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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting — March 11, 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 7:05 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, Selectman Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Animal Control Officer Ron Burns, Assistant Town Clerk Julia Rodger, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Ralph Colorusso, Frank Golden, Robert Nordstrand, William Crowley, Edward Smethurst, Russ Graham, Ken Rossetti,Dan Cotter,Brad Tackvony, David Green, Al Garbarino, Cheryl Fay, Joe Domino, Priscilla Walcott, Lt. Michael Cloonan, Barry Gerstein. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he had Office Hours this evening, and a couple of residents had concerns that a Reverse 911 call was not sent out regarding a possible child abduction. Public Comment—Al Garbarino of 32 Old Farm Road noted that there was a potential abduction of a child on Friday, and he wanted to know what the policy was for Reverse 911. A resident noted that the school sent home notices with some children but some did not receive them. The Police notified other towns but should have notified Reading residents by Reverse 91.1. Cheryl Fay of 68 Old Farm Road suggested putting a level on the alert, and asked for an update on the Safe Routes to school. Police Chief Jim Cormier noted that the incident is resolved and it was a complete misunderstanding. He also noted that the majority of these calls turn out this way, and there is an investigatory period before sending out a message. The schools were notified and they sent out a message on Monday at 6:00 a.m. He noted that there was a delay in reporting, and the child was not readily available to be spoken to. The Safe Routes is being worked on with the schools, and they have gathered GIS maps, plow routes, sidewalks routes and will evaluate them. Joe Domino, who lives on B Street that is about 1-1'/2 miles from the Reading Gun Club, is requesting that the Town come to an agreement with the Gun Club that they not start early on Sundays. He researched other gun clubs and every club has this courtesy in place except for Reading. The Town Manager noted that the issue is that we can't do anything about it because they are grandfathered in. He has had discussion in the past, and they were not willing to change. Vice.Chairman Stephen Goldy gladly volunteered to meet with the Gun Club and the Town Manager. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 11, 2008—Page 2 Board of Assessors Members Frank Golden, Bob Nordstrand and Ralph Colorusso were present to respond to correspondence from Karen Herrick regarding property that sold for more than assessed value. Frank Golden noted that the FY 2008 assessments are based on 2006 market rents. He also noted that this property is residential and the Town didn't lose any money. Ralph Colorusso noted that the Assessors are required by law to use historic values and they have done nothing improper. Bob Nordstrand noted that the Town had previously assessed a piece of property as condos when they were historically apartments and we lost in court. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ® The Town Manager noted that the tennis courts will be green and blue, not red. Y The Town Manager wanted to clarify the Board's intention on the number of Constables that are appointed. He noted that the Board had decided to limit the number of Constables at three through attrition. We have four Constables and two are up for reappointment. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that through attrition means that when one resigns, then the position won't be filled. The Town Manager indicated.that he will post two vacancies. Personnel and Appointments RCTV Board of Directors—The Board interviewed Ted Smethurst for one position on the RCTV Board of Directors. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the RCTV Board of Directors with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Edward Smethurst. Mr. Smethurst received four votes and was appointed. Land Bank Committee — The Town Manager noted that Mr. Perkins had previously been interviewed by the Board so his presence was not requested for this evening. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Land Bank Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2010: Jeffrey Perkins. Mr.' Perkins received four votes and was appointed. West Street Historic District Commission — Tafoya moved and Goldy.seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the West Street historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Jeffrey Perkins. Mr. Perkins received four votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March l l 2008—Page 3 Discussion/Action Items Presentation to Veterans — Chairman James Bonazoli noted that Sgt. Mayne and Sgt. Nelson were not present on Veteran's Day, and he presented them with a picture of Reading and a minor. The Town Manager noted that there is a new flag showing support for our troops in Town Hall that was donated by the Mafione family. Priscilla Walcott re: Kennel Licensing — Resident Priscilla Walcott was present and expressed her concern that a person with four or,more companion dogs needs a non-commercial kennel license and is subject to inspections. She asked the Board how they decided on four dogs. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board did research around the country, and that is the standard that is used to protect neighborhoods and the well being of animals. He also noted that some communities use three dogs as the limit. Animal Control Officer Ron Burns noted that he inspected her house and it was fine but not everyone is like her. Some people don't clean up after their dogs. Ms. Walcott asked how the Board arrived at a fee of $150.00, and Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Board looked at what other towns were charging. The Town Manager noted that the Health Department charges $100.00.for the inspection and the cost to license is added to that. Ms. Walcott asked the Board if they are amenable to changing the dog limit to five or six, and Selectman Richard Schubert noted that this Bylaw is to protect animals and neighbors. Bill Brown informed Ms. Walcott that she has the right to get 10 signatures to put this on the Warrant for Town Meeting. Highlights — Dog Licensing and Animal Control — Police Chief Jim Cormier, Lt. Michael Cloonan, Animal Control Officer Ron Burns and Assistant Town Clerk Julia Rodger were present. Ron Burns noted that he has been the Animal Control Officer for 4'/Z years. He is a Commonwealth of Mass. Certified Animal Inspector, and he gave a very informative overview of his duties and statistics regarding animal bites. Julia Rodger gave an overview of the dog license regulations, deadlines and fees. Hearing Public Input on "All Alcoholic" Liquor Licenses for Smaller Restaurants - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that data was collected, and he spoke with the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee. He also noted that 12 of the 17 communities surveyed don't have any size restrictions on liquor licenses. Russ Graham, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, noted that the Economic Development Committee voted 4-0 to recommend supporting Article 13. They want Reading to Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 11, 2008—Page 4 become a destination point. He also noted that it is difficult to find space for a large restaurant in Reading and we need a vibrant Downtown. Police Chief Jim Cormier noted that the Police have two areas of concern: (1) The availability of alcohol but if properly trained, then it is okay, and (2) This will increase the demands on Police services but he expects it to be minimal. The Town Manager noted that this will not increase. the number of licenses. They will be included in the quota that is already set by the State. William Crowley, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, noted that the Chamber would love to see Downtown Reading as a destination point-- everyone is in favor of it. Ken Rosetti, also representing the Chamber of Commerce, echoed Mr. Crowley's comments and complimented the Downtown improvements measures. Barry Gerstein, Attorney for the Longhorn Steak House, noted that he lives in New Hampshire, and there are no bars in New Hampshire because liquor establishments have to have 50%of their sales in food or they lose their liquor license. He also noted that the Selectmen can limit hours if there is a problem. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the issue is what size establishments to issue liquor licenses to. Many small restaurants have closed in Downtown, and many communities have no restrictions on size. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the Town could look into taking clubs out of the quota as indicated in the ABCC's regulations. He noted that more liquor licenses will take extra staff time, and that we should keep that in mind when reviewing the budget. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he is in favor of moving forward with no conditions except the usual abiding by the Rules and Regulations. The Town Manager noted that he will talk to Town Counsel and our State Representative for the correct wording of a motion and bring it back to the Board. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy 'to close the hearing on "All Alcoholic Liquor Licenses" for restaurants with less than 100 seats was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Traffic Issues —Multi-Way Stops, Stops on Through Streets —The Town Manager noted that he drafted a proposed policy to consider requests for multi-way stops. He also noted that if the proposed regulation meets the standards and warrants as-outlined in the MUTCD, then the Selectmen decide. If the proposed regulation does not meet the standards and warrants, then an engineering study will be done that will cover a list of items; i.e., the number and severity of reported accidents, traffic counts, adverse road geometry, etc. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 11 2008—Page 5 Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy had concerns about listing the items, and suggested eliminating the list because it is too restrictive. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the list gives guidelines. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that it is good to have the guidelines in the policy because there has to be some rationale. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that it is helpful to have the framework, and the policy states "may"rather than"shall" so it gives flexibility. The Town Manager noted that there needs to be structure to the process. An engineering study will give the Board information and keep the Board informed and consistent. The Town Manager noted that he will schedule a hearing to adopt the policy. Improvements of Ash Street— Green to Washington Street—The Town Manager noted that this section of Ash Street is not covered under the Downtown project. George Zambouras reviewed two proposals: Proposal (1) Redo the asphalt sidewalk with cement and granite curb, add some trees and create three parking spaces with a cost of $93,000. Proposal (2) creates six parking spaces with a cost of$98,000. The Town Manager noted that the funding will come from Chapter 90 and use local . authorization. The consensus of the Board was to move ahead with Option#2. Hearing— Stop Regulations—Summer Avenue at Willow Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the stop signs are there but there is no record of the Selectmen approving it. Dan Cotter of 6 Summer Avenue noted that the stop sign is in front of his house. The sign is set back 50 feet from the corner. Dave Green of 136 Willow Street noted that the cars speed off West Street onto Willow Street. He indicated that he heard there were plans to reconstruct that intersection, and the Town Manager indicated that there were plans. George Zambouras noted that the traffic signal will not regulate the amount of traffic — it will only slow them down. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on stop regulations on Summer Avenue at Willow Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting-March 11, 2008—Page 6 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 for the Town of Reading by adding to Article 6, Section 6.12 the following: Street Location Summer Avenue At intersection.of Willow Street- Northwest bound and Southeast bound was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Traffic Issues — Red Light/Speed Cameras —The Town Manager noted that the Board reviewed this issue a couple of years ago. Chief Jim Cormier noted that the Board cannot move forward with this yet because there are legislative issues with it. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of January 23, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of February 26, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of March 11, 2008 at 10:20 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, ecretary