HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 21, 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 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts 01867. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben
Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert,
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob
LeLacheur, Police Chief James Cormier, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Patricia de Garavilla, Anne Manna, Gina Nelson, Carol Oniskey, Elizabeth
Murray, Justin Ray, Lt. Richard Robbins, Carmen Cavallo.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she
received a call from a resident who offered to take care of Washington Park regarding the dog
issue.
Selectman James Bon azoli noted-that there-have-been requests for-15-minute parking—spaces--in-- --- — - -
Downtown.
Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Washington Park Committee had a public meeting.
The Committee met last week and they will finalize the report in November, and bring it back to
the Board in December.
Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he has been meeting with other towns regarding a coalition.
They are looking at regionalization of certain services. He also noted that the RCASA has
offered an invitation to the whole community for Rachel's Challenge on October 30, 2008. He
noted that Sarah Mulroy- is the Board's new student member, and she will start attending the
Selectmen's meetings on October 28, 2008.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report
• Election—November 4th—7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Since the September 16th Primary:
o We have registered 583 voters
o We have deleted 186 voters
o We have made 1400 changes to voters addresses, names, parties, etc.
Since we received the ballots on 10/9/08:
o We have processed 656 absentee ballots
o Trying to get most people to vote over the counter to save the Town money when
we can-it also saves us administrative work
Our new population counts with these changes is 23,886. Our voter total is 16,960.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 21, 2008 —Page 2
• On Thursday, October 30th at 7:00 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center, the community is invited to a powerful session with parents and
community leaders on Rachel's Challenge, Rachel's Challenge is named for Rachel Scott,
the first student killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness
and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for
one of the most life-changing school programs in America. Powerful video/audio footage of
Rachel's life and the Columbine tragedy will be presented. Everyone is welcome!
• Downtown Parking Study Kick-Off Meeting 2 - Please see the following link for details
about an upcoming October 30th, 7:00 p.m.—Senior Center meeting on Downtown
parking:
http://www.readin=a.gov/Pages/Readin,gMA WebDoes/Downtown%20Parking%2OM6eting
• Town of Reading's Veterans Day Ceremonies - This year's ceremonies will be on Tuesday,
November .11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at The Reading Memorial High School. We will be
Meeting at the High School at 10:45 a.m.
• Parker Middle School — Fields grading ongoing. Project completion estimated mid/late
October.
• Birch Meadow Tennis Courts—
• Gould Street - Reclamation and binder course has been done, and the curbing and sidewalk
contractor will be in this week to start their work.
• High Street—Binder is in.
__--: --.--Franklirn Street----Binder is-in today.- _ ._ -.___-- _____- -__.__-__ ___ ._______ ______- ______-------
9
______• Curbside Leaf Collection this Fall and next Spring-Please see the following link for more
details about the upcoming leaf collections in the Town of Reading:
http://www.readingma.gov/Pages/ReadingMA PublicWorks/Fall Leaf Coll.pdf
Schedule: Weeks of on normal collection day
• November 3,
• November 17,
• December 1
• Flu Clinic- PUBLIC FLU CLINIC FOR READING RESIDENTS -The first annual
Emergency Dispensing Site Drill/Flu Clinic- Saturday, November 15 - RMHS Field
House— 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Open to all Reading residents - ages 9 and up
Flu vaccine $10.00 fee
Pneumonia $10.00 fee
Tetanus $ 5.00 fee
Residents 65 or older, Free—Bring your Medicare Card
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation—Red Ribbon Week—Joshua Eaton Principal Patricia De Garavilla, Teacher Anne
Manna and representatives from the Student Council were present to receive the Proclamation.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Proclamation for Red Ribbon
Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 21, 2008 —Page 3
Personnel and Appointments
Council on Aging—The Selectmen interviewed Gina Nelson and Carol Oniskey for positions on
the Council on Aging.
Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for
one position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2011: Gina Nelson and
Carol Oniskey. Ms Oniskey received five votes and was appointed.
Schubert moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one Associate position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Gina
Nelson Ms Nelson received five votes and was appointed.
Discussion/Action Items — Hearing — Transfer of Liquor License — Romano's Macaroni Grill —
The Secretary read the hearing notice. Romano's Macaroni Grill Manager Elizabeth Murray was
present.
The Town Manager noted that this a Change of Manager and Transfer of Liquor License from
Brinker Massachusetts Corporation to Mac Acquisition of Delaware.
Selectman Richard Schubert asked Ms. Murray if she had experience managing a restaurant of
-_-._.._that_.size_b-efore,._and._Ms.__Murray indicated that this is her first time She is familiar with the
Town's policies and has received TIPS training.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli' to close the hearing on the liquor license
transfer from Brinker Massachusetts Corp to Mac Acquisition of Delaware was approved
by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the transfer of the all alcoholic
restaurant liquor license from Brinker Massachusetts Corp. to Mac Acquisition of
_Delaware, under all terms and conditions that applied to the previous license to Brinker
Massachusetts Corp.,was approved bya vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the transfer of Manager for
Brinker Massachusetts Corp to Elizabeth Murray for Mac Acquisition of Delaware was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing—Liquor License Infraction—Twin Seafood—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that Justin Ray, owner of Twin Seafood, was present and not
contesting. Police Chief Jim Cormier and Lt. Richard Robbins were also present.
Lt. Robbins noted that on September 19, 2008, the Detective Division conducted an alcohol
compliance check using two underage operatives of all liquor establishments in Reading. The,
two operatives were trained, photographed, given a breath test and not allowed to bring an ID.
The operatives were also photographed and given another breath test after the operation.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 21, 2008 —Page 4
Lt. Robbins noted that the male operative went to 11 establishments. At 6:06 p.m., he entered
Twin Seafood at 591 Main Street. He ordered salmon and a Sam Adams beer. He was served by
Justin Ray and decided not to drink the beer and left.
Mr. Ray indicated that he had a mishap that evening with an interruption in his gas service and
losing some of his kitchen help which is why he overlooked asking for the ID. He apologized
for his action and noted that his policy is to card everyone who looks under 40 years of age.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the possible modification,
suspension or revocation of the Wine and Malt On-Premises License for Twin Seafood of
Reading, Inc. d/b/a Twin Seafood for violating GL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or
delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age was approved by.a vote of
5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen finds .Twin
Seafood of Reading Inc. d/b/a Twin Seafood in violation of M.G.L. Chapter 138, S34 - the
sale of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age on September 19, 2008 was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya:that Twin Seafood of Reading Inc. d/b/a Twin
Seafood be penalized with a two day suspension for violation of M.G.L. Chapter 138, S34 —
sale-of-aleph-olic-beverages-to-a-minor-on-September 19 2008-was--approved-by-a-vote-of -- --
5-0-0.
A_motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the two day suspension for Twin Seafood of
Reading, Inc. d/b/a Twin Seafood take place on October 27 and October 28, 2008, and that
a placard be placed on the premises during the period of suspension indicating "No beer or
wine service due to a suspension of the liquor license for sale of liquor to an underage
person was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review Question 1 — Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that this is a carry over from the Financial
Forum. The Selectmen have been asked to take a position on Question 1 which is abolishment of
the State income tax. If this passes, Phase 1 of 2 will go into effect immediately. Chairman
Goldy also noted that the Selectmen had questioned whether they could take a position oil this
ballot question and it has been determined by the State that as leaders of the community, they
may take a position but cannot use Town resources to advertise.
After much discussion on the consequences of Question 1 if it passes, the Board approved the
following motion:
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen vote to oppose
Question 1 on the November 4, 2008 ballot was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing — Traffic Rules — Designating Spaces in Brande Court Municipal Parking Lot for
Overnight Parking—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 21, 2008 —Page 5
The Town Manager noted that this is in response from a property owner downtown who has no
onsite parking. The proposal is to allow overnight parking in eight spaces in the Brande Court
Lot. He also noted that the Town already allows overnight parking in two other municipal lots.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on amending Section 5.9 of
the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to amend Section 5:9 of the Town of Reading
Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding to Section 5.9 the following:
9 Brande Court Parking Lot —Eight parking spaces on the northerly fence line
from 10:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant—The Assistant Town Manager noted that Article 4
is for amendments to the Capital Improvements Program. He also noted that Bond Counsel
requests that any change to the CIP be spelled out in this Article.
A_motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to recommend the subject matter'of Article 3 of
the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Assistant Town Manager noted that Artiele 4 is-amendments to the-budget He also noted
that the State requires Town Meeting to vote the grossamount, not the net amount, so offsets
need to be included.
Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya asked what was taken out of the operating budget. The Assistant
Town Manager noted the $60,000 for the van. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen
need to decide whether or not to move forward with the program. After much discussion, the
Board decided to defer this decision until next year due to the current state of fiscal affairs.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 4
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to recommend the subject matter of Article 6
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 7
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager suggested taking no action on Articles 8 and 10.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to recommend the subject matter of Article 11 of
the-2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager noted that Article 12 is for the acquisition of land.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 21, 2008 —Page 6
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to recommend the subject matter of Article 12 of
the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant failed by a vote of 1-4-0, with Goldy, Tafoya,
Bonazoli and Anthony voting against.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 13
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to recommend the subject matter of Article 14 of
the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to recommend the subject matter of Article 15 of
the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting_Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 16
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 17
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 18
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 19
of the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to recommend the subject matter of Article 20 of
the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review Policy— Liquor Licensing—The Town Manager reviewed the recommended changes to
the policy.
Carmen Cavallo, owner of the Venetian Moon Restaurant was present. He indicated that he
would be interested in any changes to the policy that affect the ability for patrons to stand with a
drink. He indicated that this would put a severe limitation on his business.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of October 21, 2008 at
11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary