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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 22, 2008 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 7:01 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Ronald O'Keefe, Peg Pratt, Fred Van Magness, James Lynch, Everett and Virginia Blodgett, Attorney Barry Gerstein, Leigh Bull, Justin Ray. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Chairman James Bonazoli noted that Boy Scout Jacob Westerman was attending the meeting this evening as part of his citizenship badge requirements. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he had Office Hours at the Senior Center two weeks ago. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the MMA Annual Trade Show. He also noted that he has asked Secretary Cohen for a response to our position on the Interchange project. He noted that the Carpenter's Union had a booth regarding "Green Globes," and the Town-needs to encourage green construction. He requested that the MWRA water tanks be put on an agenda as soon as possible. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that we need to study the issue of green as a community, and requested that this be put on the Action Status Report. She also noted that.she does feel that something needs to be done with 1-95. She is in favor of red light and speed cameras. She requested a list of legal cases being worked on by Town Counsel, and the Town Manager noted that he will have Town Counsel come in for Executive Session. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Cities for Climate Protection Committee will look at the green building issue. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Selectmen met on Saturday to review the budget. Public Comment — Fred Van Magness noted that he wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen regarding snow removal on sidewalks, and that this will put an extraordinary burden on some people. He suggested working with the Light Department on the green initiative. He asked if a turbine could go where the Water Treatment Plant is located. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 22, 2008 -Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Reminder—the Town Election and the Presidential Primary Election are on February 5th. " • Quarterly budget reports for the first half of this Fiscal Year are in the Board of Selectmen information this evening. • We have exceeded our FY 2008 snow and ice budget. We will, of course, continue to plow and sand/salt as necessary. • In your packet is the requested information on the completion of site improvements at the Venetian Moon building by the property owner. • We have received a dividend from MIIA for our Property and Casualty and Workers Comp Insurance in the amount of$3,317 for this year. • There is a DVD available for most of the members of the Board of Selectmen (you might have to share) produced by MMA on Revenue Sharing. I previewed this on last week's "Ask the Town Manager," and have asked RCTV to air it again in the coming months. • In your packet of information this evening is an application put together by DPW Director Ted McIntire and his staff for the EPA New England Annual Merit Award for the community's efforts in addressing the Ipswich Water Shed environmental concerns. We'll let you know if we are successful. • The Health Division is conducting the last flu clinic of the year on January 24th here at Town Hall—4:30 to 6:60 p.m. Pneumonia and tetanus shots are also available. • The 25% design hearing on the West Street project is scheduled for January 30th at 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Middle School. Notices have peen published. Discussion/Action Items Confirmation of Betterments — Franklin Terrace Sewer — The Town Manager noted that the Town had approved funding for sewers on Franklin Terrace. The project is complete, and the cost was considerably lower than the original estimate. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to confirm the sewer extension assessments for Plat 153 Lot 12 at $9,545.60 and for Plat.153 Lot 12A at$9,945.60 with an interest rate of 5% should the owner choose to spread payments over up to 20 years was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Transfer of Stock Change of Manager, New Officer/Director — Longhorn Steak House—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this facility is under new construction. The Police Department and Health Department have no problems with the transfer. Attorney Barry Gerstein and Leigh Bull were present representing the Longhorn Steak House. Attorney Gerstein noted that Ms. Bull is the new Manager, and she has the Town's rules and regulations. Ms. Bull noted that the restaurant is 85% done, and they are looking to open on March 10th. Attorney Gerstein noted that RARE Hospitality was bought by GMRI, Inc. and that is owned by Darden Restaurants. He also noted that RARE Hospitality is happy to be with Darden. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 22 2008.—Page 3 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to close the hearing for the Transfer of Stock, Change of Manager and New Officer/Director for the Longhorn Steak House was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Transfer of Stock, New Officer/Director and Change of Manager of record from James Rocco Lagno to Leigh Anne Bull for RARE Hospitality International, Inc d/b/a Longhorn Steak House at 39 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading,MA was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing..— Beer and Wine License — Twin Seafood — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Twin Seafood owner Justin Ray was present. The Town Manager noted that he did a site visit. The restaurant has 18 seats. He also noted that the Police and Health Departments have no problem with this application. Mr..Ray noted that he had a revised floor plan. There will be seating on both sides of the restaurant. Whenever someone is eating in the fresh food section,wait staff will be there. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there are typically two people on duty, and Mr. Ray indicated that there are. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to close the hearing for a Wine and Malt Liquor License for Twin Seafood was approved b .a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor License for: • Twin Seafood of Reading,Inc d/b/a Twin Seafood, 591 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2008 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Amending Rubbish Rules and Regulations — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is a housekeeping issue. DPW Director Ted McIntire noted that the DEP has banned collection of construction material so the regulations need to be changed to reflect that. He also noted that in Section 4.6.4.1, the length of wood collection has changed from six feet to three feet and must be tied in bundles. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the 60 lbs. weight limit was per container, and Ted McIntire indicated that it was. Ted McIntire noted that CRT's are picked up curbside on the fourth Wednesday of the month for $20.00. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that fluorescent bulbs, LCD and plasma screens need to be added. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 22, 2008—Page 4 Ted McIntire continued the review of the rules and regulations. There was some confusion about the wording regarding the collection of wood, and the Town Manager indicated that he would work on reorganizing the policy to make it clearer. He will make the changes and bring it back to the Selectmen. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on amending Section 4.6 of the Board of Selectmen Policies regarding Rubbish Collection Rules and Regulations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the amendments to Section 4.6 of the Board of Selectmen Policies regarding Rubbish Collection Rules and Regulations, as presented on January 22, 2008,was approved by a vote of 5-0- Update on Water Conservation Efforts — Ted McIntire noted that the goal is to reduce the demand for water. He reviewed the rebate program, the odd/even outdoor watering, the retrofit program and the irrigation program. Fred Van Magness noted that hiring a plumber and getting a permit for installing low flow toilets discourages residents from applying for the rebates. Review Process for Considering Sidewalk Plowing Issue — The Town Manager noted that.the Town does not have a bylaw requiring residents to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice but we do have a bylaw prohibiting plowing into the public way. Ted McIntire noted that there are three sidewalk routes. The business district is completely cleared off, and they also try to do.some of the schools with drop off areas.. There are seven miles of sidewalks in the business district alone. The school district,has 20 miles of sidewalks. He is looking to buy new equipment for plowing the sidewalks. He also noted that Main Street is the hardest route to clear. They have recently added Franklin Street, Sunset Rock and Roma Lane to the route. Ted McIntire noted that the problem with the businesses on south Main Street is that they are plowing their parking lots onto the sidewalks. They will start enforcing the current bylaw. Resident Peg Pratt handed out a letter to the Board, and noted that the Town cannot expect the elderly to shovel when they weren't even allowed to go to work. Ronald O'Keefe of 44B Batchelder Road noted that the handicapped cannot shovel, and asked what the fine would be. Chairman James Bonazoli noted.that it would be a $25.00 fine. Mr. O'Keefe noted that Chapter 85, Section 5 of the MGL states that $10.00 is the maximum fine, and asked what the.appeal process would be. Chairman Bonazoli noted that extenuating circumstances will be dealt with in the bylaw. The Town Manager noted that most of the rest of the country have a bylaw requiring clearing of sidewalks. Board of Selectmen Meeting—.January 22 2008,—Page 5 Mr. Van Magness noted that he has elderly neighbors who cannot physically shovel. He asked who would plow the snow if there are exemptions. He also noted that DPW needs help and resources. He suggested licensing private plows and giving them a copy of the regulations. The Town Manager suggested dealing with the commercial district differently than the residential districts. Everett Blodgett of 99 Prescott Street noted that many houses have sidewalks that go nowhere. He feels that the Town should put more effort into education instead of enforcement—he wants to get more people out of their cars and walking. The consensus of the Selectmen was not to move forward with a new bylaw, and they would rather have the current bylaw enforced. Selectman Richard Schubert requested an outline from Ted McIntire on snow plowing procedures. Review Process for Considering All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for Establishments with Fewer than 100 Seats —The Town Manager noted that the issue is whether to allow a full liquor license for smaller restaurants. He also noted that the Economic Development Committee is interested in this. Arlington licenses 99 seats and the merchants have brought forth a request for 55-65 seats. He noted that he would include the Economic Development Committee, all licensees and the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse in the process. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested reaching out to people who have expertise in hospitality, and people in Reading who own restaurants outside of Reading. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that Arlington has more square footage than Reading. He also noted that the Building Inspector determines the number of seats. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested contacting the Chamber of Commerce, and also requested a timeline. Debt Authorization — Fire Ladder Truck — The Assistant Town Manager noted that it is their intention to borrow for 10 years for the ladder truck but it could be a maximum of 15 years. A motion by Tafo a seconded by Goldy to estimate that the .maximum useful life of a new ladder truck is at least 15 years, and thereby authorize the Treasurer to borrow funds for the purchase of the ladder truck for a term not exceeding 15 years as provided by M.G.L 44 S7 (9)was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthonyseconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of December 4 2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting,_January 22, 2008—Page 6 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of December 11, 2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to approve the, Minutes of January 2, 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to go into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing strategy with respect to labor negotiations, not to come back into open session was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Secretary