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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 19,2009 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, Selectmen Camille Anthony.and Richard Schubert, Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: John and Lynn Arena, Peter Gent, Arthur and Kirsten Tzianabos, Mark and Nancy Cullen, Philip Longsdon, Richard Whalen, John and Linda Toth, Walter Mack, Joseph and Barbara Argonish, Peter Genovese, Patricia Napolitano, Marg Bowles, Pat Crowley, Palarat Pattanesuan,Thomas Plano, Thomas Plano, Sr. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy congratulated the Coolidge Middle School for placing 19th in the Nationals in Georgia. There will be an intergenerational game night at the Senior Center tomorrow night from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. She noted that Rachel Marolda is selling bracelets to raise money in memory of Eddie Charest who passed away this week. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there has been no activity at the tennis courts. The Town Manager noted that there is an agreement in principle and when it is final, the contractors will be scheduled. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she missed a meeting with the Trust Fund Commissioners, and noted that the Exemplary Teacher Award has not been spent. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked about the trailer on Main Street at Franklin and also asked for the Memorial Day schedule. Public Comment — Mark Cullen of 58 Francis Drive submitted a petition with 300 signatures opposed to the 885 Main Street proposed LIP. He asked that all abutters within 300 feet be notified of any future meetings. John Arena of 26 Francis Drive noted that the developer has not responded as the Selectmen suggested. He also noted that abutters need to be notified of all meetings regarding 885 Main Street. Linda Toth of 55 Frances Drive expressed her dismay over the missing left hand turn signal onto Main Street. The Town Manager noted that he is not sure if it will come back. He indicated that i we will not know until the project is done, and noted that the left turn onto Main Street is low flow. Board of Selectmen Meeting=May 19 2009—Page 2 A resident noted that he was hit from behind the first night the signal was gone. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Downtown Project update o Flag Pole o Stamped Concrete • Ash Street Grade Crossing completed • Tennis Courts ® Sewer Investigation • Ristorante Pavarotti—Mistake on beer/wine license • Town Engineer George Zambouras spoke to Mr. Chen-Yuan Wang of Central Transportation Planning Staff this morning. He indicated to George that the Main and Franklin Street intersection is eligible under the State's congested intersection program, and asked if we would like it to be considered. George explained the improvements we would like to see; i.e., crosswalks, HP ramps and left turn lanes, and about the meeting we had last year with MHD and Rep. Brad Jones. Mr. Wang felt the intersection had a reasonable chance of making it through the final list. They will be presenting the list of projects to the Transportation Planning and Programming Committee this Thursday. He will let me know the outcome ASAP. If it makes it through the final cut, they will be doing a traffic study in May. • The Massachusetts Moderators Association has produced DVD presentations that explain, in lay terms, the workings of Town Meeting. The Representative Town Meeting DVD, called "Voice of the People," premiered a couple of weeks ago at the Senior Center, and it will be aired on RCTV. You will recognize several people in the video. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Town is looking for a new Town Clerk. John Hanson, former City Clerk of Everett, is helping out temporarily. Discussion/Action Items Continued Hearing - Atlantic Food Mart Liquor License—Revocation— The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this was previously continued to tonight but the attorney and potential licensee are not available so they are requesting a continuation. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked the Town Manager to get further thoughts from Town Counsel regarding the basis for denial to someone who meets the criteria. He also requested an outline of the process to add one more package store. He noted that there seems to be a step missing in the formal notification to the licenses if the Board is going to deny. Selectman Camille Anthony requested that the timing be tracked. Selectman Richard Schubert requested information on their rights to deny a license; i.e., location, size, etc. He requested the square footage of the existing liquor stores. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 19 2009—Page 3 A motion b Anthon seconded b Schubert to continue the hearingon the revocation of the Atlantic Food Mart Liquor License to June 9,2009 at 8:00 p.m,, was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The Town Manager noted that he will do an abbreviated notice for the next hearing. Hearing Fees—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that there is a large amount of information on fees. He also noted that we do not depend on any increased fees this year in the budget so he suggests not raising any right now. The Assistant Town Manager noted that most late fees are State law. He reviewed the interest charge on utilities, real estate, water, sewer and storm water, tax title and excise tax. He also noted that lost payments and lost mail is an issue. Selectman Richard Schubert suggested tracking penalties in Munis to prevent the perception of favoritism. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested bringing this topic back to the Selectmen. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthonv to close the hearing on the fee changes was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing.— Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant — Beer and Wine License — The su Secretary read the hearing notice. The owner of Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, P alarat t. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen had approved a beer and wine license in the past but the ABCC denied it because the applicant was not a citizen. The applicant is now a citizen. The comments from the Health and Police Departments are in the packet. The alcohol will be in a secure location. Mr. Pattanesuan noted that he has been in that location for nine years. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if he will be adding a cooler for beer and wine and if it would be under his control. Mr. Pattanesuan responded in the affirmative. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Board received an email from a resident in favor of the issuance of a beer and wine license. He also informed the applicant that he would have to receive TIPS training and noted that compliance checks are done on a regular basis. A motion b Anthonyseconded b Schubert to close the hearin for a Wine 'and Malt Restaurant Liquor License for Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 19 2009—Page 4 _A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the Wine and Malt Restaurant Li nor License for Bangkok S ice Thai Restaurant 76 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2009, subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and also subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing_Birch Meadow Master Plan—Selectman Richard Schubert read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Recreation Administrator John Feudo surveyed students to determine what they want. He reviewed three possible plans for the area. He also noted that the ball field is doable with any of the three plans. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the skate board park needs to be discussed. The Board had previously discussed relocating it elsewhere. She feels that the full Board needs to decide. Thomas Plano of 128 Gleason Road noted that if the skate park isn't big enough, it won't accommodate everyone. The Town Manager noted that it is as big as two tennis courts. Mr. Plano also noted that the Middle Schools and High Schools weren't surveyed and they are the skaters. He feels that the smaller children might be intimidated by the older children. Thomas Plano, Sr. noted that they visited Liverpool, New York and they have a very nice and well run skate park. He also noted that Reading offers plenty for the younger children but there needs to be a place for the middle school children, and the park should be in the open where the public can view. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board needs to hear on some alternative location for the skate park. Selectman Richard Schubert agreed that big kids with little kids can be intimidating. He noted that the plan is too much for that area and he has concerns about parking. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the area needs picnic tables and benches such as the playground across the street from the Stoneham Zoo. She asked how much parking was at the previous Imagination Station, and the Town Manager noted 30 spaces and we will lose five spaces with these plans. Selectman Anthony indicated that she would like to see a parking map. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked how the loss of parking spaces will impact traffic. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to continue the hearin¢ on the Birch Meadow Master Plan until June 9th at 9.00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Policy Discussion — Youth Liaison to Board of Selectmen — The Town Manager noted that he put together a bullet list of items. Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy indicated that it looks fine to her. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 19 2009.—Page 5 Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the wording "youth liaison" and "student liaison" should be consistent. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested calling these guidelines. She also questioned whether the liaison needs to receive a full packet. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested adding a bullet indicating that the role of the youth liaison is to represent all youth in the Town no matter what school they go to. Revised Liquor Policies re: Clubs and All Alcoholic Licenses in Restaurants with less than 100 seats—The Town Manager noted that the intent is to implement orderly closing for clubs, and to implement a policy for all alcohol licenses with less than 100 seats. The Town Manager reviewed the policy for all alcohol for under 100 seats. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the fee should be the same for over 100 seats. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he feels the volume of alcohol that's being sold should determine the value. Selectman Anthony suggested surveying other communities including Arlington. The Town Manager noted that the hours would be the same as for beer and wine. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that all licensees should have the same start and closing times. The Town Manager reviewed the orderly closing for clubs. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested doing a survey of the clubs regarding their function hall events and members only events including the hours. Follow Up to Instructional Motion from Town Meeting — The Town Manager noted that Jeff Strueble made an instructional motion at Town Meeting to either repair or replace the cemetery garage. The Town Manager suggested setting up an ad hoc committee or establish the Building Committee that the Board has talked about and include this in their Charter. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Oakland Road situation could also be included in the charge. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the make up of the committee may need to change due to the issue they are focusing on. The Town Manager suggested a member of the Selectmen, School Committee, Library Trustees, and then keep the rest of the committee broad. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Cemetery Division falls under DPW but they don't want to be at the DPW Garage. She asked who decides, and the Town Manager noted that the Selectmen decide. i Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 19 2009—Page 6 _A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to adiourn the meeting of May 19, 2009 at 9.15 p.m.was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary