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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 26,2006 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 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, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Joan.Neary, Mac McIntire (Reading Advocate); Joe D'Alessio, Dan and Joan Cotter, Kate Thibeault, William Griset Jr., Michael Slezak, Dennis Collins, David Tuttle, Linda Phillips, Caryn Hayes, John Sasso, Jean Pierre, David Zeek, Debbie McCulley, Michelle Hopkinson, Bill Brown, Nick Safina, Angela Binda, Heidi Bonnabeau, Christine Brungardt, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Lorraine McCarthy, Jack Russell, J. A. Roy, Frederick and Joan Doherty, Thomas Loughlin, Al Garbarino, Russ Graham, Jay Lenox, Attorney Arthur Krieger, Theresa Petrillo,'Marie Hickey, Rosemarie Hrubi, Lois Halligan, Fire Fighter Paul Damocogno. Reports.and.Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments_Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the I-93/95 Subcommittee met to review plans. There will be a public meeting at Coolidge Middle School on October 25, 2006 to review plans and for questions and answers. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Fire Department's Open House is October 14, 2006. The Friends of Reading Recreation had the Town Forest Road Race and it was a big success. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Nurse Advocacy Task Force met and is looking at financial aspects. He and Selectman Camille Anthony met at Jordan's regarding the lighting. He indicated that it looks like the shields are in place. There seems to be some confusion over the facade lighting and what needs to be done, and there is also an issue of the hours that the lights are shut off. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Library received two grants, and he congratulated the staff on their hard work. Public Comment — Michelle Hopkinson of 21 Sherwood Road handed a list of endorsers for Reading C.A.R.E. Jay Lenox of 10 Sylvan Road noted that Reading C.A.R.E. has doubled. A shopping mall is not the right proposal for the property, and he asked that the Board of Selectmen vote unanimously to reject the developer's request. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26,2006—Page 2 Attorney Arthur Krieger noted that he represents certain neighbors on South and Curtis Streets. He also noted that this project will have an impact on people's daily lives, and this development will by hugely detrimental to the community, Town Manager Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Housing Forum—September 28th 9 Financial Forum is October 18th. 0 Memorial Park planning. • Memorial Park cy pres. ® Manholes on Lowell Street and Haverhill Street are being repaired. 0 Hunting season. • LED lighting for holiday lights. • School kids from Archstone — Four elementary, two middle school, one High School — total of seven students in the first 112 housing units for which occupancy has been approved. At that rate, the total number of school aged children in the development would be 13, compared to the projection of 20. 0 Board of Selectmen's "Walk and Talk" in the Birch Meadow Area—Notes will be in the next packet. The Board of Selectmen has been asked to do another "Board Walk" in the South Street neighborhood. Do you want to do it? When — October 22nd has been mentioned. ® Road Construction: Edgemont Avenue and Arcadia Avenue road overlay are done. • Eagle Scout candidate Mike lapicea did a collection of materials for the Mission of Deeds as his Eagle Scout project on September 16th. 0 The 2006 public flu clinics are set up for the following dates: Wednesday,November 8, 2006 Killam Elementary School 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. For Reading residents 65 and older Tuesday,November 14, 2006 Coolidge Middle School 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. For adult Reading residents Thursday,November 16,2006 Parker Middle School 5:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. For adult Reading residents Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning — Fire Fighter Paul Damocogno — Chief Greg Bum' s and Fire Fighter Paul Damocogno, were present. Chief Bums reviewed Fire Fighter Damocogno's background and pinned on his badge. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2006—Page 3 DiscussioulAction Items Close Warrant for Subsequent Town Meeting—The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting. He noted that Article 6 is to establish a public health clinic revolving fund because we take money in and pay money out so we need an account. Article 7 is to authorize the School Department to enter into a contract with a bank at the Reading Memorial High School. Article 9 is to move the Financial Assurance Mechanism monies into the Sale of Real Estate Fund. Article 10 is for additional money for the High School project. Article 11 is on the Warrant as a courtesy to provide funding for handicap access to the Wood End School Playground. Article 12 is for the release of easement for Joseph Way. Article 14 is regarding the property on Oakland Road. The School Committee voted to release any care, custody or control of the property. The plan is to put the property up for sale. Article 14 is to accept the Mullin's decision that would allow members of Boards and Committees to view a video of a meeting they missed and still be allowed to vote. Article 15 is a bylaw regarding construction hours and noise. It is the same bylaw that was presented previously because it addressed all of the issues that were raised. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the.definition of construction was not clear. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that this bylaw is too limiting to a homeowner. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that Town Meeting was not comfortable with this before and it has not changed. He suggested taking it off the Warrant and bringing it back in the Spring. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that people are entitled to quiet enjoyment on the weekends. The consensus was that Selectman Stephen Goldy and Vice Chairman James Bonazoli will work on this bylaw. Article 16 is the Sight Triangle Bylaw. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked how many residents will be affected, and the.Town Manager noted that a lot will be affected. There are issues of shrubs,hedges,parking of cars—it's a public safety issue. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that the Board look at situations during .their site walk on October 21, 2006. Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested rethinking the issue of shade trees. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to close the Warrant.consisting of 16 Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting to be held on November 13, 2006 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting,­w September 26, 2006—Page_4 Decision on Addison-Wesley Proposal — Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board received additional information from the proponent. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Addison-Wesley Working Group gave a final report, and are now asking to do a feasibility study. He suggested having the developer come in next week and see what they offer. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that tonight's packet had information on the Town's Master Plan. Mixed use is a cornerstone. The developer stated this was not viable unless 320,000 square feet. There is also an issue with storm water. Detention basins will be needed and a whole host of other issues.- She also noted that the working group recommends a traffic study, and that would have to be from Ash Street to Stoneham because all of Main Street will be impacted. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the working group discussed having a traffic study done that included the Route 128 ramps. He also noted that the 600,000 square foot office and hotel that had a large amount of impervious surface was approved by Town Meeting. He noted that the water cost increase is going to be enormous, and the Town needs the income from this development. He also noted that the plan was not perfect, and it was unfortunate that the developer was not present with a plan for them to look at. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the working group has gone as far as they can go. He also noted that this project will not allow the Town to make tax cuts. The character of the Town relative to size and impact will be negative, and people are waiting for a decision and do not want to prolong it any longer. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she was not interested in hearing the same story again from the developer. Selectman Stephen Goldy indicated that he wanted the developer to come back and tell the Board what they can do and what they can't do. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the development of Addison-Wesley is important to the community and it has to be the right project. He also noted that there is no consensus among the Board, and the Board needs to decide tonight that they are not in favor of the current proposal and tell them what we will accept. The Master Plan was trying to discourage retail growth. He noted that the Board has communicated with the developer during a very long process and the proposal has not changed. He suggests working with Pearson to find the right partner. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he doesn't agree that the project is too large. He indicated that his vision is different and the details need to be worked out with the developer. He indicated that this should go before Town Meeting and the Selectmen should support it. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she doesn't have the energy to keep going through the same issues. The developer can go to.Town Meeting. She doesn't approve of the proposal and noted that retail is totally different from office/hotel. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26 2006—Page 5 A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen support the current proposal that W/S has for the Addison-Wesley site as of 9/22/06 failed by a vote of 1-4-0, with Tafoya, Goldy,Anthony and Schubert voting against proposal. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that it is important to bring this current proposal to closure but he still wants to talk and give them a vision. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that this is one of the largest pieces of property in Town and CPDC was not part of the process. Lifestyle Centers in California have a Main Street as a village and they usually don't have big box stores. The Town Manager recommended a design charette that would include a design visioning for the community, and invite the community to talk about what they want on the site. This would help have sustainable development and smart growth on that site. Review Status of Imagination Station — The Town Manager noted that the Board of Health ordered Imagination Station closed for several issues. Recreation Administrator.John Feudo and the Recreation Committee went out to the site, and the Recreation Committee is recommending demolishing and building a new one on the site. Leathers & Associates did the design of the original playground. The Board can do.one of three things - Leave it as it is, demolish and do nothing, or demolish and rebuild. John Feudo noted that he had correspondence with Leathers & Associates regarding a retrofit. He went to Belmont last year and looked at a retrofit. There were issues with matching of materials. He recommends using plastic and metal for materials. He also noted that density of the playground has been a problem because the parent is on one side and the kids are on the . other. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he spoke with Leathers & Associates, and they indicated that the cost to retrofit is the same as replacing it. There are also plaques, art work and towers there that are special. The Town Manager noted that when he develops the capital plan for next year, he will include money for Imagination Station. If we use metal and plastic,we can do the work in phases. He also noted that it should be a boundless playground; i.e., handicap accessible. We would also utilize the art work, plaques, signs, etc. A parent mentioned to him that the parents should be in the middle of the playground with shade and the rest of the playground around it. The Town Manager suggested putting a skateboard park in the parking lot. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked for the estimate cost of demolition. John Feudo noted that DPW will demolish it, and it will cost$3,000-$5,000 to have the material removed. Selectman Richard Schubert asked why the cost of replacing the playground is so expensive. John Feudo noted that it was due to the infrastructure. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that also includes the cost of design, tools, etc. i Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2006—Page 6 The Town Manager noted that it would be best to go with a rubberized surface because it lasts longer and lower maintenance. He also noted that Imagination Station is made of wood and more labor intensive. He would also like to stay with the same manufacturer. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked about the timing of the project because he doesn't want it . to become a parking lot. The Town Manager noted that the demolition will begin almost immediately, and they will look at the first phase of construction next July. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he spoke with residents who worked on Imagination Station. He would like to see a plan for what parts and pieces will be saved. He would also like to see something there as soon as possible. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Town needs a new fire truck, and she's not sure if there's room in the Capital Plan for Imagination Station. The Town Manager noted that the fire track is scheduled for 2008 and this could be phased in if need be. Selectman Anthony suggested doing a master plann for that whole area this Winter.. Debbie McCulley, former General Coordinator of Imagination Station, noted that she is disappointed to hear that the Selectmen want to demolish Imagination Station. She was told only the surface material needs to be replaced, and that originally there was money for maintenance. She suggested that the Town make an attempt to do what needs to be done such as sanding and sealing. If the play area is too dense, then take out a few pieces and put in benches. She also suggested having Leathers &Associates do an analysis for$1500. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she is not comfortable with the whole financial aspect. She also noted that the Town does not have to provide the same thing at every location, and she. doesn't want to put it in the Capital Plan if we have to take something out. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee is developing a capital policy with a minimum amount. We need to plan for playgrounds and we need to think about the priorities-of the community. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to have an analysis of Imagination Station done for $1500 was approved.by..a vote of.5-0-0. Review Goals Status — The Town Manager noted that there are 15 top priority goals. We are doing a lot of work in finance and technology, replacement of the website, replacement of the financial forum,.inventory training, and also development of an internal feedback mechanism for the public to provide systematic comment on the conduct of the Town's volunteer government. This should also include ethics training and best practices in agendas and meetings. The hour being late, Chairman Ben Tafoya recommended rescheduling the Goals and Action Status Report for October 10, 2006. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2006—Page 7 Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of September 5, 2006 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by,Schubert seconded by Anthony to adiourn the meeting of September 26,.2006 at 10:45 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, a Se retary