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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 18, 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, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectman Richard Schubert, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Arnold Rubin,Paul Duffy, Gary Gresh, Jamie Maughn. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he received a phone call from Tom Ryan who suggests that the Selectmen move the reports to the end of the meeting, and keep public comment and appointments in the beginning. Vice Chairman Goldy also reminded residents that they should clear their sidewalks of snow. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he met with the Board of Health regarding smoking regulations Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • The recycling vehicle broke down today. JRM is going to try and get back and finish today but if they can't, they will take care of the streets that were left on Wednesday. • 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 on 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 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. • 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. • Reading was featured the week before last on Billy Costa's show— highlighting,dining experiences in Reading. I understand that the Venetian Moon, Reading Mandarin, The Wine Shop, Bear Rock Cafe, and the two new restaurants under construction on Walkers Brook Drive were featured. • You may have-noticed if you drive northbound on Main Street,there is a new left turn arrow for northbound motorists at Birch Meadow Drive. This was installed at the Town's request with support from several residents. i • The Town has been awarded an Attorney General's grant for substance abuse prevention — approximately$72,000. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 18, 2007—Page 2 • The Selectmen need to sign the Land Management Agreement to build a fishing dock at Lobs Pond Mill. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve a "Land Management A14reement" dated December 18,2007 between the Town of Reading and the Massachusetts.Department of Fish and Game relative to the "construction, improvement or repair, maintenance and daily operation of the fishing and/or boating access facility located at the Lobs Pond Mill Conservation area"was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Discussion with Atlantic Super Market re: Advertising — Arnold Rubin and Paul Duffy were present. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen requested them in to talk regarding their advertising the benefits of alcohol. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the topic came up during the license renewals. He also noted that the Atlantic Market is different because it is a grocery store and children go in there. Residents have voiced concerns regarding advertising the health benefits of alcohol. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there is an issue in Town with substance abuse. Mr. Rubin noted that he did put bag stuffers a while ago but he stopped doing that when he was asked to. He placed advertisements in the alcohol department but removed them when he was told to do so. He also noted that he is not promoting in any way that alcohol is healthy for you. He indicated that if there is a problem, let him know and he will take care of it. He noted that he donates to a lot of organizations. Presentation— Birch Meadow Master Plan- Gary Gresh, member of the Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee, noted that a survey was sent out. Residents of the Town enjoy big open areas, desire to rebuild Imagination Station,want more fields and want a pool. Mr. Gresh noted that the Higgins Area is conservation land and could only be used for walking trails. The Committee looked at putting a swimming pool behind Coolidge Middle School Castine Field is conservation land so we can't do anything with that except add willow trees to make it more attractive and use is as a skating area. The Town Manager suggested grading the sidelines to create a crown. There was discussion about reconfiguring the fields, and it was noted that higher netting would be needed to catch the foul balls. Mr. Gresh noted that the Committee recommends using the Imagination Station site in the same spirit in the same. location. He also noted that the Committee suggests putting an open air pavilion near the batting cage area with picnic tables, concession stand and restrooms. The Town Manager noted he had concerns about restrooms as far as upkeep and vandalism. Jamie Maughn,member of the Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee, noted that the objective is to get restrooms near the tennis courts. Recreation Administrator John Feudo indicated that we could use porta potties. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 18 2007—Page 3 Mr. Gresh noted that a splash park would be more viable than a pool. The Town Manager suggested putting the splash park next to Imagination Station for the whole community to use since it would be the only one in Town. It was noted that location will be looked at but that will take up parking spaces. Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that he had concerns regarding removal of trees and the number of fences. He indicated that we need to minimize the number of fences and maximize the use. Mr. Gresh noted that the Committee recommends a walking path around the entire compound. Mr. Maughn indicated that the Committee will go back and produce a final report. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to extend the term of the Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee to March 31, ZOOS was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Town Manager Evaluation — The Selectmen did a thorough and excellent review of the Town Manager. There was discussion about setting the Town Manager's salary for FY 2009, and it was decided to discuss that at their meeting on January 2, 2008. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation,. not to come back into Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Resp 11 ubmitted, (2tary