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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting July 11, 2006 I 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 Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Health Administrator Jane Fiore, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: William Griset, Jr., Charles and Margaret Keniston, Eugene Richey, Nick Bonanno, Dick Campbell, John Grant, Brad Van Magness, Thomas Loughlin, Mac McEntre, Fran Sansalone, Gerard and Ethel Marolda, Steve Spinazolo, John Maggiacomo, Nick Safina, Tim O'Connor, Robin Hamilton, Dan Bourque, Brett Rice, Christine Brungardt, George Katsoufis, Caryn Hayes, Al Garbarino, Fred Doherty, Dick Howard. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Fire Department is getting a new ambulance. He also noted that on the night before the 4th, activities were great. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he attended a meeting of the Nurse Advocacy Task Force. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the Finance Committee Meeting a couple of weeks ago. They are reviewing the budget process and the methodology for budgeting snow and ice. He also noted that he received a complaint from a resident regarding professional telephone polling concerning Addison-Wesley. The polling agency asked personal questions and asked who the resident trusted — Town leaders, citizens groups or the developer. He noted that the Town of Reading received an environmental leadership award from the Ipswich River Watershed Association for ongoing conservation efforts. Public Comment — Al Garbarino of 32 Old Farm Road spoke about the Addison-Wesley potential use. He feels that the Town should not go with a shopping mall to avoid a 40b project. There is the option of housing for over 55 years. That has no impact on the schools, less traffic and the revenue from the housing would be close to retail. He would like the Board to consider this option. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • He updated the Board ori the MWRA process. He noted that he has contacted a consultant. The Horne Rule petition is through the House and into the Senate. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 11, 2006—Page 2 ® We only have three Water Treatment Plant Operators and we should have five. More Operators are leaving. ® He met with the MWRA and we may need to go to DEP for an emergency declaration to _. buy 100%MWRA because we won't have any employees to supply water. Discussion/Action Items High liAts —Health Division—Health Administrator Jane Fiore gave an overview of the Health Division and their responsibilities. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if they received many housing complaints, and Jane Fiore noted that they receive approximately 20 complaints per month. He also asked if the growth in multifamily housing and businesses has had an impact on the Health Division, and Jane Fiore indicated that it had. The Inspector's hours have been increased but they really need a full-time Inspector. Hearing— Grove Street and Forest Street Stop Signs—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that there have been four documented accidents at this location. The Selectmen had previously discussed making this a three way stop. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the Town has any set back requirements for fences, and the Town Manager noted that we do not. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that there have actually been nine accidents since 2001. The problem is with speeding coming around the bend. The fence is a minor problem compared to the speed. Chief Jim Cormier noted that the State regulations regulate stop signs. This does not meet the criteria set by the State so he is opposed to the installation of a stop sign. Brad Van Magness of 110 Grove Street noted that there have been a number of accidents in front of his house. He also noted that the curvature of the road is a problem, and there is an improper crosswalk at the wrong location. He feels that a stop sign will alleviate the problems. Eugene Richey of 150 Grove Street indicated that he thinks this is a sound proposal. Gerard Marolda of 92 Grove Street asked what is the Chief opposed to. Chief Cormier noted that he is opposed because it does not meet the criteria of State regulations, and we can lose funding if we don't follow regulations. Nick Bonanno of 283 Grove Street asked how the accidents are categorized. Chief Cormier noted that there is no consistent problem. There were different reasons for each accident. Mr. Bonanno noted that the traffic will back up in the morning and speeding is a problem. Charles Keniston of 200 Grove Street noted that the speed on Grove Street is excessive and suggested making the street one way. I Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 11, 2006—Page 3 Fran Sansalone of 72 Winthrop Avenue noted that raised crosswalks slow people down, Chief Cormier noted that Public Works doesn't want them because they are difficult to plow. Dick Campbel of 107 Grove Street noted that he owns the property with the fence. He has nine grandsons and grandnephews to keep track of and that is why he has the fence. He is in favor of a three way stop to keep the speed down. Dan Bourque of 71 Grove Street noted that he was in favor of a three way stop. He also noted that speed is a problem. John Grant of 106 Grove Street noted that the main problem is speed and more enforcement is needed. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Police do not have the resources to patrol all of the time. Dan Bourque asked about reducing the speed limit, Chief Cormier noted that it will not meet the criteria. The Town Manager noted that the speed limit is set by the State. They did a speed study about five years ago and all the State would give us was a 25 mph advisory. Brad Van Magness of 110 Grove Street asked what the Chief recommends. Chief Cormier suggested telling everyone to slow down. We can use pre-crosswalk signs. and increase enforcement. Selectman Camille Anthony arrived at 8:30 p.m. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to close the hearing for a three way stop at Grove' and Forest Streets was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert--seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding_ to Appendix A-12 "Obedience to Isolated Stop Signs" the following locations: Grove Street northbound at Forest Street Grove Street southbound at Forest Street and that stop sign ahead signs be installed primarily on the northbound side was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Request for Stop Sign — Curtis at George Street — The Town Manager noted that the request is for a stop sign on Curtis Street at George Street. Tim O'Connor of 96 Curtis Street noted that residents at Greystone are traveling too fast. A stop sign on Curtis Street would help to slow people down. Fred Doherty of 68 Curtis Street requested a 20 mph sign. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 11 2006—Page 4 Selectman Camille Anthony requested that the Police Department send out letters to the Greystone Development regarding speeding. Brett Rice of 99 Curtis Street noted that there is a very sharp turn there as well. The consensus of the Board of Selectmen is to schedule a hearing on July 25,2006. Parking of Boats (and other trailered licenses."vehicles") on the Street — The Town Manager noted that he received a call and e-mail from a resident regarding a boat on a trailer.being left on the street and obstructing his view. The law allows parking of these vehicles without being attached to what pulls it.. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that this should be regulated especially when it is blocking the sight line. There are vehicles on Willow Street and Summer Avenue that are blocking the sight line. Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested that the Town Manager check with neighboring communities to see if they have any regulations. Working Group Conclusions re: Addison Wesley—The Town Manager noted that the Addison- Wesley Working Group had a public input session. The mission is to advise the Board of Selectmen of appropriate development of the site and get the developer's response. He also noted that there is a follow up meeting on August 2, 2006. The Town Manager reviewed the land uses that are permitted as a Special Permit. He noted that a zoning change would require a Special Permit by CPDC. The Working Group has not been able to agree on the amount of retail, should'retail go on that site. The square footage ranged from 100,000 to 320,000. Over 55 housing has been suggested and also community space for nonprofit use. The traffic/access level has to be kept at a level as high as possible. Lot coverage has not been resolved. It has also been recommended that the Town hire a financial consultant. Selectman Richard Schubert requested to add to the list of prohibited uses — "Adult Use." The Town Manager noted that he will check with Town Counsel to see if we can prohibit that. Selectman Schubert asked if there was a way to deal with the back of buildings and aesthetics in Section 3. He also noted that the amount of square footage needs to be discussed. Selectman Stephen Goldy agreed that the amount of square footage needs to be narrowed down. Selectman Camille Anthony asked where CPDC is in this process. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that CPDC is waiting to hear from the Board of Selectmen and then will draft the language for a zoning article. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the hours of loading are listed as 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and that could be extended. She also noted that loading docks could have a negative impact on the community with noise and she does not want those hours extended. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 11,2006—Page 5 Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there is a financial value of a zoning change but the Town needs to be aware of the total costs to the Town. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that we need to get a consultant on board now. Dick Howard, a member of CPDC, noted that the Town needs to determine the value of the zoning change, and determine what would make it successful regarding the amount of square footage. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the use of the loading areas needs to be looked at. He would like to see the loading areas moved away from the residential area. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he would like to see the mass and scale of the property match the neighborhood. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the amount of retail space should be determined by traffic. She also noted that overflow parking will need to be looked at because it abuts a residential neighborhood. She noted that residential would be a good buffer to the neighborhood and that residential should be a required component. The Town Manager suggested giving the document to the developer and see what they bring back—it will either be reasonable or not reasonable for the community. There was much discussion among the Board as to the amount of square footage but they could not come to a consensus. Dick Howard noted that if the developer pays attention to the concerns and comes back with a smaller development, then the Town should hire a consultant and see if it is viable. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Town needs to know what they are looking for in a traffic study. If a person knows on a Saturday that they can't go down south Main Street, then the Board has failed at their quality of life issue. Chairman Ben Tafoya requested in the Mission Statement that the word "determine" be replaced with"recommend." A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to accept the report of the Addison-Wesley Working Group July 7, 2006, as amended, and authorizes the working group to request of WS Weiner, proposed developer of the site,to submit to the working group a proposal that meets the parameters outlined in the report, and a review of where the developer is not able to meet the parameters was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of May 30, 2006 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. i I Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 11, 2006—Page 6 A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of June 20, 2006 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting of July 11, 2006 at 11:10 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, i lecretary