Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 11, 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 7:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, v Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Attorney Mark Gallant, Stephen Eramo, Michele Angelo, Everett and Virginia Blodgett,Douglas Reid, Thomas Connery; Liz Whitelam, Lorraine Horn, Danielle Cook, Dave Williams, Frank Driscoll, Frederick Alexander, Charles Moran, Brant Ballantyne, Will Finch, Kim Honetschlager. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she needs to meet with Selectman Richard Schubert and Town Planner Carol Kowalski regarding the LIP regulations. Selectman Ben Tafoya thanked everyone who participated in Town Meeting. He reiterated the preference for an office tower opposed to senior housing. He noted that Town Meeting Members are committed to protecting the climate but there needs to be a realistic discussion as to what can and cannot be done. The Town Manager noted that the Cities for Climate Protection Committee will come in on February 12th to give a presentation. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy reminded residents to shovel their sidewalks. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that people were surprised that the sidewalks were not cleared in some of the school routes. The Town Manager noted that not all sidewalks were done in time before they froze, and the Town does not have the manpower to sand sidewalks. Selectman Richard Schubertasked if we can be stronger in the language for the ZBA decision on Pleasant Street regarding affordability. He would like to see "in perpetuity" to make clear our intention. The Town Manager indicated that he will check with Town Counsel. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Reminder—the Town Election and the Presidential Primary Elections are on February 5th. • The last day to file nomination papers with.the Town Clerk is on December 19th. o January 3, 2008 is the last day to withdraw nomination papers. 9 The last day to register to vote is January 16,2008. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 11, 2007—Page 2 • The Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting will close on January 2nd because of the change in the Election date. This will require a special Board of Selectmen meeting for that evening. • Colburn Road reconstruction will be postponed until Spring, and residents got, a letter to that effect. • We received the approved license for the Longhorn Steak House from ABCC after the e*nd of November when the Board of Selectmen approved all of the other liquor licenses. Therefore,we have a motion for the Board to approve their 2008 liquor license. • The RHA LIP for Pleasant Street has been approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. • The Compost Center last day of operation was on December 9th. • The Compost Center is open for Christmas trees —January 12, 2008. Curbside pick-up will be the week of January 7th. No bags,no decorations. • Special Town Meeting is on December 10th—the work is done on this issue for now. • RCASA hosted a pair of*"Parent-Teen Dialogue Nights — December 6th at Parker.Middle School for Middle School students and parents, and December 11th at the High School for High School students and parents. • The Town Manager noted that the liquor license for the Longhorn Steak House has been approved by the ABCC and the Selectmen need to approve the renewal. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor License for RARE Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steak House, —ZOO 39 Walkers Brook Drive, for a term expiring December 37L 8 subjecto the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and *also subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Douglas Reid. Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Douglas Reid. Mr. Reid received five votes and was appointed. Town Forest Committee—The Board interviewed Thomas W. Connery. Anthony moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2010: Thomas W. Connery. Mr. Connery received five votes,and was appointed. Discus sion/Action Items Highlights—Cultural Council— Cultural Council Chairman Liz Whitelam and member Lorraine Horn were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 11 2007—Page 3 Ms. Whitelam reviewed the grant timelines. She noted that the money comes from the Lottery and the money is issued on a reimbursement basis. Only one application from each organization is allowed. Programs must be venued in Reading, they must have a venue and performance date at the time of the application, and they must have an alternative source of funding. Ms. Whitelam indicated that they need members and would appreciate the Board getting the word out. Hearing 24 Hour Operation Reading Shell Station 87 Walkers Brook Drive— Attorney Mark Gallant was present representing the applicant. The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted this is an annual request and the police see no problem with granting approval. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the environmental clean up. Attorney Gallant noted that they received the okay from Keyspan in October. He had sent a letter to the Town Manager regarding the closing for the new canopy. Prior to shutting down, they were in compliance with all conditions. Danielle Cook noted that they received the approval from Mass Highway mid-year to clear out the drainage, and Keyspan signed the agreement to remove sediment in October. Nothing can be done now because it is all frozen. They will be putting up a fence along the side and back to protect the area from trash. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the 24 hour operation at 87 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve an application for 24 hour sales by Motiva Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Reading Shell Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. The Board of Selectmen finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.1 of the General Bylaws: ♦ It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to permit such operation; and ♦ _There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately_ abutting neighbors. The approval of this application is subject to the following conditions: 1 This approval expires at midnight,December 31,20081 2 All signs shall conform to the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading; 3 The gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; 4 The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all hours that the station.is open; 5 The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 6 The operator will prepare and post a list of local towing and repair shops that are open 24 hours a day for those who need it; 7 Restroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 11, 2007-Page 4 Presentation - Northern Area Greenway Committee Re-port - Northern Area Greenway Committee Members Dave Williams,Frank Driscoll, Frederick Alexander, Charles Moran, Brant Ballantyne,Will Finch and Kim Honetschlager were present. Mr. Williams noted that the Committee was charged with ways to improve public access. They developed a main route and an alternative route if the boardwalks do not come to fruition. He also noted that spurs would allow access from neighborhoods. He stated that there is a network of existing fire roads that are in good condition. They recommend benches and picnicking in the Town Forest area. The Water Treatment Plant is the headway and should have kiosks. They recommend the construction of a boardwalk to connect the Town Forest to Mill Street, and also. recommend-a pier at the Lobbs Pound Mill site along with handicap accessibility. They have submitted a grant to Mass Riverway to do a feasibility study. In the Mattera Conservation area, they suggest construction of a 400 foot trail ending at Bare Meadow. Mr. Williams noted that a Scout has offered to take on a trail on Haverhill Street to Bare Meadow. The Committee recommends that the Town acquire Lot 245-5 and Lot 235-4. In summary, there needs to be sign standardization, there is a need for new trail maps, someone needs to. "own" trail maintenance, and kiosks are needed, Mr. Williams indicated that the Committee has accomplished their goals. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the Conservation Commission has okayed the boardwalks, Mr. Williams-noted-thatif-w-e-get-the-grant,-then-w-e-can-h;a-v--e-a-feasibility study done first. He also noted that he is hesitant to suggest a complete trail that is handicap accessible because it could alter the environment. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the cost estimate of$500,000 was accurate, and if there was grant money available. Mr. Williams noted that the study needs to be done first, Kim Honetschlager noted that the State trail ways grant is $50,000 but there must be other grants available. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the challenge was the maintenance. Ms. Honetschlager noted that she spoke with the Conservation Administrator in another town and that was his main duty. The Town Manager noted that Conservation could not do this. Selectman Schubert suggested incorporating it into Recreation. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about crossing Main Street. Mr. Williams noted that any serious discussion about that needs public safety input. Mr. Williams noted that 95% of the trail is in place. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that a caretaker is needed, and perhaps the Mattera property could be the spearhead. Mr. Williams noted that the trail assessment forms cost and time estimates are rough but we should take"sample" off of them because they are complete and ready to go, Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 11 2007—Page.5 _ The Town Manager noted that the Town was planning on using the Strout Avenue property for a recreation site after the Water Treatment Plant is demolished but maybe we could use it as parking. The Board discussed keeping the Committee in existence to help keep moving forward. A motion by Anthonyseconded by Tafoya to extend the term of the Northern Area Greenway Committee to March 31,2008 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Stephen Eramo of 1501 Main Street had concerns about crossing Main Street and also had concerns that if the trail is made wider, then it will be on his property. A Lilah Lane resident asked if there were plans for a wooden structure. Ms. Honetschlager noted that the proposal is for a boardwalk along the river, The Lilah Lane resident had concerns about the use of the conservation land behind her property. She indicated that she couldn't .go in the buffer zone so how can the Town put a trail there? She noted that abutters want to be notified of any further meetings. Selectman Richard Schubert.noted that there will be no activity on private property and if it is on conservation land, it will have to get conservation approval. Review Electronic Communication Policy and Process—The Town Manager noted that the issue is a generic letter is sent out when correspondence comes to the Selectmen through e-mail. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she feels somebody should get back to the residents when they are requesting information. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that Town staff is triaging for action. Chairman James Bonazoli suggested bringing up the subject in liaison reports, and then the liaison can respond or the Secretary could respond indicating that it has been referred to staff. The Town Manager noted that staff does respond to some requests. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy suggested expanding the Public Comment Section to include correspondence regarding the Board's opinion or asking for action. He noted that the Board should respond to comments regarding staff. Discussion re: World Cafe — The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel responded to the World Cafe issue that if the meeting is posted, then that covers the Open Meeting Law. If the concern is a conflict of interest, then that person can file a statement that participation could create a conflict of interest. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the set up of the World Cafe has no set agenda, it is disparate conversations. Boards aren't meeting,they just want to participate in a community event. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Board is not sitting at a,table and addressing a particular i concern. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 11, 2007—Page 6 The Town Manager noted that the World Cafe is not done in Municipal Government—it is done in the private sector. It's the same as attending the MMA Conference. Selectman Camille Anthony requested that Town Counsel check with the Attorney General, and then have Town Counsel in to discuss. She also wants an Ethics Commission decision. Traffic Issues — Process on Multi-WE Stops — The Town Manager noted that this will be rescheduled for another meeting. Review Action Status Report—The Town Manager reviewed the Action Status Report. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of December 1, 2007, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to adiourn the meeting of December 11, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary