HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-06-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
June 28, 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 Richard Schubert, Vice Chairman
Camille Anthony, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya,.
Town Counsel Joan Langsam, Public Works Director Ted McIntire,. Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Don Young, Beth Klepeis, Douglas
Bruce, Jack Downing, Patrick Fennelly, Mike deBrigard, Richard Moore, Gail Wood, David
Tuttle, Anne Marie Bourque, Donald Green, Kathleen Golini, Julie Callahan, Bill Brown, Ann
Ward, Ken Young, Rachel and Ben Walden, Will Finch.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for
the purpose of discussion of strategy with respect to litigation; discussion of strategy with
respect to the purchase or sale of real estate; and approval of Minutes to come back into
Open Session at approximately 7:45 p.m. On a roll call vote, all five members voted in the
affirmative and the motion was carried.
The Board of Selectmen returned from Executive Session at 7:45 p.m.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli noted that in light of
the recent tragedies involving young people in fatal auto accidents in neighboring communities,
he hopes that families will take a lead in talking with their young drivers and encourage them to
slow down, abide by the law, and develop good positive driving experience.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the I-954-93 State Task Force continues to work.
During the Summer, some of the subcommittees will be doing work. She also reported on the
Walkers Brook Crossing Meeting that took place last week.
Chairman Richard Schubert wanted to acknowledge the Council on the Use and Misuse of Drugs
and Alcohol on their efforts. He referenced some of the correspondence in the Selectmen's
packet. He noted that he received the material for the Town Counsel review, and asked the
Town Manager to distribute copies of the form to other members of the Board of Selectmen. He
also noted that we have received a request to comment on the proposed closure of the Otis Air
Force and would bring it up later in the meeting. He commented on the Walkers Brook Crossing
public meeting regarding lighting, and suggested a meeting with the property owner and
developer. Selectman James Bonazoli and Vice Chairman Camille Anthony will represent the
Board in that meeting.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 28, 2005—Page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
A Special Act has been filed by Governor Romney for the Interbasin Transfer so that
Reading may buy MWRA water.
♦ The Board of Selectmen held a meeting on Walkers Brook Crossing last week, and I will be
writing up the notes from that meeting. The intent is that a couple of members of the Board
of Selectmen will meet with the developer and/or the occupants of the businesses to try to
secure some additional improvements at the site.
♦ The Selectmen's Forum on 6/21/05 was very successful. I will have some written synopsis,
for the Board shortly.
The Reading Friends and Family Day last Saturday was a big success. A number of residents
stopped by the Board of Selectmen's booth—and there were many and unanimous comments
in support of the Downtown improvements, and all are looking forward to construction.
♦ 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.
o The M.F. Charles building has been sold, and we are working to make contact with the new
owners to learn of their plans for the property.
♦ The train horns have ceased sounding at Ash Street in Reading. We need to work diligently
on improvements.to this grade crossing.
® There is correspondence in your packet of note as follows:
• Letter from Representative Brad Jones re: Sidewalks on Franklin Street
• Letter from Senator Edward Kennedy in support of the Town's COPS in Schools
application
• Various e-mails about street conditions—Park Avenue, Warren Avenue, Libby Avenue
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation — Don Young — Don Young was present to receive the Proclamation and
appreciated the recognition by the community. He noted that he always loved working in the
Town of Reading.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a
Proclamation honoring Don Young's achievements as a photojournalist by a vote of 5-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Board of Selectmen Reorganization — This part of the meeting was turned. over to the Town
Manager to conduct. He asked for nominations for the position of Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen.
Schubert moved to nominate Camille Anthony as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for
a term expiring June 30, 2006, or at such other time that the Board of Selectmen may
reorganize. Ben Tafova seconded the motion. On motion by Schubert seconded by Tafova,
the nominations for Chairman were closed by a vote of 5-0-0. Camille Anthonv was elected
Chairman by a vote of 4-0-1,with Anthony abstaining.
The Town Manager turned the meeting over to Chairman Camille Anthony. She thanked Rick
Schubert for his good work and guidance as Chairman during the past year.,
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 28, 2005 —Page_3
Bonazoli moved to nominate Richard Schubert as Vice Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen with a term expiring June 30, 2006, or at such other time that the Board of
Selectmen may reorganize. Joseph Duffy seconded the motion. On motion by Tafoya
seconded by Bonazoli, the nominations for Vice Chairman of the Board were closed by a
vote of 5-0-0. Richard Schubert was elected Vice Chairman by a vote of 5-0-0.
Schubert moved to nominate Joseph Duffy as Secretary of the Board of Selectmen for a
term expiring June 30, 2006 or such other time that the Board of Selectmen may
reorganize. Ben Tafoya seconded the motion. On motion by Tafoya seconded Bonazoli,
the nominations for Secretary of the Board were closed by a vote of 5-0-0. Joseph Duffy
was elected by a vote of 4-0-1,with Duffy abstaining.
Commissioners of Trust Funds — The Board interviewed Beth Klepeis for a position on the
Commissioners of Trust Funds. .
On motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy, the Board appointed Beth Klepeis to a position
on the Commissioners of Trust Funds with a term expiring June 30,2008 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Cemetery Trustees — The Board interviewed Douglas Bruce. Incumbents Janet
Baronian and Ronald O'Connell were interested in being re-appointed.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Duffy, the Board appointed Janet Baronian and
Ronald O'Connell to the Board of Cemetery Trustees with terms expiring June 30, 2008 by
a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli, the Board appointed Douglas A. Bruce to a
position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees with a term expiring June 30, 2007 by a vote of
5-0-0.
Recreation Committee — The Board interviewed Jack Downing and Patrick Fennelly for
positions on the Recreation Committee.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert, the Board appointed Jack Downing and
Patrick Fennelly to positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30,
2008 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert, the Board appointed Kate Kaminer to a
position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007 by a vote of
5-0-0.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert, the Board appointed Michael DiPetro and
Chris Campbell to Associate positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring
June 30, 2006 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Town Forest Committee — The Board interviewed Mike deBrigard fora position on the Town
Forest Committee.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 28, 2005—Page 4
On motion by Duffy seconded by Tafova, the Board appointed Louis deBrigard to a
position on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30,2008 by a vote of
5-0-0.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert, the Board appointed Thomas W. Connery and
Alice C. Grau to Associate positions on the Town Forest Committee with terms expirinji
June 30, 2006 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee (WSSWMAC) — The Board
interviewed Richard Moore and Gail Wood for positions on the WSSWMAC. David Tuttle was
present and was previously interviewed, and he is interested in becoming an Associate member
on the Conservation Commission.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert, the Board appointed Richard Moore to a
position on the WSSWMAC with a term expiring June 30, 2008 by a vote of 5-0-0.
There is still one available vacant position and one candidate to be interviewed.
On motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli, the Board appointed Gail Wood to a position on
the WSSWMAC as an Associate with a term expiring June 30, 2006 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Ad Hoc Nurse Advocacy Committee- The Board reviewed the Ad Hoc Task Force to Evaluate
the Need for a Nurse Advocacy Program for Frail Elders. Anne Marie Bourque applied for i
resident position and was interviewed. The Board made the following appointments:
I
On motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy, James Bonazoli (BOS Representative), Robert
LeLacheur (Finance Committee Representative), Carol Paterson (Council on AR1n2
Representative) and Anne Marie Bourque (resident) were appointed to terms on the Ad
Hoc Task Force to Evaluate the Need for a Nurse Advocacy Program for Frail Elders with
terms expiring November 30, 2005 by a vote of 5-0-0. There are five additional positions
available,and the committee cannot be set up until at least a quorum is appointed.
Health Insurance Task Force - Donald M. Green and Kathleen Golini were interviewed for the
Ad Hoc Health Insurance Task Force. Already appointed were Carl McFadden from the School
Committee, Chuck Robinson from the Finance Committee and Pat Iapicca from the Insurance
Advisory Committee. The Board was concerned because there were two good candidates for
one resident position. To address this, on motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy, the Board
voted to amend the policy establishing an Ad Hoc Health Insurance Task Force to provide
for two resident members and a total committee size of six. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova, the Board appointed Ben Tafova (BOS
Representative), Dr. Donald M. Green and Kathleen Golini to positions on the Ad Hoc
Health Insurance Task Force with terms expiring December 31, 2005 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 28, 2005—Page 5
Discussion/Action Items
Hearing—Chute Street One Way—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager presented the proposal which was to make Chute Street one way southbound
from Mt. Vernon Street to Woburn Street.
Julie Callahan of 49 Chute Street spoke in favor of the proposal.
Bill Brown also spoke in favor--he used to live on Chute Street.
Ann Ward of 14 Bancroft Avenue was not in favor or opposed but she would like to see a
comprehensive study of the neighborhood.
Selectman Joseph Duffy felt that it should be made one way.
Ken Young of 48 Mount Vernon Street is not in favor or against the proposal but he would like
to see more Police presence in the area. After that, if the street needs to be one way, then that
would be fine and it might be the right thing to do.
Selectman James Bonazoli noted that residents in the High School area had also requested some
improvements before the High School project is completed.
.Rachel Walden and her son Ben Walden spoke in favor of a one way street.
Don Young of 50 Chute Street spoke. He noted that there are 11 children on the block, and he
would like to see more Police presence. Something should be done.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that a broader study of the area should be done so the
changes don't create more issues for other areas. He also supported additional Police presence.
He preferred to see a study done before the street is made one way. He asked about the width of
the street and parking. The Town Manager noted that if we are going to have a comprehensive
study done, we need to budget for that. There is no intent to change the parking regulations on
the street.
Chairman Camille Anthony noted that perhaps we should continue the hearing and do a site visit
to the area.
Selectman James Bonazoli noted that we should not have "analysis paralysis." If we don't like
the affect of it,we can always change it.
Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he would err on the side of caution and take a closer look.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert, the Board voted to close the hearing on
Chute Street becoming one way by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 28, 2005—Page 6
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert, the Board voted to approve an amendment
to the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding to Appendix A-17 "one
way streets" the following: Chute Street southerly from Mt. Vernon Street to Woburn
Street by a vote of 5-0-0.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert also asked for follow up in three areas:
1. That we take a look at an overall study of the area.
2. That we do a site walk in the Fall when school is back in session.
3. The Police Department be requested to do selective enforcement on that part of Chute
Street.
4. That we check to make sure there are street signs on both ends of Chute Street.
Hearing— Water Conservation Plan —The hearing on the Water Conservation Plan was opened.
The Town Manager reviewed the policy and how it compared with the existing policy and the
Water Resources Commission approval. Present also to discuss the issue were Public Works
Director Ted McIntire and members of the WSSWMAC.
In response to a question, Ted McIntire noted that the pilot program for "weather station" types
of irrigation systems is moving forward. There were approximately 10 residents who had
applied to participate in the program. There were a total of 15 positions available. Selectman
Ben Tafoya noted that he was happy that the Town had the ability within the policy to respond to
issues even before specific trigger points have been.reached. Will Finch agreed.
Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the history of the second water meters and why we don't
provide them. Ted McIntire, the Town Manager and Camille Anthony gave him the history of
second water meters in the community.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya, the Board voted to close the hearing on an
amendment to Section 4.9 of the Board of Selectmen's Policies establishing a Water
Conservation Program. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya, the Board approved Section 4.9 on the Water
Conservation Program revised 6/28/05 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve.the
Minutes of May 31, 2005, as amended, by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board discussed the issue of the proposed closing of the Otis Air Force Base. Following
much discussion, on motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya, the Board of Selectmen voted
to support the further study of Otis Air Force Base and the potential of safety that such an
action would have by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager will work with Vice Chairman Rick
Schubert to write the appropriate response.
Board of Selectmen Meetings June 28, 2005—Page7
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how we could memorialize the policy on the Morton
Field fence. The Town Manager asked for the opportunity to consider what the options might be
other than an official Town policy.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the
meeting of June 28,2005 at 10:25 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board wished the community a
very happy 4 of July.
Respectfully submitted,
r
Secretary -�
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