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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 21, 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 7:35 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, Selectmen Joseph Duffy and George Hines, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Town Counsel Joan Langsam, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Lt. Rick Nelson, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Phil Pacino, Stephen Crook, Thomas Ryan, Michael and Carolyn Walsh,Daria Niewenhous,Diana Kaine,Linda and Glen Anthony, Carolyn and Michael Fallica,Pete Smargon,'Bruce Cerullo,Anne Piccini, John Moore, John Wood. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman George Hines noted that there is a I93/128 Task Force Meeting on September 29, 2004 at 4:30 p.m. at the Shamrock School in Woburn. A data subcommittee has also been formed. He also noted that he met with Selectman Gail Wood, the Town Manager, Joan Langsam and Elaine Lucas and reviewed Town Counsel's evaluation. This will continue to be done annually. He noted that both the Town Accountant and.Town Treasurer are retiring next year, and he suggests asking for the funding to get someone on board before the Town Treasurer leaves. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the Recreation Committee declined to hear the proposal for Morton Field because they feel it should go to the Selectmen first because it is a capital item. The Memorial Park plan is being worked on. The West Street Historical District Committee had two public meetings. There is a letter in the packet from the Surface Transportation Board. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the opening of the Wood End School is on Saturday. She distributed a copy of the Minutes from the Design Partnership Meeting. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he will be meeting with the Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools and Carl McFadden regarding those Minutes. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Tuesday, September 14th, was State Primary Election day. We voted at Addison-Wesley on Jacob Way. Every household received a notice of the polling location. Registration on the last day of registration for the Primary was heavy, thanks in part to that notice. The Election went well. We are taking into account all comments and suggestions that we have received in order to improve the operation for the November 2nd Election. I have written to Pearson to thank them for their cooperation and use of their facility. ♦ We have received notice of additional State funding - $183,000. The Chairman's signature is required recognizing that this is a one time revenue. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 21, 2004—Page 2 + We have received notice of the MMA Annual Meeting in January — we need to register whoever is going. + The Reading Fire Department's 150th Anniversary Parade is this weekend — on Sunday, September 26th. ♦ 20"water line in Birch Meadow. Construction is starting tomorrow. 4 Request for approval - Hours of construction RMHS. We have approved Sunday hours for five Sundays,beginning last week, and the School Department has notified the neighbors. * We have two applications for the one remaining Package Store Liquor License. A hearing needs to be conducted by October 1st. Since there are two applications for one license, I would recommend that the two hearings be held the same evening. This would require a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen. 4 The notice of the next 193/195 Task Force Meeting in September is in your packets. We have given you a copy of the Board's positions on this project—both the process positions, and the content provisions for you to review, modify and adopt. + Ata Board's pervious meeting, we had"Goals and Mission Statement"on the agenda but did not gdt that far in the agenda. We need to reschedule this item—perhaps for a special one- item meeting. * During the most recent Town Manager's evaluation by the Board of Selectmen, members mentioned that they Wanted to set the Town Manager's salary prior to the budget being put together. We are ready to set up the budget process for FY 2006 so if that is the Board's intent,you should begin that process now. ♦ The Elder/Human Services Study is underway. + Reminder: September 22, 2004 — Boards/Committees/Commissions training at Coolidge Middle School,jointly with Stoneham-, 7:00 p.m. 'til 8:30 12.m. Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning—.Fire Lt. Rick Nelson—Lt. Rick Nelson, his family, and Fire Chief Greg Bums were present. The Town Manager noted that Rick Nelson has been a Lieutenant for awhile but never had a badge pinning ceremony. Chief Greg Bums reviewed his accomplishments, and the Board congratulated Lt. Nelson. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant for Subsequent Town Meeting The Town Manager noted that the first session of Town Meeting will be at the Jordan's hnax Theater if the Selectmen approve it. The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles. He noted that he went to a ZBA Meeting regarding the amendments to the Home Rule Charter. They prefer to leave it at six members. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested that it be left in and then the Selectmen will discuss with the ZBA. The Town Manager noted that the bold and cross outs will be sent to all households. Selectman George Hines noted that there have been efforts in other communities to regulate motorized scooters, and he would like the Board to consider doing the same. Town Counsel Joan Langsam indicated that the Article would have to be specificandinclude age, helmets, State or local roads, etc. Selectman Hines indicated that it is a safety issue and a nuisance, and requested that the Board of Selectmen consider an Article for the Spring Town Meeting. Board of Selectmen Meeting;—September 21, 2004—Page 3 Bill Brown noted that Section 2-12 in the Charter regarding creating committees will create a committee to create a committee. Selectman George Hines noted that the issue is to avoid one person doing all of the appointing with no terms. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting consisting of 19 Articles to take place on November 8, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the IMAX Theater at Jordan's Furniture Store, 50 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts, and additional sessions will take place at Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road,Reading Massachusetts was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearin;—No Parking, Standingor r Stopping—West Side of Sunset Rock Lane —The Secretary read the hearing notice. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that a PTO Meeting was scheduled for tonight, and this hearing might have to be continued. The Town Manager noted that Pages 16, 17, 18, 19 and 72 of the handout had comments from residents. He is recommending no parking on the west side of Sunset Rock Lane from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., September lst through June 30th. He also'noted that there is an issue of cut through traffic from Roma Lane, and also the issue of a tree that blocks visibility. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the situation will change next year, and he suggests setting up a working group or task force. He has concerns that if this is approved, then the problem will move to another street. Selectman George Hines noted there are only 32 onsite parking spaces for 60 staff people and if we overly restrict on the street, then it will exacerbate the problem. Chairman Richard Schubert suggested that non-pervious options be looked at on site. Glen Anthony of 39 Sunset Rock Lane noted that school itself is not a problem right now, and that the special events are the problems. Carolyn Fallica of 52 Sunset Rock Lane indicated that signs are needed to steer people in the right direction, and she suggested mowing a walking path from Fox Run Lane. Mary Ellen O'Neill of 125 Summer Avenue has a daughter at Barrows/Wood End. She noted that the alternative route is outrageous because it takes too much time. She suggested that the Town take over the private road especially if the Town maintains it. The consensus of the Board was to continue the hearing to allow everyone to participate. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to continue the hearing on no parking, standing, or stopping on the west side of Sunset Rock Lane to October 12, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. subject to the clearing of the date with the School Department was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 21,2004—Page 4 Approve RCTV Contract— The Town Manager noted that the RCTV Board is suggesting more changes and that all of the issues should be ironed out in two weeks. He also noted that Pages 2C7 through 2C23 is information from Tom Ryan. The tone of some of the correspondence is distressing. Selectman George Hines noted that the changes to the draft are very good and is something the Town can work with. However, he is extremely disturbed by the correspondence that is vulgar. He feels that this group is dysfunctional and the Board should have some serious discussion about whether to keep the current group before signing an agreement. He would rather have a group who could conduct themselves professionally. He would like language added to the contract that would require them to meet with the Selectmen when requested. He also noted that the situation with this Board has continued to fester over the past year even while the agreement is being worked on. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked what authority the Selectmen have to make sure they have a functional group. The Town Manager noted that there is control with designation or there is the option of making RCTV a department of the Town. Tom Ryan noted that the Selectmen have three appointments to the RCTV — himself, Dale Merrill and Richard Cohen. He also noted that he filed a complaint with the Attorney General regarding RCTV and they have since taken up a petition and are asking him'to resign. They have scheduled a disciplinary hearing but he would rather resign than be associated with that Board. He noted that the membership is down from 300 to 100. Budget information is stamped confidential. The Board discussed whether or not they had the authority to appoint someone to replace Tom Ryan. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that is in limbo but the contract has language regarding that. Selectman George Hines noted that the more fact that they eliminated the Town's authority to appoint altogether shows that the situation is out of control. The Town Manager noted that the RCTV Board wants to have rule authority over the Selectmen appointee. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she is totally opposed to the changes and has a problem with moving forward. The consensus of the Board was to hold a separate meeting with RCTV in the Conference Room. The Town Manager will schedule this. Approve Subordination Agreement with Greater Boston YMCA—Pete Smargon, Bruce Cerullo and Anne Piccini were present. The Town Manager noted that the local YMCA Board has endorsed the plan. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there was a time limit on the letter of credit, and Ms. Piccini noted that the subordination lasts for five years. Vice Chairman Anthony noted that the Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 21, 2004—Page S financing is for 30 years, and Ms. Piccini noted that the subordination is for the letter of credit only and is for five years. . A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the execution of the agreement for "Subordination of Restrictions" attached to a letter from Chris Latham dated September 16 2004 for the property sold to the YMCA by the Town of Reading by Deed dated June 28, 1988 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion — Storm Water Management Funding — Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee Members John Moore; John Wood and Stephen Crook were present. Ted McIntire noted that the Selectmen directed the Committee to investigate the funding options, and the Committee identified four options: Option 1 —General Fund Pros—May be tax deductible. Minimal additional administration costs and flexibility with DPW budget. Cons — Subject to conflicting priorities within future budgets. May not achieve minimum compliance. Not a dedicated source of funds. Option 2—Existing Enterprise Fund Pros — Dedicated source of funds by fee. No need to create new enterprise system. Minimal increase in administration costs. Should improve overall level of compliance. Create stability in the program through a reserve fund. Cons—Not tax deductible. Rate based on water use is not equitable. Facilities on septic systems or wells may not get charged. The existing enterprise funds were set up for particular uses which did not include storm water. Option 3 —Create a new Enterprise Fund Pros — Dedicated source of funding. More equitable distribution of costs. Should improve overall level of compliance. Create stability in the program through a reserve fund. Option of phasing in enterprise fund. Cons —Not tax deductible. Additional administrative costs. Conflicts could arise over equity of fee. Option 4—Hybrid of General Fund and Enterprise Fund Pros — Some costs may be tax deductible. Partial dedicated funding. Incorporates some additional flexibility. Some improvement in stability of program.. Cons —Some costs are not tax deductible. Public perception of a program that grows over time. May require large amount of education. General fund money subject to conflicting priorities in future budgets. Board of Selectmen Meeting_September 21 2004—Page 6 The Committee recommends Option 3 for the following reasons: It provides a dedicated source of funds for a Federally required program. It adds a level of stability to the program that will allow for more consistent compliance. The distribution of costs will-be more equitable. A separate fee will raise awareness of the program. Chairman Richard Schubert asked if education of the program is included, and Ted McIntire indicated that it is. Ted McIntire noted that the existing program costs are approximately $150,000 per year. The proposed program is approximately $210,000 per year. The 10 year capital costs are approximately $100,000 per year for a total cost of the program at $337,000 per year that will cost each household approximately$40 per year. The Town Manager noted that we are currently sweeping streets, cleaning basins, and the questions is do we need to do more. Ted McIntire noted that the Town committed to a minimal effort but we need a vac'truck to clean certain basins and we need to get the drainage system on the GIS. The Town Manager noted that the Town doesn't have to put a lot into the first five years because we've been doing a lot of it. Selectman George Hines noted that he does not like putting the whole street sweeping program into this, and suggested that we phase in the system. The Town Manager noted that we could do the capital and educational part. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony recommended.moving forward to Town Meeting with a complete enterprise plan that needs to be adopted. The Town Manager noted that he will do a scenario of all the capital over 10 years. Review of Memorial Park Committee Work Plan—The Town Manager noted that if anything is missing, then the Selectmen need to let the Committee know. He also noted that public input is very important and the neighborhood needs to agree. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the amount of use and intensity are the major issues. Selectman George Hines asked if Town Counsel's work on this is ongoing, and Selectman Wood indicated that it is. A motion by Bines seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of September 21 2004 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary