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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 15, 2007 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. Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Town, Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown,T.J. Ryan,Tony D'Arezzo, Firefighter Derek Loftus, Clayton Jones, Thomas Dumont, Michelle Chiappini, John and Terry Miles, John and Dorothy Flynn. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Board received an e-mail from the Mayor of Somerville regarding the MAPC, and he would like to advocate for Mayor Joseph Curtatone. He also noted that the Board received correspondence from a resident praising the Town Manager for the sidewalks on West Street. He noted that he missed the last Selectmen's meeting and had concerns regarding the Governor's Municipal Partnership Act. He has concerns regarding the local options meal tax. He feels that if the surrounding communities don't have it, then the Town will lose business to them, and that should_be a.referendum. His second concern is the.property tax loophole, and he feels that the cost will be passed onto the consumer. He would like to see a study done on whether this is an indirect tax or fee. He agrees with participating in the GIC. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Audit Committee met and the Town received high marks. She also noted that all-that'is needed is a fixed income asset schedule and a student fee schedule. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Recreation Committee met last week. They are working on a lightning policy regarding field use. He asked if it is possible to have recycling barrels at the parks, and the Town Manager indicated that he will check with DPW. He also noted that there was a draft Birch Meadow Master Plan in tonight's handout, and he would like to move forward to get this approved and staffed. The Town Manager indicated that staff has too much on their plates to work on this right now. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that this is being driven by volunteers and there is a lot of energy he doesn't want to lose. Vice Chairman Bonazoli noted that when hnagination Station was taken down; the Selectmen. made a commitment to rebuild but nothing is being done. The Town Manager indicated that he will check with staff and schedule a hearing. i Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 15, 2007—Page 2 Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested adding a School Committee member to the members. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the issues of fundraising and financing need to be addressed in the plan. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he participated in the food collection at the Old South Church over the weekend, and he thanked the postal carriers for their participation. He also attended the first part of the CPDC Meeting last night. Public Comment— Bill Brown noted that the Board of Cemetery Trustees will be holding their cemetery tour next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and will be ending at 6:30 p.m. Town Manaier's Report The Town Manager gave the following report:. • 128/193 Task Force Meeting is in Reading tomorrow, May 16th at,the Senior Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. • We have had confirmed a bid date for the Downtown Improvement Project of May 30, 2007. This has been confirmed at the highest levels of the Massachusetts Highway Department and this is good news. We have also been promised an expedited bid award so we hope to see some construction this year. Again,big thanks to our legislative delegation. • We are having a community meeting on May 17th at the Senior Center at 7:30 p.m. regarding the new plans for Memorial Park. This is per the previous discussion with the Board of Selectmen regarding the Master Plan for this site. • There was a Water Resources Commission(WRC)Meeting on May 10th. Their hearing on Reading's application is in June with a decision scheduled in July. MWRA Advisory Board action would be expected in September, and final MWRA approval in October. • The Reading Lions Club invites you to participate in the Fourth Annual Reading Friends and Family Day. Save the date—Saturday,June 30, 2007. • The Town has completed reconstruction on three roads at the current time-Hillcrest Road, Maple Ridge Road and Cumberland Road. • Bids are awarded for the Franklin Street sidewalks. We are getting the paperwork done so the contractor can start ASAP. • West Street curb and sidewalks are under construction—there is a driveway appeal,on 532 West Street that needs to be decided this evening so we can complete this project without delay or extra costs. • The Town has received an Economic Development grant to do a market study of Downtown. • There is one legal settlement for the Board of Selectmen to approve: • Acceptance by the Bear Hill group of turning over the entire $30,000 bond to the Town for drainage work. The piping in the street on that project is now complete. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve a settlement in the issue of the drainage performance bond between the Town of Reading and Reading Bear Hill Limited Partnership, Reading Bear Hill, Inc., and the Dolben Companies (hereinafter referred to as Reading Bear Hill), and authorize the Town Manager to sign the settlement on behalf of the Town was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 15,2007—Page 0 Household Hazardous Waste Collection is this Saturday, May 19th from 9:00 a.m. 'til 1:00 p.m. at the DPW Garage. This is a joint program with Wakefield. 0 Weights and* Measures issue regarding posting of gasoline price sips—see attached email. 0 Concern expressed by resident regarding Reading Rifle and Revolver Club shooting— see attached email. Selectman Camille Anthony asked for an update at the next Selectmen's Meeting regarding the number of gallons used of the Summer permit. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation Honoring Elia Marnik — A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to approve the Proclamation honoring Ella Marnik was approved by a vote of 54-0. Proclamation—V.F.W. Poppy.Week—A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to proclaim May 21-26,2007 as V.F.W. Poppy Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Proclamation — National Police Memorial Week —.Police Chief James Cormier was present to receive the Proclamation. A 'motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazofi to proclaim May 13-19,2007 as National Police Memorial Week was-approved by a vote of 570A. Personnel&Appointments Recognition Firefighter Derek Loftus' Achievement of Paramedic Status — Fire Chief Greg Bums, Firefighter Derek Loftus,his parents,wife and sister were present. Chief Bums noted that Firefighter Loftus didn't want to wait for the Town so he went on his own and paid for himself to achieve paramedic status. This was a 14 month program, and he accomplished it on his own time and passed the Statewide exam. The Board of Selectmen thanked and congratulated Firefighter Loftus. Discussion/Action Items Progress Report— Community Preservation Act Study Committee— Clayton Jones, Chairman of the Community Preservation Act Study Committee, and committee members Bill Brown and Tom Ryan were present. Mr. Jones noted that the study was set up from the Master Plan. This act allows the Town to tax property 1%-3% and the State matches the funds. In the past five years, the State has matched 100%. As more towns sip up,the State may lower the match. CPA revenues can be spent on recreation, open space, historic preservation and affordable ' housing. Mr. Jones reviewed the projects that the Town of Bedford has used the funds. Board of Selectmen Meeting—MR 15,2007—Page 4 Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there have been a lot of missed opportunities, and feels that it would be worthwhile to present to Town Meeting. Selectman Camille Anthony asked who sets the percentage, and if the Selectmen are looking for a recommendation from the committee. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that a recommendation would be helpful, and that the committee should look back at the activities the Town has done that would have been eligible for funding. Bill Brown noted that the Town can opt out after five years but it is hard to do. He has asked the State Representatives to make it mandatory to put it on.the ballot every five years. Mr. Jones noted that the committee has limits on identifying needs — the list would be never ending. . Selectman.Stephen. Goldy noted that he has concerns regarding the availability of State funds. Mr. Jones noted that one. town did a study, and projected that the State will drop their contribution to 60% in approximately three years. If the State rate goes down, then the Town can lower the percentage. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that 60% of State matching is better than 0%. The Town Manager noted that the Town has to spend at least 10% on historic preservation and 10% on affordable housing. The Town Manager recommended that the term of the Committee be extended to 2008. The CPA Committee will return this Summer with a package of information, and then educate the community. The Selectmen can put this on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested putting together scenarios with pros and cons to give to Town Meeting. She also suggested that the Committee should provide information but not make a recommendation. Hearing—Liquor License Transfer—Chili's—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the ABCC has reviewed the qualifications for the new entity and has approved. Thomas Dumont, Manager of the Chili's Grill &Bar at 70 Walkers Brook Drive indicated that it will be business as usual. 'Pep-per Dining is purchasing the business, and it will be a closed deal on June 27, 2007. He indicated that the franchise is trying to grow: Tony D'Arezzo of 130 John Street noted that two more restaurants will be opening in the same area. He suggested that the Board of Selectmen might want to consider limiting the number of liquor licenses. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close .the hearing for the liquor license transfer for Chili's was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 15, 2007—Page 5 A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the liquor license transfer from Brinker Massachusetts Corp d/b/a/ Chili's Grill & Bar to Pepper Dining, Inc. under the ` same terms and conditions of the previous license was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Standards for Street Width and Parking Regulations — Town Engineer George Zambouras reviewed the standards for street widths and the recommended pavement widths as follows: Design Standards (Ft.): Minimum Parking Width(Res. & Co.) 8 Minimum Parking Width(Arterial) 10 Minimum Lane Width 11 Shoulder Residential 1 Shoulder Collector 1.5 Shoulder Arterial 2 Recommended Minimum Pavement Widths: Subdivision Regulations (Residential) are 30. Residential is 22 feet to 32 feet. Collector is 22 feet to 41 feet. Arterial is 25 feet to 46 feet. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there was any parking on both sides of main roads, and Mr. Zambouras noted that some areas of Main Street have parking on both sides of the road. Hearing..—Curb Cut—532 West Street—The Secretary read the hearuig notice. The Town Manager noted that the Town is doing curb and sidewalks on-West Street. If a lot is under 120 feet, then only one curb cut is allowed. Over 120 feet, more than one curb cut is allowed. John and Terry Miles noted that if they can't have a second driveway, then they need to park on the grass. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the original driveway is single width, and the Town Manager indicated that it was but it could be a double width. Mr. Zambouras noted that there is a grade issue on the side of the driveway, and they would have to expand to the right. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that graver could be used to extend the paved driveway. Selectman Camille Anthony asked why the Town only allows one curb cut per 120 feet. Mr. Zambouras noted that driveways can be made wider or deeper so the Town limits the number of curb cuts. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing for a seeond curb cut at 532 West Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 15, 2007—Page 6 A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve a.second curb cut at 532 West Street failed by a vote of 1-3-1,with Schubert,Anthony and Goldy against and Tafoya abstaining. Hearing—Curb Cut—49 Locust Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Town is reconstructing Locust Street. The house at 49 Locust Street is on a hill with a four to five foot retaining wall across the entire frontage and has one garage. He also noted that there is a paved area where the tree lawn would be. The homeowners, John and Dorothy Flynn, park one car in the garage, and there is no place else to park another car except for the paved area. Selectman Camille Anthony asked what the width was from the wall to the street, and Mrs. Flynn indicated that the width was approximately six'feet. Selectman Anthony noted that this is a case where there are no other options. She suggests allowing a parking area up to the walkway to the house. Michelle Chiappini of 50 Locust Street noted that there is no advantage to not allow. She also noted that the sidewalks are random. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that this is a need because there is nowhere else to park. The Town Manager suggested that the area designated be the minimum to provide what the homeowner needs. A motion by Goldy.seconded by Schubert to close the hearing, for a widened driveway to _ allow parking in the area that would be the tree lawn/sidewalk area at 49 Locust Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the widened driveway to allow parking at 49 Locust Street in the area designated to be the minimum for what the homeowner needs and that the rest be a tree lawn, until such time as a widened driveway or second driveway fi accordance with the Town's driveway opening standards should be approved by the Town,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approve the 128/93 Position Paper—The Town Manager noted.that he incorporated the material from the last Selectmen's Meeting, and comments from the Town Engineer into the Position Paper. He noted that the transit priorities include the Highway H3—US is preferred but needs improvement, noise barriers are needed, traffic speed enforcement and enforcement of existing State laws to minimize noise from motorcycles and truck engine brakes. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that we need to add that cut through traffic needs a place to go. An unnamed resident indicated that the State will be taking a sliver of her land, and it will make her house unlivable. Board of Selectmen Meeting—MM 15,2007—Page 7 = Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that if the Town endorses H3 US, then we will fall into a potentially large trap. He suggests not endorsing either scenario, and then let the recommendations stand. He feels that a broader plan is needed for how the overall plan is going to work. He noted that the improvements they are recommending have the least impact to Reading. The Town Manager noted that the lane drops have the biggest impact and is the easiest to do. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that they should just do Washington Street and the lane drops because the rest is too costly and doesn't solve the problem down the road. The Town Engineer noted that the Town could ask them to supply us with funds to do the environmental studies, and to hire a consultant to determine the,impact on Reading. He also noted that the State could realign Route 93 to eliminate any takings. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Position Paper as discussed this evening was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Extend Community. Preservation Act Study Committee's Tenure — A motion by Goldy seconded by ,-Schubert to extend the term of the Community Preservation Act Study Committee to December 31,2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Extend the Northern Area Greenway Committee's Tenure— The Town Manager noted that this committee still has work to do. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to extend the 'term of the Northern Area Greenway Committee to December 31,2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he drafted a policy establishing an ad hoc Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee. The Town Manager noted that he thought this committee would be staff. He also noted that mapping needs to be done, and the staff people who will be involved in this have too much on their plates right now. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that a lot of projects are being driven by volunteers, and there is a lot of energy that he doesn't want to lose. Selectman Camille Anthony agreed that this is community driven,and we should let the volunteers do it. The Town Manager noted that the Recreation Division and Parks Department have put a lot of staff time into Memorial Park. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that when the Town took down Imagination Station, the Selectmen made a commitment to rebuild but nothing is being done. Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested adding a School Committee member to the membership. . i Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 15,2007—Page 8 The Assistant Town Manager noted that fundraising and financing needs to be addressed by the Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee. The. Town Manager noted that he will schedule a hearing to establish this committee. Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of April 24, 2007 was approved by'a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to adiourn the meeting of May 15, 2007 at 10:30 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Res ectfully su.miffed, ecre