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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 23, 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 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Stephen Goldy,, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Business Administrator John Sousa, Elder Services Administrator Dawn Folopoulos, Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Meghan Young-Tafoya, Bill Brown, Pat and Mike Iapicca, Steve Phillips, Paula Kopel,Ann Marie Bourque. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Rgports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he will be attending the MAPC Meeting tomorrow, and he will support the Mayor of Woburn for a seat on the Board. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the cemeteries are set for Memorial Day. He also noted that the Addison-Wesley Working Group is meeting tomorrow night, and he hopes to get the developer back involved in the meetings. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he stopped by the Police Station for their Open House. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he spent the last 2V7 weeks in Russia — his sister adopted a girl. He thanked his neighbors and friends who helped bail out his basement during the flood while he was away. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • FEMA response to storm and flooding. • Bylaw on solicitors is in the hands of the AG—they have 90 days to review it before it becomes effective. • Town has received payment for the initial cost of Summer Avenue from the State - $850,000. We are working on getting supplemental funding through Representative Brad Jones' Office. • We have passed papers on the two lot Habitat for Humanity development on Governors Drive. We will keep you posted on the progress of these two homes. If you want to volunteer to assist Habitat for Humanity,you may do so online at www.lowellhabitat.or • The Elder/Human Services Division's Volunteer Reception is on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. The reception is sponsored by the Reading Firefighters' Association. Board of Selectmen Meeting—MU MU 23, 2006—Page 2 • We are meeting Friday morning with the group of business people on the Parking Regulations. e Route 12849 Meeting—June 7th. 0 Ipswich River Clean-up—June 3rd(pending water level drops) -flyer attached. The Town Manager noted that the Recreation Committee 'wants to assign fields for Sunday mornings. The Board of Selectmen approved practices only. If the Board has any concerns about this, they should let him know. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the abutters will be notified, and the Town Manager noted that they will. Proclamations/Certificateg.of Appreciation Proclamation—Boy Scouts 904 Anniversary—Pat Iapicca, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 702, Steve Phillips, Mike lapicca and other Boy Scouts were present. They presented the Board of Selectmen with a 90'h Anniversary neckerchief. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoll to approve the Proclamation for the Boy Scouts Troop 702's 90' Anniversary was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Economic Development,Committee— Selectman Ben Tafoya.recused himself from the meeting. The Board interviewed Meghan Young-Tafoya for one position on the Economic Development Committee. Goldy moved and Bonazoll seconded to place the following name into nomination for on*e. position on the Economic Development Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Mewhan Young-Tafoya. Mrs. Tafoya received four votes and was appointed. Selectman Ben Tafoya rejoined the meeting. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Water and Sewer Rates — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Business Administrator John Sousa were present. The Town Manager noted that the rates are for water use starting now and then billed in September. Ted McIntire noted that the recommendation is based on the budget approved at Town Meeting. The Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee met last week. They are recommending seasonal rates for water. He also noted that the Water Conservation Program has been successful. He reviewed the sewer rates,reserve funds and seasonal rates for water. The Town Manager noted that the rates are based on MWRA's most recent estimates. The sewer costs of the MNVRA should come in lower than projected. The MWRA votes their budget at the end of June. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 23,2006—Page 3 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the consumption is flat but there is an increase in costs. He asked if that is for MWRA bonding. The Assistant Town Manager noted that this is not the full impact for the first year. None of the MWRA or Water Treatment Plant costs are included in these rates. The capital is projected very low but the debt is high. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on the water and sewer rates for FY 2007 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova to set the Summer water rate effective with the September 10,2006 billing at$5.69 per 100 cubic feet with a miniunum billing of$11.38 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to set the Winter water rate effective with the March 10, 2007 billing at $5.45 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum bill of $10.90 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to set the sewer rate effective with the September 10, 2006 billing at $6.06 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum billing of$12.12 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—IncreasingPermit Fees—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that we will be funding the Permits Coordinator's position by increasing fees. The Community Development fees last year were $504,000, and we need to raise approximately$11,000 to fund this position. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen are responsible for building permit fees. The ZBA and Conservation Commission adopt their own fees. The increase in the building permits is $1.00 per$1000. The comments from the builders are that Reading's fees are low. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the goal is to enhance services. The Town Manager indicated that we will also purchase software. He noted that with the demolition delay, the West Street Historic District, etc., the whole process is getting more complex. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he thought we would just buy the software and staff would handle it. The Town Manager noted that we don't have the staff capability. Senior staff is spending a lot of time at the counter when they could be working on the Master Plan implementation, etc. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that a lot of the applicants who came before the Conservation Commission were frustrated over the process. This is a very important position. A motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on increasing the permit fees was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting=May 23,2006—Page 4 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to increase the following permit fees as listed effective July 1, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0: BUILDING PERMIT FEES Residential New Construction (including additions and swimming pools) $11 per$1,000 of value of construction (Minimum$85 Fee) Re-roofing, siding,porch, deck, sheds,interior alterations $11 per$1,000 of value of construction (Minimum$30 Fee) Commercial New Construction (including additions and interior alterations) $12 per$1,000 of value of construction (Minimum$175 Fee) Re-roofing, siding $11 per$1,000 of value of construction (Minimum$30 Fee) Demolition $30 plus$6 per$1,000 total value of demolition cost Permit Renewal. $30 per year Residential $55 per year Commercial Certificate of Occupancy $55 ($30 for open decks&above-ground pools) Signs $12 per$1,000 total value of construction (Minimum$110 Fee) ELECTRICAL PERMIT FEES Residential New House $ 225.00 Additions/Renovations: first 1 - 10 outlets 7.00 Each additional outlet 1.00 Fixed appliances 11.00 Service Change or alteration 30.00 Sub panels, each 30.00 Commercial New Condos or Apartments per unit $ 225.00 Additions/Renovations: First 1 — 10 outlets 30.00 Each additional outlet 6.00 Fixed appliances 22.00 Service change or alterations: 1 Phase $ 55.00 3 Phase 110.00 Sub panels 30.00 Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 23,2006-Page 5 Miscellaneous Burglar Alarms-residential or commercial $ 55.00 Fire Alarm Systems-residential/commercial 55.00 Central AC-residential 55.00 Central AC-commercial 85.00 Swimming Pools(in ground) 110.00 Swimming Pools(above ground) 55.00 Hot Tubs 30.00 Temporary service 55.00 Special Equipment(well pumps,heaters, etc.) 22.00 Pre-securing service/vinyl siding 22.00 All Signs 55.00 General Fees Re-inspection fee $ 30.00 Late filing fee (per five working days) double initial fee Lost Permit 30.00 PLUMBING AND GAS PERMIT FEES Residential New and Domestic Replacement(3 units or less) Plumbing Up to three fixtures $ 22.00 Each additional fixture 6.00 Piping(Gas also) ILOO Sewer Connection 55.00 Back Flow 30.00 Residential boiler or heater 30.00 oil/25.00 gas Residential electric hot water heater 11.00 New or replace oil,hot water/tankless (plumbing only) 25.00 New House Minimum fee 110.00 Commercial or For one fixture $ 55.00 Multiple Family Each additional fixture 6.00 Plumbing Piping-(Gas also) 11.00 Sewer Connection 55.00 Back Flow 30.00 Commercial electric water heater 55.00 Residential Gas New and Domestic Replacement (3 units or less) Up to three fixtures $ 22.00 Each additional fixture 6.00 New or replace gas hot water(gas and plumb. permit) 22.00 Residential propane pool heater 22.00 New House Minimum fee 00.00 Commercial Gas For one fixture $ 55.00 Each additional fixture 6.00 Commercial water heater replacement(gas &plumbing) 70.00 Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 23, 2006—Page 6 Propane Tanks#100 or smaller Domestic $ 22.00+ 5.00 per tank Commercial 55.00+5.00 per tank General Fees Re-inspection charge $ 30.00 Late filing fee(per five working days) double initial fee Lost Permit 30.00 OTHER BUILDING DIVISION FEES - Certificates of Inspection $45.00 Occupancy Permit—minor $30.00 Occupancy Permit—major $55.00 Review Policy for "Advertising" on the Common—The Town Manager noted that he discussed the policy with the Historical Commission. They would prefer to have the signs located anywhere Downtown except on the Common. The signs will be for Reading based non-profit organizations. There will be no commercial advertising or logos. The size will be 2.50' x 3.50', and the size of the letters will be a 2" minimum and will be professionally designed. The signs will be inserts. The time restriction will be no signs two weeks before the Election, otherwise the duration will be two weeks. The Town will be able to use the sign to advertise water restrictions, Compost Center hours but the primary purpose is for non-profits. There will be one sign on Main Street and one on Lowell. A permit will be required. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that we will probably need to define non-profits. The Town Manager noted that this is not for making a statement—it is for advertising events. Selectman James Bonazoli asked about sponsorship. The Town Manager noted that there are other ways for sponsors to advertise. The Board of Selectmen had indicated previously that there be no logos but it is okay for the sponsors. Selectman Stephen Goldy and Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that they agree with no sponsored by and no logos. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he feels if a company is sponsoring,then we should help them. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there are other ways to advertise; i.e., cable TV, newspapers, at events, etc. It is not appropriate to use the Common for showing sponsorship or logos—it is not a billboard. The Town Manager noted that this has only been a problem with one company. The Town Manager noted that he intends to install the signs on the Common. When the Downtown project is done, then he will look at other locations. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 23, 2006—Page 7 Policy on the Land Bank Committee—The Town Manager noted that the Land Bank Committee was established by the Town in 1966 but there was.no charge to the committee. He is suggesting a five member committee including people who have experience with land records, experience with legal proceedings involving land transactions, knowledge of the community, experience with information technology and its uses in records management, and knowledge of and experience with local government in Massachusetts. The charge of the committee will be to catalog and maintain information for all Town owned land and easements, research on property that the Town may want to purchase, and he will add perambulation of the Town boundaries to the charge. Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested keeping this as a three member committee instead of five. Report — Nurse Advocacy Task Force — Elder Services Administrator Dawn Folopoulos, Task Force Members Paula Kopel, Ann Marie Bourque and Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte were present. Ann Marie Bourque noted that the Task Force did a survey. There were 202 responses — 71% were over 75 years of age and 58% lived alone. The survey showed that the coordination of health services and understanding doctors explanations and medications is needed, and 81% would take advantage of the Nurse Advocate. She also noted that the Task Force was split on funding between free or sliding fee. The Task Force is asking for an extension of time to work out the issue of funding. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that Winchester and Andover have a Nurse Advocate. He also noted that the Task Force will meet with the Hospital Trust Fund Commissioners. The Town Manager asked if other agencies provide this service, and Selectman Bonazoli noted that they do not at the level of tracking and ongoing support that is needed. Paula Kopel noted that Reading Response provides funding for lifeline and health aides. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked if the Winchester and Andover Nurse Advocates'were Town staff. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that Winchester is staffed and Andover is contracted. The Town Manager noted that community acceptance of Town staff is strong. Selectman Bonazoli noted that there is also a group who fear the Town. Paula Kopel agreed with Selectman Bonazoli, and noted that there are ways to work around that. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted this would be an expenditure of tax payer money, and there would have to be a good reason why we are not using Town staff. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that this should be open to all seniors and not limited to income. The Town Manager noted that there needs to be a definition of needy. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to extend the term of the ad hoe Nurse Advocacy Task Force until December 31, 2006 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 23,2006—Page 8 Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldv seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of April 24, 2006, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. f A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting of May 23, 2006 at 9:15 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, icreoz'1111 )/