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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes REC TOWNECLERK ' Board of SelectrA"I''144491A S S. April 12,2011 1011 MAY -5 P 4: I For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reelects 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 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Youth Liaison Jimmy Houston, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Counsel Ellen Doucette, Police Chief James Cormier, Fire Chief Greg Bums, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Sally M. Hoyt, Richard Stosez, Lucy Intonti, Anna Dixon, Milburn Dixon, James and Claire Goldsmith, Fred Van Magness Sr., Karen Van Magness, Ernie Bay, Bill Brown, Robert and Margaret Wass, June Ewing, Barbara and Roger Hickey, Jan and Art Triglione, Francis Coleman, Nancy Caeman, M. Bosnian, Jacob Berman, Barry Berman, Harold Harulunian, Linda Gorgone, Richard Osterlind, Karen Erdman, Joseph Tello, Jay Tannian, Toni Cook, Cindy Rodrigues, Dana Fowle, Kathryn Halo, Terrance Hahn, Edward Costa, Mary Costa, Richard Campbell, Karen Sanborn, Timothy Houston, Irene Collins, John Murphy, Erin Cala-Bacci, William Crowley, David Mancuso, John Atwood, Scott Heiddin, Frank Cook, Michael Bonnell, and Jamie Maughan. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Jimmy Houston noted that there was an Arts Fest going on at the High School tonight; Joshua Eaton was having open house tonight; the RCASA is holding their RCASA Applauds Parents series tonight; the girls varsity game is tomorrow and the girls lacrosse game is tomorrow. The recycling program he is working on is moving along nicely with a big tum in of recycling. Stephen Goldy noted that he had the office hour tonight and there was a discussion regarding Article 21. Also, he met with the Town Manager and Clear Channel regarding potential revenue to the Town. Camille Anthony requested an updated list of double poles. She also asked what was being done about the water problem at Tennyson Road and Whittier Road. The Town Manager noted that catch basins are being installed. Camille Anthony noted that the grand opening of the Matters Cabin is April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Ben Tafoya thanked the residents for his re-election. He also noted that the anonymous email that was circulated regarding the school. election was not in the tradition of Reading and he is concerned about that behavior. Public Comment — Jacob Berman, 54 Longview Road, noted that he lives near West Street and the residents don't shovel their sidewalks. He noted this is a safety hazard for the children. He Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2011 —page 2 belongs to the Cub Scouts and they could help people who are not able to shove their sidewalks. , He also noted that shoveling is a great form of exercise. Town Manager's Report—The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters • Election results • There is a vacancy on the volunteer CPDC. • He has given the Board of Selectmen a summary of what municipal funds have been spent on the Mattera cabin to date. Community Development • Caleresn's has started their demo work getting ready for construction of their new facility on South Main Street. Public Works • A Design Public Hearing will be held by MassDOT to discuss the proposed Walter S. Parker Middle School - Safe Routes to School project in Reading, MA. WHERE: Parker Middle School Auditorium 45 Temple Street Reading, MA 01867 WHEN: Thursday, April 14,2011 at 7:00 PM • The weeks of April 18 and May 2 the rubbish contractor will pick up leaves in large paper bags at curbside on your regular collection day. • The Compost Center opened April 1 and is open Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the months of April and May. Don't forget to have your Community Access Sticker for 2012, available at the Police Station. • The MWRA water line construction will begin in August. • The Town has saved $56,000 in trash tipping fees so far this year. Assistant Town Manager Report — The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee made some changes to the proposed FY12 budget including adding $18,000 to the Library and adding $6,300 to the Community Services Department to add benefits for the positions being reduced. Proclamation/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week — Police Chief James Cormier and Fire Chief Greg Burns were present to receive the proclamation on behalf of the Dispatchers. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the proclamation for Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week,was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Appointments — Fall Street Faire Committee — A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafaya to accept the report of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee and confirm the following ' appointments to the following Committee: Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2011 —page 3 ' •. Sheila Clarke for a position on the Fall Street Faire Committee with a term expiring June 30,2013 • Ben Tafova for a position on the Fall Street Faire Committee with a term expiring June 30,2011 • Stephen Goldv for a position on the Fall Street Faire Committee with a term expiring June 30,2012 The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discussion/action Items Chamber of Commerce Re: Buy Local Program — Irene Collins and John Murphy from the Chamber of Commerce were present. Irene Collins noted that the Chamber is producing a guide to promote buying locally and it will be mailed to Reading and North Reading residents. They will promote buying local weekends using the "Shop the Block" model and they hope to partner with the Economic Development Committee and reach out at the Fall Street Faire. She also noted that there will be a business expo on May 4 at the Woburn Hilton and it costs $20 for admission. Bertucci's Change of Officer—The Town Manager noted that the change of officer is being done system wide and has already been approved by the ABCC. ' A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to approve the application for a new officer/director for Bertucci's Restaurant Corp., 45 Walkers Brook Drive,was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Bertucci's Change of Plan — Outdoor Dining — Michael Bernell, Manager of Bertucci's was present. The Town Manager noted that the change in plan is to expand the outdoor seating from five tables to seven. A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to approve the change in plan for outdoor dining for Bertucci's Restaurant Corp., 45 Walkers Brook Drive as shown on plan A2 date issued on March 16,2011,was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing— Pondview Lane Street Acceptance—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is on the Town Meeting Warrant. A letter from Don McNeice, 33 Pondview Lane, was received indicating the Town should be aware of cracking in the sidewalk and sinkholes on the grass strip and a small portion of the street. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the project was completed in 2004—2005 and the Town received the as built plans this yew. In reference to Don McNeice's letter, the settlement in the sidewalk and crack new the curb look like a utility crew backed onto it and caused the damage. He has sent a letter to the developer asking for the damage to be repaired. The Town Manager noted he anticipates the repairs will be made before Town Meeting. ' A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on accepting Pondview Lane as a public way was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2011 —page 4 A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya for the Board of Selectmen to approve the , acceptance of Pondview Lane as a public way was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Conservation Commission Review Process — Conservation Commission member Jamie Maughan was present. He noted the Board has been given an outline of what the Conservation Commission wants to do. The intent is to find out resident concerns and identify a way to make the process simpler. The plan is to form an ad hoc committee consisting of two or three members of the Conservation Commission, former members of the Conservation Commission and Commissioners from other Towns. They will send questionnaires to interested parties to get input on how to make the regulations simpler. They feel that 54 pages of regulations can be reduced to 6— 10 pages. Ben Tafoya asked why they want Commissioners from other towns and Jamie Maughan noted because they are familiar with the terns and wouldn't have a conflict regarding the potential for appearing before the Commission. The consensus of the Board was for the Conservation Commission to proceed m outlined. Review Warrant—Annual Town Meeting- The Town Manager noted that Article 21 is the issue of whether to require property owners to clear their sidewalks which is commonly done across the country. He noted that the budget is stretched and positions are being cut. The proposed Bylaw would require residential property owners to clear snow within eight hours of a snow fall ' and commercial owners within three hours. There would be fines and penalties but the intent is to gel compliance, not raise money. Ben Tafoya asked how much we spend on plowing the sidewalks. The Town Manager noted that we spent $40,000 this winter. The DPW needs the equipment to widen the roads instead of clearing sidewalks. 'Ben Tafoya suggested dealing with the costs another way and to table this article at Town Meeting. Stephen Goldy suggested postponing the Article indefinitely to allow for discussion. Camille Anthony noted that obesity is a problem and this would get people moving. She also noted that walking in this community is very difficult in the wintertime. Stephen Goldy asked about liability and Town Counsel Ellen Doucette noted that the current case law has to do with natural and unnatural accumulation. The Town is not responsible unless there is a defect underneath. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen vote to recommend indefinitely postponing Article 21 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2011 —page 5 ' A resident from 36 Whittier Road noted that his sidewalk is in such bad condition that when he used his snow blower it broke. He noted that the sidewalks are in disrepair and when he did plow them, his neighbors didn't. Sally Hoyt noted that she is opposed to the proposed Bylaw. She noted that the only exemptions are citizens who are in poor health or don't have adequate financial means. She suggested charging a small fee to shovel the sidewalks. Tony Rickley from Precinct 2 noted he lives on Timbemeck Drive and the Town plows the snow onto the sidewalks. He is going to be 90 yens old and will not shovel. He is willing to pay for an override. He also noted that the Town has been plowing the route to the Pearl Street School and it is no longer a school. Frank Coleman from Randall Road noted that he is not in favor of an override. He noted his snow blower is not able to clear the slush and ice that covers the sidewalks. He noted the problem is not what falls from the sky;it is what's placed there by DPW. Margaret Wass, 21 Eastway, noted she cannot shovel through what the Town plows put on the sidewalk. Mark Ventura, 142 Belmont Street passed out pictures showing the amount of snow that the DPW places in front of his house. He noted he sidewalks are in disrepair. ' James Goldsmith from Eastway noted he does not own a snow blower. He feels this is an ill conceived Article and asked why the fine is$25. A Forest Street resident noted that she had to drive her son to school every day though he usually would have walked. John Sullivan from Haverhill Street noted that the snow in unmovable. He noted he couldn't even clear the fire hydrant. Lucy Inlinti, 150 Village Street, noted that every plow goes by her house on the way to the Town barn. All the snow on John Street ends up on her property. Bobbi Botticelli, from Chapel Hill Drive, suggested charging $5 per household to cover the cost of the'fown plowing the sidewalks. David Mancuso of Making Reading Better indicated it is their desire to stop the trend of punitive Bylaws. He feels it is not fair to selectively isolate a few residents. Fred Van Magness thanked the Board for the process this evening and thanked everyone for coming out. ' Ben Tafoya asked Town Counsel Ellen Doucette about Article 24 and she noted that in order to use this money for housing there has to be an allocation plan approved by Town Meeting. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2011 —page 6 .The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel feels the petitions are not drafted correctly and , each street has a little problem so those Articles will be postponed. The Town Manager suggested that the Board meet on at 6:30 p.m. on April 25 to vote on the remainder of the Articles before Town Meeting. Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova to approve the minutes of March 15, 2011 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to approve the minutes of March 29. 2011 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submit d, Secretary