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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting 1 July 10, 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 7:04 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 1.6 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectman Richard Schubert, Town Planner Carol Kowalski, Building Inspector Glen Redmond, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Safety Officers Michelle Halloran and Michael Lee, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Jonathan Barnes, Betty Cronin, Jiro Keigley,Rick Nazzaro. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Friends of Reading Recreation is having a road race on July 26, 2007 which starts and ends at Memorial Park. He received an inquiry from a resident suggesting that we ask National Development about supportive housing for senior housing. He will get more information on supportive housing and find out if it counts towards our affordable housing.- Selectman ousing.Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Tax Classification Task Force has been meeting.. They want to know if they should hold a public hearing before making a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. The consensus of the Board was that the Selectmen will hold the public hearing. Selectman Tafoya also noted that he has concerns regarding the site plan for the Tambone project on Main Street. He noted that the issue is access into and out of the site. The Town Manager noted that Route 28 is a State Highway, and the Board of Selectmen has no control over it. He will write a letter to CPDC requesting that they condition the site plan approval to come back after six months or so to see how the traffic operates. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town's new website is great. Chairman James Bonazoli thanked the Lions Club for sponsoring Friends and Family Day. He noted that on Saturday, there will be a deployment of State Police to Iraq. He asked if any of the Selectmen are able to attend, and Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he will attend. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: s The"Farm Stand" at Haven and High Streets-Tuesday afternoons starting today. • The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be controlling mosquitoes in Reading using truck mounted aerosol sprayers on Thursday, July 12th between dusk and 11:30 p.m. Spraying is scheduled for neighborhoods that are located in the vicinity of Forest Street, i Covey Hill Road, Grove Street, and near Lowell Street from Priscilla Road and High Street to the Wilmington Border. In addition, spraying will be done near West Street from Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 10,2007—Page 2 Winslow Road to the Wilmington Borde, arid near Summer Avenue between Willow Street and King Street. Spraying will also be done near Cross Street, Brook Street and Hopkins Street. If spraying is postponed, it will be rescheduled for Monday,July 16th. • A-W/P Development—National Development—Update meeting on July 24th at the Senior -- Center—will be carried live on RCTV • New web page is up and operating. Comments or suggestions are welcome. Address is the same as previously—www.ci.reading.ma.us • Franklin Street sidewalks are under construction. • The following road construction projects are mostly complete: Wells Road, Locust Street and Wentworth Road. • In addition, Hampshire Road, Lawrence Road and Governors Drive will be under construction in a couple of weeks. • West Street curb and sidewalks are done except for foaming and-seeding. • It is clear that the community needs substantial additional money for curbing and sidewalks to build new, to "infill" and to replace and reconstruct. We are doing a curb and sidewalk master plan, and hope to have some financing suggestions for the Board as part of our discussion on the Capital Improvements Program in October. •. The Human Relations Advisory Committee had a discussion at its Thursday, June 14th meeting on the "No Place for Hate" Program, and its potential applicability to Reading. The attendance was good, and the HRAC had asked for additional information. They will be evaluating this program at a future meeting. • The Fourth Annual Reading Friends and Family Day on Saturday, June 30, 2007, was a great success. A summary of comments from the RCASA booth is included in your packet. The Board of Selectmen had a great deal of interest,particularly in the Downtown project. • Tennis Court grant discussion. • The next Street Sign Lottery will be held on July 31 st. Details are in the packet. • A copy of Town Counsel's letter on the Memorial Park "Service of Summons and Citation" is included in your packet. This is the last part of the process of clarifying the permitted uses of this park. • We have received the LIP application for the project next to 75 Pleasant Street by the Reading Housing Authority. • The first meeting of the ad hoc Birch Meadow Area Planning Committee is on Thursday. • Thursday, we are expecting the vote by the Water Resources Commission on Reading's application to fully join the MWRA for its water supply. After that, the only requirements are a vote from the MWRA Advisory Board in September, and the MWRA Board in October. ® Regarding the recently passed State Budget, we got $2423 less in Charter school tuition reimbursement, and $1871 more in Public Library aid than the Senate Ways & Means version had, for a total change of$552 less. There are also substantial earmark funds in the budget. The Governor has until Friday to approve or veto parts of the budget. • We honored a request from the Office of the Governor that the flags be flown at half-staff on Thursday, July 5,. 2007, in honor of Staff Sgt. Daniel A.. Newsome of Chicopee, MA who was killed in action in Iraq on June 27, 2007, Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 10 2007—Page 3 m The surveyors and survey marks around Downtown are from representatives from the State Highway Department getting ready to do the Downtown Improvement Project construction. When we know more about the construction schedule,we'll let you know. ® There is a TIP public comment workshop here in Reading at the Selectmen's Meeting on Tuesday,July 17th. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Americans with Disabilities Act DU—A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to proclaim July 26, 2007 as Americans with Disabilities:Act Day in Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Certificates of Appreciation for Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service — Jonathan Barnes was present. A motion by Tafoya_seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Jonathan Barnes in appreciation of his 17 years of service on the Community Planning and Development Commission was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Richard Howard in appreciation of his 21 years of service on the Community Planning and Development Commission was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Betty Cronin was present. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Elizabeth Cronin in appreciation of her 11 years of service on the Council on Aging was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. James Keigley was present. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for James Keigley in appreciation of his five years of service on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for John Wood in appreciation of his five years of service on the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Steve Oston in appreciation of his six years of service on the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 10,2007—Page 4 Personnel and Appointments Community Planning and Development Commission—Tafoya moved and Goldy 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: Israel Maykut. Mr.Maykut received four votes and was appointed. Council on Agin g—The Town Manager noted that Brian Snell submitted a disclosure statement to eliminate a conflict of interest. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that this does not separate a potential for him to get clients. He also noted that his intention is in the right place but he is not in favor. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that Mr. Snell is an elder's affair lawyer and is a significant resource. He suggested that Mr. Snell expand the disclosure, and noted that this is a non-voting position he is applying for. Selectman Ben Tafoya.noted that Mr. Snell would have to agree to not do presentations or solicit service through the council or offer free advice. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he did not meet Mr. Snell at the previous meeting, and . thought that perhaps he is more of an asset doing presentations. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to appoint Brian Snell to one Associate position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2008, provided that Mr. Snell not make any presentations at the Senior Center while serving on the Council on Aging pursuant to his disclosure statement failed by a vote of 2-1-1, with Schubert against and Bonazoli abstaining. West Street Historic District Commission—The Board interviewed Rick Nazzaro. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the West Street Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2010: Rick Nazzaro. Mr.Nazzaro received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Highli is — Planning and Permits Coordination — Town Planner Carol Kowalski and Building Inspector Glen Redmond were present. Ms. Kowalski gave a presentation on the permits and planning aspects of the department. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested that Ms. Kowalski look into the issue of accessory apartments to achieve the affordable housing requirements. Hearing — Gasoline Storage License, 749 Main Street— Change of Ownership — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 10,2007—Page 5 The Town Manager noted that the Fire Chief approves, and the station is run in a proper and clean manor. i A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on the change of ownership of 749 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the gasoline storage license for ASZ, LLC at 749 Main Street based on the following-condition(s): that they are in compliance with the Town of Reading General Bylaw 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discuss Traffic Speed and Multi-Way Stops and Possible Standards for Multi-Way Stops — Police Chief James Cormier, outgoing Safety Officer Michelle Halloran, incoming Safety Officer Michael Lee and Town Engineer George Zambouras were present. The Town Manager noted that a subcommittee consisting of Camille Anthony, Stephen Goldy and staff met regarding these issues. The Town Engineer noted that traffic studies were conducted on 17 roads. He also noted that the average speed is 21731 mph. The 85th percentile is 24-38 mph. It was 40 mph on High Street, and the Town might want to do something on High Street. He noted that the problem is volume on the roadway. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he and Selectman Camille Anthony thought the problem was speed but found out volume is the problem. There are a lot of cut through streets and the cars are not speeding but there are a lot of vehicles. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that 15%are going fast and that is 200-500 cars per day speeding. The Town Manager noted that a lot of traffic is due to people going in and out of neighborhoods. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that most homes have more than one car. The Town Manager noted that the Town has very aggressive speed enforcement including the. use of speed boards, and we are looking at using cameras. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that it easier to address the speeding than the volume, and asked how the volume can be controlled. Chief Jim Cormier noted that engineers can change the traffic flows. The Town Manager indicated that all the streets in Town have residents. If we take out of one neighborhood,then they will end up in another. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested finding out what the State standards give us, and what the resources are. The Town also needs a code of civility. Another meeting of the subcommittee will be scheduled. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 10, 2007-Page 6 Sight Triangle Bylaw — The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting did not approve the proposed bylaw. He also noted that it needs to be modified to bring it back to Town Meeting in the Fall. Chief Cormier noted that he has been working with Selectman Camille Anthony, and they looked at the Winchester bylaw. He also noted that the way to grandfather is to add "no new, also place or replace." He also suggests eliminating driveways and just sticking with corners, and taking out shade trees. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested starting with something simple that we can get approved. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that Winchester's bylaw is simple. He also noted that the safety issues will be the ones that the Board of Selectmen deals with. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested turning this over to the Board of Appeals. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he is not in favor of the bylaw. He feels that if there is better sight distance,then cars.will speed up. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he is in favor of simpler and on a case by case basis, but he also feels that this is over regulating. He is concerned about taking this back to Town Meeting. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there is a way that a real safety hazard can be corrected without a bylaw. The Town Manager indicated that he will explore the powers of the police to order obstruction of intersections to be removed. Discussion— Chapter 40B —Walpole Information— Selectman Ben Tafoya reviewed the history of Chapter 40B. He noted that the Town of Reading is at 7.6% of the affordable housing requirements. He also noted that the Town of Walpole supports the initiative but are calling for a moratorium on unfriendly applicants. They are seeing plans for projects with very high density. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked that the Selectmen support Walpole's call for a moratorium, reiterate the Town's support for affordable housing, and continue a process for a Housing Production Plan. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy and Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that they support Walpole's request. The Town Manager suggested that a rental housing study be done. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he will do more work on this and get back to the Board. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assignments - Chairman James Bonazoli made Liaison Assignments as follows: Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 1.0, 2007—Page 7 Camille Anthony — Trust Fund Commissioners, Human Relations Advisory Committee, Police Department, Fire Department,Reading Municipal Light Department. James Bonazoli—Economic Development Committee, Aquatics Advisory Committee, Board of Cemetery Trustees, Water Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Commiftee/MWRA, Town Forest Committee,Recreation Committee,Downtown Steering Committee. Stephen Goldy — Board of Appeals, Council on Aging/Mystic Valley Elder Services, School Department. Richard Schubert — Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee, Conservation Commission, Constable, Board of Registrars, Board of Assessors, T-TAC, Finance Committee, Housing Authority. Ben Tafoya—Accounting Department, CPDC/MAPC, Historical Commission, Board of Health, West Street Historic District Commission, Library, Cultural Council. Review Action Status Rep —The Town Manager briefly reviewed the Action Status Report. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of June 5, 2007 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to adiourn the meeting of July 10, 2007 at 10:15 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respecif3all"ubmitted, Secretary