Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 27, 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. at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, William Carrick, Michael Giacalone, Robert Kiley,Rosa and Maria Molettieri, Kathi Spurr, David Billard, Ralph Colorusso, Robert Nordstrand, Frank Golden, Tim Donovan, Karen Herrick, Michelle Hopkinson, Ken Rossetti, John Douglass II, Dick Haggerty, John Gagnon, William Crowley, Sean O'Connor, Barry Berman, Michael and Brian Patalano, Paul Fontes, Kevin Barile, Julie Thurlow, Lil McNeely, Larry Hudson, Michael Leverone, Deborah Small, Dorothy Wood, Dick McDonald, Russ Graham, Carmen Cavallo, Leslie McGonagle, Attorney Brad Latham, Peter Simms, Mark Hall, Tim O'Connor, Priscilla Gottwald. Reports-and_Comments --- - — - - ____ ---- Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments -Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board received a letter from a resident regarding the Compost Center. The Town Manager noted that the concern is-that the upper end of Grove Street is the only access to the Compost Center,.and there are issues with speed and cleanliness. He also noted that the only way to reduce that is to go back to curbside collection. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that curbside collection is a service that is beneficial to most people. The Assistant Town Manager noted that DPW Director Ted McIntire is also looking at environmental green solutions. Selectman Camille Anthony requested that the Town Manager put on a future agenda the need for a process for responding to e-mails, a need for a process for raising money for public land, buildings and playgrounds, and a need for a recycling group. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that an e-mail was received regarding the potential health risks of synthetic fields. The Town Manager noted that the Town of Concord looked at this, and the Netherlands did an investigation and no health risks were found. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that a constituent requested repair of his stonewall, and the Town Manager noted that it was repaired today. Selectman Tafoya announced that he will be running for re-election. Chairman James Bonazoli thanked the Chamber of Commerce and the Reading- High School Band for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. He also announced that he is running for re-election. Board of Selectmen Meeting-November. 27, 2007-Page2 Public Comment - Bill Herrick, a resident of Reading for 21 years, stated that he works in the addiction recovery field. He noted that the Atlantic Food Mart is law abiding but irresponsible in advertising and marketing. They site studies that alcohol is good for your health, and post the studies next to the ice cream and,snack foods. He feels that the Atlantic Mart is only interested in profit at the expense of vulnerable children. He also noted that the Atlantic cannot police itself, and he is opposed to renewing their license. Bill Brown noted that when the dump was open, the Town allowed local contractors to use it for leaves, and the Selectmen might want to consider allowing this again. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Reminder-the Town Election and the Presidential Primary Election are on February 5th. • The last day to file nomination papers with the Town Clerk is December 19th. • January 3, 2008 is the last day to withdraw nomination papers. • The last day to register to vote is January 16, 2008. • The Board of Selectmen has a draft letter re: Debt Service Assistance for you to consider and if acceptable, for the Chairman to sign. • Compost Center last day of operation is currently scheduled for December 2nd. Because of the late leaf fall this year, we will be extending the date to December 9th. • CompostCenter is open for X-Mas trees - January 12, 2008. Curbside pick up will be the week-of-Januar-y-7th=no-bags,-no-decorations. • The Annual Reading Police Christmas Party for kids will be held at Austin Prep on December 9th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. • The Garden Club Memory Tree Ceremony-is on December 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Reading ' Public Library. • Special Town Meeting is on December 10th. • There will be a make-up flu clinic for the community - likely in the second week of December. Details will be advertised in the local press, RCTV and the Town's web site. • The Board of Selectmen has received an e-mail expressing concern about the artificial fields. In your packet are two additional items related to this subject.. • Mystic Valley Elder Services is requesting donations to assist elders in their communities who need assistance outside of regular funding sources. • The Patrick Administration has another listening tour of the Municipal Cabinet - ,in Marlborough on December 7th. • RCASA is hosting a pair of"Parent-Teen Dialogue Nights" - December 6th at the Parker Middle School for Middle School students and parents, and December 11th at the High School for High School students and parents. • MMA is hosting legislative breakfasts-see the flyer in your packet for dates. Proclamations/Certificate of Appreciation Proclamation - Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day- A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to declare December 10, 2007 as Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 27 2007—Page 3 Proclamation —Arbor Day — A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to proclaim Apra 27, 2007 as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Renewal of Liquor.Licenses—The Town Manager noted that all applications have been reviewed .by the Health Department and Police Department, and have been inspected by the Building Inspector and the Fire Department. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if any departments had concerns regarding the liquor licenses. The Town Manager noted that only the Venetian Moon Restaurant has site plan work that is uncompleted. He also noted that their license cannot be suspended for something other than a violation of law. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse will probably make recommendations on the Selectmen's Policies in the Spring. He also noted that compliance is good with all the licensees, and he inspects all the establishments before the licenses are issued. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he wants further discussion with the Atlantic Mart regarding the advertising and suggested restricting their license. He also suggested adding to the conditions on all of the licenses that their license is subject to a successful inspection by the T-own-Manager. The-T-own—Manager—noted_that_he_will_ notify the Atlantic Mart that the Selectmen's expectation is that there will be no advertising the benefits of alcohol. The consensus of the Board was to have a representative from the Atlantic Mart come in on December 18th to discuss the issue of advertising. Carmen Cavallo, owner of the Venetian Moon Restaurant was present. The Town Manager noted that specific conditions of the site plan waiver have not been met. Town Counsel has indicated that it is an issue with the property owner. Mr. Cavallo noted that he has no control over the landlord. The Town Manager noted that the Town is ready to initiate enforcement. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he has been approached by residents who state that the live entertainment was supposed to be light dinner music but people note that it is not light entertainment. Mr. Cavallo noted that the downstairs does get busy and noisy. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he has had reports of customers being served liquor when the kitchen closed early and no food was being served. Mr. Cavallo noted that this was the first time he has heard about this. The Town Manager noted that is a violation of his license, and that the kitchen must be open while alcohol is being served. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested revisiting this issue on February 1, 2008 after the Town Manager and staff meet with the property owner and the restaurant owner. Board of Selectmen Meeting–November 27,2007–Page 4 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the All Alcoholic. Club Liquor Licenses for: Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street o Meadow Brook Golf Corp. d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street o Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street o Reading Veterans' Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62,37Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2008 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Tafova moved and Goldy seconded to approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor Licenses for: Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street Athens Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street Jai Vaishnodevi& Chirac, Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors;150 Main Street ♦ Ramos.,Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street . ♦ Atlantic Food Mart, Inc. d/b/a Atlantic Food Mart, 30 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2008 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, --— Rules aid Regulations of the Town of Reading-and-ofthe-Commonwealth-ofMassachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. Schubert moved to strike the Atlantic Food Mart from the list but then withdrew his motion. The main motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Mandarin Reading, Inc. d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street ♦ Mecom,Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri,355 Main Street 0 Emperor's Choice Restaurant,Inc. d/b/a Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street e CAC Foods,Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill &Bar,70 Walkers Brook Drive o Brinkers Massachusetts d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ .The Boland Group III,LLC d/b/a Fuddruckers, 50 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook Drive for a term expiring December 31, 2008 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment.by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 27, 2007—Page 5 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor License for: • Colombo's Pizza & Cafe, 2 Brande Court for a term expiring December 31, 2008 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion of 100 Seat Requirement for Full Restaurant Liquor License — The Town Manager asked if the Board wanted to consider changing the threshold of seats for an all alcoholic license. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked what the process was, and the Town Manager indicated that it has to go on the ballot and it takes an act of the legislature. The Town Manager noted that no bars are allowed for beer and wine licenses, and the Selectmen could do the same for fewer seats. The Board directed the Town Manager to research the process, find out if a waiver is possible, survey other communities and get their policies. Hearing — Tax Classification — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Assessor Dave Billard, and Board of Assessor Members Bob Nordstrand, Ralph Colorusso and Frank Golden were - - present. Mr. Billard noted that the Selectmen need to vote on four classes: Residential factor, open space discount, residential exemption and commercial exemption. He also noted that the Tax Classification Task Force recommends a 10% shift of the residential rate from $12.60 to $12.49, and the commercial rate from $12.60 to $13.98. In that scenario, the residents save 1% and the commercial increases 10%. The exemption would take 10% off the value and then tax on that. Russ Graham, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee, noted that the committee recommends that the Selectmen do not change. He stated that the perception business owners get is that Reading is not friendly to businesses. He also noted that the Downtown project is about to begin and this is bad timing. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she is in favor of staying with a residential factor of one because the savings on the residential side is not that great. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he supports the recommendation of the Tax Classification Task Force. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he is in favor of keeping the residential factor of one because the Town is trying to create an environment with new businesses, and the Downtown project will be a challenge. There are also vacancy issues. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 27,2007—Page 6 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that all but two of the surrounding communities have a higher commercial rate. He also noted that the Town is investing $650,000 into the Downtown Streetscape project, and 92% of that comes from the residential tax payers. He noted that he has received e-mails from residents who are concerned that there is no tax relief with all the growth in Town. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that.he is leaning towards tradition. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the commercial rate was not increased, what would the businesses do to help the growth in Downtown. Leslie McGonagle, member of the Economic Development Committee, noted that the Economic Development Committee has been meeting with property owners regarding face lifts. If the taxes are increased, then they won't spend money on face lifts. Mike Giacalone, President of the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce, noted that the Chamber voted against a tax split in any form. He also noted that commercial properties do not utilize schools, and they pay for their own trash removal and snow plowing. Splitting the tax rate will not increase the amount collected,just who you get it from.. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked what the residents get in return when they are the only ones investing. Ken Rosetti, the Chamber of Commerce representative on the Tax Classification Task Force,noted that the businesses give charitable contributions and sponsor the lighting festival. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that a tax split has never been a problem with.other towns. Attorney Brad Latham noted that the business owners are working on beautifying their properties and give donations to PTO's for schools. Julie Thurlow, President of the Reading Co-Operative Bank, noted that the Chamber of Commerce has over 300 members, and all of the businesses are available when needed. Peter Simms, Simms Jewelers, noted that the Downtown revitalization began 14 years ago, and there are a lot of vacancies and a lot of change. Mark Hall, 2 Haven Street, noted that he invested a lot of money in Reading, and he has made large improvements and other businesses are improving. Tom O'Connor, a business owner, noted that the tax rate is too much of a burden for a family owned business. Priscilla Gottwald, RMLD Director of Public Relations, noted that the RMLD is buying LED lights for the Downtown, and the Light Department is dedicated to green choice and power. Bill Crowley, 42 Locust Street, noted that he is opposed to the split rate. Board of Selectmen Meeting-—November 27 2007—Page 7 John Douglas, 25 Sanborn Street, noted that he always gives donations, and he loves to work with the Town to revitalize. Dick Haggerty, 531 Main Street, noted that the Chronicle is the oldest ongoing business in Reading. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to close the hearinIZ on setting the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adopt a residential factor of one for Fiscal Year 2008 was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Tafoya opposed. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to not grant a residential exemption for Fiscal Year 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to not grant a commercial exemption for Fiscal Year 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to not grant an open space.discount for Fiscal Year 2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. _____-T_he Board_discussed the Addison-Wesley zoning_article. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to support Articles 4 and 5 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant with the understanding that the term affordable housing be in perpetuity was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of November 6,_2007, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Bonazoli abstaining. A_ motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adiourn the meeting of November 27, 2007 at 10.35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respec lly submitted, ary . i