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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 20,2009 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 Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, School Committee Members Charles Robinson, Karen Janowski, David Michaud, Lisa Gibbs and Elaine Webb and the following list of interested parties: General Manager of the Reading Municipal Light Department Vinnie Cameron, Finance Committee Chairman George Hines, Light Board Commissioner Bob Soli, Phil Pacino, Dick Hahn, Town Accountant Gail Lapointe, Susan Giacalone, Maria Ferrari, Attorney Josh Latham, Engineer Jack Sullivan, Consultant Daniel Hart, Architect Andrew Stebbins,Dennis Brearley and Kathleen Riley. The School Committee was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli noted that there is a meeting of the Economic Development Committee tomorrow night. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the DPW Director Search Committee met and if the public has comments, they can be emailed to the Town Manager. She attended a meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners, and it is not a good time to be investing and earnings are down. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he watched the inauguration today, and our new President has put out a call for service. Public Comment—Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board received an email from Bob Frey regarding the I-93/1128 Interchange. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Board received an email from. Tom Ryan and it should be responded to. Town Manager/Assistant Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • He noted that there is a sense of hope and optimism with our new President. O The Board of Selectmen had their second budget meeting and he sent a chart of possible cuts to the Selectmen for their approval/disapproval. He commended the Department of Public Works for the snow clearing. 9 The Town submitted eight projects for the stimulus packet. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 20, 2009—Page 2 Personnel and Appointments Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Member — Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the elected representative resigned before he was sworn in so this will be a joint appointment by the Board of Selectmen and School Committee. He noted that six votes of 11 are needed. The Board of Selectmen and School Committee interviewed Maria Ferrari for one position on the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District. Ms. Ferrari noted that she has experience as a teacher and budget manager for a school district, and she has experience working with school committees. Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Member with a term expiring November 2, 2010: Maria B. Ferrari. Ms. Ferrari received eight votes and was appointed. A motion by Michaud seconded by Robinson to adiourn the School Committee meeting a 7:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Animal Control Appeals Committee— The Board interviewed Susan Giacalone for one position on the Animal Control Appeals Committee. Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Animal Control Appeals Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Susan Giacalone. Ms. Giacalone received three votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe reviewed the status of projects to date. She noted that we are ready for the final audit. The Town Manager noted that the questions the auditors ask are extensive. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the auditors are interested in the big picture now—not just the ratios. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if there are any concerns with our bond ratings. Ms. LaPointe noted that she feels confident because we have a plan.. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Standard and Poors has indicated that most communities with our ratings have more cash reserves. Selectman James Bonazoli asked what it meant when bond ratings drop. The Assistant Town Manager noted that we're at the bottom of the rung at getting the best price. Right now, our needs are small and as long as nothing big comes along, we'll be okay. He also noted that vendors are looking at not doing business with communities who cannot pay. Actuarial Study Results of Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) —RMLD General Manager Vinnie Cameron and RMLB Members Dick Hahn, Phil Pacino and Bob Soli were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 20, 2009—Page 3 Town Accountant Gail LaPointe introduced Kathleen Riley who did the study on the Town's health insurance for retirees. The Town Manager noted that we are required to do the study but under no obligation to fund. Ms. Riley reviewed the results of the study.. She noted that if we fund not, we use a higher % rate around 7.75%. If we pay as you go, the rate will be lower — around 4.75%. Ms. LaPointe noted that the State gave us a funding date to fully fund. They will give us a mechanism to help fund. She also noted that each Enterprise Fund funds their own portion; i.e., RMLD,water and sewer. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Municipal Light Department fully funded their pension in 1969. North Main Street LIP —Attorney Josh Latham, Engineer Jack Sullivan, Consultant Daniel Hart, Architect Andrew Stebbins and applicant Dennis Brearley were present. The Town Manager noted that this is a presentation on a possible LIP at 885 Main Street. Attorney Josh Latham noted that there are two lots, and the Town's affordable housing numbers have declined. They are proposing two and three bedroom units both townhouse and flat style for the handicapped. They are looking to attract young couples, empty nesters and single parents. Andrew Stebbins noted that he divided the units into four — five unit buildings. They are addressing the setback and will be in line with the homes on either side. They will follow the LEED Program guidelines for green buildings. The location is a half mile from Downtown. They will use energy star rated windows and appliances. They will meet the LEED certified threshold but they will not go through the whole process. Engineer Jack Sullivan indicated that the property is two acres, and they originally wanted 24 units but scaled it back to 20 units. They are pursuing a walking easement to Francis Drive and will loop water out to Francis Drive. They will comply with Conservation Bylaws. The property currently has two curb cuts .but they will only use one curb cut. The road will remain private. Mr. Sullivan noted that there will be easements for utilities to the Town. The Town Manager noted that the Town provides rubbish collection and recycling. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked what is the closest point to the abutting home, and Mr. Sullivan noted that it was a minimum of 30 feet. Vice Chairman Tafoya also asked if there have been any meetings with abutters, and Dennis Brearley indicated that he has met with the abutters on Main Street and Francis Drive. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the trash receptacle is not in a good location, and should be moved because it will affect the quality of life for the person living in the unit next to it. She also suggested that they use the same light styles used in the Downtown project. Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the shadow parking, and the architect indicated that is an area that can easily be converted to parking if needed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 20, 2009—Page 4 Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that two spaces per unit is not enough. Attorney Latham indicated that the Zoning By-Law only requires 1.50 spaces per unit. Selectman Anthony noted that the zoning is outdated and not realistic-there is no place for company to park. The sense of the Board was to bring this back to the full board and also invite the abutting property owners. A motion by Bonazoli seconded.by Anthony to adjourn the meetiniz of January 20, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, /, Secretary