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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 12, 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 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 .Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Richard Schubert, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony,Selectmen James Bonazoli,Joseph Duffy and Ben Tafoya, Police Sergeant (Chief Designee) Jim Cormier, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Acting Town Manager Beth Klepeis, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Dispatchers Vicki Avery and John Rawcliffe, Benjamin Ream, Attorney Bill Crowley, Frank and Sylvana Colombo. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony welcomed James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya to the Board. She noted that the 128/I93 project is moving forward and getting more focused, and this is a good time for people to get involved. She also noted that the Town should look at applying for the Community that Cares grant. She noted that the Board needs to address the request for a stop sign at Curtis and George Streets. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that regarding the 128/193 Task Force, the issue of minimizing land takings is the main priority. He also noted that this is a good time for residents to get involved, and he referred them to the website for more information. He noted that Gail Wood suggested requesting Town Meeting to bring canned goods for the Food Pantry. Public Comment — Gail Wood noted that the water issues that were on the agenda for tonight have been moved to next week and she cannot be there. She also noted that she attended the Water Resource Commission Meeting on Friday with Peter and she feels that the Town needs to set a date for a ruling, and the Town should get out of it if we don't get what we are requesting. She noted that the Town has spent $200,000 over the past five years on this application, and she feels that it is the right thing to do for the river but the Town can't keep putting in time and money and gain nothing. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that this is a huge decision and the Ipswich River Watershed Association wants us to reduce outside watering. She is not ready to call it quits with the MWRA, and noted that the Town did a very detailed study and water is a finite resource. Selectmen Ben Tafoya and James Bonazoli requested as much information as possible on this issue to bring them up date. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony requested information on the conservation plan and visuals for next week's meeting. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2005—Page 2 Proclamation/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Telecommunications Week — Police Sergeant (Chief Designee) Jim Cormier, Fire Chief Greg Bums, Dispatchers Vicki Avery and John Rawcliffe were present. Sgt. Cormier recognized the Dispatchers as being a small but critical division of public safety. He noted that they interact with ambulance, DPW, Light Department, Medflight, Police and Fire. They received 18,000 calls last year and 400 of those were motor vehicle accidents. Fire Chief Greg Bums thanked the Dispatchers for their hard work. He noted that it is a difficult job that requires a rare mix of skills to get information, medical history, give medical direction while remaining patient and polite. The job also requires hours that are long and difficult. Resident Benjamin Ream noted that the Dispatchers do a great job and need to get out to the schools and do some community interaction. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the new Dispatcher units were in use yet, and Sgt. Cormier indicated that they will be soon. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he had a house guest last July who got sick and he had to call 911. He congratulated them on the great job they did. He also noted that not all telephone services offer 911 such as the intemet products, and residents should be aware of that. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested putting information on the community Bulletin Board. A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to proclaim April 10-16, 2005 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Swear in New Selectmen — The Town Clerk swore in new Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya. Reorganization— Elect New Secretary— Chairman Richard Schubert noted that Gail Wood was previously the Secretary but no longer serving, so a new Secretary needed to be elected. Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the followinjz name into nomination for Secretary with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Joseph Duffy. Selectman Duffy received five votes and was appointed Secretary. Liaison Assignments — Chairman Richard Schubert suggested that the Board members bring back their preferences next week and make assignments then. Hearing—Beer and Wine Liquor License—Colombo's Pizza and Cafe—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Attorney Bill Crowley and owners Frank Colombo and his wife Silvana were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 12, 2005 —Page 3 Attorney Bill Crowley noted that the restaurant has been open.since November 2003. Patrons are asking for beer and wine. Acting Town Manager Beth Klepeis noted that there are five beer and wine licenses available to the Town and only one is being used now. This restaurant has 40 seats so it is only eligible for a beer and wine license. The Police Department and Health Division have no objection to issuance of a license. The total.number of seats, location of storage of stock, and location of service of liquor need to be indicated on the plan. Attorney Crowley indicated that there is space in the toilet area for the storage of liquor, and the service bar will be next to the cash register. Chairman Richard Schubert asked how access is gained to the storage area and if it is locked. Attorney Crowley noted that they have to go through the back entrance and the area is locked and secured. Chairman Schubert noted that a new plan needs to be submitted showing the number of seats, location of the storage area, and location of the service bar. Attorney Crowley noted that the counter with the pizza warmer will be refinished to accommodate the service bar. Beth Klepeis noted that there is also the issue of liquor outside the building. Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the applicant had any interest or intent to serve liquor outside. Attorney Crowley indicated that they intend to put tables outside in the court area. Frank Colombo noted that he has been advised by the Board of Health not to serve outside. Customers can purchase their food and take it outside to eat. Attorney Crowley noted that if a customer orders alcohol, they will be told they cannot go outside -- they have to be seated inside in order to be served. He also noted that they can post signs indicating only food and soft drinks are allowed outside. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked how this will.be policed. Attorney Crowley noted that customers will be notified and signs will be posted. The restaurant is small enough to police and it has glass on all sides to see what is going on outside. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if beer and wine will only be distributed to wait staff, and Attorney Crowley indicated that was correct. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked about TIPS training and if there will always be someone over the age of 18 working. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the applicant needs to indicate on the application that he is a registered voter in Reading. Attorney Crowley noted that Frank Colombo and his sister own the building, but just Mr. Colombo owns the restaurant. Board of Selectmen Meeting=April 12, 2005—Page 4 Selectman James Bonazoli asked if the storage for the liquor is part of the restaurant premises or the building premises. Mr. Colombo indicated that it is part of the building premises. Benjamin Ream of 972 Main Street noted that Lexington allows wine to be served outside. He also noted that it is wonderful to dine outside with a glass of wine. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that there has to be balance in the control of alcohol. On motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy, the Board voted to close the hearing on an application for a Beer and Wine Liquor License for Colombo's Pizza & Cafe at 2 Brande Court by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the application for a Beer and Wine Liquor License for Colombo's Pizza & Cafe at 2 Brande Court subject to the following conditions: No beer or wine service or consumption outside the building; an updated floor plan shoving the number of seating, location of storage and location of service bar must be submitted; that signs be posted inside indicating no.liquor service or consumption outside the building; and the applicant shall comply with all bylaws, rules and regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Conservation Restrictions — 72 Van Norden Road - Beth Klepeis noted that the older house was torn down and the new house was built. There is a lot of conservation land behind the house, and the owners are in agreement with the restrictions. Chairman Richard Schubert noted as far as the impact on the value of property and reduced income tax, the wetland is low in value so there is not much savings on the taxes. A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Grant of Conservation Restriction for Dennis P. Hughes and Carol A. Hughes at 72 Van.Norden Road the area shown as "Proposed Conservation Restriction Area" on portions of Lot 3A on a plan of land entitled "Plan of Land Showing Conservation Restriction Area in Reading, MA," prepared by Paul I DeSimone, Registered Land Surveyor#30466, dated December 2, 2004, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Update of Water Issues—Rescheduled for next week. Designation of Memorial DaySpeakers- Chairman Richard Schubert noted that traditionally the Chairman speaks at Laurel Hill. The following assignments were made: Laurel Hill — Richard Schubert; Forest Glen — Ben Tafoya; Charles Lawn — James Bonazoli; Wood End — Joseph Duffy. Selectman James Bonazoli indicated that he would speak at the Washington Park Opening Day on April 23, 2005. The Board agreed to meet with CPDC in a joint zoning workshop on May 9, 2005 at the Police Station Community Room. Board of Selectmen Meeting=April 12, 2005 —Page 5 Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to approve the minutes of March 22, 2005, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion .by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to approve the minutes of March 29, 2005, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion_by Anthony seconded by Duffy to adiourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, %i.l .�!� �1 s vim. ecre'ary Lf