HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 26,2008
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 Chairman Stephen Goldy, Vice Chairman
Ben Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director' Bob LeLacheur,
Library Director Ruth Urell, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Office Manager Paula
Schena and the following list of interested parties: Jeffrey Perkins, Dave Tuttle, Virginia
and Everett Blodgett, Gina.Snyder, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Michele Benson, Ray Porter,
Gene Nigro,.George Katsoufis and Jack Russell.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to go into Executive Session for the
purpose of strategy regarding labor negotiations to come back into Open Session at
approximately 7:30 p.m. was a roved on a roll call vote with all four members
voting in the affirmative.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the
Selectmen in North Reading are looking into using flagmen for details instead of Police,
and she feels that we should also look into that. She asked the Town Manager to make
sure that the tree wells Downtown are big enough.
Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Economic Development Committee is getting
complaints from businesses that the Police are ticketing people for not being parked in
the white lines. He also noted that the Downtown Steering Committee met last
Wednesday and they are looking for our help.on how to raise funds for the Downtown
improvements. He stated that he will be attending a meeting at the Mattera building on
Thursday.morning.
Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he met with the Town Manager and Superintendent
of Schools regarding a student rep on the Board of Selectmen. He also noted that the
Student Council will make the selection with a target date of October 1, 2008. He made
note that the Board should not ask the student rep about school issues or put them on the
spot.
Public Comment—Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Board received an email from
Ms. Capuccio and Selectman Ben Tafoya will follow up with her.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 26 2008 —Page2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
• The Board of Selectmen has received information on a potential LIP on North Main
Street. I have asked the applicant to come in and discuss the proposal in concept
form with the Board of Selectmen when they have digested the DRT comments from
staff. Town Counsel advises that LIP's are still allowed under the new 40B
regulations. Selectman Camille Anthony asked the Town Manager to find out where
the ZBA is on updating their regulations for 40B.
• Kennel Licensing fees may be set by the Board of Selectmen.
• West Nile Virus has been found in two birds in Reading. The East Middlesex
Mosquito Control Project will be controlling mosquitoes in Reading using truck
mounted aerosol sprayers on Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27th
between dusk and 11:30 p.m. On Tuesday, spraying is scheduled for neighborhoods
that are located east of Main Street in the vicinity of Dana Road, Wakefield Street,
Charles Street, Salem Street, John Street, Ash Street and Hopkins Street. On
Wednesday, spraying is scheduled for areas in the vicinity of Rustic Lane,
Batchelder Road, Franklin Street, Sanborn Lane, Van Norden Road, Forest Street,
Grove Street and Lowell Street between High Street and the Wilmington border.
Spraying is also scheduled for neighborhoods off West Street between Winslow
Road and the Wilmington border and Summer Avenue between King Street and
Willow Street. The Project uses a spray formulation containing the pesticide
sumithrin to control mosquitoes. Sumithrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that is classified
as a slightly toxic pesticide by the EPA. Mosquito control applications of sumithrin
do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity of
sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes. As with any pesticide,
people should minimize exposure. If residents see a spray truck approaching, they
are advised to go indoors for a couple of minutes while the spray dissipates.
Residents are also advised to close windows facing the street.
• Reading has been successful in its application for a Suburban Mobility Grant which
will provide a van service in the community. We are working on the details of
implementing the grant. There is a local match for this three year grant.
• We have been awarded an REI grant for construction of the viewing platform in
Bare Meadow. The Trails Committee will begin planning. We hope to have a
volunteer work day in the Fall to assemble the pieces.
• Double Poles—status of legislation
• Curbside Leaf Collection schedule:
• Week of November 3rd
• Week of November 17th
• Week of December 1st
• Scotland Road work by DPW is completed.
• Tannerville project—RHA, Engineering and Highway Divisions.
• Turf Field - Erosion and silt barrier is installed, Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) has been filed with EPA. Contractor is moving equipment in today
and will most likely start excavation before the end of the week. Notices were sent to
abutters on Morgan Park and Temple, and school was at pre-construction meeting.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 26 2008—Page 3
• Parker Drainage — DPW began clearing brush last week, and started dredging on
ditch Monday. Have completed approximately 200 linear feet or 20% of project.
• Tennis Courts - As of yesterday, we still have not received verification if the paving
subcontractor was going to replace the courts finish surface out of pocket or go
through his insurance company. As for completion, I doubt they will make the end
of September. If they start next week (holiday week) and finish re-paving by the
10th, they have to wait two to three weeks before they can apply the court color
surface. That will put us into the first of October, and they would need good weather
for the surface treatment.
• The hearing of an appeal by Busa's Liquors of the Board of Selectmen's two day
suspension for selling to a minor is scheduled for September 3rd.
• School starts for students in Reading this Thursday, August 28. Best wishes to the
School Department, staff, parents and students for a very successful school year.
Drivers, please be aware of students walking in the area of schools and on their way
to school.
• The Town Manager met with the MWIEZA and also the State Reps regarding the
water tanks.
• The Town Manager noted that the Board needs to designate the Community
Outreach Coordinator/Program Coordinator as a Special Municipal Employee.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to designate--the Community
Outreach Coordinator/Program Coordinator position as a Special Municipal
Employee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Assistant Town Manager's Report
• The Assistant Town Manager noted that it is going to be harder to borrow big
amounts of money over five years for at least a couple of years.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation 75t'' Anniversary of Reading Symphony Orchestra — Gene Nigro was
present to receive the Proclamation.
A motion by Bonazoll seconded by Anthony to proclaim the week of September 7,
2008 to be Reading Symphony Orchestra Week was approved b_y a vote of 4-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Board of Appeals—The Town Manager noted that he received a plea from the Chairman
of the Board of Appeals to fill the vacancy. The Town Manager sent an email to five
possible candidates and Jeffrey Perkins responded that he was interested. He would have
to resign from the West Street Historic District Committee. The Board interviewed Mr.
Perkins.
T_afova moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination
for one Associate position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30,
2011 Jeffrey D Perkins Mr. Perkins received four votes and was appointed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting August 26 2008 —Page 4
Discussion/Action Items
Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe updated the
Board on the Munis implementation. She noted that the Munis implementation is about
40% complete, the auditors are coming in beginning September 291h and she is closing
out the fiscal year. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if Munis could be used for
ambulance billing, and Gail LaPointe indicated that it could be used.
Hearing—.Amending Curb and Sidewalk Policy—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel reviewed the Selectmen's Policy on curbs
and sidewalks, and indicated that the Selectmen have no authority to tie curb and
sidewalks to the Certificate of Occupancy. The Selectmen should eliminate that
paragraph as noted below and rescind the requirement for the property on Timbemeck
Drive.
Section 4.5-Installation, Construction and Reconstruction of Curbs and Sidewalks
This policy has been developed in order to provide guidance to future Boards of
Selectmen in their role as Highway Commissioners, and to provide direction to the
Community. Planning and Development Commission and the Department of Public
Works. Any variance from this policy will require the specific action of the Board of
Selectmen.
As the Town has grown, there has developed a disparate pattern of curbing and
sidewalks throughout the Town. While recognizing and wanting to preserve the character
of different areas of the Town, it is also in the Town's interest to develop and.adhere to
certain standards of the type of improvements installed either through private initiative or
through public action.
4.5.1 - Curbing
Curbing that is installed in all areas of Town shall conform to the
following:
o At all intersections, vertical granite curbing will be installed, meeting all
requirements as specified in the Subdivision Control Policy of the Town
and as specified in applicable State and/or Federal law at the time;
o Along rural roads in locations where vertical granite curbing is
unnecessary or where it is inconsistent with the character of the roadway,
bituminous "cape cod berm"type of curbing will be permitted;
o Where a new development takes place along a rural road, vertical granite
curbing will be used within the new development streets and along the
existing rural road for the entirety of its frontage;
o In all other locations, and including "infill" locations along existing
streets, vertical granite curbing shall be used;
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 26 2008—Page 5
0 The CPDC may, as part of an application for Scenic Road approval and
with the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, approve an
alternative form of curbing.
4.5.2-Sidewalks
It is the intent of the Board of Selectmen that, over time, all areas of
Reading will have sidewalks on at least one side of every street, and that on busier
streets, sidewalks shall be provided on both sides of the street as follows'
o In areas that have intermittent sidewalks, sidewalks shall be installed of a
type (either cement concrete or bituminous) that is predominant in the
area;
e In the area generally bounded by Lowell, Salem, John, Washington,
Willow, Summer and Prescott Streets, sidewalks shall be constructed of
cement concrete;
♦ In other areas of the community where there is no predominant type of
sidewalk,bituminous sidewalk will be permitted;
o Where sidewalks are repaired or replaced, they will be repaired or
replaced with the same type as previously existed, unless the previously
existing sidewalk is not of the type.that predominates in the area;
Gen istent •4L ,.i, aar nett..• t',....
t ,
As new areas of the community develop and the issue arises as to the need
for sidewalks within a development, the Board of Selectmen urges the
Community Planning and Development Commission to evaluate the need
for sidewalks on both sides of the proposed street(s). In instances where
the CPDC feels that the roadway is not a major one, that the road is not
subject to further extension, and that the public interest is served by
having sidewalks on only one side of the street, the Board of Selectmen
urges the CPDC to require the developer to extend an amount of sidewalk
equal to that being waived, in a location to be determined by the Town
Manager.
4.5.3 - Tree lawns
In most areas of the community, there is a tree lawn consisting of a strip of
planted material that exists between the curb or curb line and the sidewalk area.
The tree lawn is to be preserved as such, and is not to be used as a parking area or
widened sidewalk unless specifically approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Adopted 3-30-93;Revised 12-13-94
Virginia Blodgett.from the Walkable Reading Group noted that the group would like to
encourage a safe walking environment, and the Town needs a program to maintain the
current sidewalks.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 26 2008—Page 6
Ray Porter of 529 Franklin Street noted that the sidewalks in front of his house are widely
used. He also noted that the biggest source of CO2 is cars. He encourages walking but
not having sidewalks put people in the streets.
Dave Tuttle of 27 Heather Drive noted that the curbs and sidewalks are on public
property and that makes the policy problematic. He also noted that CPDC needs to know
what they should require for sidewalks. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this
requirement is still in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The Selectmen's policy
deals with the single homeowner, not subdivisions.
Selectman James Bonazoli suggested that Walkable Reading spearhead a hedge trimming
program.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on amending Section
4.5 of the Board of Selectmen Policies was approved by a vote of 4-0-0-
A
-0 0 .A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the amendment to Section
4.5 — Installation Construction and Reconstruction of Curbs and Sidewalks of the
Board of Selectmen Policies (as amended)was approved b_y a vote of 4-0-0.
Rescind Curb Requirement — Timberneck Drive — A motion by Anthony seconded by
Bonazoli to rescind the Board of Selectmen decision of July 8, 2008 requiring the
owners of 53 Tamarack Road to install 290 feet of curbing was approved by a vote
of 4-0-0.
Review Development/Redevelopment Pro ess=The Town Manager gave the following
synopsis of the development projects in Town:
0 128 Ford—Permits have been issued for a Honda Gallery
0 8 Walkers Brook Drive—Under construction
0 Addison-Wesley—Expecting site plan approval this Fall
0 80-100 Main Street—Tambone is seeking tenants
0 144 Main Street—Becoming a fitness place
0 306 Main Street—The clean up is done
0 1349 Main Street—Under Construction
0 18-20 Woburn Street—Will be a restaurant
0 601 Main Street—New restaurant is coming
0 335 Main Street—New dance studio
Review with CPDC the South Main Street Design Process — Chairman of CPDC David
Tuttle, and Associate member George Katsoufis were present.
David Tuttle noted that CPDC meets regularly to look at the south Main Street area.
They are developing guidelines to make that area pedestrian friendly. Their vision is to
carry Downtown into that area, pull businesses closer to the roadway, reduce curb cuts
and share parking and access with abutting properties to get vehicles behind the
buildings. He also noted that Town Meeting needs to be educated in the Fall.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 26 2008—Paye 7
George Katsoufis noted that the Downtown businesses are the type of businesses they
want to work with to make-it.an extension of Downtown. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted
that the topography of south Main Street is difficult:
Meghan Young-Tafoya noted that the Economic Development Committee is surveying
businesses.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the poles are horrendous and speed is a factor.
She also noted that it is not safe to cross the street and that needs to be addressed.
Review with CPDC the Downtown 40R Process — David Tuttle noted that the 40R
context is very challenging.
Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this is a critically important project for the Downtown,
and he stated that it needs to be made simple.
The Town Manager noted that the Town is too restrictive and needs to revise the
guidelines.
Selectman Ben Tafoya asked the status of the proposed historic district. David Tuttle
noted that 50% of Downtown- is nonconforming, and there are a large number of
properties of historic inventory.
David Tuttle noted that if the Town doesn't look at 40R, then they should do spot zoning.
Final Review of Gould Street — The Town Manager reviewed the revised Gould Street
design. He noted that a crosswalk was added, two trees will be kept, there are additional
parking spaces, and two driveways give six parking spaces.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to grant a waiver to provide for one 16
foot curb cut and one 12 foot curb cut at the property at 45_ Ash Street. was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Preview Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting — The Town Manager reviewed the
Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting.
Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that she would like to know what is needed to get
the roads in shape. The Town Manager noted that we are looking at micro seal and to
stop doing curbing.
There was much discussion regarding the Baldwin Lane Articles. Economic
Development Committee Member Jack Russell noted that Articles 16 and 17 do nothing
for the Town, and it creates a nonconforming lot that is a stigma.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 26 2008—Page 8
Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested going back to the Consultant Report and using that as
the basis and see where we are. He noted that the Board needs discussion regarding
curbing. Chairman Stephen Goldy directed the Town Manager to put this on the
September 9th agenda.
The Board decided to remove Articles 11, 16 and 17 from the draft Warrant.
Approve BAN Sale for Water Siem — The Assistant Town Manager noted that the
Town sold $450,000 in BANS and there are six documents to sign.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to move that all action taken by the
Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $450,000 Bond Anticipation
Note, (the "Note") of the Town authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 8, and
Chapter 62 of the Acts of 2005 of the Mass General Laws, as amended and
supplemented, and by votes of the Town duly adopted, be and hereby is ratified,
approved and adopted;
That the Note shall be dated as of September 3, 2008, shall mature on February 4,
2009, shall bear interest at maturity, and shall not be subiect to redemption prior to
its stated maturity;
That the Note shall bear interest and is hereby sold and awarded as follows:
Purchaser Amount Int. Rate Premium
Century Bank $450,000 2.34% $.0.00
That the Town Treasurer is authorized to deliver the Note to purchaser and that the
Board of Selectmen, the Treasurer and the Town Clerk be and hereby are
authorized to take action to execute and deliver all documents related to the Sale
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Selectman Ben Tafoya left the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Bonazoliseconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of June 10, 2008
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of June 20, 2008
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the Minutes of June 24, 2008
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meeting of August 26,
2008 at 10:40 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary