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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 22, 2005 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 Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Janice Jones, Donnan Barnes, John and Ben Ward, Charleen Smotiycz, Scott and Sheila Tully, Lauren Cadagan, Maria Higgins, Bob Lynch, Jim Queeney,. Sandra Fay, Jen Laconti, Jim Steenbruggen, Ellen Emmons, Susan Young, Kristine Shiverick, Charlotte.Harland,,Gloria Hulse, Ron D'Addario, Gina Snyder, Fire Fighter Bob Beck, Phil Rushworth. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he would like legal counsel at the December 6th meeting regarding the traffic study. He would also like a briefing on the process, what responsibility the Board of Selectmen have, and the role of the other Boards. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert agreed, and Chairman Camille Anthony suggested a site visit. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked about a follow up meeting regarding substance abuse. The Town Manager noted that he met with Camille Anthony, Pat Schettini and Rick Schubert last week, and he will get an outline to the Selectmen next week. The Town Manager indicated that a facilitator is needed for the event. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that the RMLD is selling certificates for the Good Neighbor Fund and that makes a good gift. He also noted that the RMLD is transferring$1,700,000 in operating cash to the fuel reserve to help offset the costs this Winter. Chairman Camille Anthony announced that the next Selectmen's office hours will be December 6th at 6:30 p.m. She asked if any staff were going to the VHB Seminar. She noted that Readingopoly was on sale. She suggested that the Board write a letter to theTown Town Moderator regarding behavior at Town Meeting. The consensus of the Board was to draft a letter for the Town Moderator. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ He attended the Chamber of Commerce Event - Keith Hurley was named Police Officer of the Year and Sean Devlin was named Fire Fighter of the Year. Art Triglione from the Mission of Deeds was named Citizen of the Year. o The Adopt-A-Family Program took place today and 55 families were helped. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 22, 2005 -Page 2 ♦ The Action Status Report is not updated for tonight because of the amount of time being spent on Verizon. ♦ The Compost Center closes December 1st. ♦ The Financial Forum is scheduled for December 7th. ♦ Shop the Block is on December 1st. ♦ , The Town is receiving a grant for$16,000 for land acquisition. ♦ Mr. Nelson passed away and his children want to sell a portion of his land (wetland) to the Town. ♦ He attended the Wood End PTO meeting last week. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution—Participation in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign—A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the Resolution for participation in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Audit Committee — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she knows both candidates so there was no need to bring them back for second interviews. Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the-following names into nomination for one position on the Audit Committee with a term expiring June 30,'2006: Stephen Herrick and Robert Prince. Mr. Herrick received three votes and Mr. Prince received two and Mr. Herrick was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Toys for Tots Presentation—Fire Fighter Bob Beck was present and reviewed the Toys for Tots Program. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the Marines use volunteers, and Bob Beck indicated that they do, and they are also looking for a new location. Phil Rushworth asked what ages to buy for, and Bob Beck indicated that they need infants and older children toys. Review Action Status Report—.This will be taken up at a later meeting. Continued Hearing — 4 Way Stop — Mt. Vernon and Bancroft, and No Parking east side of Bancroft from Mt. Vernon to Woburn—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the intent is to make a four way stop and no parking on the east side of Bancroft Avenue. Donnan Barnes of 11 Bancroft Avenue noted that she was in favor of a four way stop and no parking on the east side of Bancroft. She also noted that if a four way stop is not approved, perhaps a three way stop that would stop traffic southbound at Bancroft because it is difficult to get traction in the snow going northbound. Jim Queeney of 28 Mt. Vernon Street indicated that he lives at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Bancroft Avenue. He noted that traffic has increased on Bancroft since Chute Street was made one way. He feels that no parking is good and only a two way stop is needed. A four way stop Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 22, 2005 —Page 3 would add pollution and noise. He indicated that Chute Street needs to become a two way street again. Sandra Fay of 33 Mt. Vernon Street noted that she is in favor of a four way stop, and she would like to see the "No Parking to Corner" enforced. She also noted that there has been an increase in traffic since Chute Street was made one way. Janice Jones of 22 Mt.Vernon Street noted that she is in favor of no parking. The four way stop would slow people down going south but would be a problem going north in the Winter. She also noted that the no parking within 20 feet of a corner is being ignored. She suggested that curbing would be nice. Jen Laconti noted that she is not in favor of a four way stop, and asked if the Parking Officer has been in the neighborhood. The Town Manager noted that the no parking here to corner will be enforced and signs put up. Mr. Queeney indicated that he does not want a sign put *in front of his house. The Town Manager indicated that it would be put on the utility pole. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the .Selectmen need to deal with parking issues in the Downtown area. They need to look at the traffic pattern for the entire area. Chairman Camille Anthony suggested looking at the truck routes and do a whole evaluation. Janice Jones noted that the flashing light has slowed down traffic at High Street and Middlesex Avenue. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on parking regulations on Mt.Vernon and Bancroft Avenue was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding stop on Mt. Vernon eastbound and westbound at Bancroft Avenue was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: No parking, standing or stopping on the east side of Bancroft' Avenue from Mt. Vernon to Woburn was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing_—Stop Intersection—Louanis at Avalon and Avalon NB at Louanis—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen had previously discussed this matter, and indicated an interested in holding a hearing. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 22, 2005—Page 4 Charleen Smartridge of 51 Avalon Road noted that the people in the neighborhood know what is needed. She indicated that a stop sign is a pause for thought, and there is a need to preserve the safety in the neighborhood. Scott Tully of 52 Avalon Road noted that the map is misleading. With the revitalization of the Woburn Mall and now Archstone, the Selectmen need to look at the big picture. He also noted that people are looking for short cuts from Wilmington. A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on a stop intersection on Louanis at Avalon and Avalon northbound at Louanis was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: Stop on Louanis eastbound at Avalon and stop on Avalon northbound at Louanis was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — No Parking north side of Edgemont Road between Stewart and West Streets, and/or One Wa o� n Edgemont Road southbound from Stewart to West Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that neighbors have had accidents - it is difficult with parking on both sides, and there is not enough onsite parking for staff at the school. He also noted that there is an e-mail from Police Chief Jim Cormier who suggests making it a one way with parking on both sides. There is an e-mail from resident Susan Larosa who does not want one way. The cause of the issue is width of the street. Jim Steenbruggen of 29 Edgemont Avenue noted that there is no place to park on the street. People park in front of his driveway. He feels one way seven days per week is useless because there is no traffic on the weekends. He suggested putting in diagonal parking and noted that people park in front of his house until 9:00 p.m. Salem State College uses the school at night. Employee parking is a problem. Teachers park in the back 30 spaces, and people drop off their children anywhere. Ellen Emmons noted that cars will park on Stewart Road if displaced off of Edgemont Avenue. She suggested making more parking onsite. Susan Young of 4 Edgemont Avenue noted that she had concerns about making it one way seven days per week. She has a great deal of trouble getting out of her driveway with parking on both sides. Crosswalks are being parked on. She suggested doing lined parking spaces and enforce how far people park from the curb. Kristine Shiverick of 18 Shelby Drive noted that she got into an accident on Edgemont Avenue because there was not enough room to get by. Bob Lynch of 24 Shelby Road suggested making the left hand side No Parking 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. He indicated that staff could park on Shelby Road,just put a pathway in. He is not in favor of one way. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 22, 2005—Page 5 Charlotte Harland noted that two cars cannot pass on Edgemont Avenue with parking on both sides. The consensus of the Board was to work with the School Department regarding parking. A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on amending the traffic regulations on Edgemont Avenue was approv6d by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: No parking south side of Edgemont Avenue between Stewart and West Streets was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Heavy Vehicle Exclusion on "Original" Sanborn Lane — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Sanborn Lane from Lilah to Roma is narrow and not built to Town standard. The plan is to exclude anything over 2�/Z tons. He met with Sidney Chabane and Gloria Hulse and came to a concensus. The hearing notice was sent out to many people. Gloria Hulse handed a petition to the Selectmen asking for heavy vehicle exclusion. They want "No through Trucking" sign instead of heavy vehicle exclusion. She indicated that the trucks are deteriorating their road. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on a heavy vehicle exclusion on "Original" Sanborn Lane was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding to Appendix A-16: "Heavy and Commercial Vehicles Excluded:" "Original" Sanborn Lane from Lilah Lane to Roma Lane by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing—Parking Regulations on cul-de-sac—No parking, stopping, standing from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday—Friday, Roma Lane and Sunset Rock Lane—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this will just extend the parking regulations down the whole street. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: No parking, stopping; standing from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday—Friday on the entire cul-de-sac on Roma Lane; and no parking, stopping, standing from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday—Friday on the entire cul-de-sac on Sunset Rock Lane was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Establish Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Change Protection —The Secretary read the hearing notice. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 22, 2005 —Page 6 The Town Manager noted that this will be a five member advisory committee who will advise on policy and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. Ron D'Addario noted that the policy is very good. He also noted that Reading is borderline in some areas for wind generation and solar power. Gina Snyder asked if there will be liaison type positions, and the Town Manager indicated that there would not. Ron D'Addario indicated that he would like to have someone from the Light Department. Perhaps the Light Department will help fund. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing establishing the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Change Protection was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to approve the policy establishing the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Change Protection, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Liquor License Renewals — The Town Manager noted there has been a change in the process. The Fire Department and Building Inspector are required to inspect all liquor establishments, and the Board of Selectmen must sign a form indicating that this has been done. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for: ® Reading Overseas Veterans,Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street ♦ Meadow Brook Golf Corp. "/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street ® Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street o Reading Veterans' Association,Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62, 37 Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2006 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor.Licenses for: ♦ Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street o Athens Liquors; Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 1.1 High Street ♦ Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag,Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors, 1349 Main Street ♦ Ramos, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street o Atlantic Food Mart,Inc. d/b/a Atlantic Food Mart, 30 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2006 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 22, 2005 —Page_7 A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Mandarin Reading,Inc.d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street ♦ Mecom,Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri,355 Main Street o Harrow's Poultry Products,Inc. d/b/a/Harrow's, 126 Main Street ♦ Emperor's Choice Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street o CAC Foods,Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street ♦ Brinker Massachusetts Corp. d/b/a Chili's Grill&Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive ® Brinker Massachusetts Corp. d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive for a term expiring December 31, 2006 subject to the following conditions: .All Bylaws, Rules and'Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the Wine and Malt Liquor Licenses for: ® Savory Tastes Inc. d/b/a Savory Tastes Cafe, 601 Main Street o Colombo's Pizza & Cafe, 2 Brande Court for a term expiring December 31, 2006 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Town Manager's Evaluation — The Town Manager suggested that the Selectmen set up a committee to set up a system and do his evaluation by the end of the year. Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectman James Bonazoli volunteered to serve on the committee. The Town Manager suggested distributing the form on December 20, 2005 and have them back by January 10,2006. Approval of Minutes A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of October 18, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of October 25, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova to approve the Executive Session Minutes of October 25, 2005 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—November 22, 2005—Paize 8 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting of November 22, 2005 at 10:20 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, .� 2✓ Citi" � .9y,etary