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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 13, 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 7:02 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 Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Custodian of Soldier's and Sailor's Graves Frank Driscoll, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Rachel Brown, John Halsey, Frank and Jackie Petrillo, Michael Bonnell, John Cortiz. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Sign Bylaw needs to be updated. She also noted that the State has made changes to the LIP rules so there will be a delay in the Board's review of the LIP regulations. She asked if raffle permit information is on the website. The Town Manager indicated that it is and that there is a procedure in place. He noted that the State requires proof that the organization running the raffle is a legitimate organization. Selectman Ben Tafoya thanked everyone who participated in the Letter Carriers Food Collection. He noted that another bike rack is needed at the Depot. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he attended the Senior Luncheon. He also noted that there are potholes on Mineral Street that need to be filled in. He stated that the One Day Liquor License that was issued to Austin Prep should have been for three days. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the correspondence from George Hines regarding potholes on Middlesex and Grand Street needs to be followed up. He also noted that the light pole at Sturgis Park near first base has no power, and he asked if it could be removed. He also asked if we could use big boulders from the tennis court for a rock climbing area. He indicated that there is a need for a High School sign on Bancroft Avenue to direct the lost buses. The'Town Manager noted that the buses shouldn't be there, and the schools and YMCA need to give proper directions. He stated that Imagination Station needs to be cleaned up and the jersey barrier needs to be removed. He asked if it was possible to get an"all clear" message after a Reverse 911 call on a missing child. Public Comment-John Cortiz of 57 Harrison Street noted that he received a letter of notification regarding a case management hearing on Memorial Park. The Town Manager noted that it is regarding the Town's intent to change the Deed restrictions, but he will not be attending because nobody will be allowed to speak. Mr. Cortiz indicated that he feels there is too much transparency on the Town's part and that it is creating ill will. Chairman James Bonazoli noted Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 13, 2008—Page 2 that there is no transparency on the Town's part, and that this has been discussed with the residents for years. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there was no Attorney present in the room at this time, and the Board was not going to give legal advice. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Report on Downtown project. • Cultural Council survey on the Town web site. • We are applying for an REI grant to construct the viewing platform at Bare Meadow as defined in the Ipswich River Greenway project, and are also asking for REI community service project on June 7th to build the connecting trail from the log cabin to the Viewing platform. • Songs of World War II - Wednesday, May 21st — 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. — Reading Senior Center. A program of live music and historical narrative. Dessert and coffee served at 6:30, and show starts at 7:15. Open to the whole community. All ages are welcome! Reservations are required. Please call 781-942-6794. A Free Community Program provided by Reading Elder/Human Services. Generously sponsored by Reading American Legion and Disabled American Veterans #37. • Bids have been taken for the artificial turf field at Parker Middle School. The bids have been evaluated, and the recommendation of the Town Engineer is to reject the bids and re- bid this project. The bids came in higher than the amount available for the project, and the Engineers are going to slightly revise the bid specifications and anticipate bringing the price down somewhat. The new bids will be received and evaluated in early June in time to do any modifications of the funding prior to a Special Town Meeting on June 30th. • May is Senior Citizen Month. • Washington Park Planning Committee. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Appreciation— Eagle Scout Michael Iapicca—A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve a Certificate of Appreciation for Eagle Scout Michael Iapicea was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation — V.F.W Poppy Week — A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to proclaim May 18—24, 2008 as V.F.W. Poppy Week in Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves — Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves Frank Driscoll was present and gave an overview of events. Review Compensation/Classification Study Process — Rachel Brown, Consultant with Stone Consulting and Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts were present. Ms. Brown noted that Stone Consulting is a human resource consulting firm specializing in the municipal sector. They define jobs and recommend the level that they should be in, and they look at how those positions are paid within the salary range. She also noted that a market survey will be done. The objectives are to update the job descriptions, ensure positions are paid fairly, Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 13 2008—Page 3 compare the labor market and provide a means to maintain the system. They will be looking at 23 communities and the timeline is three months. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the RMLD is almost for profit. Ms. Brown indicated that she didn't know if they will use their data. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she has a problem with the 4% raises, and she feels there is a structural problem with the step plan. Ms. Brown noted that the private sector offers promotions but municipalities don't. She also noted that financial management is the key issue. Ms. Brown indicated that when the positions have .been classified and the salary schedule reviewed, she will come back and update the Board. Hearing — No Parking Standing or Stopping — Goodall Sanford Road — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is a private way. He proposes no parking on the whole easterly side. Rite Aid approves of this and the Town will post and enforce. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on no parking, standing or stopping on Goodall Sanford Road was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony 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 5, Section 5.3 the following regulation(s): "PARKING PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS No Parking Anytime" Street Location Goodall-Sanford Road (a Private Way) On the Northeasterly side from Bolton Street to the boundary of Plat 45, Lot 1 owned by Danis Properties, and Southeasterly side from the end of the marked parking spots to the boundary of Plat 45,Lot 1 owned by Danis Properties was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing_— Policy on Fundraising for Public Projects and Programs — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the underlined portions reflect the Selectmen's previous comments. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 13, 2008—Page 4 John Halsey of 75 Beaver Road noted that he is the president of a 501C corporation that raises money and then puts it into baseball fields. He also noted that in the past, he approached the Town and told them what he plans to do. He asked if this new policy will require him to register. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the fundraising can remain with the applicant and then they can donate to the Town for pitcher's mounds, etc. If it is for a building, then the Selectmen need to approve if the Town will provide ongoing maintenance. The Town Manager noted that if a master plan for the site has been approved by the Selectmen and the donation fits the plan, then it is okay. If there is no master plan for the location, then the donator would have to come before the Selectmen for items such as building a new ball park in a location where there is none. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the policy needs steps in the beginning. She also noted that #5 states to talk to the Town Manager before they do anything, and that should be at the beginning of the policy. She noted that there is too much verbiage and no stated purpose for the policy, and feels that the policy needs to be rewritten so it is more concise. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on amendinjz Section 1.3 — Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations of the Board of Selectmen Policies was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Board took no further action. Request to Construct an Above Ground Pool on a Town Easement—Frank and Jackie Petrillo of 15 Aurele Circle were present. The Town Manager noted that the easement is across the back of the property. They want to build a 15 foot above ground pool. Town Counsel has drafted a license agreement and it is in tonight's handout. DPW has not problem with it because the wells will not be active. The Town Manager noted that this is a reasonable request and it does not extinguish the easement. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there will be fencing. Mrs. Petrillo noted that the fence will be around the entire pool per the Town's regulations. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the license agreement between the Town of Reading and Francesco and Jacqueline Petrillo, 15 Aurele Circle, to allow the construction of an above ground swimming pool on a "Protective Water Quality Easement" on Lot 6 as shown on said plan which is recorded in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 13824, Page 84, and to authorize the Town Manager to make any minor modifications to the agreement was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Multi-Way Stop at Bancroft Avenue and Hartshorn Street — Discussion — The Town Manager noted that there was a memo from the Town Engineer indicating that this multi-way stop does not meet with the Uniform Control Manual. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 13 2008—Page 5 Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she received a complaint that cars are speeding on that road. She also noted that a traffic study should not be done in the Summer, ere is also an issue of cars parked close to the corner. Chairman James Bonazolr noted that there -A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy that pursuant to its policy on multi-way stop intersections the Board of Selectmen determines that it wishes to move forward with the Engineering Study to determine the relevant facts with regard to the intersection and whether based on the engineering study, the Board would consider the imposition of multi- way stop regulations was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Draft Warrant — Special Town Meeting on June 30th — The Town Manager noted that the Special Town.Meeting is needed for debt authorization for the fields and demolition of the Water Treatment Plant. There was discussion among the Board about the date to hold the Town Meeting. The Town Manager noted that Article 4 was to amend the FY 2008 Budget. Article 5 is a street acceptance. Article 6 is to rescind water main debt. Article 7 is to correct the Zoning By-Law by renumbering. Article 8 is to establish a revolving fund for library book replacement. Article 9 is to remove the requirement for physicians to register with the Town Clerk and Article 10 is to approve the contract for the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse. The consensus of the Board was to hold the Special Town Meeting on June 30, 2008. Change of Manager—Bertucci's Italian Restaurant—The Town Manager noted that this requires action at a public meeting. Michael Bonnell is the new Manager. The Police have reviewed the application and they have no problems with it. Chairman James Bonazoli asked Mr. Bonnell if he understood the Selectmen's Policies, and Mr. Bonnell indicated that he does and that he has been a General Manager since 2000. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse works to be proactive to educate residents on the dangers of substance abuse and provides training for liquor establishments. He also noted that someone from the Coalition will be contacting him. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Change of Manager for Bertucci's Restaurant Corp d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant from Marc Greenhalgh to Michael Bonnell was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Correction of Betterment Interest Rate — Franklin Terrace Sewers — The Town Manager noted that there was a memo from Civil Engineer Ryan Percival in the Selectmen's packet regarding the interest rate on the assessment. The Selectmen had established a 5% interest rate but the Town Meeting Report on the Warrant indicates a 2% interest rate, so the Board should meet that commitment. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 13, 2008—Page 6 A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to amend the Board of Selectmen's previous vote of January 22, 2008 by changing the interest rate from 5% to 2% for the Franklin Terrace sewer betterment for Plat 153, Lot 12 and Plat 152, Lot 12A, all other terms of the January 22, 2008 remaining in full force and effect was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes _A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of April 15, 2008, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of April 29, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation, not to come back into open session, was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Secretary