Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-07-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting July 26, 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 Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Ben Nichols, Deanna Sequeira, Gina Snyder, Bob Cummings, Ronald D'Addario, Dave Talbot, Jean Thompson,Kelly Malin, Officer Dave Stamatis. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the CPDC Meeting last night, and mixed use zoning in Downtown was being discussed. He also noted that CPDC wants to work closely with the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen need to take action on parking in the area, both short term and long term. The Town Manager noted that the key is the mechanism for mixed use which could include eminent domain if needed, acquire land for additional parking and capital for a parking garage. This will be put on the Selectmen's August 9, 2005 Agenda. Selectman Tafoya also noted that interviews for the Town Accountant have been completed. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she and George Hines, with the Town Manager, chose 10 candidates for the Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director position for the Town Manager and Richard Foley to interview. The committee will then interview the finalists. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that he attended a meeting of the Reading Municipal Light Board, and Vinnie Cameron was re-appointed as General Manager for another year. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: o Chili's liquor license—Change in Officer/Director needs approval of the Board. A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy to approve the change in Officer/Director for the all alcoholic restaurant liquor license for Brinker Massachusetts Corporation d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar pursuant to direction from the Alcoholic Beveralzes Control Commission was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. ♦ The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to have an extra meeting on Monday, August 8"', to interview candidates for the Town Accountant position, and also to meet with the Emerson Road and Dividence Road neighborhood. Does the Board want to start early—maybe with a short break for a meal? Like perhaps 6:00 p.m. There is an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Harrison Swyter on August 28th—is any member of the Board of Selectmen available to attend and present the Certificate of Appreciation? Selectman Joseph Duffy will attend. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 26, 2005—Page 2 ♦ The Library was closed today because of a lack of air conditioning. The Facilities Department is trying their best to get the necessary parts, and get them installed as soon as I possible. ♦ A Special Act has been filed by Governor Mitt Romney for the Interbasin Transfer so that Reading may buy MWRA water. e Attached are notes from the recent meeting I had with the John Street neighborhood regarding improvements (the entire area from Salem to the RR, from Main to Wakefield were invited). We are planning on going ahead with implementing the consensus, and this will involve curb and sidewalk construction, as well as traffic regulations that will be on a future Board of Selectmen's Agenda for a hearing(probably September 10th). There is correspondence in your packet of note as follows: • Correspondence from Johnson Woods re: Affordable Housing(g) • Mystic Valley Elder Services re: "Mayors for Meals"(h) • Representative Brad Jones re: Special Act for entry into the MWRA(c) Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificates of Appreciation — Retiring Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service — Bob Cummings and Ben Nichols were present to receive their Certificates of Appreciation. A motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Robert S. Cummings' 27 years of service on the Commissioner of Trust Funds was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Beniamin E. Nichols' 39 years of service on the Land Bank Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Duffv seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for William F. Crowley's 10 years of service on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Susan Giacalone's six years of service on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Nurse Advocacy Committee —The Town Manager noted that Lyn Whyte will be the Housing Authority representative on this committee. Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Ad Hoc Task Force to evaluate the need for a nurse advocacy program for frail elders: Lyn Whyte. Ms. Whyte received five votes and was appointed. Climate Change Task Force — The Board interviewed Ronald D'Addario and Gina Snyder for positions on the Climate Change Task Force. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 26, 2005—Page 3 Duffy moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for three positions on the Ad Hoc Committee to Evaluate Participation in the "Cities for Climate Protection" Program with terms expiring November 30, 2005: Ronald D'Addario, Gina Snyder and Stephen Goldy. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Amend Policy— Nurse Advocacy Committee — The Town Manager noted that we are having a hard time filling the positions. He recommends reducing the number of members from nine to seven by eliminating one resident position and the representative of the Hospital Trust Fund. Hearing;—Heavy Vehicle Exclusions—Linden Street and Bancroft Avenue—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the residents had concerns that the Downtown improvements may cause more trucks onto their streets. The Town applied to Mass. Highway for a Heavy Vehicle Exclusion. Mass. Highway approves a Heavy Vehicle Exclusion on Linden Street but not Bancroft Avenue. Mass. Highway suggests a nighttime exclusion for Bancroft Avenue. The Town Manager's recommendation is for all of Linden Street and 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. exclusion for Bancroft Avenue. Dave Talbot of 75 Linden Street noted that he is grateful that the Town is doing this. He also noted that the problem began when High Street was closed to trucks and the West Street exclusion has made it worse. Selectman Joseph Duffy asked if the trucks are avoiding the lights on Main Street, and the Town Manager noted that these trucks are doing business in Reading, not just cutting through. A Bancroft Avenue resident noted that the trucks are ruining the street and the High School kids speed down Bancroft Avenue. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested that the Town Manager should notify the Chief of Police regarding the High School traffic. Jean Thompson of 48 Linden Street noted that the traffic has increased dramatically on Linden Street. Kelly Malin of 77 Bancroft Avenue indicated that she knows when the High School kids are getting out of school. She asked if a four way stop sign could be installed. The Town Manager noted that he will go back to Mass. Highway for the approval of the hours on Bancroft Avenue. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing for the Heavy Vehicle Exclusions on Linden Street and Bancroft Avenue was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Heavy Vehicle Exclusion for Linden Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 26, 2005—Page 4 A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the. night-time Heavy Vehicle Exclusion on Bancroft Avenue from Woburn Street to Lowell Street between the hours of 9:00 p.m.to 7:00 a.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Joint Discussion with Zoning Board of Appeals — The Town Manager noted that nobody from the ZBA was present because they did not receive notice of the meeting. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that .this was on the Agenda because Debby McCulley requested reimbursement for her appeal to the ZBA. The Town Manager noted that the issue is how understandable the instructions were. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if there should be a separate process for existing conditions and asked how often this happened. The Town Manager noted that a person gets to the ZBA by appealing the Building Inspector and it is the same process for violations. He also noted that the notice is required by law and cannot be changed. The Town Manager noted that when a complaint is made, we have to investigate and determine if there is a violation. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there was any way to simplify the process. The Town Manager noted that the ZBA does not have any other process legally. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked who determines if something is "applicable" in this case. He noted that there is a difference between building something and if something already exists. The Town Manager indicated that staff informs the applicant of what is needed. He also noted that when it is an issue of the location of a structure, a certified plot plan is needed. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert suggested a decision tree or user friendly guide with definitions. He suggested finding out if other communities have guides. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that the form had a lot of verbiage and needs to be refined. She suggested highlighting action items with symbols. Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the complaint notification process. The Town Manager noted that a letter is first sent indicating that there appears to be a violation and requests that the property owner see the Building Inspector within 14 days. If the property owner does not respond, then they get a ticket. If they don't pay the ticket, then they receive a notice from the Town Clerk. Selectman James Bonazoli suggested adding to the notice a check box for people to indicate they want to appeal. The Town Manager noted that the intent is to let people know they have a violation—a ticket is not the first part of the process. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 26, 2005—Page 5 Selectman James Bonazoli asked if the burden can be put on the complaintant. The Town Manager indicated that it could not, and noted that most violations get taken care of,before getting to this stage. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if there was any way to describe "grandfathering," and the Town Manager noted that is where the ZBA comes in. The Town Manager indicated that he would check with Town Counsel regarding the law and variances. Review of Reading Police Department "Most Wanted" Website — Police Chief James Cormier and Police Officer Dave Stamatis were present. The Town Manager noted that Chief Cormier suggested this website, and they checked with Town Counsel on the legality. Chief Cormier noted that Officer Stamatis has worked hard on the website. Most bigger cities have a most wanted site and he would like to add one to ours. Mug shots can be used on the website and as warrants are recalled, the picture and info will be removed right away. Officer Stamatis noted that he takes a lot of pride on the website. He indicated that this will give residents a sense of participation and will be another median of communication. He also noted that the court issues warrants and asks the Police to serve them. The people posted on the website will be a resident who committed a crime in Reading. It would be for more serious crimes that would require five or more years in prison and also controlled substance violations. The website will be maintained and updated daily by himself or someone on the Technology Division. Selectman Joseph Duffy asked how many outstanding warrants there are in Reading, and Chief Cormier indicated approximately 70-100,but only the most recent will be put on the website. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how the website will be advertised, and Chief Cormier indicated in public displays, Selectmen's meetings, etc. Vice Chairman Schubert noted that he needs to be aware of community feedback and make adjustments as necessary. He also asked if there are security systems in place, and Officer Stamatis noted that the Town server is protected. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if a warrant is issued if that means a person has been convicted of a crime at this time. Chief Cormier indicated not necessarily but there is at least probable cause. Selectman Tafoya asked if a distinction will be noted on the website, and Chief Cormier indicated that could be done. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked how many will be posted at one time, and Chief Cormier noted that approximately six will be posted. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that it should be clarified on the website as to what a resident should or shouldn't do if they have seen one of the criminals who are posted. Review of Proposed Land Acquisition—Kieran Road—The Town Manager noted that this is 10 acres of privately owned land. The owners are interested in selling to the Town. Grants are not available at this time. The Town Manager indicated that he has talked with the Town Forest Board of Selectmen Meeting=July 26, 2005—Page 6 Committee and Conservation Commission and they are both interested. This land abuts other town owned land. He doesn't know the cost yet but it could be approximately $100,000- $200,000. Selectman Joseph Duffy asked if the owners have indicated what they want, and the Town Manager indicated that they have not. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert indicated that he feels this is worth pursuing. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the Town had adopted the Community Preservation Act, would this have paid for it. The Town Manager indicated that it would have. Selectman James Bonazoli asked why we would want to take this off the tax rolls, and the Town Manager indicated that it is not a big loss of money. He also noted that this property would add value to the community with trails and passive recreation. The consensus of the Board was to move forward. The Town Manager will get for the Board of Selectmen the amount of taxes being paid on the property. Schedule Board of Selectmen Retreat—August 16 or August 30? —The consensus of the Board is to have their Retreat on August 16, 2005. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of June 7, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Bonazoli abstaininiz. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of June 13, 2005, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of June 14, 2005, as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of June 23, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Tafoya abstaining. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of June 28, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to adiourn the meeting of July 26, 2005 at 1.0:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted,