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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-08 Board of Selectmen HandoutTOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, November 08, 2005 • We had a problem with street line painting last week. The lines will be re-done in the spring at the contractor's expense. • Town Meeting begins November 14, and will go Mondays and Thursdays until completed • Flu Clinics are scheduled on November 14 and November 16. • The American Flag on the Common is flying again • Veterans Day is Friday - November 11. • Your packet contains a letter from CPDC re Sally Hoyt's proposed changes in zoning. I discussed this with Ms. Hoyt, and she felt that she would not pursue the matter further. • The "original" Sanborn Lane trench has been patched for the winter. • There is a Public Official liability course through MIIA tomorrow night if anyone can attend it. • The applicant of the Archstone Development has requested approval to remove the large maple tree on West Street because of site distance issues. You've received correspondence on this matter. • Curbs are being installed on Melbourne this week • The Garden Club's Memory Tree program is on December 4, and they have requested a member fo the Board of Selectmen to participate. November 14, 2005 - TOWN MEETING 11/15/2005 WORKSHOP MEETING 7:00 Appointment - Audit Committee 7:30 Appointment - Associate to COA ( 7:35 Appointment - Associate - Cultural Council ( 7:40 Jordan's Application to operate IMAX theater on Christmas Day 7:45 Approval of vacating easement - Walnut Street 8:05 Addison Wesley Traffic Presentation 8:15 Discussion on dangerous dogs 9:15 Discussion of Budget process 9:45 Executive Session Litigation November 17, 2005 - TOWN MEETING November 21, 2005 - TOWN MEETING Cp November 22, 2005 7:00 Review action status reports 7:30 4 way stop - Mt Vernon and Bancroft, and No Continued Parking east side of Bancroft from Mt. Vernon to Hearing Woburn 8:00 Stop intersection - Louanis at Avalon, and Avalon Hearing NB at Louanis 8:15 No parking north side of Edgmont Road between Stewart and West Streets; one way on Edgmont Hearing Road Southbound from Stewart to West Street 8:30 Stop sign at Roma northbound at Sanborn Lane; Stop sign westbound on "original" Sanborn Lane at Roma Lane; Stop sign eastbound on "original" Sanborn Lane at Lilah Lane; Heavy Vehicle Hearing Exclusion on "original" Sanborn Lane. 9:00 Parking regulations - Roma Lane and Sunset Hearing Rock Lane 9:30 Establish Advisory Committee on Cities for Hearing Climate Change 9:45 Liquor License Renewals 10:00 Town Manager's evaluation November 28, 2005 - TOWN MEETING December 6, 2005 7:00 OFFICE HOURS - James Bonazoli ( 6:30 Highlights DPW - re Rubbish collection, Disposal, bidding ( 7:30 SWAG re recycling and DPW re bidding of Rubbish/recycling 7:40 Hearing 24 hour operation of WBD Shell Station 8:30 Request for Automatic Amusement devices - Hearing Fuddruckers 8:45 Approval of licenses December 13, 2005 - BOS Forum December 20, 2005 7:00 I "Review action status reports I 7:30 I Report from Hospital Development Committee Extension/appointment of Hospital Development Committee Review potential acquisition of land - north Main Street Consideration of a band stand Process for consideration of sale of land - Oakland Road Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Roberts, Carol Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 12:27 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Schena, Paula; LeLacheur, Bob; DeLai, Mary Subject: Public Officials' Liability-11-9-05 Importance: High Hugh Troutman from MIIA called asking if anyone from Reading is going to the Public Officials' Liability seminar tomorrow night November 9, 2005 in Waltham from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. titled "Tools to Reduce your Public Officials' Liability Exposure". It is recommended for Selectmen, Appointed Officials, School Committee Members, Board Members, Administrators and all other interested parties. Would earn 1% credit under Public Officials and School Board Liability categories. See the MI IA web site for more info. Hugh asked me to call him back so if you could let me know, I'd appreciate it. There's plenty of space. Carol Carol B. Roberts Human Resources Administrator Town of Reading 16 Lowell St, Reading, MA 01867 Phone 781-942-6633 Fax 781-942-9037 D 11/8/2005 Rest, 2006 Risk Management Seminar Professional Liability Series "Tools to Reduce your Public Officials' Liability Exposure Wednesday, November 9, 2005 Westin Hotel, Waltham 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (6:30 -7:00 Refreshments will be served) DO YOU WANT YOUR MUNICIPALITY TO AVOID THE BAD PRESS A VIOLATION OF OPEN MEETING LAW CAN CAUSE? This seminar will give you the tools to put a plan in place to do that. The City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association, in cooperation with MIIA, has drafted Attorney Elaine Lucas, partner with the Worcester law firm of Brackett & Lucas and Attorney Steven A. Torres, City Solicitor for the City of Taunton, to conduct this seminar. Both attorneys have multiple years of municipal experience, which allows them to discuss liability issues that are currently affecting YOUR. municipalities. Some of the topics to be addressed include: ✓ How to Run an Error-Free Public Hearing. ✓ Open/Closed Meetings. The standards, rules and regulations for conducting open and closed meetings. ✓ Public records - How to make sure your municipality is handling public records appropriately. WHO SHOULD ATTEND - Selectman, Appointed Officials, School Committee Members, Board Members, Administrators and all other interested parties. Attendance at this seminar qualifies the MIIA member for I% credit under the FY06 MIIA Public Officials, and School Board Liability categories. If you are interested in attending, call Mary Ann Marino 800 374-4405 x262 or complete the form below and fax it back to us at (617) 426-9546, or register online at www.emiia.or2. Confirnation/directions will be faxed or e-mailed to you. City/Town/District: Attendee Phone: E-Mail: Fax: Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: dkwynns@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 12:03 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Town Manager; Reilly, Chris; Reading - Selectmen Subject: RE: Spence Farms Thanks for the clarification, Peter and for ensuring that our concerns will be passed on to the appropriate people. We look forward to hearing how the meeting went. Katrin Wynns Original message Karrin and Don This matter is before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, not the Board of Selectmen. Through our Town Planner I will make sure that your concerns get passed along to the ZBA. Preserving as many of the trees on the site was indeed part of the approval process for the project. I hope that this will be able to be accomplished. Pete Hechenbleikner Town Manager From: dkwynns@comcast.net [mailto:dkwynns@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 9:51 AM To: Town Manager; Reilly, Chris; Reading - Selectmen Subject: Spence Farms November 8, 2005 Camille Anthony James Bonazoli Joe Duffy Ben Tafoya Rick Schubert Chris Reilly, Town Planner Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Due to a conflict on Thursday evening we will not be able to attend the Selectmen's meeting regarding Archstone's "insubstantial modification" to the Comprehensive Permit for Spence Farms. However, we would like to request the modification be denied. It was our understanding that as part of the approval process a licensed arborist would identify several significant trees (far too few in our opinion) to be protected in order for Archstone to develop the site. This tree was specifically listed as one of the trees that must be saved in the original zoning permit. Now as we are in the midst of this rather massive development, Archstone is seeking a revision to the Comprehensive Permit which would destroy one of the last remaining attractive natural features on the site. We believe it is Archstone's responsibility to design and develop the site in 11/8/2005 Page 2 of 2 accordance with the approved plans and not request modifications from the town. Replacing a 100+ year old tree with 6 inch specimen trees would further add to the dense and overwhelming feeling of this development. In response to Archstone's offer to mitigate the impact by providing these trees in front of the four streetscape buildings, we would hope new tree plantings, as well as additional landscaping, would have been mandatory in the first place. We urge each'CPDC member, the selectmen, town planner and town manager to refuse this request in an attempt to save what little is left of the old Spence Farms. Please remember that part of what makes this town a desirable and attractive place to live is the historic features that it provides and the old New England charm that is unique to this region of the country. Once we begin to forget the importance of our inherent and unique features, we become a town that loses it's identity and recedes into our memory. Respectfully, Katrin and Don Wynns 33 County Road Reading, Massachusetts 01867 781-944-5403 Dkwynns@comcast.net 409 11/8/2005 Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Reilly, Chris Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:42 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: Spence Farms From: Reilly, Chris Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:41 AM To: 'dkwynns@comcast.net Subject: RE: Spence Farms Thanks for your email katrin...the ZBA is the permitting authority so i will provide to them for their review in advance of the meeting. Please be aware they can take testimony from staff and other Boards but no one can approve or deny the request but them. The approved plans did require new trees and additional landscaping. The intent would be to require more trees that will grow much larger, similar to the tree they wish to remove which they have demonstrated will cause inadequate notherly sight lines for cars exiting the site. As, I recall the ZBA certainly wanted to retain the tree; that's why they required it- but they also do not want anyone getting hurt on West St., which I'm sure you understand. From: dkwynns@comcast.net [mailto:dkwynns@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 9:51 AM To: Town Manager; Reilly, Chris; Reading - Selectmen Subject: Spence Farms November 8, 2005 Camille Anthony James Bonazoli Joe Duffy Ben Tafoya Rick Schubert Chris Reilly, Town Planner Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Due to a conflict on Thursday evening we will not be able to attend the Selectmen's meeting regarding Archstone's "insubstantial modification" to the Comprehensive Permit for Spence Farms. However, we would like to request the modification be denied. It was our understanding that as part of the approval process a licensed arborist would identify several significant trees (far too few in our opinion) to be protected in order for Archstone to develop the site. This tree was specifically listed as one of the trees that must be saved in the original zoning permit. Now as we are in the midst of this rather massive development, Archstone is seeking a revision to the Comprehensive Permit which would destroy one of the last remaining attractive natural features on the site. We-believe it is Archstone's responsibility to design and develop the site in accordance with the approved plans and not request modifications from the town. Replacing a 100+ year old tree with 6 inch 11/8/2005 0 Page 2 of 2 specimen trees would further add to the dense and overwhelming feeling of this development. In response to Archstone's offer to mitigate the impact by providing these trees in front of the four streetscape buildings, we would hope new tree plantings, as well as additional landscaping, would have been mandatory in the first place. We urge each CPDC member, the selectmen, town planner and town manager to refuse this request in an attempt to save what little is left of the old Spence Farms. Please remember that part of what makes this town a desirable and attractive place to live is the historic features that it provides and the old New England charm that is unique to this region of the country. Once we begin to forget the importance of our inherent and unique features, we become a town that loses it's identity and recedes into our memory. Respectfully,. Katrin and Don Wynns 33 County Road Reading, Massachusetts 01867 781-944-5403 Dkwynns@comcast.net 0 11/8/2005 _ 0 60 c~r~F ~~~/~Mw~`sa The Green Sheet a ADVISORY o BOARD ~ d\\'~ D fin A Financial Publication of the MWRA Advisory Board Fall 2005 FY06 CEB Faces Spending Risks As discussions continue on how to contain the sharp increases in rates projected for FY07 and the next five years, FY06 is looking more difficult. The Authority is monitoring spending closely as the FY06 Current Expense Budget (CEB) faces several spending risks. Staff anticipate a budget gap of approximately $3.5-3.7 million; however, some observers regard these estimates as low if certain key expenses (such as utilities and chemicals) rise and some non-rate revenues (such as hydropower credits) fall short of expected levels. Authority staff plan to report to the Board of Directors in November on first quarter spending and update estimates of the budget gap, Through September, spending for the CEB totaled $129.1 million, $0.5 million (0.4%) greater than budgeted. Direct expenses for September alone were nearly $1 million over budget and $1.5 million greater than budgeted for the year-to-date, due primarily to greater than budgeted spending for electricity, diesel fuel and maintenance at Deer Island. While Direct expense spending is offset by lower than budgeted debt service accruals and greater than budgeted investment income, concern about these budget risks continues as the winter season approaches and energy costs, in particular, are expected to rise. CSO Spending Approaches 50% of Wastewater Capital Spending MWRA Ends FY05 With Capital and Current Expense Spending Below Budget The Authority closed the 2005 Fiscal Year with lower than budgeted spending for both the capital and current expense budgets. Spending on the capital program totaled $167.7 million, 19% below the $207.7 million budgeted. Wastewater spending came to $88.6 million of which $53.7 million was for the CSO Control Program, one-third of all capital spending. Spending on Waterworks projects totaled $76.7 million. Total current expenses came to $486.2 million of which $276.1 million was for debt service. Total revenue and income totaled $491.5 million, resulting in a year end surplus of $5.3 million to be used in future years to ease the pace of projected rate increases. Plans for Rates Summit Progress With rate increases, especially over the next four to five years, representing the single most challenging issue facing the Authority, a special meeting for the Board of Directors on rates management is being set. The pressures on this year's budget make this meeting even more critical, as price increases in such areas as energy, chemicals and health insurance are expected to continue into future years. Projections issued with the Final FY06 budget show rates rising by over $200 million over then next five years, driven largely by debt service payments and declining rate stabilization funds (projected to be fully drawn down in the next two years). For the first quarter of FY06, accruals for the capital program totaled $52.7 million, just over the $51.8 million budgeted for the three-month period. Spending on the Wastewater program carne to $37.6 million or over 70% of all year-to-date spending. Nearly half of that spending was for the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Program. Spending on Waterworks projects totaled $14.5 million. Footnotes $ The total CEB budget for FY06 is $525 million $ The total CIP budget for FY06 is $209.2 million (including $15.7 million in contingency funding) MWRA Advisory Board • Phone: 617-742-7561 • Fax: 617-742-4614 - Email: andrea.briggs@mwra.state.ma.us Web Site: http://www.mwraadvisoryboard.com Patrick I'm sorry you missed the meeting. The outcome was to prohibit parking standing and stopping on the south side of Melbourne from Summer to Buckingham. The reason is that it is too congested, there are a lot of parents and children using that route to walk to school, and cars park on the tree lawn and sidewalk to free up street space for vehicles. We are also going to be placing curbs on both sides of Melbourne in this area. The no parking here to corner is coincidental. The new regulations will be posted as soon as we can get the signs and get them put up. We are taking a look at Buckingham too. It's a fine balance between pedestrian safety, vehicle access, and public safety in these cases, and this is the best option that we could come up with. I will pass your comments along to the Board of Selectmen. Pete From: Patrick Dowe [mailto:PDowe@PreVisionMarketing.com] Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 12:52 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Melbourne Avenue Mr. Hechenbleikner, My daughter brought home the November issue of the Joshua Eaton School newsletter (the "Eaton Express") yesterday. One of the items included in the "Traffic Update" section noted that there was a proposal for a parking ban on Melbourne Ave. between Summer and Buckingham that would be addressed at the November 1st Selectmen's Meeting. Unfortunately the newsletter came home the day after the meeting so I was unable to express my feelings before the meeting. I do have a few questions that I hope you will be able to answer: What was the impetus for the proposed parking ban? What was the outcome of the Selectmen's meeting? I noticed this morning that paper "No Parking/Tow Zone" signs have been posted on Melbourne Ave near the corner of Summer Ave. Is this just a coincidence or is it a test run of the parking ban? I have been parking on that stretch of Melbourne Ave every morning for the past 3 years and I have never noticed any problems - aside for a few tight squeezes when the snow banks start to build up. It's definitely no worse than the area of Buckingham Drive near Summer Ave. That stretch of road is definitely too narrow to support two-way traffic and parking on both sides of the road. I can understand wanting to keep the corner of Melbourne and Summer clear of traffic - such as was the case this morning - but a parking ban all the way to the corner of Melbourne and Buckingham would be extremely inconvenient, especially with winter weather approaching. Once the bad weather sets in (or when the coyotes show up like 0 this morning) all of the children must enter the school through the Oak Street door. Parking is not allowed on Oak Street, and the chance of parking on Summer Ave in front of the school is virtually non-existent. That leaves Melbourne Ave as my only viable option in the morning. I'd appreciate it if you would take my comments into consideration. Thank you, Patrick Dowe 66 Hopkins Street Reading MA, 01867 This message may include proprietary or protected information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me, delete this message, and do not further communicate the information contained herein without my express written consent. 13 November 2, 2005 Rick Schubert, Chairman Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Memory Tree Ceremony - December 4, 2005 Reading Garden Club Dear Mr. Schubert: The Reading Garden Club is holding its annual Memory Tree fundraiser on Sunday, December 4, 2005, at 4 p.m. on the front lawn of the Reading Public Library. During the brief ceremony names of individuals and events to be remembered are read aloud. It is our hope that you or another representative from the Board of Selectmen will again speak at the ceremony. Please let me know, at your earliest convenience, if you will join us. Thank you. Sincerely, Cauleen Aut Julianne McKenney Ways and Means Co-Chairmen Reading Garden Club 64 Ashley Place Reading, MA 01867 Nurse Advocacy Task Force Reading own veeting November 14, 2005 D . Who -What -Why . Progess Report . Next Steps O NJ 17 OlLj%jl lj~- r t hrough Ins raSked the own tAeeIn t9 5 ZO05, I as h an d Of ~ ay ~ establis m otion of s6eutmen to -ate the need ~Or Frai. Board o eva u for. hog task FirCe to Program Nurse Nd\Jocacy a if Eiders xvnat is the task . • ~ Ac~oUate \urse the need fora met pe\4ie\N Revds are being overnment ►n What nee L.Oca. G Exp_ore the ro-e of meeting theseneeds Oetermine E)(p-ore a fundingil eve of funaII.y ative approaches to tern of the force 0 5 part wte er of COA Carol pattersOr' Reading Hou 2 Citizens of to - sing Anne Ma"e Reading - A acheur t5u„ ~ of FinCom 00000 nnPmber 1BOID Ron powell James 5Ov'a-zOV ■ Selectmen - Where are we to day Y e of a Nurse Advocate ns on how the to Defined ■ Ta ked with Surrou~~e nee tow d they are tiand-Anc from other towns for ■ Nave rough costs this position. 0\ eXt Steps. the guard of -77-t- . ~ pequest extensi° ebCUarY 1, 2006 Selectmen until F ding requirements ~e,e of fun Sources. . Finalize f unding alternatives fto Board ■ Exp~ore present flna~n Qand R.Com• of Seiecu 11 (0"\i M EMO To: Board of Selectmen From: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Date: 11/08/05 Re: Discussion - Water Supply Options History • Process started with the November 1999 report on Water Supply options, for the community • The ad hoc committee recommended 3 major actions: o Continued and enhanced conservation o Purchase supplemental water from MWRA for peak summer use o Renovate the Water Treatment Plant • Water Conservation and "supplemental" water purchase from the MWRA are being implemented • Proceeded with design of renovation of existing Water Treatment Plant • Determined that new plant would be more cost effective • Determined proposed location of new Water Treatment Plant • Board of Selectmen site walk & approve design - new Water Treatment Plant • Designed new Water Treatment plant • Environmental review determined that new site had problems • Evaluated alternative sites • Board of Selectmen site walk to review alternative sites • Review of costs of full MWRA Buy-in vs build new plant with supplemental MWRA water. What has chanced since the 1999 recommendations? • We have had 2 droughts - 1999, and 2005 • The estimated cost of the new or renovated Water Treatment Plant has increased from $13.7 million to an estimated $23 million • The cost of the MWRA buy-in capital cost has decreased from $12.7 million to approximately $10 million • MWRA has done major improvements to the water system to improve quantity (less lost water) and quality • MWRA costs of water (purchase of water - not capital) has increased 16% a year in the past 5 years. What is expected this eveninq? • Review 2 site location options • Review the financial analysis for the "build" option vs. the all MWRA option • Develop a schedule and process to make a decision 0 Page 1 i3 In favor of building a new Water Treatment Plant with supplemental M W RA water • Faster to implement than MWRA buy-in • Costs of operation easier to predict • Keep good and loyal staff • More local control of costs (Town has good history) • Don't need to give up water rights • Keep 2 sources - redundancy • Borrowing per $million is cheaper (subsidized through SRF) 0 Page 2 v4 In favor or full MWRA purchase: • Potential water conservation measures when the Ipswich River is distressed would be less • Even in non-drought situation, the impact on the Ipswich River would be eliminated • The Town's primary water supply will be less vulnerable to contamination and spills • The cost appears to be somewhat less that the other option for the next 30 to 35 years • The Town would not have to be directly concerned with changes in drinking water standards rules and regulations • Operating expenses are better able to take advantage of economies of scale • There would be a potential re-use of lands for recreation and open space uses. • Page 3 2 Neutral • The Town would need in any instance to maintain some level of water restrictions • The Town will still need to maintain the water distribution system • The capital plant under both scenarios will probably need major improvements in 30 to 40 years • Developers fees will still be able to be applied to even the partial buy-in • The Town will still need to implement and maintain other water conservation programs. 0 Page 4 Heath Insurance Force Interim ,,d..hoc Report The Issue Plan Y ear 2000 2001 r 2002 j 266, 20 20®5 200 ~J Enrollees 1431 1448 1057 1055 1057 1091 1099 P rerniurn Increase 4.30% 5% 15.60% 19•10°f0 11% 7.20% 18.10% The Problem Costs ~ ,,sing Heath -nsurance Oyer 25% in ast two fiscal years ruture More Fnro.,ees and Higher izabOn Contiinto re not aone iFmP~~ y ~ V~ ork comvq6jttee pkdvisOfy formed COMmitteer ~ Task FOrce ee, Finance 5 , Su1-%Ook Comma ogees 50 Emp Residents' and Un giddin9 process take time R to professiona ~y tension from Mll . Requted eSE dative changes is out program -Review deg of a guy- 00tion Reiew J What More Can the Town Do.? ? Educate Workforce on HvO v. PPO ? Educate on vedicare Part D .Promote Heath Awareness Programs f? _earn About Hea th Care Reform e Report to BOS -ING EVV of SE~ECfMEN , . vo-gWE ;9a, yyt _ (ylease P P C( d,6t vl5. A-P C SVC- c /U C~- \f C~ N~~` ~'~TING s-ELY of S1 IN DINT VD Of 1*4 „AS Z13 (plea xnt) Ca d5 A i f