health District. ♦ Progress is being made on the site development of the former Tux Shop. , ♦ Purchase of the former Artist Shoppe. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25. 2011 — Page 3 ' ♦ Progress on Oaktree. Public Safety • "Fast 14" — 1-93 bridge replacement project in Stoneham/Medford/Somerville this Summer. • At the Town's request, MADOT has installed a new "No Tum on Red sign at Birch Meadow Drive and Main Street — the sign is activated only when someone pushes the crosswalk button, thereby not causing excessive idling at the location when pedestrians we not present. Town Engineer George Zambouras was responsible for getting this done. • You have in your material this evening the report on a speed study for Ash Street that was prepared by the Safety Officer. • Fire Chief Bums has completed the grant documents for the $7,000 emergency Management Grant. We are applying to outfit the Town's Emergency Operations Center in the Police Station. What we would like to accomplish is the following: • Install a"Smart Board" • Provide intemet and access to the Town's server for DPW, Fire, Police, Reading Light, School and Health. • Provide phone lines for each of positions above. These items will allow us to communicate with our respective Departments and monitor incidents Public Works ' Re: sidewalk snow plowing: "We have one full size unit up and running -the small one is almost repaired, and the other is out being repaired. We have sections of Main Street done but the section from the Old South Church to Birch Meadow Drive needs to be plowed. As you know, the State filled this section with ice chunks when they widened the travel lane. We sent the bombardier to try and open it but had no luck. We will try the Holder on Tuesday." ♦ Recycling success—45% increase in recycling—December 2009 to December 2010 ♦ Curbside collection in Winter weather ♦ Scrap metal curbside pickup—May 21,2011 ♦ Paper shredding event—May 14, 2011 ♦ Rigid plastics event—May 14,2011 ♦ MWRA water interconnection with Stoneham—Construction this Summer. ♦ MADOT is beginning the design process for resurfacing Main Street. It was last done in 1986. 1 do not expect work to be done for at least a year. Construction Projects ♦ Done for the year: Personnel and Appointments Town Forest Committee and RMLD Citizen's Advisory Board — A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to accept the report of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee and ' confirm the following appointments to the following Boards, Committees and Commissions: Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25,2011 —Page 4 • Thomas Gardiner for a full position on the Town Forest Committee with a ' term expiring June 30, 2012 • Tony Capobianco to a position on the RMLD Citizen Advisory Board for a term expiring June 30,2011 The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—New Officer and new Stockholder for Ove's — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Police, Health and Community Services have approved this application. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldv to close the hearing on the application for a New Officer and a New Stockholder for KOK, Inc. d/b/a Ove's at 26 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldv to approve the application for a New Officer and a New Stockholder for KOK Inc. d/b/a O e's at 26 Walkers Brook Drive was approved b a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Traffic Issues - Washington Street Puking Regulations — The Secretary read the hearing notice. - Town Engineer George Zambouras and Police Lt. Dick Robbins were present. The Town , Manager noted that the Police Chief put emergency parking regulations in place on Washington Street due to the narrow streets. The plan is to restrict parking to one side. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that a site visit is scheduled for Saturday but it will be cancelled due to snow. The Town Engineer noted that he spoke with the consultant and if the Town is against the sidewalk on Washington Street, then the only part of the project left is Temple Street and it's unlikely the project will be done. He also noted that the public hearing by the State is in March but the State is still waiting to hear from the Town. The Town Engineer noted that the plan is to move the sidewalk to the edge of the layout to increase the roadway. Ernie Bay of 144 Woburn Street noted that the residents want no parking until 10:30 a.m. on both sides of the street. He also noted that commuter parking is a problem. Lynn O'Brien of 34 Washington Street indicated that she supports what Ernie Bay said. Lois Bell of 35 Washington Street noted that she cannot get her car out of the driveway when cars are parked on the street. ' Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25, 2011 —Page 5 ' Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that this is a narrow street and there is not enough room for four lanes — two travel lanes and two parking. She's surprised that the residents want on street puking at all. Paul Kurker of 34 Washington Street noted that no parking until 10:30 a.m, would solve the problem. He asked why we want commuters parking in the neighborhood when there are empty spaces at the depot. Lynn O'Brien suggested trying the limited time parking and if that doesn't work, then come back to the Board. Richard Schubert asked about the street width. George Zambouras noted that they will not cut into the street at all. The edge of the pavement remains the edge of the pavement. If the width of the sidewalk is reduced one foot, then the pavement will be increased one foot. James Bonazoli noted that he is in favor of proceeding with the Safe Routes to School. He is also willing to entertain the no parking, 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the other side of the street. Emie Bay asked if the project could be done without curbing and James Bonazoli noted that curbing is a must. A motion by Goldv seconded by Anthony that the Board is in favor of the Safe Routes to ' School project as presented by the Town Engineer,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board directed the Town Engineer to send a letter to the State indicating their approval and memorializing the Board's concerns regarding tree removal, etc. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on Washington Street parking regulations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldv seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, by adding to Appendix A5 (Parking Prohibited During Certain Hours on Certain Streets) the following: Street Location Regulation Washington Street Along the entire westerly 5.3, Parking Prohibited on side between Woburn Certain Streets, from 6:00 Street and Prescott Street a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday through Friday The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. ' Grove Street at Strout Avenue Parking Regulations— The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is a site visibility issue. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force recommends no parking 50 feet on both sides of Strout Avenue. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25, 2011 —Page 6 Bill Roach, 392 Grove Street, noted that the traffic has increased with the dog walkers and events ' in that area. He indicated that the parking is getting severe. He suggests that puking be allowed down near the pumping station. He recommends using an electronic gate and having cameras that will be monitored by the Police Department. Greg Zann, 15 Family Circle, noted that parked cars limit access coming out on Grove Street — he supports Bill's ideas. Chris Zanni, 400 Grove Street, noted that parking is overwhelming. He noted that the dog walkers don't use leashes and the dogs come right into his house. He indicated that there need to be leash law signs and the cars need to get down new the Town Forest. Mr. Zanni indicated that North Reading had a dog park and they closed it—he sees cars from other towns coming to use our Town Forest. The Town Manager noted that we could restrict the parking to community access sticker only. Leslie Sidelinker, 409 Grove Street, noted that people park on his lawn and tum around in his driveway. There were 21 cars there two to three weeks ago enjoying the Town Forest. We need to get the cars down near the woods. Ben Tafoya suggested sending the Animal Control Officer up there to educate people about the leash law. ' Stephen Goldy asked why we are looking at no parking at 50 feet on both sides because it just pushes the cars further away to park where the road narrows. George Zambouras noted that 20 feet is not enough for good visibility. Chris Zanni was concerned if parking is eliminated then they will park on Family Circle. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on parking regulations on Grove Street at Strout Avenue was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldv seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, by adding to Appendix A-1 (No Parking Any Time) the following, effective April 1, 2011: Street Location Re ulation Grove Street along the northerly side of 5.3, Parking Prohibited on Grove Street, 30 feet in Certain Streets both directions from Strout Avenue The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. 1 1 o�N OF R? v` sJ9'[NCO PPOPP Town of Reading Massachusetts Board of Selectmen A• HOC MUNICIPAL BUILDINGCOMMITTEE FINAL REPORT compiled on December 14, 2010 ' Jaunted on January 25, 2011 OVERVIEW The Policy establishing an ad hoc Municipal Building Committee was approved by the Board of Selectmen 11/24/09 following discussion with representatives of the Library Board of Trustees, School Committee, and FINCOM. The policy is included in Appendix. Members were appointed to the ad hoc Committee and their first meeting was held on March 9, 2010. One member resigned shortly after being appointed and the ad hoc Municipal Building Committee operated with 6 of the 7 positions filled for its duration, with member and Finance Committee member George Hines resigning in early November because he was moving out of Reading. The ad hoc Municipal Building Committee's first order of business was to establish a work plan and schedule to meet the timeline of completing their work by December 31, 2010. 'ig•' Town of Reading:Ad Hoc Municipal Building CommiUee: FINAL REPORT page 1 WORK PLAN ' The Committee met 13 times between March 9 and December 2, 2010, and visited all Town buildings and 3 school buildings selected by the Superintendent of Schools during that time. The purpose of the site visits, with staff, was to — understand the conditions of the building and any major needs for major maintenance, and — understand the operation of the buildings and any need for major expansion and/or renovation to meet the operating needs of the user. The Committee heard a presentation by Mary Delai and Joe Huggins from the School Department regarding the management tools and capital planning used by the Facilities Department to manage all Town and School buildings The Committee also heard a presentation by an advocate for developing the Oakland Road property for an indoor sports facility and early childhood center. Less than a quorum of the Committee conducted a site walk of the Oakland Road property. The Committee received copies of the following reports: — RMLD and Town of Reading "Optimization Study of Fleet Maintenance ' Activities" December 2000 — DPW Management study - April 2008 — Executive Summary and sections relevant to facilities — FY 2011 —2020 Capital Improvements Program — Cemetery facility report by the Reading DPW dated December 2010 — Reading Public library — Library Building Assessment by Adams and Smith dated 9-15-08 The Committee ranked priorities for potential public buildings projects individually, then discussed the rankings as a group. There were no significant variances among the Committee members ranking the projects, and a consensus was easily reached. 1 Town of Reading:Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee:FINAL REPORT page 2 ' FINDINGS The building maintenance functions conducted by the Facilities Department are excellent, and meet or exceed the expectations of the building users in the public areas. There are still some unmet needs, including storage in individual buildings for the maintenance functions. The existing 10 year FY 2011- FY 2020 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) reasonably identifies the foreseeable maintenance needs of all Town and 'School buildings during the life of the CIP. It is not the intent or purpose of the CIP to address needed major renovation and/or expansions of the buildings — that is the purpose of the work by the ad hoc Municipal Building Committee. Maintenance demands have evolved and need to continue to evolve with additions and changes in technology in classrooms, libraries, and offices. The following needs (over and above more routine maintenance identified in the CIP) were identified during the scope of the ad hoc Municipal Building Committee work and should be addressed during the next 10 years: All Buildings Security system upgrades ' DPW Cemetery Garage—complete replacement of the existing garage DPW Garage—Vehicle Maintenance—more space—drive through bays DPW site—security Improvement to outdoor storage Community Center Need for a Community Center LibraN Expansion of net usable floor space for a variety of programmatic spaces Replacement of windows New roofing, gutters, and downspouts Masonry repair and brick pointing HC access ramp not to code Will need a new roof; and replacement of conical turret roofs Lighting, wiring, and IT improvements Drainage improvements to address water intrusion into lower level areas to prevent ongoing damage Security improvements 33€x' Town of Reading:Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee: FINAL REPORT page 3 Police Station ' No building improvements needed _ Additional parking would be desirable Fire Stations Re-roofing West Side Station (included in CIP) No other improvements needed Joshua Eaton School Replacement of flooring Window and door replacement Cafeteria food service line is too small New roof(included in CIP) Install rain gutters Birch Meadow School New doors and windows " New Roof(included in CIP) Classroom millwork replacement Carpet replacement in media center Killam School ' New doors and windows " New roof(included in CIP) " Additional administrative space Media center is not ADA compliant Senior Center Drainage improvements to address water intrusion into lower level areas to prevent ongoing damage Kitchen renovation (not as a catering kitchen) Parking is needed Town Hall Will need a new slate roof—fairly expensive Expanded bathroom facilities lower level Minor administrative space modifications Drainage improvements to address water intrusion into lower level areas to prevent ongoing damage Projects with an`are already committed for implementation, ' with partial funding from the Green Repairpmgram of MSSA ' c Town of Reading:Ad Hoc Municipal Building committee:FINAL REPORT page 4 ' Oakland Road property Development of this site would be very challenging due to topography. If sold it would lend itself best to a cluster type of residential development or a single building for other appropriate use. The northerly-most portion contains a 30' high "knob" of rock. The Committee was made aware of the possibility that this portion of the site may be ideal for the location of a cell tower which could yield an ongoing source of revenue to the Town. The Committee heard a presentation on a concept whereby the Town would sell or give the property to a "for profit" organization which would then develop it for an athletic facility (gym(s) and related facilities) and an early childhood center. The Superintendent of Schools noted that an early childhood center would be nice to have but would not be a high priority. This property represents the last significantly sized (4.5 acres) parcel of land owned by the Town which could reasonably house a new yet-unforeseen public facility. All other Town owned property is restricted as to use (school, park, public building, cemetery, etc.) or is severely restricted as to use by land use restrictions — generally flood plain or wetland. While the ad hoc Municipal Building Committee does not seethe need for any new yet-unforeseen public facility within the next 10 years, it is difficult to anticipate what needs may arise in the future—such as an all day kindergarten or early childhood center. OAKLAND ROAD PROPERTIES „' I 1 Town of Reading:Ad Hoc Municipal Building Commfiee. FINAL REPORT page 5 Following the data collection phases of this process, the Committee reached , out to the Department heads and the Superintendent of Schools about whether there was any additional information that they would like to provide, and no additional information was forthcoming. CONCLUSIONS The facilities management program is appropriate to maintain all buildings in excellent working order The current Capital Improvements Program (CIP) planning process is appropriate to maintain all buildings in excellent condition, but is not intended to address programmatic needs, like expansion of the library or replacement of the cemetery garage. The condition of the Town and School buildings is generally good to excellent There is no funding available in the Capital Improvements Program in the short to mid term (current for at least 8 years) to address new building capital needs such as those identified in this study. Those projects would need to rely for ' funding on major outside funding and/or Proposition 2 '/2 capital exclusions or debt exclusions. There are some opportunities currently available to offset portions of projects through grant programs — particularly in the area of Library additions and renovations, and an MSBA school building "Green Repair Program" for school roofs, windows, and/or boilers. In fact Town Meeting has recently approved the filing of a grant application under the Green Repair program for Birch Meadow and Killam School windows and Killam School roof, and Reading has been approved for participation in this program with a 47.21% reimbursement. There is a potential to generate some level of income from the use of the northerly portion of the Oakland Road property for use as a cell site, which would not impact the use of the remainder of the site for other uses. The ad hoc Municipal Building Committee recommends that the Board of Selectmen continue to hold onto the Oakland Road property and land bank it for some as yet unforeseen public use. This recommendation can be reevaluated at any time, and should be reevaluated at least every 10 years. 1 Town of Reading:Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee:FINAL REPORT page 6 The committee recognizes the strong desire by the community, as evidenced by discussion at the World Cafe and mention in the Master Plan, to have a community center. The Committee recognizes that the Board of Selectmen has had some discussion about whether or not to pursue the acquisition of the former Christian Science Church next to the Town Hall for that purpose, and the Board of Selectmen has decided not to pursue it at this time. The community needs to recognize that the Town's public buildings need ongoing review, occasional updating, and periodic major renovation. Packaging several of the more expensive building projects into a single Proposition 2 '%debt exclusion may be appropriate to enable the Town to move forward with several important projects in a comprehensive manner, and to take advantage of funding programs that are available to help to offset the costs of these projects. Additionally, the economic climate makes this an opportune time to bid construction projects and to get a favorable cost of construction and favorable interest rates for borrowing. This review of the condition of and programmatic use of all public buildings in ' the community has been a very worthwhile endeavor, and an ad hoc Municipal Building Committee should be established every 10 years to do a similar review. Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Dugan Andrew Grimes George Hines (Finance Committee)— resigned early November 2010 David Michaud (School Committee), Chairman Richard Schubert(Board of Selectmen) ' Vickie Yablonsky(Board.of Library Trustees) Town of Reading:Ad Hoc municipal Building committee:FINAL REPORT page 7 J� a�!o ✓ob s/Po6�4.o/qac ja'C N O 0 L sGq` s 1a4/J � m nn nnp p pp nn n o tl! �6, / 0 4) �OJo .O 1 `P/J d /P /2J�i a'UP l7 I7 N l7 t7 17 N N N N — N E aad 0Vo 0 GB' Nm 17 N NN NM N17 � N N � 'GP ba LA �0% 01, J N17 G/ E Q �� v C�i � « ' o p o � o V was/ Z NNeaZ ohooz Z Z Z Z Z ooZ Z � UC _ I- W K _ Q O E 10 n $ 5 3 d vc39 Eo °o.•c E cam ¢ $ E vx E 15 , Oo o maU `v v rn v m v 9 a m t v t W _ a L• tw my ain m n - v m i m rn = U _ _ U c d Na a � V O c Ht� mY H FUt� Qdp o Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25, 2011 —Page 7 Temple Street Parking Regulations —The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager ' noted that when we repaved Temple Street we put up signs, but they are not in the regulations. He received two phone calls from residents and they are in favor of the regulations. Dianne Kennedy, 15 Temple Street, noted that there is a sign that says no puking to corner, yet cars park there when mass is going on at St. Agnes. She asked if enforcement is ever done. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to adopt the regulations, then we can enforce. Ms. Kennedy indicated she was in favor of the regulations and thanked the Town for paving the street. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on Temple Street Parking Regulations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, by adding to Appendix A-] (No Parking any time) the following: Street Location Re ulation Temple Street Within 50 feet of Woburn 5.3,Parking Prohibited on Street along the easterly Certain Streets side of Temple Street Temple Street On the westerly and 5.3, Parking Prohibited on ' southerly side from Certain Streets Woburn Street to Summer Avenue The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Presentation ad hoc Municipal Building Committee — Municipal Building Committee Chairman David Michaud and member Vicki Yablonsky were present. David Michaud reviewed the list of documents that the Committee received and reviewed. The Committee met with the Facilities Department, Cemetery Board, all Department Heads and private developers interested in the Oakland Road site. The Committee also visited all of the facilities. The current maintenance meets expectations. David Michaud reviewed a chart rating each facility. He noted that the facilities were all close in scores and the Library and Cemetery Garage rated the highest followed by the DPW vehicle maintenance; Town Hall drainage; and Joshua Eaton cafeteria and flooring. Ben Tafoya thanked the Committee for their hard work and asked what the committee's concept of the Library was. David Michaud indicated they recognized the need for additional space. Ben Tafoya asked if the Committee had a recommendation for a specific location for the cemetery garage and David Michaud indicated they did not, but recommended that something needs to ' happen. J Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 25,2011 —Page S The Town Manager noted that the Committee recommends holding onto the Oakland Road property and review at some time in the future—perhaps 10 yews. ' Camille Anthony noted that the Birch Meadow millwork needs defining and she suggests having the Voke School do the work. Economic Development Committee Briefing— Meaghan Young Tafoya introduced the members of the Economic Development Committee. She noted that the Committee proposed a full rewrite of the sign bylaws and they were partially approved by Town Meeting. She also noted that the Downtown Steering Committee responsibilities were transferred to the Economic Development Committee. Under economic vitality— 12 businesses came into Town or relocated. Sheila Clark noted that the committee is looking for feedback on the Passport to do Business in Reading. She noted that the feedback from the Economic Development Summit was overwhelmingly successful. She also noted that businesses want an Economic Development Committee liaison. She feels this role could be utilized to educate the business owners. Ms. Clark commended staff on the improvements in customer service. Ben Tafoya noted that there are limitations as to what volunteers can do regarding interaction between property owners, business community and staff. He suggests that the first mailing of the Passport should go to the property owners as a marketing tool for their property. Russ Graham reviewed and noted that the EDC advocates for what businesses want. He noted , that the DRT works well, but sometimes at the end, the business is not sure what has to be done and what is optional. Michelle Williams noted that the Fall Street Faire was an enormous success and is in dire need of volunteer leadership. Stephen Goldy suggested reaching out for volunteers by setting up a committee and recruiting. Michelle Williams noted that the Committee is seeking architectural people (for free) to help with the storefront improvement program. She also noted that local businesses are helping other local businesses i.e. Grumpy Doyle's and Sam's Bistro purchase their seafood from Twin Seafood and Christopher's gets their hamburger from the Butcher Shop. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for the AFSCME DPW Union, the AFSCME Engineers Union, and the Public Safety Dispatchers Union, and that the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body, and not to reconvene in Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all rive members voting in the affirmative. Respectful[ submitt , ecretary '