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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 10, 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 Taf6ya, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Joe and Natalie Westerman, Harry and Marilyn Simmons, Clark McCormick, Dennis Collins, Joe Angeloni, Richard Marshalsea, Peter Lattanzi, Mary Graham, Nell Cohen, Al Garbarino, Bob Murphy, Michael and Nina Emelianoff, Andrew Nastri, Bernard and Maria Donohue, Joan Benevides, Rosemarie Hrubi, Kathy Zimbone, Paul Millette, Angela Binda, Joe Ferraro, John Pack, Priscilla Squires, Lori Halligan, Joan Neary, Mike Lyons, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Michelle Hopkinson., Nick.Safma, Joe D'Alessio, Charlie Russo, Lois Pike, Camille McCormick, Andre and Mike Caggiano, Colleen O'Shaughnessy, Joan and Dan Cotter, Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Judy Brolak, Stacey McKenna, Margaret Cahill, Krissandra Holmes, Cynthia Green,Dan Busa, Robyn Mather. Reports.and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there will be a public meeting with Mass Highway on October 25, 2006 at the Coolidge Middle School regarding the Route 128/I-93 Interchange project. She also noted that Bill Webster sent an e- mail with some concerns and asked the Board to take a look at them. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Street Hockey Tournament that the Friends of Reading Recreation sponsored went well. He also noted that the Fire Department's Open House is Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Public Comment — Joe Ferraro of 109 Avalon Road noted that the Board of Selectmen voted against the Addison-Wesley project on September 26, 2006. He agrees with that vote and doesn't understand why the Board would discuss reconsidering the proposal. He feels that the vote of disapproval-should stand. He also noted that the Working Group sent the document to the developer. W/S Weiner was fully aware of the Working Group's recommendations and they put forward their best project. Paul Millett of 25 Fairview Avenue noted that he is a Civil Engineer. He has read the traffic reports and supplemental reports. The Selectmen concerns regarding traffic, drainage, etc. are very practical. He also noted that there will be storm water issues when they put buildings and pavement on the majority of 24 acres. He noted that many citizens are willing to work to design a charette. There are many professional residents in Reading. Board of Selectmen Meeting October 10,.2006—Page 2 Joe Angeloni of 18 Beech Street noted that he works in Burlington next to Wayside Commons. The Commons has four entrances and the traffic is still a nightmare. Dennis Collins of 12 Beech Street noted that the new Shaw's in Wakefield slowed.traffic down. He has friends who work at Wayside Commons, and they have stated that the traffic is awful and there are only three stores open. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there was an e-mail from Karen Hayes representing Reading RRED in tonight's packet. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: U The Town Manager noted that there is an e-mail that Dickinson did install the shields. Tom Lemons has indicated that accomplishes what we wanted so a letter has been sent to Dickinson. a Representative Tierney's Office contacted him regarding the Change a Light/Change the World Program. He has referred them to the Cities for Climate Protection Committee.. N The Town Manager noted that the Town needs donors to purchase LED Christmas lights for the Common. It will cost$500.00 for two boxes to cover two trees. This is a pilot program to help reduce energy costs. Personnel and Appointments Board of Registrars —The Board interviewed Krissandra Holmes for one position on the Board of Registrars. Anthony moved,and.Goldy seconded to place the following name into nomination for,one position on the.Board of ReEistrars .with a term expiring June 30, .2007: Krissandra Holmes. Ms.,Holmes received three votes and was appointed. Northern Area Greenway Committee — The Town Manager noted that the committee met last week. Selectman Camille Anthony reminded the Town Manager that there is supposed to be a subcommittee to look at funding. Goldy moved and Anthony seconded to plate the following.names into nomination for two positions on the Northern Area Greenway Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Joan Hoyt.(Town Forest Rep.) and Francis Driscoll (Recreation Rep.). Both applicants received three votes and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Public Comment. — Liquor Package Store ,Licensees re: Question 1 — Cynthia Green, spokesperson, for the off-premise alcohol retailers, noted that she is educating the public on Question I on the November ballot. She also noted that Question I is sponsored by the Food Association for grocery stores and convenient stores. The wording of Question 1 is very vague. The number of licenses depends on population. Reading would be eligible for nine licenses. She noted that Reading will never have nine grocery stores so the licenses will go to convenient stores in the same area where licenses already exist. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 10 2006—Page 3 _ Selectman Richard Schubert arrived at 7:45 p.m. I Ms. Green noted that she spoke with Police Chief Jim Cormier, and he indicated that he will need additional police power to enforce. If a package store sells to a minor, then they have to close. If a convenient store sells to a minor, they don't have to close their store, they just can't sell wine. She also noted that alcohol needs to be controlled and convenience should not be an issue. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if this passes, do the Selectmen have to issue. The Town Manager noted that it is discretionary to the Town. The Selectmen cannot discriminate or act arbitrarily. Any licensee can only have three licenses. If the Selectmen deny, it will probably be appealed. Dan Busa, owner of Busa's Liquors, noted that he spoke with the League of Women Voters who is a spokesperson for the Food Association. She indicated that there will be no appeal. It's no to the local authority. The ABCC usually does not act upon this type of issue. There are 2200 licenses for package stores in Massachusetts, and they are owned by 1800 people. Any one entity can only own three licenses. Robyn Mather, owner of The Wine Shop, noted that the Wine Shop is unique and has a connection with the community. Customers don't want alcohol to be sold everywhere their children go. A lot of 16 year olds work in stores and she's sure the parents don't want them working with alcohol. I Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that this would change the character of Reading. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to recommend rejection of the Massachusetts Food Association for consumer convenience in wine sales, Question 1 on the November ballot,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen need to take a stand with the substance abuse initiative in Reading. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Selectmen have been very clear where they stand with convenient stores and liquor licenses. Close the Warrant for the State Election — The Town Manager noted that the Election will be held at 55 Walkers Brook Drive. The set up will be a little different to help with cueing: It is better to have all voting at one location. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to close the Warrant for the State Election to take place on November 7, 2006 from 7.00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 55 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. i Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 10,2006—Page 4 Preview and Recommend Articles at Subsequent Town Meeting—The Town Manager reviewed the Articles on the Warrant. He suggested requiring reports to be written as part of the Warrant and then a brief summary at Town Meeting. The Town Manager noted that Article 3 is to amend the Capital Improvements Plan. The Finance Committee has a policy to keep 5% in the reserve fund. There is $1,075,000 more in reserves than expected. He suggests using$700,000 for additional capital. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee has looked at debt capital models but hasn't decided what amount yet. As debt declines, the reserves increase. The Finance Committee wants to come up with a number that will be respected and used. The Town Manager noted that type of plan will allow us to maintain our buildings so they don't have to be replaced sooner than needed. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the Fall capital. He noted that the Finance Committee wants to know what is catch up capital and what is regular capital. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked how long artificial turf lasts, and the Town Manager noted that it is longer than 10 years. The Town Manager noted that for the Downtown project, the State will not pay for extras from Haven Street to Washington Street. He had proposed having the RMLD do all of the lights but that was too creative for Mass Highway and they won't accept that. He suggests a debt authorization for$525,000. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed Article 4 regarding amending the FY 2007 Budget. He noted that the Town Clerk staff has moved from the Community Services Budget to the Finance Budget. There will be an increase in hours in the Town Clerk's Office by making the Assistant Town Clerk full time. The Town needs to hire a consultant for the Pay and Class Study at $20,000. Money is needed for shade trees and veterans' flowers. There is extra interest to be paid on the borrowing for Barrows. The audit has not been done yet but the interest is reimbursable from MSBA. There is also the cost of going with the MWRA. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen will vote on the Warrant Articles on October 24th. Action Status Report — Gazebo Circle — The Town Manager noted that the Town is out to bid with George Zambouras' plan. Anything coming out of-the detention basin and Gazebo Circle will be taken care of. Jordan's Furniture—The consultant has signed off and we should be getting the report from the code consultant. Imagination Station—The Leathers &Associates consultant is corning on November 4, 2006. Timothy Place—We are going to court this month. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 10, 2006—Page 5 Selectman Camille Anthony requested a timeline on MWRA buy-in with a list of milestones. The Petroleum Bylaw is being drafted by Town Counsel and will come back to staff for their review. The drainage on Haverhill Street will be done this Fall. Goals Review—The Town Manager reviewed the 15 highest priorities. 1. He will be requesting $20,000 for consulting in purchasing the financial and computer platform; 2. The Capital Irnprovements Plan involving stakeholders using new software; 3. Develop a building maintenance plan; 4. Employee training on technology including the webpage; 5 'Emergency preparedness for key employees -will also do elected official training; 6. Internal Communications — Department Head Retreat will include schools and RMLD — civility in the community and sustainability; 7. Employee information on web page; 8. Educate Boards, Committees and Commissions on ethics, best practices, agendas and meetings; 9. Feedback mechanism on Boards, Committees and Commissions; 10. Calendars that interconnect members of Boards, Committees and Commissions with staff; 11. Revised budgeting system; 12. Affordable Housing Plan; 13. Evaluation of the Reading Public Library; 14. Identify consultants for the DPW Management Study; 15. The Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse. The Assistant Town Manager noted that these goals will be helpful in budgeting. On motion by Schubert seconded by Goldv,.the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the meetiniz of October 10, 2006 at 10:55 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, S.de'tj