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Home My WebLink About2009-04-14 Board of Selectmen PacketPROCLAMATION PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK WHEREAS: Emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire or emergency medical services; and WHEREAS: When an emergency occurs, the prompt response of Police Officers, Fire Fighters and paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and WHEREAS: The safety of our Police Officers and Fire Fighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Reading Police-Fire Communications Center; and WHEREAS: Public Safety Dispatchers are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; and WHEREAS: Public Safety Dispatchers are the single vital link for our Police Officers and Fire Fighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and insuring their safety; and WHEREAS: Public Safety Dispatchers of the Reading Police Department have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients; and WHEREAS: Each Dispatcher has'texhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim the week of April 12-18, 2009 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Reading in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our Town and citizens safe. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN Stephen A. Goldy, Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman Tames E. Bonazoli, Secretary Camille W. Anthony Richard W. Schubert q6t, ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY- ACCESS-STICKERS Compost Center Access Stic kers Use 2009 2009 Month Tota l Month Jan-09! 783 Jan-091 85 Feb-09: 106 Feb-09 Mar-09 I 113 Mar-09 0 i - 1 1002 1 85 - 2008 2008 Month (Total Month i Ja n-081 751 Jan-08 131 _ Feb-08 123 Feb-08 0 Mar-08 249 Mar-08 0 Apr-08 1249 Apr-08 - 6577 May-08 432 - May-08; - 5448 Jun-0_81 1_79 - --_Jun-081 3525 Jul-081 103 Jul-081 3711 Aug-08 82 Aug-081 4455 Sep-08! 70 Sep-081 2760 Oct-08 78 Oct-081 6171 Nov-08 59 Nov-08 13519 Dec-08 [ 288 Dec-08 64 3663 4b361 2007 2007 Month ;Total - Month Jan-071 727 Jan-071 137 Feb_-0 F 101 Feb-071 0 _ Mar-07 239 Mar-07 0 Apr-07 868 Apr-07 3205 May-07 _ 653 May-07 4870 Jun-07 - 249 Jun-07 4324 Jul-07 - 140 Jul-071 3413 Aug-07 ~ 73 Aug-071 2809 Sep-07 86 Sep-07' 3709 Oct-07 70 Oct-071- 4892 Nov-g' 116 Nov-071 12600 Dec-071 390 Dec-07 r 3449 3712 43408 - Compost Permits (1 day situations) - CY09 1 101 CY08 1 1541 - CY07 1 1531 Page 1 of 2 Schena, Paula From: McIntire, Ted Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 4:56 PM To: Hechenblelkner, Peter Cc: Keating, Bob; Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Compost Center Ted McIntire Director of Public Works From: Keating, Bob Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 2:01 PM To: McIntire, Ted Subject: RE: Compost Center Ted: The following are those compost related cost you asked for calendar year 2008 1. Compost tax workers- $ 3,660.00 488hrs at $7.50/hr 2. DPW straight time - $19,313.00 780 hrs at $24.76/hr 3. DPW overtime - $19,090.00 514 hrs at $ 37.14 4. Equipment/loader $109,990.00 1,294 hrs at $ 50 .00/hr 5. Brush Grinding $11.418.00 6. Total Cost $ 118,181 .00 From: McIntire, Ted Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 5:00 PM To: Keating, Bob Cc: Kinsella, Jane Subject: FW: Compost Center Bob, Please put this together and then we can review. It might make sense to use Jane's end-of-year staffing reports (FY06-FY08) to determine average hours of site preparation/maintenance and OT hours. Also need the brush-grinding costs and, as mentioned below, Tax Worker costs from Elder Services Division. I'm sure there are more. Thanks. SC_ 4/9/2009 Reading World Cafe Highlights and Themes from the Harvest February 27, 2008 The Reading World Cafe Community Conversation drew 217 people, from High School students to Senior Citizens and Parents of children from every age. Business people, residents, volunteers and advocates came together to talk about what they wanted for the future of Reading. After four rounds of conversation, the participants were asked to create sticky notes with ideas for each of four Categories: ■ What DREAMS do we have for the future of Reading? ■ What OPPORTUNITIES currently exist? ■ What DILEMMAS are present that need to be addressed? ■ What are some NEXT STEPS we can take to get what we want? The number of responses for each category is as follows: Dreams = 119 Opportunities = 86 Dilemmas = 79 Next Steps = 52 There was duplication in each of the categories, as well as across categories. Some cross category duplication can be attributed to personal perspective of what a dream vs. an opportunity is for example. Overview ■ The participants were happy. with the event; they want to do it again with more and different people. ■ They want mare/better access to leisure activities. within their community, i.e. outdoor recreation, cultural arts center, community center. ■ They are interested in 'boundary crossing' structures for connection, increasing diversity, multigenerational interaction, interfaith activities and ways to come together as community to learn and celebrate. ■ They want to have more information/better communication about what is happening in their community. ■ There is a strong interest to go `green' and become more environmentally friendly. ■ They want to have the results of the event acknowledged and used by the governing bodies. 5d- . DREAM. Themes The flavor' of the dreams was a strong interest in increased connection and accessibility, to each other, to information about events in the community, to businesses, streets and fields, and to other generations. ■ A significant number of dreams were expressed about the personality of downtown area. Participants expressed interest in connecting, and in having businesses there that would support leisure time (ice cream parlor, bookstore) and provide a social center for the town. ■ Along those same lines, other dreams reflected a desire for places that draw participation and connection, such as a community center and an .arts/cultural center. ■ Other dreams and desires were for accessible outdoor space, ranging from sidewalks to walking paths at existing outdoor spaces such as Birch meadow. ■ Another theme involved becoming more environmentally friendly and becoming more `green' in how we build, plan, and preserve. OPPORTUNITY Themes Data from this category reflects what the participants saw as community strengths to be capitalized upon. The results include both tangible and intangible community characteristics, from vacant space in the downtown to ready volunteerism. ■ There were a number of suggestions regarding business opportunities in the downtown. ■ Suggestions maintained the 'flavor' of the Dreams, reflecting a desire for greater connections between teens, elders, and diverse families. ■ Practical suggestions such as increasing library hours, leveraging service hour requirements, and coordinating volunteer opportunities were also prevalent. DILEMMAS Themes Data in this category acknowledges the practical challenge of funding and implementing the dreams and opportunities. yav Specific issues include concerns about noise, police patrols, drug abuse, and about a lack of interest in town activities such as town meeting.. Money or funding was also a prominent Dilemma. NEXT STEPS Themes These reflections include broad ideas, as well as quite specific suggestions. ■ The data reflects a strong desire to build on the momentum of World Cafe by having another cafe, and by disseminating the information gathered. ■ There is an expectation that the information be used by government bodies in town (Master planning group, town boards, and economic development). ■ In addition to using existing, structures, there are some suggestions for additional programmatic structures including an implementation committee, a full time ombudsman, a volunteer coordinator, a mentoring program for teens, and many ideas for increased information sharing by the town. ■ There were also suggestions that reflect an awareness of the need to address issues beyond those specific to the community. Full Harvest Transcript attached. cJ" Reading World Cafe HARVEST TRANSCRIPT February 27, 2008 DREAMS ■ Thriving business community in reading center ■ A downtown community ■ Diverse businesses in the downtown area i.e. restaurants, retail, businesses Economically diverse downtown • Beautify south main ■ Upgraded town center with greatly expanded parking and several good, locally-owned restaurants Vibrant, welcoming, pedestrian friendly downtown dream and opportunity ■ Make downtown the heart of the community • Vibrant and varied downtown • Healthy and active downtown ■ Revitalize downtown bring in diverse businesses ■ Cool new bookstore in downtown ■ A welcoming downtown ■ Ice cream parlor and a bookstore • New downtown ■ Revitalizing the town center i.e. family space, place to socialize, attractive business ■ Destination downtown walk, picnic, and shop ■ Skating board park at old imagination station Bike path • Sidewalks and bicycle paths ■ More open spaces for residents and kids a bike trail or ipswich river park type place ■ Pedestrian/cycle friendly pathways in Reading • Bike paths, walking paths, mass transit within town ■ Emphasizing biking and walking, use less cars ■ Farmers market and community farming ■ Village • Green conservation space and open-space around town, example- walking paths around Ipswich River • Create walking path around Birch Meadow area, fields, etc. ■ More athletic/recreational space for all ages ■ Gazebo town green or memorial park ■ Green belt ■ Comprehensive green.space plan ■ Become more environmentally friendly ■ Preserve open space and undeveloped land • Fnd ways to be environmentally conscience ■ Preserve and maintain open spaces • A beautiful green Reading ■ Make town more ecologically balanced and green • Thinking green first ■ A greener Reading ■ Greening Reading ■ Trees s ■ Communtity garden ■ Develop organic community garden ■ A recycling center people drop off/pick up items- reduce trash and waste ■ Multi generational community center • Human center for all ages ■ Community center to bring all generations together ■ Community center • Arts community center (music painting theater) • Create a community gathering place (intergenerational center - youth/seniors) • Outdoor gathering activities places A community center. Something for everyone to be able to go and do different activities • Community gathering spaces (pool, bandstand, picnic areas) neighbors, family, youth, seniors • Community center for group events - larger senior center, youth center, multipurpose center • More and bigger community space ■ Small town feeling with open minded thinkers ■ Mixing it up bringing people together for fun and the common good • Meet the needs of all age groups in town • Keep small town feel ■ Neighbor helping neighbor ■ Maintain small town atmosphere ■ Community involvement volunteering for all age groups intergenerational connections ■ Interacting with all age groups ■ Social and cultural opportunities fora range of ages in the cmmunity • Continued focus for doing the right things for our young people • Student involvment in the community • Focus on teens-involvment • Focus on teens-perspective • Can we create more opportunites in the community-youth center • Destinations for middle schoolers and high schoolers • Activity center for kids • More resources for teens, teen center ■ Youth center ■ Keep education a priority and moving forward ■ Free full day kindergarten Introducing arts at an early age way before 6th grade • A life long coordinated education system for all ages • Reading schools center of excellence in STEM • Work to obtain more funding for special needs to allow greater funding for other school needs- we need state and federal funding to include more special needs • Diversity ■ More diversity ■ Celebrating U earning diversity • Diversity age, family, culture, creed & race ■ Diversity V "J J ■ Diversity ■ How can we increase diversity in the community? ■ To have a mail in Reading ■ More small businesses, friendly, local ■ Controlled business development. Limit to how many types of businesses can stay Creating incentives to localize businesses (have less practical stores) • Committee to bring in new, interesting businesses to town ■ Businesses that offer more of a "hang out" place. For example a coffee house. Somewhere that could draw people from other towns. ■ High school orchestra ■ Support for the creative economy Arts center ■ Creative arts center ■ Communtiy/cultural center ■ RCN on demand (Youtube?) ■ One Central intereet site for all volunteer needs & opportunities (ie volunteermatch.com) ■ Communication ■ Community board with communications & update (similar to Edline) but with town news • Have news and current information and issues going on in Reading on a website or other accessible place Well designed parking garage ■ Town-wide transportation ■ Parking structure ■ Fewer cars ■ Central area shuttle bus and/or more senior vans ■ Long term thinking • Keep the momentum going and see results • Global hookup ■ Sponsor a positive week only ■ Habitat for reading Stop the increase of taxes and maintain budget while improving Reading ■ Maintaining a strong stable financial base • Substance abuse prevention ■ Drug free town • Have Reading come together as a community bridge generational and interest group gaps ■ Earlychildhood center and arts center OPPORTUNITES' ■ Coordinating our cultural resources sA~ ■ Use senior citizens more effectively & .keep them in town • Coordination of volunteering - bring together different generations, different schools, different geographical areas to share skills & work together ■ Senior Center available on Friday nights as a Teen center ■ Community service credit ■ Community gathering space Arts, Culture, for different groups & ages • Volunteer Coordination - person/facility ■ Youth activity multi-generational center (crafts, games, entertainments, social activities) ■ Places for kids to go ■ Senior/teen community center ■ Youth centers • Engaging the youth of reading - passing knowledge, showing & teaching about the community ■ Places for our teens! ■ Supporting teens & seniors • Tap into elders history & experience ■ Reach out to youth in the community/high school to encourage them & increase involvement in healthy activities around them ■ Arts Center ■ Drop-in volunteerism • A community center for the town where job & volunteer opportunities are posted ■ Leverage service hours of the high school students Utilizing all of our resources - collective wisdom, elderly, our students, business/school partnerships ■ How do we use the downtown reconstruction to more fully engage the community & bring it together • Fabric town ■ Use the open space in town to attract light manufacturing, b'io-tech, etc, businesses that Will support a diversified tax base • Diversity of of shops and restaurants • New downtown opportunityfor diverse shops & restaurants • Revitalization of downtown businesses • More appealing downtown Downtown renovation ■ Downtown • Reuse the empty buildings in the center • Make town more attractive to businesses ■ Preserve feel downtown vibrancy • Keep the close knit "small town" community & build on it ■ So many people in town who want to improve the community & make it more desirable. So many people concerned with what goes on in the town. ■ Strong sense of volunteerism ■ Highly educated community ■ A strong & generous & concientious community (and good looking) ■ Momentum ■ Leadership capture talent ■ School district nationally recognized ■ RCASA Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse grant ■ Presence of undeveloped space that has potential for the "right" development ■ Tremendous energy of our residents say ■ Healthy solvent tax base ■ Responsive involved government • Provide more opportunities for using existing outdoor open space & getting more space • Green beautification ■ Imagination station space • Outdoor recreation-including town forest-conservation land • Recreation and athletic complexes used better ■ Trail walks ■ Develop passive recreation opportunities in our,open spaces ■ Ecology/green theme gateway to bike trails, Ipswich-encourage green businesses ■ Expand access to communtiy/town trails and forest • Utilizing.town web site to its full potential ■ Local interest blogs • An intereet based community calender ■ Strong collaboration • Communication to all levels • Increase communication • Sunday library hours ■ Open.Library on Sundays ■ Improve & keep funding for arts • Continued success in pursuit of grants ■ Not very expensive grants? ■ Focus on getting funds & grants to help reach our dreams ■ Increase in jobs ■ Supporting local small business • Enrich our values to include more of what people without school age kids..... • Make Reading education an examplar for the state • Use the schools & improve on it • Town/school space more useable by the town • Keep and utilize town forest ■ Town forest ■ Town forest used more • Building on positive experience of the world cafe - example of courteous communication & collaboration ■ Reading World Cafe • Get federal government to solve national healthcare problem ■ Advocacy at state level ■ Open space preservation (preservation act) ■ Interfaith opportunities • Celebration of our community again (eg. 350th energy better than community day) a~ • Pedestrianese ■ parking ■ "Green" buildings - environmental building standards for future projects DILEMMAS ■ Questioning ability to afford to stay in Reading • Money ■ Money! How do we get it without raising taxes? • Research grants and fund matching grants to improve Reading without raising taxes ■ How to support services within $ constraints Inflation impact on town budget (prop 2 1/2) • How to fund the dreams ■ How to pay for change? • How do we pay for it all? • How to financially support the dreams? • Time money & space ■ Money ■ Attract businesses we really need • Bring viable small business into town (no more banks, pharmacies, nail salons) ■ How do you attract businesses that will succeed • Maintain local boutique type stores & encourage patronage by Readingits & other . community customers • Depth of business diversity ■ Downtown welcoming development & access • Active downtown ■ Road conditions throughout the whole town • How to overcome auto vs. foot conflict ■ Four lanes split downtown ■ Infrastructure - curbs, roads, lighting • More of a walking/biking community, vs. a driving community. Better the sidewalks. Make them safer. • Where to find accurate town information • Communication within the community. Ways to get information to everyone ■ How to find out why people move in & out of town ■ Communication ■ Informing the community about what the town has to offer ■ Communicating community opportunities • Reading has many people who want to contribute but some structures do not allow for cross-pollination of resources ■ Lack of interest in Town Meeting • How do we encourage greater volunteerism ■ Housing ■ How can Reading allow for more recycling? ■ More creative art accessibility for all ages ■ Where can youth hang. out? • Safety - police patrol ■ Lose town forest - Conservation commission • Sustainability Noise levels from schools and YMCA • That the children do not feel pressures of overachieving in extra-curricular activities ■ Research grants & fund matching grants to improve Reading without raising taxes • Lack of diversity ■ Trying to welcome diverse groups, trying to spread the word about town events is hard • Not enough diversity in community ■ Outreach to acquire diversity ■ How do we have more people of color come to live & stay in Reading ■ How to increase diversity & welcome different ethnic groups ■ Cultural diversity • Lack of diversity ■ Space location • More creative art accessibility for all ages ■ Parking ■ Parking ■ Parking downtown ■ Parking downtown & at railroad station ■ Parking vs. green space ■ Parking downtown ■ How do we encourage the right kind of growth • How do.we go beyond business as usual to encourage new ideas? • Lack of public transportation & safe access to downtown area • Lack of diversity with current downtown business also prevents the draw of people • Improved awareness for existing public transportation - buses and trains more incentives ■ Informing the community about what the town has to offer ■ Who will drive the going forward usage of information • Moving forward and keeping our roots • Preserving Reading feel, yet change is inevitable ■ How to we go beyond business as usual to encourage new ideas? ■ Hidden service s costs of new development (commenrcial & residential) ■ Drug free community - community awareness ■ Substance abuse problem • As a community coming together to acknowledge & address substance abuse ■ Any area developed is a burden on certain. areas which creates conflicts with opinions ■ Conflicting priorities NEXT STEPS ■ Town Meeting proposal • Fund the School district improvement plan • Cross reference the themes under "opportunities" with existing plans. Identify commonalities and gaps ■ More trees - 1 tree per house/drive • sidewalks & walkways ■ Community traditions & activities (fireworks, tday football, family day, 360th dance peforming arts • Continue community reforms like this ■ Online bulletin boards ■ Diversity - encourage cultural diversity for the community (eg, international food fair) • Community calendar • Follow-up program on rcty summarizing results to extend conversation to entire community ■ Keeping the community involved Continued community activities (such as this) Getting the word out around town about events • More and broader Reading World cafe • Communication vehicle for residents on information on town related activities & programs ■ Community transportation system ■ Work with town groups to identify businesses that will work with & for Reading ■ More of these events (Keep this momentum going) • Follow up to events like this • Staying involved ■ Taking common themes through our existing government to move ideas forward ■ World Cafe idea within RMHS for students • Full time ombudsmen ■ Face lift for South Main Street ■ Fundraising events to support the needs of Reading residents • Report data through newspapers, mailings, website, RCN • Online collaboration ■ Make downtown no smoking district - ban outdoor smoking Implementation committee NEED FOLLOW UP ■ Support greenway ■ Library & schools could have education programs to promote other cultures & world issues ■ Pass the community preservation act ■ Need citizens of reading tro embrace environmental plans and ideas such as recycling, conservation, climate action, green design of buildings ■ Sponsorship/champions Support for people who spearhead new projects/businesses • Library needs town support for extra hours ■ Ask teenagers what they would. like to see ■ Need welcome for new residents/means of dispensing information for people - a welcome wagon type of approach ■ Town boards should look at.and use this output ■ High school assembly to educate/inform students of importance of Reading community ■ Coalesce ideas for Economic Development Committee ■ Town'Trolley - easier access between neighborhoods ■ The master planning group should use this output • Get more people involved, more community discussion Focus group - feasibility study s ■ Look at other towns to learn successful ideas • Create a mentor program of community volunteers with high school studnets to encourage town involvement • Centralize information about afterschool & community programs, Create forums for people to share ideas & information ■ Trail maps (updated & accurate) for open space • Use resourceful talents of Reading residents to plan for future ■ Quality of life for seniors • Make the world cafe an annual affair S Dear World Cafe participant: Thanks for participating in the World Cafe. The 225 participants and the organizers all felt that this was a very worthwhile effort, and it was exciting and energizing too. Now comes the follow-up. Deb Gilburg and Kerry Dunnell have done a great job in mining the detailed information from the World Cafe night, and that information is now available on the World Cafe web site at www.read inaworldcafe.ora. In addition, the map and the actual sticky notes that you all created are on display at the Library. In my office we have put together an email list of all of the participants. I am now working with Town and School Department staff to use the information and priorities from the World Cafe to shape our own priorities and activities. This is a process that will take a while, but I do want to keep you informed on how we are doing, and how your thoughts and opinions are helping to shape your Town. In order to continue this communication, I'd like to begin to directly address one of the themes from the World Cafe improved communication. Therefore with your permission, I'd like to do a few things: e Directly connect you as a subscriber to the quarterly newsletter "Your. Community Connection" that is available on the Town web site. That way we will be able to directly connect you to Town news without your having to search on the web site. o Connect you as a subscriber to a Town Manager's blog, which I will start soon. I am eager to experiment with this new method, and will be using a one-way format with frequent communications so that interested parties can get focused weekly information about major happenings. o I would like to use your names as potential volunteers for Town and School volunteer positions. Reading has 47 formal standing Boards, Committees, and Commissions, as well as periodic ad hoc (short term, focused topic) groups. We depend on a steady supply of volunteers. By participating in the World Cafe you have demonstrated a strong interest in the community. Many of you have even volunteered in specific ways to work with and for your community. We have lots of volunteer opportunities - large and small. Attached is a list of all the volunteer positions, plus two new Committees that are being established, along with the town application form for you to fill out if you are interested. This is a start on utilizing the ideas and energy from the World Cafe. If there are no objections within a week, I'll go ahead and move forward on these ideas. I look forward to working with you for the improvement of our community of Reading. Pete Hechenbleikner Town Manager Pat Schettini Superintendent of Schools 5_~ ~3" Recommended Sidewalk construction and Sidewalk snow plowing modifications Elem School Proposed Action Street Location District Comment Construct Sidewalk Mill Street Entirety Van Norden Lindsay to Construct Sidewalk Road Franklin Forest to Construct Sidewalk Grove Street Franklin Franklin to Construct Sidewalk Grove Street Strout Ave Bancroft, Highland to Construct Sidewalk Auburn, Oakland opposite Improve Sidewalk Main Street Putnam Linnea and Dana to Main Construct Sidewalk Irving Street Baker to Forest Construct Sidewalk Pearl Street Glen Construct Sidewalk Forest Glen Pearl to Main Construct Sidewalk Pleasant Street John to Azaela Haverhill to "old Construct Sidewalk 129 Circle Salem Street" Woburn line to Construct Sidewalk West Street Willow Street Pine Ridge Construct Sidewalk Road Oak to Walnut complete to Construct Sidewalk Deering Street Harriman Connects to park Wood End and trail system Difficult but school Wood End route Wood End/Birch Connects major Meadow walks suggested by Walkable Reading - connection to trail system - difficult sections because of Wood End high walls Birch Meadow Serves 3 schools widen to make Birch Meadow plowing easier Killam School Route east side - cem trees block west Killam side Killam (north side connects park and Killam neighborhood major walking area to stores and to Killam "Lake" Barrows/Joshua part of West Street Eaton project School route and Joshua Eaton serves park Walkable Reading Barrows? suggestion Walkable Reading recommendation - Construct Sidewalk Vine Street Mineral to Vine Barrows? commuter route Summer to West (actually I think from Hillcrest to Walkable Reading Construct Sidewalk Prescott Street West Joshua Eaton? Recommendation South to Construct Sidewalk Curtis Street Walnut Joshua Eaton School route 1/23/2009 1 5e ' Add sidewalk Haverhill to plowing Franklin Street Main Wood End School route east side - Eliminate sidewalk Knollwood to School District plowing Main Street Summer Joshua Eaton changed Eliminate sidewalk Charles to School District plowing Pearl Street Baker Killam changed Salem to Add sidewalk Walkers Brook completes walking plowing John Street Drive Killam route Add sidewalk West side of Enos to connects isolated plowing West Street Selfridge Barrows neighborhood west side - Add sidewalk Summer to makes plowed plowing Main Street Hopkins Joshua Eaton sidewalk continuous west side - Add sidewalk Hopkins to completes walking plowing Main Street Stoneham Joshua Eaton route west side - connects to high Add sidewalk South to Border demand commercial plowing West Street Road Joshua Eaton location north side - Eliminate sidewalk Lincoln to unnecessary - other plowing Prescott Summer I Joshua Eaton I side is plowed I Note from Walkab I le Reading - if deciding which s , ide of the stree t to plow, do the sidewalk on north side - better sun 1/23/2009 2 Board of Selectmen Meeting March 10, 2009 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:02 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief James Cormier, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Nadmi Kaufman, Tom Quintal, Fred Van Magness, Karen Herrick, Police Officers Justin Martel and John Edson, Fire Fighters Steven Binari, Jr. and Nicholas Metcalf, George Rio, Kara Fratto, Robert Ferrari, Kathy Greenfield. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that the DPW Director Committee concluded their work. They received 65 resumes and conducted 12 interviews. He met with Walkable Reading and they are planning an educational effort during the week of Arbor Day. He noted that Sarah Mulroy is out sick but asks that everyone support the Laramie Project that is being produced by the RMHS Drama Club. Sarah is working with Selectman James Bonazoli and Chairman Stephen Goldy on the intergenerational program at the Senior Center. She requested that the Selectmen do a Proclamation for Rachel Marolda who will be donating a check to Children's Hospital for $10,000. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he attended a Birch Meadow Safety Committee Meeting. He also noted that there was an email under Public Comment from the resident at 295 Avon Street regarding the burned out Tux property on Main Street. The Town Manager noted that there is an application before the ZBA for that property. Chairman Goldy noted that he attended a meeting at the State House re: regionalization. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that when possibilities get closer, he would like to see the items. Public Comment - Bill Brown suggested that Imagination Station be rebuilt on the Oakland Road property. He also noted that the Tux building was approved by the ZBA the other night. Town Manaiaer's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Spring leaf collection is cancelled due to FY 2009 Budget constraints. • The Compost Center will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays beginning in April, again due to budget constraints. • I have laid off the Assistant Building Inspector due to budget constraints and lack of work. • RFD will not respond to car lockouts unless a child is inside - due to budget constraints. • Walkable Reading - "Spring'Spruce-Up" is being planned for April 25th through May 2nd. (,C~ 1 Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 10. 2009 - Page 2 • The date of the Community Organizations Seminar is March 19, 2009 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Hall. The Health Division has sent out the invitations. • DPW Director hiring process. • Meeting on March 9th re: Zoning amendment - Smart Growth. • Town Election - April 7th. Only Precincts 1 and 4 have at least the eight people running for the eight seats in each precinct. If anyone is planning to run as a write-in for Town Meeting, please notify the Town Clerk's Office so that we can add their names to the tally sheets. This makes it easier for poll workers at the end of the night when tallying. • Town Meeting - April 27th. • New businesses in Reading o Ristorante Pavarotti o Swiss Baker o Wayside Bazaar site - Restaurant coming soon o Portion of Eastern Bank site - Meat and Poultry Shop o Salem Five Bank • A 2BR affordable housing Unit at Sumner Cheney Place is available - cost is $234,200. • We understand from the MBTA that they have done some work on the Ash Street grade crossing protection, and that it is the first priority project to be completed this year. • Next Board of Selectmen - Office Hours at 6:30 p.m. on o April 14th - James Bonazoli The Assistant Town Manager noted that last year at this time, 2600 demand notices were sent out. This year, only 2000 have been sent out. He also noted that March 18th is the last day to register to vote, and the Town Clerk's Office will be open until 8:00 p.m. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition - RCTV's 10th Anniversarv - A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the Certificate of Recognition in honor of RCTV's 10th Anniversary, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning - Police Officers - Chief James Cormier introduced the Police Department's newest Officers Justin Martel and John Edson. The Board congratulated the Police Officers. Badte Pinning - Fire Fighters - Chief Greg Bums introduced the Fire Department's newest Fire Fighters Steven Binari, Jr. and Nicholas A. Metcalf. The Board congratulated the Fire Fighters. Appointments - Economic Development Committee - The Board interviewed George Rio and Kara Fratto for two positions on the Economic Development Committee. It was noted that John Russell was a regular full member requesting to be appointed as an Associate due to time constraints. Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the Economic Development Committee with a term expiring June 30.2009: Kara Fratto and George Rio. Mr. Rio received four votes and was appointed. 6 6~ , Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 10. 2009 - Pai4e 3 Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Economic Development Committee with a term exoirin2 June 30. 2009: Kara Fratto and John Russell. Each applicant received four votes and were appointed. Telecommunications and Technology Advisorv Committee - The Board interviewed Robert Ferrari for one position on the TTAC. Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Telecommunications and Technoloav Advisorv Committee with a term expiring June 30. 2010: Robert Ferrari. Mr. Ferrari received four votes and was, appointed. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant - Annual Town Meeting - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting. He noted that Article 10 is to transfer $125,000 to design the building to replace the cemetery building. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Cemetery Board voted to put this on the Warrant. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested looking at the debt schedule. Bill Brown noted that the money is being requested out of the Sale of Real Estate Fund. The Town Manager noted that it is not realistic to design a building when it's not going to get built until 2013. We're not even sure if the building will be there or down at the DPW Garage. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the design is too far ahead. She suggested putting this on the November Warrant. The Town Manager noted that Article 11 is to authorize revolving funds, and one has been added for the Mattera Cabin. Article 12 is to establish a stabilization fund for sick leave buyback and vacation time buyback. Article 13 is to transfer MTBE money into the Water Enterprise Fund. Article 14 is the 2010 Budget. Article 15 provides for the borrowing of Town finances for performance contracting. Article 17 makes a violation to smoke, ingest or otherwise use or consume marijuana on public property. Articles 18 and 19 are zoning articles. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to close the Warrant consistine of 20 Articles for the Annual Town Meeting to take place on April 27, 2009 at 7:30. p.m. at the Readin'a Memorial High School. 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. &a-3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 10. 2009 - Paae 4 Discussion re: Historical Demolition Delav - Inventorv of Properties - Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the demolition delay bylaw allows for a 12 month delay for the Historical Commission to find another use for the property. Historical Commission Chairman Kathy Greenfield noted that anyone can fill out a form and submit it to the State and get on the inventory. She also noted that the Commission tied the bylaw to the inventory and no vote is required. The Town Manager noted that the new demolition bylaw does not tie to the inventory. Selectman Richard Schubert asked what is the criteria for adding a house to the inventory, and Kathy Greenfield indicated that she knows of none. Selectman James Bonazoli asked what is the Historical Commission's criteria to add something to the list, and Kathy Greenfield indicated that they haven't added anything to the list. She noted that the list goes back to 1925 but homes that are 50 years old are eligible but have not been added. Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the Historical Commission decides to add homes to the inventory, will they hold public hearings. Kathy Greenfield indicated that they are not required to hold a hearing. Chairman Goldy noted that if any of the Downtown properties are added, then the Selectmen want to be notified. Draft Code of Conduct - The Town Manager noted that this is extremely successful in other communities. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that this ties in well with the training they did for Boards, Committees and Commissions. The Town Manager noted that he will send this out to the Committees asking for comments and then schedule a hearing. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that other communities set up subcommittees to do interviews before the meeting, and then make a recommendation to the Board for appointments. He also noted that, this allows for a more in-depth interview. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that Chairman Stephen Goldy find out how that community functions. Discussion of Fees - Community Access - The Town Manager noted that the Board had discussed unbundling the Community Access Program. Residents sometimes complain that they don't use the Compost Center. He also noted that we can't really tell if people are buying stickers for the parking or the Compost Center. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that Public Works keeps statistics on how many use the Compost Center. Fred Van Magness of 243 Franklin Street noted that if the Town increases the parking fee, then people will park in the neighborhoods. He feels that $25.00 encourages recycling and noted that when fees start to increase, then people leave their leaves all over the place. He feels that what we are doing now works and should not be changed. GO-, ~ Board of Selectmen Meetiniz - March 10. 2009 - Pate 5 Selectman Camille Anthony suggested waiting for the new DPW Director to come on board Chairman Stephen Goldy indicated that he liked bundling and suggested raising the fee $5.00 and then we gain $18,000. Fred Van Magness cautioned the Selectmen on imposing a fee that's more than the cost because then it could be considered a tax. He suggests doing a check box on the application to indicate what the sticker is being used for. He noted that the Town needs to keep the same hours at the Compost Center. Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that he supports collecting data. Selectman James Bonazoli asked how much it costs to run the Compost Center. He noted that if we are closing early, then we are not getting enough money. The consensus of the Board was to gather more information and to look at unbundling. The Town Manager will develop a schedule for the decision-making process. Discuss Board of Selectmen/Department Head Retreat - The Town Manager expressed an interest in holding a Department Head/Board of Selectmen Retreat in June of this year. He has secured the services of a local resident at no charge. Board members had diverse opinions on a retreat - there was not a lot of enthusiasm for it. The Town Manager was asked what the goals of the retreat would be, and noted that he would like some discussion about the roles and responsibilities of the Board and staff, and further discussion on interaction of staff with the Board. He also noted that the Department Heads are in favor of holding a retreat. The Assistant Town Manager noted that retreats have been a valuable strategic planning tool, and cited the Department Head retreat at which the need for a focus on technology was developed, and that discussion resulted in the technology changes and improvements that are being implemented today. Without the retreat, that would probably not have happened. There was no follow-up suggested. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to adjourn the meetine of March 10. 2009 at 11:01 mm. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary (,CL, J Board of Selectmen Meeting March 17, 2009 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy. Vice Chairman Ben Tafova. Secretarv James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthonv and Richard Schubert, Youth Representative Sarah Mulrov. Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Health Administrator Larry Ramdin, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Dom LaCava, John Gill, John and Linda Toth, Philip Logsdon, Andrew and Marie Donahue, P. Genovese, Jonathan and Lori Gorski, Nancy Graham, John and Beth Joyce, Thomas and Jane McCord, Chaya and Hasmukh Patel, Walter and Laura Mack, Ralph Blunt, Donald Smith, Ronald Vanderberg, Rachel Marolda, Representative Brad Jones, Attorney Josh Latham, Jack Sullivan, Andrew Stebbins, Dennis Brearley, Dante] Hart, Mark and Nancy Cullen, John and Lynn Arena, Barbara and Joseph Argonish, Michelle and Robert Halloran, Karen Cerretani, Barbara Meade, Karen Janowski, Vincent Logidice, Jennifer George, Daniel DeCarpis, Donna Reid, Richard and Donna Whalen. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli to 20 into Executive Session for the purpose of stratesv with retard to litigation to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all five members votint in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Reports and Comments - Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy noted that the RMHS Drama Club's production of the Laramie Project was a success. She also noted that "Reading Rocks" will take place at the Birch Meadow School on March 20, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. She noted that the LEO Club will hold a game night at the Senior Center. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya thanked the Clergy Association for the ceremony on Friday. He noted that the Laramie Project was outstanding, and thanked Police Chief Jim Cormier, Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini and Principal Joseph Finigan for all their hard work in keeping this an orderly event. Public Comment - The Town Manager indicated that he responded to Fred Van Magness' email. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation - Honoring Rachel Marolda - Rachel Marolda and her family were present. 6b Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 17. 2009 - Page 2 Sarah Mulroy requested that the Board recognize Rachel Marolda. She noted that Rachel was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in 2006 before starting her freshman year in high school. She was operated on and several months after her surgery, she began designing her own jewelry. She will be donating $10,000 from the proceeds of her jewelry business for brain tumor research. Sarah noted that Rachel is an inspiration to everyone. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the Proclamation honoring Rachel Marolda was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Discussion - State Senator and Rebs - Representative Brad Jones was present. He noted that Representative Dwyer sent a letter, indicating that he is unable to be present, and Senator Richard Tisei is also unavailable. Representative Jones noted that we are not out of the woods yet with the 9C cuts for FY09, and the stimulus money for FY09 was higher than expected so that might help. He also noted that the revenue forecast for FY10 is being revised, and six out of eight hearings have been held on the budget. He feels that the budget will be ready by the last week in April. Reading is receiving just over $1 million for Special Education for FY09 and FYI 0, and the payment will be spread out over 27 months, Representative Jones noted that there were 8,000 submittals for the stimulus package, and they are looking at geographical equity and timeframe. He does not know what the Chapter 90 reimbursements will be. With regard to double poles, he is getting the list from Reading and reaching out to other communities. The Town Manager noted that the Governor has proposed initiatives, and the towns need authority in the plan design for health insurance. He asked about the hotel tax and the local option meal tax. Representative Jones noted that the meal tax is hard to track because not all corporate offices break them down by cities and towns. He also noted that they are discussing lowering the threshold for the weighted vote of the health insurance bargaining. Representative Jones noted that Ash Street crossing is in good shape, the Downtown is moving along, and the 93 Interchange project is being looked at as far as takings, visual and sounds. He requested at least two representatives tom Reading participate in this scoping process. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that Bob Frey indicated that they are looking at the scaled back version of the Interchange and dealing primarily with the lane drop. The question is what version of the plan is under environmental review. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Town Meeting starts in a few weeks, and if the Town needs to take action on the FY 2009 Budget, we need to know by then. Representative Jones noted that the federal stimulus is good only for 27 months and then it disappears. 6~-Z., Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 17. 2009 - Paae 3 Selectman Camille Anthony asked how much of the stimulus is for capital, and Representative Jones indicated, hopefully, approximately $2 billion is for capital. HiLyhliahts - Health - Temborarv Food Events, Uadate on Training - Health Administrator Larry Ramdin and Barbara Meade from the Board of Health were present. The Health Administrator gave a brief overview of the training that he will be conducting on March 19th for fundraising events. He noted that it originated as food safety and has grown to include facilities, police, fire, recreation and the Town Clerk's Office. Selectman James Bonazoli asked the difference between State and local regulations. The Health Administrator noted that very few of the regulations are local - 95% of them are State code. He also noted that bake sales need a permit but there is no fee. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Health Department doesn't get involved in private events - only public events. Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if an Eagle Scout event by invitation needs a permit. The Health Administrator indicated that if there is no fee attached, then it is a closed event and doesn't need a permit. Review Proposed 885 Main Street LIP - Attorney Joshua Latham, Engineer Jack Sullivan, Architect Andrew Stebbins and property owner Dennis Brearley were present. The Town Manager noted that a presentation was made to the Board of Selectmen on January 23, 2009. At that time, the Board suggested inviting the neighbors in for a discussion at a meeting when there was a full board present. Issues raised by the Board include the location of the dumpster, pedestrian access and parking. Emails have been received from abutters with a lot of questions. Selectman Camille Anthony asked when the abutters were notified, and the Town Manager indicated that they were notified last week. Attorney Latham noted that Dennis Brearley acquired the property at 891 Main Street. His intent is for his mother to live at this property. There have been two DRT meetings and they are trying to make the plan look attractive. He noted that the proposal is for five units of affordable housing under the LIP Program. The concept plan has 20 units in four buildings. This qualifies for the LEED for Homes Project. There will be a possible walking path. They are trying to make the multi-family look like a single family home. They want to see if the Board is interested in the proposal. Architect Andrew Stebbins reviewed the concept plan. He noted that there would be two parking spaces per unit. He also noted that the shadow areas could be parking. They originally had the trash dumpster in a different location but the trash truck would not be able to back in so they located it on the other side of the property next to a building. He noted that the lighting would be C b3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 17. 2009 - Paae 4 two foot candles, and there would be no light trespass onto another property. He indicated that this is a sustainable design that qualifies for the LEED Program. Engineer Jack Sullivan noted that this is a two acre site with wetlands. They will comply with the Conservation Bylaws and meet all zoning setbacks. A retaining wall will be needed. Mr. Sullivan indicated that Mass Highway limits curb cuts, so they will have one curb cut on Main Street. The traffic pattern will be one way circulation. There will be a pathway out to Francis Drive. The water system will be looped out to Francis Drive. Mr. Sullivan indicated that the original plan had 24 units and they reduced it to 20. The sewer will drain into Main Street. The drainage will not exceed the rate of run off when it is developed. The run off from buildings will be piped underground. The Town Manager noted that if the Selectmen are interested in this, then a hearing would have to be scheduled. The Selectmen would decide if they want to partner with the applicant. If the Selectmen do decide to partner, then it would go onto the ZBA. Chairman Stephen Goldy indicated that he is disappointed about putting high density housing in the neighborhood. He noted that the Town has an affordable housing plan to keep high density housing out of the neighborhoods. He asked what would happen if the Selectmen do not partner with the applicant. Attorney Latham indicated that they would go back to the drawing board. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about the change in elevation. Engineer Jack Sullivan noted that from Francis Drive to the wetland is a 20-25 foot drop. From Main Street back is a five foot drop. He indicated that they don't want to use structural retaining walls. He also noted that they want to keep the development level. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there were scaled drawings yet, and it was noted that there were not. He noted that the rendering has no perspective with the neighborhood, and he would like to see that including site screening and fencing. He asked what will be done to minimize the removal of existing buffers. Mr. Sullivan indicated that they will locate the trees over 6" in diameter and show them on the plan, and they will try to keep as many as possible. Selectman Schubert indicated that he would like the applicant to respond to the notes in the DRT Minutes. Mr. Sullivan indicated that when they get to the final design, they will go back to the DRT. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that the applicant needs to get back to the public with answers to the questions received. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that the Board asked at the last meeting if they had reached out to the neighbors, and they indicated that they did. Attorney Latham noted that they reached out to one abutter. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the best potential for a project can't be done in isolation - they need abutter's comments. Attorney Latham indicated that this is not a formal filing - it's a work in progress. Jennifer George of 884 Main Street indicated that she feels an extreme feeling of mistrust. She lives across the street and has heard nothing about this project. She can't imagine 40 cars getting in and out of that property without any problems. 6 6 q Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 17, 2009 - Paae 5 Dom LaCava of 38 Francis Drive noted that he is extremely disappointed that more notice wasn't given to the neighbors. He also noted that this development will have an extreme impact on Francis Drive. Linda Toth of 55 Francis Drive was disappointed that there was no notification about the development, and had concerns about shadows from the buildings. She noted that she purchased her home with the understanding that nothing would be built back there. She asked how a single family zoning changed to multiple housing. Tom McCord of 44 Francis Drive noted that this development is between two neighborhoods - Francis Drive and Duck Road, and is not a Main Street development. He also noted that multi- family dwellings create noise, more cars, the traffic pattern is in a circle so all vehicles go through the development, and the pedestrian traffic will be increased. Marl-, Cullen of 58 Francis Drive noted that he is the closest abutter, and asked about the location of the walkway. John Arena of 26 Francis Drive noted that the project is too big for the property. He feels that there is no guidance from the Selectmen, and indicated that this project in not going to enhance property values. Barbara Argonish of 895 Main Street noted that she started getting water on her property when 891 Main Street was built, and she has concerns because she is 6-10 feet below the proposed project. John Gill of 12 Francis Drive asked why a pathway was needed to Francis Drive. He has concerns that traffic will be increased. John Toth of 55 Francis Drive noted that Francis Drive will become an extra parking lot for the development, and this totally destroys why he moved to Francis Drive. A resident from 24 Duck Road indicated that a more detailed rendering is needed and also what the environmental impact will be. She indicated that she tried to expand her deck but couldn't because it was too close to the wetlands. Michelle Halloran of 881 Main Street noted that she is an abutter and the plan shows parking in her backyard. A resident from 55 Francis Drive extended an invitation to the Board of Selectmen to do a site visit on Francis Drive. Karen Cerretani of 33 Francis Drive noted that there is a natural swale on Francis Drive, and the backyards across the street end up with three feet of water. She noted that there are no curbs on Francis Drive and if people park in front of a house, the mailman will not deliver the mail. C bS Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 17. 2009 - Page 6 It was the consensus of the Board that the applicant and neighborhood get together and try to work things out before the Selectmen spend any more time on this issue. Hearing - 5:00 a.m. opening Dunkin' Donuts - 454 Main Street - continued from Februarv 10 - The Town Manager noted that the applicant has withdrawn the request for an early opening. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to close the hearing for an early opening for Dunkin' Donuts was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve the applicant's request to withdraw without prejudice the application for the earlv opening of Dunkin' Donuts at 454 Main Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing - 5:00 a.m. opening Dunkin' Donuts - 273 Salem Street - continued from Februarv 10 - The Town Manager noted that the applicant has withdrawn the request for an early opening. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to close the hearing for an early opening for Dunkin' Donuts was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by. Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve the applicant's request to withdraw without prejudice the application for the early opening of Dunkin' Donuts at 273 Salem Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya had left the meeting at 10:30 p.m. Hearing - Turn Restrictions - Main and Hopkins - The Secretary read the hearing notice. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing for a "Right Turn Oniv" on Hopkins Street on Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthonv to approve an amendment to the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28. 1995 for the Town of Reading by adding to Article 6. Section 17b. "Right Turn Onlv." Appendix A-13b. the following locations: Street Location Hopkins Street Eastbound onto southbound Main Street Westbound onto northbound Main Street And that: in Appendix A-13 - 6.17 "Left Turns Prohibited." no vehicle traveling eastbound on Hopkins Street shall make a left turn onto Main Street shall be rescinded was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - Parking Regulations - Brande Court Parking Lot - The Secretary read the hearing notice. (a 6 l,, Board of Selectmen Meetina - March 17. 2009 - Paac 7 A motion: by Anthonv seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on parking regulations for Brande Court was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve an amendment to the Town of Readine Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28. 1995 by addinL- to Appendix A-4a: TWO HOUR PARKING OR ALL DAY PARKING WITH EMPLOYEE PERMIT DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Mondav throueh Fridav) Location Brande Court parkine lot was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - Stoo - Northbound Harrison at Charles - The Secretary read the hearing notice. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearine for a stop si'an northbound on Harrison Street at Charles Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve an amendment to the Town of Readine Traffic Rules and ReLyulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28. 1995 by addine to Article 6. Section 6.12. in Appendix A 12. the following: Appendix A-12 6.12 - Obedience to Isolated Stop Sims Street Location Harrison Street at Charles Street Northbound drivers was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Goldv to adjourn the meeting of March 17. 2009 at 10:55 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 66-7 Board of Selectmen Meeting March 31, 2009 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goudy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Jim Cormier, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Attorney Chris Latham, Anne Joyce, Christine Mulvey, Kristen Burke, Joyce Gould, Steve Gleason, Valerie Longhman, Harry Larkin, Kirsten Bonaglia, Johanna Anderson, Elisa Jarrin, John Weston, Angelo and Estelle Bertolino, John and Kathy Welsh, Eric Sprung, John O'Rourke, Terry Cafazo, Steve Kintigos, Jason Emelius, Bob Hunt. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to 20 into Executive Session for the Purpose of stratep-v with resard to litiuation to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m., was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative., The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:40 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Richard Schubert requested that review of the management letter be scheduled on an upcoming agenda. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Audit Committee met and everything went well. She noted that she and Chairman Stephen Goudy visited Duck Road regarding the potential development at 885 Main Street. She indicated that the wetlands need to be delineated. She reminded residents that Tuesday is Election Day and reminded everyone to vote. She also reminded residents that it is flea and tick season. Chairman Stephen Goudy noted that the Town Manager sent an electronic response to the applicant and residents who sent emails regarding 885 Main Street. He attended two Fall Street Faire Committee Meetings to plan an event to celebrate the reopening of Downtown - September 20th is the planned date. The Committee had a question regarding allowing beer and wine tasting, and Selectman Camille Anthony suggested putting this on an agenda. Public Comment - Bill Brown noted that Ben Nichols' birthday is April 8th and he will be 101 years old. 661 Board of Selectmen Meetiniz - March 31. 2009 - Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • The Community Organizations Seminar on March 19, 2009 in the Police Community Room was well attended. • Municipal Relief Package - State • Federal Stimulus funding • Atlantic Liquor License - Hearing • EDC Associate positions are at their maximum amount. • Tennis Courts • Fireworks. • Next Board of Selectmen - Office Hours at 6:30 p.m. on April 14th - James Bonazoli Discussion/Action Items Reappoint Town Accountant - The Town Manager highly recommended the reappointment of Gail LaPointe as Town Accountant. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to reappoint Gail LaPointe as Town Accountant with a term expiring March 31. 2010 or until a successor is appointed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Birch Meadow Safetv Committee - Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Birch Meadow Safety Committee is requesting a crosswalk, and the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force recommends no crosswalk at that location. He also noted that a new sidewalk and parking regulations have gone into effect. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that a lot of people are crossing at that location, and there should be a crosswalk at that location. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the crosswalk gives a false sense of security but if the lines are painted, then the cars will know to slow down. The Town Manager noted that the sight distance is not good at that curve, and the Town has no intent to provide a Crossing Guard at that crosswalk. Chief Jim Cormier noted that the Town Engineer will have a problem because he will have to make the sidewalk handicap accessible on the other side of the street. Eric Sprung, the Principal of the Birch Meadow School, noted that people need a place to go and feel safe to cross. Education and enforcement are needed. John Weston, parent and member of CPDC, noted that he crosses at that location with his children, and there is no plan or coordinated effort for pedestrians. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli to install a crosswalk at the fire lane at Birch Meadow School across Birch Meadow Drive was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. ( G2' Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 31. 2009 - Pape 3 Hearing - Lodpinp House License - 83 Hamden Street - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this will be the first lodging house license that the Town issues. He noted that there was a call for medical help at this location, and that is how the Town found out it was a lodging house. There were fire, safety and health code violations. The Town has been working with the owner of the property. There are six residents at the house and nobody is living in the basement or attic. The Health and Fire Departments are okay with everything. This is a permitted use in this district, and the site meets all other codes. Attorney Chris Latham was present representing property owner Angelo Bertolino and his wife. Attorney Latham noted that Mr. Bertolino didn't know he needed a license, and he thanks everyone for their patience and working with his client to help him come into compliance. He is seeking a license for six sleeping rooms, two full baths and a kitchen. The house is centrally heated and has smoke alarms. Attorney Latham noted that public records indicate that this was a boarding house in the 1920's for single women and teachers. He also noted that the tenants pay $140-$145 per week and this is affordable unsubsidized low income housing. He noted that the tenants are mostly disabled or unemployed. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he and the Town Manager Visited the property, and there is no access to the attic and the basement is being used for storage. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if this is an annual license, and the Town Manager indicated that it is. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the vehicles parked on the side yard and front of the house. John O'Rourke noted that he owns the two limos. He is disabled and tried to run a business but it didn't work. He has lived there for 13 years after losing his parents and his house. He indicated that he had no intention of embarrassing the Town. The Town Manager suggested limiting the number of vehicles on the site. Joyce Gould of 17 John Street noted that the property is for sale, and asked if the license goes with the property or the owner. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that it goes with the owner. The Town Manager noted that if it is sold as a rooming house, then the condition that the new owners apply for the license would be in the Purchase and Sales Agreement. Ms. Gould asked if the owner is close to compliance or within compliance. The Town Manager noted that he was within compliance. Attorney Latham noted that when the license is received, he will be in compliance. Ms. Gould indicated that she had no problems with the residents but she did with the absentee landlord who has let the property fall into ruin. She asked if the property will have the same level of inspection as subsidized housing, and the Town Manager indicated that it would have even more. (0c,3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - March 31. 2009 - Page 4 Kathy Welsh of 29 Union Street had concerns with the condition of the outside of the building and requested that the parking spaces be marked. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that they can park in the driveway but not on the sidewalk. The Town Manager noted that the Town does not regulate parking on private property. John Welsh of 29 Union Street noted that ignorance of the law is not a defense. He also noted that the condition of the property is deplorable, and asked for governance over the license conditions Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Town will keep an eye on the property until December when the license comes up for renewal. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to close the hearine for a lod2in2 house license at 83 Harnden Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the license for a lod2ina house at 83 Harnden Street to Angelo Bertolino. Trustee of the Jo-An Realtv Trust, consistent with the floor plan submitted on March 31. 2009 for a term exniriny 12-31-09 subiect to the following conditions: • The lodging house shall be for not more than six occupants. • Oniv vehicles that are licensed and registered to an occupant of the lodging house shall be narked overnight on the property with no more than four vehicles parked on the vronerty at anv one time. • There shall be no occunancv on the basement or third floor. • Prior to the annual relicensin2, inspection by the Building Inspector, Health Services Administrator and Fire Department shall be permitted by the owner. • To be relicensed. the property must meet all codes. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Follow Ub - World Cafe - This agenda item was postponed to the next meeting. Hearing - Water. Sewer and Storm Water Rates - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that we need to set the rates now so Town Meeting can approve the use of reserves. Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted that there is $l.lmillion in reserves. We used $5,000 in the Fall. He recommends using $425,000 in reserves to offset the water rate, and $100,000 in reserves to offset the sewer rates. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how much we used last year, and the Assistant Town Manager indicated that we used $371,000. Selectman Anthony also asked if we should be doing capital projects, and Ted McIntire indicated that we are doing a lot of capital projects. ~G. Board of Selectmen Meetinu - March 31. 2009 - Pate 5 Ted McIntire indicated that he recommends setting the water rate at $7.73 per 100 cubic feet; $8.02 per 10 cubic feet for sewer and 436.88 per unit for storm water rates. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to close the hearinLy on setting the water. sewer and storm water rates for FY 2010 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to set the FY 2010 Water Rate at $7.73 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum ouarterly bill of $15.46, effective with the September 10. 2009 billing, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to set the FY 2010 Sewer Rate at $8.02 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $16.04, effective with the September 10. 2009 billinLy, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to set the Storm water Rate at $36.88 per unit (2,552 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Club Licensing - The Town Manager noted that the issue carne up as to why restaurants close at midnight and clubs at 2:00 a.m. He also noted that he spoke with Bob Morelli from the Meadow Brook Golf Club, and he has no problem with closing at midnight. Terry Cafazo, Steve Kintigos, Jason Emelius and Bob Hunt from the Knights of Columbus were present. Chairman Stephen Goldy indicated that the new liquor policy states that restaurants sell until midnight, clear the tables by 12:30 a.m. and close at 1:00 a.m. Ms. Cafazo noted that the Knights of Columbus has held a liquor license for over 40 years and has never had any problems. She indicated that they police themselves, and the club is for members and guests only. They have 220 members. She also noted that a public restaurant is motivated by profit but the Knights of Columbus doesn't make a profit, and there is a big distinction. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked what are the hours of operation, and Mr. Kintigos indicated 3:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the weekends but if there are still members there at 11:00 p.m., then the bartenders stay longer. They are open 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the week. Mr. Emelius noted that they provide a service and a lot of the membership works second shift. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if they rent out the facility, and Ms. Cafazo indicated that they rent out the function hall but only members are allowed in the lounge. When the public use the function hall, they close at midnight. Board of Selectmen Meetinp, - March 31. 2009 - Page 6 Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there is a distinction between the "for profit" restaurants and members only clubs. He asked if all clubs were the same. The Town Manager noted that there are four clubs in Town - two Veterans, the Knights of Columbus and Meadow Brook Golf Club. He also noted that the two Veterans clubs could get Veterans' Licenses which is different. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he was the most vocal about the closing hours. He feels that it is an equity issue. His main concern is that when a business closes at midnight, then the person can go to the club. He's looking for a way to curb alcohol abuse. Mr. Emelius noted that public establishments cater to anyone 21 years or older. The average age of a Knights of Columbus member is 63 years old so we're not matching apples to apples. Ms. Cafazo indicated that they want to continue to have the right to stay open until 2:00 a.m. She noted that if there is nobody there at 11:00 p.m., then the bartenders go home. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen could put in the policy that everyone must be out by 2:00 a.m. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested sending out a survey asking for the number of members, their policy on closing, the hours and also the function room hours. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he had concerns about the closing procedures for clubs, and requested that the Town Manager draft changes on orderly closing. Discuss Mattera Cabin - The Town Manager noted that he, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Camille Anthony toured the cabin. The floors need to be replaced due to water damage from a broken pipe, and the furnace also needs to be replaced. The Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School is doing measured drawings. They will get back to us with a price for the supplies. They may be able to do some work this Spring. They cannot do plumbing work. Selectman Camille Anthony asked for a timeline on the project. Selectman James Bonazoli talked about programming. He thinks that the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts would like to hold programs there. He noted that REI might want to hold a biking clinic there. The Town Manager noted that biking is not allowed on conservation land. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthonv to approve the Minutes of Februarv 24, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Tafova to adjourn the meeting of March 31, 2009 at 10:30 mm. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary G to L(C h COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS M w OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR + d State House, Room 360, Boston MA 02133 (617) 727-3600 FAX (617) 727-5291 f ~ OW N 8 ~o DEVAL L. PATRICK GOVERNOR W TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 't1 March 30, 2009 I,J 0 Mr. Stephen Goldy, Chairman Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Goldy, We are pleased to inform you that the Chapter 90 local transportation aid funding for Fiscal Year 2010 will be $150 million. We recognize how important this capital spending is to each municipality across the Commonwealth, especially now during these hard economic times. It is critical that the state works with your community to focus our limited resources on existing transportation infrastructure improvements. This will not only spur immediate economic benefits but ensure the long term viability of our state infrastructure. We will remain dedicated and supportive of the funding of the Chapter 90 program and your local transportation needs. This letter certifies that the Town of Reading's Chapter 90 apportionment for Fiscal 2010 is $446,097. This apportionment is automatically incorporated in your existing 10-Year C.90 contract which was signed in FY2008 and is posted on the EOT Web site http://www.mass.gov/eot. We look forward to working closely with your community to ensure the continuing success of the Chapter 90 program in the years to come. Please feel free to contact Catherine Paquette at (617) 973-7564 with any questions you may have regarding the Chapter 90 program. Sincerely, d Governor Lieutenant Governor '7cL,, Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 8:57 AM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: use-code 121 I/c Board of Selectmen From: Jackson, Deborah Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 8:51 AM To: LeLacheur; Bob Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: use-code 121 C 6 DS 83 Hamden Street is the only property in town with the land use code of 121 - Boarding House. Deb From: LeLacheur; Bob Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 8:41 AM To: Jackson, Deborah Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: use-code 121 Hi Deb, Last night the Selectmen voted to license the first rooming/boarding house in town at 83 Harnden Street. It shows up as use-code 121 BOARDING-HSE - are there others in Town with this use-code? Thanks, Bob Bob LeLacheur Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6636 (F) 781-942-9037 (E) finance@ci.reading. ma. us -7 b 4/2/2009 Page 1 of 2 Z, Qos Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:02 PM To: Gorski, Lori; Town Manager; Reading - Selectmen; Steve Goldy forwarding account; Ben Tofoya; James Bonazoli forwarding account; Camille Anthony forwading account; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; Sarah Mulroy fowarding account; Kowalski, Carol; Schena, Paula Cc: jgorski@edelsteincpa.com Subject: RE: Visit to 34 Duck Road Attachments: 0321.doc Dear Lori The insufficient communication with abutters about the owner's plans for 885 Main Street concerns Town officials, as well. We are always concerned about how neighbors are affected by changes. This is why the Town Planner pressed the property owner and attorney in December 2008 about whether they had spoken with abutters about the owner's intentions. It is because we recognize the potential impact on neighbors of this type of proposal that abutters and abutters to abutters within 300 feet were notified prior to Board of Selectmen's meeting on March 17, even though no formal application has been submitted for a hearing for permits before Town boards. The Development Review team meetings of July and December 2008 were for informal review as the owner considered whether to pursue the project and a possible formal application. Still, we felt abutters should be informed of the owner's ideas and his interest in requesting the Board of Selectmen's possible cooperation. You probably know that 40B is the Massachusetts affordable housing law that allows builders to over-ride a town's zoning limits on how dense a housing development can be, as long as the builder provides 20-25% of the units as affordable to low and moderate income buyers or renters. If 10% of a Town's subsidized housing stock is affordable, the town can deny 40B plans. Reading isn't able to do that quite yet. The Town of Reading has 7.7% of its housing stock as subsidized affordable. Reading Town Meeting made zoning changes in 2008 that will allow construction of apartments at the former Addison Wesley site to achieve that 10% of subsidized affordable housing, but the developer is not ready to build there yet. This means that Reading land owners can continue to propose 40B developments, and Reading officials have no ability to stop such developments outright. Our current affordable housing inventory is 7.7% of the total number of housing units in the community. Some residents have expressed concern that Town officials may have alternative motives to push the proposed project at 885 Main Street through without notifying residents. I assure you that Reading officials' only interest in the project to date has been to receive sufficient information to understand the owner's intentions, to caution him through the Development Review Team meetings on the aspects of the proposal that might cause health, safety or other negative impacts, and to prepare the Board of Selectmen as they consider the owner's request for this project to be a "friendly 4013" or an "unfriendly 4013". ("Friendly 4013" refers to the state's Local Initiative Program, L.I.P.) Attached for your information is a letter that I sent to the applicant's attorney regarding this site. Clearly until the property owner and his development team meet with the abutters, and he 3/27/2009 Page 2 of 2 then decides whether or not to bring an application back to the Board of Selectmen for development of this property under the LIP, there is not need for the Board of Selectmen to have a site visit. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager I/c Board of Selectmen From: Gorski, Lori [mailto: Lori. Gorski@genzyme.com] Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 8:31 AM To: Town Manager; Reading - Selectmen; Steve Goldy forwarding account; Ben Tofoya; James Bonazoli forwarding account; Camille Anthony forwading account; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; Sarah Mulroy fowarding account; Kowalski, Carol Cc: jgorski@edelsteincpa.com Subject: Visit to 34 Duck Road Thank you all for allowing the abutters of 885 Main Street to voice their reaction to this development proposal. Following up on Mr. Goldy's suggestion, we would like to extend an invitation to our property so you can visually gauge the landscape and area proposed for the, development. If possible, I recommend that any site visit you perform be done while the leaves are still off of the trees so you can have a better look at the actual space available and the area wetlands. Please let us know how we can proceed with getting these visits onto your calendar. We will make ourselves available at your convenience. Thank you. Lori and Jonathan Gorski 34 Duck Road 781.942.0779 Lori.aorski aC -aenzvme.com iaorski anedelsteincoa.com Lori Gorski Associate Director, Corporate Communications Genzyme Corporation 500 Kendall Street Cambridge, MA 02142 617.768.9344 phone 3/27/2009 March 23, 2009 Attorney Josh Latham Latham, Latham and Lamond 643 Main Street Reading, MA 01867. Re: 885 Main Street Dear Mr. Latham: As follow up to the discussion at the Selectmen's Meeting on March 17, 2009 regarding the above requested LIP development, I believe it was a clear sense from the Board of Selectmen that the property owner/applicant should have discussions with the neighbors and abutters regarding the proposed development. If, following that discussion, your client wishes to proceed with this or a similar project, the Board of Selectmen will then entertain that possibility. In the meantime, it is not the intent of the Board to pursue anything more with the plan that you submitted, nor to conduct a Board site visit at this time. Please let us know of your plans. Sincerely, Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager PIH/ps -263 Page 1 of 2 L/C, g ,s Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:04 PM To: Matt Cullen Cc: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: 885 Main St. proposal Attachments: 0321.doc Dear Matt The insufficient communication with abutters about the owner's plans for 885 Main Street concerns Town officials,.as well. We are always concerned about how neighbors are affected by changes. This is why the Town Planner pressed the property owner and attorney in December 2008 about whether they had spoken with abutters about the owner's intentions. It is because we recognize the potential impact on neighbors of this type of proposal that abutters and abutters to abutters within 300 feet were notified prior to Board of Selectmen's meeting on March 17, even though no formal application has been submitted for a hearing for permits before Town boards. The Development Review team meetings of July and December 2008 were for informal review as the owner considered whether to pursue the project and a possible formal application. Still, we felt abutters should be informed of the owner's ideas and his interest in requesting the Board of Selectmen's possible cooperation. You probably know that 40B is the Massachusetts affordable housing law that allows builders to over-ride a town's zoning limits on how dense a housing development can be, as long as the builder provides 20-25% of the units as affordable to low and moderate income buyers or renters. If 10% of a Town's subsidized housing stock is affordable, the town can deny 40B plans. Reading isn't able to do that quite yet. The Town of Reading has 7.7% of its housing stock as subsidized affordable. Reading Town Meeting made'zoning changes in 2008 that will allow construction of apartments at the former Addison Wesley site to achieve that 10% of subsidized affordable housing, but the developer is not ready to build there yet. This means that Reading land owners can continue to propose 40B developments, and Reading officials have no ability to stop such developments outright. Our current affordable housing inventory is 7.7% of the total number of housing units in the community. Some residents have expressed concern that Town officials may have alternative motives to push the proposed project at 885 Main Street through without notifying residents. I assure you that Reading officials' only interest in the project to date has been to receive sufficient information to understand the owner's intentions, to caution him through the Development Review Team meetings on the aspects of the proposal that might cause health, safety or other negative impacts, and to prepare the Board of Selectmen as they consider the owner's request for this project to be a "friendly 4013" or an "unfriendly 4013". ("Friendly 4013" refers to the state's Local Initiative Program, L.I.P.) Attached for your information is a letter that I sent to the applicant's attorney regarding this site. Clearly until the property owner and his development team meet with the abutters, and he then decides whether or not to bring an application back to the Board of Selectmen for development of this property under the LIP, there is not need for the Board of Selectmen to .~7d 1 3/27/2009 Page 2 of 2 have a site visit. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager I/c Board of Selectmen From: Matt Cullen [mailto:cullen1199@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 10:36 AM To: Town Manager Subject: 885 Main St. proposal Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner, We were at the March 17 meeting where the 885 Main St. proposal was discussed. We live at 58 Francis Drive and directly abut this property. Since the meeting, we have acquired minutes from the December.15, 2008 Design Review Team meeting. In these minutes it states "Walking trail to/from Francis Drive will be added. The abutter on Francis Drive is agreeable to granting an easement." Since we did not agree to granting an easement, we would like to find out if this is indeed a true statement. There is only one other abutter on Francis Drive , who has indicated verbally to us that there is no agreement. Can you please advise if the above statement was verified? If this is verifiable, we would like you to let us know, so that we can think about what is best for us should this project be approved. Sincerely, Mark and Nancy Cullen -7d-2- 3/27/2009 Page 1 of 2 7 G 6 V-5- Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:07 PM To: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Condo project Attachments: 0321.doc From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:06 PM To: 'patcplum@yahoo.com' Subject: RE: Condo project Dear Pat The insufficient communication with abutters about the owner's plans for 885 Main Street concerns Town officials, as well. We are always concerned about how neighbors are. affected by changes. This is why the Town Planner pressed the property owner and attorney in December 2008 about whether they had spoken with abutters about the owner's intentions. It is because we recognize the potential impact on neighbors of this type of proposal that abutters and abutters to abutters within 300 feet were notified prior to Board of Selectmen's meeting on March 17, even though no formal application has been submitted for a hearing for permits before Town boards. The Development Review team meetings of July and December 2008 were for informal review as the owner considered whether to pursue the project and a possible formal application. Still, we felt abutters should be informed of the owner's ideas and his interest in requesting the Board of Selectmen's possible cooperation. You probably know that 40B is the Massachusetts affordable housing law that allows builders to over-ride a town's zoning limits on how dense a housing development can be, as long as the builder provides 20-25% of the units as affordable to low and moderate income buyers or renters. If 10% of a Town's subsidized housing stock is affordable, the town can deny 40B plans. Reading isn't able to do that quite yet. The Town of Reading has 7.7% of its housing stock as subsidized affordable. Reading Town Meeting made zoning changes in 2008 that will allow construction of apartments at the former Addison Wesley site to achieve that 10% of subsidized affordable housing, but the developer is not ready to build there yet. This means that Reading landowners can continue to propose 40B developments, and Reading officials have no ability to stop such developments outright. Our current affordable housing inventory is 7.7% of the total number of housing units in the community. Some residents have expressed concern that Town.officials may have alternative motives to push the proposed project at 885 Main Street through without notifying residents. I assure you that Reading officials' only interest in the project to date has been to receive sufficient information to understand the owner's intentions, to caution him through the Development Review Team meetings on the aspects of the proposal that might cause health, safety or other negative impacts, and to prepare the Board of Selectmen as they consider the owner's request for this project to be a "friendly 4013" or an "unfriendly 4013". ("Friendly 4013" refers to the state's Local Initiative Program, L.I.P.) 3/27/2009 Page 2 of 2 Attached for your information is a letter that I sent to the applicant's attorney regarding this site. Clearly until the property owner and his development team meet with the abutters, and he then decides whether or not to bring an application back to the Board of Selectmen for development of this property under the LIP, there is not need for the Board of Selectmen to have a site visit. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager I/c Board of Selectmen From: Pat Crowley [mailto:patcplum@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 11:15 AM To: Town Manager Subject: Condo project Peter Heinbleiker, it was extremely disturbing to hear of the disregard of notification to neighbors and imput in regards to the condo project behind Duck Road. I live at, the comor of Audubon and Duck Road and know that the small street cannot accommodate any more traffic, it was not designed to be a parking lot. I do not know of other streets that are designated as guest parking in a residential area. Much thought and planning went into the Duck street project with attention to the wetlands, this cannot be ignored due to type of housing. I have always been proud of the towns regard to the residents in Reading and have encouraged people to buy here, this proposal goes against this belief. With all the traffic on Rt. 28 in the morning it would only add to the congestion. Please rethink this proposal and consider, the neighborhood in the decisions. Sincerely, Patricia Crowley 12 Audubon Road -7 .C, Z 3/27/2009 Page 1 of 2 L1 C, B oS Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:10 PM To: Maura Sweeney Cc: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Main Street Proposal Attachments: 0321.doc Dear Maura The insufficient communication with abutters about the owner's plans for 885 Main Street concerns Town officials, as well. We are always concerned about how neighbors are affected by changes. This is why the Town Planner pressed the property owner and attorney in December 2008 about whether they had spoken with abutters about the owner's intentions. It is because we recognize the potential impact on neighbors of this type of proposal that abutters and abutters to abutters within 300 feet were notified prior to Board of Selectmen's meeting on March 17, even though no formal application has been submitted for a hearing for permits before Town boards. The Development Review team meetings of July and December 2008 were for informal review as the owner considered whether to pursue the project and a possible formal application. Still, we felt abutters should be informed of the owner's ideas and his interest in requesting the Board of Selectmen's possible cooperation. You probably know that 40B is the Massachusetts affordable housing law that allows builders to over-ride a town's zoning limits on how dense a housing development can be, as long as the builder provides 20-25% of the units as affordable to low and moderate income buyers or renters. If 10% of a Town's subsidized housing stock is affordable, the town can deny 40B plans. Reading isn't able to do that quite yet. The Town of Reading has 7.7% of its housing stock as subsidized affordable. Reading Town Meeting made zoning changes in 2008 that will allow construction of apartments at the former Addison Wesley site to achieve that 10% of subsidized affordable housing, but the developer is not ready to build there yet. This means that Reading land owners can continue to propose 40B developments, and Reading officials have no ability to stop such developments outright. Our current affordable housing inventory is 7.7% of the total number of housing units in the community. Some residents have expressed concern that Town officials may have alternative motives to push the proposed project at 885 Main Street through without notifying residents. I assure you that Reading officials' only interest in the project to date has been to receive sufficient information to understand the owner's intentions, to caution him through the Development Review Team meetings on the aspects of the proposal that might cause health, safety or other negative impacts, and to prepare the Board of Selectmen as they consider the owner's request for this project to be a "friendly 4013" or an "unfriendly 4013". ("Friendly 4013" refers to the state's Local Initiative Program, L.I.P.) Attached for your information is a letter that I sent to the applicant's attorney regarding this site. Clearly until the property owner and his development team meet with the abutters, and he then decides whether or not to bring an application back to the Board of Selectmen for development of this property under the LIP, there is not need for the Board of Selectmen to -1 3/27/2009 Page 2 of 2 have a site visit. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager I/c Board of Selectmen From: Maura Sweeney [mailto:MSweeney@Lowellfive.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 11:44 AM To: Town Manager Subject: Main Street Proposal Mr. Hechenbleikner, As residents of Duck Road, we would like to express our concern over the recent activity with regard to the proposed building site in the vicinity of 891 Main Street. We would be very happy if this were an informed email. Regrettably, we had very short notification about the proposal, and were not able to rearrange our schedule to attend the town meeting on only a few short days' notice. As we understand the proposal it significantly affects the surrounding areas, including ours. We are sure that you can guess that we would be adamantly opposed to a "walking path" allowing additional parking in our cul de sac. The height and scope of the project is likely to have significant impact upon our privacy. Combined, these two elements would significantly decrease our property values. Contrary to apparent early reports that the neighbors are on board with the proposal, I suspect that there will be a significant objection from many sides. We need time to evaluate the proposal and formulate our strategy, but I assure you, you will be hearing from a fairly large group of residents in opposition to the current plan. Please keep all of the residents informed as to the next meeting dates. If there is a way for us to have access to any information prior to the meetings, and/or to meet with you to express our concerns, we would appreciate it. Michael and Maura Sweeney 30 Duck Road '7 15~ z 3/27/2009 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:09 PM To: Denis D. Walsh Cc: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Proposed Development at 885 Main St Attachments: 0321.doc OJI. 0321.doc (42 KB) Dear Denis The insufficient communication with abutters about the owner's plans for 885 Main Street concerns Town officials, as well. We are always concerned about how neighbors are affected by changes. This is why the Town Planner pressed the property owner and attorney in December 2008 about whether they had spoken with abutters about the owner's intentions. It is because we recognize the potential impact on neighbors of this type of proposal that abutters and abutters to abutters within 300 feet were notified prior to Board of Selectmen's meeting on March 17, even though no formal application has been submitted for a hearing for permits before Town boards. The Development Review team meetings of July and December 2008 were for informal review as the owner considered whether to pursue the project and a possible formal application. Still, we felt abutters should be informed of the owner's ideas and his interest in requesting the Board of Selectmen's possible cooperation. You probably know that 40B is the Massachusetts affordable housing law that allows builders to over-ride a town's zoning limits on how dense a housing development can be, as long as the builder provides 20-25% of the units as affordable to low and moderate income buyers or renters. If 10% of a Town's subsidized housing stock is affordable, the town can deny 40B plans. Reading isn't able to do that quite yet. The Town of Reading has 7.7% of its housing stock as subsidized affordable. Reading Town Meeting made zoning changes in 2008 that will allow construction of apartments at the former Addison Wesley site to achieve that 10% of subsidized affordable housing, but the developer is not ready to build there yet. This means that Reading land owners can continue to propose 40B developments, and Reading officials have no ability to stop such developments outright. Our current affordable housing inventory is 7.7% of the total number of housing units in the community. Some residents have expressed concern that Town officials may have alternative motives to push the proposed project at 885 Main Street through without notifying residents. I assure you that Reading officials' only interest in the project to date has been to receive sufficient information to understand the owner's intentions, to caution him through the Development Review Team meetings on the aspects of the proposal that might cause health, safety or other negative impacts, and to prepare the Board of Selectmen as they consider the owner's request for this project to be a "friendly 40B" or an "unfriendly 40B". ("Friendly 40B" refers to the state's Local Initiative Program, L.I.P.) Attached for your information is a letter that I sent to the applicant's attorney regarding this site. Clearly until the property owner and his development team meet with the abutters, and he then decides whether or not to bring an application back to the Board of Selectmen for development of this property under the LIP, there is not need for the Board of Selectmen to have a site visit. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager i 1/c Board of Selectmen -----Original Message----- From: Denis D. Walsh [mailto:walshdm@bc.edu] Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 1:55 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Proposed Development at 885 Main St Peter, I live at 24 Duck Rd in Reading and I just wanted to submit my comments regarding this development as I was not able to change my schedule to be at the meeting. 1. I thought we should have been notified much earlier about the meeting and if I am not mistaken this is the first notification we have received on the proposal. I would hope we would be included in any meetings or discussions moving forward in a more timely manner. I believe it was mentioned by the attorney for the developer that all but one resident had been communicated with on this matter. This is not true and this approach gives one an uneasy feeling as to the level of honest being presented by the developer or the developers attorney. 2. Nowhere on the proposal was there any mention of a walking path to Duck Rd or Francis Drive and I strongly object to this there is no reason for our street which is a nice cul de sac to be connected to anything. It takes away from the street and also opens our street up to be used as an access and for parking to this new development I am not sure how the residents on Duck Rd can argue against this but this point is going to be vehemently opposed to the point'of being adamant that it should not be allowed.. In fact why should this be allowed? 3. Why do they get beneficial treatment for the wetland regulations building to 15 feet when it should be otherwise does not seem to.be fair. 4. The loss of the natural landscape in addition to the location of three story high buildings seems to be contrary to what the area should be used for. 5. Traffic onto Main Street is also a concern 20 units may add up to 40 vehicles looking to enter Main Street to turn right or left. 6. Is the area that the development is proposed for zoned for high density housing? I may be wrong but I thought that this area was not zoned for high density housing. Thanks for listening I am sure there will be more comments to be made as this progresses. Please ensure that we are afforded the appropriate level of notice so we can attend any future discussions or meetings. Denis Walsh Denis D. Walsh Project Manager-Enterprise Architecture Information Technology Services Boston College 197 Foster St Brighton MA 02135 P: (617) 552-8510 F: (617) 552-8256 g 'Z-- 2 Page 1 of 2 LIC, 605 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 12:08 PM To: Steve & Tashia Spencer Cc: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Opposition to 885 Main St Attachments: 0321.doc Dear Steve and Tashia The insufficient communication with abutters about the owner's plans for 885 Main Street concerns Town officials, as well. We are always concerned about how neighbors are affected by changes. This is why the Town Planner pressed the property owner and attorney in December 2008 about whether they had spoken with abutters about the owner's intentions. It is because we recognize the potential impact on neighbors of this type of proposal that abutters and abutters to abutters within 300 feet were notified prior to Board of Selectmen's meeting on March 17, even though no formal application has been submitted for a hearing for permits before Town boards. The Development Review team meetings of July and December 2008 were for informal review as the owner considered whether to pursue the project and a possible formal application. Still, we felt abutters should be informed of the owner's ideas and his interest in requesting the Board of Selectmen's possible cooperation. You probably know that 40B is the Massachusetts affordable housing law that allows builders to over-ride a town's zoning limits on how dense a housing development can be, as long as the builder provides 20-25% of the units as affordable to low and moderate income buyers or renters. If 10% of a Town's subsidized housing stock is affordable, the town can deny 40B plans. Reading isn't able to do that quite yet. The Town of Reading has 7.7% of its housing stock as subsidized affordable. Reading Town Meeting made zoning changes in 2008 that will allow construction of apartments at the former Addison Wesley site to achieve that 10% of subsidized affordable housing, but the developer is not ready to build there yet. This means that Reading land owners can continue to propose 40B developments, and Reading officials have no ability to stop such developments outright. Our current affordable housing inventory is 7.7% of the total number of housing units in the community. Some residents have expressed concern that Town officials may have alternative motives to push the proposed project at 885 Main Street through without notifying residents. I assure you that Reading officials' only interest in the project to date has been to receive sufficient information to understand the owner's intentions, to caution him through the Development Review Team meetings on the aspects of the proposal that might cause health, safety or other negative impacts, and to prepare the Board of Selectmen as they consider the owner's request for this project to be a "friendly 4013" or an "unfriendly 4013". ("Friendly 4013" refers to the state's Local Initiative Program, L.I.P.) Attached for your information is a letter that I sent to the applicant's attorney regarding this site. Clearly until the property owner and his development team meet with the abutters, and he then decides whether or not to bring an application back to the Board of Selectmen for development of this property under the LIP, there is not need for the Board of Selectmen to 761 3/27/2009 Page 2 of 2 have a site visit. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager I/c Board of Selectmen From: Steve & Tashia Spencer [mailto:steventashia@verizon.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 11:01 PM To: Town Manager; Reading - Selectmen; Steve Goldy forwarding account; Ben Tofoya; James Bonazoli forwarding account; Camille Anthony forwading account; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; Sarah Mulroy fowarding account Cc: Kowalski, Carol Subject: Opposition to 885 Main St Dear Town Manager and Board of Selectmen, We are completely outraged by the proposed plan to build 20 housing units at 885 Main Street. What is most disturbing is Peter Hechenbleikner's handling of the proposal and notification to nearby residents. These plans have been in progress for almost a year before the abutting home owners were notified. Town officials were discussing this project, as documented in meeting minutes, back in July 2008. The three day notification prior to Tuesday evening's Board Meeting is completely unacceptable. When was Mr. Hechenbleikner or Town Planner, Carol Kowalski, going to inform the remaining impacted residents on Main St, Francis Dr and Duck Rd? The developers and current land owners have clearly not included residents that have a vested interest in this area of town. The minutes from a December 15, 2008 meeting clearly document the applicants have notified nearby residents and "they are fairly receptive to the project." This is clearly not the case speaking to neighbors about the project. It seems that the developers, land owner and possibly town officials have alternative motives to push this project through without notifying residents. If our town officials do not fully understand the impact of this development to local neighborhoods then do they really understand the impact on our schools? environment? traffic? Our kids play at the end of Duck Road and we often walk along Duck Road in the evenings. The current plan calls for Duck and Francis to allow for additional parking with a walk-way to the housing complex. You are turning two family friendly areas into parking lots. Increased traffic and strangers coming in and out of our neighborhood is a major concern. In closing, we strongly oppose the Board of Selectmen submitting a joint LIP application to the DHCD for this development project. We hope the town and developers will increase its efforts to include all nearby residents on a plan that will have minimal to no impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. Steve and Tashia Spencer 41 Audubon Road h2___ 3/27/2009 Page 1 of 1 /-/c3oS Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 8:57 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula; Strang@readingkl2.ma.us Subject: FW: X-walk I/c BOS From: McIntire, Ted Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 5:24 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Cormier, Jim; Lee, Michael; Zambouras, George; DeBrigard, Mike Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: X-walk Line painting is scheduled for the week of April 27th. Mike - please get together with Mike Lee and have signs ready to install after line painting.. Thank you. Ted McIntire Director of Public Works From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 4:47 PM To: Cormier, Jim; Lee, Michael; McIntire, Ted; Zambouras, George Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: X-walk The Board of Selectmen voted to install a X-walk on Birch Meadow Drive at the fire lane to Birch Meadow School. Please arrange to have this installed at the earliest opportunity, and let me know the anticipated date. Include in the installation the usual signs for each direction of travel. George, could you evaluate the possibility of a speed table in that location - vis-a-vis drainage and any other considerations. P 1 4/3/2009