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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting April 6,2004 The meeting convened at 7:00 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 (arrived at 8:25 p.m.) and Joseph Duffy, Police Chief Bob Silva, Fire Chief Greg Bums, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following fist of interested parties: Bill Brown, Robin Hamilton, Vicki Avery, Susan Tapley, Sandy Trainor, John Lukens, Deb Capobianco, Attorney Steven Cicatelh. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Chairman George Hines acknowledged the passing of Bill Hughes who was a member of the Reading Municipal Light Board and a Constable. He offered a moment of silence. Selectman Gail Wood noted that there is sewerage and drainage problems in Reading. There shouldn't be any inflow or infiltration so either the sewer pipes need to be worked on, or people are pumping into the sewerage system. She warned residents to be cautious that she received a phone call from the New England Police Safety Association in Rhode Island soliciting money, and they don't necessarily have anything to do with the Reading Police Association. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert reminded residents that the Master Plan Update Session is scheduled for April 14th at the Senior Center. He also attended the Town Counsel Review Committee Meeting. Chairman George Hines noted that the Suburban Coalition has invited the Selectmen to their annual legislative breakfast on April 13th at the State House. He also noted that the MMA sent a notice asking for Towns to notify State representatives regarding ending diversion of lottery funds. The School Naming Committee has narrowed down to four names they are recommending to the School Committee for the new school. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Community Services Clerk Mary Lou Halloran's husband passed away this week. Dan was a former member of the Reading Municipal Light Board and a Constable. ♦ Bill Hughes passed away this week. Bill was a Reading Municipal Light Board member and a Constable. He is a former member of the Recreation Committee. ♦ Downtown progress—The "right of entry" forms have been distributed to the approximately 45 property owners in the Downtown area. We attended the MPO's TIP day. Board of Selectmen Meeting——AlLnl 6,2004—Page 2 * We met last evening with gasoline service station owners/operators regarding Article 11. + We have received notice on the amount of money that the Town will get from FEMA for the December 2003 blizzard. + We have received a check from the Reading Ice Arena Authority in the amount of$107,000 for the annual payment. * With Board of Selectmen action tonight, the Town will have available to it the first proceeds from the sale of the Reading Landfill, with the proceeds to be used by Town Meeting for capital improvements. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the execution of an "Amended Administrative Consent Order No. 711 for the Reading landfill site as presented and dated April 6. 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. * The Town has received notice that our Summer Avenue project has been approved under the "Footprints Roads Program." There is still work to be done on getting this project through the TIP and getting it designed. Meanwhile, Summer Avenue is driveable. * A neighborhood meeting on the 75 Pleasant Street project for the Reading Housing Authority is scheduled for April 8th. * The CPDC and the Master Plan Advisory Committee is meeting on April 14th to "Pull it all Together" from the previous visioning sessions. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation National Public Safety Telecommunications Week—Police Chief Robert Silva, Fire Chief Greg Bums,Dispatchers Vicki Avery and Susan Tapley were present. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to declare April 11-16, 2004 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Chief Silva presented a Certificate of Commendation to Dispatchers Vicki Avery and Susan Tapley for the professional handling of an emergency situation involving an 18 year old contemplating suicide on February 18, 2004. The Board congratulated Dispatchers Avery and Tapley. Discussion/Action Items Memorial Park — Temporary Use Regulations — Recreation Administrator John Feudo was present. He noted that he solicited Reading Youth Baseball, Reading United Soccer Club and Reading Youth Softball, and Reading Youth Softball and Reading Youth Baseball are the only ones who will be using Memorial Park in the Spring. The rules for using the park include: Treat the park and neighbors with respect,park only on one side of street, carpool, discourage parents from staying for practice, use three drop off points, assign locations, no double parking/blocking driveways and strict timelines. A map of the park will be included with the regulations. Abuse of the park could result in loss of its use or other permits. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert suggested noting that parking on one side is in accordance with the posted regulations, and also suggested,that the neighbors get a copy of the letter. Board of Selectmen Meeting—-April 6,2004—Paize Chairman George Hines asked if more than four teams could fit at one time, and John Feudo noted that he preferred four because there is a lot of the park that is still wet in the Spring. Chairman George Hines asked about the age groups, and John Feudo, noted they will be the youngest of the softball players. Chairman Hines noted that the Chairman of the Recreation Committee stated that it is better not to have the youngest ones there because they draw the most traffic. Selectman Gail Wood asked if T-Ball is included, and John Feudo noted that they are separate and will not be using Memorial Park. Selectman Wood also asked about the timelines, and John Feudo noted that he would indicate to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before start time. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the "Memorial Park Temporary Use Regulations" as proposed for the Wiring of 2004, and that the Board of Selectmen will revisit this issiie, in the Winter of 2004/2005 to determine whether these regulations need to be revised or other regulations need to be developed, based on the construction activity at the Reading Memorial High School, and based on actual experience during the Spring of 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Community Parish Nursing Presentation— Sandy Trainor from Community Parish Nursing was present. She noted that Community*Parish Nursing is committed to respect and helping the elderly age in place. She also noted that Senator Tisei is working on the Home Bill for the elderly, and noted that the Housing Authority asked Community Parish Nursing for a formal proposal to help the elderly age in place. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked how many volunteers they have, and Sandy Trainor indicated 65-75 volunteers. The Board thanked Ms. Trainor for her presentation. Hearing—Stop Intersection—Walnut Street north and southbound at Curtis/Ash Hill Road—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that there is a stop on Ash and Curtis already. Pulling out of Walnut Street is difficult, and he feels that a four way stop is appropriate. Chief Silva suggested putting a mirror opposite Curtis Street because not all vehicles stop at the stop signs, His neighbor would also like a mirror. Chairman George Hines noted that warning signs will need to be put up, and the Town Manager indicated that they would along with line striping. John Lukens of 148 Walnut Street asked if there were regulations for placement of stop ahead signs. The Town Manager indicated that the Town tries to put them on utility poles. Mr. Lukens indicated that he supports the stop sign. Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 6. 2004—Page 4 A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the hearing on stop signs on Walnut Street north and southbound at Curtis Street/Ash Hill Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding to Appendix A-12, Section 6.12: Walnut Street northbound and southbound at Curtis Street and Ash Hill Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Four Wgy Stop Intersection— South Street at Curtis Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that a speed study will be done, and they will investigate the possibility of having a crosswalk without a sidewalk. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the hearing on a four way stop on South Street at Curtis Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A_motion by Schubert seconded buffy to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding to Appendix A-12,Section 6.12: South Street northbound and south bound at Curtis Street and Curtis Street eastbound and westbound at South Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing—Do Not Enter—Hancock Street at Glen Road—During School Hours—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this will provide improved safety and does not make King Street one way. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on a "Do Not Enter" sign on Hancock Street at Glen Road during school hours was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations Appendix A-16a, DO NOT ENTER 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Mondathrough Friday, August 25 through June 30 with emergency vehicles exempted by adding Hancock Street at Glen Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 George Street/Curtis Street 40B Application—Chairman George Hines noted that there seems to be some confusion regarding the Board of Selectmen's position on access to the George Street/Curtis Street 40B project. The Board of Selectmen did not approve the entrance on Curtis Street so the ZBA thinks that the Selectmen don't support the project. The George Street access is a problem because the access goes through someone's driveway. The Town Manager noted that the current plan keeps Curtis one way in and one way out on George Street. The triangle of land is not owned by the developer. Board of Selectmen Meeting—-A �pril 62004—Page 5 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked who participated in the working group, and the Town Manager noted the Chairman of the Board of Appeals, the applicant, the developer and the residents. The Town Manager suggests that the Town vacate a portion of land to the Capobianco's. Attorney Steven Cicatelli noted that would be fine with him but the Town owns the land. If he has the title to the land,then he will do that but the title has to be deeded to the applicant. Chairman George Hines asked Attorney Cicatelli if he has had the opportunity to acquire the other triangle of land, and Attorney Cicatelli indicated that the Capobianco's and Crispo's own that property and they haven't offered. He will do whatever it takes. Deb Capobianco noted that the Crispo's were-not here tonight and they are the sole trustee,not her. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Selectmen can relocate or alter Town roads but the Board of Selectmen would not come up with this plan if they were laying it out. He feels that it is up to the applicant to make it work whether it's one way in Curtis and out George or vice versa. Chairman George Hines noted that the George Street residents engaged in a settlement with the developer but the ZBA objection is because they perceived the Selectmen didn't approve, Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the site has to have adequate access and egress. Selectman Gail Wood noted that access on Curtis and egress on George Street is a better situation. There was discussion about access for emergency vehicles, and Attorney Cicatelli noted that the ZBA asked for 16 feet but the Fire Chief asked for 18 feet, so they redesigned it. It is 18 feet all the way except at the entrance which is 16 feet and the Fire Chief says that's okay. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the issues need to be addressed. Attorney Cicatelli noted that the Board asked for this plan, and the Curtis Street people agree. He will be driving onto a public way,not the Capobianco's driveway. He noted that Mr. Crispo holds the key, and he has done everything that has been asked of him. The ZBA cannot ask him to do something on the land they don't own. Attorney Cicatelli noted that the neighbors will not allow the looping of the water, and Ms. Capobianco responded that at first she didn't want it but she will allow it now. Ms. Capobianco noted that the George Street neighbors have dropped the litigation. Mr. Lynch has improved the street, sidewalks and fencing. She also noted that everyone needs to compromise. Selectman Gail Wood noted that neither the Selectmen nor ZBA have all of the pieces to the puzzle. Board of Selectmen Meeting=Apri16,2004—Page 6 A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to recommend that the Zoning Board of Appeals require the applicant to: (a) Submit a revised plan with an improved entrance and egress on Curtis, addressing safety issues and Board of Selectmen concerns; or (b) Submit an improved plan with an entrance on Curtis and egress on George Street,addressing the safety issues and concerns of the Board of Selectmen; (c) Safety issues and concerns include: ♦ Realignment of driveways to eliminate the crossover on Curtis; ♦ Maintaining the integrity of the abutting driveway at 21 George Street without encroachment by the development driveway; (d) That the applicant be required to negotiate with the abutters to achieve satisfactory results; (e) That the water main be looped onto George Street; and (f) That the Board of Selectmen is opposed to the original site plan showing the entrance/egress at George Street. was approved by a vote of 4-1-0,with Hines opposed. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of March 23, 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Duffy abstaining. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to adjourn the meeting of Apra 6, 2004 at 10:15 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, e _- �j Secretary Memorial Park Memorial Park is land which was donated to be "maintained as a Public Park for passive recreation and as a place for healthful rest, and amusement for people of all ages. Activities at Memorial Park shall not interfere with the quiet enjoyment of the immediate neighborhood. Rules and Reayulations: 1. The deed from the donors specified that no organized games of football, baseball, soccer and kindred games or any games that are in their nature hazardous, are permitted. 2. Alcoholic Beverages are not permitted on any public property. 3. All groups must dispose of their own trash. 4. Pet owners must remove animal waste. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. 5. Fire Arms, Destructive Weapons,,Slingshots, Bow and Arrows, and Fire Works are prohibited. 6. Fires and Cooking Grills prohibited except by special permit. 7. Golfing/Practice prohibited. 8. Unauthorized vehicles prohibited from driving/parking on any non- designated roadway or parking lot. 9. These regulations shall be enforced by the Reading Police Department, who shall cause the immediate termination of any activity that violates these rules and regulations. 10. No organized activities of any kind or activities requiring a permit shall be allowed before noon on Sunday. 11. Park is open 8:00 a.m. until sunset.