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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 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 Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoll, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Michele Benson, Ron D'Addario, Ray Porter, Gina Snyder, Daniel Blodgett, Tracy Sopchak, Ted Tye, Representative Patrick Natale, John Sasso, Jeff Struble, Tom. Laughlin,Russ Graham,Michelle Halloran,Karen Herrick, Joe and Natalie Westerman. R.eports.and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he had missed the last two meetings due to the death of his sister-in-law Kate Fleming. He also announced that he will be running for re-election, and he hopes to continue to serve the community. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Community Preservation Act Study Committee met on Thursday. She will be contacting towns that do have the Community Preservation Act. She attended last night's CPDC meeting regarding the zoning change for parking, and she has concerns regarding this zoning change. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Town is working on a map that show what properties will be affected. Selectman Anthony noted that the overlay is very poorly worked out. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli suggested that the Selectmen revisit their plan regarding the parking problem. Chairman Tafoya noted that the Reading Co-Op Bank is.trying to reach a goal, and they thought that this would lessen the concerns of what could happen to that parcel. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked why the signs were up on Washington Street before the Selectmen voted, and the Town Manager noted that was an error. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Friends of Reading Tennis are doing a fundraiser. He requested that the Nurse Advocate be put on the budget wish list, and that the change in the Hours of Operation bylaw be put on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. . Town.ManalZer's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Imagination Station is slated for the beginning of demolition within the next week or two. The Recreation Administrator has overseen the removal of plaques and other art work that can be removed. The site will then be secured by boulders so that encroachment by other uses does not occur until a master pan for the area can be completed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 9, 2007—Page 2 0 Curbside Holiday Tree Collection—Week of January 8-12, 2007; Compost Center is open for trees on Saturday, January, 13th from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. • Members of the Board of Selectmen, the ATM/Finance Director Bob LeLacheut and I will be at the MMA Annual Meeting Friday and Saturday—January 12-13. • Boards/Committees/Commissions training including ethics training will take place on January 31 s'. 0 An Affordable Housing audit by the Inspector General of 1375 Main Street — I have referred to Town Counsel for review and recommendation. ® The list for the Lottery for street signs is attached. • The West Street at South Street traffic signal has been repaired — it was damaged by the contractor installing curbs and sidewalks on that piece of South Street. Discussioift/Action,Items Highlights — Cities for Climate Protection— Cities for Climate Protection Committee Members Ray Porter, Gina Snyder, Ron D'Addario, Michelle Benson, Daniel Blodgett and Tracy Sopchak were present. Ray Porter and Gina Snyder-gave a review of the Committee's mission, funding and public outreach to-date. Chain-nan Ben Tafoya asked the Committee to investigate the generic classification for zero emissions vehicles. He noted that each car maker has at least one. Ted Tye — National Development — Chairman Ben Tafoya introduced Ted Tye, -Managing Partner of National Development who Pearson has selected to partner with the Weiner Group to develop the Addison-Wesley/Pearson site. Mr. Tye noted that National Development has been based in Newton since 1983. They have 150 employees with four principals all living in the area. He also noted that National Development is known for their design and quality of projects. They have a wall of awards. They are involved in a broad range of projects including office, commercial, hotels and retail. He noted that Pearson still owns the property and the property will not become a Lifestyle Center. He is here to wipe the slate clean. There are no proposals or timeframe for the development but there are economic needs to be met. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked where the market is going now. Mr. Tye indicated that the office market is slow,housing is winding down to condos,retail depends on many factors, senior housing is something that he would love to see on that site. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked Mr. Tye for examples of good and not so good development processes. Mr. Tye indicated that Burlington had a very good process. They developed 30 acres of a 70 acre site. The Town had a subcommittee who met weekly and that process worked very well. He indicated that community input and leadership from the Board of Selectmen is needed. Representative Patrick Natale noted that the biggest issue with the previous proposal was the traffic. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Jamiga 9,2007—Page 3 Review Crossing Guard Deployment - Police Chief Jim Cormier and Safety Officer Michelle Halloran were present. -Chief Cormier noted that Crossing Guards stop traffic with a stop paddle but do not direct traffic. There are 10 posts in the Town and the.staffing is currently at 18 but will soon be 17. They have two spares with limited availability. He noted that it is difficult to augment with Patrol.Officers and it also gives a false sense of security because they do get calls for service. He noted that from January 2006 to January 2007, the Patrol Officers covered 260 times. Chief Cormier reviewed the criteria for selecting Crossing Guard posts. He noted that the Town is always seeking new Crossing Guards. He is working with the schools to develop safe routes to school. He also noted that many communities provide Crossing Guards to elementary schools only. He noted that the lack of Crossing Guards is not a financial problem, it is a-staffing problem. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli.asked if the Town should look at alternatives. Chief Cormier noted that we have to take a serious look at this. Sometimes neighborhood pockets aren't realistic because they are always changing. He indicated that there is a need to explore safe routes to school. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked how the numbers are arrived at, and Chief Cormier noted that it is the average number of children per day. This changes from year to year. A resident from,32 Old Farm Road noted that a Crossing Guard was moved, and he questioned which location was more dangerous. He also noted that the number of children at Old Farm Road is closer to 20 children, not five. Chief Cormier rioted that Franklin Street and Sunset is a , high traffic area with poor sight lines and a huge tree. There is also more pedestrian flow at Franklin Street. The resident from 32 Old Farm Road noted that he would help to put up a stop sign at Old Farm Road. Michelle Halloran noted that she receives calls every day from people requesting Crossing Guards but she can't fill the cur-rent posts. Chief Cormier noted that the goal.is to staff all 19 posts. Review CPDC Recommendation — West Street School Zone — The Town Manager noted that CPDC approved the Montessori School with the condition that the Board of Selectmen establish a school zone. The PTTTF suggests approving the school zone now but don't enforce until the school is built. They will ask the school to provide the speed sign. He will schedule this for a hearing on February 13, 2007. Discussion on Town Planner Position — The Town Manager noted that Town Planner Chris Reilly resigned and he needs to replace this position. He suggests a Town Planner/Community Services Director and also to hire a Jr. Planner to help manage the workload. The salary and benefits for the Jr. Planner will come out of the Inspections Revolving Fund. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 9,2007— 'Page 4 Selectman Richard-Schubert asked how CPDC will be staffed, and the Town Manager noted that it will probably be staffed by the Department Head. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he liked the direction but wants more information ori the job description. The Town Manager noted that if the Board agrees, then he will develop a job description, do an organization chart, etc. -He also noted that CPDC needs resources to implement the Master Plan. He will advertise for the Planner/Department Head immediately and after that'person is hired, then hire the Jr. Planner. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked what the Inspections Revolving Fund is being spent on now, and the Town Manager noted the Assistant Building Inspector's salary, sidewalks, additional costs for inspections and initial appraisals. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to.direct the Town ManaLyer to move forward with the Department Head/Planner and Jr. Planner positions was.approved by.a vote of 3- 2-0,With Goldy and Bonazoli opposed. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked about the Hours of Operation bylaw. The Town Manager indicated that he will find out what other communities do and suggested that it be classified by businesses and restaurants. The Board decided to meet on January 23, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the possibility of putting an article on the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded.by .Golds to approve the Minutes of November 21, 2006 was,approved-by a vote.of 5-10"0. A. motion by.Schubert.seconded by Goldy.to adjourn the meeting of.January 9, 2007.at p.m. was approved by a.vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully s bmitted, c et