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Home My WebLink About2007-10-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 9, 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 7:02 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Steve Vittorioso, Dick McDonald, Julie Ann Thurlow, Neil Cohen, Karen and Steve Herrick, Leslie McGonagle, Ken Rossetti, John Weston, Chris Nolty, Rosa Molettieri, Tim Donovan, Sean O'Connor,Theresa Petrillo,Bob Nordstrand. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he had Office Hours tonight, and residents are requesting public input on the Addison-Wesley project. He also noted that CPDC is holding public hearings and should offer public input. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there was a zoning workshop dedicated to this and nobody chose to speak. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy and Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that the Design Review Team would hold a session with the neighborhood at the Senior Center. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Mary Ellen Stolecki will be presenting the Community Preservation Act Study Committee's report to the Finance Committee tomorrow night. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Addison-Wesley traffic study needs to be addressed. Scott Weiss did meet with the abutters and discussed office space versus senior housing and which type of.affordable housing. He noted that National Development has indicated that there is less funding available for 80%median and 25% affordable and that is their concern. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the Town should be reimbursed for the financial impact because the housing will add approximately 30 students to the school system. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools will*need to determine that. He also noted that he attended the Cities for Climate Protection conversation on climate change and it was very good. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Family Hike is on Sunday, and is sponsored by REI. He encouraged everyone to attend. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Birch Meadow Committee had a big response to the survey. He also noted that the area around the tennis courts needs to be looked at soon before construction. He noted that there will be a reception on Saturday honoring Ben Nichols. Public Comment—Theresa Petrillo noted that the last CPDC meeting about Addison-Wesley did not have public comment on the agenda. She also noted that there usually is public comment but Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9,2007—Page 2 the meeting before, she tried to speak and she was shut down. She feels that the zoning has a lot missing. A resident from 291 South Street noted that she had concerns with the buffer and parking. Assistant Town Manager's Report The Assistant Town Manager gave the following report: • YCC is online. • November 11th is the Veteran's Day Celebration. • The Town received notification of the certified tax rate. • The Town has been selected to participate in the MMA 6th Grade Essay Contest. There is a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 27th on Franklin Street with a ribbon cutting at 1481 Main Street following. ■ The Financial Forum will be October 17,2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. ■ The Selectmen need to make a motion referring the proposed Zoning By-Law to CPDC for a hearing. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to refer the proposed Zoning By-Law amendment regarding accessory garages and building (Article 13 of the 2007 STM Warrant) to the Community Planning and Development Commission for a public hearing was approved b a vote of 5-0-0. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition: Anniversary Celebration — First Baptist Church — A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Certificate of Recognition for the First Baptist Church's 1751 Anniversary was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Certificate of Recognition: Eagle Scout Awards —A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout Timothy S. Conley was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the-Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout Alexander L.Ortiz was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments CPDC— The Board interviewed John Weston for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission. Chris Nolty was interviewed later on in the evening. 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 expiring June 30, 2010: John Weston. Mr. Weston received rive votes and was appointed. 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: Chris Nolte. Mr.Nolte received rive votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9, 2007—Pake 3 _ Discussion/Action Items Highlights=Human Resource Division—Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts gave a very thorough review of the duties of the Human Resources Division. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he appreciated the fact that she keeps a running total on the health insurance in her monthly report. Report — Tax Classification Task Force — Task Force Members Neil Cohen, Karen Herrick, Leslie McGonagle, Ken Rossetti and Richard McDonald were present. Neil Cohen noted that the Task Force voted to recommend adopting a shift of 10.% of the residential rate the 1 st year, 0% the 2nd year and 15% the 3rd year. This will create a gradual adjustment. The Task Force also voted no to make no recommendation on the open space discount. They voted to recommend to the Board that no residential exemption be established, and voted if the Board should shift the tax rate to implement the maximum commercial tax exemption available under law. The Task Force also voted to recommend that the Selectmen establish a similar task force to revaluate. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how this impacts renters. Mr. Cohen noted that it doesn't, it affects the owner of the property. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted thaHf they are in a building with other businesses, they all have to be eligible in order to grant the exemption. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the property tax is passed through to renters. Mr. Cohen noted that out of 20 surrounding towns, only three have not enacted a split tax rate. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the residential properties assessed value has increased 180%, and the CIP property has increased 103%. Mr. Cohen indicated that was correct. The burden is on the residential tax payer. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that if someone buys commercial property and it is not being used to full potential, then the assessed value is lower. The Assistant Town Manager noted that commercial uses often change and that affects market value. It is based on what they are currently doing. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the Economic Development Committee .was represented on this Task Force. Leslie McGonagle noted that she was the Economic Development Committee representative and voted against this. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Economic Development Committee did not wait for the Task Force recommendation/report before they gave their recommendation. Ms. McGonagle noted that the Economic Development Committee wants to see the Downtown grow. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how this will impact small mom and pop businesses, and Mr. Cohen noted that was not studied. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 9, 2007—Page 4 The.Assistant Town Manager noted that approximately 1/2 of the commercial/industrial property is owned by residents. Richard McDonald noted that this would be a limited increase over a three year period. Ken Rossetti indicated that he was opposed to splitting the rate. He noted that half of the property owners in town have an assessed value under $400,000. The commercial tax increase only marginally'effects the residential rate. He also noted that- the Town does not derive additional tax money, it just shifts who pays. He feels that an increase in taxes will pass their cost onto customers. Mr. Rossetti stated that there is no comparison of the market for commercial property versus the market for residential. He noted that there is a greater financial risk in commercial property. He also noted that his biggest concern is the renters because most are required to pay all or part of the taxes. He.indicated that Woburn and Burlington have no comparison to Reading. He wants to keep a uniform rate, and noted that the Chamber of Commerce is opposed to split rates. Selectman Camille .Anthony asked how Archstone is assessed, and Bob Nordstrand noted that it is assessed residential. He also noted that the Assessors are ordered to assess all property for 100% of market value for all residential and commercial. He noted that commercial properties do get assessed enough despite what was said in the previous report. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if they are taxed on commercial base or income stream. Bob Nordstrand rioted that it is based on comparable properties or income or cost. Karen Herrick noted that a lot of commercial properties were not assessed at 100%, Chairman James Bonazoli noted that there will be a hearing on November 20th. Ms. McGonagle noted that the Economic Development Committee is having an informational breakfast tomorrow morning and all are welcome. Route 128/193 ENF — Recommendations from Staff— Chairman James Bonazoli noted that this is the final letter on comments. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested stating up front that the Conservation letters are attached by moving that paragraph to the end of the first paragraph. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the letter from the Chairman dated 10/9/07 to Ian Bowles regarding the 95/93 Interchange was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of September 18, 2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of September 25, 2007 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Tafova abstaining. Board of Selectmen Meeting_October 9,2007 Page 5 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Executive Session Minutes of September 18,2007 as written was approved on a roll can vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the Executive Session Minutes of September 25, 2007 as written was approved on a roll call vote with Bonazon, Goldy, Ainthoiiy and Schubert voting in the affirmative and Tafoya abstaining. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova to adiourn the meeting of October 9, 2007 at 10:00 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, S tary i