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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 14, 2004 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, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Attorney Mark Gallant, Attorney Mark Favaloro, Bill Brown, Tony D.'Arezzo, Frank Driscoll, Ann Hartstein, Preston Lucas, Elaine Stone, Frank Postma, Robin Shea, Martha Reedy, Rick Camusu, Arnold Rubin, John Diaz,Allan Fuller, Doug Neary. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman George Hines handed out notes from the traffic meeting the Selectmen had on December 4, 2004. He noted that short-term solutions include having the Police Department prepare an enforcement plan, evaluate needs for crosswalks, request local companies to direct their trucks to main routes, pursue land acquisition options to improve roadway access, move lane reduction sign, check cycling of Jordan's/Home Depot traffic signal, find an alternate to 128 Sales unloading cars into traffic and sign the curve on Washington Street. Long-term solutions include initiate a crosswalk program, create a policy for public notification that is greater than 300 feet, and conduct a traffic study of Elliot/Green/ Village/John Street. Selectman George Hines also announced that he will not be running for re-election after 15 years of service on the Board. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that Jim Blomley from the RMLD is retiring. He also noted that the Light Department is trying to combine the Accountant and Business Manager positions. He noted that the Eastern East Neighborhood Alliance are concerned about children being bussed to Killam. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the school redistricting meeting last week and it was very educational. The School Committee will be making a final decision by the end of January. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the School Committee is continuing to lobby for sidewalks on Franklin Street but there are other areas in Town who also need them. She also announced that she will not be running for re-election. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she will be attending a meeting of the Audit Committee tomorrow night. Public Comment — Bill Brown thanked George Hines and Gail Wood for their time served in. Town Government. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14, 2004—Page 2 The Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: + Nomination papers are now available for Town Officers. 50 signature for officers and 10 in precinct for Town Meeting Members. Nominations papers are due back in the Town Clerk's Office by 5:00 p.m. on February 15th. + RCTV is experiencing technical difficulties with the local channels. The malfunctioning equipment is Comcast's, and RCTV is working with Comcast to get the problems resolved. All channels are working now thanks to Comcast's response. + The bond issue and sale of BANS is going to be on December 20th at 1-1:00.a.m. We will receive $6,180,131 in State payments on Barrows and Wood End,on January 5, 2005. We are, therefore, selling $6,480,000 in long term debt and will borrow $8,686,000 in BANS. The $6,480,000 includes $1,000,000 0,000 in debt on the Water Treatment Plant. The remainder is school debt. The BANS are a combination of school debt and water main projects. The Selectmen can meet anytime between December 21 st and January 4th to approve the sale and sign the papers. ♦ The Water Resources Commission has approved the Interbasin Transfer at its meeting on December 9, 2004 by a vote of 7-2. This is the first step in the approval process of purchasing MWRA water. Kerry Mackin, Executive Director of the Ipswich River Watershed Association, continued to vehemently oppose approval by the WRC. ♦ Castine Field flooding—see update. + Maplewood Village regulatory agreements are ready for signature by the Chairman. Town Counsel has extensively reviewed them. The Town Manager noted that Arnold Rubin, the owner of Atlantic Mart, is present and is requesting the Board to approve a revised floor plan for this liquor license. Selectman Joseph Duffy recused himself because his son is the Manager of Atlantic. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he had received phone calls regarding what is on the floor is not what was presented. He asked if there is surveillance covering all of the areas. Arnold Rubin indicated that there is, and he also has a-computerized system to control age and time of sale. Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the original plan had seven auxiliary locations and the new plan has 17. Arnold Rubin noted that he took some away because people were tripping into them. A 'motion by Wood seconded by Hines to approve Atlantic's license to operate a liquor store under the plan presented on December 14, 2004 until January 11, 2005 was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Schubert opposed. Selectman Joseph Duffy rejoined the meeting. Discussion/Action Items Intersection at Walkers Brook Drive and General Way — The Town Manager noted that he met with the applicant and staff and there was a community input meeting on traffic. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14, 2004-Page 3 Attorney Mark Favaloro noted that the plan had been modified slightly. It is designed to prevent a left hand turn going out, and there will be a left turn signal coming in. The design is to make people take a right turn onto Walkers Brook Drive and keep traffic on Route 128 and Route 28. Town Engineer Joe Delaney noted that he recommended a right turn, two lanes. The left turn signal will only happen when there is cueing. John Diaz noted that eliminating the left turn addresses the issue of traffic going into the neighborhood. Selectman George Hines asked if this is doubled with an exit at Goodall Sanford, and Attorney Favaloro indicated that it is. Attorney Favaloro noted that this is the same plan as the Northshore Shopping Center with signs. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked where the westbound cut down from two to one lane is. Selectman George Hines noted that there will have to be signage and enforcement. Chairman Richard Schubert suggested a physical obstacle; i.e., stamped asphalt or concrete and Selectman Gail Wood agreed. The Town Manager noted that the four lane cross section is to shift the roadway. General Way was a two lane exit and should be a one lane exit. Selectman George Hines asked if the island will be raised, and the Town Manager indicated that it would. Allan Fuller, owner of Boston Stove, 25 Walkers Brook Drive, noted that Danis will be impeding on his property but he hasn't spoken to him about this issue. A Washington Street resident noted that this is a concession by the applicant and a much better plan than before. i Doug Neary of 155 Village Street noted that if cars back up, he won't be able to get out of his driveway. His property is 70 feet from the stop line. Selectman George Hines indicated that the light will be green most of the time. John Diaz noted that the green arrow will happen only after a significant line up. The majority of the cars will turn on a green ball. The Town Manager suggested that the Board approve the overall design now and to come back when it is fully designed. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked Mr. Danis if he was willing to do something; i.e., special lighting to indicate that people are going from a business district to a residential district. Mr. Danis indicated that he is willing to put a physical barrier in the pavement but that's it. He noted that the landfill development has affected the neighborhood more than his development will. He also noted that he has been working with the Town on a skateboard park and has also held up his project. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14, 2004—Page 4 A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the concept plans for improvement to the . intersection of General Way and Walkers Brook Drive as submitted in the Conceptual Improvement Plan "A", Walkers Brook Drive/General Avenue Intersection revised December 14,2004" subject to the following conditions: o The plan shall be modified to provide for a four lane cross section on Walkers Brook Drive east of General Way so configured that the southernmost lane is an extension of the northbound exit lane from General Way; ♦ General Way shall be marked to indicate that the northbound lane is a single lane; o Final plans shall be submitted to the Town Engineer for final approval prior to construction. The developer will pay the cost of review of the signal design by the peer review consultant; ® Construction on the intersection and signal shall be completed within six months of the issuance of all permits required for development of the premises, plus the expiration of all applicable appeal periods and/or favorable resolution of all appeals, or at the time of occupancy of the first 50,000 square feet of space, whichever date is first, ® The applicant and tenants on the site shall direct all truck traffic entering the site to use the Goodall Sanford Road access if coming from Main Street or the west, and the General Way access from Walkers Brook Drive if coming from the east including the Route 128; o The applicant shall use best efforts to develop;at his cost, a full service access roadway to New Crossing Road when either of the abutting properties to the east is developed; o The applicant shall fully cooperate with the Town and. other parties to develop reasonable alternate access connecting Walkers Brook Drive with Main Street provided that such alternate access does not adversely impact apolicants use of the premises. Such cooperation may include donation of land, development of plans, and all other things necessary to develop such access; ♦ The designated island area shall be raised; o The applicant shall ensure that issues relating to the abutting property (Boston Stove) are addressed; Final plans and analysis shall be brought back to the Board of Selectmen for final approval; was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Final Report — Memorial Park Committee — Preston Lucas, Chairman of the Memorial Park Study Committee, was present to submit the final report. He noted that the Committee recommends that the Selectmen clarify the intent of the grantors of the Deed by virtue of a cy pres agreement with the following conditions: o Allow community events that would be acceptable, to be scheduled by the Recreation Committee or the Recreation Administrator under the general direction of the ,Park Commissioners; 4 Allow practice times for league teams as determined by the Recreation Committee or the Recreation Administrator,under the general direction of the Park Commissioners; Board of Selectmen Meeting_December 14, 2004—Page 5 o Allow opened unassigned space in Memorial Park to be determined by the Recreation Committee or the Recreation Administrator for use at the community at large. This space may contain a "life" course or, whatever, to be determined proper by the Recreation Committee or the Recreation Administrator, under the general direction of the Park Commissioners; and ♦ Not allow scheduled league games between intra-town or out-of-town teams that would require the fencing or lining of the field. Preston Lucas noted that most of the comments they received on the surveys were about parking and improvements to the playground and tennis court area. The Town Manager noted that the Board received correspondence from David Chase who indicates that he has no problem with the children playing at Memorial Park. Selectman George Hines noted that this was one of the best reports he had read. He also noted that at the public hearing, there were people who spoke in favor of the park and the need for open space and parks in Reading. Selectman Gail Wood noted that there were also comments regarding overuse of the park. Elaine Stone of 65 Harrison Street noted that the main concern was overuse. She requested that a designated size of open space be available to the abutters and people who use it for picnics, etc. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to accept the final report of the Ad Hoe Memorial Park Use Review Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Human/Elder Services Study Presentation — Consultant Ann Hartstein and Human Resources Administrator Carol Roberts were present. The Town Manager noted that Ann Hartstein met with staff and the community. If the Board approves the blueprint, then he will start the hiring process. Ann Hartstein noted that she interviewed 20 individuals including members of the Board of Selectmen, Council on Aging, Town Departments,providers and Town staff. She then reviewed the services that the Town of Reading has available. The Town Manager noted that the Council on Aging did a survey in the past 18 months, and the results did not find a large demand for services not being met. Ms. Hartstein noted that her recommendations include regular meetings with providers and administrators, community wide planning, use resources more effectively, identify potential crisis and identify unmet needs. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if we have case managers. Ms. Hartstein indicated that we do with different providers. The Town Manager noted that the role of Town Government is to coordinate case management, not to do case management ourselves. He also noted that Mystic Valley has a legal responsibility to provide services and the VNA also gets government money. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14, 2004—Page 6 Ms. Hartstein noted that unmet needs include lack of coordination of transportation, employment services, coordinating potential volunteers and information and referral. She suggests convening quarterly meetings with the Elder Services staff, Police, Fire and the Health Division. She also noted that protocols should be set up with Police and Fire regarding assistance that is available. For staffing recommendations, she suggested that the job description for the Elder Services Administrator needs to be clarified. Hire an Administrator with Elder Services background and strategic planning ability. Define the Social Worker position as crisis intervention to handle elders or younger; i.e., "triage social worker" to match those in need to a provider. House at least one full time staff person at the Senior Center to do scheduling and coordination. Coordinate with other locations for activities and have volunteer greeters to make the programs more welcoming. Evaluate the nutrition site supervision and home delivered meals for efficiency and effectiveness; i.e., pre-packaged food. Market the Senior Center perhaps under a different name. The Town Manager noted that some people think the meals are for poor people but they are not. The real benefit is socialization, and there needs to be more activity at the Senior Center. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there is any need for the Town to fund case management organizations, and Ms. Hartstein noted that it is not necessary for the Town to do that unless there is an unmet need. Chairman Richard Schubert asked about the financial impact of the study, and the Town Manager noted that no additional,staff will be needed. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that he goes to the Retired Men's Club of Wakefield, and he suggested naming the Senior Center as a club for men and women. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there is duplication of services among providers, and Ms. Hartstein noted that there is some overlap but no duplication. She indicated that is why the Town needs to get providers together so we can triage. Selectman George Hines noted that President Bush's budget is cutting Human Services. Ms. Hartstein noted that there is a need'to focus on efficiency and if we put the right people in the same room, they can solve problems. Selectman George Hines noted that it is Community Parish Nursing's goal to age in place. Did others indicate unmet needs? Ms. Hartstein noted that all of the goals are to age in place and what is different is how they get there. Carol Roberts noted that she has met with staff regarding the report and they are all open to change. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that it was the consensus of the Selectmen that the report is a reasonable approach and directed the Town Manager to move forward. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14, 2004—Page 7 Hearing — 24 Hour Operation— Motiva Enterprises d/b/a Reading Shell Station, Walkers Brook Drive—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Town's Bylaws prohibit retail business between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless granted by the Board of Selectmen. He also noted that there were no complaints last year, there is an issue of environmental clean up, they have conservation approval to demolish and build a new station, and the contamination is being cleaned up but not totally yet. Attorney Mark Gallant, Frank Postma, Robin Shea, Martha Reedy and Rick Camusu were present. Attorney Gallant noted that the permit has been renewed every year. He has notified all abutters by mail and the station serves a public service. Frank Postma noted that the environmental testing was done in October and they are waiting for results from DEP. The groundwater is low in oxygen and there is one well left to clean up. He is optimistic that he won't see the Selectmen next year. Selectman George Hines noted that the applicant is consistent with performance regarding the 24 hour permit. He asked if it was feasible for 128 Sales to unload their trailers behind the station, and Attorney Gallant noted that the abutter owns the property. The Manager of the station noted that they rent to 128 Ford for employee parking. Selectman George Hines noted that the ditch is horrendous with trash, and suggested that they talk to the abutter about cleaning it tip. The Town Manager noted that he would have the" Board of Health take a look at it. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to close the hearing for the 24 hour operation at 87 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve an application for 24 hour sales b Motiva Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Reading Shell Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, upon a finding that, in accordance with Section 5.10.1 of the General Bylaws, the Board determines that: ♦ It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to permit such operation, and ♦ There is no detrimental effect. of such operation on the Town or .the immediately abutting neighbors; Subiect to the following conditions: 1. This approval expires at midnight, December 31, 2005; 2. All signs shall conform with the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading; 3. The menu of food to be covered by the Common Victualler's License shall be limited to those items specified in the license application; 4. The.gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days a 5. The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all hours that the station is open; Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 14, 2004—Page 8 6. The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 7. _ The operator will prepare and post a list of local towing and repair shops that are I open 24 hours a day for those who need it; 8. Restroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. License Renewals — The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen delegated to him the authority to issue licenses. He will be issuing licenses to businesses for 2005. He.will not issue a license to anyone who owes taxes. Sale of Bonds—The Town Manager noted that the Town will be selling bonds on December 20, 2004, and it will be put on the January 4, 2005 Agenda for the Selectmen to sign. He also noted that we will be bonding for less. Approval of Minutes A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of November 16, 2004 was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,with Wood abstaining. A motion by Hines seconded by Duffy to approve the Minutes of November 23, 2004 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of November 30,2004 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the Minutes of December 2, 2004 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the Executive Session Minutes of November 9, 2004 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Anthony seconded by Duffy to adjourn the meetinLr of December 14, 2004 at 11:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary