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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 13, 2006 i 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. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Schubert, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen James B6nazoll and Ben Tafoya, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Michelle Halloran, Adele Blunt, Carol Hughes, Tom O'Connor, Fran Spadafora, Ken Rossetti, Daniel Blodgett, Jack Russell, Dave Tuttle, George Katsoufis, John Sasso, Barbara Stewart, Bill Hecht, Bill Cowie, Paul Kelley, Dave Talbot, Tom Quintal, Julie Thurlow, George Rio, Gil Rodrigues, .Ron D'Addario, Robert Redfern, Paul Dustin, Peter Tedesco, C. Pitt Crandlemire, Brant Ballantyne, Nicholas Safma, Doug Greene, Jamie Maughan, Gina Snyder, Tracy Sopchak, Ann Ward, Arnold Rubin, Art Trianglioni,Jim Queenie, Bill Murgandal,Janice Jones. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he covered the Selectmen's Office Hours but nobody came. He did speak with Bob Brown last evening regarding the Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council non-renewals. The Town Manager I noted that he met with Camille Anthony, Elaine Webb and Pat Schettini regarding a new Bylaw for the substance abuse initiative. Selectman Bonazoli also noted that the Addison-Wesley Working Group is holding a public meeting on June 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Parker Middle School. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that 19 people graduated from the Citizen's Police Academy. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Selectmen hosted a meeting last week regarding the Route 128/I93 Interchange Project. Mass Highway is trying to find components that are solutions. He also noted that there was a handout regarding alternatives, and there will be public hearings in October. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about the drainage issues on the Malphrus property. The Town Manager noted that he did respond in writing, and the Town will do some work in August but he needs her permission and Conservation Commission approval. Chairman Anthony also asked about the status of Jordan's lighting, and the Town Manager noted that they have one area that is too dark.and are working on a pilot light. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that Friends and Family Day is Saturday on the Common from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 13 2006—Page 2 The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee is meeting on June 28, 2006 and it would be good to have the Selectmen's comments on the budget process. Personnel and Appointments Downtown Parking Committee — The Selectmen interviewed David Talbot, Tom Quintal, Julie Thurlow, George Rio and Gil Rodrigues for five positions on the Downtown Parking Committee. Tafova moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for five positions on the Downtown Parking Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007• David Talbot, Tom Quintal, Julie Thurlow, George Rio and Gil Rodrigues Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee— The Selectmen interviewed Ron D'Addario and Daniel Boldgett for positions on the Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee. Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Ron D'Addario. Mr.D'Addario received five votes and was appointed Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Daniel Blodgett. Mr. Blodgett received five votes and was appointed. Land Bank Committee—Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Land Bank Committee with a term expiring June 30,2008: Daniel Blodgett. Mr.Blodgett received five votes and was appointed Board of Appeals — The Selectmen interviewed Robert Redfern, Paul Dustin and Peter Tedesco for positions on the Board of Appeals. Schubert moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Board of Appeals with terms expiring June 30, 2009• Robert Redfern and Paul Dustin. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2008• Michael Conway. Mr. Conway received five votes and was appointed. Schubert moved and Tafova seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2007• Peter Tedesco. Mr. Tedesco received five votes and was appointed Economic Development Committee — The Selectmen interviewed Jack Russell and C. Pitt Crandlemire for one position on the Economic Development Committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 13,2006—Page 3 Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the Economic Development Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Jack Russell and C.Pitt Crandlemire. Mr. Russell received five votes and was appointed. Community Planning and Development Commission — The Selectmen interviewed Brant Ballantyne, Nicholas Safina, George Katsoufis and David Tuttle for positions on Community Planning and Development Commission. Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2009• Brant Ballantyne. Mr. Ballantyne received five votes and was appointed. Schubert moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for three Associate positions on the Community Planning and Development Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2007• Nicholas Safma, David Tuttle and George Katsoufis. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Conservation Commission — The. Selectmen interviewed Doug Greene, Jamie Maughn and Barbara Stewart for positions on the Conservation Commission. Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for three positions on the Conservation Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2009: Douglas Greene,Jamie Maughan and Barbara Stewart. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Human Relations Advisory Committee —The Selectmen interviewed Paul Kelley for a position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee. Tafoya moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2009: Paul Kelley and Charles McDonald. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee — The Selectmen interviewed Bill Cowie for a position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee. Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30,2009• Bill Cowie. Mr. Cowie received five votes and was.appointed. Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007: C. Pitt Crandlemire. Mr. Crandlemire received five i votes and was appointed: Board of Selectmen Meeting-June 13, 2006—Page 4 Cultural Council — Schubert moved and Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2009• Kathleen Kelly. Ms. Kelly received five votes and was appointed. Commissioners of Trust.Funds—The applicant was not present. Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Commissioners of Trust Funds with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Dana Hennigar. Mr. Hennigar received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items 123 Pledge — Cities for Climate Protection Advisory Committee — Committee Members Ron D'Addario, Gina Snyder and Tracy Sopchak were present. Gina Snyder noted that carbon dioxide holds the heat in, and the greenhouse cases produce an increase in the average temperature of the earth. Fossil fuels create carbon dioxide, and the use of fossil fuels needs to be reduced. Tracy Sopchak noted that the Pledge consists of scientifically sound actions in categories of transportation, energy and food related, and requested that everyone pick one action item from each category. The Committee members thanked the Board of Selectmen for participating in the Pledge. Continued Hearin —Policy on Fraud—The Town Manager reviewed the changes to the policy. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the threshold sets the amount for notification of certain parties. The Town Manager noted that the Superintendent of Schools, the RMLD General Manager and Town Counsel have reviewed the policy. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on the Policy on Fraud was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Policy on Fraud dated June 13, 2006, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing—Downtown Parking Regulations—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Police Chief Jim Cormier and Public Safety Officer Michelle Halloran were present. The Town Manager noted that this hearing is regarding parking regulations, not parking supply. He met with the Downtown merchants. He spoke with representatives at the Old South Church and their main concern was regarding Sunday parking. The Town Manager noted that one no parking area was added on Green Street. There are no changes to the commuter parking. There will be 50 spaces created on High Street for employee and merchant parking for$30/month per space. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 13, 2006—Page 5 Chapin Avenue, Haven Street; Pleasant Street and in front of Town Hall have new parking regulations, and employee and merchant parking will be $20/month. There will be 30 minute parking on Chapin Avenue. The Town Manager noted that the plan will be implemented in phases. We are not selling any new stickers for out of town commuters. Julie Thurlow from the Reading Co-Op Bank noted that the Chamber of Commerce is concerned regarding displacing workers and pushing them out into the neighborhoods. The Town Manager noted that creating more spaces will be the job of the Downtown Parking Committee. Ann Ward of*15 Bancroft Avenue asked if there is enforcement on Saturdays and Sundays. The Town Manager noted that the Parking Enforcement Officer works from Monday through Friday. Ms. Ward noted that resident parking stops at 10:30 a.m. and people can park all day after that. She also noted that people park in front of her house all day Monday through Saturday. Arnold Rubin, owner of the Atlantic Market, noted that an Enforcement Officer is needed on Saturdays. Gill Rodrigues noted that he has 400 signatures from people who support the two hour parking and asked for Saturday enforcement. Art Trianglioni, a merchant on Chapin Avenue, noted that he never had parking restrictions in front of his building. He asked for relief in getting merchants to stop parking all day and 30 minute parking was created. Changing to two hours will hurt his business. His customers have to carry heavy items. Jim Queenie of 28 Mt. Vernon Street indicated that he would like to be able to park in front of his house. He wants the Board of Selectmen to be more pro-resident. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that they removed the parking from that side of the street, and the Selectmen are trying to do the best that they can. Bill Murgandal from the Old South Church noted that he had concerns that the Co-op preschool will be adversely affected. Parents assist during the day and the restrictions could be problematic. The Town Manager noted that area is changing to two hours or all day parking. A resident from 144 Woburn Street noted that he lives at the corner of Woburn and Washington Street, and his visitors get tickets. The Town Manager noted that he could get a free sticker to park in the resident parking spot and have the guests park in his driveway. Janice Jones of 22 Mt. Vernon Street noted that the roads are not that wide and are already overflowing. She had concerns about where the merchants will park. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that consistency helps. He is willing to talk regarding the business on Chapin Avenue. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 13 2006—Page 6 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the problem is with employee parking taking up spaces. That situation will have to be closely monitored. Selectman James Bonazoli suggested coming back in three months and look at the Saturday regulations. The Town Manager indicated that he will re-look at Chapin Avenue and the Old South Church. Selectman Stephen Goldy agreed with re-looking at this in three months. He would also like to see the resident only parking expanded. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on the Downtown Parking 'Regulations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova to approve the parking regulations as detailed on the map entitled"Proposed Parking Regulations" dated 5-31-06; That the Board of Selectmen repeals all parts of the current parking Rules and Regulations that are inconsistent with the regulations detailed on the map, And that the fee for `paid permit/2 hour parking" is established at $240 per year prorated for the current year, with a free sticker available to directly abutting residents of any street so designated was tabled until June 27,2006 by a vote of 5-0-0 Comments on State and Federal Regulations re: Cable TV Licensing—The Town Manager noted that there is a MMA alert regarding concerns about a petition before the DTE by Verizon to short cut the franchise process. The U.S. House of Representatives passed law providing for national franchising which allows for negotiations of up to 5% for local access. There is also the issue of duty to serve which Verizon can choose to provide service only to the dense areas. The Town Manager noted that we have density requirements in our local contract. The consensus of the Board was to send a letter signed by all Selectmen. Liquor License Waiver of Duty to Perform—Northside Liquors—The Town Manager noted that the Northside Liquors was burned out in January. The owners are working on getting established elsewhere. He suggests waiving the duty to perform until November 1, 2006 when the re- licensing starts. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve a waiver until November 1, 2006 of Section 3.2.1.6 of the Selectmen's Policies —Duty to Perform—for Northside Liquors, 13_49 Main Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to adiourn the meeting of June 13 2006 at 10.54 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Star