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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 4, 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 Camille Anthony,Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, Assistant Town Manager Robert LeLacheur, Town Manager.Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Tim Kelley, John Coote, Thomas Ryan, Dave Billard, Bob Nordstrand, Ralph Colorusso, Kathy Greenfield, Roberta Sullivan, Wilbar Hoxie, Linda Tuttle, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Mark Cardono, Sarah Hilgendorff List, Clayton Jones, Virginia Adams, Karen Herrick, Attorney .Andrew Upton. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board received an e-mail from George Hines. He is requesting that the Board of Selectmen focus on the drug problem in Town. He suggests a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee. The consensus of the Board was that something needs to be done about drug use in the community. The Town Manager suggested that a couple of Selectmen, School Committee Members, and Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee Members get together and plan an event. Chairman Camille Anthony and Vice Chairman Richard Schubert volunteered to represent the Selectmen. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Nurse Advocacy Task Force will not have a final report for Town Meeting. They need an extension of their term. The Town Manager noted that he will put this on the November 1, 2005 Agenda. Selectman Bonazoli also noted that he, Camille and the Town Manager walked the Jordan's site with a lighting consultant. The consultant wants,to meet with the Selectmen. The Town Manager noted that he will also put this on the November 1st Agenda. Selectman Bonazoli noted that the Adopt-an-Island at Pearl onto Route 28 needs some attention-- the bushes are too big and block the site line. Selectman Joseph Duffy commended the Town Manager on 19 years of service to the Town. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Sally Hoyt requested that the Selectmen look at a change in zoning so the Selectmen will send the request along to the Community Planning and Development Commission. She also received an e-mail from a resident regarding pot holes on Pratt Street. Four residents came in for the Office Hours tonight. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 4, 2005—Page 2 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that there was a Press Release in tonight's paper from the Ipswich River Watershed Association. They mention that towns don't want to conserve voluntarily yet Reading did. He feels that the Selectmen should respond to this. He also asked that if trees are removed, are they replaced. The Town Manager noted that the Town has little stock in the nursery but if residents ask, then we will try to replace it. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that he researched the land at the High School and found out that the School Department doesn't own any of it. The Town Manager noted that he will meet with Town Counsel to verify this. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Report on construction activity: ♦ The Board of Selectmen raised questions about how we determine detours for construction projects. Please see the attached memo from Police Chief Cormier. ♦ The American Flag on the Common came down during the severe wind storm last week. We are trying to get a steeplejack to replace it as quickly as possible. I have hired Tom Lemon as a lighting consultant for the Jordan's property. He and I met last night at the site, along with Chairman Anthony and Selectman Bonazoli. I will be meeting with him again this week. ♦ YCC will be in the mail tomorrow. o I have hired the firm of Hinkley, Allen& Tringale as our Health Care consultant. He will be meeting with the Task Force this week, and will be handling our bidding process for the next renewal. The RPD will be running an Auto Glass Etching Program to deter auto theft—DPW Garage, October 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ♦ Household Hazardous Waste Collection—Wakefield High, October 29th, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. ♦ ICMA Conference report is attached. s Farmers Market on a trial basis on Tuesday afternoons this Fall at Rotary Square. ♦ The Meeting re: "old" Sanborn Lane is scheduled for next Tuesday. We will try to get information together for the Board of Selectmen for that meeting as follows: • Who has access to "old" Sanborn Lane from the court decision? (we will need a map and the court decision)? • Who provides maintenance funds? What about the ones gaining access from the court decision? « On any private road in Reading, who has the right to travel on it? • How has this area been affected by traffic (cars and pedestrian) since school opened in September as a neighborhood school? • How has the whole area been affected(as above)? e The Johnson Wood LIP needs to be signed tonight by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 4,2005—Page 3 Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Appraiser/Assessors —. Assessor Dave Billard and Board of Assessors Members Tom Ryan, Ralph Colorusso and Bob Nordstrand were present. Dave Billard reviewed the duties of the Assessor's office including assessing real estate, excise, personal and supplemental taxes, process abatements- and field public inquiry. Property is assessed each year and the tax billing is as of January 1st of the prior year based on prior year sales. The historic value is not necessarily what your house is worth now. They process approximately 340 exemption applications per year totaling $131,459 due to personal circumstances. They also process 80-100 abatement applications that is an appeal process. They had 1700 abatement applicants for excise tax totaling $140,000. Dave Billard noted that residential growth in FY04—FY05 was $14 million, and the commercial growth for FY04—FY05 was $24 million. Selectman Joseph Duffy asked for examples of personal property. Dave Billard indicated that would be machines, etc. that are in businesses. Bob Nordstrand noted that if a business is in your, primary resident,then personal property is assessed. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how someone would get on the assessment list. Dave Billard noted that everyone is assessed every year whether the Town gets into the property or not. They usually look at properties that haven't been assessed in a long time. Change of Manager/Change of Officers — Romano's Macaroni Grill — Attorney Andrew Upton was present representing Brinker Massachusetts Corp. He noted that the change in officer is mandated by the ABCC and has no effect on Reading. The new Manager is Michael Ross. He has many years experience, all of the employees are TIPS trained, and he will be on the premises at least 60 hours per week. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Change of Officers for Brinker Massachusetts Corporation d/b/a/Romano's Macaroni Grill to Jeffrey Alan Hoban as Vice President and Assistant Secretary and Bryan D. McCrory as Treasurer was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Follow Up—75 Pleasant Street—Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte and Housing Authority Members Tim Kelly and John Coote were present. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen approved and sponsored an Article to do a land swap for affordable housing. The Housing Authority indicates that it is not economically feasible to renovate the house but the Historical Commission wants it preserved. The Town Manager suggests doing the land swap to the Housing Authority so they can move forward with four units, and they will give us a lot to replace the parking spaces. The remaining property can be put on the market for 90 days with historic preservation conditions. If it is not sold,then put it on the market without conditions. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 4, 2005—Page 4 Tim Kelly noted that he could live with this but the Housing Authority cannot justify taking a cut in price with historic restrictions on it. The Town Manager noted that the Housing Trust Funds could be made available. Tim Kelly indicated that the Housing Trust Funds should not be used i for historic reasons. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that if the property is sold without a covenant and a developer steps in, then it might not fit into the neighborhood. John Coote noted that the proposal is not detailed enough—it doesn't explain covenants. He also noted that saving the house on the inside makes it unaffordable. If the inside could be changed, then the Housing Authority could do it. He doesn't want to be locked in to offering the property for sale. Chairman Camille.Anthony asked why the house needs rehab. Lyn Whyte noted that the house doesn't meet HUD inspections. You can put a pencil through the window sills and major systems are failing. Historical Commission Members Virginia Adams, Roberta Sullivan, Kathy Greenfield, Wilbar Hoxie, Sharlene Reynolds Santos, Mark Cardono, Sarah Hilgendorff List and Clayton Jones were present. Virginia Adams indicated that the Commission would like more time to evaluate the proposal. They are not seeking restoration, they are looking for renovation for adaptive reuse. They can work with the Housing Authority to make it clear what they were asking. She feels that it would be better for the Housing Authority to keep the property then selling it to a developer. Chairman Camille Anthony asked what jurisdiction the Historical Commission has, and Virginia Adams indicated that they have none. She noted that the Historical Commission supported the land swap. They anticipate modest restrictions. She doesn't believe that 90 days is sufficient time: The Historical Commission has two consultants experienced in doing renovation who will work with the Housing Authority. They would prefer to see the house kept there because it acts as a buffer to the neighborhood. Selectman James Bonazoli asked what are modest renovations. Virginia Adams noted that they would like to preserve the bulk of the house, framing, windows but they are not worried about the flooring. Selectman Bonazoli noted that it seemed like it was more important to save the outside more than the inside of the house. Virginia Adams noted that they want them to keep the horsehair plaster. Selectman Bonazoli noted that the house is not going to be open to the public, it will be someone's home. He asked if the house will receive a historic plaque. Virginia Adams noted that they will. She also noted that the people who lived there were involved in the anti- slavery movement. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he appreciates the work of the Historical Commission, but it is time to move ahead and let the Housing Authority do what they need to do. It is an important legacy but there is no need to delay this project any longer. He feels that they should move forward with six units. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 4,2005 —Page_5 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert agreed with Selectman Tafoya but noted that time is still available. He suggested getting the details of the "modest" restrictions, let the Housing Authority review the restrictions and if they can't do it, then sell with the same restrictions. Kathy Greenfield, Associate Member of the Historical Commission, noted that the Historical Commission has not done anything to hold up the project. The Housing Authority got a cost estimate that was high and decided they wanted to tear it down. The Historical Commission tried to show them how to reduce costs. Tim Kelly noted that the Housing Authority has to work with the Historical Commission because the house is on the inventory list. He also noted that the Housing Authority needs to move forward with the four units. They are requesting the land swap and LIP. A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy that the Board of Selectmen supports the Housing Authority moving forward with the land swap and LIP for four units and to continue collaboration with the Housing Authority and Historical Commission regarding 75 Pleasant Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. AWroval of Local Water Resources Management PI — Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi were present. The Town Manager noted that the MWRA requires that the Board of Selectmen adopt a Local Water Resources Management Plan. Ted McIntire noted that the plan was developed in conjunction with the MWRA application. The, plan was written in 2002. He reviewed the plan and noted that it covers issues including water supply and use, existing demands, alternate supplies, outdoor water restrictions, water rebate programs, etc. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that several areas of the document are out of date. The Town Manager noted that the plan is subject to amendment. Selectman Tafoya noted that the section on the water restrictions needs to be updated. Ted McIntire noted that this reflects what we approved in 2002. It is a working document for planning. He noted that this plan was brought to the Board of Selectmen in 2003 but there was no action by the Board then. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the Local Water Resources Management Plan as submitted as part of the final EIR Report submitted in 2003 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Goals — The Town Manager noted that the goals include issues such as affordable housing, water issues, Memorial Park, landfill lighting, construction projects, etc. He also noted that the Mission Statement stills needs rewording. He reviewed the status of the objectives and goals, and noted that his evaluation needs to be done in December. Review Town Meeting Warrant— The Town Manager asked if the Board needed any additional information on any of the Articles. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 4, 2005—Page 6 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Board of Assessors should be involved in the process for Article 12. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there should be more latitude regarding size in Article 19. Vice Chairman Schubert suggested sending a memo and perhaps a phone call to the Chairman of CPDC regarding this Article. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of September 6, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Duffy to adiourn the meeting of October 4, 2005 at 10:50 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, kQ�rary