HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
May 25,2004
The meeting convened at 7:35 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, Selectman Joseph Duffy, Human Resources Administrator
Carol Roberts, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Bill Brown, Attorney Steve Cicatelli, Attorney Andrew Upton, Janine
Normay.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Selectman Gail Wood noted that the Water, Sewer
and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee met and they are looking at a 5%increase in
the rate.
Chairman George Hines asked for an update on the Water Treatment Plant, and the Town
Manager noted that the initial estimates were for renovating and adding but it might be cheaper
to demolish. A firm has been hired to look at the design. Selectman Gail Wood noted that three
technologies were piloted. Two didn't work out and one was great. The Town Manager noted
that this will be on the June 22, 2004 agenda.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert offered congratulations to the Coolidge Middle School Team
who finished 8f out of 54 in the finals. He attended the Lions Club Friends and Family Day.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
® This week is National EMS Week. Congratulations and thanks to all of our employees who are
EMI's.
Attached is a copy of the RMLB agenda along with invitations to our Federal and State
representatives to attend their tour on Saturday, June 19th. The Board of Selectmen has also
received invitations.
♦ Attached is e-mail correspondence from a resident regarding late use of the lighted softball
field and concerns about drinking during/after the games. This is being addressed by the
Recreation Administrator and the Police Department.
We have received complaints about a new bus service operating on the west side of Reading.
This service is temporary, under contract with the MBIA, while they are doing track work.
It should last another three weeks or so.
s September 22, 2004 -- Board/Committee/Commission training at Coolidge Middle School --
jointly with Stoneham, 7:00 p.m. `til 8:30 p.m. Please do not schedule any other meetings
that evening--we will block out the meeting rooms.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 25, 2004—Page 2
♦ All street sweeping has been completed for the season!! That compares to completion before
Labor Day last year. A combination of less sand/salt being put down, contracted sweeping to
supplement our own sweeper along with good weather has contributed to a very successful I
program this year. Way to go DPW.
® As of today, the Health Division is picking up fresh killed crows or blue jays to be tested for
West Nile Virus. The bird has to be trauma free and fresh--that is, no ants or flies --to be of
value for testing. Please call 781-942-9061 to report or have the homeowner report the bird
to the Health Division. Monday through Friday 8:30 — 5:00 are the otimes we will pick
up and bring birds to the State lab for testing. If a bird is found on the weekend and the
homeowner calls the Police, they can report the bird directly to the State Department of
Public Health at 866-627-7968. The homeowner will be advised by the State as to how to
dispose of the bird themselves(double plastic bag and into the trash).
o Friends and Family Day was held this Saturday and despite the poor weather, it was a
success. I hope that this will be repeated. Town staff did a great job as did the volunteers.
♦ 40B update -- State records show us with 682 units or 7.74% of our total units as affordable.
This does not include any development at Longwood Poultry Farm, nor does it include the
Salem Street LIP, the Habitat for Humanity units,the unit acquired by the Housing Authority
on Pierce Street, or the additional four units proposed on Pleasant Street by the Housing
Authority. The Town Planner is reviewing the inventory and will have comments back to
DHCD shortly.
Discussion/Action Items
Acceptance of Conservation Easement—Main Street—The Town Manager noted that this is for
the Minotti property on Main Street next to the Church. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked
if the.lots have been subdivided, and the Town Manager indicated that they have.
A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading,
Middlesex County, Massachusetts approve the Conservation Restriction on Property at
908, 912 and un-numbered address on Main Street as previously approved by the Reading
Conservation Commission pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section
8C,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
George Street 40B Project— Curb Cuts and Water Line Looping— Attorney Steve Cicatelli was
present. He noted that the ZBA has approved the 40B for George Street. The plan was
redesigned with the looped water main and the entrance on Curtis Street and the exit on George
Street. A settlement has been reached with the abutters. When the developer acquires the
triangle of land, they will move the exit over, construct a wall and reconstruct the Capobianco's
driveway. There will be 95 feet of granite curbing, one tree will be removed and a 2 inch
overlay of Curtis Street.
The Town Manager noted that it looks like a part of the triangle should be deeded to the Town
because it will be part of the right of way. He will schedule it for a future Town Meeting.
Attorney Cicatelli noted that part of the ZBA decision was that the developer acquire the title to
the triangle and keep it. We need to check with Town Counsel regarding this issue.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—Mgy 25,2004—Page3
A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy that the Board of Selectmen, acting in their capacity
as Road Commissioners, approve the improvements within the public way of George Street
and Curtis Street, the connection of the sewer line into the public way, and the looping of
an 8"water line, all as shown on"Site Plan, Curtis/George Street in Reading MA,prepared
by P.J.F. and Associates dated May 21, 2004, subject to the granting by Town staff of all
administrative permits including sewer extension permits, tree hearings, and any other
such permits as required by Bylaw or State statute,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing—Chili's Liquor License Application—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
Attorney Andrew Upton and Assistant Manager Janine Normay were present representing
Chili's Grill & Bar. Attorney Upton noted that Manager Thomas Dumont was at a national
retreat so Janine Normay was here in his place.
Attorney Upton noted that this is a brand new Chili's and is scheduled to open September 1,
2004. They have invested over$3 million in this project. All staff will be TIP certified.
The Town Manager noted that the facility has to be occupied within 120 days and the plan
submitted cannot be changed.
Chairman George Hines asked if Mr. Dumont has managed a facility before. Ms.Normay noted
that he manages the Chili's in Salem,NH and has four Assistant Managers. This is considered a
promotion for him.
Chairman George Hines asked if there has been any action against the license in Salem, and Ms.
Normay indicated that there has not. She noted that alcohol is a low percentage of their business
because it is a family restaurant.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked what are the hours of operation. Ms. Normay noted that
they are Sunday—Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00
a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the application indicates that the seating and
occupancy will be 217. The Town Manager noted that the building code enforces occupancy.
The Town Manager noted that competitors are advertising ordering and pick up, and Ms.
Normay noted that 8%-10%of their business is takeout.
The Town Manager noted that not more than 15%of the seats can be at the bar.
A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on an application for an All
Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor License for Brinker Massachusetts Corporation d/b/a Chili's
Grill&Bar,70 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 25, 2004—Page 4
A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor -
License for Brinker Massachusetts Corporation d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers
Brook Drive for a term expiring December 31,2004 subject to the following conditions:
® The application is for 217 seats;
s The facility will be occupied within 120 days of this date;
1 The facility to be constructed shall be in accordance with the plan as presented;
♦ Copies of written policies 3.2.1.2Lproof of alcohol management or server training
(3.2.1.9), liquor license liability insurance (3.2.1.10), and list of alternative
transportation (3.2.2.4), shall be supplied to the Town Manager prior to the first du of
operation;
® All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts shall be followed
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing-T Classification and Compensation Plan—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that the GIS Technician has been added to the Classification Plan.
The Compensation Plan has been increased by 2% for the COLA.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked when there will be a review of the Classification-Plan,
-and the Town Manager indicated that will be done next year.
Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the Crossing Guards will be taken out of the
Classification Plan now that they have formed a Union. The Town Manager noted that will
remain for the spare Crossing Guards because they won't be in the Union.
Selectman Gail Wood asked if anything in the position description could be waived when a
person is hired. Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts indicated that education in place
of experience could be waived.
Selectman Gail Wood asked about physical demands. The Town Manager noted that according
to ADA,they would try to accommodate.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the FY 2005 Classification
afid Compensation Plan was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy to approve the FY 2005 Classification and
Compensation Plan, as presented,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Continued Hearing —Board of Selectmen Policy, Article 3 —Licenses - The Secretary read the
hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that Section 3.1.4 requires businesses to maintain their property in a
way that is conducive to health and public safety. In Section 3.1.7, he*did not include the
issuance of fines.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—Mgy 25,2004—Page 5
The Town Manager noted that he added Section 3.2.1.22 on Sunday sales for package stores. In
Section 3.2.6.1 on the One Day Liquor Licenses, he indicates that it is for non-profit
organizations. Section 3.2.6.3 indicates that the servers must be trained. In Section 3.5.4.9, the
Town is not allowed to prohibit the use of the word "Reading" by other businesses outside of
Town.
The Town Manager noted that the policy on Automatic Amusement Devices is limited to clubs.
The Board discussed changing the prohibition on amusement devices, and the consensus of the
Board was to allow businesses to apply subject to a hearing by the Board of Selectmen.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the hearing on Article 3 -Licenses of the
Selectmen's Policies was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motilin by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve Article 3 — Licenses of the
Selectmen's Policies, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Establish Town Manager's Salary for FY 2005 — Chairman George Hines noted that the Town
Manager's current salary is $104,510 and a 2% increase would make it $106,600 that is what
was budgeted.
The Board discussed the Town Manager's salary. Chairman George Hines noted that Peter is
more deserving of a 2% increase and feels that it is almost an insult. He suggested that next
budget season, the Selectmen should budget this line item and take it to the Finance Committee,
not the Town Manager.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Wood, the Board of Selectmen established the Town
Manager's salary for FY 2005 as $106,600 by a vote of 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Schubert seconded by Duff
y to approve the minutes of April 27, 2004, as
amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of May 4. 2004, as
amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the Executive Session minutes of
April 27,2004 was approved by a vote-of 4-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy to adjourn the meeting of May 25, 2004 at 9:22
p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
56cretary