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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes rq r Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVE.0 U, TOWN CLERK READING. MASS. Board - Committee - commission - council: Board of Selectmen .,L ZZ A4� Date: 2015-05-19 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Chairman Dan Ensminger, Vice Chair John Halsey, Secretery Kevin Sexton, John Arena, and Barry Berman Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob Lel.acheur, Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Community Development Director Jessie Wilson, Administrative Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Angela Binda, Stephen Crook, David Ventola, Ron Daddario, David Williams, Mike Menzie, Jack Bacon, Alex May, Caitlin ' Mahoney, Lori Gordon, Andrew Sack, Sandra Brown, Jake Kinsella,Thomas Walsh, Tim Fitzgerald, Jared Whitney, Yujie Qiu, Lisa Goldsmith, Kristin Murray, Michael Scola, Everett and Virginia Blodgett, Tom Gardiner, Tom Speron, Tom Keegan, Laurie Ann Sylvia, Karl Weld, Jack Russell Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Kevin Sexton Topics of Discussion: Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments Mr. Halsey noted he attended the Board of Health meeting and they may consider realigning with River Valley which we used to be a part of. They are also thinking of having an associate member because It is hard to get a quorum with 3 people. He also attended the new ad hoc Firearms Safety Committee where they organized with Kevin Sexton as the Chairman, Bryn Burkhart as Vice Chair and John Halsey as Secretary. The committee went throughand set an agenda with goals to accomplish. Mr. Halsey said Recreation is very busy and they are in the final review of the Birch Meadow project. The Recreation Committee has approved several amplified sound permits and their Summer Camps are drawing in over 500 kids. He commented how amazing it is to see how popular the Recreation Department is. Mr. Halsey made a special recognition to Boy Scout Troop 702 who is celebrating 100 years. He noted the Troop will have a general reception after the Memorial Day Parade for everyone at the Old South Church. Mr. Berman attended the Library Building Committee meeting and noted the project is on time. The project has enough money to add the innovation lab which the staff really wanted. Two hundred thousand dollars was recently added to the budget to help with unforeseen construction Issues. Mr. Berman noted he is impressed with the members on the committee and quality of work that is being done. He also wanted to mention that it is the 3e anniversary of Understanding Disabilities and they are working diligently to keep expanding the curriculum in every school. Page 1 1 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 10 2015 pace 2 Mr. Sexton attended the site visit for the proposed 40B at Prescott Street and also the Economic Development Committee but said both items are on the agenda later and will talk ' about them then. Tawn Manager's Report Mr. LeLacheur attended the Emergency Management Meeting this morning in Wakefield. He noted Reading is In good shape being led by Fire Chief Greg Burns. He thanked the Garden Club for an outstanding sale this weekend and said he received many compliments about the event. Mr. LeLacheur said the Library project is going well and there will be an update for the public tomorrow night but wanted to mention he has not received any complaints (so far) about the project. Certificate of Recognition The Board of Selectmen presented a Certificate of Recognition to Duncan Dietz for achieving Eagle Scout. Duncan did an extensive project partnering with many food pantries to create and provide hygiene kits for homeless people. His fundraising was so successful he was able to give monetary donations to shelters. Duncan graduated from St. John's Prep and will be on a pre-law track in college. Mr. Berman noted how Impressed he was at Duncan's never ending list of accomplishments. Mr. Halsey welcomed Duncan to the brotherhood and said his achievements will take him far in life. Mr. Sexton move that the Board of SetectmM.. award a Certificate of Recognition to Duncan Dietz in recognition of his achieving the Eagle Scout Award and by Mr. Arena and approved with a 5-0-0 vote RMHS Robotics Team Update The Robotics Team thanked everyone for their support this year. They noted the team ' grows with more kids every year. They were able to get a new shop space which enabled them to receive a CNC machine that was graciously donated by Northeastern. This year they hosted an event and it was a major success with a large turnout. The team qualified for worlds this year. They also won the Entrepreneurship Award at both Districts. The team is really focusing on engaging elementary and middle school aged kids to get them Interested in joining the team in high school. The team also has a vision of one day trying to create a district wide science expo for kids to show off any kind of cool science projects they have done. Mr. Sexton commented on how amazing it is that they won the Entrepreneurship Award at both districts and they should be very proud of that. Mr. Arena noted that everything this team does is a tremendous aspect to their education and the experiences they are getting are unbelievable. Mr. Ensminger stated the team work between.this team is incredible and the real life experiences are one of a kind. Mr. LeLacheur said this team is ahead of the game and their group skills will by far be the most valuable in college life and the real world. RMLD Citizen Advisory Board Member Report David Mancuso was present to talk to the Board. He explained 84% of their budget is literally to keep the lights on. They are selling less and less with the inventions of more ecofriendly options. The board is currently trying to come up with Ideas to generate more revenue. RMLD has one of the lowest rates but likely to see some increases with energy. They are looking into utilizing fiber that is already underground. Mr. Ensminger asked If there was any way to expand to other towns. Mr. Mancuso said they would face some real difficulties but It's not impossible. He said they are looking into a generator to help save at peak times of electrical use. Mr. Berman asked if we could offer a better rate to someone ' who chooses to use at off-peak hours. Tom 011ila, Engineer for RMLD, stated they do have a program like that and said on-peak hours are 12 - 7 PM. Mr. Mancuso also said RMLD recently did an organizational study. Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - my_19 2015 - page 3 Solar Opportunities Tom 011ila, RMLD Engineer, was present to talk about a possibility of a Community Shared Solar (CSS) Program. The program would be a partnership between a Private Developer, Municipal Utility, the Town, and end-user participates. The private developer would catch sustainable federal and state tax incentives that the municipal entities cannot. The vendor would be selected by the Town and RMLD for financing and ownership. RMLD would oversee all the specs and operations. The Town would receive lease payments for the property site. The best property site at the moment would most likely be at the High School. Mr. Ensminger noted roofs get replaced every 10-15 years but solar panels are good for about 20-40, who would take care of that if the roof needed to be replaced but the solar panels were.still good. Before solar panels are placed on a roof, the roof is checked to see approximately how long it is good for and then if the roof may need to be replaced before the panels we would work with a contractor. Mr. Berman asked if we do the solar panels are we able to sell to more people, because if not, we still have the same problem of lots of electricity with no one to sell to. Mr. 011ila said this would be more helpful with cutting costs. Mr. Arena asked what would happen if we did put the panels up and then it fails, how much money would we lose. It was noted that the developer would take the financial hit if that happened. Mr. 011ila said there are many advantages to doing solar panels Including payment to the town for the site, potential reduced electric expenses, RMLD customers could get clean, green renewable energy, there is no hassle to doing panels on our own property, RMLD would have no need for upfront capital expenses, and reduced wholesale power supply, capacity, and transmission costs. He noted there are 3 potential sites in Reading however RMHS looks like the best one. The next steps would be to make a financial plan, negotiate a lease, define metering policy and rates, and then find/approve a vendor. Mr. Halsey said there are a lot of benefits to all parties but it just doesn't seem like we are financially ready at the moment but it would be very wise to keep this path an option later ' on down the road. Climate Advisory Committee Report Dave Williams explained they are currently in the middle of a paper/cardboard recycling program and trying to get a dumpster behind CVS. The 2015 Earth Day Fair will focus on renewables. The Climate Advisory Committee is involved with a lot of outreach In the schools and community. They are looking to continue working with RMLD, planning division and the schools. The committee also recently adopted an Island. Walk Reading Weekend Virglinia Blodgett explained they have four organized walks set up for the weekend of May 30` . Two walks on each day and this is to promote healthy lifestyle and if you cannot attend one of the walks to make sure you get outside for some kind of activity. Mr. Sexton move to proclaim Walk Reading Weekend on Saturday May 3eand Sunday Mav 31" second by Mr. Arena and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Continued Hearing - Liguor License Transfer - Grumpy Dovles The Police Department has reviewed the report and has no objection to moving forward. Mr. Halsey thanked them for clearing up that issue and noted the Board is excited for them to continue in Reading. Mr. Sexton made a motion to close the hearing second by Mr. Berman and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. >� Mr. Sexton moved to approve a transfer of a Restaurant All Alcohol Liquor License to Unagi Servers Inc doing-business-as Biltmore & Main Bar and Grill at 530 Main Street for a term expiring December 31 2015 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 Page 1 3 mord of Selectmen Minutes - May 19. 2015- page 4 inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager or his designee, second by ' Mr. Arena and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Continued Hearing - New Liougr License - Anthgov's Cgal Fired Pizza The proposed location is the old Macaroni Grille at 48 Walkers Brook Drive. The attorney said they are hoping to open 4`h quarter this year. Police rendered clearance on the affidavit which means they hope to start construction in a month or so with a five week turnaround. Mr. Arena welcomed the Southern franchise to Reading and noted the Town has a low tolerance with noncompliance regarding alcohol serving. The proposed manager said they have never had any problems in their other locations and will comply with all of the laws in Reading as well. Mr. Sexton made a motion to close the hearing second by Mr. Halsey and approved with a 5-0-0 vote Mr. Sexton moved to approve a new Restaurant All Alcohol Liquor License to Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza of Reading LLC doing-business-as Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza at 48 Walkers Brook Drive for a term expiring Decemb r 31 2015 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager or his designee second by Mr. Arena and approved with a 5-0-0 vote Lincoln Street 40B Project Before this discussion got started Mr. Sexton noted he is old friends with the project developer and wanted to disclose that neither his company nor himself would benefit from , this project. This proposed project would be where the Simply Wood and Doucette Buildings are currently. It would be five story buildings with the first story being parking and four floors of units above. The entrance would be on Prescott Street and be one way exiting onto Lincoln Street. They are proposing 77 units with one parking spot per unit. Seventy percent of the units would be one bedroom and there would be eight 3-bedrooms. Mr. Arena noted parking in that area is already terrible and with only 1 parking spot per unit, where would the spillover be? The Police Chief is not okay with the parking situation of this project and the Fire Chief is not okay with the clearance of the building as he cannot access the back of the building. The density of this project is 5 times what is allowed. Tom Speros of 22 Prescott asked what "40B" means. Ms. Dellos answered that, with the approval from Mass Housing, a developer can come in and propose a development with affordable housing and bypass all of our local zoning laws because Reading currently does not have enough affordable housing that the State requires. Mr. Berman commented that these new buildings will be 63 feet tall which is 20% higher than the current buildings. Mr. Speros of 22 Prescott asked if the units will have balconies and the developer noted there is no plan for balconies at this time. Linda Snow Dockser of Beaver Road asked if there were any plans for a community room ' inside. The answer is no, not at the moment. Mr. Berman asked how they plan on marketing these nice expensive units that are built around/behind a body shop. The project manager stated they will be targeting people looking to live close to the train. Page 14 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 19 2015 - page 5 Jeanne Thomas of 21 Arlington Street noted she is concerned about the lighting and the fumes because there is no buffer at all. She also said parking in this area is already really bad and this is only going to make it worse. The developer noted there will be a ventilation system in the garage because most of it will be enclosed. Caroline Gauthier of 76 Washington Street said she moved to Reading and to this street because it was nice and quiet and now her view will be of the parking garage exit and all she is going to hear are cars leaving because the garage is basically on top of her property. The developer said if she would like they will plant trees on her property as a sort of buffer. Mr. Arena asked about the trash situation since trucks will not be able to get through the garage. They said there will not be any dumpsters; there will be trash chutes in the buildings that will be emptied into barrels and wheeled out of the garage to the trucks. Tom Keegan of 90 Washington Street asked if they acquire the auto body property does that mean more units will go in. The developer explained they can't say what would happen but the plans would need to be redone and there is a probability that more units would go in. Mr. Berman asked if they acquire the auto body property would they consider making the building a mix-use building with some retail in there. The developer noted maybe, however they have not given it any thought because they do not have that piece of property so they are not planning for it at the moment.. Nick Aiello of 92 Washington Street said he completely loses all his privacy with the height of this building which is right on his property line. Ron D'Addario of 97 Summer Ave asked the developer if they ever acquire the auto body property maybe they could think about eliminating one floor and have a little set back. Paul Stoddard of 96 Washington Street noted that he moved to Washington Street for the quiet neighborhood and now this development will ruin that quietness while putting up this huge building right on top of my property. He stated traffic in this area is already miserable because of the train and this will make it so much worse. One of the consultants for the project noted they do not have a lot of answers because they are in the beginning stages of a very long process but said the neighbors' comments and concerns will be considered. Jeanne Thomas of 21 Arlington Street said the street is a cut through street with parking limitations already, where do you expect guests of these 77 units to park. It was noted that the rules and regulations do not require the project to provide guest parking. Damon Lusk of 52 Washington Street wanted to reiterate most people's concerns and say there is absolutely no way the parking situation will ever work. Everett Blodgett of 99 Prescott noted that this street has a lot of walking traffic and this will make walking conditions worse. The project manager said they are still very early into the process and haven't had a lot of these conversations that raise the concerns being brought up. BCC's to Sunset Fall Street Faire - Chair Brian Snell said they are in their 6'" year. They would entertain the Idea of handing over the committee to the Chamber of Commerce but they would need transition time. Member Sheila noted it would help if they could have voting associate members. Member Steve Goldy said it would take time to show new people the process it takes to put on this faire. Mr. Halsey and Mr. Arena noted how big of a success this faire is and that maybe it is worth thinking about privatizing the committee. Page 1 5 Burd of Selectmen MinUtes - May 19 2015 page 6 Jack Russell explained he started the faire a long time ago and it is important to keep as a ' Town function to help feed the DIET trust. Mr. Berman stated if profits from the faire come back to the town he would like to see it stay that way. Mr. LeLacheur asked if the committee had any prospects or any plan for what they are going to do down the road when they don't want to be the ones running It anymore. Mr. Snell noted they have new people getting Involved recently especially with the chamber. Mr. Halsey asked how the long the committee wants to stay for. The committee responded they would like to do three more fairs. Climate Advisory Committee - Ron D'Addario noted the committee would like to be renewed. He said they like working closely with RMLD and want to continue to do so but do not want to be with them. The group is asking for three years and would like to remain under the Selectmen. Economic Development Committee - Chairman Karl Weld said the committee is right In the middle of their master plan for the Town. The work they are doing is vital to economic growth in the Town. The committee would like to continue and expand with more members of expertise. Member lack Russell explained the EDC should continue but be restructured, associate members should be encouraged and noted the committee lacks the talent to do the things they need/can/want to do. He said the building fagade program has been very successful but what they really need Is a budget. Karl suggested maybe expand the group and form 2 subgroups, one that focuses on ' projects that are already complete and supporting them and one focusing on going out and starting new projects. Mr. Berman said he agrees it's important for us to control economic development so we get what we want. Mr. Halsey asked if Mr. Russell is suggesting the committee continue but with all new people with better experience. Mr. Russell answered in a way yes, but more expand the group with more people with experience they need. Mr. Berman also noted he thinks the Board of Selectmen should have their own discussion about economic development soon. Human Relations Advisory Committee - Camille Anthony, Linda Snow Dockser and Kyung Yu were present. Linda Snow Dockser stated to the board that the committee would like to continue. She said they are working hard to bring community groups together. They use resources in the Town to keep up with things going on around the world to help keep Reading awesome. The committee educates and reports hate crimes, provides forums for dialogue in hard conversations and organizes educational and cultural celebrations of diversity. Mr. LeLacheur confirmed the relationship between the Town Manager, the Police Chief and the Committee will always continue. The committee noted they are asking for at least two more years. Trails Committee - Jean Jacobs, Will Finch, and Tom Gardiner were present. The Trails Committee cosponsored the Walk Reading weekend. They are advisors to Girl and Boy Scouts. They are currently in the middle of rebuilding Higgins Bridge which a lot of kids use. The committee noted they bring in a lot of grants. They would like to remain a committee ' because they work closely with Town staff. Mr. Arena asked if the Trails Committee and the Town Forest committee have ever considered merging. He said it may help you out more and would have more members. The committee agreed it may be useful to have more members however the two committees really do different things. The committee is looking for another three years. Page 1 6 Board of Selectmen Minutes - May 19. 2015- oaoe 7 Mr Sexton second by Mr Berman moved that the board of Selectmen vote that the maximum useful life of the departmental equipment listed below to be financed with the proceeds of the 1.2 million borrowing authorized by a vote of the Town passed April 27 2015 (Article 5) is hereby determined pursuant to G.L. c. 44 C 7(9) to be as follows, Purpose: Modular classrooms; Borrowing Amount: $1,200.000; Maximum Useful Life 20 years approved with a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. Sexton moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of May 5, 2015 second by Mr. Berman and approved with a vote of 4-0-1 with Mr. Arena abstaining. Mr. Sexton moved that the Board of Selectmen adjourn the meeting at 11:30 PM, second by Mr. Halsey and approved with a 5-0-0 vote. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 1 Page 1 7