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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting j June 20,2006 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, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Parks and Forestry Director Bob Keating, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, GIS Coordinator Kim Honetschlager, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Nick Safina, George Perry, Edward Smethurst, Mary Vincent, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Nancy Swain, Michael DiPetro, Beth Claroni, Joan Hoyt,.John Wood, Elaine Webb, Anthony Guba, Janice Feagley, Loretta Andreottola. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli thanked the Coolidge Science Team for cleaning up the property across the street from the school. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the Economic Development Committee last week. They met briefly with CPDC last night. He reminded the public that the Addison-Wesley Working Group is holding a public hearing on Thursday night at the Parker Middle School at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Friends and Family Day was wonderful. She heard from Tracy Sopchak that the Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee received 155 pledges. Public Comment—Nick Safina noted that he received a flyer from WS Development in the mail and it lists the Working Group's names. He does not support the plan and was upset that WS Development gave the impression that the Working Group supports it. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Hearing on changes to Conservation Rules and Regulations—fees—June 28th • Friends and Family Day -thanks to all. • Bylaws approved by the Attorney General with conditions=Solicitation and Animal Control • Ipswich River Clean-up— September. • Addison-Wesley Working Group Meeting on Thursday night at Parker—June 22nd, 7:30 p.m. —the purpose is to hear from the community. • FEMA. • Downtown Improvement Program—July 11th is date for Secretary of Environmental Affairs Certificate. • Street signs for sale—List will be available on web site. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June,20,2006—Page 2 ® Verizon Cable TV franchise—provision of RCTV by end of June. ® Status of Public Construction: Water and Sewer High Street water line Sewer Inflow/Infiltration Auburn Street water line Trench patching on West from We'scroft to County Streets and Roads Green Street—Main Street to High Street Deering Street, Harriman Avenue Arcadia Avenue,EdgcmQnt Avenue Middlesex Avenue Bancroft Avenue—Hartshorn Street to Cumberland Road Morton Field ' Hillcrest Road Maple Ridge Road Juniper Circle Cape Cod Avenue, Bancroft Avenue (Lowell to Middlesex) Longwood Road Locust Street California Road West Street—Willow to Wilmington line Curb and Sidewalk Franklin Street—Fox Run Lane to William Minot Street at Main Street Road John Street—Salem Street to Walkers Governors Drive Brook Drive Personnel and Appointments Ad Hoc Downtown Parking Committee—The Town Manager noted that Jack Russell has been designated the Economic Development Committee's representative on the ad hoc Downtown Parking Committee and George Katsoufis is CPDC's representative. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the ad hoc Downtown Parking Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007• Jack Russell and George Katsoufas. Both applicants received four votes and were appointed. Board of Health — Tafoya moved and Bonazoll seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2009• Barbara Meade. Ms. Meade received four votes and was appointed. Board of Registrars — Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on'the Board of Registrars with a term expiring June 30, 2009• Gloria Hulse and Rosemarie DeBenedetto. Ms. Hulse received four votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting_June 20, 2006—Page 3 Constable — _Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position as Constable with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Thomas Freeman and Michael Bouvier. Mr. Freeman received four votes and was appointed. Aquatics Advisory Board —Goldy moved and Tafova seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Aquatics Advisory Board with a term expiring June 30,2009• Lois Margeson Ms.Margeson received four votes and was appointed. Board of Cemetery Trustees — The Board interviewed Mary Vincent and Bill Brown for two positions on the Board of Cemetery Trustees. Bonazoli moved and Tafova seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with terms expiring June 30, 2009: Mary Vincent and William Brown Each applicant received four votes and were appointed. Land Bank Committee—The Board interviewed Edward Smethurst for one position on the Land Bank Committee. Goldy moved and Tafova seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Land Bank Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Edward Smethurst Mr. Smethurst received four votes and was appointed. Recreation Committee — The Board interviewed Mary Ellen Stolecki, Nancy Swain, Michael DiPetro and Beth Claroni for positions on the Recreation Committee. Goldy moved and Tafova seconded to place the following names into nomination for three positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2009: John Winne, Mary Ellen Stolecki and Nancy Linn Swain. Each applicant received four votes and were appointed. Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Christopher Campbell Mr. Campbell received four votes and was appointed. Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Michael DiPetro and Beth Claroni. Each applicant received four votes and were appointed. Town Forest Committee—The Board interviewed George Perry and Joan Hoyt for positions on the Town Forest Committee. Bonazoli 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, 2009: George Perry. Mr. Perry received four votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 20, 2006—Page 4 Bonazoli moved and Tafova seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007• Thomas Connery and Joan Hoyt. Each applicant received four votes and were appointed Water, Sewer& Storm Water Management Advisory Committee—Tafova moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the WSSWMAC with a term expiring June 30, 2009: Stephen Crook. Mr. Crook received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Forestry—Parks and Forestry Director,Bob Keating was present and reviewed the highlights of his department. He noted that-it takes 1000 man hours to display the holiday lights. He also noted that gypsy moths and,*Winter moths are a problem this year. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if we are standardizing trees for the Downtown project. The Town Manager noted that there will be a variety of standardized trees. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if any trees will be taken down in Downtown, and Mr. Keating noted that there will be trees taken down but they will be replaced. Chairman Camille Anthony asked how much money is in the budget for tree planting, and the Town Manager noted that there is no annual program. Mr. Keating noted that Engineering has some money to plant trees. Chairman Anthony also asked who is responsible to replace the dead trees on Lowell Street, and Mr. Keating noted that we only get a one year guarantee from the State. Hearing — Storm Water Rates — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Public Works Director Ted McIntire and GIS Coordinator Kim Honetschlager were present. Ted McIntire noted that in May 2006, Annual Town Meeting created a Storm Water Enterprise Fund (SWEF). Residents will see the new SWEF fee on their water and sewer bills in September. The fee will be to pay for expenses such as street sweeping, fuel and maintenance, also for capital such as mapping, illicit discharge detection, drainage improvements, a dump truck, a street sweeper, a vacuum truck and river improvements. Kim Honetschlager noted that the fee is based on impervious surface. Undeveloped lots are not charged a fee. Single and two family homes are charged a flat fee. Multifamily homes are based on total impervious surface. One and two family homes make up 63% of the impervious surface so they are charged 63% or $39.84. Commercial lots are charged individually. Abatements of up to 50%will be available. There has been a proposal that non-profits be exempt. Ted McIntire noted that Town Counsel indicated that this fee is a valid fee. If the Selectmen exempt non-profits, then the rate will be$44.91. If the churches are exempt, then the rate will be $41.23. Condos will not be more than the single rate per unit. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the billing process will be on the water bill, and the storm water fee is 10%higher to make up for the 10% discount. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 20, 2006—Page 5 Bill Brown noted that this fee violates the Massachusetts Constitution, and that it is not a fee but a tax. Chairman Camille .Anthony asked how hard it is to do an individual assessment. Ted McIntire noted that the law allows for reasonable methodology. Kim Honetschlager indicated that she could do a tiered structure but the problem is that the data is from 1998, and she would have to go through all the files to see if any additions were made to buildings. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the rates need to be under what Town Meeting approved. The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approved $40.95. The unknown is the amount of abatements so we wouldn't spend$50,000 in capital until we know what it works out to be. John Wood noted that people will get upset if we don't give them the discount for early payers. He also noted that the WSSWMAC recommends no exemptions and to put in the discount. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that were already supporting themunicipal, non-profits and churches — we can relook at the exemptions next year. He also noted that we cannot offer the discount and give exemptions at the same time. Elaine Webb noted that the school budgets are set and done. That is a solid reason for exempting because they will have to cut in other areas. She also noted that Old South Church and other churches have budget struggles. A motion by Tafoya seconded'by Goldy to close the hearing on the Storm Water Rates was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to establish the Storm Water Enterprise Fund rates at: ® $39.84 per year for 1 and 2 family homes; and ® Rates for each residential condominium shall not exceed the rate for a 1 or 2 family home; and ® $39.84 per 2,552 square feet of impervious surface for all other properties; and o $0 for vacant property; and ® The Director of Public Works may grant up to a 50% abatement for 1 and 2 family residential properties that install infiltration systems, and up to 50% abatement for all other properties that install state of the art storm water treatment and/or infiltration systems. for Fiscal Year 2007 beginning with the September 10, 2006 bill was approved by a vote of 3-1-0,with Tafoya opposed. Hearing— Amendment to Gasoline Storage License— 178 Main Street— The Secretary read the hearing notice. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 20 2006—Page 6 The Town Manager noted.that the application is for 178 Main Street to change from 40,000 gallons of gasoline to 30,000 gallons of gasoline and 10,000 gallons of diesel. The tanks all conform to current standards. They had some sign violations with A framed signs and oversized signs in the windows. Anthony Guba from Ayoub Engineering was present representing Exxon Mobil. He noted that he was before the Planning Board last night, and they will update the signage and the upper part of the tanks. They will also be installing new piping and concrete and asphalt. Chairman Camille Anthony asked why they are changing to diesel when diesel is more of a pollutant. Mr. Guba noted that Mobil is trying to provide what customers want, and noted that diesel has greatly improved over the years. Janice Feagley of 483 Summer Avenue asked about the size and delivery schedule of the trucks. She also asked about the odor of diesel, and Mr. Guba noted that the piping will be improved and that should reduce what goes out of the vents. Loretta Andreottola of 489 Summer Avenue noted that she had concerns regarding the lighting, and Mr. Guba noted that there are no changes to the lighting proposed. She also complained about the trash, landscaping and the odor of the gasoline when the tanker truck is there. A motion by Goldv seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing amending the gasoline storage license at 178 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the amendment to the gasoline storage license for Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation at 178 Main Street to allow for 30,000 gallons of gasoline and 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel subject to: 1. Prior to the issuance of the license, a landscaping plan must be approved by the Board of Selectmen. 2. Prior to placing diesel fuel in the tank,the vapor recovery system must be replaced as represented by the applicant's representative. 3. Signs must meet bylaw provisions. 4. Landscaping must be maintained as approved throughout the We of the license was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — Amending Selectmen's Policies to add a Town Accountant Appointment Process — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen asked for a policy on the Town Accountant Appointment process. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that.we need to make sure that senior staff is involved in the recruitment but the final selection is up to the Board. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 20,2006—Page 7 Chairman Camille Anthony requested that in the first paragraph it be noted that both positions report directly to the Board of Selectmen. She also noted that the documents that will be preserved for future use will be kept in the Human Resources Office. She noted a typo in the l0a'paragraph that"lead" should be"led." A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on amending the Selectmen's Policies to add a Town Accountant Appointment process was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to approve Section 6.3 of the Selectmen's Policies — Selection Process — Town Accountant dated June 20, 2006, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—Amending Selectmen's Policies to add a Land Bank Committee Policy —The Town Manager noted that the Land Bank Committee was established in 1966. The Selectmen requested a policy be established. The Mission of the Land Bank Committee will be to catalogue and maintain land records, research property, perambulation of Town boundaries. The Committee will be administratively in the Department of Finance. Land Bank Committee Member Ted Smethurst noted that he agrees with the policy. Selectman Stephen Goldy requested that the files be maintained using the latest technology. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to close the hearing amending the Selectmen's Policies to add a Land Bank Committee policy was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve Section 2.2.3 of the Selectmen's Policies creating a Land Bank Committee policy dated June 20, 2006, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the Addison-Wesley process. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested bringing it back to the Board of Selectmen after the Working Group meets. The Town Manager suggested asking the developer to respond to the working document before coming back to the Board of Selectmen. Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of May 16, 2006, as amended, by a vote of 4-0-0. _A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of June 7, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Executive Session Minutes of May 16, 2006 as written was approved on a roll call vote with Goldy, Tafoya and Anthony voting in the affirmative. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 20,2006—Page 8 A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of June 20, 2006 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Aecret