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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen August 24, 2004 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Richard Schubert, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectman Joseph Duffy; Town Planner Chris Reilly, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Ruth Brophy, Will Finch, Michael Conway, Lori Presho, Theresa Murphy, Theresa Petrillo, Heidi Bonnabeau, Angela Binda, Jonathan Barnes, John Sasso, Peter Smargon, Jack Russell, George Katsoufis, Attorney Brad Latham,Mark Gilbert,Bill Bergeron. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that he toured the new schools, and he is very impressed with the new Home Depot. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she missed a meeting with Gail Wood and Joe Delaney to interview consultants for the Risk Assessment at the Ipswich River. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the Home Depot Board Cutting and also the tour of the new school projects. Public Comment — Ruth Brophy was present. She noted that she was concerned about an environmental issue in Wilmington and Woburn that affects Reading off Route 129. She also noted that the Federal Government is looking for ways to send products to Canada. The B & M Railroad is planning on extending their line to the Olan Chemical Property and set up a transfer station. She indicated that the property is already contaminated and there are no plans to clean up the site. She also has concerns about hazardous materials being transported. She noted that the proposal is to remove the products at the transfer station onto 400 18 wheel trucks every day, and also noted that the deadline on the comment period is September 3, 2004. Selectman Gail Wood suggested getting the comment period extended so that she would have more time to see the area and respond reasonably and rationally. Conservation Commission Member Will Finch was present and noted that remediation is being done on that property. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested approaching the Federal legislation to intercede for an extension. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 24, 2004—Page_2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: + The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen has a letter of support to sign for a"Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program" for first time homebuyers. It would be administered for the region by the Community Services Network in Stoneham. , + Re-hearing on the Package Store liquor license at 2-4 West Street is scheduled for September 7th. Two issues were referred back by the ABCC: Whether Reading allows package beer and wine licenses (we do not), and the Board of Selectmen needs to include in their decision the reasons for their decision. + There are a couple of additional traffic issues besides those on the agenda this evening: 4 One way around the island at the end of Sunset Rock Lane—September 7th hearing + Parking restrictions on Sunset Rock Lane Circle—September 7th hearing * Tree at Sunset Rock Lane and Franklin Street—concern about vision obstruction. + The Board has received a report on 211 Main Street. + On August 17th,there was a tour of the Wood End and Barrows school projects with the School Committee and FINCOM. The Wood End School will open on time this Fall. * On August 18th,there was a"Board Cutting"of the new Home Depot. The Lt. Governor was present. A great deal of credit, of course, goes to the Developer Dickinson Development, the Contractor Suffolk.Construction and to Home Depot. I also want the Board to be aware of the hard work on the part of our Town staff to make this project happen. They include Building Inspector Glen Redmond,Assist'ant Building Inspector Dan Bornstein,Fire Day Officer Lt.Paul Jackson,Fire Chief Greg Bums,Plumbing/Gas Inspector Ed Cirigliano, Wiring Inspector Jack Holland, Sealer of Weights and Measures Jack Fusco, Health Services Administrator Jane Fiore,Health Inspector Joan Vitale, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, and all of the support staff. In addition, of course, are the members of Town Boards—the Board of Selectmen,the Conservation Commission, the Community Planning and Development Commission and the Board of Health. And let's not forget the Board of Assessors, and staff Dave Billard and Frank Golden who take all of the information in, and make accurate judgements as to the assessment of the property—we all benefit from that. + We have received our Free Cash certification at a little more than$2.3 million. * Reminder: September 22, 2004 — Boards/Committees/Commissions training at Coolidge Middle School,jointly with Stoneham—7:00 p.m. 'til 8:30 p.m. + There is interest in redeveloping the property at the comer of Main and Pleasant—the former Berson's Pharmacy building. Rick Schubert and George Hines will be meeting with staff and the proposed developer this week to get a general idea of the proposed development while the developer is doing their due diligence. + The DTE is conducting its review, of the "Quiet Zones" for whistle blowing of the railroad. The MMA has taken a lead in this process for a number and, hopefully, Reading will be confirmed as a quiet zone. * The Town of Reading has again secured a grant from the State in the amount of$40,000 for doing enforcement of pricing scanners in Reading and surrounding communities. Sealer of Weights and Measures Jack Fusco deserves a great deal of credit for again securing this funding. Board of Selectmen Meeting,_August 24, 2004—Page 3. ♦ We have received a donation from Elizabeth Bugden for the flag display in the Square. Donations are being accepted on an ongoing basis, and we appreciate Mrs. Bugden's donation. We would like to expand the flag display if resources permit, and we need funds for the replacement. The entire display and replacement as needed has been done through donations. Personnel and Appointments Zoning: Board of Appeals & Conservation Commission — The Board interviewed Michael F. Conway for a position on the Board of Appeals or the Conservation Commission. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2007: Michael F. Conway. Mr. Conway received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Presentation on Master Plan Status — Town Planner Chris Reilly and Master Plan Advisory Committee Members Jonathan Barnes, John Sasso, Jack Russell, George Katsoufis, Will Finch and Peter Smargon were present. Chris Reilly noted that the Town received a grant for $35,000 and hired.MAPC as a consultant. They held visioning sessions and noted that the Vision Statement needs to be revised. He also noted that the community development plan focuses on housing an economic development, and the Selectmen need to decide what the mission is. More public hearings will be held, and then the committee will report back to the Selectmen in the Winter of 2005. Jonathan Barnes noted that Dick Howard was appointed Chairman of the Committee and was unable to be present tonight but he wrote a letter and requested that Jonathan read it into the record (a copy of which is attached). He is requesting that the committee be extended to December 31, 2005. He noted that the Community Development Plan is to focus on categories, and the Master Plan is to focus on the character and identity of the Town. The Community Development Plan needs to be reviewed and prioritized. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that having a good Master Plan will help in the future regarding 40B projects that are overwhelming. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked about changing the Zoning By-Laws to have housing Downtown over the stores. Jonathan Barnes noted that a zoning amendment for mixed use is being looked at -- it also affects other sites. George Katsoufis noted that the Master Plan is a snapshot in time. It shows the history and what will happen in the future. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to extend the term of the Master Plan Advisory Committee to December 31,2005 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 24. 2004—Page 4 Hearing — Variance from Curb Cut Requirements at 137 Main Street — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Attorney Brad Latham, Mark Gilbert from Gilbert Insurance and Bill Bergeron from Hayes Engineering were present. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen have regulations regarding curb cuts stating that they can be no bigger than 25 feet. The plan includes the elimination of the curb cut on Main Street but has more on the side street. Brad Latham noted that there will be 20 parking spaces, 4 of those for employees. The plan is to channelize traffic onto Tarpin Terrace. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted Ahat the plan for south Main Street was to put parking in the back. Brad Latham noted that is against the zoning. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the CPDC decision mentions slope of lot and set back. Bill Bergeron noted that the curbing will be replaced on Main Street, and screening will be done on Main Street to block the headlights. A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy to close the hearing for the variance from the curb cut requirements at 137 Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve rove the variance from the curb cut requirements at 137 Main Street subject to develop the site as shown on the plan submitted by CPDC; the curb cut on Main Street must be eliminated and curbing replaced before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued; and this approval expires if there is no construction activity in accordance with the approved site plan by July 1, 2005 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—Speed Limits on South Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the stop signs at Curtis and South are installed. The State did the speed study. The current speed is 30 mph and the State proposes 25-35-30 and advisory signs. Heidi Bonnabeau. of 336 South Street noted that the average speed is about 45 mph and the stop signs and speed boardwork great. She also noted that there has never been enforcement at her end of South Street. Theresa Petrillo of 329 South Street noted that there is a lot of traffic due to Kohl's, Lowe's and Target. The stop signs are a big help and she would like one more at Addison-Wesley. She would like to have sidewalks and suggested signs restricting hours. The Town Manager noted that those signs are not enforceable. There was discussion regarding the possibility of installing sidewalks on South Street.. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 24,2004—Page 5 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested making South Street a heavy vehicle exclusion. She also suggested that the Town Manager check with ICMA and find out what other towns use for traffic calming measures. The Town Manager noted that South Street does have a heavy vehicle exclusion. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on speed limits on South Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted on March 28, 1995 by adding to Appendix A-14, 6.24 the following Special Speed Regulation(s): South Street—Eastbound Beginning at the junction of West Street, thence easterly on South Street: 0.20 miles at 25 mph 0.17 miles at 35 mph 1.08 miles at 30 mph ending at the junction of Hopkins Street; the total distance being 1.45 miles. South Street—Westbound Beginning at the junction of Hopkins Street,thence westerly on South Street: 1.08 miles at 30 mph 0.17 miles at 35 mph 0.20 miles at 25 mph ending at the junction of West Street; the total distance being 1.45 miles. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—Board of Selectmen Policy Article 2 Adding Section 2.4.19 — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the only change is moving the Transportation Guidelines for Volunteers from Section 4.1 to Section 2.4.19. A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy to close the hearing on adding Section 2.4.19 to Article 2 of the Selectmen's Policies was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 (Vice Chairman Camille Anthony had left the room). A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy to amend the Board of Selectmen's Policies by adding Section 2.4.19 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing — Policy Establishing Ad Hoc Committee to Review Hospital/Medical Facility Feasibility-The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Trust Fund Commissioners spoke about an urgent care facility to meet the wishes of the Will. He attended a Trust Fund Commissioners' meeting and they reviewed the policy and are in support of looking at the possibility of an urgent care facility. Board of Selectmen MeetinAugust 24, 2004—Page 6 The Town Manager noted that the purpose of the committee will be to find out the need/demand for such a facility, make sure it is consistent with the bequest, and determine if it could be developed in Reading and what the process and type of bidding process would be used. The membership would consist of representatives from the Board of Selectmen, Commissions of Trust Funds,Finance Committee, Board of Health, CPDC and two residents. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony requested that #6 be restated. She would also like to know the economic viability and if there is.any linkage for Reading. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that money is currently being used for services, and he would like to know how that would be addressed. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that $250,000 per year is being spent.on services. She also noted that it is critical to have a reporting schedule and for the Selectmen to decide what role they want to play. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she has been asked if Bob Cummings has a conflict of interest. The Town Manager noted that Bob Cummings in on the Board of Hallmark Health and would not be eligible to serve on this committee. There is also a question as to whether he should be a commissioner. He will ask Town Counsel for guidelines. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Mr. Cummings should be recusing himself from discussing this at all. She also noted that Bob Cummings disagrees with the fact that the Selectmen have the authority to make decisions regarding the Trust Funds. She is requesting a definitive response to Mr. Cummings' statement, and she wants to know why Town Counsel is right and he is wrong. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the policy establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to Review Hospital/Medical Facility Feasibility was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the.policy establishing an Ad.Hoc Committee to review the development of.a hospital or like medical faeility'to be funded by the Hospital Trusts was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Follow Up on Retreat — Goals and Objectives — The time being late, this agenda item will be rescheduled. Approval of Minutes A motion by Wood seconded by to approve the minutes of July 20,2004, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by to approve the minutes of July 27,2004, as amended, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 24,2004—Page 7 A motion by Anthony seconded by Duft to adjourn the meeting of August 24, 2004 at 11:10 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Resectfully submitted, Secretary i