HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
June 14, 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 Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Fire
Chief Greg Burns, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Fire Lt. Mark Dwyer, William Carrick, David B. Tuttle, Debbie McCully,
Sally Hoyt, Corey Porter, Dick Stosez, Edwina Kasper, Domenic LaCava, Erick Carpenter, Bill
Cowie, Ronald Powell, Anne Hooker, Karyn Storti, Margaret Soli, John Weston, Gail Wood.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the
meeting with CPDC regarding Addison-Wesley. He also noted that he didn't hear any real plans
that would resolve the problem with traffic, and asked at what point do we tell them this is not a
good idea.
Chairman Richard Schubert noted that they need to go through the process. A traffic study is
needed.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that she was totally disappointed with the meeting
and felt that it was a wasted three hours of the Selectmen's time. She indicated that she wants to
see the agenda and materials before the meetings are scheduled. She noted that the proposed
developer is going to private homes to get people to work as advocates.
Public Comment — Debbie McCully noted that she received a violation for a shed on her
property. She had to apply to the ZBA for a hearing to receive a waiver. She found the process
very difficult and had to hire an attorney. She is asking that the process be made easier for
residents and is asking the Town for reimbursement of her costs that were incurred.
The Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ Former DPW Director Tony Fletcher passed away last Saturday after a bout with cancer.
Tony retired from Reading in 1992 and accomplished much in his tenure here, including the
renovation of Town Hall, the construction of the new DPW Garage, and the construction of
the new Fire Station.
o The Town has received approval for an Interbasin Transfer from the Water Resources
Commission (WRC). This approval is required in order for the Town to purchase water from
the MWRA as approved by Town Meeting in November 2003. I have asked Representatives
Brad Jones and Patrick Natale and Senator Richard Tisei to immediately file a home rule
petition to complete this approval. Once legislative approval is granted, approval from the
MWRA Board will be required.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 14, 2005—Page 2
This has been a long process — The Town was before the Water Resources Commission for
over a year. The negotiations were arduous, and the Board of Selectmen became directly
involved in much of the later negotiation.
The WRC approval:
+ The application on the part of the Town was strictly voluntary, primarily reflecting a concern
of the Town about the condition of the Ipswich River;
♦ The approval does not increase the amount of water available to the Town during
Summertime use—it only changes the source of the water;
+ The Interbasin transfer allows the Town to draw up to 219 million gallons of water per year
from the MWRA during the months of May through October when the Ipswich River is most
stressed;
+ It will limit the withdrawals from the Town's wells in the Ipswich Basin during those months
to I million gallons per day, or about 40% of current withdrawals;
+ Based on a combination of monitoring use from the MWRA and the status of the Ipswich
River flows, the Town agrees to institute additional progressively stringent water
conservation measures involving outdoor water use;
♦ Portions of the cost of the MWRA buy-in are to be funded by developers contributions, and
the remainder are funded from the Town's water rates. Developer contributions have and
will be received from Walkers Brook Crossing, Archstone Development and Johnson
Woods.
+ The Board of Selectmen is holding a meeting re: Walkers Brook Crossing lighting and site
issues as follow-up to the Winter meeting the Board had held. The date is June 23rd at 7:30
p.m. at the Senior Center
4 The "Safe Routes to School" Program is not likely to be funded. We had hoped to use this
source of funding along with Town funds for the Franklin Street area sidewalks. This
program was part of the most recent bond bill but requires funding. Representative
BradJones is looking into alternative funding for sidewalks in the Franklin Street area.
♦ Selectmen's Foram 6/21/05.
+ Reading Friends and Family Day will take place on Saturday, June 25th right outside of
Town Hall and the Upper Common. If you or your department would like to participate with
an information table or program, please contact John Feudo at Ext. 674 or email him at
jfeudo@ci.reading.ma.us. There is currently over 30 different groups and organizations
involved. It should be a fun day for all involved!
♦ The Town has been approved for 80% of the cost of a new lift-equipped Senior Van. The
remaining 20%will be paid from the Burbank Trust.
♦ Rumor is that the MF Charles building has been sold. This building is on the National
Register of Historic Places, and we look forward to working with the buyers on any plans
that they may have.
+ First opening of WBC,Phase 2 is scheduled for June 18th.
The Town Manager noted that the Department of Revenue sent correspondence asking for the
Board of Selectmen's recollection of Town Meeting action regarding the transfer of$850,000
from the School Department Budget into the Barrows and RMHS capital projects.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 14, 2005—Page 3
A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen confirms that the
Town Accountant's letter of May 27, 2005 to James R. Johnson of the MSDOR represents
the Board's understanding of the circumstances surrounding the transfer on April 28,2005
by Town Meeting of $850,000 from the School Department Budget into the Barrows and
RMHS capital proiects was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Badge Pinning— Fire Lt. Mark DwMer— Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that Mark Dwyer is a 17
year veteran of the Fire Department and reviewed his achievements. The Board congratulated
Mark Dwyer on his promotion.
Advisory Council Against the Misuse and Abuse of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs — The
Board interviewed Bill Carrick for reappointment to the Council. The Town Manager noted that
the Police Chief has designated Mike Saunders as the Police Department Representative on the
Council.
Bonazoli moved and Tafoya seconded to place the following names into nomination for
four positions on the Advisory Council Against the Misuse and Abuse of Alcohol, Tobacco
and Other Drugs with terms expiring June 30, 2008: William Carrick, Lisa DiTrapano,
Mark Staniul and Carol McFadden. Each candidate received five votes and were
appointed.
Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one position as the Police Department Representative on the Advisory Council Against the
Misuse and Abuse of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs with a term expiring June 30,
2007: Michael Saunders. Officer Saunders received five votes and was appointed.
Board of Health—Colleen Seferian was unable to be present.
Anthony moved and Duffy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Colleen Seferian. Ms.
Seferian received five votes and was re-appointed.
Constable—The Board interviewed Sally Hoyt, Corey Porter and Dick Stosez for two Constable
positions.
Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for
two positions as Constable with terms expiring June 30, 2008: Sally M. Hoyt, Corey Porter
and Richard Stosez. Mrs. Hoyt and Mr. Porter received five votes each and were
appointed.
Council on Aging—The Board interviewed Edwina Kasper for reappointment to the Council on
Aging.
Board of Selectmen Meeting;—June 14, 2005—Page 4
Tafoya moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two
positions on the Council on Aging with terms expiring June 30, 2008: Edwina Kasper and
Ruth Goldberg. Ms. Kasper and Ms. Goldberg received five votes each and were
appointed.
Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee (TTAC) — The Board
interviewed Domenic Lacava, Erick Carpenter, Bill Cowie, Ronald Powell and David Tuttle for
positions on the TTAC.
Duffy moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two
positions on the Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with
terms expiring June 30, 2008: DouLrlas Cowell, Domenic LaCava, Beniamin Ream, Erick
Carpenter and Bill Cowie. Mr. Cowell and Mr. LaCava received five votes each and were
appointed.
Duffy moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for three
Associate positions on the Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory
Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2006: Beniamin Ream, Erick Carpenter and Bill
Cowie. Each candidate received five votes and were appointed.
Cultural Council — The Board interviewed Anne Hooker and Karyn Storti for positions on the
Cultural Council.
Duffy moved and Anthony seconded to place the.following names into nomination for three
positions on the Cultural Council with terms expiring June 30, 2008: Anne Hooker, Karyn
Storti and Valerie Alagero. Each candidate received five votes and were appointed.
Bonazoli moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one.Associate position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2006: Janet
Grace Hatherly. Ms.Hatherly received five votes and was appointed.
Human Relations Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Margaret Soli for
reappointment to the Human Relations Advisory Committee.
Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30,
2008: Margaret Soli. Ms. Soli received five votes and was appointed.
Duffy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007:
James Cormier. Mr. Cormier received five votes and was appointed.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council—The Board interviewed John Weston for a position on the
MAPC.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 14, 2005—Page 5
Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for
one position on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council with a term expiring December
31, 2006: Steven Sadwick and John Weston. Mr. Sadwick received three votes and was
appointed.
Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one position on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council with a term expiring December
31, 2005: John Weston. Mr.Weston received five votes and was appointed.
Reading Access TV Board of Directors —The Board interviewed Gail Wood for reappointment
to the RCTV Board of Directors.
Anthony moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for
one position as the Selectmen's Representativeon the Reading Access TV Board of
Directors with a term expiring June 30, 2008: Gail Wood. Mrs. Wood received five votes
and was appointed.
Discussion/Action Items
Report on Tree Planting/Removal Activities for Calendar Year 2004—The Town Manager noted
that Bob Keating did a memo indicating that two out of every three trees planted are taken down.
If a tree is dead or diseased, then we take it down. If the tree is in the public right of way, then
the Town has the responsibility to maintain it.
State law does allow the Town to plant trees in the front 20 feet of a property owner's land. If
we do this, we plant and the resident maintains and removes. The Town Manager noted that tree
lawns are only three feet wide and the tree roots tend to get bound.
The Town Manager noted that we have no more elm trees in the nursery -- we just buy and plant
them. Tree City USA is based on how much money the Town spends on trees.
Discussion—Town Counsel Performance Review and Appointment—The Town Manager noted
that the Board of Selectmen appoints Town Counsel: He suggests re-appointing Brackett &
Lucas and getting the evaluation process going.
Selectman James Bonazoli volunteered as the Selectmen's Representative on this committee.
Discussion — Standards for Signs on the Common — The Town Manager.noted that a permit is
required to put a sign on the Common. Since the Board of Selectmen limited the number of
signs at one time to two, we have been turning a lot of organizations away. He would like to
limit the time allowed to one week in hopes that this will give more organizations an opportunity
to display their sign.
The consensus of the Board was they were okay with a one week limit.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 14, 2005—Page
A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to go into Executive Session for the purpose of
discussing strategy with respect to labor negotiations, not to come back into Open Session I
was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
LS�c ary
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