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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 28, 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, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: George Hines, Stephen Crook, Priscilla Gottwald, Irene Collins, Bill Jennings, Carmen Cavallo. Reports.and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he met with the Downtown Parking Group and the proposed 40B group along with representatives from CPDC, the Historical Commission, the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection and Town staff. He also noted that one issue is what size residential unit the Selectmen would like in the 40R District which will also have an impact on the parking study. He no ted t_at-t ere"are vacancies on the CPDC and on the Conservation Commission. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Selectmen held a training session for Boards, Committees and Commissions and that went very well. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the training session and also welcomed Sarah Mulroy. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he has been meeting with Chairmen from surrounding Towns, and they are going to the State House to discuss regionalization and how the State can help with this issue. He also noted that they are looking at sharing best practices and energy issues. Selectman James Bonazoli suggested adding to the list, traffic calming and how are they dealing with curbing with budget constraints. Chairman Goldy invited the community to Rachel's Challenge on October 30"' at 7:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at the High School. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ® Election—November 4th—7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. • Comcast Negotiations—we are close to a deal. e MTBE Litigation Settlement — The Town received $695,000 for water money in a class action suit. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that this should be put on a future agenda for discussion. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 28, 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. • Downtown Parking Study Kick-Off Meeting—October 30th, 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. • Parker Middle School — Fields grading ongoing. Project completion estimated mid/late October. • Birch Meadow Tennis Courts—no update. • 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, Hillside Road, Franklin Street—binder is in. • Curbside Leaf Collection this Fall. Schedule: Weeks of on normal collection day e November 3, • November 17, • December I • Public Flu Clinic for Reading Residents - Saturday, November 15th - 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,_17ree7713ring,your Medicare Card Personnel and Appointments Introduce Youth Liaison — Chairman Stephen Goldy welcomed Sarah Mulroy as the Youth Representative on the Board of-Selectmen, and noted that she was nominated through .the President of the Student Council. Ms. Mulroy noted that the youth are a big part of the Town, and they have lots of ideas that can have an impact. Discussion/Action Items Presentation by Chamber of Commerce— LED Tree.Lights — Chamber of Commerce President Priscilla Gottwald and Executive Director Irene Collins were present. Ms. Gottwald noted that the Light Department received the lights on October 9th. They purchase enough red lights to light two trees. Ms. Collins noted that the Tree Lighting events will take place on November 30, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the tree lighting taking place at 4:30 p.m. She indicated that as an effort to conserve on energy, the lights will be lit from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (instead of 11:00 p.m.) from November 30, 2008 through January 6, 2009. She also noted that the festival costs the Chamber approximately $10,000 to run which includes electricity, lights, trolley, clown, etc. She noted that the Boston Bruins and Oldies 105.5 will be there this year, and the North Shore Music Theater will be sending a group this year. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Chamber accepts donations, and Ms. Collins indicated that donations can be made at Eastern Bank. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 28 2008—Page 3 Hearing—Revised Burbank Lease—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that when the Town approved the location of the Ice Arena, a contract was set up for five year extensions. The Reading Ice Arena Authority requested a 10 year extension when they added the locker room, and the Selectmen approved it. Town Counsel has indicated that the Selectmen cannot grant a 10 year extension, only five years. , The Town Manager noted that this is an outstanding partnership and a huge asset to the Town. Selectmen Representative on the Reading Ice Arena Authority George Hines concurred with the Town Manager. He noted that the Ice Arena is an asset to the community and contributes to the budget: He also noted that the rink is run and managed very well, and he has no hesitation to recommend the approval of the lease. Bill Jennings, President of the Reading Ice Arena Authority, noted that the girl's locker room is underway and will hopefully be done by December. The Town Manager noted that the first responsibility of the Ice Arena Authority is to maintain the facility. The contribution to the Town is secondary. Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the Town could go out to bid sooner, and the Town Manager indicated that we could if both parties agree. Mr. Jennings indicated that he would like to start sooner so they can do capital A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on extending the lease between the Town of Reading and the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Selectmen find that the Lessee has complied with the terms and conditions of the lease dated February 23, 1993; that the extension of the lease would be desirable for the public good; and that the term of the lease be extended for an additional five (5) year period expiring March 8, 2014 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. At this time, the Board asked the Town Manager for an update on the Birch Meadow Area and the Mattera property. Chairman Stephen Goldy indicated that this will be put on a future agenda. Hearing—Liquor License Transfer—The Wine Shop—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the applicant sent a letter to reschedule to November 18, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. He also noted that he received staff comments that need further clarification. _A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to continue the hearing on.the liquor license transfer for Jahnavi Riva Wine Shop, Inc d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading until November 18, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 28, 2008 —Page 4 Review Liquor License Renewals—The Town Manager noted that on Page 4d in the packet is a list of liquor licensees. He noted that the State requires renewal of liquor licenses by the end of November and -if the Board wants any of the licensees to be present at their meeting on November 25th,then they should let him know now. After much discussion, the Board directed the Town Manager to draft a letter, from the Board, reviewing what has happened this year and what is expected from them. Carmen Cavallo, owner of the Venetian Moon Restaurant, was present. He asked the Board if being seated while being served is a proposed change to the policy, and the Board indicated that it is not at this time. Review Options re: Aquifer Protection District — The Town Manager noted that part of the agreement with the MWRA is to protect the Aquifer Protection District. If the Town makes any changes, then it will be sent to the MWRA for approval. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he wants to protect the aquifer but if it is not the primary water supply, then the Town should ease the regulations so projects don't get delayed. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that she believes strongly in protection. She would have to know the cases and what is the problem. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that two residents wanted above ground pools that are not permanent and could be taken down if need be. He also noted that the wells are being held for emergencies as potable water, not drinking source water. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that other towns are pulling water from that source, and we never know when an emergency will happen. He feels that it is important to protect. He would like to work with the existing process, and indicated that there is an appeal process in place. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he is not looking to do away with the Aquifer Protection District-he just feels that we are over regulating and he wants to ease the regulations. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that this district covers several zoning areas, and he is not in favor of changes unless a study is done on how it would affect the different areas. The Town Manager noted that our ZBA is very good at protecting, and certain things must be proofed by statute why a waiver is needed. Chairman Stephen Goldy indicated that he would like to know the percentage that other communities use. The Town Manager indicated that he can also get data on the number of 20 square foot lots and 30 square foot lots by zoning district. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 28, 2008 —Page 5 Review Insurance Costs (possible bidding) — The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee had suggested the possibility of bidding insurance for Worker's Comp and Property and Casualty. He also noted that the Town has been with MIIA for 10 years. They only insure municipalities and their agencies. He sees no need.to go out to bid because it is a good value, we have good relationship, and they provide good customer service. The Town Manager noted that for Worker's Comp, the FY09 budget is $259,000 and the actual is $200,000. For Property and Casualty, the FY09 budget is $354,000 and the actual is $304,169. He also noted that if we go out to bid, we will have to hire a consultant. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that when MIIA's rates were rapidly increasing and we went out to bid for health insurance, their rates came in a lot cheaper. The Town Manager noted that MIIA beats the market place every year. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he didn't think we will save that much by going out to bid, and he feels that we have other higher priorities. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that going out to bid would keep them honest, and verify that we are getting the best rates. Chairman Stephen Goldy asked why the Finance_ Committee wanted to go out to bid,. and the Assistant Town Manager noted that when they looked at the original cost of$700,000, they thought it was too much. Ironically, the numbers came down after they suggested going out to bid. He agreed that the Town should go out to bid but not this year. He suggested setting aside $25,000 from this budget for a consultant. He noted that the insurance companies are too unsure right now to go out to bid. Customer Service—Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he has been attending meetings that the Town Manager is having with staff regarding budgets. He also noted that the Town Manager is talking to staff about customer service. The Town Manager noted that customer service will be stressed to the max with the economic times, and all staff will have customer service training. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that putting a simple postcard for suggestions at all offices would give feedback to employees. He also suggested mailing a reminder to the commercial owners in the Town to encourage their tenants to come to Town Hall. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that as things become more difficult, businesses and residents will appreciate good customer service. He inquired as to how to improve the process for charities, and Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested a seminar once per year for non-profit organizations that will help them to prepare for their events. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 28, 2008 —Page 6 There was discussion among the Board regarding complaints from non-profit organizations who can't understand why the health regulations have changed so dramatically and this is affecting their events. The Town Manager noted that this is due to a change in personnel. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that there is a difference between following the letter of the law and personal interpretation of the law. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of October 7, 2008, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Executive Session Minutes of October 7, 2008, as written, was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of October 28, 2008 at 10:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary