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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 27,2008 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, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Michelle Ferullo, Alan Rosh, Susan Giacalone, Russ Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young- Tafoya, Jack Russell, Gary Gresh, Chris Caruso, Mary Anne Kozlowski, Jamie Maughan, Ed Rivers, Bill Brown. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Chairman James Bonazoli and Selectmen Camille Anthony and Ben Tafoya thanked everyone for the Memorial Day event. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy also thanked everyone for the Memorial Day event. He noted that he held Office Hours at the Senior Center. He is working with Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Friends of Reading Recreation and Elder/Human Services Administrator Dawn Folopoulos on an intergenerational event. He also noted that Mystic Valley is running a program on the safety for senior citizens. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ® The Town Manager gave an update on the Downtown Improvement Project, the new US-ANG maintenance facility at Camp Curtis Guild and the Trail Build on June 7th. • The Memorial Park petition has been withdrawn but the Town will move ahead with the improvements. • The Housing Authority has withdrawn the 40B application for 79 Pleasant Street and will try to sell the property privately. DPW Director Ted McIntire was present and noted that bituminous curbing is needed on Dudley Street at High Street and King Street. The Town Manager noted that when the contractor was digging up the road on Main Street, the traffic dummy started to tip over and the electrical conduits broke. Town Engineer George Zambouras recommended making Lowell Street one way and have stop signs at all four corners. No Left Turns onto Main Street from Lowell or Pleasant Street. He noted that this meets the warrants for a four way stop while waiting for signalization. Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 27, 2008—Page 2 A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve an amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations to make the intersections of Pleasant Street, Lowell Street and Main Street a four way stop regulated by stop suns, until the traffic signal can be restored to this location on or about September 30,2009; and that Pleasant Street at Main Street be a Right Turn Only, and Lowell Street at Main Street be a Right Turn Only, also until the traffic signal can be restored to this location on or about September 30, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Munis is on track. Personnel and Appointments Economic Development Committee — The Board interviewed Michelle Ferullo for one Associate position ori the Economic Development Committee. _Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Economic Development Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Michelle Ferullo. Ms. Ferullo received five votes and was appointed. Trails Committee — The Board interviewed Alan Rosh and Susan Giacalone for two positions on the Trails Committee. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Trails Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Alan Rosh. Mr. Rosh received five votes and was appointed. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Trails Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Susan Giacalone. Ms. Giacalone received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe was present. She noted that she is notifying departments of the end of year wrap up. Munis has been her major focus, and many employees have been working many hours to make sure that we're up and running live on July 1,2008. Selectman Richard Schubert asked what the back up is in case Munis fails. Ms. LaPointe noted that the old system will be up and running for two more years. Confirmation of Betterments — Woodland Road — The Town Manager noted that the work was done primarily by the Town, and the cost came in at more than one half the original estimate. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the total cost was $44,882 and the cost is. distributed by frontage. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to confirm the betterments. He recommends an interest rate on the unpaid balance at 5%. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 27 2008—Page 3 Ed Rivers of 11 Woodland Road suggested making the payments quarterly. He noted that the water is pooling at the end of his driveway, and he would like someone to go out and assess the best course of action. He also noted that the drain has debris and should be cleaned on a regular basis. He stated that the Town employees did a remarkable job. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to confirm the betterments for the improvement of Woodland Road east of John Carver Road at a total cost of $44,822.02 with the assessments apportioned as follows among the benefiting property owners, Calculated Calculated Cost per Abuttin g Linear Foot Plat Parcel Owner Frontage Frontage Assessment Daniel LeLacheur and $ $ 122 79* Nancy Kearney 28.75 86.63 2,490.56 Jeanette Rivers Trustee, $ $ 122 80 The Rivers Trust 75.00 86.63 6,497.11 John Holland and Patricia $ $ 122 81 Holland 149.29 86.63 ' 12,932.71 Thomas Hatch Jr. and $ $ 112 38* ,Laura Ryan 26.46 86.63 2,292.18 Robert Tucker and $ $ 112 37 Michele Tucker 94.63 86.63 8,197.62 Christie Williamson and $ $ 112 26 Christopher Jarvis 40.00 86.63 3,465.12 Christie Williamson and $ $ 112 25 Christopher Jarvis 103.97 86.63 9,006.72 $44,882.02 and the rate of interest on unpaid balances shall be 5% per annum was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Close Warrant for Special Town Meeting — June 30, 2008 — The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant consisting of. 11 Articles for the Special Town Meeting to take place on June 30, 2008. .A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to close the Warrant consisting of 11 _Articles for a Special Town Meeting on June 30, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at. the Reading _Memorial High School Auditorium on 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting_May 27, 2008—Page 4 Report—Economic Development Committee—Russ Graham, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, noted that the Committee is an advisory committee. They have conducted meetings, hosted a business breakfast and attended workshops. He also noted that Peer to Peer recommendations are to use the website as a marketing tool, and to do outreach to businesses as to their needs. He noted that there is an unmet demand for a fall service restaurant, individual shops and children's shops. Sheila Clarke reviewed the brochure that is being developed and spoke about the website. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if there was a comments section, and the Assistant Town Manager noted that comments can be sent on the home page. Selectman Richard Schubert suggested having a .pdf map for both regional and Downtown areas on their web page. Meghan Young-Tafoya spoke about Community Outreach. She noted that the Chronicle has offered to highlight one business a week. She also noted that Arlington has a design facade program called 5/5/5 which is $5,000 for five years at 5%. They have "assigned" architects to help streamline the permit process. She noted that they need a master list of businesses in Town, and they are also looking to expand the farmer's market. Jack Russell spoke about partnering with CPDC to promote businesses and restaurants in Downtown. He attended a meeting with the State environmental people regarding the Downtown buildings, and they will be looking at increasing the Business-A Zone. Michele Williams noted that she is working on the alley way initiative. She indicated that brick pavers, a mural (done professionally) and lighting would help to beautify the area. She is working on defining the cost of these items. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the 5/5/5 concept is a great idea, and that CPDC could come up with an architect. He also noted that the Town will have to work with abutters regarding the zoning issue on south Main Street. The Town Manager noted that the property on south Main Street is a wide band.of wetlands. He has spoken with two developers who deal with environmentally challenged properties. The Board thanked the Economic Development Committee for their report. Birch Meadow Master Plan Presentation — Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Gary Gresh, Chris Caruso, Mary Anne Kozlowski and Jamie Maughan were present. Mr. Gresh noted that a survey was done of 10-14 year olds. A water park or pool was the number one request, and a teen center was second. Mr. Maughan noted that comments made in the sui-vey included maintaining the character of Birch Meadow, maintain the open appearance and to add a focal point. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 27, 2008—Page 5 Recommendations Mr. Gresh noted that the Committee recommends leaving the hill natural and clean up the underbrush. The open space between the hill and new field could be used as a multi-use court. In the space between the hill, Morton Field and the practice field, they recommend moving the batting cage toward the right center field of Morton Field, and to also build an open air pavilion with picnic tables. Mr. Gresh noted that the Committee recommends using the top soil from the Parker Middle School project to fill in and resurface. Coolidge Field. The three softball fields need to be reconfigured. The trail system at the Higgins Conservation Area needs to be expanded. There are no proposed changes to the Castine Area, just new lights. The Bancroft Street tot lot needs no changes but the "No Parking" signs on Bancroft Street need to be lowered. They recommend upgrading the volleyball court to a basketball court with lights, and to replace the current basketball court as a splash pad. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the YMCA is exploring having a splash pad, and the Town should work out an agreement with them for public use. A committee member noted that the survey indicated that the YMCA is not public friendly accessible. Mr. Gresh noted that the Committee recommends that Morton Field needs a storage structure near the backstop, a scoreboard and protective seating. Imagination Station should be rebuilt and that should include a unique playground for older children too. There was also a long list of amenities for that area that were reviewed. Bill Brown noted that the High School policy on the use of fields allows use anytime on Sunday and the Town does not. He feels that the two policies should be consistent. He also noted that conservation doesn't allow bikes in conservation areas. The Town Manager indicated that he will schedule a public meeting to adopt the Master Plan and get a set schedule of what needs to be done. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there was an analysis of what is needed for storage. Mr. Gresh indicated that there is not -they just looked at what they currently store. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that we need a landscape architect to capture what we want. He also noted that we need to clarify ownership/control and look at (raffic and parking. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested clarifying how much is under the Town's control before the site visit. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about skate parks, and it was noted that there was no tremendous demand but that multi-use courts could be used. She also asked about a Teen Center, and it was noted that there is a big demand and the teens want something close to Town. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 27, 2008—Page 6 Review Potential Land Acquisition Opportunities — The Town Manager noted that there are grants available for land acquisition. There are four possible properties. The State will reimburse up to 52%. The grants are due by July 15, 2008 and the appraisals are $300.00 each. The property abutting the Mattera property is under threat of being sold to a developer. The.consensus of the Board was to move ahead with the appraisals. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of May 27, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-6. spectfully submitted, ccrctary