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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 8,2004 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Joseph Duffy, DPW Director Ted McIntire, WTP Supervisor Peter Tassi, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Stephen Crook, Frank Driscoll, Alice Grau, Rick Shaffer, John Fallon, Virginia Adams, Nancy Najmi, Harold Bond, Alice Sloan DaSilva, David Williams, Ben Nichols, Thomas Connery, John Wood, Steve Oston, Richard Moore, Attorney Mark Favalaro, Mr.Prizio,Nancy Matheson,Brian Buckley. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that he attended the Reading Municipal Light Board Meeting. They now have three unions and they have agreed to a maximum of 90 day sick leave buyback. The Light Department has $6.5 million in their Stabilization Fund and there is a question on the rules regarding bids so they are checking with their legal counsel. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there is a vacancy on the Council on Aging. She suggested changing the number of members, and the Town Manager noted that would have to be a Charter change. She noted that the Memorial Day Parade went great. She asked for an update on asset utilization, and the Town Manager noted that was a Finance Committee issue and they are meeting on June 30, 2004. Chairman George Hines noted that former President Ronald Reagan died this week and he requested a moment of silence. He also noted that the Memorial Day Parade went well but noted that the podium was missing at the cemetery. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: * Reminder for the Board of Selectmen — the RMLD tour is on Saturday, June 19th. The Board of Selectmen has received invitations, and need to RSVP through Paula Schena. + I have had a meeting with the Commissioner of Men's Softball, and the Chair of the Recreation Committee and the Recreation Administrator regarding use of alcoholic beverages in the parks and on public property. We have reiterated our zero tolerance policy, and are working with the League to eliminate any further incidents. + Reminder: September 22, 2004 — Board/Committee/Commission training at Coolidge Middle School,jointly with Stoneham- 7:00 p.m. 'til 8:30 p.m. + We have filed, with the assistance of the School Department, a grant to the U.S. Department of Justice for a School Resources Officer. If successful, we would be able to have a Police Officer in the schools. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 8. 2004—Page 2 4 The Secret Service is holding a briefing session on the Democratic National Convention for Town officials on June 22nd—members of the Board of Selectmen are invited. + The Board of Selectmen has in their packets the Deed to sign to convey the small parcel of land on Francis Drive to the abutter. + I have summarized the results of the Town Counsel survey, and the Board of Selectmen has that in their packet. I would like, either with a member of the Board of Selectmen or with the Board's blessing, to review this material with Counsel as part of a commitment to doing a performance review every year. + The Charter Review Committee will be meeting tomorrow night at the RMLD Offices. This meeting is a public hearing and it will be televised. Residents will be able to call in if they have questions or comments. * A film crew from the U.K. was in Reading yesterday as part of the program they are doing on "Twin Towns." In Reading, they shot footage of an interview with the Police Chief and did a "ride along." + 'Next Tuesday, June 15th,the Board of Selectmen is holding one of its quarterly"Selectmen's Forams." This will be a live call-in program on Tuesday only. + The Town Manager noted that the Field House has been the single voting place for the last 12 years but due to the construction at the High School, it won't be available for voting for one year. The School Department has offered Coolidge Middle School as a voting place but one of the major concerns is parking. He noted that an alternative would be to use two sites— the Co,olidge Middle School and the Parker Middle School. He suggests a field trip to both sites. Camille Anthony suggested using the RNED, Frugal Fannies or Pearson. Gail Wood suggested using Austin Prep. George Hines suggested having the seniors go to the Senior Center. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition — Kevin Harrington, Boy Scout Troop 702 - A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy to approve the Certificate of Recognition for Kevin J. Harrington was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Memorial Park Use Review Committee—The Board interviewed John Fallon for one position on the Memorial Park Use Review Committee. Wood moved and Duffy seconded to place the following name. into nomination for one position on the ad hoc Memorial Park Use Review-Committee with a term expiring December 31,2004: John Fallon. Mr. Falton received four votes and was appointed. West Street Historic District Study Committee—The Board interviewed Virginia Adams for one position on the ad hoc West Street Local Historic District Study Committee. Duffy moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the ad hoc West Street Local Historic District Study,Committee with a term Miring December 31, 2004: Virginia Adams. Ms. Adams received four votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 8, 2004—Page 3 _ Audit Committee- There were no applicants. Commissioners of Trust Funds—John Daly was unable to be present. Anthony moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Commissioners of Trust Funds with a term expiring,June 30, 2007: John Daly. Mr.Daly received four votes and'was appointed. Human Relations Advisory Committee—The Board interviewed Nancy Najmi for a position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee. Duffy moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Bob Silva and Nancy M. Najmi. Both candidates received four votes each and were appointed. Cultural Council—The Board interviewed Harold Bond for a position on Cultural Council. Anthony moved and Duffy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two ,positions on the Cultural Council with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Harold Bond and Alison Sloan DaSilva. Both candidates received four votes each and were appointed. Board of CemetM Trustees—There were no applicants. Recreation Committee The Board interviewed Francis Driscoll and Frederick Shaffer for two positions on the Recreation Committee. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Francis Driscoll and Frederick Shaffer. Both candidates received four votes each and were appointed. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Recreation Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Christopher Campbell and Kate Kaminer. Both candidates received four votes each and were appointed. Solid Waste Advisory Committee—The Board interviewed David Williams for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Duffy moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory_Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007: David Williams. Mr.Williams received four votes and was appointed. Town Forest Committee — The Board interviewed Benjamin E. Nichols, Thomas W. Connery and Alice C. Gran for three positions on the Town Forest Committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 8, 2004—Page 4 Anthony moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one, position on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Benjamin E Nichols. Mr.Nichols received four votes and was appointed. ` Duffy moved and Anthony seconded place the following names into nomination for two Associate positions on the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Thomas W. Connery and Alice C. Grau. Both candidates received four votes each and were appointed. Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee — Selectman Gail Wood excused herself from the Board because her husband was a candidate. The Board interviewed John*Wood and Steve Oston for two positions on the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee. Duffy moved and Anthony seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2007: John Wood and Steve Oston. Mr. Wood received three votes and Mr. Oston received four votes and both were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Water and Sewer Rates—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Public Works Director Ted McIntire and WSSWMAC Members Richard Moore and Stephen Crook were present. Ted McIntire noted that the WSSVRVIAC looked at a rate plan for 10 years. They are recommending a 5% increase in the water rate which will generate an estimated surplus of $453,000 in FY 2005. The increase for the average homeowner will be $36.90 per year. The Committee also recommends an increase in the sewer rates of 1.3% from FY 2004 which equals a $6.36 increase for the year for the average homeowner. The total increase of water and sewer rates equals $48.00 per year. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Water Treatment Plant project is included in the rate, and Ted McIntire indicated that it is. The Town Manager noted that the reserves will offset the cost of the project. Ted McIntire noted that the actual projected increase was 12.9%, but the water and sewer reserve hand will be used as a stabilization fund. Chairman George Hines asked if the increase for MWRA is included, and Ted McIntire indicated that it is. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the MWRA has voted to accept us, and Ted McIntire indicated that they have not voted yet. Chairman George Hines asked about expenses. Ted McIntire noted that the water operating budget is approximately $3 million and a lot of that is capital including Summer Avenue, Franklin Street, West Street, Willow Street, Ash Street and the Water Treatment Plant. He also noted that of the$3 million in the sewer budget, 83%of that is the MWRA assessment. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 8,2004—Page 5 A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the water and sewer rates to'be effective with the September 10,2004 billing was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to set the FY 2005 water rate at $4.66ep r one hundred cubic feet with a minimum bill of $9.32, effective with the September 10, 2004 billing,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy to set the FY 2005 sewer rate at $5.35ep r one hundred cubic feet with a minimum bill of $10.70, effective with the September 10, 2004 billing,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—Package Store License at 4 West Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Attorney Mark Favalaro and Mr. Prizio were present. Attorney Favalaro noted that presently there is a Dunkin' Donuts, a convenience store, gas station and unrented offices upstairs. The motivation is economic. He also noted that there are presently four other package stores in Reading and they want to become the fifth. They will limit their sale to beer and wine if the Selectmen wish. The Town Manager reviewed the items in the Board's handout. He noted that there are a total of nine convenience stores in Reading. Page 12 of the handout is a letter from the ABCC indicating that Reading is allowed to have five package stores. The Minutes from the hearing for J.K.'S Market indicated that the Selectmen denied the license because it was a convenience store. The Town Manager noted that the Building Inspector indicates that there are sign violations on the property. The Police Department does not object to the issuance of a package store liccnse. The Town Planner indicates that there are issues with signage, hours of delivery, traffic review, security and surveillance. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the decision on J.K.'S Market was a policy decision that the Selectmen need to discuss further. She also noted that the site plan review indicated that a traffic review would be done in six months and one year and-she asked if that has been done. Attorney Favalaro indicated that it has not but the signs have been removed. Selectman Joseph Duffy asked if the first floor was subdivided, and it was noted that it was not. Selectman Duffy suggested putting up a wall and function as a full package store by making it a separate operation. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how many people will be at the register, and Mr. Prizio noted that there will be two at all times at an open counter. Selectman Anthony indicated that she wants CPDC to respond to the traffic study. Chairman George Hines indicated that he feels convenience stores should be able to sell liquor but due to archaic State laws limiting the number of licenses, it would not be fair to the other convenience stores. He also doesn't want to tie up a full package store license just for beer and wine. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 8, 2004—Page 6 Selectman Gail Wood noted that they shouldn't be penalized because nobody else has applied, and she feels that it is not the Selectmen's job to level the playing field. Virginia Adams noted that she was opposed to convenience stores having a liquor license. She feels that there would be a decline in the character of the community, there are sign issues, and it would pull down the quality of fife in Reading. Town Meeting Member Nancy Matheson noted that she doesn't have a problem with them selling beer and wine. She indicated that it is close to the Woburn line, and there will be an Au Bon Pain opening down the street and they will have a liquor license. Attorney Favalaro requested that the Board continue to hearing. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duft to close the hearing for the Package Store Liquor License at 4 West Street was approved by a vote of 3-1-0,with Wood opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the application for a Package Store Liquor License for Petroleum Group LLC d[b/a. West Street Mobil at 4 West Street in Reading for a term expiring December 31,2004,subject to the following conditions: + All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, failed by a vote of 1-3-0,with Anthony,Hines and Duffy opposed. Review Water Treatment Plant — Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi and Brian Buckley were present. Ted McIntire noted that there is another option for the Water Treatment Plant. Peter Tassi noted that the rehab project would be $13.06 million. At 5% inflation, the rehab would cost $13.506 million and a new Water Treatment Plant would cost $13.829 million. At 11% inflation, the rehab would cost $14.192 million and a new Water Treatment Plant would cost$14.534 million. Ted McIntire reviewed the pros and cons of building a new plant versus rehab. He noted that the plan for rehab would move the aeration station inside the building and they would lose the garage. A new plant would keep the garage and leaves a lot of open space for sports. There would be a complex coordination for switch over with the rehab and safety to personnel. There is less of a chance for design or construction delays with a new facility, and the entire plant would be on land that is not subject to flooding. Chairman George Hines asked why it would be a metal building, and Ted McIntire indicated that it was for cost. The Town Manager noted that they are also looking at cement. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 8, 2004—Page 7 Selectman Gail Wood asked about the membrane process, and Peter Tassi noted that they visited the one in Seekonk and liked what they saw. They investigated it further and decided to do a pilot for three months. They used it under normal conditions and worse conditions and the unit wouldn't quit. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the life of the plant, and Peter Tassi noted 20-25 years for mechanical and 50 years for the building. He also noted that the existing building has levels below grade and the new one will be above grade. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony for the Selectmen to accept the recommendation for a new Water Treatment Plant as opposed to rehab was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of May 18, 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to approve the minutes of May 25, 2004 was approved by_a vote of 3-0-1,with Anthony abstaining. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of June 8, 2004 at 10:55 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary