HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 12,2004
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 and Selectman Joseph.Duffy, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nelson Burbank, Daria
Niewenhous, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Diana LeLacheur, Linda Anthony, Michael and Carolyn
Fallica.
Reports and Comments
Town Manager's Report- The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ Flu Clinics are on hold.
♦ Pay and Classification Hearing on October 26th for Public Health Nurse.
BCC Training—60 participants.
♦ Site lighting-issues—Walkers Brook Crossing.
♦ Progress report on 20"water line in Birch Meadow.
♦ Report on water meter change-out.
West Street water main construction—finish work for the year by November 15th
to Enos Circle, completion next year to Catherine Avenue.
♦ MWRA buy-in—WRC vote on November 4th. Process after that is to MWRA
Advisory Board (January),MWRA Board (February), then legislature.
I-93 Risk Assessment—meeting this week with staff.
♦ At a Board's previous meeting, we had"Goals and Mission Statement" on the agenda
but did not get that far in the agenda. It is my understanding that the Board of Selectmen
will be discussing this on October 19th.
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.
♦ There is a soft second loan letter of interest in tonight's package for the Chairman to sign.
0 The Town received notice of pending litigation—a claim from Mark and Janine Ford from
38 Charles Street regarding issues at Memorial Park.
Personnel and Appointments
Ad Hoc Hospital Development Committee — The Board interviewed Nelson Burbank for a
position on the Ad Hoc Hospital Development Committee.
The Town Manager asked Mr. Burbank if he was on the Board of any hospitals or medical
facilities, and Mr. Burbank indicated that he was not. The Town Manager noted that Mr.
Burbank's work on the feasibility study on the Ice Arena was great.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12 2004—Page 2
The Town Manager noted that there was an email from Town Counsel indicating that Bruce
Cerullo has no conflict but the others have or have the potential for curable conflicts. He would
suggest using them as consultants but wouldn't put them on as Associates because it could cause
problems down the road.
Wood moved and Duffy seconded to place the following names into nomination for two
positions on the Ad Hoc Hospital Development Committee with terms expiring September
30, 2005: Nelson Burbank and Bruce Cerullo. Mr. Burbank and Mr. Cerullo received four
votes each and were appointed.
Discussion Action Items
Continued Hearing on Parking Regulations on Sunset Rock Lane — The Town Manager noted
that the residents were told at the last hearing that it was continued to this date and time.
The Town Manager noted that the problem is related to events ai the School. The nature of the
school use will change dramatically next year because redistricting is going on. The
Superintendent of Schools met with Town staff regarding more parking. The focus is on this one
street but other streets are effected. He recommends closing the hearing and turning down the
proposals. He will do no parking on the west side of Sunset Rock when events are going on. He
suggests setting up a working group to look at the issues with a deadline of March 2005. Cut
through traffic is taking place and that issue needs to be addressed.
Selectman Gail Wood asked if it is a problem other than events; and the Town Manager noted
that it seems to be events and temporary signs can be used for each event.
Linda Anthony of 39 Sunset Rock Lane noted that it helps when the cones are there for no
parking during events. Some days are a problem.
Carolyn Fallica of 52 Sunset Rock Lane noted that she lives at the end of the circle and doesn't
think it's a big deal to limit a few spots on that one side. She also noted that at the last hearing,
the Selectmen approved moving the signs back 20 feet but they haven't. The buses and delivery
trucks have a problem.
Diana LeLacheur of 47 County Road noted that she volunteers at the school. Some cars park on
Roma Lane and some on Sunset. She also noted that there are usually about three cars on Sunset
Rock Lane so its not that big of a problem. She noted that the gymnasium holds 500 people but
only has 37 parking spaces. The Town Manager noted that there are no seats in the gym and
there will not be 500 seats.
Mary Ellen O'Neill of 125 Summer Avenue noted that she would appreciate opening up another
access to the school. She doesn't understand the problem with cut through traffic. The Town
Manager noted that the issue is that there would be a physical barrier -- the question is where is
the appropriate place.
The Town Manager suggested starting at the bridge and stating no parking, and then restrict on
one side during special events.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 2004—Pau 3
Carolyn Fallica noted that it would be helpful to have a visitor spot, perhaps 15 minutes parking.
She also noted that there are four handicap parking spaces in the parking lot. The Town
Manager indicated that they are required to have one per 15 spaces.
Diana LeLacheur asked if widening of the road is possible. Chairman Richard Schubert noted
that would be something for the task force to look at. He indicated that we also had to look at
ways to increase parking on site.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there is no reason to have no parking every day. She
concurs with the Town Manager about having signs only for events. She indicated that there
needs to be a plan so that all employees park on site. Some gravel may be needed.
Mary Ellen O'Neill noted that no parking starts at the bridge, and that is a long way to walk if
her daughter gets sick in school.
Diana LeLacheur noted that it is a long way and she has a bad leg.
Chairman Richard Schubert asked how many cars are effected by 20 feet south of the driveway,
and the Town Manager noted that it was two.cars.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony directed the Town Manager to send a letter to the school
indicating that a visitor space is needed.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Wood, the hearing on no parking, standing or
stopping on the west side of Sunset Rock Lane was closed by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Wood seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to amend the Town of Reading
Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding:
No Parking, Standing, Stopping,During School Hours
On the east side of Sunset Rock Lane from the north side of the bridge adjacent to Plat 206,
Lot 48 on the Assessor's map, northward to the end of the cul-de-sac-, and on the west side
of Sunset Rock Lane from the cul-de-sac southward to the north side of the bridge opposite
Plat 208, Lot 48, including the entirety of the cul-de-sac. . The motion was approved by a
vote of 3-1-0,with Schubert opposed.
Board of Selectmen Policy—Article 4—Public Works—This agenda item will be rescheduled.
Review of Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the
Subsequent Town Meeting. He noted that Articles 1 and 2 were reports and instructions.
Article 3 is amending the CIP and two items are being added — a dump truck and well work in
the Water Division.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 2004—Page 4
Article 5 is amending the FY 2005 Budget. The Town Manager noted that towards the end of
2004, the School Department determined a surplus of$550,000, and the School Committee voted
to spend the surplus on the Reading Memorial High School, Wood End and Killarn Schools. The
Department of Revenue sent a letter stating that we can't do that. Town Counsel and the Town
Accountant strongly disagree and they are meeting with the Department of Revenue tomorrow to
work out the issues. We will have to over appropriate for all capital items in order to do what the
Department of Revenue wants.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that what the Department of Revenue is saying is that
you can't take operating money and spend it on capital without Town Meeting approval. The
Town Manager noted that we will find out tomorrow if amendments to the budget are needed.
Selectman Gail Wood asked if a Special Town Meeting will be needed for this, and the Town
Manager indicated that we should be able to deal with it under Article 5.
Article 6 is to establish/add funding for the Stabilization Fund. The Town Manager indicated
that nothing will be put in the Stabilization Fund because we estimated $500,000 in new growth
but the actual was $450,000. The personnel advertising budget is short and the Police
Assessment will be$16,000.
Article 7 is to authorize inspections revolving fimds. The Town Manager noted that this is for
multi-year developments and the use of money will be expanded. The State law says that this
can only be established at the April Town Meeting. Selectman Gail Wood noted that part of the
Town Planner's salary should come out of this fund.
Articles 8 and 9 are similar to Article 7.
Article 10 is for authorization for application and acceptance of a grant/loan from the MWRA for
inflow and infiltration removal.
Articles 11 and 12 are for authorization of funding for two water mains.
Article 13 is Chapter 90 appropriations.
Article 14 will be indefinitely postponed.
Article 15 is a conservation issue—it is a home rule petition.
Article 16 is amendments to the Charter.
Article 17 is the Historic District Bylaw.
Articles 18 and 19 are zoning Articles.
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to support the subject matter of Article 3 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 2004—Page 5
A motion by Wood seconded by Duffy to support the subject matter of Article 7 of the 2004
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to support the subject matter of Article 8 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to support the subject matter of Article 9 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthonyto support the subject matter of Article 10 of the
2,004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Anthony seconded by Duft to support the subject matter of Article 11 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to support the subject matter of Article 12 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to support the subject matter of Article 13 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Wood seconded by Duff to support the subject matter of Article 15 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to support the subject matter of Article 17 of the
2004 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 4-0-0
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the Executive Session Minutes of
August 10, 2004 was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the
affirmative.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Duff t�journ the meeting of October 12, 2004 at
9:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
A
Secretary