Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen January 13, 2004 The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Gan Wood, Selectman Camille *Anthony, Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Treasurer/Collector Beth Klepeis, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleilmer, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Mark Dickinson, Ed Shaw, Dick Nazzaro, Kevin Kelleher, Mary Connors, John Coote, Karen Flammia,Donald Allen,Timothy Kelley, Virginia Adam, Alex McRae. Discussion/Action Items Hearing— Propane Storage — Walkers Brook Crossing — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Mark Dickinson,Ed Shaw and a representative from the propane company were present. The Town Manager noted that the developer is requesting propane to heat the building for the workers. They already have some but are asking for an additional 2000 gallons for a total of 4000 gallons. This has been reviewed and approved by the Fire Department. Selectman Camille Anthony had questions about safeguards. The representative from the propane company noted that the tanks are filled on off hours and the tank sites are fenced in. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if there was wrapping on the building. Ed Shaw indicated that there was, and noted that the membrane needs a temperature of 40% to cure properly. Dick Nazzaro, Trustee of Greenhouse Acres, indicated that he had no concerns as long as the tanks were temporary and will be removed prior to occupancy. Kevin Kelleher of 5A Carnation Circle noted that a 500 1b. tank was damaged by a forklift at Lowell Hospital and there was a loss of life. The representative from the propane company indicated that cement ballads surround the whole tank and the pipes are overhead., A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on an application for a license to store 4000 gallons of propane at Walkers Brook Crossing was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the license to temporarily store 4000 gallons of propane at 60 Walkers Brook Drive expiring June 30, 2004 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Reading Housing Authority re: Land Swap on Pleasant Street — Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Housing Authority Members Mary Connors, John Coote, Karen Flammia, Donald Allen and Timothy Kelley were present. Also present was Historical Commission Member Virginia Adams. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Januga 13, 2004—Page 2 Selectman Gail Wood noted she attended the meeting with the neighbors and the Reading Housing Authority and everyone has a different agenda; i.e., the Housing Authority wants to provide housing, the Historical Commission wants to protect old buildings, and the neighbors want to protect the neighborhood. She also noted that the Historical Commission thought that the renovation cost was high,and there was no breakdown on the estimate sheet. Lyn Whyte noted that they have met with the DRT, Historical Commission and the neighborhood. The latest streetscape design involves a transfer of land. All of the parking has been moved to the rear of the building and there are two spaces per unit. There will also be a green space area and play area. The consensus is to move forward with the streetscape design. She indicated that an Article needs to be put on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for the swap of land between the Housing Authority and the Town. The Town Manager noted that the Housing Authority plans on demolishing 75 Pleasant Street and increase the number of units to six. He suggests that the Article be broad to give time to deal with details. The streetscape design is the more preferable. John Coote reviewed the plans. He noted that saving the existing house is financially unfeasible for the Housing Authority. The Town Manager asked how many bedrooms there will be, and Lyn Whyte noted four, three bedrooms and two, two bedrooms. The waiting list for three bedrooms is larger than the two bedroom waiting list. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the money from the Trust Fund could be used to renovate. Lyn Whyte indicated that it is her understanding that the Trust Fund money is for adding to the housing stock,not for renovating. Virginia Adams noted that the Historical Commission would be happy to work with the Housing Authority to guide them to get better prices. She also noted there is a strong case to preserve the Buxton house. She noted that Mrs. Buxton was widowed very young and her parents (the Peabodys)were involved in the antislavery movement. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the demolition delay permit will be invoked, and Virginia Adams indicated that it would be proactive. The Town Manager indicated that he would like to see a schematic and how it would affect the land swap. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she wanted to go on record that she is opposed to endorsing a land swap if we don't honor the Historical Commission's mission. Selectman Gail Wood indicated that there are three things she needs before she can support: (1) better handle on the renovation cost, (2) layout configuration if the house is saved, and (3) a public hearing noticed by the Board of Selectmen. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Article needs to go to Town Meeting and there would be opportunities for hearings. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 13, 2004—Page 3 The Town Manager noted that he will draft an Article for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The Housing Authority will develop a schematic plan with the house onsite and renovated. The Selectmen will hold a hearing to consider support of the Article and the Housing Authority will get a new renovation cost. Discussion of Police Chief Replacement — Human Resource Administrator Carol Roberts was present. The Town Manager noted that the Police Chief plans on retiring in the Spring of 2005. Civil Service has a whole process to fill the position. Town Meeting did not approve taking this position out of Civil Service. Carol Roberts reviewed the options and timelines available. She noted that Option A is a written exam, Option B is a written exam and Assessment Center, and Option C is an Assessment Center. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how many candidates would be considered, and Carol. Roberts indicated four Lieutenants and Sergeants. If there are not enough Superior Officers, then it would be opened up to Patrol Officers. Carol Roberts noted that the last time we started the process in 11/2000 and hired on 5/2001, the cost was$9,400 for four candidates. The Town Manager noted that the last time we held a public hearing,the consultant designed the Assessment Center and he interviewed each candidate for 2-2 %z hours. The Town Manager would like some overlap between the old and the new Chief. He recommends the Assessment Center as the process to use. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Assessment Center is ranked by Civil Service, and the Town Manager indicated that it is rated and scored. Education and experience are added into it. He can hire anyone who passes but it doesn't have to be the one with the highest score. Selectman Gail Wood asked who picked the assessment panel. The Town Manager indicated that the consultant does but he has input. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony�pport the Assessment Center as the means of determining the Police Chief was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Selectman Gail Wood requested that an Article be placed on the Warrant now to remove the Police Chief's position from Civil Service. The Town Manager noted that this would not be done in time for this position. Review of Option for Placing Water and Sewer Debt on the Tax Bill—The Town Manager noted that Alex McRae requested the Selectmen consider this because the tax bill can be deducted from the Federal taxes. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 13, 2004—Page 4 Treasurer/Collector Beth Klepeis noted that this would be a new debt exclusion that the Selectmen can pass. It transfers the water and sewer debt to the real estate bill. It would shift the recovery of the water and sewer debt from usage to assessed value. The Selectmen can choose residents only, commercial only or both. She also noted that Arlington adopted in 1994 and the pitfall is that elderly people with low consumption bore a higher amount, and non-profits benefited greatly because they don't pay property taxes. Car washes also benefited greatly. She does not recommend this debt exclusion. Alex McRae noted that Arlington recently reaffirmed to continue the shift, and water and sewer debt are not related to consumption. This debt exclusion is eligible for a tax deduction. He indicated that going with residential only would have merit. He suggests that the Selectmen get the Water, Sewer and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee and Finance Committee opinions. Beth Klepeis noted that 64% of the MWRA bill is debt and could be shifted. Selectman Gail Wood indicated that she had concerns regarding conservation. The Board thanked Alex McRae and indicated that there was no overwhelming consensus at this time to move forward with this option. Procedure for Review of BOS Policies— The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen's Policy book needs to be updated. He suggests reviewing one section per month, first in draft and then hold a hearing to formally adopt at the next meeting. Review Selectmen's Policy — Article 1 — General Operating Procedures — Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Board.set construction hours. The Town Manager noted that they did not, but CPDC does for subdivisions. He will check with Town Counsel regarding setting hours. The Town Manager noted that Section 1.8 needs to be expanded. Section 1.10 will betaken out because it is in the wrong section. Section 1.11 belongs in the Public Works section. There was discussion about Section 1.1.12 and Selectman Camille Anthony noted that it should indicate that individual letterhead is used for the Selectmen's private viewpoints, not the ' Board's. Also,votes on Warrant Articles should be recorded in the Minutes. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of January 13, 2004 at 10:50 p.m.was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary .