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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 6, 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 Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille .Anthony and Richard Schubert, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nelson Burbank, Randall Jones, Bob Morelli, Lorraine and Shores Salter, Jonathan and Philip Mohr, Bob, Charles and Kate Kaminer, Shawn Cadagan, Max Nottke, Teri and Lauren Chuha, Amanda and Diane Doodlesack,Betsy Ziegler, Connie Swaebe,Jane Cerullo, Laurie Lane. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he will be attending a Board of Health Meeting regarding smoking regulations on Town property. The Town Manager noted that the issue is litter and smoking around the restaurants. The Selectmen suggested that the Board of Health look at criteria for distance from doors in designated areas; i.e.,restaurants. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked about the cost of replacing Town vehicles with a hybrid, and the Town Manager noted that the hybrid is $8,000. Vice Chairman Goldy noted that the hybridcan save a lot of money on gas, and he would be interested in the premium. He also noted that he received an email regarding Governors Drive. He stated that he and two other Selectmen attended the Addison-Wesley Advisory Team Meeting at the Senior Center. He noted that some residents felt that CPDC was not listening to their concerns, and he indicated that CPDC has not been stonewalling and commended them for their hard work. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the visiting session with the Lt. Governor. Also in attendance were the MAPC who did a presentation on health insurance, and the State's I.T. Group. The State's Purchasing Division offered to negotiate a better cost for hybrid vehicles. Selectman Tafoya also noted that CPDC approved the zoning amendments for the 40R, and they increased the buffer along Curtis Street from 25 feet to 30 feet. He gave kudos to Angus Jennings for his work. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had three residents at the Office Hours this evening who were concerned about the tree removal on the private residence on Sanborn Street. She also noted that there are no street trees on Woburn Street between Sanborn and Linden. She requested that CPDC look at the bylaw regarding developments within 300 feet of a public lot don't need to provide parking. Board of Selectmen Meeting_November 6, 2007—Page 2 Selectman Ben Tafoya rioted that the Selectmen have approved a process for dealing with the Downtown parking, and he suggested that the consultant take a look at that first. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had no problem with that, and the Town Manager noted that he will add that to the RFP for hiring the consultant. Selectman Anthony also noted that Tom Ryan sent an email regarding bringing people into meetings late in the evening. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • AW/P DAT Meeting on November 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m..at the Senior Center. • Water hydrant flushing notice. • The Board of Selectmen Joint Meeting with the School Committee on November 5th re: Youth Risk Behavior Survey results. It will be in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall. • Commonwealth Capital score. • Veterans Services Officer Frank Driscoll is planning the Veterans Day observance. Save the day and time—Sunda ,November 1 lth at 11:00 a.m. on the Common. The observance is on the actual Veterans' Day but offices are closed on Monday as the designated holiday. • CSO Officer Jim Collins has announced that the Annual Reading Police Christmas Party for the kids will be held at Austin Prep'on December 9a' from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. • Town Meeting—November 13th • Special Town Meeting- December 10th. • Flu Clinic dates— • November 7—Killam.School—65 and older—2:00—4:00 p.m. • November 13 —RMHS Cafeteria—5:00—7:00 p.m. • November 15 —Parker Middle School—5:00—7:00 p.m. • The Executive Director of the Reading Housing Authority has informed me that there is an affordable unit with an attached garage at Gazebo Circle that has come on the market. Anyone interested in this unit can contact the Housing Authority office. Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur updated the Board on the tax classification. Personnel and Appointments Human Relations Advisory Committee—The Board interviewed Randall Jones for one Associate position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee. Anthony moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30,2008• Randall Jones. Mr. Jones received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items. _Approve the Sale of Bonds — The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to approve and sign the documents. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to.dispense with the reading of the motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 6 2007—Page 3 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $ 9,535,000 Bonds, Municipal Purpose Loan of 2007 (the "Bonds") of the Town authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Sections 8(4) and 8(5) of the Mass General Laws, as amended and supplemented, and by votes of the Town duly adopted, as described in Exhibit A of the Signature, Award and No-Litigation Certificate, and in connection with the preparing and distributing of a Preliminary Official Statement and Notice of Sale and a final official Statement be and hereby is ratified, approved and adopted That the Bonds shall be dated as of November 1, 2007, with principal payable on November 1St of years 2008 through 2027; That the Bonds maturing prior to November 1, 2018 shall not be subject to redemption prior to the stated maturity dates Bonds maturing on or after November 1, 2018 shall be subject to redemption prior to maturity at the option of the Town; That the Bonds maturing in each respective year shall bear interest payable on May 1 and November 1 in each yeah, commencing May 1,2008 as follows: 2008 4.500% 2015 3.875% 2022 . 4.000% 2009 4.250% 2016 5.000% 2023 4.000% 2010 4.000% 2017 4.000% 2024 4.000% 2011 3.750% 2018 4.000% 2025 4.000% 2012 3.750% 2019 4.000% 2026 4.000% 2013 3.750% 2020 4.000% 2027 4.000% 2014 3.750% 2021 4.000% That the bid of Eastern Bank Capital Markets to purchase the Bonds at a price of $9,632,969.52 and interest accrued to date of delivery, resulting in a net interest cost of $3,458,667.98 and a true interest rate of 3.874637%, being the best bid received for the Bonds, bearing interest at the lowest true interest cost, be and it hereby is accepted and the Town Treasurer be and hereby is authorized to deliver the Bonds to the aforesaid purchaser or order against payment therefor; That the Town Treasurer is authorized to execute and.deliver a Continuing Disclosure Certificate and that the Bonds may be secured by insurance or by letter or lines of credit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 22 C of the. General Laws, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Request for Deck-- Meadow Brook Liquor License — The Town Manager noted that Meadow Brook wants to extend their liquor license to a deck. The Police and Health Departments have no objections. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 6, 2007—Page 4 Bob Morelli, the Manager of Meadow Brook, noted that they want to increase the size of the existing deck and include liquor. The increase will be from 10 seats to 24 seats. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the alcohol will be served with or without meals. Mr. Morelli noted that it could just be a drink. Selectman Schubert asked about monitoring, and Mr. Morelli noted that there are always two servers who are TIP trained. They have a strict no alcohol on the course policy and it is posted. Selectman Schubert also asked if people will be served on the deck, and Mr. Morelli indicated that they will be served at the bar. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board's concern is underage drinking. Mr. Morelli noted that children under the age of 18 are not allowed at the 19a' hole. It is also strictly for membership. The Town Manager asked if children were allowed at the 19a' hole with their parents, and Mr. Morelli indicated that they were. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he will want permanent signs as the Police Chief has suggested. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the physical environment sets the deck off from the public. The consensus of the Board was to entertain a change plan when it comes back before them. Close the Warrant for Special Town Meeting—The Town Manager noted this is the Warrant for the Special"Town-Meeting on December 10,2007 It consists of five Articles and a petition was received but it only had 40 signatures on it and 100 are required. He also noted that this has gone through extensive review by the Planning Commission. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the Board will have the opportunity to review the financial impact report and traffic study before Town Meeting. The Town Manager indicated that will be on the Board's November 20th Agenda, Selectman Richard Schubert asked why the affordable housing is not in perpetuity. The Town Manager noted that on Page.73 of tonight's handout, it notes that the term of the affordable housing restriction is the longest period allowed by law, but shall be no less than 30 years. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that if forever is allowed by law,then it is in perpetuity. The Town Manager noted that this has been approved by CPDC and the State. Selectman Schubert requested that the motion by prepared before Town Meeting, and he also questioned the percentage of affordable units. Selectman Ben Tafoya referred him to the Mass. Housing website for an explanation. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting consisting of five Articles to take place on December 10, 2007 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November-6,2007—.Page 5 Review Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant re: Tennis Courts — The Town Manager noted that there is no good news on funding for this project. Town Meeting authorized $350,000 and the bids came in at $625,000. We did not receive the Urban Self Help Grant. Friends of Reading Tennis have raised $90,000 and the Town may receive a grant for$50,000. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen have three options: (1) do nothing, (2)do minimum repairs for$110,000 or (3) do full reconstruction. The Town Manager noted that $125,000 is for lighting but it cannot be separated from the bid, and he recommended doing all or nothing. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked what capital would suffer if we do it all. The Town Manager noted$60,000-$70,000 per year. He also noted that the funding in the capital would be $400;000. He will take out $150,000 in the plan for the tennis courts and use for other projects next year. Selectman Camille Anthony notthat she would like to know what won't be funded. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked why minimal repairs are not a good option. The Town Manager noted that minimal repairs can only be done once. It only last five years and that is a lot of money for a short return. He also noted that the drainage in that area needs to be improved. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the bidders are experienced in tennis courts. Ted McIntire indicated that the Engineers are checking references. - Selectman Richard Schubert askedhowmany courts would be out_of service if we do nothing. The Town Manager noted that three will go out of service right away. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if these tennis courts were put into the Birch Meadow Committee purview, and the Town Manager indicated that they were not. Ted McIntire noted that overlaying the tennis courts is like throwing money away. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town has spent a lot of money for synthetic fields for team sports but tennis is available to more than just team sports. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he and Camille attended the meeting last evening regarding the youth risk survey. He noted that children need exercise, and he feels that doing nothing is not an option and minimal repair makes no sense. Diane Doodlesack of 38 Ashley Place spoke in favor of the tennis courts. Lorraine Salter, Co-Chair of the Friends of Reading Tennis, noted that they have spent the last nine months in people's living rooms trying to raise money. She also noted that they have been waiting 10 years for new courts. She noted that the number of participants in tennis are increasing, and the High School kids compete on these courts that are an eyesore and disgrace. Kate Kaminer of 37 Warren Avenue noted that they are creating new programming, wheelchair tennis, challenger tennis, etc. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 6, 2007—Page 6 Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the Finance Committee has approved this. The Town Manager noted they are waiting for the Selectmen's direction. The Assistant Town Manager noted that minimal repairs were not attractive to the Finance Committee, and they feel that if the Town and Schools don't tap into the 5%rule,then we can do this. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she is not against the tennis courts, but the Selectmen need to look at all projects. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he could not approve a project of this size outside the budget process. He also noted that there are two other groups working projects that will cost money. ;The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee does want to discuss the policy for fundraising and what the Town's priorities are. Nelson Burbank noted that the tennis courts are a mess and if the Selectmen pass the buck and wait five years, they may not have Kate Kaminer and Lorraine Salter to go door to door to do fundraising. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to support the subject matter of Article 9 of the 2007 Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 3-1-0,with Tafoya opposed. Update on the Municipal Building Committee — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the schools need all day kindergarten, the Library is inadequate, Creative Arts is looking for an Arts Center, and she would like a discussion on buildings and how theymeet the nee s o -the -- community. She would like to see a community based planning, and she reviewed the descriptions of Municipal Building Committees in other Towns. The Town Manager suggested that the School liaison talk to the School Committee. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy suggested looking at the Master Plan to see the potential for a committee like this. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Arts Center is private and that makes things different. The Town Manager noted that he attended a session at the ICMA Conference that focused on Libraries. He also noted that one city actually has a Library/Youth Center/Arts Center. Selectman Camille Anthony and the Town Manager will work on framing this committee. Review Action Status Report — Selectman Camille Anthony asked that the GIC be put on the Action Status Report. She noted that something needs to be done with the lighting bylaw.. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of November 6,2007 at 9:45 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Resile tfull submitted, Secretary