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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 9, 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 Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Fire Chief Greg Bums, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following wing list of interested parties: Jeffrey Struble, Gina Snyder, Bill Brown, Adam Chase, George Perry, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Trevor and Justin Young, Thomas Plano, David and Joseph Green, Thomas Gray, Cage Hamblin, Niles Singes, Quinn Marchetti, Devon Smallwood, Makena Gera, Nikki Wynns, Amelia Sellitto, Graham Boudette, Rory Fitzpatrick, Clara Long, Shaelyn Collins, Catherine Almeida, Carlson Kiliopulos, Lilly Haley, Cassie Wolfe, Gracie Godwin, Cameron MacDonnell. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she is working on the Fall Street Faire with Chairman Stephen Goldy. She also noted that the mural is coming along great. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he had Office Hours tonight. One resident commented about the trash on Walkers Brook Drive, and suggested that perhaps the property owner could monitor and come up with a plan to clean up. He also noted that the fence that was put up during construction on the Market Basket side of the road probably isn't necessary anymore. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked who was responsible for cleaning the basins, and the Town Manager noted that the property.owner is required to clean the basin every so often. Selectman Schubert noted that Jeff Struble also came in to speak with him regarding his instructional motion. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the CPDC Meeting and they approved the site plan for the butcher shop on Haven Street. They are scheduling a session for next Monday on 40B. He also noted that the Selectmen will need to talk with CPDC at some point regarding parking in the 40R zone. Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy noted that Rachel Marolda is selling bracelets for Eddie Charest and donating the money to the Heart Foundation. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he and Sarah Mulroy also attended a teen and senior event at the Senior Center. Board of Selectmen Meetinia—June 9,2009—Page..2 Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he would like to charter CPDC to fix the mix use overlay bylaw. He also requested an update on the Addison-Wesley property, and the Town Manager noted that he would get an update from the developer. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that there will be a brief dedication of Collins Field on June 18th at 5:30 p.m. He also noted that he will be sending a letter to Representative Brad Jones thanking him for his support in getting the Ash Street grade crossing done. Public Comment—Town Meeting Member Jeff Struble indicated that he sent an email regarding his instructional motion. He noted that the storage shed at Laurel Hill is not safe. A decision to where it will go has not been made yet. He*also noted that the intent of the instructional motion was to get the building done faster. He feels that a deferral to-a large building committee will prolong the process and will miss out on the bargain prices.. Selectman Camille Anthony asked where this is in the capital plan,. and the Assistant Town Manager noted that it is four to five years out. Jeff Struble noted that the instructional motion was to have the plans ready to go if stimulus money becomes available. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the new DPW Director comes on board July I st and be needs to be involved. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that we already have projects that are shovel ready if the money comes along and the Selectmen can prioritize. Bill Brown noted that the Cemetery Board agrees with Jeff Struble. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Tennis Courts — Painting will be done the week of June 22nd weather permitting, and they should be open for play a couple of weeks later. • Collins Field rededication June 18th at Parker Middle School—5:30 p.m. ® FYI - The attorney for the property owner at 855 Main Street has requested a copy of the petition that was submitted to the Board of Selectmen at their May 19th meeting. • The Town has received a notice from the Architectural Access Board that the new crosswalk at Birch Meadow Drive and the fire access lane at Birch Meadow School is not HC compliant. A ramp on the southerly (field) side of the crosswalk will cost about $3,000. How do you want to proceed? Install the ramp or remove the crosswalk. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that there is more than one crosswalk in Town without a ramp. The Town Manager noted the other crosswalks are older and this is a new crosswalk. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board needs to see a plan and the cost. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 9 2009—Page 3 ® At the PTTTF meeting, we talked about installing a stop sign on Pine Ridge Road at Oak Street, and the Safety Officer prepared the paperwork for the Board of Selectmen consideration at a hearing in June. That paperwork also went to the DPW who assumed it was a work order and installed the sign. Some neighbor(s) are unhappy and we have explained the situation to them. They will get a notice of the hearing. ® As part of the valuation of Real Estate and Personal Property in the Town of Reading, we would like to remind you that the Assessor's Office has our Appraisers Scott Morrison, Patricia Sullivan and Deborah Jackson out inspecting the current building permits and completing our annual cyclical re-inspection program. A systematic re-inspection of all properties in the Town on a nine year cycle is a minimum State requirement. These inspections have started and will continue throughout the next four to six months. Any of these individuals who are part of our inspection team will be able to provide photo identification. Any home owner may verbally confirm the identity of any individual representing themselves as working for the Reading Assessor's Office by calling 781-942- 9027. Office Hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m. ® I received a question about the right tum only restriction on Hopkins at Main Street. The restrictions are permanent, or until/unless we get a traffic signal at that location. The regulation was requested by staff, and approved by the Board of Selectmen and the Massachusetts Highway Department. ® CPDC last night granted a waiver of Site Plan Review, with conditions, for the proposed Olde Redding Butcher Shop at 169 Haven Street last night. They also approved the sign design and granted Certificate of Appropriateness to accompany the sign permit application. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution— Support for Revised Bottle Bill —The Town Manager noted that this Resolution is in support of requiring a deposit on water bottles, sports drinks and tea bottles. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the Resolution in support of the revised bottle bill was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Aquatics Advisory Board — Tafoya moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following _name into nomination for one position on the Aquatics Advisory Board with a term expiring June 30, 2012• Lois Margeson Ms Margeson received five votes and was appointed. Board of Cemetery.Trustees — Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with terms expiring June 30, 2012• Mary Vincent and William Brown. Each applicant received fives votes and were appointed. Recreation Committee— The Board interviewed Adam Chase for one Associate position on the Recreation Committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 9, 2009—Page 4 Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for three positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2012: John Winne,Mary Ellen Stolecki and Nancy. Linn-Swain. Each applicant received five votes and i were appointed. Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2010: Eric Hughes and Adam Chase. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Town Forest Committee — The Board interviewed George Perry for one position on the Town Forest Committee. Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2012: George Perry. Mr. Perry received five votes and was appointed. Tafoya moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Town Forest Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2010: Joan Hoyt and Patrice Todisco. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Mrs. Boston's Grade 4 "It's My Business" — Chairman Stephen Goldy welcomed Mrs. Boston and her 4th grade class. He noted that their assignment was called "It's My Business," and the students were looking for ideas on what should go into the vacant Linens `N Things location. The Town Manager noted that he sent a copy of the letters to Mark Dickinson, the owner of the site. He was very impressed with the letters and will be writing back to Mrs. Boston. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that some of the recommendations were for an arcade, entertainment, laser tag, pet store, grooming store and a kennel. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that they also recommended a bookstore, trampoline world and a couple asked for a teen center. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he was very impressed with the business proposal for "Fitzy's Sporting Goods." Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he liked the bowling alley proposal. Mrs. Boston noted that the students took into consideration the location off Route 128, and the fact that there was plenty of parking. She also noted that they also created brochures for their businesses. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 9, 2009—Page 5 -Student Joseph Green asked if any of their ideas will go in that location. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the property is owned by an individual and the Town can help guide him but the Town does not make the final decision. The Town Manager noted that the cost of rent for that location is high so companies have to look at the cost of running of the business and what they will charge. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that property was a former landfill and the developer had to pay to close the landfill. The Town Manager noted that the buildings are on pilings and the parking lot is on top of trash. He also noted that the trash now goes to Haverhill and is burned and that generates electricity. A student asked how long it will take to put something in the empty space. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that depends on who rents it. Highlights — Fire Department Ambulance Service — Fire Chief Greg Bums gave a very informative presentation on the ambulance service that the Town provides. Continued Hearing —,.Atlantic Food Mart.Liquor License Revocation — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Atlantic Mart closed in December 2008. He stated that the Selectmen held a hearing in April and extended it twice while the owner tried to work out a transfer of the license. He received a phone call on Monday indicating that they were unable to come up with a plan. He noted that on Page 22 of the handout was a letter from Attorney Brad Latham indicating that they are surrendering their license. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Board needs to discuss being prepared for this situation in the future. They need to address the issue of selling a license and losing control. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he was disappointed that the Board renewed this license in November. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen .accept the surrender of the Retail Package Goods Store for all Kinds of Alcoholic Beverages not to be Drunk on the Premises license issued to the Atlantic Food Mart,Inc., in lieu of continuing the hearing on this matter,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing. — FY2010 Compensation PI — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts was present. The Town Manager noted that the compensation plan is for non-union employees for FY 2010 and includes a 2% cost of living increase. He also noted that this plan covers 64 positions for 100 employees. The cost of$81,000 is included in the FY 2010 Budget. He stated that there are six union contracts in place that expire in 2010. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 9, 2009—Page 6 All employees have been told not to expect a cost of living increase in 2010 and 2011. The Personnel Policies are being changed so that sick leave is being reduced from 15 to 12 days per year, and new employees are not eligible for sick leave buy back. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he will not support increases in the coming years when salaries in the private sector are decreasing. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the unions have absorbed hard times in the past. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how much of the$81,000 is the cost of living allowance, and the Assistant Town Manager noted that all of it is cost of living, and that the step increase is another$81,000. Selectman Anthony noted that the Town cannot afford 4% increases every year and requested that 4% increases never come back to the Board again. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that tax revenue can only increase 2.50% each year. He feels uncomfortable with the proposal and,noted that we are still supplementing the budget out of reserves. He also noted that this discussion needs to take place during budget season. The Town Manager noted that he has told the unions that they need to start negotiating early this time to have contracts in place by budget time. The Assistant Town Manager suggested scheduling a Financial Forum as soon as possible because next year's budget will be even more difficult. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on the proposed FY 2010 Compensation Plan for Town non-union employees was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the FY 2010 Compensation Plan, as presented,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Continued Hearing — Birch Meadow Master Plan — Imagination Station Area — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to make a decision on which plan they prefer regarding the skateboard park and parking. He noted that the skateboard park could be moved to a location near the Field House. The Selectmen had concerns regarding the conservation and impervious area. Selectman James Bonazoli asked what the requirements are for this restoration, and the Town Manager noted that the idea is to do some appropriate planting and some wildflower mix. Thomas Plano from 128 Gleason Road noted that Recreation did not survey middle and High School students. Recreation Administrator John Feudo indicated that they will be doing that before they close the project out. Mr. Plano noted that all of the playgrounds in town have been replaced in the past eight years, and there is no place for kids his age to go. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 9, 2009—Page 7 Bill Brown suggested moving everything up the road to Oakland Road. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that we are trying to keep everything in the Birch Meadow Area. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about the fencing and trees. He noted that trees could be put around the perimeter. He had concerns regarding amplified sound in the platform area. He feels that should be addressed now because it will open opportunities that could get out of hand. He would like to see onsite parking, and feels that the skateboard park is too much for that area. ' Selectman Richard Schubert noted that if the park was moved near the school, there would be security issues. He also noted that if the access road was opened, then the skateboard park could stay where it is. There was discussion among the Board members regarding sighting the skateboard park near the Field House. After much discussion, the consensus of the Board was to go with revision 3, open the access road and add trees around the perimeter. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the Birch Meadow Master Plan for the Imagination Station Area was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Adopt Guidelines for the Youth Liaison to the Board of Selectmen — The Town Manager reviewed the final version of the Guidelines for the Youth Liaison to the Board of Selectmen. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the "Guidelines for the Youth Liaison to the Reading Board of Selectmen" dated June 9, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Adopt Code of Code of Conduct—The Town Manager reviewed the final version of the Code of Conduct. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the "Code of Conduct" dated 5-28- 09 was approved by-a vote of 5-0-0. Execute Agreement with AGFA — The Town Manager indicated that the Selectmen needed to execute the agreement with AGFA. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the settlement in the amount of $125,000 between the Town of Reading and AGFA related to the contamination of the revay well and the recovery of expenses related thereto was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Execute Conservation Restriction—9 Gregory Road—The Town Manager noted that the map in the Selectmen's packet shows the restriction. A_ motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the conservation restriction for 9 Gregory Road, as approved by the property owner and the Conservation Commission, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 9,2009—Page 8 Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of April 14, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of April 28, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of May 5, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the. Minutes of May 19, 2009 was approved by a vote of 3-0-2,with GO& and Bonazoli abstaining. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of May 26, 209 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Executive Session Minutes of April 14, 2009, as written, was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Executive Session Minutes of May 26, 2009. as written, was approved on a roll call vote with Tafoya, Bonazoli and Anthony voting in the affirmative and Goldy and Schubert abstaining. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of June 9, 2009 at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, y Secretary <;_ S