HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
June 26, 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 7:03 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,
DPW Director Ted McIntire, 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, Nick Safina, George Katsoufis, John Della
Paolera Jr.,Adele Blunt,Karen Herrick, Gil Rodrigues, Jack Russell, Julie Thurlow, George Rio,
Dave Talbot,Tom Quintal,Bill Hanson,Marlene Wolfe,Nancy Twomey, Rich Quaglia.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he
attended the Habitat for Humanity Dedication on Saturday and it was very satisfying.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Community Preservation Act Study Committee has
been meeting, and they will come back to the Board of Selectmen in September.
Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Friends of Reading Recreation is sponsoring a Fun Run
this weekend before the Reading Day event. He also noted that the Locks for Love at the
Barrows School was a great event. He received a request from a resident to speak about the
Open Meeting Law, and suggested that the Board of Selectmen extend this to all Boards,
Committees and Commissions. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that all Boards, Committees
and Commissions should be following the Open Meeting Law because it is a State law. The
Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen doesn't have the authority to enforce this law
with other elected committees. Selectman Anthony suggested that the other elected Boards be
contacted, and recommended that they follow the Open Meeting Law.
Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Addison-Wesley Development Advisory Team met
yesterday. National Development will update the Board of Selectmen and CPDC on July 24,
2007. Density is an issue. He also noted that National Development will be presenting to the
entire community in early Fall.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli thanked the Board for appointing him to the Ad Hoc Birch
Meadow Task Force. He noted that the Habitat for Humanity event was beautiful.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
■ The Town Manager noted that Friends and Family Day is on Saturday from 12:00 noon
to 4:00 p.m.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 26,2007—Page 2
® There is an email in the packet regarding trash at Hunt Park. There is also another email
regarding the new LIP regulations. I
■ Town Counsel is reviewing the contract for the Shade Tree Trust.
■ The Assistant Town Manager attended an event for the Crossing Guards sponsored by the
Rotary.
■ The Town Manager was at the State House on Thursday regarding the Municipal Act.
The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Board needs to approve.internal borrowing in the
amount of$410,000 for a fire truck and $500,000 for the financial platform. The Town will raise
the money in October and pay it back. The Town will save $50,000 by borrowing internally at
this time.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the advance in funds in lieu of
borrowing $410,000, Article 20 of the April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting, and $500,000,
Article 19 of the April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting through December 31, 2007 was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen.Reorganization—Ben Tafoya thanked the Board for the honor of serving as
Chairman, and the Town Manager accepted nominations for a new Chairman.
Schubert moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination as
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen: James Bonazoli.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to close the nominations for Chairman of the
Board of Selectmen was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Bonazoli abstaining.
There being no other nominations, James Bonazoli received four votes and was appointed
Chairman.
Anthony moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination as
Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen: Stephen Goldy.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to close the nominations for Vice Chairman of
the Board of Selectmeni was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining.
There being no other nominations, Stephen Goldy received four votes and was appointed.
Anthony moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for
Secretary of the Board of Selectmen: Ben Tafoya.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to close the nominations for Secretary was
approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Tafoya abstaining.
There being no other nominations, Ben Tafoya received four votes and was appointed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 26 2007.—Page 3
Personnel and Appointments
Birch Meadow PlanningLCommittee — Schubert moved and Anthony seconded to place the
following names into nomination for two positions on the ad hoc Birch Meadow Planning
Committee with terms expiring December 31, 2007• Jamie T. Maughan and Mary Ann
Kozlowski Each applicant received five votes and were appointed.
Council on Aging—The applicant withdrew his application at this time.
Constable— The Town Manager noted that there is one candidate. He suggests that the Board
interview and not appoint due to the uncertainty of future Constables. The Board interviewed
John Della Paolera Jr.
Golds moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
position as Constable with a term expiring June 30 2008: John Della Paolera Jr. Mr.
Paolera received five votes and was appointed.
_Community Planning and Development Commission— The Board interviewed Nick Safina and
George Katsoufis.
Anthony moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
position on the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term expirin
June 30, 2010 Nicholas Safina Mr. Safina received five votes and was appointed.
Goldy moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
Associate position on the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term
expiring June 30 2008: George Katsoufis. Mr. Katsoufis received five votes and was
appointed.
Economic Development Committee—The Town Manager noted that Michele Williams is asking
to serve on the Economic Development Committee as an Associate.
Goldy moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
Associate position on the Economic Development Committee with a term expiring June 30,
2008 Michele Williams Ms Williams received five votes and was appointed.
Discussion/Action Items
Final Report — Ad Hoc Downtown Parking Committee — Downtown Parking Committee
Members Gil Rodrigues, Jack Russell, George Katsoufis, Julie Thurlow, George Rio, Dave
Talbot and Tom Quintal were present.
Mr. Rodrigues noted that the Committee identified the supply and demand. The common theme
is that employers need employee parking. The resident's theme is blocked driveways, safety
issues and no guest parking. The commuter's theme is there is not enough commuter parking.
He also noted that the Committee's interim report indicates that there is a need for 280 spaces for
the employers and 120 spaces are needed for customers.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 26, 2007—Page 4
Mr. Rodrigues noted that the following are the Committee's recommendations:
1. A professional study needs to be done.
2. Evaluate structure options.
3. Shared parking is an inexpensive option. The Town could develop a program and post on
the website. This would help in the short terrn.
4. Satellite parking is something that businesses need to buy into.
5. Ride sharing needs employee and Town support.
6. Public shuttle is a public/private initiative.
7. New parking policies including concentric rings around Downtown.
The, Town Manager noted that Consultant Adam Baacke worked with the Economic
Development Committee, and he indicated that the Town doesn't need a garage because there is
a lot of parking available but it is not Town owned. He also suggested developing a method of
paying for parking.
Selectman Ben Tafoya thanked the committee for their work. He indicated that he didn't know
if increasing the cost of parking at the Depot is the answer, Jack Russell noted that increasing
the parking fee at the Depot would help to shift some of the parking to Anderson.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to. accept the final report of the ad hoc Task
Force to Evaluate Downtown Parking with their thanks and appreciation to the-members
of the Task Force was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing—Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rates—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
DPW Director Ted McIntire noted that the revenue required is $4,815,487. The annual water
demand is 730,000 HCF, the sewer demand is 693,500 HCF, and the water expenses.are 100%
MVIRA.
The Town Manager noted that the budgets assumed no use of cash reserves. Selectman Ben
Tafoya noted that he thought that last year's reserve policy covered two years. Ted McIntire
noted that the initial plan was to use $300,000 but we actually used $600,000, The Town
Manager noted that the intent was to offset the massive investment of the MWRA buy-in.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked how the water rates look for next year. The Assistant Town
Manager indicated 16%, 11% and 11%increases with no use of reserves.
There was discussion among the Board regarding the use of reserve funds to soften the blow.
The Town Manager noted that $450,000 for the next four years can be used out of reserves.
Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested using $200,000 from the water reserves and $200,000 from the
sewer reserves.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to close the hearing setting the water, sewer and
stormwater rates for FY 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 26,2007—Page 5
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to set the FY 2008 Water Rate at $6.90 per one
hundred cubic feet with a minimum bill of $13.80, effective with the September 10, 2007
billing was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to set the FY 2008 Sewer Rate at $6.80 per.one
hundred cubic feet with a minimum bill of $13.60 effective with the September 10, 2007
biUing was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A_ motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to set the Stormwater Rate at $39.84 per unit
(2,552) per year to be billed quarterly in the$9.96 per unit was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing=Policy on Waiver of Hours and Retail Sales—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that the Town approved an amendment to the Bylaw. The Board of
Selectmen can consider waivers so there has to be regulations.
The Town Manager noted that the permit will be annual. A public hearing will be held initially.
The permit will expire December 31 st. The approval will be for businesses within a commercial
or business zone only, and is for the entire business. Approval of the property owner is required.
There must be a minimal effect on the residents. The food code must be followed. There will be
no sales prior to 5:00 a.m., Monday through Friday or for Saturdays.and Sundays. The use of
speakers, drive thrus, etc. will be limited. The request will be reviewed by other departments of
the Town.
Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy suggested changing "will" to "may" in Item #5. He questioned
what kind of evidence the Board will be looking for. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that it
will probably be evidence of lack of impact.
Selectman Camille Anthony questioned Item #7 — no weekends or holidays. Vice Chairman
Stephen Goldy indicated that this should be at the Board of Selectmen's discretion because not
everyone's weekday is Monday through Friday. He did note that the Police Chief asked the
Board to be consistent. Vice Chairman Goldy noted that there should be a site visit and/or site
plan.
Bill Hanson of 4 West Street requested that the Selectmen look at the weekend hours. He noted
that the time from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. accounted for 10%of the sales.
Marlene Wolfe of 4 West Street asked about the schedule for the hearings. The Town Manager
noted that the Selectmen will adopt the policy, the business can then make an application,
address the issues raised in the policy, and the hearing will be scheduled.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the issue of weekends. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted
that the residents are entitled to quiet on the weekends, and Monday through Friday should be
enough. He is perplexed that businesses were opening when they weren't supposed to be open.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 26, 2007—Page 6
A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on the policy on the waiver
of hours of retail stores was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to approve the policy on the waiver of the hours
of retail sales dated 6-26-07, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing — Traffic Rules and Regulations — Do Not Enter — Indiana Avenue Northbound at
California Road—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that the residents have concerns about cars backing out of Indiana
Avenue. There is no cul-de-sac or turn around.
Nancy Twomey of 23 California Road noted that the"Do Not Enter" should be all the time. She
also suggested restricting parking to one side of the street.
Selectman Camille Anthony suggested having the Fire Chief check out the parking on Indiana
Avenue and California Road.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on traffic regulations on
Indiana Avenue was approved by a vote of 5-0-.0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules
and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to.
Article 6, Section A-15a the following:
Street Location Regulation
Indiana Avenue Northbound DO NOT ENTER
at California Road Except for Residents
(Emergency Vehicles Exempt)
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing — No Parking Anytime — Fox Run Lane Cul-de-sac — The Secretary read the hearing
notice.
The Town Manager noted that this recommendation came from the Wood End Working Group.
This is a safety issue.
A spokesperson for the Barletta's at 25 Fox Run Lane noted that Carrnela Barletta has cancer and
couldn't get out for treatment because cars were blocking her driveway. They are requesting no
parking in the cul-de-sac.
Karen Herrick noted that this is unnecessary.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on traffic regulations on Fox
Run Lane was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 26 2007—.Page 7
A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules
and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to
Article 5, Section A-5i the following:
Street Location Regulation
Fox Run Lane Cul-de-sac Parking Prohibited 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 P.M.
Monday—Friday
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Goldy opposed.
Request for Driveway Waiver — 20 Locust Street — Town Engineer George Zambouras was
present.
Rich Quaglia of 20 Locust Street noted that he has a legal two-family with 80 foot frontage. He
has four cars parking in his driveway. He is requesting to keep the curbing the same by getting a
waiver for the 36 foot curb cut. He also noted that there is a 9 foot drop at the end of his
driveway so he can't'go deeper. He parks his motorcycle on the other end and would like to
keep that curb cut.
Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he supports the driveway waiver but not for the
motorcycle on the other end. He also noted that it is parked on the sidewalk. Vice Chairman
Stephen Goldy agreed with Selectman Schubert.
A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve the waiver of the drivewa
regulations for 20 Locust Street to permit the retention of a driveway opening of
;ate rp oximate1v 36 feet was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Budget Transfers — The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen with the Finance
Committee.can do some budget transfers without Town Meeting. He also noted that the Library,
DPW and Finance Departments are the biggest transfers.
The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the surplus.
Chairman James Bonazoli asked why $20,000 was needed for water salaries. Ted McIntire
noted that it was for overtime.
Chairman James Bonazoli asked what the $75,000 for the Library was for, and the Town
Manager noted that was to replace the HVAC system that is leaking. Chairman Bonazoli noted
that we just put capital money into that system and now we are replacing it.
Chairman James Bonazoli asked about the $120,000 that is needed for DPW expenses. Ted
McIntire noted that equipment maintenance is out of control. Parts cost more and it costs to send
out. He also noted that his Master Mechanic resigned so they will be sending more out.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the following budget transfers for FY
2007, subject to the Finance Committee also approving these transfers:
Board of Selectmen MeetingL—June 26, 2007—Page 8
General Fund
Account Line Description Surplus Deficit
B26 Community Services-Salaries&Wages $20,000
• Planning$20,000
C12 Finance Department-Salaries&Wages $ 5,000
• General$5,000
Dl Library-Salaries&Wages $18,000
D2 Library—Expenses $16,000
Fll Public Works—Salaries&Wages $60;000
F12 Pubic Works—Expenses $120,000
F14 Public Works—Rubbish $65,000
F15 Public Works—Snow&Ice $20,000
J1 Debt Service(BANs—Barrows) $17,000
K8 Employee Benefits $35,000
• Group Health(Life Ins. ($23,000)
• Worker Compensation($30,000.)
Unemployment$18,000
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Enterprise Funds
Account Line Description Surplus Deficit
Ll Water Fund-Salaries&Wages $20,000
L2 Water Fund-Expenses $20,000
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iThe motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
A motion'by Anthony seconded.:by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of May 22, 2007 was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to go into Executive Session for the purpose of
discussion of strategy for labor negotiations, not to come back into Open Session was
approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary