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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 23,2005 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, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen Ben Tafoya and James Bonazoli, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Reading Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Bob Bent, Stephanie Anderberg, David Kruh, Ruth Boyd, Stephen Crook, Dave Tuttle, Tim Kelley, John Coote, Gail and John Wood, Steve Oston, Mike McIntyre, Virginia Adams, Sharlene Reynolds. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he attended a meeting of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee. They hope to have the sites for the Water Treatment Plant validated before the walk through. He also attended a meeting of the Nurse Advocacy Committee and noted that probably only a preliminary report will be made to Town Meeting. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Town Accountant Committee will be meeting again on Thursday. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he never received a Reverse 911 call and asked if there is a report. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ New flags are needed for Downtown. We will be removing the existing flags this week and replacing them the following week. If any resident wants to make a donation to the fund to continue this display, they may drop off a check at the Town Clerk's Office made out to the Town of Reading for the Flag Display. All donations are gratefully accepted. e At the Board of Selectmen's request, I am putting a "Highlights" section on the agenda for the first Board of Selectmen meeting of the month. We will have a Department or Division of Town Government come in and do a brief presentation on the Department or Division. The purpose is to highlight what is going on in that area of Town Government and what upcoming issues may be. o The Board of Selectmen has asked that we preview future agendas, and get material to the Board longer ahead of time than the weekend before the meeting at which the issue is to be addressed. The Board has received the new Monthly Reports from Town staff. We are looking for feedback on whether these reports give you more concise information that you find helpful. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 23,2005—Page 2 e The Town is very much in need of a new CAB member to the Reading Municipal Light Department. This is a very important position which reports directly to the Board of Selectmen. If anyone is interested,please contact my office. ♦ Water restrictions are now in place. It took us a while longer to get the word out via Reverse 911 but this has been accomplished. We have been getting some feedback from residents — some supportive and some not so supportive. One resident wanted me to convey to the Board her outrage as to how this was done, and that it was done without any public input. ♦ Included in the Board of Selectmen material is a survey of other communities in the Ipswich River Basin, and the status of their water restriction. Reading's restrictions are more severe at this time than any other community other than Wilmington, which has a total outdoor water restriction because of well contamination. o Also included in the packet is the report on the water leak detection survey recently done in Reading. We do this survey annually, and the results of this survey are to reduce leaks than result in 86,000 gallons of water lost per day. This is certainly a worthwhile effort. o The Board of Selectmen is invited on a tour of the Barrows and RMHS projects next Monday evening—see your packets tonight for the invitation. ♦ An extension to complete the Verizon CATV license may be needed, and the Chairman is authorized to issue an extension. Personnel and Appointments Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee — The Board interview Stephanie Anderberg for one position on the Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee. Duffy moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee with a term expiring November 30, 2005: Stephanie Anderberg. Ms. Anderberg received four votes and was appointed. Cultural Council — Elizabeth Whitelam was unable to be present but had previously been interviewed. Bonazoli moved and Tafoya seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2006: Elizabeth Whitelam. Ms. Whitelam received four votes and was appointed. Custodian of Soldier's and Sailor's Graves—Francis Driscoll was unable to be present. Bonazoli moved and Duffy seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position as the Custodian of Soldier's and Sailor's Graves with 'a term expiring June 30, 2010: Francis Driscoll. Mr.Driscoll received four votes and was appointed. Historical Commission(Associate)—Mr. Doucette was not present. West Street Historic District Commission — The Board interviewed David Kruh for one position on the West Street Historic District Commission. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 23,2005—Page 3 Tafoya moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the West Street Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2006: David Kruh. Mr.Kruh received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Classification Plan Update—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts noted that a consultant was hired regarding Elder Services and there were two recommendations— create one full time position to be at the Senior Center, and consider an alternate to packaging of meals to Mystic Valley. Also, eliminate the Nutrition Program Coordinator position and create a Senior Center Coordinator. The Town Manager noted that the Town Accountant's pay is not appropriate, and Vice Chairman Richard Schubert sent an e-mail in favor of increasing the pay. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the candidates that they have been interviewing have indicated that the pay is too low for the experience we are seeking. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that this will be one of the highest paid positions and asked what effect this will have on the Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director position. The Town Manager noted that he will know in a couple of days. Bob Bent of 7 Sweetser Avenue asked what amount of money was being talked about. The Town Manager indicated that it is a 7% increase. A Grade 17 starts at $66;475 and a Grade 18 starts at$71,136. A motion. by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on updating the Personnel and Classification Plan and Compensation Plan was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli to approve the amendments to the "Town of Reading, Massachusetts FY 2006 Classification Plan — Schedule A— 1," adding the Senior Center Coordinator position as a Grade 6 to the Personnel Classification Plan and upgrading the Town Accountant position from a Grade 17 to Grade 18 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Sieg of Street Acceptances — The Town Manager not that the Selectmen already approved the street acceptances of Melendy Drive, Foster Circle, Forest Street (parcel at Anson Lane only), Lynn Village Way, Parsons Lane and Varney Circle at their meeting of March 29, 2005. All that is needed now is for the Selectmen to sign the paper work to be filed at the Registry of Deeds. Presentation - Proposed Storm Water Management Enterprise .Article — Town Engineer Joe Delaney, and WSSWMAC Members Gail Wood, John Wood, Steve Oston, Mike McIntyre and Steven Crook were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Aupust 23, 2005—Page 4 Joe Delaney noted that the Board of Selectmen asked the WSSWMAC to develop a Storm Water Enterprise Fund. The cost of the program will be $540,000 or $61.40 a year per household. Programs include street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, drainage system mapping, equipment purchases, river improvements, consulting services, and ditch and detention basin maintenance. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if detention basins are being maintained now. Joe Delaney noted on an as needed basis. This would formalize the program and provide a dedicated source of funding. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if some of the $540,000 will be moved from DPW, and Joe Delaney indicated that it would. Joe Delaney noted that the rate setting fee would be based on impervious surface. There are three categories of property. The single and two family homes will be a flat fee because it would be too costly to evaluate. The multi-family properties vary widely in size and will be charged based on the total impervious area of the lot. The industrial and commercial properties vary widely in size and will be charged based on the total impervious area of the lot. Chairman Camille Anthony asked what an impervious surface was, and Joe Delaney indicated that it was roofs, driveways,patios,walkways, etc. Joe Delaney noted that there will be an abatement program. There will be no fee for undeveloped property. Residential properties can receive up to a 50% abatement if they install infiltration systems. There will be up to a 50% abatement for commercial properties that install state of the infiltration systems. art storm water treatment or inf Joe Delaney noted that the WSSWMAC recommends putting an Article on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what legal authority we had to set up this fund, and if it has to be under the Proposition1/2 ' 2cap. The Town Manager noted that the Town has the ability to set up enterprise systems and it does not have to be under the Proposition 21/z cap. Bill Brown noted that there have been two court cases that involved taxes, not fees. He also noted that only the minimum amount of people are being assessed,not the whole town. The Town Manager noted that he will get a definitive rulihg from Town Counsel. Selectman Ben Tafoya also requested a ruling from the Department of Revenue. Joe Delaney noted that Cambridge and Boston fund their programs through assessments. John Wood noted that the Federal Government is telling us that we have to have a Storm Water Management Program. The whole philosophy is to clean up storm water at the origin, such as not putting oil down the drain. Board of Selectmen Meeting;—August 23,2005—Page 5 Steve Oston noted that putting oil down the drain is like pouring it right into the river. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if water from swimming pools is an issue,and Joe Delaney indicated that if the water is de-chlorinated,then it is okay. Gail Wood noted that if this is added to the budget, then it will be the first thing cut. She also noted that this does not qualify as an exclusion because it is not just one thing. There was discussion among the Board regarding the funding mechanism, and the Board directed the Town Manager to get an opinion from Town Counsel and the Department of Revenue. Discussion re: 75 Pleasant Street with Reading Housingt Authority and Historical Commission- RHA Executive Director Lyn Whyte, RHA. Members Tim Kelly and John Coote, Historical Commission Members Virginia Adams and Sharlene Reynolds were present. The Town Manager noted that the Housing Authority came to the Board of Selectmen with a proposal for six units of housing and a land swap with the Town. The Article went to Town Meeting for four new units and redevelop the older structure into two units. The Housing Authority hired an architect and the analysis of rehabilitating the older building as not being feasible. The Historical Commission disagrees with that. The Town Manager noted that the RHA could go back to their original plan and demolish the building and build without a land swap. Lyn Whyte noted that the Reading Housing Authority has put in endless hours to meet the wishes of Town Officials, neighbors and Boards, Committees and Commissions. The Housing Authority is trying to address the needs of families. Tim Kelley noted that the Town had a deal to purchase the lot and entered into a P&S to use the property to increase parking. The Town didn't have funds so they approached the RHA. RHA purchased the property with the agreement for the Town to acquire a portion for parking and the RHA agreed to wait three years. During the three years, the Town wasn't able to purchase. The Town suggested a land swap to put all housing down Pleasant Street. The Historical Commission listed the house on the Historic Property. list but the costs are too high for renovation. Tim Kelley noted that the old house is a liability. The Historical Commission objects to gut rehab but the house is in bad shape. The Housing Authority is asking the Board of Selectmen to join them in a LIP for six new units on Pleasant Street. They would like to start on the four units on the parking lot and try to work out something on the existing house. The Housing Authority is asking to expend money from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. They are asking for $250,000. Their preference is to do six new units on the site. The Town Manager noted that there would have to be a joint vote of the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority to expend the funds. There is approximately $280,000 in the Trust Fund now. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 23, 2005—Page 6 Virginia Adams, Chairman of the Historical Commission, noted that the house was built in the 1840's. The parents of the woman who had the house built were the founders of the anti-slavery 4 movement in Reading. This is also the first house built in the John Damon subdivision. She noted that the building is subject to demolition delay bylaw". The Historical Commission feels that they should look at other options such as putting a new addition for the kitchens. They also suggested selling with restrictions to rehab and not demolish. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the house could be moved, and Virginia Adams indicated that it could but the house is in that area for a reason. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Housing Authority does not want something that is high maintenance. He suggests that the Housing Authority move forward with the four units and see what can be done about the house. Tim Kelley noted that if they sell the house, then they need land to put two more units on. Virginia Adams noted that the neighborhood was pleased that the old house was staying. They are looking for an adaptive reuse of the house. If the interior is totally gutted, then they lose the walls and frames of windows. Lyn Whyte noted that they have certain standards to live up to and that property failed a recent inspection -- the paint is peeling, you could put a pencil through the window frames, and major systems are failing. The Town Manager noted that he will put this on the September 6th Agenda to make a decision on moving forward with the four units and to layout options. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the $250,000 is for the four units or six units, and Tim Kelley noted that it won't cover all of the costs for either. They are asking for a land swap and for the Board of Selectmen to join them in a LIP. Board of Selectmen Retreat Follow Up — The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen receive the Agendas for all Boards,Committees and Commissions. Chairman Camille Anthony requested that the Selectmen, at least the liaison,receive Minutes. The Town Manager noted that if the Selectmen want to receive full packets, then they should request it. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that projects and issues need to be acknowledged, prioritized, categorized and tracked. The Selectmen can e-mail any updates to Paula Schena for the tracking sheet. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested having a database that can be sorted by date, responsible person and type of problem. He indicated that we should include requests from residents and responses sent out. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 23,2005—Page 7 The Town Manager asked if we are tracking work items or citizen requests. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that we will track both but may want to separate them. The Town Manager noted that he will follow up with our technology people to see if a spreadsheet could be developed. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to approve the Minutes of August 8, 2005 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to approve the Minutes of August 9, 2005, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of August 11, 2005 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meeting of August 23, 2005 at 10:30 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary