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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 23, 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, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Town Counsel Ellen Doucette, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Tim Kelley, Bob Soli, Richard Hahn, Darlene Marchand, John Parsons,Tracy Sopchak, Vinnie Cameron,Nancy Linn Swain. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she will be attending a meeting on the Trust Fund Commissioners on Thursday night. The audit report will be presented to the Reading Municipal Light Board tomorrow night. The Downtown Steering Committee is looking to do fundraising. The Boards, Committees and Commissions training scheduled for September 30th has been rescheduled for October 23, 2008. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board received an email from a resident on Warren Avenue regarding speeding. There will be a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night at the Police Station regarding Washington Park. Selectman James Bonazoli suggested that the Town look into digital surveillance for the High School to help prevent vandalism. He would like to see the cost for key areas. He attended the School Committee Meeting regarding the CIP and performance contracting. He noted that the RFQ is going out to do a study of all the buildings for energy savings. If the Town decides to do nothing, then we just pay $125,000 for the study. He also noted that the Economic Development Committee had a walking meeting with architects looking at facades. He noted that the Farm Stand is open until October 8th but will close at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Stephen Goldy invited the Board to the RCASA Annual Meeting on October 2nd. He requested that the Selectmen be posted should there be a quorum of Selectmen there. He noted that he received a memo from Police Chief Jim Cormier, Health Administrator Larry Ramdin and Recreation Administrator John Feudo regarding dog waste in the parks, and stated that the bylaws need to be enforced regarding dogs. He also noted that all future meetings involving Selectmen liaisons will be scheduled through him directly, and he will determine which Selectman will attend. Board of Selectmen Meeting_September 23, 2008—Page 2 Public Comment Reading Municipal Light Board Commissioner Bob Soli was present. He noted that the RMLB' approved a rate increase, and he feels that they are very unfair rates. He also noted that there is a problem with double billing the fuel charge, and some rates are far below the Light Department's cost. He would welcome a meeting with the Finance Committee. Reading Municipal Light Board Commissioner Richard Hahn noted that the rest of the Commissioners disagree with Bob Soli. He also noted the rate process was professionally done and open to the public. The Citizens Advisory Board advises the Light Board and they voted unanimously to approve. He noted that the Light Board voted 4-1-0 and the rates are correct and fair. Darlene Marchand of 29 Colburn Road noted that road construction took away storm drains and is causing flooding on her property. DPW Director Ted McIntire noted that the Town is still working on the road, and the Town Engineer is working with the Conservation Commission on this issue. Chairman Stephen Goldy and Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that they will get back to Ms. Marchand. Assistant Town Manager's Report The Assistant Town Manager gave the following report: • BUSA Liquors—The ABCC approves the two day suspension of the liquor license. • Parker Middle School - The fields grading is ongoing. Project completion estimated mid- October. • Birch Meadow Tennis Courts—The contractor,expects to be painting by end of next week. • Downtown Project — The brick inlays began on Monday on Main Street and Washington Street. • Gould Street—Construction started on Monday(sidewalk areas, then reclamation). • There is a memo from John Feudo and Larry Ramdin.and Chief Cormier re: dogs in parks. • There is 40B information in the packets for your information. • Great job thus far by RMLD in containing both ratepayers and the Town's exposure to the ongoing financial crisis. Ditto to the Town's Treasurer. • News on 9c cuts could come as early as October P. Under State law,. Governor Patrick has unilateral authority to make cuts in about 2/3 of the budget. This excludes State aid for cities and towns. The Governor has asked for expanded budget authority since July but it has not been granted by the legislature. • Thursday, September 25th - Emergency Dispensing Site Training at Coolidge 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 P.M. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Knights of Columbus Weekend for Physically and Mentally Challenged Children A representative from the Knights of Columbus was present to receive the Proclamation. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 23, 2008—Page 3 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Proclamation for the Knights of Columbus Weekend for the Physically and Mentally Challenged Children was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Trails Committee — The Board interviewed John Parsons for one position on the Trails Committee. Anthony moved and Tafoya seconded to place the foflowin2 name into nomination for one Associate position on the Trails Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2009: John E. Parsons Mr. Parsons received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items RMLD Citizens Advisory Board Report — RMLD Citizens Advisory Board member Tracy Sopchak and RMLD General Manager Vinnie Cameron were present. Tracy Sopchak noted that a cost of service study was done, and the customer class rate has been set. There is a new school rate. She encouraged residential customers to use off peak hours in the evening and that benefits everyone. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked how much of the base is allocated to residential, and Vinnie Cameron indicated that the highest demand is driven by commercial. The fuel charge reflects the cost of energy and the allocation is a factor of demand. There was much discussion among the Board regarding the appearance of an inequity of charges to the residential customers versus the commercial charges. There was also much discussion about double poles in Reading. Close the Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting — The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting. The Board indicated that they wanted the Town Engineer to give his presentation on roads under Article 1. Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the GIC has been voted on yet, and the-Assistant Town Manager noted that the PEC voted not to pursue at this time. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Article 8 is to set up for fees, gifts and donations. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Article 10 is for the road improvements. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she would like to see if it is possible to add $1.5 million to the $350,000 per year. The Assistant Town Manager suggested putting all the money in the first year to save on future costs. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 23, 2008—Page 4 Article 11 is the debt authorization for the fire engine. Article 12 is for the land acquisition. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he feels we should purchase this land. He also feels that we should sell the Oakland Road property. The Assistant Town Manager indicated that the Town is not bonding any money for the acquisition of this property, and Selectman Bonazoli noted-that the Town will loose tax money by taking this property. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Article 14 is sponsored by the Board of Assessors, Article 14 is for Baldwin Lane, Article 15 is the easement for Peter Sanborn Place, Article 16 is for Fairchild Drive, and Article 17 is requested by the Veterans' Memorial Trust Committee. Article 18 is regarding the trench safety regulation. Town Counsel Ellen Doucette noted that this will designate the Town Manager as the person to designate the officer to issue permits for the purpose of making a trench excavation. Chairman Stephen Goldy requested changing the designation from the Town Manager to the Board of Selectmen. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Article 19 is regarding the Willow Street Interceptor and the EPA is requesting this. Articles 21 and 22 are Zoning By-Laws. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close the Warrant consisting of 22 Articles for the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting to be-held-ow November-10;200&&7:30-mm.-in-the -- Reading Memorial High School Auditorium was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proposal to Use Housing Trust Funds for Gazebo Circle Right of First Refusal — Tim Kelly, member of the Reading Housing Authority, noted that Gazebo .Circle has an affordable ownership component. One of the units has come up for sale and they have been unable to sell it. He noted that the Housing Authority has the right of first refusal and if we refuse, then it will be sold at market rate and the Town will loose the affordable unit. The Housing Authority is requesting money from.the Trust Fund to use as a deposit. The consensus of the Selectmen was to move forward with this, so a joint meeting of the Housing Authority and Board of Selectmen will be scheduled for allocation of the funds. Update— Washington Park Master Plan— Recreation Administrator John Feudo and Recreation Committee member Nancy Linn Swain were present. Nancy Linn Swain noted that the property was purchased for $7500 in 1923. The major current use is unfortunately for drug use. The Committee surveyed the neighborhood and people who use the park to see what they would like there. She also noted that people want to walk around the park, the playground should be upgraded, and the tennis and basketball courts should be fixed. The Committee suggests eliminating one tennis court and have a multi-use court and bike racks. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that they want to increase legitimate activity at the park, and are looking for more input for the neighborhood. There is a neighborhood meeting this Thursday. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September.23, 2008—Page.5 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to extend the life of the Washington Park Planning Committee to December 31,2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Municipal Building Committee—Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that members of the Board of Selectmen have concerns about the disposition of property. He suggests creating a Municipal Building Committee to report on the needs of the community before considering selling any property. Selectman Camille Anthony asked who the membership would be, and Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he suggests representatives from the Selectmen, School Committee, Library Board of Trustees, possibly the Finance Committee and CPDC. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he did not see how this relates to the Oakland Road property. He noted that property is zoned residential and the neighbors would rather have houses than a municipal building. He also noted that he does not see the Town building any buildings in the next decade. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Oakland Road property is the largest piece of property that the Town owns that could be used for municipal purposes. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that it would be tough to find a municipal use for the Oakland Road property. Bill Brown noted that this property was rejected for a sehool,Fire Station an Police Station. The consensus of the Board was to put this topic on the Financial Forum Agenda. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the DPW Garage was a major part of the DPW study, and it has not been discussed. Approval of Minutes _A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of August 26, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Executive Session Minutes_of August 26, 2008, as written, was approved on a roll call vote with allfour members voting in the affirmative. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of September 23, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary