HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
April 27,2004
The meeting convened at 7:30 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 Joseph Duffy, Fire Chief
Greg Burns, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Ed Shaw.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that he attended
the April 21"meeting of the Reading Municipal Light Board, and it was a tribute to Bill Hughes
and Dan Halloran.
Selectman Camille Anthony requested that a thank you note be sent to Margaret Batchelder for
her donation towards the Senior Center railing. She noted that the RMLD audit recommends
changes, and the Town Manager stated that it will be addressed through the Audit Committee.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there have been a lot of e-mails in the packet regarding
Route 128/1-93. Chairman George Hines noted that there was an e-mail from a Task Force
member who indicated that a fly-over is the only solution being considered, and Chairman Hines
indicated that is not true. Discussion on this topic will be put on a future agenda.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
+ The Town Manager noted that there was a copy of a motion to reconsider Article 11
in to-night's handout.
4 Street sweeping has been bid and ready to award. It will be paid for out of snow
and ice. Sweeping started on March 29th and we hope to be done by mid-June.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation—Arbor Day—The Secretary read the Proclamation.
The Town Manager noted that tree saplings will be distributed to 5th graders on Arbor Day.
A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to proclaim April 30, 2004 as Arbor Day in the
Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Hearing — Creation of Ad Hoc Memorial Park Committee — The Secretary read the hearing
notice.
Board of Selectmen Meeting=April_Apn
�l 27, 2004—Page 2
The Town Manager noted that there have been issues regarding' what is and what isn't permitted
at Memorial Park. He also noted that the intent is to establish a committee to get a consensus of
what should be permitted before filing a cy pres agreement. The Committee would have a sunset
clause of 12/31/04. It would consist of seven members — one Recreation Committee member,
two residents from the neighborhood, two members from youth sports, one Selectman and one
resident at large.
The charge of the Committee will be to review the Deed and restrictions, review the uses of the
park, the intent of the donors, solicit input from neighbors and community, reach out to
departments and Boards, Committees and Commissions, conduct public hearings and develop a
preliminary report.
The Board discussed efforts to get the community involved, and Chairman Hines noted that a
schedule and outline of tasks should be developed.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the hearing creating an Ad Hoe
Memorial Park Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Duffy seconded by Anthony-to approve the policy creating an Ad Hoc
Memorial Park Committee,as amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing— License to Store Flammable and Combustible Liquids — Home Depot at 60 Walkers
Brook Drive — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Ed Shaw from Dickinson Development
and Fire Chief Greg Bums were present.
Ed Shaw noted that the license will be issued to Walkers Brook Crossing and then transferred to
Home Depot when they open.
Fire Chief Greg Bums reviewed the difference between flammable liquids and combustible
liquids and the conditions and restrictions for each one.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if Home Depot brings in a new product, are they
required to notify the Town. Chief Bums indicated that he expects the business to know what
needs to be licensed or permitted and to notify the Town. He noted
d that they cannot exceed the
quantities but can substitute within the same class.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if any additional training would be needed for the Fire
Department. Chief Bums noted that it is a large building and the Fire Department will be there
often to check exits to make sure they don't get blocked -- they will be proactive. All of these
items will be in the same location.
Selectman Camille-Anthony asked how often the permits are renewed, and Chief Bums indicated
that they are indefinite. Selectman Anthony asked if they are subject to inspection, and Chief
Burns indicated that they are yearly and it is very easy to revoke a license.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 27, 2004—Page 3
Selectman Gail Wood asked if a license is issued for a certain quantity and they exceed that
amount,do they need a new license. Chief Burns indicated that they would need a new license.
A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to close the hearing for the license to store
flammable and combustible liquids at Home Deport at 60 Walkers Brook Drive was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the license application for 60 Walkers
Brook Drive, Home Depot USA,Inc. for the storage of
Flammable Liquids,Interior Aboveground Storage:
Class lA—Zero (0) gallons
Class 1B—Two thousand five hundred and twenty six 2,5261 gallons
Class 1C—Five hundred and seventy eight(578) gallons
Combustible Liquids,Interior Aboveground Storage:
Class H—Eleven thousand three hundred and thirly five 11,335) gallons
Class IIIB—Seventeen thousand five hundred and forty nine (17,549) gallons
subject to the conditions as noted in Chief Gregory J. Burns memo dated April 1, 2004 was
approved by a vote of 5-0=0.
Town Manager Evaluation— Selectman Camille Anthony and Vice Chairman Richard Schubert
reviewed the Town Manager's evaluation. Goal setting will be put on the July 13, 2004 Agenda
as a single item. The Town Manager's salary for FY 2005 will be set at the end of May.
Trust Fund Commissioner Policy — The Town Manager noted that there was a draft policy in
tonight's handout. It gives the history of the Commissioners of Trust Funds and their role. He
suggested that he will schedule some time on the Selectmen's agenda for the Trust Fund
Commissioners to come in and discuss.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of March 30, 2004 was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2004 was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of April 13, 2004, as
amended,was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of April 15, 2004 was
approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Hines abstaining.
Board of Selectmen Meeting——April 27 2004—Page 4
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to go into Executive Session for the purpose of
discussion of strategy with respect to litigation, strategy with respect to labor negotiations
and approval of minutes, not to come back into Open Session was approved on a roll call I
vote with all five members voting in the affirmative
Res ectfully submitted,
Secretary
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