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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-03-14 Board of Public Works Minutes March 14, 1977 ' Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7:30 P. M. in the Community Center, 52 Sanborn Street, Reading. Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board Members Price and Botka, Superintendent Louanis, Assistant Engineer William Redford and Finance Committee Member Paul Dube. Secretary Dustin read Notice of Public Hearing for the purpose of discussing plans submitted by Reading Youth Baseball for an additional Little League Baseball Field at Hunt Memorial Park. Chairman Russell greeted the group of approximately a hundred people who attended the Hearing stating that last Fall the Board had met with the members of the Little League Committee and agreed that if the Committee could reach an agreement with the Conservation Commission the Board of Public Works would hold a public hearing. At this point, Mr. John Fallon made a formal presentation outlining the need for a new field to accommodate ' the growth in membership. It was noted that several sites are being considered but the factors of accessibility, cost and de- sirability indicate Hunt Memorial Park to be the most feasible choice. Mr. Fallon indicated the possibility of Roger Reed Company giving a parcel of land to the Town and suggested this might alleviate any concern that there would be no open play area at the site: also, Little League hopes to construct a parking area on the Davlin (Roger Reed Company) property abutting Eaton Street thereby avoiding parking problems. Generally, the people from the neighborhood were strongly opposed to the construction of an additional field. Objections were raised because of the inconsiderate manner in which cars are parked, the inability of emergency equipment to enter and travel through the area, debris left on private property by those using the park and the fact that the deed to the property states, "said land is to be improved and maintained as a public playground, as a place for ' healthful rest, recreation and amusement for people of all ages with proper facilities for such childrens sports as can be gen- erally indulged in by them and tend to their proper development and furnish them with amusement." There was a great deal of ob- jection to the manner in which cars are parked and the Chairman asked for a show of hands to determine whether the poles placed , in a horizontal fashion along the property line should be moved back to allow additional parking. The show of hands indicated the people preferred to leave the poles as they are at this time. Mr. Warrick of Little League thanked people for coming and listen- ing to the presentation and gave his closing argument. It was then moved, seconded and voted to close the Hearing. The meeting reconvened in Room 16, Municipal Building at 8: 55 P.M. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Public Works deny the request of Reading Youth Baseball to construct an additional baseball field at Hunt Memorial Park. A discussion ensued wherein it was noted that it is a high density neighbor- hood, parking is limited, the construction of a field would take away from the play area for small children, the increased traffic creates a sanitation problem and in general it could not be con- sidered good park planning. The vote to deny the request was , unanimous. Mr. Price moved to instruct the Superintendent to realign or reposition the poles along Pleasant Street in such a way as to allow perpendicular parking. It was seconded. The Superintendent was asked for his comments whereupon he stated the poles were placed there to prevent people from driving vehicles out onto the field thereby destroying the field as this had proven a very effective measure at Memorial Park. The Superintendent was of the opinion that it was possible to have diagonal parking and still leave some sidewalk area: also the matter should be investigated further. Mr. Price withdrew his motion. It was then moved that the Superin- tendent be instructed to look into the feasibility of moving the poles back at Hunt Memorial Park in order to allow diagonal park- ing and also to look into the feasibility of black topping or placing gravel in the area reporting his findings to the Board on March 28th. It was seconded and voted. ' Minutes - continued March 14, 1977 ' Secretary Dustin read Notice of Public Hearing re: taking an easement through private property located off Pleasant Street for drainage purposes. No one attended the Hearing. The Super- intendent explained the easement was needed to improve the drain- age in the area and he anticipated no cost to the Town other than that of clearing the ditch and removing debris from the area when work is complete. It was moved, seconded and voted to close the Hearing. It was moved, seconded and voted to take the easement as described and the Board signed the Order of Taking. The Board reviewed the material as prepared by the Super- intendent for the 1976 Town Report and made a few suggestions for additional remarks. Motions under Articles 12, 13 and 14 to be presented at Town Meeting were reviewed. The Superintendent informed the Board that the Motions had been sent to Town Counsel for approval as to proper form and copies had been given to the Town Clerk as well as the Executive Secretary. Articles concerning the reloca- tion of the ditch at the sanitary landfill , a Special Rubbish Collection and Street Acceptances were reviewed. Copies of the Articles have been forwarded to Town Counsel also. A comprehensive report analyzing the cost of operating the municipal incinerator was prepared by William R. Bergeron, Assistant Superintendent - Engineering Division and presented to the Board; at the meeting Mr. Bergeron suggested we continue with our present operation, make a few changes in the work schedule and in the event of breakdown of the incinerator use the sanitary landfill . It is anticipated that with a few changes in the manage- ment it would be possible to cut the overtime from 49% to 10% and this coupled with other possible curtailments the per ton cost could be reduced to $17.79 from $22.99. Mr. Botka suggested that we approach the problem one step at a time, continue the present ' operation and put the proposed managerial changes into effect and place the operation of the incinerator on a probation basis. The Superintendent agreed to maintain a close check on the operation costs for the ensuing months. Following a lengthy discussion concerning the incinerator it was moved, seconded and voted to cut the cost incorporated in the FY-78 Budget by $3.00 per ton. Read letter from the By-Law Committee requesting input from the Board. It was moved, seconded and voted that the Chairman respond: copy of his letter is appended hereto: Items d, f, and g. Read letter from the League of Women Voters relative to Town By-Laws requesting support from the Board of Public Works on their suggested changes to the By-Laws: It was moved, seconded and voted that the Chairman respond to No. 3a, b, c, e, 4 and 5. See letter attached. Read letter from Garth B. Scott of 64 Colonial Drive request- ing that the Town extend the sewer on Colonial Drive for approxi- mately seventy feet in order that he may be able to run a house connection on Colonial Drive as opposed to Beaver Road thereby avoiding ledge. It was moved, seconded and voted that the Super- intendent be instructed to obtain a ruling from Town Counsel con- cerning the assessment for sewer frontage as this is a singular situation. It was moved, seconded and voted to table discussion on , Zoning By-Laws and gather input for the Planning Board at the next meeting. Mr. Dustin reported on the meeting of the Space Study Committee. The representatives from the various Boards, although they were willing to cooperate fully, were in accord that they could not commit their Board on this matter. Mr . Bergeron reported he had met with the Planning Board to appraise them of Mr. McManus ' request to purchase a portion of the Sanitary Landfill . The Planning Board felt that the land should not be sold but rather leased to Mr. McManus. Following a discussion of the sale or lease of the land the Superintendent was instructed to discuss with Mr. McManus his preference and reasons for buying or leasing the property if it was acceptable to him. The Board signed the Payroll for the period ending March 11 , , and the Bill Roll dated March 18, 1977. Meeting adjourned at 11 :55 P.M. ResAectfully„submitted, Secretary ' � eLea�ue �!'Yo�era fo' ers .�eod,(;.� .�are¢c�aaelG 01867 February 24, 1977 Mr. John E. Russell Board of Public Works Town of Reading Town Hall Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Dear Mr. Russell : The League of Women Voters of Reading recently sent a letter to the Bylaw Committee listing several recommenda- tions for bylaws for the Town of Reading. Suggestions 1 and 2 are longer term goals since they must either go to the State Legislature or appear on the ballot at a town-wide election. We, therefore, suggested that the Bylaw Committee give priority to suggestions 3, 4, and 5 which can be achieved through town meeting action. The League felt that your Board might be interested in seeing the League' s bylaw proposals . We hope that you will support these recommendations and will convey your support to the Bylaw Committee. Sincerely, ` .� � Catherine A. Quimby President League of Women Voters of Reading .w riT� eGeQlLlLB ©�N/�BBLBB /"O�B/''9 ``YY�� ,�aOOdr:�� .��wx+an�alelG 01867 December 6, 1976 Mr. Philip R. White, Jr. , Chairman Reading Bylaw Committee 97 Prospect Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr, White- The following suggestions for bylaw changes are a result of the League's studying and reaching consensus on the charter which was proposed for the town in April of this year. While the Leaguo supported acceptance of the charter as a whole, it also reached agreement on several individual points, namely, strengthening of town meeting; a five parson board of selectmen; and recall of elected officials. i 1) Recall of elected officials. A strong majority of League members favored recall with a 1% signature requirement as provided in the charter. Members of the League felt the 15% requirement allowed citizens to recall officials without unduly inhibiting elected Cofficials from initiating innovativo programs. 2) A five person board of solcctmon. A strong majority of League members felt that a five poroon board of solcctmon would moan more diversified representation and greater likelihood of expression of minority viewpoints. i 3) Strengthening of town meeting. The League found in presenting the Ir proposed charter to the townspoople at our numerous coffoos that they, too, unanimously agreed on the portion of the charter dealing with ! I town meeting reform. Town meeting reform was also favorably received by those citizens writing in the "letters to the editor" at tho time. The League recommends, a) That town meeting members be seated by precinct for increased visibility. b) That votes on all matters be taken by a show of hands unless a standing- or roll call vote is requested, also for more visibility. c) That each precinct hold at least one annual precinct meeting befoi+e !i annual town meeting, and that the,chairmanship of each precinct be rotated on a proscribed basis, tai d) That the moderator be the only ex officio member of town meeting. I That elected and appointed officials who aro not town meeting members have the cams rights as members with respect to introducing � I and discussing motions relating to their office, but not the right . to vote. e) That standing committees be established. This has already been started with the establishment of a bylaw committee. There should by bylaws defining the role of the bylaw committee. A leadership committee, composed of chairmen of each precinct, should be established to make appointments and assist in coordi- nation of the warrant report. The finance committee should be a standing committee of town meeting, appointed by'the leadership committee. This would make the finance committee truly responsible to town meeting. f) That a capital budget plan be submitted annually to town meeting by the finance committee. g) That copies of all fund applications should be submitted to the finance committee. i In addition to these three areas, the League would also like to recommend bylaws concerning town elections and appointments. 4) Town elections. For each office on the ballot the placement of a candidate's name in the list of candidates shall be determined by a number selected at random by the town clerk. 5) Town appointments. Eylaws should outline appointment procedure. A file of interested persons should be koptj there should be sufficient publicizing o!"the vacancies when they occur; and there should be interviews for all appointees, now and renewed. Bylaws should also define cause for removal of appointees. I would be happy to discuss any or all of the above at your convonlorce. tincerely, 1 , Catherine A. Quimby President -� League of Women Voters of Reading t� j j >i q it I 8. • OFFICE OF IURN R. RUSSELL. C-ei—m- TOWN l_ READING PAUL C. DUSSIB Stmftm LAHrENCE A. BLOOD Ei GIRD OF PUBLIC WORKS J=a w. PRICE 7f_ d ALEX NDER T. BOTXA ]' ; . •y MUNICIPAL BUiLDi?:: E. R06_R LOUA:.15. Supnnttndm! REA D!N G. MARS. 01357 ti i.1ASSACHUSETTS March 21 , 1977 By-Law Committee Selectmen's Office 16 Lowell Street Reading, Mass . 01867 Gentlemen: In response to your letter of January 17, 1977 the following is the Board of Public Works ' opinion relative to the three by-law revisions you are con- sidering. d) The Board is in favor of the change in the exofficio members of town meeting as proposed. f) The Board felt more clarification was needed on this one. Currently the capital budget plan is presented in the Finance Committee report but no town meeting action is taken on the plan as a whole. Individual projects are voted, either as special articles or as part of the Article 4 budget. Our concern with altering this pro- cedure would be a loss in flexibility. It would be unsatisfactory if it would take five years to add a capital project. It is most important that it be possible to act upon an urgent capital project in a timely fashion even though it was not in the previously accepted capital budget. g) The Board would be in favor of the submittal of fund applications to the Finance Committee if such submittal was for information only and used as an aid in coordinating funding request on a Town-wide basis. We would be opposed, however, if the submittal was for approval as we believe approval or disapproval of fund application should rest with the Selectmen or with FTown Meeting. v� v . By-Lao; Committee March 21 , 1977 - 2 - In addition to the three potential changes dis- cussed above, the Board has, at the request of the League of Women Voters, considered the League 's other suggestions No. 3a, b, c, e, 4 and 5• 33) We feel seating by precinct is unnecessary. 31b) We would be in favor of votes being taken by show of hands with actual count only being required if the moderator is in doubt. 3c) We agree with at least one precinct meeting per year but feel that the chairmanship of each precinct should be by vote of the precinct members. 3e) This is quite vague. More details relative to makeup, responsibility and authority of the standing committees is required before we could comment pro or con. With regard to appointments in general however, we feel that not having the moderator and the chairman of the committee in question part of the appointing group would be a mistake . 4. We are in favor of the random selection of placement on the ballot. 5. We fully agree with the appointment Procedure improve- ments outlined in this paragraph, but believe "appointees " in the next to last sentence should read "candidates". Very truly yours, John H. Russell , Chairman Board of Public Works JHR/be cc Mrs . Catherine A. Quimby President League of Women Voters-Reading ii