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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 27,2004 The meeting convened at 7:02 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Pete Smargon, Joseph LoPiccolo, Paul Feely, Bill Brown, Susan DeMatteo, William Griset, Bill Yetman,Bill Bergeron,Robert Schuller. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he, Chairman George Hines and Selectman Camille Anthony attended the hearing on Franklin Street sidewalks. He had concerns about the Town's liability if we charge fees for use of our recreational fields, and also had concerns about the skateboard park. The Town Manager indicated that it was his understanding that we only have liability if we charge for attendance. Chairman George Hines asked the Town Manager to find out if the Recreation fees are supposed to come to the Selectmen for approval per the Town Charter. Selectman Camille Anthony asked for the status of the right of ways for the Downtown project, and revision of plans for Tambone and the Summit Village drainage issue. She also asked for a breakdown of services being provided by Mystic Valley Elder Services and the Town. Chairman George Hines noted that the hearing on the Franklin Street sidewalks was very positive, and the residents are very accepting of the safety issues. He also noted that the Board had received a letter from a resident thanking them for flooding Castine Field -- there was a picture in the newspaper of people skating on the ice rink. Public Comment — Peter Smargon, Director of the YMCA, was present. The Town Manager noted that the YMCA is having an event, and they want the attendees to bring their own alcohol. He has never allowed this in the pasta Peter Smargon indicated that it will be a Valentine's Day Dance at the YMCA with a disc jockey for people aged 21 and older. The event will include dinner and dancing. They are trying to keep.the cost down by having attendees bring their own alcohol. Chairman George Hines asked if the event is being catered, and Mr. Smargon indicate that it is. The Town Manager asked who is liable for this event, and Mr. Smargon indicated the YMCA insurance policy is very comprehensive and would be in affect. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how age would be verified, and Mr. Smargon indicated that they would check licenses and stamp hands. If they were under age 21, they would not be allowed into the Dance. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 27, 2004—Page 2 Selectman Gail Wood noted that the YMCA is a private building and not a Town building. Chairman George Hines had concerns that this would set a precedent. He also had concerns regarding control and noted that people will be transporting alcohol in and out of the function. He feels that it would be better for people with experience serving the alcohol. Selectman Gail Wood had concerns about how would the alcohol be confiscated if someone did drink too much. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that Reading lacks in-town function facilities. He indicated that if you let one do it, then others will follow. He suggested that they rent a bartender service. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked how many people they were expecting, and Mr. Smargon indicated 80-100 people. Selectman Cummings noted that the structure is the same -- the liability is on the organization. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that when people are served by a bartender, they are being monitored but when they serve themselves, there is no one to monitor. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the one day liquor license for BYOB for the YMCA on February 14. 2004 failed by a vote of 2-3-0, with Anthony Wood and Hines opposed. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: + The Development Review Team has met with the Danis Corporation about their redevelopment plans for the property on General Way. There are issues related to wetlands, as well as traffic and utilities. They will be meeting with Conservation and will make a presentation on their overall concept to the CPDC. + The CPDC Downtown"walk"to review signs in the Downtown area has been postponed 'til warmer weather. The Chamber of Commerce will be notified and invited to participate. + In the Board of Selectmen's packet is information on the RPL's policy on Privacy and Confidentiality. There was a resident concern about the policy and the resident was able to discuss this matter with the Library Board of Trustees. + Lt. Governor Kerry Healy will be in North Reading on Friday morning for one of her regional visits with local officials. The Board of Selectmen has received a copy of the notice. + There have been several water main breaks in Reading over the past couple of months. One accounted for a major leak in the system, was repaired, and will save significant amounts of water. Another occurred Sunday on Main Street and affected several local businesses. The Water Division does an excellent job of responding to these situations and taking care of them as quickly as possible. + In your material is a memo from the Superintendent of Schools proposing a process for naming the new elementary school. + The School Department has appointed a new Labor Counsel. The Town retains our previous Labor Counsel. I would not be inclined at this time to go through a process of selecting or reviewing Town Labor-Counsel -- we spend less than $4,000 per year on this expense, and I Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 27,2004—Page 3 am satisfied with their performance. When we go through the Town Counsel review process, we can determine whether any of the candidates have Labor Counsel experience, and whether the Town would be better served at that time by making a change. Persongel. and Appointments Town Counsel Review Committee—The Board interviewed Bill Griset and Susan DeMatteo for two positions on the Town Counsel Review Committee. Wood moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Town Counsel Review Committee with terms expiring March 31, 2004: Bill Griset and Susan DeMatteo. Mr. Griset and Ms. DeMatteo received five votes each and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Inwood Park Zoning—Bill Yetman and Bill Bergeron from Howland Development were present. The Town Manager noted that,Mr. Yetman has applied to the Woburn City Council for 500+ units of housing. The Town of Reading may give their opinion on the zoning if they would like. The Town Manager spoke with the Mayor of Woburn and the big issue is that traffic generation will be less than with offices. 'Mr. Yetman noted that the project has been ongoing since 1985 and it was not leased previously because the property is in a.residential area. He is proposing 527 apartment units in nine four story buildings. Chairman George Hines asked if he will be required to sprinkler the buildings, and Mr. Yetman indicated that all spaces will have sprinklers. Mr. Yetman noted that $9 million has already been spent on infrastructure including 40 foot wide road*and granite curbing. There is$245,000 left to be paid to.Reading for infrastructure. Chairman George Hines asked if the entrance will be in Reading, and Mr. Yetman indicated that it is on the town line in Wilmington. Mr. Bergeron indicated that the bulk of the traffic will travel onto Route 93. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that a retail store within the development would help curtail traffic from going offsite. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there would be a fitness trail or hiking trail, and Mr. Yetman indicated that he has spoken with Ted Moore about that. He does plan on having an 8000 square foot clubhouse. Selectman Anthony noted that the Town is in dire need of athletic fields, and Mr. Yetman indicated that there was a tremendous amount of wetlands in and around the property. Selectman Gail Wood asked where the water and sewer would be coming from, and Mr. Bergeron indicated that it would be from Woburn. Board of Selectmen Meeting.—January 27, 2004—Page 4 Selectman Camille Anthony noted that they will be looking for fire services from Reading. The Town Manager noted that Wilmington will provide Police, and Reading will be the first responder for Fire. Selectman Anthony also noted that the value of that would be greater than $245,000. Mr. Yetman noted that the original use has changed and the impact will be less traumatic. Chairman George Hines asked about a convenience store onsite, and Mr. Yetman indicated perhaps in lieu of the clubhouse but he doesn't know who he would get to run it. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the developer is paying $400,000 in mitigation to Woburn for a fire pumper but Reading is supplying the fire services. Mr. Yetman noted that Reading will be the first responder but Woburn will be responding and they only have one pumper truck. Selectman Gail Wood asked what Reading gets if we support the rezoning? Mr. Yetman indicated that it would be less traffic. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if they would be offering a shuttle service to the Anderson Regional Transit Center. Mr. Yetman indicated that would be part of marketing and he is not committed to it but it's a great idea. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to make the following comments to the City of Woburn authorities in their consideration of amending the Zoning Ordinances as they relate to the so called "Inwood Office Park" site in.Woburn abutting the Town of Reading_ 1. Reading will be asked to provide at least some level of first response for fire and EMS, and expects to be compensated for this cost; 2. In order to reduce traffic off the site it would be desirable to have a small retail operation on the site,with access from abutting areas in Reading as well as from residents on the Inwood site and that a shuttle service be provided to the Anderson Regional Transit Center; 3. Access from the Longwood property in Reading(Phase 2)to Inwood Drive must be assured- 4. If Woburn requires emergency access to the Inwood site from Reading, that access will be subject to approval of the Reading Community Planning and Development Commission as part of the review/approval of development on neighboring property in Reading;, 5. The previously proposed traffic signal at Inwood Drive and West Street needs to be installed earl o�part of the Inwood project; 6. Under the previous MEPA Certificate,the developer owes Reading $245,000 for traffic mitigation and that should be paid to Reading prior to any permits being issued on the site by the City of Woburn, 7. It would be desirable to have the Inwood development tie into the so-called Industriplex Interchange with Interstate Route 93, even if the connection is only partial-, 8. That the design encourage active recreation within the development; Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 27,2004—Page 5 9. That heavy vehicles exit through Woburn. was discussed by the Board of Selectmen. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to delete the shuttle service to Anderson Regional Transit Center in #2 was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hines and Schubert opposed. The main motion, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Annual Town Meeting Warrant Closes — The Town Manager noted that Article 11, Acceptance of Streets is not ready so it has been replaced with Acceptance of Gifts. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested removing Article 10 and put it on the November ballot because more work needs to be done. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that it is on this ballot because Town Meeting approved it last year. There was discussion about the cost of sidewalks, and Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that Town Meeting discussed one sidewalk. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood that $483,000 be the amount for Question 2 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectman Gail Wood asked about the cost of Article 14, and the Town Manager noted approximately $9,172. Selectman Wood also asked about the housing allowance and indicated ithat this amount could put the person over the limit. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the Warrant for the 2004 Annual Town Meeting consisting of 22 Articles to take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road on April 26,2004 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Election Warrant Closes — A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to close the Warrant for the Presidential Primary Election to take place on March 2, 2004 at the Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. (Vice Chairman Richard Schubert and Selectman Gail Wood had left the room). Hearing — Gasoline Storage License — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Robert Schuller, representing Cumberland Farms,was present. Mr. Schuller noted that Cumberland Farms purchased the Exxon Station and all they are doing.is changing the name orl the license. The Town Manager noted that this is a nice clean site and they have double wall tanks. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to close the hearing for a gasoline storage by Cumberland Farms at 85 Main Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Janu=27, 2004—Page 6 A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to approve the gasoline storage license for Cumberland Farms, Inc. for three 12,000 gallons tanks of gasoline storage and one 85 gallon waste off storage tank at 85 Main Street,Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. FY 2005 Budget—The Town Manager reviewed the changes in the budget, and indicated that he should have the School budget by the end of the week. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested discussing with the RMLD periodic adjustments to the payment distribution. The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee has asked for information on what other communities get. Selectman Cummings asked how we were paid in past years, and the Town Manager noted that there was never a formula for it. The Town Manager noted that the Medicaid reimbursement will be utilized, he will get the final School budget, and the $300,000 bond premium from the sale of R.MHS bonds will be used in capital or to bump the pension fund. Chairman George Hines noted that the balance needed to close the budget should be the traditional breakdown. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of January,2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Wood abstaining: A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of January 6, 2004 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to go into Executive Session for the purpose o strategy with respect to union and non-union negotiations, not to come back into Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with A five members voting in the affirmative. Respectfally submilted, Secretary