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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-10-30 Board of Public Works Minutes October 30, 1978 Meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 16, Municipal Building at 7: 30 P. M. Present were Chairman Dustin, Secretary Price, Board Members Russell , Cowell and Testa and Superintendent Louanis. The Finance Committee was represented by Jose Canto and Gail Wood. Chairman Dustin signed the application for the extension of the sanitary sewer in Eastway Extension. Read letter from George M. McSheehy of 14 Harvard Street requesting that a sewer house connection be made to the rear of his house and that in lieu of granting the Town an easement - through his property several years ago the charge for the connec- tion be abated. The Board did, several years ago, abate the cost of a sewer house connection to the abutting property owner on Puritan Road in lieu of an easement through his property. Mr. Price moved, it was seconded and voted to table the item until next week and the Superintendent was directed to investigate and ' ascertain whether Mr. McSheehy has an emergency septic situation and if not advise the Board how he proposes to accomplish the work. The Board reviewed letter of October 27th together with copies of previous correspondence, directed to Mr. Cafazzo of the Board of Health concerning the drainage ditch at Memorial Park. The Superintendent has in the past accompanied by members of the Board viewed this drainage ditch and determined that other than standard maintenance there is little that can be done to improve the situa- tion unless a major construction. program is undertaken. Since there has been no .flooding in the area an undertaking of this type is not warranted. It was moved, seconded and voted that the Super- , intendent observe the ditch and have some maintenance done on it and advise Mr. Searle of the Board' s action.- Meeting adjourned and reconvened following a meeting of the Board of Survey at 7:50 P.M. - Read letter from Arthur Dahill , Reading Youth Baseball , Inc. ' thanking the Board for consideration extended relative to the pro- posed project at Batchelder Field. Mr. Price requested the letter be appended to the minutes. 1 Mr. Price read Notice of Public Hearing re construction of - Hopkins Street easterly of Main Street to the Wakefield Line. Mr. Dustin greeted the abutters and turned the Hearing over to Mr. , Charles S. Teague who represented the Engineering Division of District 4, State Department of Public Works in Arlington. Mr. Teague stated the State proposed to construct a thirty foot travelled way on Hopkins Street from Main Street to Cedar Street and a twenty- six foot travelled way from Cedar Street to the Wakefield Line. The State will regrade driveways where necessary from the street to in- dividual garages and repair or replace existing sidewalks and install new sidewalks on the north side of Hopkins Street from Cedar Street to the Wakefield Line. There is a large oak- tree at the corner of - Fairmount Road that must be removed and a tree near Fairmount on the opposite side of Hopkins Street that does not require removal because of the design of the road but the abutting property owner requested that the tree be removed. There are also two cherry trees on Hopkins Street between Cedar and the Wakefield Town Line that will have to be removed if the abutting property owners wish to have a s-idewalk constructed on Hopkins Street. Following a , discussion period Chairman Dustin suggested the abutters join the State Engineer in Room 19 in order that he could answer questions pertaining to individual situations. It was moved, seconded and voted to close the He Superintendent Louanis advised the Board that the Recreation Committee brought in a sign to be stored for the present. The sign is approximately 3' x 4' - painted white, with black letters denoting "David L. Castine Memorial Field". The Superintendent did not believe the sign was sufficiently durable to withstand the weather and suggested that perhaps a large boulder, properly cut, holding a plaque would be more suitable. Mr. Russell stated he had discussed the matter with the Chairman of the Recreation - Committee and he said they were favorably impressed with the suggestion and requests the Department of Public Works investi- gate all aspects of the suggestion further. The Board directed the Superintendent to research the matter as to cost, etc. , and report his findings at a future meeting. ' Minutes - continued October. 30, 1978 Superintendent Louanis stated he had received an indication from Mr. Agnew, Executive Secretary to the Board of Selectmen, that there was a possibility the Welfare Department may vacate their quarters at the Community Center and this might be a suit- able future location for the Board of Public Works. The Superin- tendent did not think the atmosphere, as it currently exists, was conducive to an effective operation of the Department, and inquired as to the availability of the Lowell Street School as an alternate location. It appears, at the moment, this is a possibility. Mr. Price indicated such a move would be departing from the desired goal of centralized government. Following a discussion, it was agreed that while a move to the Lowell Street School would not necessarily be a panacea it was a possibility that should be considered and the Superintendent was instructed to continue to keep the Board informed. Mr. Price moved that the Board approve Sheet #5 dated ' October 30, 1978 in the amount of $1 ,263.52 for sewer frontage and Sheet 12 dated October 30, 1978 in the amount of $654.50 for sewer house connection supplemental betterments, sign the commitment letter and assess betterments accordingly. It was seconded and voted. The Board reviewed the Articles of the November 13 Town Meeting as follows: Article No. 1 - Douglas Cowell will present a report of progress on the Board' s study of the solid waste problem and invite the Town Meeting Members and representatives of other Boards and Committees to a public hearing at the Lecture Hall at the Memorial High School on December 7th at 8:00 P.M. to hear a presentation of the proposed regional facility in North Andover. Article No. 2 - Mr. Russell will make a motion to establish an ad hoc committee to assist the Board of Public Works in develop- ing a long range park plan. Article No. 6 - The Board is to speak in favor of adoption Article No. 7 - The Board is to speak in opposition. Article No. 11 The Board will speak in opposition. Article No. 12 The Board will speak in favor. Article No. 17 - The Board will speak in opposition, the general basis of the objection that this By-Law will unnecessarily delay and increase time needed to accomplish certain normal functions , which are already covered by State and Town By-Laws. I Copy of the November Town Meeting Warrant attached hereto. The Superintendent brought to the Board' s attention the fact that the H.U.D. Flood Insurance Plan adopted by the Town at its previous Town Meeting is now entering the phase of final approval of the H.U.D. flood plain maps. The Board of Selectmen are planning to arrange a public meeting so that the program can be explained to the Town in the very near future. The Superintendent reviewed the plan with the Board and it was accepted as a point of informa- tion. The Superintendent brought up the need for the Board to begin to think about selecting a consulting engineer for the Water De- partment' s expansion program particularly Phase One outlined in the consultant' s water study report. The Superintendent felt since this program is an important one to the whole Town, and would have a substantial cost impact, the Board should set down good ' criteria re the selection of the engineer and take sufficient time to evaluate the consultant' s qualifications including a review of similar projects the engineer has already completed. Mr. Testa suggested the Board should begin as soon as possible to put the Town in a position to avail itself of the fifty percent reimburse- ment program now being developed by the State. The Board signed the following: Bill Roll dated November 3, 1978 Pay Roll for the period ending October 27, 1978 Contract 78-5 Highway Construction - Francis Drive Meeting adjourned at 10: 15 P. M. fully suLmitted, ecretary 0 READING YOUTH BASEBALL, INC. READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 October 22 ,1978 Board of Public Works Reading, MA. Dear Board Members, We, the Board of Directors of Reading Youth Baseball, wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the Batchelder Field project. We too are disappointed in the results that were achieved but we shall continue to provide the services to the youth of Reading, without restrictions, as we have in the past. Again our thanks for your valued support and advice. el Si Arthur Dahill �I 4 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (Seal) Subsequent Town Meeting November 13, 1978 Middlesex, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading qualified to vote in elections and town affairs to meet at the Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on Monday, November 13, 1978, at eight o'clock in the evening to act on the following articles: ARTICLE 1. To hear and act on .the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town V Accountant, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, Board of Assessors, Board of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Planning Board and any other Boards or Special Committees. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 2. To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instruction shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate to purchase and equip a new police cruiser or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 4. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the purchase of a motor vehicle for the Building Inspector or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE S. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the purpose of renovating and repairing the roof of the Woburn Street Fire Station or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town of Reading will vote to amend Article VI of the General By-Laws as follows: FSection 1 - delete the first sentence and replace with the following sentence: "The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and one member of each of the following Hoards: Board of Public Works, Municipal Light Board, School Committee, Board of Health, Board of Assessors, Board of Library Trustees, Board of Cemetery Trustees, and Planning Board shall be the Law Committee of the Town, and the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen shall be the Chairman of the Law Committee." or take any other action with respect thereto. By-Law Committee pr " 'JARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will cote to amend the General By-Laws, VIZ Article VI by striking out Section 1 and inserting in place thereof as Section One the following, or take any other action with respect thereto: The Law Committee shall consist of the Board of Selectmen and the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen shall also be Chairman of the Law Committee. The Law Committee shall hereafter annually on or before thirtieth day of June and whenever a vacancy shall exist, choose a competent lawyer or law firm to act as Town Counsel. Term of the office of said Town Counsel shall begin on the first day of July or the date of his selection by the Law Committee and shall continue until the following thirtieth day of June and until his successor is appointed. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By-Laws, V Article 4 by adding a new section as follows or take any other action with respect thereto: All persons appointed by the Board of Selectmen to the Council on Aging, Recreation Committee, Board of Appeals, Associate Member Board of Appeals or Conservation Commission shall be appointed to and serve not more than three consecutive terms on any such committee or board of commission. All such terms shall expire on the thirtieth day of June of the last year of that term. Any person presently appointed who has served more than three consecutive terms or who is in their third term may not be re-appointed to the same position when their present term expires. Board of Selectmen C ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen '� to petition and/or approve the filing of a petition to the general court for a special act authorizing the Town to rescind its acceptance of Section 42 of Chapter 4B of the General Laws or corresponding provisions of earlier laws and to authorize the Town to accept the provisions of Section 42A of Chapter 48 of the General laws, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to amend Article IX of the General By-Laws by adding the following new section or take any other action with respect thereto: No schedule of bills or accounts payable incurred by a Town department, board, committee or commission shall be submitted to the Town Accountant to be placed on the warrant for payment until a majority of the elected or appointed members of said department, board, committee or com®ission have reviewed and approved such schedules by affixing their signatures thereon. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to amend Article IX of the General �By-Laws by adding the following new section or take any other action with respect thereto: No payroll incurred by a Town department, board, committee or commission shall be submitted to the Town Accountant to be placed on the warrant for payment until a majority of elected or appointed members of said department, board, committee or commission have reviewed and approved such payrolls by affixing their signatures thereon. Board of Selectmen ��ARTICI.E 12. To see if the Town of Reading will vote to amend Article I of '"the General By-Laws as follows: 1. Delete Section 1 and replace with a new Section 1 which reads as follows: The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on the first Monday in March of each year fox 1 the election of Town officers and for other such matters as required by law to be 11 determined by ballot. G 2. Section 2 - delete the words "first Monday in Nay" and replace with the words "third Monday in March" so that the first sentence in Section 2 reads as follows: All business of the Annual Town Meeting, except the election of such officers and the determination of such matters as required by law to be elected or determined by ballot, shall be considered at an adjournment of such meeting to be held at 8:00 P.M. on the third Monday in March except if this day shall fall on a legal holiday, in which case the meeting shall be held on the following day, or at a further adjournment thereof. 3. Section 7 - delete the.words "of March of the year for the Annual Town Meeting in which action thereon is to be taken" and replace with the words "preceding the date of election of Town Officers" so that the first sentence of Section 7 reads as follows: All articles for the Annual Town Meeting shall be submitted to the Board of Selectmen not later than 8:00 P.H. on the third Monday preceding the election of Town Officers. Amend Article III as follows: 1. Section 7 - change the words "Monday in May" in the first sentence to the words "adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting" so that the first sentence shall read: The Finance Committee shall make a written recommendation on all Articles that it has considered, and the Town Clerk shall mail said written recommendations to each Town Meeting Member at least seven (7) days prior to the first adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting, and second Monday in November and four (4) days in advance of any Special Town Meeting. 2. Section 10 - change the words "thirty-first day of December" appearing in the first and third sentences to the words "fifteenth day of November" so that the first sentence shall read: The various Town Boards Officers and Committees charged with the expenditure of Town money shall, not later than the fifteenth day of November of each year, prepare detailed estimates of the amounts deemed by them necessary for the administration of their respective Offices or Departments for the ensuing fiscal year with explanatory statements of the reason for any substantial changes in the amounts appropriated for the same purpose in the preceding year: and that the third sentence shall read: Such estimates and statements shall be filed by said fifteenth day of November with the Town Accountant who shall immediately deliver copies of the same to the Finance Committee. And amend Article XIII as follows: 1. Section I „ change the words, "last Monday in March" to the words "fifth Monday preceding the first adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting" so that Section 1 shall read: Section 1 - All Town Officers, Boards and Committees shall file an annual report of their doings with the Board of Selectmen on or before the fifth Monday preceding the first adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting of each year, and the Board of Selectmen shall cause such reports to be included in the Annual Town Report. i C2. Section 2 - change the words "last Monday in April" to the words "first Monday preceding the first adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting" so that Section 2 shall read: Section 2 - The Board of Selectmen shall have the printed Annual Town Report ready for distribution not later than the first Monday preceding the first adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting of each year. or take any other action with respect thereto. By-Law Committee ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town of Reading will vote to amend Article I of the General By-Laws as follows: Section 8 - add the words "the Planning Board and the By-Law Committee" so that Section 8 shall read as follows: The Board of Selectmen, after drawing a warrant for a Town Meeting, shall'immediately deliver a copy of such Warrant to each member of the Finance Committee, the Planning Board and the By-Law Committee." or take any other action with respect thereto. By-Law Committee ARTICLE 14. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the purpose of demolishing the present Community Center at 52 Sanborn Street including site clearance or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 15. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or from available funds or otherwise for the purpose of remodeling and renovating the Community Center at 52 Sanborn Street to bring said structure in compliance with State and Federal codes so that it may be used as offices for Town Boards and Committees or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 16. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the moving and relocation expenses for Town Departments that must be relocated as a result of the demolition of the Community Center or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town By-Laws as 1� follows: A. By adding, at the end of Section 8, Article I the words "and the Planning Board" so as to make the Section read as follows: "Section B. The Board of Selectmen, after drawing a Warrant for a Town Meeting, shall immediately deliver a copy of such Warrant to each member of the Finance Committee and the Planning Board." B. By entitling the paragraph under Article X as Section 1 and adopting the following as Section 2: Section 2. The Planning Board shall consider all matters of business included within Articles of any warrant which fall within one or more of the following classes of matters and shall make a written recommendation on all Articles that it has considered. The Town Clerk shall distribute said C Recommendations in the same manner as specified in Section 7 of Article III of these By-Laws. In the event the Planning Board has not made a prior recommendation to a Town Meeting relating to final action on any proposal by any Town Board, Committee, Commission, Department or Agency falling within one or more of the following classes of matters, then such proposed final action shall not be taken until it has been referred to the Planning Board, and the Planning Board has reported thereon to the submitting body, or has allowed forty-five (45) days to elapse after such reference without submitting its report: 2.1 The laying out, alteration, relocation or discontinuance of any public way. 2.2 The initiation, alteration or discontinuance of any scheduled transpor- tation service available to the general public. 2.3 The acquisition, rental, lease or sale of rights in any real property by the Town, other than for nonpayment of taxes. 2.4 Any public construction having an aggregate value in excess of $250,000.00. 2.5 Any demolition of a building owned by the public and/or utilizing public funds, undertaken for reasons other than imminent danger to the public health or safety. 2.6 Any By-Law, rule of regulation imposing restrictions on the use or development of land. - 2.7 Any By-Law relating to responsibilities or procedures of the Planning Board. or take any other action with respect thereto. Planning Board / ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-laws by l� adopting a new Zoning Map and renaming Residence Districts, as follows, or take any other action with respect thereto: A. By deleting paragraphs 3.1. , 3.2. , 3.2.1. , 3.2.2 and 3.2.3. andII substituting therefor new paragraphs 3.1. and 3.2. as follows: 3.1. Districts For the purpose of this By-law, the Town of Reading is hereby divided into eleven (11) zoning districts, as follows: Type „ Full Name Short Name Residence Single Family 10 District S-10 Residence Single Family 20 District 5-20 Residence Single Family 40 District S-40 Residence Apartment 40 District A-40 Residence Apartment 80 District A-80 I Business Business A District BUS. A f Business Business B District BUS. B Business Business C District BUS. C Industrial Industrial District IND Overlay Flood Plain District F Overlay Wetlands Protection District W 3.2. Zoning Map Districts are shown, defined and bounded on the map entitled "Reading Zoning Map", dated September 18, 1978, as amended, consisting of an index map and 35 sheets containing 39 detailed maps, prepared and signed by the Planning Board, which constitutes a part of these By-laws_ The map shall be kept on file and current by the Planning Board, who shall supply copies to the Town Clerk, the Building Inspector and the Board of Appeals. B. By deleting paragraph 3.3.1.2•and 3.3.1.3,and substituting therefor the new paragraph 3.3.1.2. as follows: 3.3.1.2. Where a boundary of an Overlay District is indicated as a contour, the boundary shall be the noted contour based on the mean sea level datum. Where a boundary apparently follows property lines, street lines, the end of drainage structures or other features, or extensions thereof, it shall be so interpreted. Where a boundary is indicated as approximately parallel to a street line or bank of a waterbody or watercourse, together with a single noted dimension, it shall be interpreted as parallel and located the noted distance from such street line or the mean high water line along such bank. The mean high water line is that elevation, at the bank of a waterbody, where vegetation changes from predominately terrestial to aquatic, and along the bank of a watercourse where the annual high water has left a definite mark in the channel. C. By deleting in paragraph 4.2.2., Table of Uses, the column headings "RESIDENEE A", "RESIDENCE B", and "RESIDENCE B-1" and substituting therefor new column headings "S-10, S-20, S-40", "A-40", and "A-80" respectively. D. By deleting in paragraph 4.3.2.7. "Residence A" and substituting therefor "Single Family". E. By deleting paragraphs 4.4.1 ., 4.4.1.1., 4.4.1.2. , 4.4.1.3., 4.4.1.4. , 4.4.1.5. , 4.5.1., 4.5.1.1. , 4.5.1.2. , 4.5.1.3. , 4.5.1.4. and 4.5.5. in their entirety. F. By deleting in paragraph 5.1.2. , Table of Dimensional Controls, "A-10, "A-2", "A-3", "R-B" and "B-1" in the stub headings and subtituting therefor "S-10", "5-20", "S-40", "A-40" and "A-80" respectively. G. By deleting in paragraph 5.2.2. "Residence A2" and substituting therefor "Single Family 20". y H. By deleting in paragraphs 5.2.5.1., 5.2.6.1., 5.2.7.1. and 6.1.2.6. "Residence B" and substituting therefor "Apartment 40". I. By deleting in paragraphs 5.2.6.2. , 5.2.7.2. , 5.2.8.1. and 6.1.2.5. "Residence B-1" and substituting therefor "Apartment 80". J. By deleting in paragraph 5.3.2.1. "Residence A-1", "Residence A-2- and Residence A-3" and substituting therefor "Single Family 10", "Single Family 20" and "Single Family 40" respectively. X. By adding the following as paragraph 7.1.1.1.: 7.1.1.1. Whenever an application is made for a building permit which the Building Inspector believes nay be affected by an Overlay District boundary, the Inspector shall require the applicant to provide as part of such application a plan, certified by a registered land surveyor, of the lot on which such building is intended to be built showing the exact location of the district boundary. Such plan shall not be required where a permit is applied for solely for interior work. Planning Board ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws by deleting paragraph 6.3.1.2 and substituting therefor a new paragraph 6.3.1.2 as follows: 6.3.1.2. A nonconforming lot may be built upon for one or two family use in any district permitting such use provided, at the time of its recording or endorsement, whichever occurred sooner, it conformed to the then existing requirements; it has at least five thousand (5,000) square feet of area and fifty (50) feet of frontage; and it was not held in common ownership with any adjoining land subsequent to February 1, 1978. or take any other action with respect thereto. ' Planning Board ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to amend the boundaries of the Wetland Protection District as shown on Sheet 33 of the map entitled "Proposed Wetlands Protection District Map, Reading, Massachusetts, 1975" and/or to amend the Wetlands overlay district as shown on Sheet 33 of 39 detail maps of the map entitled "Reading Zoning Map", dated September 18, 1978, as amended to include in such-Wetland Protection District and/or such Wetlands overlay district the following described lands or take any other action with respect thereto: All that land at and below the 80 foot contour elevation (U.S.G.S. Datum) , in the area bounded Westerly by North Main Street (route 28) , Northerly and Easterly by Pearl Street and Southerly by Franklin Street. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will vote to amend the zoning by-laws of the Town of Reading by making a map change to change a portion of the access road from Summer Avenue on the Assessor's Plat 14-3 from Residence A-1 to Residence B. or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 22. to see if the Town will vote to amend the Town By-Laws Article II, Section 1, Rule 12, or take any other action with respect thereto, by adding to the end of Rule 12 the following sentence: A motion to move the previous question shall require an 80% vote in the affirmative. Board of Selectmen I C And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least three (3) public places in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 13, 1978, the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town or by mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the time of holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this 2nd day of October, 1978. Frank A. Smith, Jr. James 1/. Sullivan, Jr. i 1 � Marvin M. senthal SELECTMEN OF READING A true copy. Attest: Constable v r