HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
February 24, 2004
The meeting convened at 7:05 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, Fire
Chief Greg Burns, Town Counsel Joan Langsam, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Human
Resources Administrator Carol Roberts,'Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Paul Dalton, Stan
Corcoran, Mary Delia, Ann Ludlow, Bill Brown, Bob McCullough, Ron Rosher,.Bill Hughes,
Jacqui Carson,Beth Herman.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings thanked the
community for allowing him to serve them for two terms, and also the Town Manager and staff
for their assistance during his terms.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she spoke with the Town Manager in Concord, and
received a copy of the evaluation form that they use.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he attended a ZBA Meeting last Thursday regarding
the George Street and Curtis Street access. The applicant will be coming back with a plan for
one way in and one way out.
Chairman George Hines noted that he attended a meeting of the Charter Review Committee. He
met with the Chairman of the Trust Fund Commissioners. He reminded the viewers at home that
there is an Election next week.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Election is March 2, 2004. This is a combined Presidential Primary Election and Local
Town Election. Don't forget that there are 2 ballot questions on the back of the ballot. There
are no candidates on the ballot for Library Board of Trustees although there are several
organized write-in campaigns. The Town Clerk is still looking for additional Election
workers—please call 781-942-9047 if you are available.
♦ The Board of Selectmen has in their packet a letter from Howland Development re: Inwood
Park. They are asking for a specific statement of support from the Board of Selectmen for
the proposed re-zoning. Time is of the essence in this matter.
George Hines is the Board of Selectmen designee to a Committee created to assist the School.
Committee in naming the new elementary school.
o The DPW is draining Castine Field this week in order to lower the water table in the Birch
Meadow area as much as possible so that we can construct the replacement of the 20"water
line. Town work forces are going to do the construction of portions of the line now so that
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2004—Page 2
we will be outside of the active playing fields before the Spring seasons. We will complete
the design and bidding of the remainder so that the interference with schools and athletic
facilities will be at a minimum.
+ The Town work forces have been chasing a major water main leak for the past several weeks,
and have done a repair in the Walkers Brook Drive area which, we feel, will resolve the
issue. We have used a sonic leak detection program for this work.
+ DPW has been working on sewer Mow and Infiltration work in the Downtown area, which
involves TV'ing the lines, identifying obstructions and leaks and repairing the lines. We
have found some significant obstructions which have been removed thus preventing sewer
back-ups.
+ Pamela Brown, the Elder/Human Services Administrator, has resigned effective March 12 to
take the job as COA Director in Amesbury.
+ The 5th grades at Joshua Eaton and Birch Meadow Schools are having a "5th*Grade Town
Meeting"on March 26th. I will be participating as will the Town Moderator Alan Foulds.
* The Town Manager noted that he sent a letter to the Woburn City Council regarding the
Inwood development and the developer is requesting a letter that is more specific. Camille
Anthony noted that she would rather have housing than commercial. Matthew Cummings
noted that he is more predisposed to housing than office. Richard Schubert indicated that
less traffic is key.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation—Red Cross Month—Bill Hughes was present to receive the Proclamation.
A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Proclamation declaring March
as Red Cross Month was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Badge Pinning —Firefighter Paul Dalton — The Board welcomed Fire Fighter Paul Dalton and
Chief Greg Bums pinned on his badge.
Discussion/Action Items
Trust Fund Commissioners -Town Counsel Joan Langsam was present. Chairman George Hines
noted that the Trust Fund Commissioners were scheduled to come in but were unavailable. He
also noted that there are two issues — staffing of the Trust Fund Commissioners and the way the
programs are funded.
Joan Langsain noted that there are three different legislations—the Charter,the 1926 General Act
and the General Laws. They conflict in the number of members and when there is a conflict,the
Charter controls. Regarding investment authority, the Selectmen give authority to the
Commissioners, the Special Act gives it to the Commissioners, and the General Laws give it to
the Treasurer. Town Counsel indicated that the Commissioners have the authority to invest.
Chairman George Hines noted that the Town Treasurer attended the Charter meetings and wants
to go back to the previous model of three members plus the Treasurer, and plus the Chairman of
the Board of Selectmen. Town Counsel noted that the Charter rules at three members. A
Charter change would have to be done.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2004—Page 3
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that we pay the VNA for Reading Response but we have no
contract with them. The Town Manager noted that they responded to an RFP.
Chairman George Hines noted that the money was donated to the Hospital Trust in hopes of
creating a hospital in Reading. The money has grown to $4 million but that is not enough to
build a hospital. The money is invested by the Commissioners, and the administration should be
governed by the Board of Selectmen or other body.
The Town Manager noted that he spoke with the Chairman of the Trust Fund Cornmissioners
and he suggests a proposal for an urgent care facility.
Bill Brown of 28 Martin Road noted that in 1925 Town Meeting specified that the Board of
Selectmen is the dispensing authority..The Board discussed how they wanted to proceed.
Selectman Camille Anthony suggested having the Commissioners continue to do the investing
and that the Selectmen establish a process for distribution and evaluation of services. Chairman
Hines indicated that the Board needs to develop a policy with parameters for implementation of
programs. Selectman Cummings noted that if the Board of Selectmen are going to be more
active in the process, then they should be cautious of the makeup of Commissioner members to
keep a separate check and balance. He feels that the investment function should remain with the
Commissioners, and we need a policy for the other funds aside from the Hospital Fund.
Joan Langsam suggested that the Board of Selectmen should develop a policy before deciding on
a Charter change.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that a policy to create a plan every year to expend that
year's money needs to be developed. He feels that the membership of the Trust Fund
Commissioners is fine.
The consensus of the Board is to develop a policy and notify the Trust Fund Commissioners.
Review MILA Rewards and Risk Management Program — MlIA Executive Vice President Stan
Corcoran, MlIA reps Mary Delia and Ann Ludlow and Human Resources Administrator Carol
Roberts were present.
Stan Corcoran reviewed the makeup of the MITA Association and gave an overview of the
program.
Mary Delia noted that a Safety Committee meets quarterly and that committee is made up of
representatives from each department. MIIA conducts loss control inspections annually and the
Town has complied with almost all recommendations. She also noted that MITA offers loss
control grants and training in many areas.
Ann Ludlow reviewed the highlights of the Health Insurance Program.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2004—Page 4
Hearing — West Street at South Street Intersection Improvements and Signalization — Vice
Chairman Richard Schubert read the hearing notice. Bob McCullough and Ron Rosher were
present representing Archstone.
The Town Manager noted that the legal notice was sent to the abutters.
Ron Rosher reviewed the plan that included a left lane turn and a four foot shoulder for a bike
path. The Town Manager noted that there is adequate width for a b'ike path. The ZBA wants the
width of West Street as narrow as possible. The street would be widened on the project side.
Town Engineer Joe Delaney noted that Mass Highway requests eight feet for bike path but will
grant a waiver for four feet.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there would be a delayed signal
gnal for the left tam. Mr.
Rosher indicated that there was not because it would back up traffic on West Street. There was
much discussion regarding having a left turn signal.
Selectman Gail Wood asked if the bike lane would affect on-street parking on West Street, and
Joe Delaney indicated that parking will be prohibited.
Beth Herman of 23 West Street had concerns about having a left turn signal. She noted that in
the evening the heaviest traffic is out of Woburn into Reading and in the morning, it is all going
into Woburn. She doesn't think a delayed signal is necessary.
A.motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the West Street at South
Street intersection improvements and signalization was approved by a vote of 5:0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the West Street at South Street
intersection improvements and signalization with a profile as follows:
One through lane in each direction;
One opposing left turn lane-,
41 shoulders on each side to provide for bike lanes-,
Advanced left turn signalization.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing—LIP Application by Habitat for Humanity Greater Lowell for portions of Plat 93, Lot
33 on Governors Drive—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that the application is for two affordable housing units that will sell at
a maximum of 70% median income. One unit will be built by the Vocational School and the
other by Habitat. The applicant Will provide funding of $59,410 to Reading for curbing and
drainage. If the Selectmen endorse this project,then it will go to DHCD.
Board of Selectmen Meeting;—February 24, 2004—Page 5
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked who pays the project costs, and the Town Manager noted
that Habitat does. He also asked if the units were in perpetuity, and the Town Manager indicated
that it is for 99 years.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the LIP application by
Habitat for Humanity Greater Lowell for portions of Plat 93, Lot 33 on Governors Drive
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the LIP application dated January
30, 2004 by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Inc. for development of two
affordable housing units, each on a 7500 square foot lot, on portions of Plat 93, Lot 33 on
Governors Drive,subject to the following conditions:
o Establishment by the Board of Health of the minimum habitable floor elevation:
♦ Approval by'the Town Engineer of the final grading and drainage plans;
® Approval by the Town Manager of the final payment schedule for the construction
of the roadway improvements including the required drainage, curbing,sidewalk
and pavement.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review DPW Priorities—Public Works Director Ted McIntire was present.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she asked for this to be put on the agenda because
priorities need to be set for the I-93 containment.
The Town Manager noted that a Request for Qualifications needs to be created, and we have to
define what we want. The consultants will come in and present their proposals, and then we will
hire a'consultant who will write a scope of service.
The Town Manager noted that it will take about six weeks to get an RFQ out. We have lost an
Engineer and have limited ability to move forward. Clerical help is also needed in Engineering.
He would like to use water and sewer funds to hire an additional Engineer due to the backlog.
We also need to invest in Technology.
Chairman George Hines suggested going to a firm to do the work but the Town Manager noted
that someone would have to manage them.
Selectman Gail Wood noted that we cannot keep cutting DPW every year by big bucks.
Review of RCTV"Draft Document"—Selectman.Gail Wood noted that the Advisory Committee
has taken points that might be sticking points and have offered a compromise in the draft
agreement.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that Section 2 talks about membership and gives the
appointing authority removal authority.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2004—Page 6
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that State law states that the Board of Directors can do
certain things. The Town Manager noted that RCTV Bylaws have to be specific.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if changing the make up of the Board constitutes a breach.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that if the Board grows, then the number of Selectmen
-and School Committee representatives increase.
It was noted that Paragraph 2a. contradicts itself because it gives the appointing authority
removal authority, yet it states that if RCTV proposes to take action to remove a member, the
Selectmen and School Committee representative will be invited to the Executive Session. it was
suggested that wording in 2a. should be changed to "if RCTV requests to remove a member." It
was also suggested that a subcommittee of the appointing authority would be invited to the
Executive Session because it would not meet the criteria for Executive Session for the Board of
Selectmen.
It was noted that the wording in 2c. should read ...."Board of Directors being non-residents of
the Town of Reading."
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he has a problem with the section on assets. He wants
the assets to remain the property of the Town of Reading. Selectman Wood noted that there is
no way to separate the fundraising money from the annual payment. Vice Chairman Schubert
noted that Page 19 of tonight's handout is a memo from Town Counsel that captures the intent of
the Town. Selectman Cummings noted that an inventory of equipment can be 'taken.
Selectman Gail Wood noted that RCTV will be allowed to trade in equipment to upgrade.
Chairman Hines suggested that approval of a trade-in go through the Town Manager or Board of
Selectmen.
Chairman George Hines also noted that the assets acquired need to be kept separate from other
assets acquired from other sources.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that in Section 6db, the Town needs to be named as loss '
payee for equipment.
The Board discussed the term of the agreement, and Selectman Cummings suggested having the
term coincide with the renewal of the Comcast agreement. Chairman Hines suggested making it
subject to the terms of the contract with the cable provider.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that there needs to be acknowledgement that the contract
with RCTV can be revoked at the discretion of the Board of Selectmen, and Selectman Anthony
suggested a severability clause.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to approve the minutes of January 27, 2004,
as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 24, 2004—Page 7
A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of February 3, 2004,
as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of February 10, 2004,was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of February 24,2004
at 10:45 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
R spectfally submitted,
Secretary
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