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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 24, 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, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Michele Benson, Everett Blodgett, Nancy Linn Swain, Douglas O'Flaherty; Steven Dennen, Shirley and Brad Sandler, Anne Rumizen, Paul Hunnefeld, Anthony Guarciari Ello, Nancy and Larry Powell, Susan Bowe, Ken Fraser, John Forest, John Miles, Pat Biggs, Elaine Leach, Tony D'Arezzo, Nicole Quinn, Gina Snyder, John Halsey, Lin Chabra, Tom Connery, George Perry, Mike DeBrigaird, Patrice Todisco, Joan Hoyt, Mark Wetzel, Ron D'Addario, Tracy Sopchak, Ray Porter, Attorney Charles Arthur, Loretta Andreottola, Janice Feagley,Frank Driscoll. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there was an email from Bob Frey regarding the Interchange. The State has some funding and is filing an EIR to do some of the 25% design work. Chairman Stephen Goldy suggested finding out if the same people who served on the task force are still interested. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that there is no sign that indicates no left hand turn off of Hopkins Street onto Main Street. The Town Manager noted that this is scheduled for a hearing on March 17th. Selectman Bonazoli also noted that Arbor Day is April 27th and there will be events the week of April 27th—May 4th. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended a meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners and also the DPW Director Search Committee. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that there is a regional meeting at the State House this Friday. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ® Spring Leaf Collection is cancelled due to FY 2009 Budget constraints. e The Compost Center will be closing at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays beginning in April, again due to budget constraints. i I have laid off the Assistant Building Inspector due to budget constraints and lack of work. • The Wayside Bazaar property is under contract for sale—for use as a restaurant by the owners of Tanner Tavern in Woburn and Stearns & Hill of Melrose. i . Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2009—Page 2 • The date of the Community Organizations Seminar is February 26, 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—7:30 at Senior Center. • Town Meeting—April 27th. • A 2BR affordable housing Unit at Sumner Cheney Place is available—cost is $234,200. • I have included in your packet, at your request, the history of snow and ice removal over the past 18'/z years. • I have included at your request the portions of the MWRA Capital Improvements Program that includes funding for the NIH water storage and redundancy project. • Your packet this evening includes an email from Bob Frey re: the 128/1-93 RFR for the Interchange improvements. • 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. • There is a Patrick Administration Municipal Affairs Coordinating Council Meeting in Melrose on March 5th. • Next Board of Selectmen - Office Hours at 6:30 on o March 3rd—Ben Tafoya The Town Manager noted that there is a letter in the packet from the Mass Lottery indicating that a local market wants a KENO monitor. The Town Manager noted that when the Board approved the KENO To G6, they were very specific about not wanting monitors in the stores. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony that the Town of Reading Board of Selectmen go on record that they are opposed to a KENO at J.K.'s Market or any other location in Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Town's technology staff will be visiting the City of Lowell on Friday to share ideas on projects they are working on. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Town Forest Committee — Town Forest Committee Members Tom Connery, George Perry, Mike deBrigard, Patrice Todisco and Joan Hoyt were present. Ms. Todisco noted that the Committee oversees the care, custody and management of the Town Forest, The Town Forest was created in 1930 and consists of 290 acres. There is access from Strout Avenue, Fox Run Lane and Roma Lane. The forest offers passive recreation and there is an increased desire for camping. The Town does maintenance and repair but there is no master plan for the Town Forest. Ms. Todisco also noted that the Town Forest is not widely known as a resource. There is a lack of a forestry plan and lack of consistent signage. There are occasional conflicts between vehicles and walkers. Removal of the Water Treatment Plant will improve the access to the Town Forest. Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the Committee is working on a master plan, and George Perry indicated that they are. Ms. Todisco noted that the Master Plan costs money and suggested applying for grants. Chairman Goldy noted that development and implementing are different Board of Selectmen Meetings February 24, 2009—Page 3 things. He recommended that the Committee develop a plan that includes everything and then bring it back to the Selectmen. The Town Manager noted that the Town Planner will meet with the Town Forest Committee, and there will need to be a process that includes the community.. Discuss Issues re: Use of and Access to Town Forest, Dogs, .Parks, etc. — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that 11 citizens came to the last Office Hours regarding the Town Forest. The Town Manager noted that the Water Department land is known as the 100 Acre Meadow. It is not the Town Forest. When the Water Treatment Plant was demolished, something had to be done with the land so it was graded as an active recreation site. The Town does not have the money to develop this as a recreation area. Mark Wetzel, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, noted that this was approved so the Town could build a ball field. The Town has three years to build the project without going back to the Conservation Commission. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the Conservation Commission wanted to know what the land could be used for but the funding is only for the grading. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the issue was access and the natural state. The Town Manager noted that there should be signage there showing the line of the Town Forest. Adviso_ry Committee on Cities for Climate Protection Program (ACCCP) Report — ACCCP Members Michele Benson, Ron D'Addario, Gina Snyder, Tracy Sopchak and Ray Porter were present. Tracy Sopchak updated the Board on the Committee's goals to date. She noted that the Town was awarded the MPO Grant but the Town is not able to match it right now. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that when developers go before the ZBA or CPDC, it is a chance to advocate for a shuttle bus. Discussion About Green Communities— School Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary Delai gave a brief overview of what is involved in being a "green community." She indicated that there is $10 million in grants available to cities and towns for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. She reviewed the application process and noted that this process needs to be pursued to access funding. Birch Meadow Master Plan—Recreation Administrator John Feudo and Town Engineer George Zambouras were present. John Feudo noted that the recommendation is to eliminate all the parking at Imagination Station and add more green space to house a skateboard park and a tot lot. He also noted that they are surveying the schools to see what the children want. The Town Manager noted that the ball fields will need to be elevated for drainage. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2009—Page 4 Selectman Richard Schubert asked if all three ball fields are the same size, and John. Feudo indicated that they are. Selectman Schubert also asked if there will be seating, and John Feudo indicated that there will be no established seating. Selectman Schubert indicated that he would like to see a cleaner more efficient use of fencing. He asked what is the size of the skate park, and John Feudo indicated that it is 50 x 50. Selectman Schubert indicated that he had concerns regarding parking. Selectman Camille Anthony asked why there are three ball fields, and John Feudo indicated that he can put three youth groups there at one time. Selectman Camille Anthony had concerns about eliminating the onsite parking at Imagination Station, and suggested moving Imagination Station if there won't be parking onsite due to a safety perspective. John Halsey from Reading Baseball noted that he talked to the Committee regarding installing a scoreboard and dugout at Morton Field. He would like to proceed with installing the scoreboard in the center. He stated that Reading Baseball will pay for the work if the Selectmen approve it. Richard Schubert indicated that he wants to see the type of structure for the dugouts and the details of the scoreboard. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if storage is included in the dugouts, and Mr. Halsey indicated that storage is in the backside of the structure. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he would like to know who is using the structure and what the square footage is. The Town Manager indicated that he will schedule a site visit and a public hearing. Washington Park Master Plan — The Town Manager noted that a community group is raising funds. Recreation Administrator John Feudo reviewed the master plan for the park, and noted that the playground will go in first. There will be a temporary basketball court, and the tennis courts will be removed. They will define parking and re-align the baseball field. Frank Driscoll indicated that he felt the wall had some historical value and should not be removed. He also indicated that the kids are hiding behind the houses too and the police patrol should be increased. Nancy Linn Swain noted that the neighbors are requesting that the wall be removed. The Town Manager noted that this will make room for parking, and some kind of fence will be installed. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if the Historical Commission was consulted on the wall, and John Feudo indicated that they found no historical value to the wall. Board of Selectmen MeetingL-February 24, 2009—Page 5 Everett Blodgett indicated that he felt the wall had significant historical value but the archway is in bad shape. The Board suggested doing a site visit and putting this back on the Agenda in April. Hearing— 5.00 a.m. Opening—Mobil Station, 178 Main Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the owner is requesting a 5:00 a.m. opening at 178 Main Street. The application has been reviewed by the Police and Health Departments and they have no problems. Attorney Charles Arthur was present representing Joe Prizio, the owner of the Mobil Station. He noted that this would benefit the public and since it would be Monday through Friday, most of the customers will be residents. They are located in a business zone and they sell more coffee than gasoline at that time of the morning. They will not be receiving early morning deliveries. Loretta Andreottola of 489 Summer Avenue noted that she objects to the early opening because her bedroom is on that side of the house. She also objects to the constant beeping when customers use credit cards. Janice Feagley of 483 Summer Avenue noted that the Town already has one station open at 5:00 a.m. and one that is open 24 hours a day. She noted that this location has houses on three sides— it's in a residential area. Tony D'Arezzo of 130 John Street noted that there is music playing through the speakers on the pumps, and they should be required to shut it off. He asked if there was any limit to the number of stores allowed to open at 5:00 a.m. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that there is no limit. He also noted that the speakers are not supposed to be heard at the property line. It was noted that this is a violation of Section 5.16 of the General Bylaws which states that speakers are only to be used to communicate with the customer. Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that the Selectmen have the flexibility on approving depending on the site location. He is familiar with the site and not inclined to support. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that Main Street is a residential area, and he feels that there will be more discussion at Town Meeting. He has no problem granting the waiver. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that Town Meeting was told that residents were looking for coffee shops.to open early. Coffee is a sideline at this location. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that residents' homes are very close. The principle use is a gas station and she does not support a waiver. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to close the hearing for the 5:00 a.m. opening at 178 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2009—Page 6 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen finds that permitting retail sales prior to 6:00 a.m. for Main Street Petroleum, LLC at 178 Main Street is in the interest of public convenience, and the Board of Selectmen does hereby grant a waiver of Section 5.10 of the General Bylaws to allow Main Street Petroleum, LLC at 178 Main Street to conduct retail sales prior to 6:00 a.m. subject to the following conditions • Retail sales shall not take place earlier than 5:00 a.m., Monday through Friday (except for holidays). • All conditions of Site Plan approydl, all other bylaws, licenses and requirements of Town agencies, and the requirements of Section 3.9 of the Board of Selectmen Policies shall be met. Where there is a conflict among these bylaws, permits, approvals and licenses,the most restrictive shall be met. • This approval shall expire on December 31, 2009 unless renewed by the Board of Selectmen, failed by a vote of 1-3-0,with Schubert,Anthony and Goldy opposed. Killam School Recreation Plan— Recreation Administrator John Feudo indicated that the plan is to push back the baseball field and add a park play area, create an ADA compliant path, and relocate the basketball hoops. We will put in swale to get the run off the field. Reading Youth Baseball will do the back stop over. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if he had the cost of the swale yet, and John Feudo indicated that he did not but it will be asphalt swale. The Town Manager noted that the first phase is the playground. Baseball will pay for the field. The Town's cost for the playground and swale will be approximately$10,000 - $15,000. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Killam School Recreation Plan was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of February 10, 1009 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to adiourn the meeting of February 24,2009 at 10:43 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, L Secretary