Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 21, 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 James Bonazoli, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe; Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Norma Sweeney; Tim Reilly, Elise Ciregna, Roger Frechette, Robert Hunt, Steve and Anne Kiley, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Gina Snyder, Stephen Buitkus,Mr. and Mrs. Starble,Mario Cutone,John Sousa. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Resorts and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had a newspaper article regarding being pet ready in emergencies. She suggested that there be a website link that has a list of things to have in your house in an.emergency. She also noted that there is a Community Preservation Act Study Committee Meeting on Thursday night. She congratulated the Water Department for receiving an award. Chairman James Bonazoli noted.that the Birch Meadow Committee has been meeting. They will be presenting a draft report in October. They are sending out a survey'to teensregarding use of that area and another survey community wide. They are focusing on how to increase the amount of play area. Chairman Bonazoli also noted that he met with the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee, and they will be on the September 4, 2007 agenda to disband. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Franklin Street sidewalks are under construction. • The following road construction projects are ongoing: Hampshire Road, Lawrence Road and Governors Drive. • The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection is at Wakefield High School on September 22nd. This is a joint program with the Town of Wakefield, open to Reading and Wakefield residents. There will be another collection in Reading in the Spring. • The Board of Selectmenwill be having a hearing on August 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall regarding a 40R application for a portion of the Addison-Wesley/Pearson site. e Friends of Reading Recreation is hosting a program on August 26th at Merriorial Park including games,a concert and a movie. ® We are not producing YCC anymore. The cost to our sponsors, particularly of the postage, has become prohibitive. We will look at doing an "online" version with a few printed copies for distribution in public buildings. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 21,2007—Page 2 Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director's Report — Bob LeLacheur noted that the Finance Committee met this week. They.made a motion that the Selectmen and School Committee submit any comments in writing on the budget process one week before the September 12, 2007 meeting. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this is a political process and there are scarce resources. He feels that Town Meeting should be more involved, and also feels that we need to think creatively. within our region. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she would like discussion on health care costs. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee will be taking on the work of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee. He also noted that there was paperwork for the Selectmen to sign this evening for the sewer UI loans'and grants. Personnel and Appointments Board of Cemetery Trustees — The Board interviewed Elise Ciregna for one position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with a term expiring June 30, 2010: Elise Madeleine Ciregna. Ms. Ciregna received three votes and was appointed. Birch Meadow Planning Committee—The Board interviewed Roger Frechette and Robert Hunt for two positions on the Birch Meadow Planning Committee. Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Birch Meadow Planning Committee with terms expiring December 31, 2007: Roger Frechette and Robert Hunt. Each candidate received three votes and were appointed. Finance Committee Representative on the Community Preservation Act Study Committee—The Town Manager noted that Matthew Wilson is interested in serving as the Finance Committee's representative on this committee. Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position'as the Finance Committee's representative on the Community Preservation Act Study Committee with a term expiring December 31, 2007: Matthew Wilson. Mr. Wilson received three votes and was appointed. Finance Committee Member on the Northern Area Greenway Task Force - The Town Manager noted that Matthew Wilson is interested in serving as the Finance Committee's representative on this committee. Board-of Selectmen Meeting=Au��ust 21 2007—Page 3 _ T_afoYa moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position as the Finance Committee's representative on the Northern Area Greenway Task. Force with a term expiring December 31 2007: Matthew Wilson. Mr. Wilson received three votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe was present. She indicated that the construction of the data center is complete. Now we need to get the equipment and furniture. The WAN is complete and will be tied into the new data center. She noted that a contract has been signed with Tyler Technologies and the pricing is fixed for two years. The first year is budgeted for set up and assistance with training. The biggest cost is moving the wiring. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Light Department is included, and Gail LaPointe indicated that they are not but the reports will have more details than we now have. Discuss Charter and Town Accountant Regulations—The Town Manager noted that the question was raised as to the process of the Town Manager supervising the Town Accountant when the Town'Accountant is appointed by the Selectmen. Selectman Camille Anthony asked Gail LaPointe who supervised her in Burlington. She indicated that she was appointed by the Board of Selectmen and she worked with the Town - Manager. The Town Manager noted that she is a Department Head and he did her review. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Selectmen fire and appoint the Town Accountant. He feels that they don't need a formal involvement. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that Gail contact the Town Accountant Association for best practices. Hearing — Request for Tree Removal — 16 Vine Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Steve and Anne Kiley were present. The Town Manager noted that this is a request for a tree removal that the Tree Warden denied. He also noted that there is an e-mail in the handout from Gina Snyder. He noted that if the Selectmen approve the removal of the tree, the Selectmen could require two replacement trees. The Tree Warden would plant and the homeowner would pay$500 per tree. Steven Kiley indicated that he is making the driveway safer. Both his wife and daughter fell in the driveway and his wife is disabled, and he noted that a limb of the tree overhangs his house. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Tree Warden and Bruce Fenton concur that the tree is healthy. Mr. Kiley noted that he is adding 22 bushes to the side of his property. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 21, 2007—Page 4 Mary Ellen O'Neill of 125 Summer Avenue noted that she is in favor of saving the tree because it provides beauty, cooling and water retention. She also noted that Tree Warden Bob Keating told the.homeowner that the tree was healthy before he started the project, and the homeowner continued with the plan anyway. She noted that the tree is 60 years old. Gina Snyder of 11 Jadem Terrace noted that the homeowner could make the driveway around the tree. She indicated that the tree is valuable. Stephen Buitkus of 20 Vine Street noted that the pictures don't show the lower limbs that have been broken off. He also noted that the tree is overgrown and there are newer trees in the neighborhood. The Town Manager suggested a split driveway made of pervious material so water can get to the roots. Mr. Kiley noted that he was looking at stamped slate instead of pervious material, and also noted that at least one limb needs to be removed for safety reasons. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the request for a tree renmoval at 16 Vine Street was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafo a to not approve the tree removal at 16 Vine Street but the Board of Selectmen does hereby grant a waiver of the Town's driveway opening permit to allow two driveways at the above property, each driveway not exceeding 12 feet in width, and the driveway material being constructed of pervious material such as pavers which will allow water to i0dtrate the root zone of the existing tree, details of construction subiect to the approval of the Town Engineer to meet tree planting standards was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing — Request for Waiver —Driveway Opening 55 Walnut Street _ The Secretary read the hearing notice. Mr. and Mrs. Starble were present. The Town Manager noted that the homeowner is building an addition to the house. The Town's maximum driveway opening size is 24 feet, and they are requesting a 35 foot opening. Mrs. Starble noted that they received a building permit but the driveway opening was not approved. She also noted that it is a narrow street. Mr. Starble noted that the opening is consistent with a three bay garage. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he did not see any reason to expand the opening to 35 feet. He also noted that the Selectmen have never approved a 35 foot opening before. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the driveway opening at 55 Walnut Street was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting August 21 2007—Page 5 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the waiver of the driveway opening at 55 Walnut Street to permit a driveway width of 35 feet in addition to a driveway to the property at 51 Walnut Street within an easement failed by a vote of 0-3-0. Review Downtown Parking Committee Report — The Town Manager noted that the major recommendation early on was to explore a parking structure. Funding is not available for a feasibility study. Earmarks will be determined in a couple of weeks so we should wait before making a decision. The Town Manager noted that the Committee went to property owners who have excess parking to see if they are interested in sharing. He knows of two surplus properties but they are not in the core area. Shared parking needs more follow through; i.e., church parking lots, residential parking lots, etc.- Selectman tc:Selectman Camille Anthony asked what the downside was of moving ahead with a parking structure. The Town Manager noted that we could not take it to Town Meeting without fully exploring. He also noted that the need is based on built spaces that are not occupied. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Parking Report indicates that employees are not : happy with the blue zone. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that is because it costs more than the residential stickers. The report does recommend charging more for commuter parking. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Downtown area is at its lowest vacancy rate, and the Town needs to move forward while development is in process. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested not waiting for State money. The Town Manager indicated that he will get a cost and come back to the Board. Review Request to Sell Lot on Birch Road Mario Cutone was present. The Town Manager noted that Mr. Cutone lives on Marla Lame and is inquiring about Town owned land on Birch Road. It is tax title land. Staff has no objection and he would be required to re-deed. The Town has no reason to hold onto the land. Mr. Cutone noted that he wants the land to put a sports court on it—tennisibasketball court. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the assessed value needs to realize that the lot could be split and put up for sale.The Town Manager noted that the appraisal of the property would determine if another house could be put on it.and if the lot can be subdivided. The Board took no action. Review Request to Vacate a Portion of Tower Road—The Town Manager noted that Tim Reilly is requesting that the Town vacate an extension of Tower Road because the Town will never extend it. The property owners would have to do the legal work to correct the deed. There are no wetlands,utility or public safety concerns. Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 21, 2007—Page 6 A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen, having reviewed the issue of the ownership of the parcel of land initially intended as a continuation of Tower Road east of Bancroft Avenue, have determined that the Town of Reading has no interest in constructing a continuation of Tower Road and, therefore, has no objection to the abutting property owners going through the necessary lel4al process and securing title to those lands so described was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Review Request to Vacate a Portion of Robert Road — The Town Manager noted that the property is off Lowell Street. The abutting property owners share and maintain. He needs to get staff recommendations. John Sousa of 20 Parkman Road noted that he and his neighbor keep their boats on this land. He also noted that paper roads were more popular a few years ago when there were no sidewalks on Lowell Street. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that she would like a response from the Fire Department. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested noticing everyone in the neighborhood and then hold a hearing. The Board took no action at this time. MWRA Sewer Debt Authorization— The Assistant Town Manager noted that there were forms for the Board to sign to authorize sewer debt. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to approve entering into and executing a Financial Assistance Agreement and a Loan Agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources .Authority (the "MWR VI) and any other agreements as may be deemed necessary in connection with the issue and sale of an. interest free loan in the aggregate principal amount of$44,330 Sewer Bond (the"Bond") to M[WRA; That the Bond is authorized pursuant to Chapter 44,.Section 7(1), of the.General Laws, as amended and supplemented, and being a portion of the $380,000 Sewer Bonds authorized by a vote of the Town duly adopted under Article 17 at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting, shall be an interest free loan in the.aggregate principal amount of$44,330 dated as of its date of issue and shall be payable $8,866 on-August 15t in each of the years 2008 to 2012, inclusive,was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discuss Number of Constables — The Town Manager noted that the Town has five Constables and the Selectmen can appoint up.to five. He suggests reducing to two or three. Constables post the Warrant for Town Meeting and occasionally deliver unsigned Certified Mail for the Town. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to change the number of Constables to three through attrition was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 21 2007—.Page 7 Approval of Minutes _A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of August 7, 2007, as amended,was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to adiourn*the meeting of August 21, 2007 at 10.00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Re tful submitted, eecretary