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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 18, 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 7:03 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, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Meghan Young, Ralph Colorusso, Bob Nordstrand, Deborah Jackson, Frank Golden, John Murphy, Ken Rossetti, Michael Giacalone, Stephen Crook, Arnold Rubin, Joe Patterson, Sheila Clark, Michele Williams, Jack Russell, Attorney Joe Devlin, Joyce Taormina, Donna Morin, Rick Wetzler, Jason Schrieber, Phil Rushworth. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she received a phone call from a constituent regarding signs; i.e., singles signs and they find them offensive. The Town Manager noted that they are a-violation of-the bylaw, and DP-W-goes and picks them up when they find them. Selectman Anthony requested that the Town Manager get a report from DEP and Conservation for the 24 hour license renewal for the Shell Station. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the formal ceremony for the Joshua Eaton Clock Tower. He also noted that there is material in tonight's handout regarding the approval process for the Addison-Wesley property, and CPDC will be having their first meeting on this on December 8th. He noted that the roadwork will have to be coordinated for this project. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he had Office Hours this evening and a resident came in to talk about the parking regulations in the Barrows School area., and there was another resident who came in to talk regarding the Aquifer District. Selectman Bonazoli asked who owned the regulations for the Birch Meadow School area because the recycle bins are not being used, and the leaves are being left on the artificial turf for too long. The Town Manager noted that he will have the Recreation Department own the regulations for that area. Chairman Stephen Goldy suggested having them reach out to the leagues who are leaving piles of plastic that should be recycled. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested having the out of town leagues leave a deposit that will be returned if the field is clean when they are done. She noted that regarding the Aquifer District, she spoke with a couple of people who went through the process and it is onerous. She offered to meet with the Conservation Administrator and member(s) of the Conservation Commission regarding the process and also the 15% issue. Selectman James Bonazoli also noted that he attended Rachel's Challenge and it was a very powerful presentation. Board of Selectmen Meeting=November 18, 2008—Page 2. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Youth Representative on the Board will attend once per month. He asked for a volunteer for the Memory Tree, and Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he would attend. Chairman Goldy also noted that the Board received correspondence from Leslie Kerwin's office. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya stated that he was disappointed to see the list of issues. He noted that prevailing wage has never been an issue and he doesn't want to be associated with that issue. He also noted that the cost of supplies is the big issue with projects. Chairman Goldy noted that the next steps are to work on regionalization and best practices—the prevailing wage will not be discussed. He also informed the Board that the agendas will be sent out early to the Selectmen so that issues can be added to the agendas. Public Comment—Arnold Rubin, owner of the Atlantic Food Mart, was present. He announced that his store is closing its doors. The day after Thanksgiving, everything in the store will be 25% off and then the store will close. He noted that he is not going bankrupt, all employees will have a separation package, and all vendors will be paid. He will maintain an office in the building until the building is leased or sold. He also noted that he tried to get other supermarkets interested in the location but it was to no avail. A resident of the Town spoke and asked that the Town encourage another small store at that location. Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Economic Development Committee is helping to recruit another retailer. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Election process went well. • The Town g an ave Manager update on the following construction projects: Parker Middle g g P School — Collins Field, Birch. Meadow tennis courts, Gould Street, High Street, Hillside Road, Franklin Street, Colburn Road, WTP demolition, Border Road — drainage and repaving related to installation of water system interconnection vault. Bear Hill Water standpipe inspection is done, Common flag pole bids. • Downtown.project is "buttoning up"for the Winter ■ Street lights from Washington to Haven should be illuminated within the next few weeks ® Temporary signal at Pleasant and Main • Curbside Leaf Collection this Fall. Schedule: Normal collection day weeks of. 0Never1er-3, • November 17, • December 1. • Received a LIP application for 885 Main Street—we will schedule this for a future Board of Selectmen Meeting. • November 20th is the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout®. Set a quit date and stick to it—the American Cancer Society can help. Check out www.cancer.org. • Performance Contracting.— Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee participation at interview stage in early December. • Flu Clinics— o November 19th—Killam School—over 65—2:00 to 4:00 p.m. o December 4th- Parker Middle School - 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 18 2008—Page 3 Personnel and Appointments Community Planning and Development Commission—The Board interviewed Joe Patterson for one position on the CPDC. Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2011• Joseph E Patterson. Mr. Patterson received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Economic Development—Meghan Young-Tafoya, Sheila Clark, Michele Williams and Jack Russell from the Economic Development Committee were present. Meghan Young-Tafoya and Sheila Clark gave an update to the Board of Selectmen on what they have been working on for the past year. Highlights over the past year include the alleyway initiative, a walk and talk with the architect, supported the Farmers Market, looked at employee parking options, creating a report to document the facts when a business closes or a situation occurs,conducted a business survey. Continued Hearing—Liquor License Transfer—The Wine Shop—The Town Manager noted that Health andZoning_Departments reviewed the application. The Police had concerns so the hearing was continued. The Police found three incidents at Joe's Smoke Shop in Quincy but that was before the applicant took over the business. There was also some telephone and address confusion. Attorney Joe Devlin was present representing Bharatiben Patel, Manager and Breena Patel, principal employee. Attorney Devlin noted that Bharatiben needed experience in working in a package store so she worked at Joe's Smoke Shop. They were being sold and needed a manager so she became a manager. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the applicant needs to have a phone even if it is a cell phone. Attorney Devlin noted that the applicant has rented a place to live nearby and will have a phone. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the business will be maintained as is, and Breena indicated that they will except they might add cigars. The Board informed the applicant that the Town has dealt with three suspensions this year due to being tired and understaffed, and also accepting out of State licenses as proof of ID. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on the transfer of the All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License to Jahnavi Riva Wine Shop, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 18, 2008—Page 4 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the transfer of the All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License to: Jahnavi Riya Wine Shop, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts for a term expiring December 31, 2008 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Tax Classification— Assessors Deborah Jackson, Bob Nordstrand, Frank Golden and Ralph Colorusso were present. The Town Manager noted that a study was done last year regarding splitting the tax rate, and the Board voted not to split the tax rate. Deborah Jackson reviewed the different tax classes that the Board will be voting on. She noted. that the tax rate is being set with 2007 assessments. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested putting something in Your Community Connection on what year we are being assessed.. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he was in favor of a tax split. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that it is hard on both residents and businesses. He also noted that this is not the appropriate time when we are trying to bring businesses into Town. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing establishing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to adopt a residential factor of 1 for Fiscal Year 2009. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to amend the motion to do a 10% shift equal to .990640 failed by a vote of 1-4-0, with Goldy, Bonazoli, Anthony and Schubert opposed. The main motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0,with Tafoya opposed. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to not adopt a residential exemption for Fiscal Year 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to not grant a commercial exemption for Fiscal Year 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to not grant an open space discount for Fiscal Year 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Plans —Baldwin Lane—The Town Manager noted that this is a follow up to Town Meeting action. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 18. 2008 —Page 5 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya that pursuant to Article 14 of the November 10, 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting, approve the plan entitled "Street Acceptance Plan Baldwin Lane Extension" for making Baldwin Lane Extension a public way was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Parking Regulations — Gould Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager reviewed the proposed changes to the regulations. Selectman Camille Anthony asked where the people park who live in the flat iron building, and noted that she felt uncomfortable setting aside all of those spaces for employee parking when the residents don't have a place to park. She suggested taking three spaces from the other end for resident parking. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the issue the residents of the flat iron building had was night time parking. Joyce Taormina of 7 Gould Street noted that her driveway is extremely difficult to back out of because the street is smaller since curbing was put in. Donna Morin of 10 Gould Street indicated that she also is having a problem backing out of her driveway. She recommends no parking. _ Rick Wetzler of 9-11 Gould Street suggested not painting the spaces, and he thanked the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for changing the regulations. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on parking regulations on Gould Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to amend The Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 for the Town of Reading by adding to Article 5, Section 5.4.4 the following regulation(s). "PARKING PROHIBITED DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS Resident Parking Permit Only 6:00 a m to 10.30 a.m. (Monday through Friday)' Gould Street- On the southern side three spaces in front of 8 and 10 Gould Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to amend The Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 for the Town of Reading by adding to Article 5, Section-5.13.A.as follows: 2 parking spaces on Gould Street in front of 9 and 11 Gould Street are reserved for parking by the residents of 9 and 11 Gould Street and their guests was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 18, 2008—Page 6 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to amend The Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 for the Town of Reading by adding to Article 5, Section 5.3 the following: Street Location Regulation Gould Street Northside.and Southside between No Parking Anytime Ash Street and 8 Gould Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, for the Town of Reading, by amending Appendix A-3b as follows: TWO HOUR PARKING OR ALL DAY PARKING WITH EMPLOYEE PERMIT DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Fridayl Gould Street—on the ther-ly side from Haven Street to Ash-Street 16 spaces on the Northside and Southside of Gould Street heading westward starting from 16 Gould Street boundary line to Haven Street was approved by a_vote of 5-0-0. Update — Downtown Parking Study — Consultant Jason Schrieber was present. The Town Manager noted that two public meetings have been held and the input has been good. Mr. Schrieber noted that there is a lot of parking at the Depot, the CVS lot is full and the Atlantic lot is well utilized. He also noted that there are a lot of vacancies at the Depot on Saturdays. There are a lot of people parking a long time on Main Street in front of CVS, and a lot of people who want a shorter amount of time in that area. Mr. Schrieber reviewed "key issues" and "strategies" that the Town can start working on right away. Key Issue Strategy 1. Long-term Parking Find reserve capacity 2. Limited amount of employee Expand employee permit program permits and employee spaces 3. Lack of turnover after 6:00 p.m. Regulatory changes near Venetian Moon and CVS 4. Lack of available spaces on Saturday Signing program, utilization on Haven Street of private spaces, pricing Mr. Schrieber noted that employees are using a lot of the parking spaces, and the majority of employees didn't know that there was employee parking. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 18 2008—Page 7 The next steps include completing the parking garage feasibility assessment, look at future parking demand projections, develop a preliminary set of strategies, and then report back to the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Camille Anthony requested that the Board get a copy of the utilization chart with street names. Consideration of Comcast Renewal — The Town Manager noted that he is still negotiating and working on language with Comcast. He also noted that there was a motion for a preliminary denial to buy two weeks of time to get the contract all set. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading as Cable Television licensing "Issuing Authority" (franchise authority), hereby issue a prelianinary assessment that the cable franchise of Comcast of Massachusetts I Inc. should not be renewed on the grounds that: the operator does not have the financial, legal and technical ability to provide the services, facilities and equipment as set forth in the operator's proposal; and the cable operator's proposal is not reasonable to meet the future cable- related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meed-n14 such needs-and interests. The Board of Selectmen will issue a "written statement detailing the reasons for this preliminary denial" within fourteen (14) days of this Preliminary Denial,_in accordance with 207 CMR 3.06(3) or such other later date as may be authorized by the Cable Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Continuation of RCTV Agreement — The Town Manager noted that there was a final copy and mark up of the RCTV contract in the packet. There are minor changes including one change to Section 9.2 School System Instruction.. Phil Rushworth noted that they will no longer be giving a daily class. They will have an after school program instead, and the School Department has no problem with this. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how the requirement for meeting coverage was working. Mr. Rushworth indicated that the robotic cameras make it easier. He noted that the hard part is when the meetings are moved to a location that is not wired for sound, and getting other sites wired for sound is a priority. Selectman Schubert noted that the ZBA has a quorum problem — the law allows the absent member to review the meeting on tape and then vote at the next meeting. He asked how the members can access the tapes. Mr..Rushworth indicated that they can go to the studio and watch it there, or they will make them a DVD to take home. There was discussion among the Board regarding how much notice the.Town should give RCTV in advance of meetings that need to be covered. It was decided that not less than 48.hours notice will be given to RCTV of meetings that need to be covered. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 18, 2008—Page 8 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to approve the agreement between the Town of Readinit and RCTV, and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of October 15, 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Bonazoli abstaining. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of October 21, 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of October 23, 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to,approve the Minutes of October 28, 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of November 18, 2008 at 11:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. R pectfully submitted, ecretary