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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 25,2008 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 7:35 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, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Kim. Honetschlager, Will Finch, Virginia and Everett Blodgett, Brian and Melissa Murphy, Mark Wetzel. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he received notice from the M.APC that they are having a meeting regarding storm water management. The meeting is open to the public. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Gould Street is in terrible condition, and asked if it was in the Downtown plan. The Town Manager noted that it is not in the Downtown plan but the Town will be reconstructing this Summer. Selectman Anthony also asked if we can put the Downtown phases on cable, and the Town Manager noted that staff will be meeting weekly to decide what to release. Selectman Anthony requested that the Selectmen review the road improvement plan some time in the near future. She suggested forming a group this Summer to review plowing, and she would be happy to participate in this. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy congratulated the RMHS Hockey Team, and suggested inviting them to participate in the Memorial Day Parade. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Memorial Day Parade is a solemn event and is not meant for celebration. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested doing something special at Friends and Family Day instead. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he had lunch at the Senior Center, and the seniors want a taxi in Town. He also noted that in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, members of the audience cannot be heard on cable. He attended a Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting last week and noted that if the Town is going to have mixed use, then there needs to be a good.permitting process in place. He noted that the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse is having a "Town Hall" Meeting on April 2nd at the Parker Middle School at 7:00 p.m. He reminded residents to not forget the Downtown merchants while the Downtown construction project is going on. Chairman James Bonazoli reminded residents'to sweep their sidewalks to prepare for the street sweepers. He noted that the Board received an e-mail regarding noise at the YMCA and this has been referred to the State. He also noted that an e-mail was received from Karen Herrick regarding a left tum signal on Main Street at Franklin Street. The Town Manager noted that Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25, 2008—Page 2 needs State approval and they have denied it in the past. The Board directed the Town Manager to draft a letter to the State. Public Comment— Bill Brown noted that Ben Nichol's birthday card will be at the Library until April 5th. He also noted that the Boy Scouts and State Representatives will also do something to recognize this event. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Former Reading resident Ben Nichols 100th birthday is on April 8th. We will have a large birthday card that Kim Honetschlager has created. We'd like the Board of Selectmen to sign it, and it will then be available at the Reading Public Library up through April 5th for residents to sign. Bill Brown will take care of getting it sent to Ben at his new home in Pennsylvania. • Results of NAG review are attached. They have: • Refined cost estimates • Developed standards for HC accessibility for trails • Proposed a Trails Committee— I am attaching a draft policy to establish the Trails , Committee for the Board of Selectmen's review and future public hearing. • Resident concern re: Main and Franklin Street intersection—NB left turn. • Reading's latest census shows a population of 23,665 residents. • Street sweeping has begun—details are on the web page. • The Town has received a donation in the amount of $500.00 for purchasing sports and games equipment for Reading Recreation programs - from the proceeds of the TJ McGrath Golf Tournament. • Reading has been recognized by Common Cause for promoting open government in Reading through our web site. • The Attorney General has approved Articles 4 and 5 from the Special Town Meeting relative to the Addison-Wesley/Pearson property. The DHCD approval is also required, and that process as well as requesting the first 40R payment has begun. • Tennis Courts are under construction. • We have a need to set up an ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee. I have developed a policy and motion that the Board may want to consider. The Capital Improvements Program anticipates reconstruction of the playground in 2010, and already there is interest in the community in doing fundraising for the playground. Prior to the fundraising, we should have a master plan for the park so that everyone knows the location and nature of the new playground. We have also programmed court replacement and want to make sure that this is also coordinated as to location, etc. Suggested membership would include: One member appointed by the Recreation Committee One member from the Friends of Reading Recreation Three Residents at Large who do not fulfill any other requirements of the other categories One member representing the Reading Babe Ruth Baseball One member of the Police Department One member of the RCASA One member of the Board of Selectmen Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25, 2008—Page 3 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to authorize the Town Manager to set up an ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee.patterned after the ad hoc Birch Meadow Master Planning Committee with a term to expire six months after establishment was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. • I would like to plan on doing an Update on the Downtown Improvement Project monthly at the last Board of Selectmen Meeting of the month. From the last community meeting, several items came up: • Can we do traffic counts (pre-construction) on several side streets — Linden, Sanborn, John. Yes —we will do them as soon as we are sure that there will be no more snow this year. • What are the tree species to be planted and how many (this is now on the FAQ section of the web site). The tree species are now included on the Town web page. • We should let the School Department (particularly Parker Middle School) know about the project there are a number of PNS student from the east side of Main that walk to school through Downtown. We have let the School Department know. • If we have to remove the P.O. boxes on Haven Street while we do construction in that area, can we re-locate them to another spot? We will talk with the USPO about this although by the time they were relocated, the detour would probably be completed. • Have we let the MBTA know about the project? Will they have to re-locate their routes? We have let them know—and there will probably be some minor route relocation during Phases 4 and 5. ® The workers on the.four family at Green and Elliott are supposed to park on site and they are not—they are parking on the street (CK—can you get Glen to address this if it is in fact a condition of the ZBA or CPDC decision). That is not a requirement of the CPDC, and is not an issue related to this project. • Can we provide alternate locations when the "blue zone" parking locations are disrupted or eliminated because of making some of the streets two way? Yes — there are spaces behind the Senior Center that are not currently rented, and will be used as substitute spaces for the all day employee parking. • Construction of the new commercial building on Woburn Street is under way with its demolition. • At the owner's request, the Building Inspector is reviewing the capacity of the Venetian Moon Restaurant. The Board of Selectmen cannot restrict the capacity through the liquor license. The Health Division has direct interest and involvement in setting the capacity because of bathroom and grease trap restrictions. I will let the Board of Selectmen know what the revised capacity is when it is set. • Update on vacant buildings—see details below. • World Cafe follow-up—information in last meeting packet. • The Summer edition of Reading Recreation Magazine will be available around April 1, .2008. Once the Magazine is distributed to Reading residents via mail, the Magazine will be available online for viewing. • RCTV's Audit Report for the year ending October 31, 2007—last packet. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25, 2008—Page 4 Dates and Events • Rabies Clinic—Saturday, March 29th • RCASA Town Hall event—April 2nd—7:00 p.m. • Earth Day—April 12th • April 22nd—Board of Selectmen Forum • Town Meeting—April 28th • Reading Recreation will hold its Summer Sign-Up day on Saturday, May 3rd at Coolidge Middle School from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. This will kick off registration for Reading Recreation Summer Camp and Super Sports. All other programming may be registered for as soon as the Summer edition of the Recreation Magazine hits homes. This is expected to happen around the 1st of April. • Friends and Family Day—June 21 st Here is some information about the Main Street sites from Conservation Administrator Fran Fink. 306 Main (Getty) — They have done major excavation and removal of contaminated soils and groundwater, along with demolition of the building, gas pumps, parking lot, and removal of both new and old underground fuel tanks and on-site septic system. They will remove the stockpile of contaminated soils this.Spring after it thaws. They have backfilled.all of the excavated areas with clean material. They have installed monitoring wells and will continue to monitor haz mat concentrations but these should be significantly less than before and should meet DEP standards. I have not seen any plans yet for redevelopment. There is a rumor that the business at 4 Minot Street would like to expand into this area. They have used it in the past to park vehicles, and may be doing so again at this time. I see this as a good opportunity to get some drainage improvements on both sites — 4 Minot has a lot of vehicles parked on a gravel parking lot that drains straight into the wetlands. 281 Main (Frame Shop) — Last Winter, they were treating the contaminated soils with an oxygenation compound to encourage soil microbes to break down the contaminants into nontoxic compounds. They covered the treatment area with tents to keep it warmer and to control precipitation. I think that this had a positive effect, but the site still has haz mat that exceeds DEP standards. This Winter, they found a drain pipe leading from the contaminated area towards Walkers Brook. They excavated and found that it ended well before the brook. Last week, they were scheduled to remove contaminated soils from this area. I have not been out to see how that is going. I have seen no plans yet for this site. 287 Main (Tux Shop) — They removed some underground tanks about 10 years ago, and did some haz mat assessment a year or two ago. There were some areas with contamination, including some sediments in the brook. They are working on cleanup plans but I don't think they are done yet. Part of the paved parking lot to the rear of the building is actually on the lot at 281 Main, and there is an old auto parts junk deposit there. One significant question.is whether the existing foundation is structurally sound and will support a new building. Another is what is the source of two drain pipes that exist at the back of the foundation and discharge directly to the stream. The corner of the foundation is in the stream bank. From an environmental standpoint, Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25, 2008—Page 5 it would be best to remove the foundation, restore the bank and a vegetated buffer zone, and install a fall storm water management system for the parking lot and roof runoff. Better yet, combine 281 and 287 as one site for redevelopment. From the Town Planner re: 287 Main Street — A bakery/cafe is interested in the Tuxedo Shop. They met with the Building Inspector, Conservation Administrator and me last month, and we advised them on their options given the constraints on the lot. Last week, they received the necessary letter from Glen Redmond to apply to the ZBA for a Special Permit to reconstruct a non-conforming structure on the same footprint, the option that they feel would be most advantageous to them. The next step is for them to submit an application to ZBA. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition — Sally Hoyt — A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve a Certificate of Recognition for Sally Hoyt's 50 years of active membership in the Massachusetts Business and Professional Women's Organization was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Extension of Birch Meadow Master Planning Committee until MU 31" — Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Committee has had a problem getting quorums, and they are requesting an extension until May 31st. He asked if the Selectmen want recommendations and/or budget planning in their report, and it was noted that the Selectmen want both. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to extend the term of the Birch Meadow Master Planning Committee to May 31,2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Appeal from Requirement to Build Sidewalk— Van Norden Road— Brian and Melissa Murphy were present. Mr. Murphy noted that they were approached by the Town to build a new sidewalk because their home is new construction. They'are requesting a waiver because there are no other sidewalks on the street. The Town Manager noted that there was a memo in the packet from the Town Engineer who recommends a waiver. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town is dealing with a shortage of sidewalks. He suggested that if the Board granted the waiver, then the value of granite curb be used elsewhere in Town. The Murphy's noted that the condition came as a surprise because there are two other new homes on that street with no sidewalks. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if they had an issue with the sidewalk or just the cost. Mrs. Murphy noted that the issue is who maintains the sidewalks, who is liable for slip and falls, the appearance and the cost. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the policy was put in place to help reach a goal of having sidewalks but he feels that it is a waste of investment to put an island in the street. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25, 2008—Page 6 Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he liked the idea of a contribution but if the Board asked now, it must be voluntary because other homes were built and there are no sidewalks. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the point has been raised but she does not want to make this couple a test case. Will Finch of 51 Mill Street indicated that the money from this property should go into a sidewalk account. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the language in the policy will be looked at for the future. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested a report.from the Building Inspector as to his determination of the process to make people aware of the policy. Mark Wetzel of 163 County Road noted that curbing is part of engineering and if you put in one section, it can create drainage problems down the road. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to waive the requirement pursuant to Sections 4.5.1 and 4.5.2 of the Selectmen's Policies for the requirement of the installation of curb and sidewalk along the frontage of the property known as 97 Van Norden Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing—Establishment of a Trails Committee—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Northern Area Greenway Committee recommends establishing a Trails Committee that will plan, develop and maintain trails in Reading. There was discussion regarding what department this committee should fall under, and it was decided to keep it in Community Services. Chairman James Bonazoli asked about funding for the Mattera property, and the Town Manager noted that he is putting together an RFP for a group or organization to take over the property at no cost to the Town. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Town should be running recreational programs at this property. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he has no problem with the committee soliciting funds for smaller projects. GIS Coordinator Kim Honetschlager noted that it is logical to have the committee fall under Community Services because the majority of the land is conservation land. Everett Blodgett asked who makes the final decisions. The Town Manager noted that approval will come from who owns the land; i.e., Conservation Commission, Town Forest Committee, etc. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25 2008—Page 7 Will Finch noted that the Conservation Commission is developing a blanket permit to streamline trails permitting. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on adoption of a "Policy Establishing a Reading Trails Committee (RTC)" was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to approve the policy on adoption of a "Policy Establishing a Reading Trails Committee (RTC)", dated March 25, 2008,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing Solid Waste Recycling Collection and Disposal — Rules and Regulations — The. Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the regulations have been revised according to the Selectmen's comments. There were no changes to the policy, it was just put in a different order. The Town Manager noted that there was an email from a resident in tonight's packet regarding the numbering sequence and those corrections have been made. Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that the Selectmen need to set the bar higher for recycling, and need to get the schools and businesses involved. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if plastic bottles are recycled in Town buildings, and,the Town Manager indicated that they are recycled. Selectman Camille Anthony asked for the School recycling policy, and the Town Manager indicated that he would get that policy. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to close the hearing to amend Section_46 of the Board of Selectmen Policies entitled "Section 4.6 — Solid Waste Recycling, Collection and Disposal Rules and Regulations"was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to approve the amendments to Section 4.6 of the Board of Selectmen Policies entitled "Section 4.6 — Solid Waste Recyclmg, Collection and Disposal Rules and Regulations", dated March 25,2008,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Water Sewer Storm Water Rate Projections and Use of Reserves—The Assistant Town Manager reviewed a chart of projected water rates and the different scenarios using reserves. He noted that the Water Treatment Plant demolition and chlorination cost will require another $600,000. He also noted that there will be another one to two years of increases in rates. He noted that if we borrow the$600,000, there will be a 9%increase next year. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the demolition of the Water Treatment Plant should be in the Capital Plan. Chairman James Bonazoli agreed. There was discussion regarding the use of reserve funds. The Assistant Town Manager noted that both the Finance Committee and the former Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25,-2008—Page 8 Advisory Committee stated that the purpose of reserves was for an emergency, not for rate control. Review DPW Policies re: Trenches—This item was postponed. Review Proposed "Keno to Go" — The Town Manager noted that the Town opted out of Keno years ago. The State is creating "Keno to Go," and the Selectmen can opt out but that has to be done by April 9, 2008. The lottery's intention is to sell tickets at the store, and then the customer can take the ticket home and check in.on their computer. There are 20 lottery locations in Reading. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if there were any consequences from opting out, and the Town Manager indicated that the Town will not get any revenue from Keno. Vice Chairman Goldy noted that if this opens the door to other Keno play centers, then he would opt out. He also questioned how to stop people from playing on their laptop; i.e., a Veteran's club having a laptop with internet access. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he has no problem with"Keno to Go." Chairman James Bonazoli noted that historically the Selectmen had concerns about people sitting around a television and gambling. He also requested the amount of revenue loss from not having Keno. The Town Manager indicated that he will schedule a hearing and notice the lottery agents. He will also find out if retailers can display real time results. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to hold a hearing on April 8, 2008 on the possibility of permitting Keno-to-Go games at the 20 establishments in Reading which are licensed Lottery Agents in order to determine whether the Board of Selectmen would choose to "opt out" of the Keno-to-Go program was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Tafoya opposed. FY 2009 Budget—The Assistant Town Manager noted that an additional $330,000 is coming to the Town from the lottery. He also noted that the interest earning assumption is higher than actual so he suggests that the Selectmen recommend not spending the$330,000. The Town Manager noted that the Veteran's assistance was reduced in November, but the numbers have increased so the budget has to be increased. The Assistant Town Manager noted that 70-75 people have subscribed to the budget material on the website. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Finance Committee wants the Town to go out to bid for Property, Casualty and Workers Comp insurance. It will cost approximately$25,000 to go out to bid. The Town Manager noted that another big issue is the outstanding customer service and risk Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 25 2008—Paye 9 management that MIIA gives us. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested waiting until next year and maybe consider in the Fall. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya that the excess funds of$330,000 not be used for the FY 2009 budget was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review of Items Delegated to the Town Manager by the Board of Selectmen — Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he requested this be put on the agenda. He indicated that his thoughts are for succession planning, and he will meet with the Town Manager to review the items and report back to the Board of Selectmen. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of March 11, 2008_was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Anthony abstaining. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to go into Executive Session for the purpose 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. Respect ly submitted, S retary