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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-08 Select Board PacketOutdoor Dining 2021 Outdoor Dining Policy Options 12/8/20 Select Board Meeting Modifications proposed to SB Policy 3.9.7: •Extend Timeframe to December 31, 2020 -Temporary COVID-19 Outdoor Dining Regulations •Modify Review Process -Tier 2 Applications. •Delegate regulatory authority to CPDC -Tier 2-Other Town-owned Property through December 31, 2021 or permanently. •Interim role using SB Policy? •Clarify public outreach procedures for Tier 2 applications –Block Plan Review (see map) Goal: To continue to support local businesses through a modified review process for expanded outdoor dining Extend The Timeframe •Current SB policy expired 11/30/20 •Extending the timeframe to 12/31/21 is recommended OPTION 2 –Modify and Extend SB Policy OPTION 3 –SB Delegate Tier 2 Review to CPDC PERMITTING BODY Select Board –Temporary COVID-19 Outdoor Dining Policy CPDC-Minor Site Plan Review PROFESSIONAL STAFF REVIEW (EAT) Yes-Provide comments to SB Yes-Provide comments to CPDC Modify Review Process –Tier 2 •SB Delegate Authority for Tier 2 review to CPDC o temporarily or permanently o ZBL Amendment planned for ATM •Follow SB Policy –until ZBL is passed •Applicable to Tier 2 •Outreach per Block Plan –and further as is warranted •Notifications By Town Staff Clarify Public Outreach Tier 2-Other Town Owned Property Proposals OPTION 2 –Modify and Extend SB Policy (Recommended) OPTION 3 –SB Delegate Tier 2 Review to CPDC (Recommended) PUBLIC OUTREACH “Block Plan Review” -Business owners and tenants of a geographic block. Depending on impacts, expanded outreach may be warranted. Newspaper notice and outreach to abutters, tenants, business owners within 300ft. Depending on impacts, expanded outreach may be warranted. NOTIFICATION TYPE Direct mail and e-mail communication Newspaper, direct mail and e-mail communication NOTIFICATION TIMELINE No less than one week prior to review No less than one week prior to review ACTION: Modify Section 3.9.7 Temporary COVID-19 Regulations: Licenses for Outdoor Dining on Town Property to clarify public outreach procedures for Tier 2 applications Timelines –Option 2 and Option 3 OPTION 2 –Modify and Expand Policy Option 3-CPDC Zoning and Review December SB Policy Review and Vote?CPDC Review of Zoning Amendment January, 2021 Application Available/ Business Outreach Application Available/ Business Outreach February, 2021 Application Review Application Available/ Business Outreach March, 2021 Application Review Application Available/ Business Outreach April, 2021 Application Review/ Outdoor Dining Deployed April 26th Town Meeting (Zoning)/ CPDC Application Review May, 2021 Application Review/Outdoor Dining Deployed CPDC Application Review/ Outdoor Dining Deployed June, 2021 Application Review/Outdoor Dining Deployed CPDC Application Review/Outdoor Dining Deployed Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2020-11-17 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: Mark Dockser, Carlo Bacci, Vanessa Alvarado, Karen Herrick, Anne Landry Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Kerry Dunnell, Fire Chief Burns, Police Chief Clark, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doherty, Gail Dowd, Attorney Brad Latham, Lorriane Horn, Jackie McCarthy, Mike Lacey, Bob Connor, Attorney Chris Latham, Jim Boland, Haley Benitez, John Delegas, Phil Rushworth, Chris Cridler, Stephanie Johnson, Stephen Crook, Mike Flynn, Con servation Administrator Chuck Tirone, Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Roc OConnell, Ivria Fried, Ray Miyares, MaryEllen ONeil, Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely on Zoom. Carlo Bacci moved to go into Executive Session including Counsel Greg Pagnini (BHPK Law), Johanna Mills (MIIA/Cabot Risk); staff members Bob LeLacheur and Caitlin Saunders in order to discuss strategy with respect to litigation and that the Select Board Chair declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body, and to reconvene in Open Session at approximately 7:30 PM. The motion was seconded by Anne Landry and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. The board resumed in open session at 8:08 PM. Kerry Dunnell from the Health Department gave an update noting vaccine information is seemingly on the way. They are working on an operational plan for when the vaccine is available and how to distribute it. She also noted Reading’s new campaign, MASK UP READING! Encourage people to continue wearing their masks and social distancing to keep doing their part. Chief Burns and Clark also gave updates from Command noting the group has been working great together to try and best to keep the town safe thru these unprecedented times. Dr. Doherty and Gail Dowd from the School department echoed the same thoughts and explained how they have had a large hand in food distribution. They have given out 60 Page | 2 thousand meals. The command team has been meeting since February and every department has been extremely supportive and helpful. The school is still working with a hybrid plan at the moment. The entire command team wanted to share their thoughts about the upcoming holidays. They are urging people to continue to be extremely cautious when out and visiting family. They are still urging people to keep their gatherings to a minimum to avoid exposure. It is tough not to see family during the holidays but we are hopeful for a better year ahead. Liaisons Carlo Bacci mentioned the Birch Meadow project is starting tomorrow and Recreation will be meeting about it. Vanessa Alvarado noted she has gotten some concerns from residents on Prescott Street. The school committee met to get an update on the space study. Karen Herrick noted the trails committee went out to Veterans Way to see the trail but there was not one to be found and also noted they are having drainage issues as well. She would like an update on the incident at the schools on election day. Anne Landry explained to Ms. Herrick the investigation about that incident is ongoing so that is the only update that can be given at this time. Mark Dockser noted himself and Anne opened up a line of communication to department heads to try and ease some tension; they want to put this as agenda item in the future. He also gave an update about Haverhill Street. The 35 MPH has been approved and we are working to get the word out and notify residents. Public Comment Bob Connor noted he is waiting to hear what the Town Manager has found out about cell carriers after talking to them. He feels the town shouldn’t be responsible for them. Mike Lacey noted enough is enough. He is stressed out about this topic and it needs to end. He urged the board to take a permanent vote and asked which board member will make the motion. Vanessa Alvarado noted she has a motion ready but Chair Dockser noted he would like to finish public comment and talk about this during the cell tower agenda item later in the evening. Jackie McCarthy noted a cell tower doesn’t belong in a neighborhood and feels there is a lack of transparency around this project. She also urged the board to take a vote. Fuddruckers Fuddruckers was in front of the board with a liquor license transfer of ownership. Current owner Jim Boland is selling the store to one of his Manager’s who has been there for years. Haley Benitez will be taking over the store and will continue to operate as is happening now. The store will stay a Fuddruckers. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the Liquor License transfer application for an Annual All Alcohol Restaurant License for HJB Restaurant Company d/b/a Fuddruckers Restaurant at 50 Walkers Brook Drive. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Carlo Bacci moved to close the hearing regarding the Fuddruckers liquor license transfer. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved wit the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Page | 3 Baystate Liquors Baystate Liquors was in front of the board with an application for their liquor license to change the ownership interest. They added a member to their LLC. The Police had no issues with this application. The board must approve this before it goes to the ABCC for final approval. Carlo Bacci moved to close the hearing regarding the Baystate Liquors application. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the Change of Ownership Interest Application for an Annual All Alcohol Package Store License for HT Reading Liquors d/b/a Baystate Liquors at 345 Main Street. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Class II Application Owner John Delegas was in front of the board requesting a Class II Motor Vehicle application to add to his gas station at 1337 Main Street. There were some questions raised about signage, snow plowing and how many cars will be on site. Mary Ellen O’Neill noted the site is a mess and landscaping looks crappy. She is worried adding a car license will make it look like a dump. The applicant cl eared up all questions and the board was satisfied with the answers. Carlo Bacci moved to close the hearing regarding the Class II Motor Vehicle application. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarad o and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Carlo Bacci move to approve the Class II License application for JD Petroleum, LLC at 1337 Main Street. Such license shall not take effect until the Licensee has obtained approvals from the Community Planning Development Commission and/or Zoning Board of Appeals, as may be determined to be needed. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. RCTV Update Phil Rushworth, Chris Cridler, Stephen Crook and Stephanie Johnson were present from the RCTV Board of Directors. They showed a video of all the things RCTV has accomplished this year and spoke about what they need going forward. The video can be found on RCTV’s YouTube page by watching the Select Board meeting. They are trying to come up with creative ways to create revenue. Every time someone gets rid of their cable that is a subscriber they are losing; with all the new ways to stream cable it is happening more frequently. Camp Rice Moody Attorney Brad Latham, Conservation Chair Mike Flynn, Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirone, Town Counsel Ivria Fried and Ray Miyares, and Roc OConnoll current treasurer of the Camp. Camp Rice Moody organization wants to turn over the property to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. They want the property to be preserved for the use of benefit of young Page | 4 women and open space for recreation. The way to do that is to impose a conservation restriction on the property. This requires votes from multiple boards and the state. The other boards have already voted to pass this, the Select Board is the last vote before it gets sent to the State for final approval. Chuck Tirone noted Conservation has already voted to approve this so they hope the Select Board will too. Lorraine Horn, Reading resident, urged the board to support this as it has been a great assets to the town and will be great to continue for future generations. Carlo Bacci moved that the Select Board approve the conservation restriction as presented by which the Reading Council for Girls, Inc. grants to the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, acting by and through its Conservation Commission, a perpetual conservation restriction pursuant to sections 31, 32 and 33 of Chapter 184 of the Massachusetts General Laws for nominal consideration on 8 acres of land, more or less, on westerly side of Rice Road and known as Camp Rice Moody, and being shown as parcel 133 on the Reading Assessors Map 32, and that the Board sign such conservation restriction certifying such approval. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following r oll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Cell Tower Update Mark Dockser started off by reading the Town Manager’s written update which can be found in the Select Board packet. Vanessa Alvarado noted she is frustrated we are not further in this process and that the Town Manager hasn’t given the board any solutions. She has a motion prepared for the board to vote on tonight that would not allow a cell tower to be constructed. Anne Landry noted she is not comfortable taking a vote tonight after not seeing it until now and not understanding the implications it could have. Karen Herrick noted she is tired of talking about this and would like to put it to rest. Carlo Bacci explained this cannot be all blamed-on Bob. Mr. Bacci wants a solution too but it is not solely in Bob’s hands and it is not fair to insinuate so. Vanessa Alvarado put forth her motion for the board to see: Move to indefinitely postpone the proposal of a separate and free standing cell tower on the Auburn street water tower site. Karen Herrick seconded this motion. The board discussed the motion with members Anne Landry and Mark Dockser not completely comfortable voting on this as it was not on the agenda to vote and this is the first time they are seeing it. Mr. Dockser felt we need to give it some more time and see more options with a few more discussions before voting. Anne Landry asked Town Counsels advice on this motion and if it would put the town in a ny compromising position in the future with the cell carriers. Although Town Counsel didn’t see anything wrong with the motion, the board started rewording the motion slightly to make all members comfortable with it. The new motion read by Vanessa Alvarado: Move to indefinitely postpone the proposal of the town constructing a separate and free standing, cell tower to support the carriers’ equipment on the Auburn Page | 5 Street water town site. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci. The motion was approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. Town Counsel Update on Service Town Counsel wanted to update the board and let them know that Mr. Miyares would be taking more a backseat role now and Ivria Fried will be our main point of contact going forward. Historic District Reorganization Two full members of the HDC would like to step down to associate roles and let 2 of the associate members move up to full members. The board agreed to let VASC handle it and come back to the full board when they are ready. Minutes The board put forth their edits to the 10/27 meeting minutes. Carlo Bacci moved to approve the meeting minutes of 10/27 as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes. The board discussed future agenda items. Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 11:37 PM. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci – yes; Herrick – yes; Landry – yes; Alvarado – yes; Dockser – yes.