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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 5, 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 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli and Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Stephen Crook, Edward Smethurst, Phil Rushworth, John Surrette, Joan Blaustein, Meghan Young- Tafoya, Michele Williams, Sheila Clark. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to 14o into Executive Session for purposes of labor negotiations to come back into Open Session at approximately 7.20 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all three members voting in the affirmative. The Board returned to Open Session at 7:40 p.m. Reports and Comments Board of Selectmen Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Board received correspondence regarding fees, and noted that the Board does not have a formal appeal process for fees. The Town Manager indicated that he would draft a general policy. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — RCTV — RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth and RCTV Board of Directors Members John Surrette,Ted Smethurst and Steve Crook were present. Phil Rushworth updated the Board and noted that robotic cameras have been purchased, the third channel has been activated, they have expanded coverage, and they are broadcasting on fiber optics. He also noted that they are in need of a new facility with 5,000 square feet. Presentation of Hazard Mitigation Plan—MAPC—Joan Blaustein from MAPC noted that in order for the Town to apply for grants, we need a plan for FEMA. Reading joined a region and MAPC is working with the Town to develop a local plan. She also noted that there are 16 flood hazard areas in Reading, and the drainage studies need to be done for the Saugus River and Aberjona River. She recommended that the Selectmen put the draft plan that is being presented tonight on the website and ask for public comments. Then the draft plan will be sent to MEMA who will send it to FEMA, and then the Selectmen will need to adopt the final plan. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 5, 2008—Page 2 Approval of Alley Way Agreements — Meghan Young-Tafoya, Michele Williams and Sheila Clark from the Economic Development Committee were present. Michele Williams reviewed the components of the project that include brick pavers, lighting, a mural and plants. She noted that the Town will fund a portion of the pavers. The Town Manager noted that the owner of 662 — 680 Main Street will pay for pavers on his property. Meghan Young-Tafoya noted that two muralists have looked at the building. They have indicated that it is too small to do a historic scene so a landscape scene is recommended as the alleyway is lacking in greenery. She also noted.that the-total cost of the project is $54,000 minus the amount that the property owners will pay for lights and pavers. A motion by Bonaz'oli seconded by Anthony to approve the alley way agreements between the Town of Reading and Boston Reading, LLC and the Town of Reading and Thomas C. O'Connor and Barbara A. O'Connor in substantially the form presented on August 5, 2008, .and authorize the Town. Manager to sign them on behalf of the Board of Selectmen was approved by'a vote of 3-0-0. Update on Downtown—The Town Manager gave an update on the Downtown project. Close Warrant for State Primary Election — The Town Manager noted that this is the Warrant for the Election on September 16, 2008. A motion.by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close the Warrant for the State Primary Election to take place at Reading Memorial High School Hawkes Field House on September 16, 2008 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Review Action Status Report — The Town Manager reviewed the Action Status Report. He noted that the Ash Street item will be taken off when it is under construction. Selectman Camille Anthony asked for scheduled reports.with milestones for the parking garage study. She also asked about the sidewalk plowing, and the Town Manager indicated that he will meet with Ted McIntire and a Selectman regarding this matter. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked the Town Manager to see if there are grants available for energy conservation for lighting. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya handed out a memo regarding the Oakland Road property. He recommends creating an ad hoc Town Building Committee to see the potential needs for a new municipal building. He suggests a member of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Library Board, and non-voting liaisons from CPDC and the Finance Committee. He noted that if at the end of the process there is no consensus, then consider selling the property. Selectman Camille Anthony requested this be put on a future agenda. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 5,2008—Page 3 Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the DPW Garage needs to be screened with fencing or greenery. The Town Manager "indicated that he will come back with a plan by September 30, 2008. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that regarding the policy on fundraising, all fundraising projects should come before the Board of Selectmen. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he felt only the items that are not cost out should come before the Selectmen. The Town Manager noted that in regards to recycling in the parks, we are waiting for the equipment from the State. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve.the Minutes of June 3, 2008 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of July 29, 2008, as amended,was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting of August 5, 2008 at 10:30 p.m.was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary