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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 15,2005 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 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Richard Schubert, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Joseph Duffy and George Hines, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Diana LaVancher, Bill Brown, Janice Wilson, Attorney Chris Coleman, Attorney Brad Latham, Attorney Mark Favaloro, Rob Coruff, Mike Casteboy, Charles Ham, Tony Darezzo, Doug Neary, George Danis. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman George Hines noted that he met with Camille Anthony, Peter Hechenbleikner and representatives from Dickinson and Jordan's regarding lighting issues. He also noted that Jordan's lighting.plan was implemented a few weeks ago. There are things that they can do to correct the situation but they want assurances from neighbors that there will be no more complaints. He noted that Jordan's had agreed with the developer for a certain type of lighting but some areas are actually lit below that. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there were also comments that Home Depot could cut back on the glare. The Town Manager noted that they have committed to turn the lights off when closed and also the "up lighting" will be off when closed. The parking lot lights will be turned to security mode one hour after the last movie. They will also turn down the perimeter lights from eight to three. One hour after the store is closed, the side signs will be turned off. The eastside lights on Home Depot loading dock need to cut back on glare. Home Depot will be asked to test their generator during the day. She also noted that she attended a neighborhood meeting regarding Addison-Wesley. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that the Reading Municipal Light Board is meeting tomorrow. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended a meeting of the RCTV Board of Directors and the term "technical review" by T-TAC was discussed, and they are asking for a definition. She indicated to them that it was not hardwire technical but things such as budget, business plan, etc. She noted that they also talked about a three year capital plan. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked for a review of the timeline on RCTV at the Selectmen's next meeting. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he attended a meeting of the Human Relations Advisory Committee where the guest speaker was from METCO. He also noted that RCTV taped the program and encouraged residents to watch. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15,2005 —Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Nomination papers are in. + The Town Planner suggested a joint zoning workshop on Pearson with CPDC. + The Town Manager noted that the Board of Registrars, Conservation Commission, Board of Cemetery Trustees, Human Relations Advisory Committee and the Finance Committee have vacancies. ♦ The Wood End Working Group met on Friday. Joseph Duffy is the Selectman repre- sentative. Pat Schettini is looking at increasing the parking onsite. + The Historical District Bylaw was approved. We need to post and set up the committee. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation —Red Cross Month — Janice Wilson from the Red Cross was present to receive the Proclamation. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve the Proclamation declaring March as Red Cross Month was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Master Plan Advisory Committee — The Town Manager noted that the Recreation Committee is recommending Frank Driscoll for the Master Plan Advisory Committee. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to appoint Frank Driscoll as the Recreation Committee's representative on the Ad Hoe Master Plan Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Liquor License Transfer—North Side Liquors—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is a transfer of an existing license to a new owner. The Police, Fire, Health and Zoning have all reviewed and everything is fine. Attorney Chris Coleman was present representing Arvind Patel. He noted that Mr. Patel is the President of the company and will act as Manager. His wife will also work there. There will be no change in hours of operation or floor plan. They have prior experience working with liquor and have worked for several hours with the current owner Joanne Roy. The Town Manager asked if the license was pledged, and Mr. Patel indicated that it was not. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the hearing for the liquor license transfer for North Side Liquors was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve the transfer of the All Alcoholic Package Store License from Northside Liquors, Inc. to Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag, Inc., 1349 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2005 subiect to the following Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2005 —Page 3 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. Review Walgreen's Proposal — The Town Manager noted that the applicant proposes redeveloping the property at the corner of Pleasant and Hamden Streets. They have gone through extensive hearings with CPDC and he has met with the developer. There are operational issues that will require changes to current parking and traffic rules. They are requesting eight spaces for long-term rental — these are four tandem spaces that they will rent out in pairs for employee parking.. They are requesting no overnight parking in the Hamden lot, and they want to change the two hour parking to 30 minutes. Attorney Brad Latham, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Rob Coruff, Mike Casteboy and Charles Ham from VHB were present. Attorney Latham noted that they had four sessions With Town staff and have met with the Historical Commission. He also noted that the entrance to the parking lot is restrictive, and they propose to connect a two way entrance onto Pleasant Street. They will have two handicap spaces and six spaces for Walgreen's. They are requesting 30 minute parking because there are all fast enter and exit facilities in that area. Mike Casteboy noted that the goal was to provide a building that would fit in on Main Street. He also noted that the brick material will match the brick on Latham's building. Attorney Latham noted that they are requesting no overnight parking because it could affect Walgreen's parking. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen made representation to the neighbors that they could park there. She also noted that Reading is dead at 11:00 p.m., and there shouldn't be any problem with finding a parking space. She noted that the Downtown plan is trying to make this area more shopper friendly and 30 minutes will not be enough time. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that he needs at least 45 minutes. Selectman George Hines asked who maintains the parking lot, and the Town Manager noted that the Town does. Chairman Richard Schubert asked about snow storage, and Joe Delaney noted that it will have to be removed from the lot. Chairman Schubert also asked if the pedestrian access is being preserved, and Mike Casteboy noted that Danvers Savings Bank will agree to remove the fence. Selectman Gail Wood had concerns about the two way exit and entrance on Pleasant Street and the possible stacking of cars on Pleasant Street. The Town Manager noted that if the lot is going to operate as a municipal lot, then the Town should take care of it. Selectman George Hines noted that maintenance could be negotiated but that doesn't mean it will go through. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15,2005 —Page 4 Hines moved and Anthony seconded to approve the revisions to the layout of the Harnden Yard parking lot as approved by the Community Planning and Development Commission and as detailed in plans presented entitled "Walgreen's Pharmacy Landscaping and I Signage Plan" by Fuss and O'Neill dated 10-1-04, revised 1-13-05 and all other elements of the Walgreen's plan as approved by the CPDC; and that the Board of Selectmen directs Town Counsel to work with the applicant to draft all necessary deeds and easements to implement the plan as presented. That the Board of Selectmen direct the Town Manager to negotiate with Walgreen's to maintain the parking lot. All costs of Town Counsel's work is to.be reimbursed to the Town by the applicant. The Board further agrees that it will review the parking regulations for the Harnden Yard Parking lot. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to amend the main motion by taking out the sentence to negotiate maintenance was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hines and Wood opposed. The main motion was approved, as amended, by a vote of 5-0-0. Final Review of Danis Intersection Improvements —The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen approved the concept plan on December 14, 2004 with the condition that the final plans come back to the Board for final approval. He also noted that the applicant has worked with staff and resolved the issues of access with the abutter, Boston Stove. A signal will be installed and trucks will be directed to use Goodall Sanford Road. Attorney Mark Favaloro noted that the plan does present what the Board of Selectmen wanted. Town Engineer Joe Delaney indicated that he is satisfied with the plan and will work through the details as the project moves forward. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested working to get more access/egress. George Danis indicated that he is working with the neighbors. The Town Manager noted that the developer is required to contribute $100,000 for mitigation. Tony Darezzo of 130 John Street noted that the peer review indicates that a signal is not warranted. He also noted that a rumble strip is not conducive to a residential neighborhood. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that stamped concrete was discussed previously. Doug Neary had concerns that he would hear the noise from the "rumble strip" in his house. Selectman Gail Wood noted that this concept is now being used in driveways in "high end" homes. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to grant final approval of the design of the intersection of General Way (a private roadway), and Walkers Brook Drive/Village Street, as detailed in the "Concept Improvement Plan, Walkers Brook Drive/General Avenue Intersection, Reading Massachusetts", by TEPP LLC dated 10/25/2004, revised through 2/10/2005. The Board finds that this plan is in conformance with the Board of Selectmen approval of December 14, 2004. All conditions of the December 14, 2004 approval shall remain in full force and effect, and the approval is subject to whatever site plan conservation, or other permits may need to be modified in order to implement this plan Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2005—Page 5 This approval is enforceable in the same manner as any other, element of the Site Plan approval, through the zoning enforcement process, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Preview Annual Town Meeting; Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the Articles for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. He noted that regarding the Article for cordials being added to the Beer and Wine Licenses, the list of cordials is put out by the distributors and there are about 200 of them. There is also the question of whether or not to tack it onto the Beer and Wine License. Regarding the Article to allow Beer and Wine Package Store Licenses -- if the voters approve, then it is done. The Article on funding Elder/Human Services for nurse advocacy is requested by Community Parish Nursing. State law does not allow the Town to fund CPN so CPN will ask that money be added to the budget and use it for aging in place. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Article for approving a Storm Water Management Enterprise Fund is too big of an issue to not be prepared, and she suggested putting this on the November Warrant. Selectman George Hines suggested having a ban on additional certifications of vernol pools. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested talking with the Conservation Commission. Approve Flexible Benefit Change in Calendar—The Town Manager noted that this is a program for employees to set aside pretax money for medical expenses and daycare. This needs to be on a calendar year basis, and there is no cost to the Town. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to. approve the change in the Flexible Benefits Plan Schedule, currently March 1, 2005 to February 28, 2006, to a new schedule beginning March 1, 2005 and ending December 31, 2005; following that 10 month "year," the flexible benefits schedule will be on a January 1 to December 31 schedule, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of January 11, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of January 25, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of January 29, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of February 1, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15,2005—Page 6 A motion by Duffy seconded by Hines to approve the Minutes of February 5, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the Executive Session Minutes of January 17, 2005 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to adiourn the meeting of February 15, 2005 at 10:45 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary