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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 13, 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 Bonazoli, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Jennifer Miksen, David Tuttle, Michelle Hopkinson, Tony D'Arezzzo, Patricia Lloyd, John McCracken, Lorraine Salter, Kate Kaminer, David Lautman, Adam Pollock;Mike Sheedy, Peter Coumonduros. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the I93/I95 Interchange Meeting is March 21st at the Woburn High School. He also invited the Selectmen to participate in the upcoming Coolidge Spelling Bee. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Addison-Wesley design charette is Thursday, March 22nd at the Senior Center. He has received inquiries from residents wanting to know when the stop sign at Walnut Street and Old Farm Road is going up. He asked where the seasonal Crossing Guard will be located. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli indicated that he was not happy that the Finance Committee removed the Nurse Advocate from the Warrant, and he feels that it was not their place to do that. The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee took it off because they hadn't seen the FY 2008 Budget yet,not because they don't agree. Vice Chairman Bonazoli noted that he is also disappointed with Town Meeting's vote on Jolnison Woods. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the screening committee met tonight to review the Town Planner resumes. Personnel and Appointments Community Planning and Development Commission — Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that all of the CPDC Associates were notified, and David Tuttle indicated that he was.interested in becoming a full member. Schubert moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term expiring June 30,2008: David Tuttle Mr. Tuttle received five votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13,2007-Page 2 Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study.Comrnittee—The Board interviewed Patricia Lloyd for one position on the Community Preservation Act Study Committee. Anthony moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007• Patricia Lloyd. Ms. Lloyd received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Waiver of Driveway/Curb Regulations.—37 Pinevale Avenue - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town-Manager noted that the owner paved the area in front of the wall making it a larger area than allowed. John McCracken is the owner and is requesting a waiver from the Town's regulations. The Town Engineer stated that the area is being used for parking but is supposed to be a sidewalk.. The Town Manager also noted that Pinevale Avenue is in bad shape. Mr. McCracken noted that he did not pave the area for parking - he did it for safety and aesthetics. It was not his intention to go against the Town regulations. He also noted that it is a 5 foot by 30 foot pavement and if it is taken out, it will be a mess. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there are any sidewalks on Pinevale Avenue, and if curbing will be put in. It was noted that there are no sidewalks or curbing. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked Mr. McCracken if he consulted with the Conservation Commission regardingputting this in. Mr. McCracken noted that he did speak with Fran Fink 1 p g and made changes that she recommended regarding drainage. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Conservation Commission only rules on garages and driveways. The Town Manager noted that if the intent is a safe haven for pedestrians, then there should be curbing. He also noted that curbing will also prevent the snow plow from digging up the edge. He noted that the Town does allow residents to install sidewalks at their own'expense according to Town specifications. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that curbing would add to safety but there is none on the rest of the street. Mr. McCracken noted that he cannot afford curbing so he will have to tear up the pavement. Jennifer Miksen of 41 Pinevale Avenue noted that the run off from his property has increased, and it should be removed and made pervious. She also noted that when she purchased her house, it was required to keep the land pervious for drainage. Mr. McCracken noted that Ms. Miksen had mentioned that she always had water so he moved his downspouts. Chairman Benlafoya asked if the driveway project was done according to Town standards, and the Town Manager indicated that it was. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13 2007-Page 3 A motion by Schubert seconded by GoI6 that the driveway opening at 37 Pinevale Avenue be limited to a maximum of 24 feet and that the asphalt in front of the retaining wall be removed and replaced with grass or gavel to be completed by June 30, 2007 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Capital Program and Financing— Selectman Camille Anthony asked the Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur to review Page 7 of his Capital information. The Assistant Town Manager noted that on Page 1, there is a net amount of$2,325,571 committed. On the last page, everything above the boiler is committed, everything below is new/needed. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked what number we are trying to stay below, and the Town Manager noted that in FY 2009,we can afford $1,024,000 in capital. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there is a policy on issuing debt. The Assistant Town Manager noted that it is the Town's objective to not do debt but to do capital. Selectman Anthony also asked if we add$77,000 in BAN's to this year's budget, what would be the impact. The Assistant Town Manager noted that there would be none because it is already in the budget that has been submitted: Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Finance Committee has set a policy for 5%.for debt and capital. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee policy also states that if any new project is more than.25%of 5%, then the Town should go for an override. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Library needs more capital. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Library maintenance is in the Town line. The amount she is looking at is for technology, etc. Selectman Anthony also noted that she would like to see the School capital broken down by building. Park Planning— Tennis Courts — Recreation Administrator John Feudo and Friends of Reading Tennis representatives Lorraine Salter and Kate Kaminer were present. Ms. Salter handed out brochures and noted that 250 people attended the Reading Tennis Open. There are cracks in the courts that are in disrepair. Friends of Reading Tennis are researching special needs grants. Ms. Kaminer noted that they had private companies come and look at the courts. It will cost $350,000 to rebuild six courts with lights. The lights alone are $90,000. Engineering also recommends raising the pads approximately three feet to align with the field, and that will alleviate drainage issues and handicap access. There is $200,000 earmarked from the Town and that leaves $150,000 for the Friends of Reading Tennis to raise. They are applying for grants and do house presentations. They have raised$30,000 since January. Ms. Salter noted that two courts will meet ADA specifications. She reviewed the list of programs that they plan on hosting. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13, 2007—Page 4 The Town Manager noted that the new lighting is definitely needed. The Superintendent of Schools wants to put in for SBA funding. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there is an opportunity to repair the courts for use this Sumner. The Town Manager noted that there was not and if there are any issues with the condition, they will take the courts out of use. John Feudo noted that it costs approximately $12,000 to crack seal one court. Park .Planning — Artificial Turf Field — David Lautman, Adam Pollock and Mike Sheedy representing United Soccer, Lacrosee and Pop Warner Football were present. Mr. Lautman noted that the lacrosse field at Coolidge doesn't hold grass. They have been filling in the holes for years and it is a liability to the Town. He also noted that the Collins Field at Parker is deteriorating and they have lost the tennis court field. The usage is increasing — enrollment is up to over 500 children playing lacrosse. He noted that the Town has a $200,000 grant from the State that Representative Brad Jones got for them. John Feudo reviewed the benefits of playing on artificial turf. He noted that Parker is the best site for synthetic turf. He also noted that there are over 1000 players of soccer, over 700 in Pop Warner and over 300 in lacrosse. Mr. Pollock noted that they had to make fields in hazardous areas; i.e., parking lots last year when the fields were wet. The number of children playing is growing but the Town is not adding more fields. Mr. Sheedy noted that there are over 1000 kids playing soccer and if the first game of the day.is cancelled,then the whole day is cancelled. John Feudo noted that the lifespan of artificial turf is 10-15 years. Maintenance is $5,000- $10,000 versus $23,000 for grass. The total cost is $614,8.11 and the Town has received a grant for$200,000. The athletic organizations will do fundraising. Mr. Lautman noted that the three organizations have joined together and are donating $15,000. The goal is to raise $75,000. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the lifespan, and the Town Manager noted that when the field is replaced, it is not the full cost just replacing the top portion because the drainage, etc. is already done. Park Planning Memorial Park — John Feudo noted that Peter Coumonduros and Michelle Hopkinson were present. The Town Manager noted that Mr. Coumonduros came forward with ideas/plan for Memorial Park. He also noted that none of the plans are inconsistent with the current restrictions on the park. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13, 2007—Page 5 Mr. Coumonduros noted that this parking has huge potential and is underutilized. The skating area will be resized to look like a pond. They will add trees and parking. There will be a walking path around the facility, and the pathway from Salem Street will be redesigned. Friends of Reading Recreation will raise funds and do the work in phases. He also noted that the parking will also help the neighborhood. The Town Manager noted that the meadow in the center will allow ball playing without bothering the neighbors. DPW will do the skate rink and pathway. The bandstand will be modified. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that they have created a vision that the Town has needed. He also noted that he does not want an asphalt walkway—he would prefer some other material. The Town Manager noted that we will be doing neighborhood outreach. Park Planning—Birch Meadow—The Town Manager noted that there has been some confusion regarding the roles and responsibilities related to park improvements. He also noted that the Selectmen do not need to get involved with the day to day issues when there is a Master Plan. The problem is we don't have one for the Birch Meadow area. He suggests a Selectmen liaison, the Chairman of the Recreation Committee and staff to work out a policy for who does what. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she would like to see a Master Plan for Birch Meadow that does not include fences at Birch Meadow. She also noted that there is the problem of people who do fundraising and the Town cannot fulfill their end. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board has seen substantial changes to the Capital Plan tonight from the presentations, and these did not include Imagination Station or the Northern Area Greenway. The question is how to evaluate and how to set priorities. He also noted that the Board could consider going to the community for a debt exclusion just for recreation proj ects. Selectman Richard Schubert suggests creating a Master Plan Group immediately for the Birch Meadow and Parker areas. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli agreed with Selectman Schubert but noted that the committee needs to know the Selectmen's desires. The Town Manager indicated that he will put together a policy for an Ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that we will need someone with passive. recreation experience. Discussion of Possible Regulations—Retail Hours of Operation (re: Bylaw Change)—The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approved the changes in the Hours of Operation bylaw. The Selectmen need to think about broad concepts. Some issues would be: Earliest time to open 0 Allowing later than midnight Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 13,2007—Page 6 ® Partially opened or entirely open • Hours of delivery restrictions ® Outside speakers • Address proximity of abutters Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there needs to be a process for the permit that clarifies when they will be required to come in before the Selectmen. Tony D'Arezzo of 130 John Street noted that he abuts the Industrial District. He recommends that the Board be more on the stricter side in the beginning because it is harder to take away something once it has been granted. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli indicated.that he would like a list of the places that were opening before 6:00 a.m. Selectmen Camille Anthony and Stephen Goldy indicated that they will meet with the Police Chief for his recommendations. Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of February 27, 2007, as amended,was approved by a vote of 3-0-2,with Bonazoli and Goldy abstaining. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony t6 adjourn the meeting of March 13, 2007 at 11.00 pan.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, -XI �Petary