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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-10 Select Board Minutes Town of Reading MeetingMinutes Ni L:e i L . L T OW11 CLERK REAUING, MA. Board - committee - commission - council: All OCT 22 PM 2: 32 Select Board Date: 2019-09-10 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Vanessa Alvarado, John Halsey, Anne Landry, Mark Dockser, Andy Friedmann Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Executive Assistant Caitlin Saunders, Al Sylvia, Erica McNamara, Stephen Crook, Linda Snow Dockser, Elizabeth Gomez, Peter Kramer, Bill Brown, Carl McFadden, Kathy Crook, Chris Cridler, Amy Lannon Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Caitlin Saunders Topics of Discussion: Ms. Alvarado called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Liaison Reports Mr. Friedmann noted the fall street faire was a huge success. He also noted he will be attending a gas leak forum on 9/25. Ms. Landry wanted to respond to a resident email about the Tarrant Lane project. She wanted to remind Reading residents, unfortunately, we have no standing in blocking this project from happening but she does intend to continue going to the meetings and making sure Reading's concerns are heard. The ad-hoc human rights board is scheduled to meet again September 17`h. Dr. Doherty's leave of absence is over. Reading PD was reaccredited again, congrats to the whole department. Mr. Halsey attended the RCASA board meeting. He also attended the Cemetery board meeting which was prior to this meeting tonight; he noted they have very efficient meetings. They are currently talking about a scattering garden at Forest Glen. Ms. Alvarado noted she attended the fall street fair as well. Town Manager's Report Mr. LeLacheur wanted to explain the flowers outside of town hall. The meaning of the flowers, each one represents someone who is living in town with dementia. The town received a grant to explore a downtown organization. He then gave a quick update on MassDOT paving schedule. Page 1 1 Public Comment Bill Brown noted he is working with Kevin Bohmiller to add names to war memorial plaque. Peter Kramer wanted to tell the Board that facilities doesn't need all the big trucks they have and they are wasting money. He also feels facilities should be under DPW and moved over to their building. A employee of a local business wanted to express her concerns that there is not enough employee parking in town. Carl McFadden wanted to let everyone know the football game Friday night will be recognizing Nelson Burbank. At that time, Ms. Alvarado read a certificate the board created for Mr. Burbank. Mr. Halsey expressed his condolences about Mr. Burbank and said a few words on his many achievements around town. RCN Update Kathy Crook and Chris Cridler gave the board a quick update on what has been happening over at RCN. They have recently updated their website. They are looking for new ways to generate revenue if anyone has any ideas. A Matter Of Civility Amy Lannon from the Reading Public Library just wanted to invite the board and community to the next Pule of Reading community conversation. They will be talking about a matter of civility. Their future events include a conversation about building our community on October 17th and diversity & inclusion on November 215t. RCASA Update Erica McNamara explained that RCASA's goal is to reduce substance abuse through efforts like education and school projects. This Thursday at the School committee meeting, RCASA will be revealing their 2019 survey results on youth risk behavior. On Wednesday, September 251h, there will be a viewing of the documentary 'The First Day' by Chris Herren at Jordan's IMAX theatre at 7 pm. They will hold a voices of recovery remembrance event on September 30th from 6-7 pm at the Wakefield lake. Mr. Friedmann noted he is impressed with RCASA's message of hope. Liquor License Holders Mr. LeLacheur noted the board doesn't do this every year but past boards have asked liquor licensees to come in for a chat if violations start occurring. Mr. Halsey asked if it would be ok if he took point on looking at their liquor policy with respect to violations and requirements and propose some changes to the full board. He also believes this would be a good time to bring in licensee holders in. Mr. Dockser agreed they need to make the regulations clearer and maybe the licensee holders will have thoughts on that. Mr. Friedmann pointed out this is not only a safety issue but a health issue as well. The board agreed to let Mr. Halsey gather some proposed changes to the policy and bring them to the full board at the next meeting. Close Warrant for November Town Meeting The board discussed the gas leak petition. Ms. Alvarado and Mr. Friedmann are the two members who agreed to sponsor this article and brought it to the board. They discussed if the whole board should be listed under the article or if just the two members who sponsored Page 1 2 it. It was decided just Ms. Alvarado and Mr. Friedmann's name would go on the warrant with this article. Ms. Landry did want to clarify that even though her name, and the whole board, is not listed under the sponsoring members, it does not mean they do not support the article. Mr. Halsey echoed Ms. Landry's thoughts. Mr. Dockser moved that the board close the warrant for the 2019 November Subsequent Town Meeting consisting of 18 articles to take place on November 12, 2019 at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Halsey and approved with a 5- 0 vote. Home Rule Petition The board entered discussion to decide whether or not they have any interest in doing a home rule petition to regain control of some local roads that were handed to the state over 20 years by a prior Select Board. This discussion has come about due to challenges regarding changing the speed limit on Haverhill Street. They also discussed if they should petition all of the roads or just Haverhill Street for now. The board agreed if they are going to go through this home rule petition process, it makes sense to try and regain control of all the roads not just Haverhill Street. Stephen Crook wanted to note he agrees with the board, regaining control of all the roads makes sense. Elizabeth Gomez wanted to agree as well to do all of the roads. She also thinks the board should restrict commercial traffic on Haverhill Street as well because it is too busy. She also noted she is going to petition the board for a hidden driveway sign for her house. Subcommittee Updates Mr. Friedmann discussed with the board his thoughts for the onboarding manual. Ms. Alvarado explained to the board that her communication subcommittee with Ms. Landry has broken down into three parts. Board communication with the Town Manager, with the residents, and then social media. They have decided to put the social media aspect aside for the time being. Mr. Dockser noted himself and Mr. Friedmann have been working hard on the Economic Development subcommittee and they plan to give an in-depth update on the 24th. Mr. Dockser moved to adjourn at 10:47 PM. The motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann and approved with a 5-0 vote. Page 1 3