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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 18, 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 Camille Anthony,Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Civil Engineer Peter " Reinhart, Town. Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Scott Fillmore, Bill Brown, Paul Dynan, Stephen Hagan, Adele Blunt,Robert Smith, Stephen Crook, Don and Florence Wood, Julianne McKenny, Donnan Barnes, Dick Howard., Julie Thurlow, Chris and Cathy Vaccaro, Janice Jones, John Sasso, Jim Queeney, Rich Schaffer, Jonathan Barnes, Brant Ballantyne. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Stephen Goldy requested to meet with Police Chief Jim Cormier and Fire Chief Greg Burns re: liaison assignments. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Recreation Committee has vacancies. They have also put in a request for use of Memorial Park. The Town Manager noted that is on the April 25, 2006 Agenda. Selectman Bonazoli also noted that the Addison-Wesley Working Group is meeting this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Police Station Community Room. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this meeting will be without the developer, and there is no intention for public input. Selectman James Bonazoli asked what was the goal of the working group. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested talking about the criteria for evaluating the proposal. CPDC Member Dick Howard noted that the main issue is the amount of retail space. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the traffic is unacceptable, seven lanes is not what we want, a buffer to the neighborhood is needed, and issues of lighting and loading zones need to be addressed. She also noted that the assessed valuation also needs to be known. She would like the working group to come back with a plan that alleviates these problems. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that we received the consultant's report on the Jordan's lighting and they are not in violation of the code. There are still two lights that need adjusting. The Town Manager noted that he received an e-mail from the developer who is meeting with Jordan's tomorrow to address the lights. He also noted that the lighting as it exists now on the side of the building meets code—Jordan's did remove and adjust lights. Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the issue of Election ballots being e-mailed to residents and asked if this was under investigation. The Town Manager noted that the issue was raised by Board of Selectmen Meeting=April-April 18,2006-Page 2 a resident who questioned whether it was legal to e-mail the ballot. The Police and Town Clerk researched this. The Town Clerk found out it is illegal to reproduce a ballot, The Police stated that it is not illegal because the entire ballot was not reproduced, and there was no effect on the outcome of the Election. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there is a vacancy on the Conservation Commission. She would also like an update on the search for Memorial Park heirs before Town Meeting. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there are billboards at the Depot. The Assistant Town Manager noted that $50,000 has been taken out of the FY 2007 Budget and moved to FY 2006 for the Verizon equipment needed for the Wide Area Network. The rubbish bids came in $100,000 less so the Finance Committee directed him to reduce the amount of free cash being used to $400K instead of$500K. Also, the Finance Committee will call a meeting in June to discuss the budget process. Public Comment - Bill Brown noted that seven Articles on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant have not been voted on by the Bylaw Committee so Town Meeting cannot act on them. The same situation exists with the Finance Committee. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that this has been occurring for years and we need to deal with the issues. The Town Manager noted that he will ask Town Counsel to rule. Town Counsel has ruled in the past that "action pending" is a report. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • The TASC building in Reading has been sold to Nordic Properties. Staff met with them today and they are.looking forward to working with us to maximize the use of the property here in Reading. • Reading has received a grant for retro, fit kits for four RMLD vehicles -under the Cities for Climate Protection Program. • We have received a complaint about e-mailing Election ballots-this matter has been tamed over to the Reading Police Department- there does appear to have been a violation of law according to the State Elections Division. • I have had designed a pair of sign-boards for the Common,each of which will take three two- sided announcements for community events. We have a sponsor for one - the Reading Garden Club and are working on co-sponsors for the other. These will take the place of the sandwich-board signs used by volunteer groups to announce their events, and will provide us with the ability to neatly display announcements for up to six events at a time. I have reviewed these signs with the Historical Commission, and they are going to get back to me within three weeks with any comments. I anticipate having at least the first of these installed by mid-Summer. • Jordan's lighting code report is enclosed in the Board of Selectmen's packet for your review. In addition, lighting changes have taken place in the parking lot by placement of"shoebox" fixtures in some key locations. I examined the lighting last evening and it seems much better. I will ask abutters for their comments. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18, 2006—Page 3 • Rubbish bids have come in very well — the low bidder on a five year contract is approximately$110,000 less than in the proposed FY 2007 Budget. It is my intent to award the bid within the next several days. • House budget has approximately $200,000 less in it than the Governor's proposed budget. We do not recommend any change to the Town budget at this time — there is a lot of negotiations to take place before a final number is derived. • The completion of Summer Avenue and Willow Street will be done this Spring— tree lawns will be seeded after the last threat of frost— after Patriots Day. Shade trees will be planted this Spring. • Public Construction: Water and Sewer: ♦ Franklin Street ♦ Sewer Inflow/Infiltration ♦ Auburn Street water line ♦ High Street waterline ♦ Trench patching on West from Wescroft to County Streets and Roads: ♦ Arcadia, Edgmont ♦ Deering,Middlesex ♦ Green Street—Main to High ♦ Harriman ♦ Bancroft—Hartshorn to Morton Field ♦ Cumberland ♦ Hillcrest ♦ Maple Ridge ♦ Juniper Circle ♦ Cape Cod Avenue, Bancroft(Lowell to Middlesex) ♦ Longwood Road ♦ Locust Street ♦ California ♦ West Street—Willow to Wilmington line Curb and Sidewalk: ♦ Franklin Street—Fox Run Lane to William ♦ Minot at Main ♦ Library exit driveway ♦ Birch Meadow Drive at John Carver— eliminate cul-de-sac ♦ West Street—Longwood to Enos ♦ John Street—Salem to Walkers Brook Drive • Ipswich River Clean-up—announcement is in your packet. • Applicants are needed for the Town's newly formed Economic Development Committee — there is one applicant for five positions. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Appreciation — Samuel J. HornBoy Scout Troop 704 — A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Eagle Scout Samuel J. Horn was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectman Stephen Goldy will attend the Court of Honor. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Adams Way Street Acceptance — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Civil Engineer Peter Reinhart from the Engineering Division was present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18, 2006—Page 4 The Town Manager noted that this is a two lot cul-de-sac formerly known as Fanta Road. The Town took the developers bond to finish the work. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there is a memo from the Conservation Commission that there are items not done. Peter Reinhart noted that we still need the engineer certificates and the Deed change from Fanta Road'to Adams Way. We need the stamped plan and certification that the basin is correct. He also noted that the Town can move forward. All of the physical work is done. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the detention basin, if not.correct, is a big deal. She feels that the work should be done before it comes before the Board for acceptance. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen have 90-120 days to sign off on the plans. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the language in the Deed is up to the homeowners, and Peter Reinhart indicated that it is. One is done and the other homeowner is working on it. Chairman Camille Anthony suggested that if the items are not resolved by Monday to send a letter to the homeowners. A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on Adams Way Street acceptance was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova to approve the following street to be laid out as a public way: Adams Way(formerly Fanta Road) was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Sanborn Street — Reading Co-Op Bank Proposal— The Town Manager noted that there was a house fire at 16 Sanborn Street. The Board had previously considered rezoning this property for commercial use but the neighborhood had concerns and the Article was tabled. Reading Co-Op has since purchased the property,hopefully, for employee parking. Julie Thurlow from the Reading Co-Op Bank noted that the proposal is for a private parking lot for employees. They currently rent space from the Knights of Columbus, the Police parking lot and the Senior Center parking lot. They are constantly seeking parking and are running out of parking for customers. She also noted that the bank has been Downtown since 1886 and they want to stay there. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how many spots they are planning on, and Ms. Thurlow indicated 31 spots, and they are planning on adding trees and landscaping. Vice Chairman Schubert also asked if there could be public parking after hours, and Ms. Thurlow noted that they plan on a keyed entry but could consider that. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what kind of zoning change is needed, and the Town Manager noted that we would need to extend the commercial use to that lot. Scott Fillmore of 25 Linden Street noted that he is the abutter behind the property and asked about lighting and landscaping. Ms. Thurlow noted that the topographical map is being worked on. They are open until 7:00 p.m. and are looking at putting a retaining wall in the back. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18,2006—Page 5 Cathy Vaccaro of 57 Woburn Street had concerns that the next property that burns will be changed to commercial zoning and there will be no buffer. She was upset that the residents were not notified of tonight's meeting. Stephen Hagan of 68 Woburn Street noted that he is adamantly opposed to the zoning change. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if he was opposed to the parking lot or the change in zoning, and Mr. Hagan noted that he is opposed to the change in zoning that is encroaching on residential. Dick Howard noted that the last notice that was sent out on this zoning change was poorly written. Janice Jones of 22 Mt:Vernon Street asked about spot zoning. The Town Manager noted that this is not spot zoning,we are only extending the existing commercial zoning to that lot—we are. not creating a new zoning. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked for clarification on that. Ms. Jones asked if the professional buildings are included, and the Town Manager noted that they are not. Ms. Jones noted that a parking lot doesn't bother her but had concerns about changing zoning. John Sasso, Chairman of the CPDC, noted that this is a reaction to the lack of parking in Downtown, and businesses are being forced to do their own thing to resolve the parking problems when the Town should be solving the problem. Chris Vaccaro of 57 Woburn Street noted that when the building behind the Atlantic Mart burned,that was targeted for parking spaces. He is opposed to a parking lot on Sanborn Street. Jim Queeney of 28 Mt. Vernon Street noted that the property on Sanborn Street is a great place to build a family instead of a business. He indicated that the Selectmen should support families. Julie McKenney of 67 Woburn Street noted that there has been a big change in the neighborhood and feels that the Selectmen should think of families. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that zoning is a touch tone to people's life. The flip side is the parking. The Selectmen had heard many complaints from residents that business people park on their street, and this is a chance to alleviate that problem. He suggests a working group. Rich Schaffer of 67 Woburn Street indicated that he thought the Town already had a group looking at the Downtown parking. The Town Manager noted that the building that was there was no prize or gem to that area. He cautioned that we not strangulate Downtown, and noted that these issues are being dealt with in the Master Plan. Scott Fillmore noted that there is parking on either side of that property with the Post Office and the Medical Building. He is more concerned with the view and the noise from the drinking at the Knights of Columbus on weekends. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18,2006—Paize 6 Review of Master Plan Implementation — CPDC Chairman John Sasso and CPDC Members Dick Howard, Jonathan Barnes and Brant Ballantyne were present. John Sasso reviewed the report on the master plan implementation, and noted that there are several items that the Selectmen or their designee need to accomplish. He also noted that near the top of the list is to form a town-wide parking/traffic ad hoc advisory committee to identify parking for Downtown. Chairman Camille Anthony noted this has a due date of June 2006 so we need to act quickly. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested defining Downtown broadly to include residential areas. John Sasso indicated that the group needs to have a broader purview that would expand the scope to look at satellite lots. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the neighborhood should receive a copy of the policy, and immediate action should be taken to form a committee for Downtown. He also noted that Reading Co-Op should be included. Julie Thurlow noted that the Chamber of Commerce has a parking committee looking at this already. The Town Manager noted that he will establish a policy and put this on the May 9th Agenda, and do interviews that night if we have applicants. John Sasso noted that in addition to the town-wide transportation committee, the Board needs to establish a Housing Partnership Committee. The Economic Development Committee has already been established. There is also a need to define types of information to be communicated regarding services and facilities and how it will be communicated. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Town previously had a Housing Partnership Committee and it was dissolved due to lack of interest. He is concerned that we won't get the volunteers that are needed and staff is already spread too thin. John Sasso continued onto Article 25 regarding accessory apartments. He indicated that this will allow the Town to take advantage of accessory apartments created by a special permit to be considered an affordable housing unit. Dick Howard noted that only 10% of the housing stock can be an accessory apartment. Jonathan Barnes noted that the current bylaw limits to structures prior to August, 1982. John Sasso noted that the challenge will be how to communicate the value of this, and get people to come in and be included to get the full benefit. The Town Manager noted that confoftnance to the building code will also be a challenge and he will talk with the Building Inspector. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted 'that Barnstable offers an amnesty program to get these units documented to count towards the 10%. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18, 2006—Page.7 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if there was any requirement to keep these units as affordable, and Dick Howard noted that if it is an accessory apartment, it is affordable. Review of Planning Compliance Issues—John Sasso noted that progress has been made on this. The Building Inspector has taken an active role, and the Associate CPDC member has created a tracking sheet. The Town Manager noted that hiring a Permits Coordinator will be a big help. Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Chairman Camille Anthony suggested breaking up the reports into two nights. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the su4ject.matter of Article 4 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 6 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 7 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 9 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 10 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to support the subject matter of Article 11 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to support the subject matter of Article 12 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to support the subject matter of Article 13 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 14 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to support the subject matter of Article 15 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to support the subject matter of Article 16 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to support the subject matter of Article 17 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18,2006—Page 8 The Town Manager noted that for Article 18, we are still waiting for the appraisal, capital costs including demolition of the old hours and creating parking spaces. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if Bill Brown will be challenging this one, and the Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee voted against this Article in plenty of time. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to support the subject matter of Article 20 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 21 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. James Bonazoli asked who we are limiting doing work in Article 22, and the Town Manager noted that the contractors are being limited. A motion.by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 22 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Bonazoli opposed. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to support the subject matter of Article 23 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to support the subject matter of Article 25 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he has concerns regarding tabling Article 26, and someone coming back with a 40B. He would like Town Counsel to clarify tabling or indefinitely. postponing. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that this will confuse people and would be unfair,to start changing the plan. The Assistant Town Manager noted that a motion that is tabled is not debatable, and the Town Manager noted that he will check with Town Counsel. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to support tabling Article 26 was discussed and then withdrawn. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to support, as presented, the subject matter of Article 26 on the 2006 Annual Town Meeting Warrant failed by a vote of 0-5-0. Review Process for Water Supply Funding — The Town Manager noted that he recommends having a Special Town Meeting the week of June 12, 2006. He will check with the School Department to make sure that there are no big events going on that week. He also suggests conducting a pre-Town Meeting the week of May 22nd. He will establish a fact book and get it .to Town Meeting Members before the May 22nd Meeting. He proposes three articles -- one to appropriate funds to buy in, one to authorize debt for the remaining cost of design of a new Water Treatment Plant, and an article requesting a Special Act for the Town of Reading to be Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18, 2006—Page 9 exempt from the prohibition of giving up a local water supply. The Town Manager noted that the intent is not to vote on both. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked who will present at Town Meeting, and the Town Manager noted that the pre-Town Meeting will tell you who to have at Town Meeting. Follow-Up on CPN "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" Program — Chairman Camille Anthony -excused herself from the rest of the meeting in order to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that the ad hoc committee had already met with Winchester, and had a meeting scheduled for April 19th with Andover to review the financial aspects of a Nurse Advocacy Program. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert pointed out that CPN provided services in two different levels - neighbors and a nurse. The Town Manager stated that they did not provide the nurse component any more in their business model. The role of the nurse in hospital decisions was discussed. Selectman James Bonazoli stated that the role of the nurse was essential. The strongest results from their town-wide survey indicated a need to understand medication and symptoms - there was significantly lower interest in items as transportation for doctor visits, etc. He questioned that such a 24/7 service could be reasonably offered by Town Government. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked for clarification of State versus Town funds, and if the Town could simply `give funds' to CPN (or any organization) versus going through an RFP process. The Town Manager stated that the Town can contract for services and bid this out but cannot `award taxpayer funds' to any group regardless of its noble purpose. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked if the normal bid rules applied, and the Town Manager responded in the affirmative. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that CPN was a probable bidder for Nurse Advocacy responsibilities as of last year when Town Meeting instructed the Selectmen to study this matter. However, their new business model suggests that they will no longer be capable of participating. He mentioned that Winchester has a 21-hour/week position for a nurse for seniors who serves to co-ordinate volunteers, especially for transportation. He wondered if liability would be an issue and if the Town might instead outsource this function. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of March 28, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of April 6, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Goldy abstaining. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Executive Session Minutes of February 28, 2006 was approved on a roll call vote with Anthony, Bonazoli, Tafoya and Schubert voting in the affirmative and Goldy abstaining. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 18, 2006—Page 10 A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova to approve the Executive Session Minutes of March 21, 2006 was approved on a roll call vote with Anthony, Bonazoli, Tafova and Schubert voting in the affirmative and Goldy abstaining. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting of April 18, 2006 at 11:40 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Jcr/e,tqa�/