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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 25, 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 7:32 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, Safety Officer Tom Murphy, Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Sheila Krekorian Tully, Charleen Smotrycz, Lauren Cadagan, Mary Higgins, June Ewing, Lynda Fallica, Darla Whipple, Monette Verrier, Michelle Iantosca, Richard Davidson. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he and Selectman James Bonazoli perambulated the Town borders on Saturday. He also noted that a house at the end of Grove Street is partially in Reading and partially in Wilmington. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Board members just came from an Adopt-an-Island Reception. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that there is an interest for the School Committee and Board of Selectmen to address the drug problem in Reading. Chairman Anthony noted that she spoke with Rob Spadafora and he indicated that the School Committee is waiting for the results of the Youth Risk Survey and he suggested having a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on November 8, 2005 with the Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee. Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini noted that drug abuse is not a school problem, it's a community problem, and statistics show that school is-the safest place for the children. Public Comment— Bill Brown noted that he accompanied James Bonazoli on the perambulation of the Town borders. He also noted that they found a house that is half in Reading and half in Wakefield. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager noted that Walgreens wants to add their name to the sign. The consensus of the Board was agreeable. ♦ Construction on Summer Avenue should be done in two weeks. The Willow Street culvert has been installed. ♦ The Police did the window etching program last Saturday. ♦ The Household Hazardous Waste Collection is in Wakefield. e The Warrant reports will be going to the printer tomorrow. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 25 2005 —Page 2 Discussion/Action Items Traffic Issues — Avalon Road Stop Sign — Residents of Avalon Road and Louanis Drive were present. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Sheila Tully called her regarding issues with I, traffic on Avalon Road, The Town Manager noted that the request is for a two way stop sign at the intersection of Avalon Road and Louanis Drive. Traffic counts were done. Chairman Anthony asked if there was an issue of doing the traffic counts in the Summer. The Town Manager noted that there was, so a second traffic count was done. Police Chief Jim Cormier noted that the Police Department conducted ,a speed study from September 28th to October 5th. The study results showed that 85% of the vehicles traveled at 29 mph, 90%traveled at 30 mph, and everyone except 14 cars were under 36 mph. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what part of Louanis Drive the study was conducted, and Chief Cormier indicated that it was around#26. The Town Manager noted that the issue from the speed and volume perspective does not warrant a stop sign but if the Selectmen are considering a stop sign, then he would recommend a stop sign on Louanis at Avalon Road. Charleen Smotrycz of 51 Avalon Road noted that the rate of speed on a regular basis is a concern, and the residents are fearful of the Archstone Development. She also noted that the neighborhood has become a shortcut for people avoiding the detour. She noted that residents are parking their cars at the end of the driveway to slow traffic down. She also noted that there are 16 children on Avalon Road and they couldn't play in their front yards when the traffic was being detoured. The Town Manager noted that the Archstone project design is to come out right turn only and no cutting across to Louanis Drive. He also noted that the Police also did a study on Pine Ridge and there is a lot of speeding there. Mary Higgins noted that West Street was closed farther down when the traffic counts were done and that affects the data. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what the down side is to installing stop signs. Chief Cormier noted that they try to use federal regulations when installing stop signs. A four way stop requires five accidents within a one year period. If there are too many stop signs, then it is hard to enforce. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked how many residents signed the petition. Charleen Smotrycz noted that all of the residents on the street signed the petition except for two homes. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that this is an issue of safety, and this will help to reduce the speeding culture. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 25, 2005 —Page 3 Selectman Joseph Duffy suggested lowering the speed limit. The Town Manager indicated that would have to go through the State for approval. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the consensus of the Board is to schedule a hearing for stop signs on Avalon Road and Louanis Drive . The Town Manager noted that the residents are requesting a reduced speed limit under 30 mph, No Thru Traffic and Residents Only signs, and making Louanis Drive a one way. Charleen Smotrycz noted that she questions the accuracy of the counts due to the detours. The Town Manager noted that he will schedule a hearing at the end of November. Review Wood End School Area Operation — The Town Manager noted that signs are being put up as we receive them. The "Do Not Enter" sign into Dividence Road is wrong. He noted that there doesn't seem to be the volume of activity as expected. The flashing zone sign will go out this week. The sidewalks won't be done until the Spring. We are waiting for the conservation closeout to do paving and if we get that soon, then we might be able to get the road into Dividence soon. Safety Officer Tom Murphy noted that the signage in the cul-de-sac on Sunset Rock Lane should be the same as the west side of Sunset Rock which is No Parking from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. He also noted that he would like to do the same on Roma Lane in the cul-de-sac. He noted that a lot of people are walking so he has moved a Crossing Guard to Emerson Street. June Ewing of 17 Partridge Road noted that she organized the bus and 55 students are being bused. If that stops, then we will be adding about 40 cars to the traffic. She wants to see the continued use of a bus. Lynda Fallica of 52 Sunset Rock Lane noted that the regulations are working great but during the Harvest event, the parents parked at the cul-de-sac, and fire trucks would not have been able to get through. Darla Whipple noted that she was concerned about the traffic and speed on Franklin Street. She hopes the flashing signs, crosswalks, etc. will help. She,also noted that the Police are out there every day and she appreciates this. A Franklin Street resident noted that there are sidewalks on her side of Franklin but they are dangerous because they are only 3 feet wide and have no tree lawn. The Town Manager noted that the rest of the sidewalk will be the same width but will have granite curbing. Monette Verrier of 30 Kurchian Lane noted that the Do Not Enter sign on Emerson Street makes the street safer. She requests that the Town keep the sign there to make it safer for pedestrians. Safety Officer Tom Murphy noted that the Do Not Enter sign on Emerson Street is for everyone. Michelle Iantosca noted that the Dividence Road sign does not include Wednesdays, and cars are parking on Dividence Road across from Emerson Street for'events. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 25, 2005—Page 4 A resident asked if people were having an event, could they call the Police Department and see if the parking regulations can be overlooked. Chief Cormier noted that his concern is the cul-de- sac and whether emergency vehicles can get through, Richard Davidson noted that the improvements have been tremendous. He also noted that the large tree on Franklin Street at Sunset Rock needs to come down—it blocks the site line. The Town Manager asked if we should keep the Do Not Enter sip on Emerson Street. Chief Cormier noted that it is a valid point of keeping it if there is a lot of pedestrian traffic and no sidewalks. The Town Manager indicated that he will schedule a hearingon the cul-de-sacs regulations in November. Review Memorial Park — Status of Contacting Heirs — The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel has not made contact with special counsel yet so there will be no report tonight. Review Town Meeting Warrant— The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting, The Town Manager noted that both the Finance Committee and Bylaw Committee do no recommend Article 7. The Finance Committee had concerns regarding legal challenges and the Bylaw Committee just doesn't like it. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that his father-in-law did this in Ohio. They hired an intern who assessed every single piece of property. He suggested asking the State legislators to clarify this. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that this is a.mandate from the Federal government and it needs dedicated financial funding. He asked if we approve and get challenged, could we take no action. The Town Manager noted that the Article establishes an enterprise fund but we don't have to do anything with it.. It was decided this Article will be tabled with a full explanation. The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee voted "No" on Article 9. They want to see where we are next Spring with the project. The Town Manager noted that the School Committee voted to move this Article forward. Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur noted that the School Committee voted to get the sense of Town Meeting first. The architect stated that there was no hurry. The Finance Committee is in support of the $400,000 but not the methods and timing. The Town Manager noted that Article 13 is to authorize the sale of tax title properties that are under the custody and control of the School Department. He also noted that even if the School .Committee doesn't relinquish, the Board of Selectmen*can still go ahead. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Rob Spadaforalis concerned about doing this before the High School project is done. I Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 25, 2005 —Page 5 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert suggested tabling this Article and have CPDC start brainstorming regarding what to do with the property. Bill Brown noted that the property was taken in 1932 for taxes. The Town Manager noted that this property is not for the High School parking. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Rob Spadafora thinks the land should be a buffer to the 500 parking spaces that are going in. The Town Manager suggested to table this Article with an explanation and indicate the Board's intent to move forward with the planning process. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that in Article 20, Section 4.6.6.4, the parking requirements should be 1100 square feet. On motion by Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 3 by a vote of 4-0-0 (Schubert had left the room). On motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 6 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 8 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 10 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 11 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 12 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafoya, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 14 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 15 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 16 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Duffy, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 17 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Duffy seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 18 by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 25 2005 —Page 6 On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subiect matter of Article 19 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 20 by a vote of 5-0-0. Review of Action Status Report—No changes were made to the Action Status Report. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of September 20, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of September 27, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of October 4, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of October 11, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy to go into Executive Session for the purpose of approval of minutes and strategy with regard to litigation not to come back into Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, '-]i - secretary