HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 12,2006
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 6:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Food Mart, 30 Haven Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli,
Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert (arrived at
7:00 p.m.), RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth, RMLD General Manager Vinnie
Cameron, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the
following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Attorney Brad Latham, Charles McDonald Jr.,
Phil Pacino, Andrew Herlihy, Will Finch, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Karen Herrick, John Carpenter,
Clark Petschek, Mark Rumizen, David Williams, Charles Donnelly Moran, Frederick Alexander,
Tina Brzezenski, Monette Verrier, Jennifer Hart, Arnold Rubin.
The Board met at the Atlantic Food Mart to review the proposed location of the liquor.
The meeting reconvened in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts at 7:05 p.m.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she met
with the Interchange Task Force last night and will be attending the Mass Highway meeting
tomorrow. She indicated that the Board needs to know where they stand on the Interchange
Project before October 26, 2006.
Selectman Stephen Goldy reminded everyone of the Town Forest Walk on September 24, 2006.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the stop signs are up on Grove Street and thanked the
DPW and Police. He also noted that the Addison-Wesley Working Group is requesting that the
Town look at having a traffic study done, and expand the scope to look at Route 128 ramps and
side streets.
Chairman Ben Tafoya reminded the residents that next Tuesday is Election Day at the TASC
building, and there will be a special Selectmen Walk and Talk Meeting on September 16, 2006.
Public Comment—Bill Brown noted that Wilmington just tore down their version of Imagination
Station.
Assistant Town ManajZer's Report
The Assistant Town Manager gave the following report:
o Welcome to the new Police Business Administrator Andrew Scribner-MacLean who
tt,
started on September 1l
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 12,2006—Page 2
• BOS Walk and Talk, Saturday, September 16th begins at 9:00 a.m. at the tennis courts
near Bancroft Avenue
■ http://www.ci.reading.ma.us/walkntalk,pdf
• State Primary election next Tuesday September 19th at 55 Walkers Brook Drive
■ bttp://www.ei.reading.ma.us/polling.i)df
■ http://www.ei.reading.ma.us/Sept ballot.pdf
• Warrant closes September 26,2006 for November 13, 2006 Subsequent Town Meeting
• Fire Department Open House Saturday, October 14a', 10:00 a.m. —2:00 p.m.
• Water/Sewer/Storm Water bills (information and abatement applications)
■ http://www.ci.reading.ma.us/dpw/storm/
• Strong free cash and Enterprise Reserve Fund balances
• Debt sale on September 12th
■ $3.7 million Barrows temporary BANs @3.62%to 2/1/07
■ $6.96 million Barrows, Water mains, MWRA%buy-in @3.96%
Personnel and Appointments
Council on Aging—The Board interviewed Charles McDonald for one Associate position on the
Council on Aging.
Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one Associate position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Charles
McDonald. Mr. McDonald received five votes and was appointed.
Board of Appeals — The Board interviewed Clark Petschek for one Associate position on the
Board of Appeals.
Goldy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
Associate position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Clark
Petschek. Mr. Petschek received five votes and was appointed.
Mystic Valley Elder Services—Rheta McKinley was unable to be present.
Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one position on the Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. with a term expiring September 30,
2009: Rheta McKinley. Ms. McKinley received five votes and was appointed.
Northern.Area Greenway Task Force—The Board interviewed Mark Rumizen, David Williams,
Charles Donnelly Moran, Frederick Alexander and Will Finch for positions on the ad hoc
Northern Area Greenway Task Force.
Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for
seven positions on the ad hoc Northern Area Greenway Task Force with terms expiring
June 30, 2007: Mark Rumizen, David Williams, Charles Donnelly Moran, Frederick
Alexander, Marsie West, Brant Ballantyne and Will Finch. Each applicant received five
votes and were appointed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 12, 2006—Page 3
Discussion/Action Items
i Review Atlantic Market Liquor License Proposal at Atlantic Market — The Assistant Town
Manager noted that the Selectmen had a site visit earlier at the Atlantic Food Mart.
Selectman Stephen Goldy asked if the advertising in the areas is being eliminated, and Arnold
Rubin indicated that it is.
Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the square footage calculation is actually 10 square feet less
than what they currently have now.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he received a phone call from a resident asking since
it is a liquor store,if it needed a separate door. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board
knew it was a grocery store when they granted the license. When convenient stores request a
liquor license,that is what the Board looks for.
Decision on Atlantic Market Liquor License - A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to
approve the change in the site plan for liquor sales at Atlantic Food Mart was approved by
a vote of 5-0-0.
RMLD Presentation on Green Choice — RMLD General Manager Vinnie Cameron, RMLB
Members Phil Pacino and Mary Ellen O'Neill and Citizens' Advisory Board Member Andrew
Herlihy were present.
Vinnie Cameron noted that the Reading Municipal Light Department is involved in the Green
Choice Program. This is a voluntary program to promote renewable energy hours. Donations
can be made for $3.00 a block, and the payment is passed onto renewable energy generators.
This program promotes the production of green power. It helps present producers of green
power exist and continue to improve. Mr. Cameron noted that the Light Department is working
closely with the Cities for Climate Protection, and 91 customers have signed up so far.
Andrew Herlihy noted that NStar and National Grid customers are forced to pay for this. The
RMLD is exempt but still interested in pursuing. The RMLD is the first municipal light
department to do this in the State.
Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that the goal is for the RMLD to have this as part of their portfolio.
Wood End Playground Presentation — Tina Brzezenski introduced the- members of the
Community Playground at Wood End Volunteer Committee. She noted that there are no places
in Reading where a handicapped child can play at ease. She also noted that it is very difficult to
navigate a wheelchair over mulch, and none of our abutting towns have handicap playgrounds.
Ms. Brzezenski noted that the budget is $130,000 and they have raised $73,000. They plan on
putting the equipment in October with mulch, and then put the rubberized surface down in the
Spring. She noted that fencing is also another cost, and they are asking the Town to fund
$42,600.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 12,2006—Page 4
Selectman Richard Schubert noted that this could have a community impact and other parts of
Town could want this. He asked if the rubberized surface could be pathways, and Monette
Verrier noted that it could not. He asked about the lifespan of the rubber surface, and Ms.
Verrier indicated that the equipment is lifetime and the rubberized surface is 25 years.
Selectman Stephen Goldy asked if the Conservation Commission approved, and Ms. Brzezenski
noted that the Conservation Commission's concern was that they needed to see the plans of the
detention basin,but they have approved.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked for statistics of disabled children in the area. Ms.
Brzezenski noted that the estimate is 160 within a seven mile radius.
Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there is a$57,000 gap but they are only asking for$42,000. He
asked if they would be able to raise enough money, and Ms. Brzezenski indicated that they
would.
Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there is always a shortage of funds in the Capital Plan.
He commended the group on what they have done. He feels that Town Meeting is the best place
for this discussion, and he is in favor of sponsoring the Article so it will get to Town Meeting.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Town needs to look at this on the whole.
Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the financial perspective is his only concern but he is in
favor of sponsoring.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she is in favor of sponsoring, and also noted that
Imagination Station also needs to be discussed.
Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if there is any grant money available, and it was noted that there is
no money available through the State.
Presentation — Creative Arts — RCTV Plans — RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth and
Creative Arts Director Jennifer Hart were present.
Phil Rushworth noted that RCTV's lease with the RMLI) expires in 2008 and Creative Arts is
out of space. Creative Arts rents from the church and it is not the ideal facility. RCTV and
Creative Arts are looking to share resources. They are looking for a community center for the
arts, culture and technology. They need 13,000-20,000 square feet that will include an
auditorium, reception area and kitchen. They are looking for referrals, fundraising, land
donations or lease options.
Chairman Ben Tafoya asked how much for rent is budgeted, and Ms. Hart indicated one bank
told her they would need $1 million to do what they want. Mr. Rushworth indicated that RCTV
has an operating budget of $114,000/year, and they expect an increase with Verizon and the
Comcast renewal.
Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 12, 2006—Page 5
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked if RCTV is willing to offer more training for a fee, and
Mr. Rushworth indicated that they are. Ms. Hart noted that Creative Arts has been working with
RCTV on a theater program.
Approval of Bonds — The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Board needs to approve the
sale of bonds for the Barrows School.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Reading certify that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale
the $3,701,599 Bond Anticipation Note, No. R-1 (the "Note") of the Town, issued in
anticipation of a portion of the$6,585,000 principal amount of bonds authorized under and
pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7(3), of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended and
supplemented, and by a vote of the Town duly adopted as more particularly described in
Exhibit A attached hereto, which by reference thereto is hereby incorporated in and made
a part of the minutes of this meeting and this vote, and in that connection, arranging for
the sale of the Note by preparing and distributing a Preliminary Official Statement and
Notice of Sale dated September 6, 2006, and a final Official Statement dated September 12,
2006, relating to the Bonds (the "Official Statement") is in all respects ratified, confirmed,
approved and adopted;
That the Note shall be dated as of September 19, 2006, shall mature on February 1, 2007
and shall, subject to the provisions of this vote, be in such form, of such denomination and
contain such other details as the Town Treasurer and a majority of the Board of Selectmen
shall determine or approve by their execution thereof;
That the Note shall originally be issued by means of a book-entry system evidencing
ownership and transfer of the Note; and in the event of failure or termination of the book-
entry system, U.S. Bank National Association, in Boston, Massachusetts, or any duly
appointed successor thereto, shall issue replacement notes in the form of fully registered
certificates and shall act as Transfer Agent and Paying A14ent therefor;
That the Note shall not be subject to redemption prior to its stated maturity date;
That the Note shall bear interest payable at maturity and is hereby sold and awarded as
follows:
Purchaser Note No. Amount Interest Rate Premium
Piper Jaffray &Co. R-1 $3,701,599.00 4.50% $11,919.15
That the Town Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized to execute and deliver a material
events disclosure undertalcing generally as described in the Official Statement relating to
the Note and to incorporate by reference thereto in the Note such undertaking both in such
form as the Treasurer may approve by his execution thereof, and the obligation of the
Town contained in such certificate is hereby approved and confirmed;
i
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 12, 2006—Page 6
That the Board of Selectmen, the Treasurer and the Town Clerk be and hereby are, and
each of them severally is, authorized to take such action, and to execute and deliver such
certificates, receipts, or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to
be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing vote; and
That the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized to prepare and deliver the Note to the
aforesaid purchaser or order against payment in full of the agreed purchase prices. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Selectmen needed to approve the signing of bonds
for the MWIZA buy in and other water projects.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Reading certify that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale
the $6,960,000 General Obligation Bonds (the 'Bonds"), of the Town authorized under
Chapter 44, Sections 7(3), 8(3), 8(5), 8(6) and 16, of the Massachusetts General Laws, as
amended and supplemented and by votes of the Town duly adopted as further described in
Exhibit A attached hereto which by reference thereto is hereby incorporated in and made a
part of the minutes of this meeting and this vote ("Exhibit A"), and, in that connection,
preparing and distributing a Preliminary Official Statement and Notice of Sale dated
September 6, 2006 and a final Official Statement dated September 12, 2006, relating to the
Bonds (the "Official Statement") be and hereby is ratified, confirmed, approved and
adopted;
That the Bonds shall be dated as of September 15, 2006, payable on April 15 in each of the
years as follows: $745,000 in 2008, $740,000 in 2009, $735,000 in 2010 and 2011, $725,000
in 2012, $235,000 in 2013 through 2024, inclusive, $160,000 in 2025 and $150,000 in 2026
and 2027; shall be in the denomination of$5,000 or any integral multiple thereof, and shall
be numbered consecutively; and subject to the provisions of this vote, the Bonds shall be in
such form as the Treasurer and a majority of the Board of Selectmen shall determine or
approve by their execution of the Bonds;
That the Bonds shall be a consolidated issue of the bonds described in Exhibit A, and shall
mature as described in Exhibit B which by reference thereto is hereby incorporated in an
made part of the minutes of this meeting and this vote;
Bonds maturing on or prior to April 15, 2017 shall not be subject to redemption prior to
their stated maturity dates. Bonds maturing on or after April 15, 2018 shall be subiect to
redemption prior to maturity, at the option of the Town, on or after April 15, 2017, either
in whole or in part at any time, and if in part, by lot within a maturity, at the par amount
of the Bonds to be redeemed plus accrued interest to the redemption date.
That the Bonds shall originally be issued by means of a book-entry system evidencing
ownership and transfer of the Bonds; and in the event of failure or termination of the book-
entry system, U.S. Bank National Association .in Boston, Massachusetts, or any duly
appointed successor thereto, shall issue replacement bonds in the form of fully registered
certificates and shall act as Bond Registrar,Transfer Agent and Paying Agent, therefore
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 12,2006—Page 7
That the Bonds shall bear interest payable on April 15 and October 15 in each year,
commencing April 15, 2007 in the amounts and at the respective interest rates per annum
as follows:
Principal Interest Principal Interest
Year Amount Rate Year Amount Rate
2008 $745,000 4.75% 2018 $235,000 4.00%
2009 740,000 5.50 2019 235,000 4.00
2010 735,000 4.00 2020 235,000 4.00
2011 735,000 3.75 2021 235,000 4.00
2012 725,000 3.75 2022 235,000 4.00
2013 235,000 3.75 2023 235,000 4.00
2014 235,000 3.75 2024 235,000 4.00
2015 235,000 3,75 2025 160,000 4.125
2016 235,000 5.00 2026 150,000 4.125
2017 235,000 5.00 2027 150,000 4.125
That the bid of Roosevelt & Cross, Inc. to purchase the Bonds at a price of $7,030,003.68
and interest accrued to date of delivery, if any, resulting in a net interest cost rate of
3.9952685% and a true interest cost rate of 3.9634570%, being the best bid received for the
Bonds in accordance with the Notice of Sale, be and it hereby is accepted, and the Town
Treasurer be and hereby is authorized to deliver the Bonds to the aforesaid purchaser or
order against payment therefor,
That the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized to execute and deliver a continuing
disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be
approved by Bond Counsel to the Town and as generally as described in the Official
Statement relating to the Bonds and to incorporate by reference thereto in each Bond such
undertaking, both in such form as the signatories may approve by their execution thereof,
and the obligation of Ahe Town contained in such undertaking, is hereby approved and
confirmed; and
That the Bonds to be issued pursuant to this vote may be secured by insurance or by letter
or lines of credit or other credit facilities in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44,
Section 22C of the General Laws, as the Treasurer shall determine, and the Board of
Selectmen, the Treasurer and the Town Cleric be and hereby are, and each of them
severally is, authorized to contract for and purchase, if necessary, any policy of municipal
bond insurance with respect to the Bonds, and each such officer may take all such action,
and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts, or other documents as may be
determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the
provisions of the foregoing vote. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of September 12, 2006
at 9:55 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully sub 'tted,
S et
ary