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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 24,2006 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, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Charlie Russo, Alex McRae, Stephen Crook, Michael McIntyre, Tom Ryan, Joanne Simons, John Sasso, George Katsoufis, Steve Oston, Andy Murphy, George Hines. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and.Comments — Selectman Stephen Goldy thanked the residents for the coffee, donuts, etc. on the Selectmen's walk on Saturday. He also participated in the Wood End Playground Community Build on Saturday and Sunday. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli also thanked the residents for the goodies on Saturday. He asked about the advertising signs on the Common for singles, and the Town Manager noted that he sent DPW out to remove them.. Vice Chairman Bonazoli noted that a Whittier Road gentleman had concerns with coyotes, and the Town Manager noted that the Police Chief was following up with him. Vice Chairman Bonazoli also noted that RCTV is looking for pictures of pumpkins. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Interchange Task Force Meeting is at Coolidge Middle School at 6:00 p.m. on October 25th. They are looking for input and feedback. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she received an e-mail from Bob Frey asking if she would be the Selectmen's speaker for the Interchange Task Force Meeting. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Report on Financial Forum is October 18th. • Department Head Retreat—Friday, October 20th. • The Town was in Woburn District Court on the Diranian matter today (Timothy Place). The Clerk Magistrate ordered Mr Diranian to pay the $300.00 fine within 90 days and if the violations continue after that, the Town may issue further fines at a rate of$300.00 per day,proceed with a Criminal complaint, or proceed in Land Court or Superior Court. • The "Change a Light - Change the World" Campaign encourages residents to pledge to change at least one incandescent light bulb in their home to a Compact Fluorescent Light. These lights use 75% less energy, and last for much longer. The quality of light is excellent. To pledge, go to www.rmld.org. We have indicated that in this community Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 24, 2006—Page 2 between now and the end of November, we can get at least 500 households to make and meet that pledge. • LED lighting for holiday lights. • Board Walk—October 21 st. • 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 • Election, November'7, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. — ,at 55 Walkers Brook Drive. There is plenty of parking, plenty of Police presence to ensure your access to and from the site, and a good poling location. For Election equipment storage, we have asked for and received a Reserve Fund Transfer to purchase a trailer which will be used to transport and store the Election equipment. • RCTV wants to see your Halloween Jack-O'-Lantems! E-mail us a digital picture of your Halloween carved pumpkin, and we will show it on TV and rctv.org! Send pictures to: pwpkin(&,rctv.or ! Pictures will be displayed on RCTV starting Saturday, October 28th and run until . Halloween night. . We will post pictures on the web at www. .rctv.org/halloween as we receive them! Have a safe and Happy Halloween! -i 128/193 hearing in Reading.on Wednesday, October 25th. • Road construction. • Sidewalk construction. • Franklin Street sidewalk update. • Status - Gazebo Circle area drainage improvements. The Assistant Town Manager noted that there was information in tonight's handout on Local Heroes from our Veteran's Agent. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Coats for.Kids D —The Town Manager noted that Jordan's is partnering with Anton's Cleaners coat drive. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the Proclamation for Coats for Kids Day was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 24, 2006.—Page 3 Personnel and Appointments Community Preservation Act Study Committee — The Board interviewed Bill Brown and Tom Ryan for positions on the Community Preservation Act Study Committee. Golds moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for nine positions on the Community Preservation.Act Study Committee: Bill Brown, Tom Ryan, Mark, Wetzel. (Conservation Commission), Israel Maykut (CPDC), Karen Flammia (Housing Authority -'to Jo ), Mary Ellen. Stolecki. (Recreation Committee), Clayton es n (Historical Commission) and,CamMe Anthony (BOS). Tom Ryan, Mark Wetzel, Israel MaAM, Karen Flammia, Mary Ellen Stolecki.and Clanton Jones received.five votes each, Camille.Anthony received four votes,and Bill Brown received three votes and all were appointed Discussion/Action Items ARC of Eastern Middlesex Presentation—Joanne Simons, Executive Director of ARC of Eastern Middlesex(formally EMARC)was present. Ms. Simons.noted that they provide services and support to people and families with disabilities. They just received a two year certification with distinction, and they have over 100 employees. She also noted that the Town's money is incredibly well spent. They also have a merging art program. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that people can help by providing business opportunities for them. Review Housing Planned Production Program — CPDC — Town Planner Chris Reilly, CPDC Chairman John Sasso and George Katsoufis were present. Chris Reilly noted that the goals that CPDC identified should have been reviewed with the Selectmen. They are not getting much public feedback and need the Selectmen's leadership. He also noted that Reading has yet to achieve the 10% affordable housing. The Housing Plan provides a plan on how to obtain that. The State uses decennial U.S. Census and the next one is in 2010, and that is when we will be given a new bar. Mr. Katsoufis noted that the higher density housing generally has fewer children. The household age and size is leading to slightly declining enrollment in schools. He also noted that the end result is that we need to create an additional 66 units of affordable housing each year. Mr. Katsoufis noted that the next steps are to give a short report to Town Meeting, have Selectmen approve the plan in January, have a Special Town Meeting in February, submit the plan to DHCD in March, and get approval from DHCD in April. He also noted that the Housing Plan can benefit from the Community Preservation Act. Zoning amendments will be for accessory apartments,PRD cluster zoning and Johnson Woods. Mt. Sasso noted that some housing units will come off of our rolls in a couple of years. The Town needs to work harder on accessory apartments. The Community Preservation Act is an important cornerstone of the housing plan. He also noted that they need technical help with 40R and 40S. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 24,2006-Page 4 Selectman Richard Schubert noted that a chart showing what's most effective would be helpful. Mr. Sasso noted that he has a list and matrix. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that the liaison (Ben Tafoya) prioritize and list what the Selectmen need,to do. Hearing—Modified Water Rates—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Public Works Director Ted McIntire, WSSWAC Members Steve Crook, Steve Oston and Mike McIntyre were present. Ted McIntire noted that the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Advisory Committee met on October 11, 2006 and voted 4-0-0 for $6.49 per hundred cubic feet, and to use $300,000 from water reserves. He also noted that every gallon of water is billed for on whatever the MWRA rate is. He noted that there is additional work at the Water Treatment Plant that needs to be done. The Assistant Town Manager noted that there are large drivers of the water rate increase. The supplemental MWRA Summer water, water main work scheduled next Summer, the Water Treatment Plant costs and in the Summer of 2008, the full buy-in to the MWRA. He also noted that the Finance Committee reviewed this and they felt more reserves should be used in FY07. They reorganized the use of reserves to 500-300-100 equal to a water rate of$6.25. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked why the WSSWAC recommended 300-300-300. Steve Oston indicated because there are many unknown risks. They do not want to deplete the reserve fund, so they recommend only using$300,000 the first year. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the water main work would come out of reserve funds, and the Assistant Town Manager noted that typically it could come out of capital. The Town Manager noted that $1.5 million in the water reserves is a lot. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the more reserves that we use only defers the increase in inflation. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he had concerns regarding the demolition of the Water Treatment Plant. Mike McIntyre noted that the demolition of facilities will have extraordinary expenses and the Town needs to plan for that. George Hines noted that he was present as a tax payer.. He feels that the process was handled badly. People are complaining about their taxes, and now an increase in water rates well beyond what we were told. He suggested considering tiered water rates, or perhaps a delay in the demolition of the Water Treatment Plant. Alex McRae noted that other increases were voluntary. This is involuntary and the Board should look at,other options. A water debt tax shift would allow the Town to shift the debt portion of the water and sewer bill to the tax rate, and that would lighten the burden on tax payers. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 24,2006_Page 5 The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen could have the WSSWAC look at shifting the debt and tiered rates. Andy Murphy noted that he was disappointed in the process. He also noted that people won't respond until they see the numbers, and then the phones will start ringing. He suggested the Board look at alternatives and also suggested bringing this issue of MWRA back to Town Meeting. It was noted that Town Meeting has already made their decision, and that decision needs to be backed. George Hines suggested doing monthly billing. The Town Manager noted that a remote reader is needed to do monthly billing and that will take a couple of years, and would also add the cost of mailing. Schubert moved and Goldy seconded to approve a water rate of $6.25 per one.hundred cubic feet effective with the December 10, 2006 billing a minimum of $12.50 and to use $500,000 from the Water Reserve Fund,subject to appropriation of the water,reserves by Town Meeting A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to amend the main motion with a water rate of$6.36.and a minimum billing of$12.72 and to use $400,000 in reserves was approved by a vote of 3-2-0 The main motion, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-1-0,with Goldy opposed. Update on. Water Conservation Program and Results — This was rescheduled for the next meeting. Review Town Meeting Warrant — The Assistant Town Manager reviewed Article 5 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. He noted that the first four are all offsets for moving the Town Clerk to the Finance Department Budget. Line C12 in the amount of$18,500 is due to a retirement in the Town Clerk's Office. This amount includes sick leave buyback and increasing the Assistant Town Clerk to full time. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked why the $20,000 for the pay and class study couldn't wait until FY08, and the Town Manager noted that if it is in the FY08 Budget, then it will extend the study,one more year. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed capital. He noted that if 5.25% is used for capital, we will have a $900,000 deficit. The Finance Committee will be discussing this tomorrow. He also noted that the Finance Committee is interested in doing some capital but are not sure how much. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the budget amendments without.the pay and class study and to draw the line at $300,500 for capital was approved,by a vote of 44-0. (Selectman Richard Schubert had left the meeting). Review Timeline and Process—Addison Wesley—The Town Manager noted that the purpose of the process is to develop a community consensus on appropriate use and zoning of the Addison- Wesley property. He also noted that professional expertise will be needed. The Town Manager noted that the Civic Engagement Process involves more of the community than a charette. Board of Selectmen Meeting=October 24,2006=Page.6 The Town Manager suggested holding a Special Town Meeting on either March 19th, 22nd or 30th with the Warrant closing January 30th or February 6th. There was discussion among the Board regarding the timeline for a Special Town Meeting. The Town Manager will report back with a cost for each scenario and a time frame. Selectman Richard Schubert left the meeting at 11:15 p.m. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of September 26, 2006 was approved.by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of October 3, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4�0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to approve.the Minutes of October 10, 2006 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1,with Anthony abstaining. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meeting of October.24, 2006 at 11:40 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, S retary