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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 14, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:05 p.m. in the Community Room, Coolidge Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Dan Ensminer, Fred Van Magness, Bill Brown, Tom Mottle, Everett Blodgett, Sally Hoyt, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Ernest Middlemiss, Pierre de Villiers, Tom Garesche, Leslie McGonagle, Jean Marie Halley, Chris Campbell, Phil LeBlanc, Robert Lynch, Ellen Emmons, Dan Cottel, Jim Ruszkowski, Lorraine Conway, Frank Lucas, Kate and Bob Kaminer, David Chase, Petra Conboy, Dennis Walsh, William Crowley, Gael Phillips-Spence, Alan Beaulieu, Attorney Robert Scarano. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended a meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee. She also noted that we are the first community to connect with the MWRA without a polluted water supply. She attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony last week. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that the signal at Woburn and Summer is still not working right. He also noted that the School Committee has been meeting regarding budget and has an extensive cut list from $2.7 million - $3.6 million. There are 50 full-time positions on the cut list. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the real estate taxes are the basis of the system — where we get our revenue. He also noted that the State has a"Circuit Breaker Law" for people 65 years and older and low income. This law allows a break on State taxes, and he urged residents to look into it. Selectman George Hines noted that he attended the MMA Annual Meeting. He also noted that the budget situation is discouraging and the Town is restricted by Proposition 2%2, unable to pass an override and the health insurance costs are rising. He noted that the State Government wants to cut further the amount of money that is suppose to come back to our community. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she heard that housing will be going on the Callan property and she asked that this be put on a future agenda. Public Comment — Dan Ensminger, Chairman of the RMLD Governance Advisory Committee, was present. He noted that the Committee voted their final recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, and noted that Charter changes may be needed in the Spring. He also noted that 85% of the recommendations are the same as the last ones. Selectman George Hines suggested that Town Counsel review the recommendations before the - ' meeting next week. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 14, 2003 —Page2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The former Acting Governor has eliminated all State aid to the MWRA for debt service. The - Board of Selectmen has a memo from the DPW Business Supervisor indicating that the budget for FY 2003 has adequate funding to absorb the additional $143,5000 expense from the MWRA but that there may be a more serious impact on the FY 2004 Sewer budget. ♦ The Town has expended $329,000 to date on snow and ice control — an over expenditure of the FY 2003 budget of$78,000. Winter is probably not over yet. ♦ We are reviewing the FY 2003 budget situation in light of the Governor's proposed reductions of up to 5% of this year's State aid which translates to $500,000. In addition, the School Department has determined that they have a shortfall of approximately $500,000 for this fiscal year. In addition, we are working on the FY 2004 proposed budget. The Board of Selectmen is meeting this Saturday at Town Hall on the overall budget situation. ♦ We received an agreement today to provide for Town snow storage at Camp Curtis Guild. It is being reviewed by Town Counsel and we will get it executed as quickly as possible. ♦ I have appointed John Fuedo as Recreation Administrator. John was previously our Recreation Program Coordinator and was selected from a field of 80 candidates. We are now advertising for the Recreation Program Coordinator's position. ♦ There will be a Martin Luther King Day celebration in Reading on Monday, January 20`h, at the Congregational Church at 10:00 a.m. All residents of the community are invited and encouraged to attend. The Human Relations Advisory Committee is a sponsor. ♦ I have received a draft lease between the Town and the School Department for the Birch Meadow area. I have done an initial review and will get my comments back to .Town Counsel. I will then distribute a revised draft to the Board of Selectmen for their comments. The Superintendent of Schools also has the draft and I'm sure he will be making comments to Town Counsel. ♦ The State's 128/I-93 Task Force will be meeting in Reading at the Senior Center on January 291h at 4:00 p.m. Proclamations/Certificate of Appreciation Certificate of Appreciation — Eagle Scout Andrew G. Campbell — A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Andrew G. Campbell was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Tom Mottle for one position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Tom Mottle. Mr. Mottle received four votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 14, 2003 —Page 3 Cultural Council—The applicant was not present. West Street Historic District—The Board interviewed Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Everett Blodgett and Sally Hoyt for four positions on the Ad Hoc West Street Local Historic District Study Committee. A motion by Schubert seconded by Hines to place the following names into nomination for seven positions on the Ad Hoc West Street Local Historic District Study Committee with terms expiring December 31, 2003: Sharlene Reynolds Santo (Historical Commission), Everett Blodgett (Antiquarian Society), Sally Hoyt (West Street resident) and Gail Wood (Board of Selectmen). Sharlene Remolds Santo, Everett Blodgett and Sally Hoyt each received five votes and were appointed. Gail Wood received four votes and was appointed as the Selectmen's representative. Discussion/Action Items Review of RMLD Bud eget by CAB Representative — Citizen Advisory Board Member Fred Van Magness was present. Mr. Van Magness noted that he has attended four CAB meetings. They are reviewing capital but they don't have a long-range capital planning tool. They have a gross number but nothing listed. The guidelines are vague about what belongs in capital and what doesn't. Right now, they have the cost of Police details and light bulbs in the capital plan. This needs to be reviewed by the auditor. Selectman George Hines asked if they have more than a one year capital plan. Mr. Van Magness noted that they just have one page showing a dollar amount. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked why the legal department is continually involved when contracts last 10 years. Mr. Van Magness noted that he would find out, and also noted that the Acting General Manager is working hard to keep down the legal cost. Selectman George Hines requested that the CAB urge the Reading Municipal Light Department to keep wage increases in line with the municipal increases. Mr. Van Magness noted that the non-RMLD street lighting contracts lost money. The CAB recommended no more street lighting contracts and the RMLB took it under consideration and cancelled Haverhill. Award Bid for Sale of Two Lots on Governors Drive — Tom Gareshe, Ernest Middlemiss and Pierre de Villiers from Habitat for Humanity were present. The Town Manager noted that we received one bid from Habitat for Humanity for $1 and they will fund the public improvements for $59,000. They will develop the two lots with two single family homes for affordable homes — they will be colonial homes. The Town Manager noted that the proposal meets all of the requirement of the RFP. If the Selectmen approve, it will be a ___, LIP project. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 14, 2003 —Page 4 Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the Vocational School will be involved. Tom Gareshe indicated that they have formed a partnership with the Voke School and they will work on one of the homes. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to award the bid for the sale of two 7500 square foot parcels of land on Governors Drive to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Inc. for the development of two affordable housing units under the LIP program in accordance with the bid received was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Close Warrant for Special Election — The Town Manager noted that the ballot will consist of three questions. Question 1 is regarding the High School, Question 2 is regarding the new school, and Question 3 is a capital exclusion for sidewalks on Franklin Street in case the new school gets approved. He also noted that there are two versions of the ballot, and there is more language in the first version. Selectman Richard Schubert had concerns about having the sidewalk question on the ballot when we don't know if the new school question will pass. Selectman George Hines noted that the residents need to have an understanding of the full costs. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings concurred with Selectman Hines. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to close the Warrant consisting of three questions, version 1, for a Special Election to be held on February 25, 2003 was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed. Continued Public Hearing — Gaels Chase LIP — Town Planner Chris Reilly noted that the working group has had three working sessions with the developer. He also noted that there have been changes in the map and the proposal shows substantial progress. The issue at question is the disagreement regarding the third vernal pool delineation. He further noted that it is best to wait until the Spring and do a site visit. The Town Manager noted that delineation is important to know what waivers will be required. Attorney Robert Scarano noted that there has been a reduction in the number of units. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that Attorney Scarano has appealed the delineation to the DEP. Attorney Scarano noted that the appeal is related to a request under the State Act and the decision should reflect the State request. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that Attorney Scarano failed to submit an ANRAD, and Attorney Scarano indicated that was incorrect. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that the memo from Conservation Administrator Fran Fink indicated that Attorney Scarano failed to submit an ANRAD so the State issued an ONRAD. — Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 14, 2003 —Page 5 Selectman George Hines asked if the vernal pools have been previously registered. Mr. Reilly noted that two have but the other has not. We need to wait one or two months and then go out and do a site visit. Attorney Scarano noted that the Conservation Commission wants the flooding to be considered and he is offering solutions. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to continue the hearing on Gaels Chase to March 4, 2003 at 9:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Hearing — Policy on Sunday Morning Field Use — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager read the current policy. He noted that a subcommittee was set up to develop alternatives. The Recreation Committee's vote on the alternatives failed by a slim margin. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that this issue has been taken up at least twice in the past. He also noted that a lot of people want no Sunday morning field use at all, and he feels that is not much to ask given the amount of use they put up with. He is suggesting striking out the last clause "except by special permit" and have no use on Sunday morning. Selectman George Hines indicated that it is not the Board's intention to have a blanket change in the policy. He feels the problem is with the words "special permit" and suggests changing the wording to allow for exceptions, and have the Recreation Committee evaluate the requests including the size of crowds. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Recreation Committee is having difficulty defining special permit. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she agrees with Vice Chairman Matt Cummings but feels we should allow one event per year per group. Gail Phillips-Spence of 222 Grove Street noted that several years ago a petition was brought to the Board of Selectmen reducing the hours at the Compost Center to have no Sunday hours. She feels other members of the community deserve a few hours of quiet also. She noted that multiple religious activities take place on Sunday mornings and youths benefit from that. Frank Lucas, a member of the Men's Soccer League, suggested changing the policy to no games after 12:00 noon on Sundays so they can play in the morning. He noted that the Over 30 and Over 40 Leagues just want the opportunity to play in town, and indicated that they are asking for ten games. Leslie McGonagle of 140 Pine Ridge Road noted that Sturgis Park is in her front yard. She enjoys the quiet Sunday morning, and noted that a regulation is needed for the time they begin. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 14, 2003 —Page 6 Phil LeBlanc, abutter to Hunt Memorial Park, agreed with Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings. He has no problem with a noontime start on Sunday and feels the abutters privacy should be respected for four hours. He noted that if two games per organization were allowed, the fields will be used every Sunday. Alan Beaulieu, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, noted that the front page of the newspaper stated that this group was being discriminated against. He indicated that he has a problem with that because the group that is crying discrimination has received more special permits than any other organization. Petra Conboy of 35 Warren Avenue noted that this group asked for two days two years ago and is now asking for ten. If it is allowed, we will be opening Pandora's box. Dennis Walsh, a member of the Soccer League, indicated that they were willing to meet in the middle. Bob Lynch of 24 Shelby Road noted that nobody in his neighborhood wants Sunday morning field use. He also noted that there will never be enough fields. Selectman George Hines asked how many special permits are issued per year. Alan Beaulieu indicated a lot are granted and some are not. Selectman Hines asked how many were repetitive, and Alan Beaulieu indicated not many. David Chase, a member of the Soccer League, asked why the policy was created. Selectman George Hines noted that it was created out of the request of abutters and some groups were abusive. Recreation Committee Member Chris Campbell noted that he would go with one event per season or eliminating all together. Ten times per year is too much and when the soccer league gets voted down, they go back on the agenda the following month. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to modify policy 6.2.2 Section 4 by eliminating the wording "except by special permit as approved by the Recreation Committee or their designee" failed by a vote of 2-3-0, with Wood, Hines and Schubert opposed. Selectman George Hines suggested a compromise of no games before 10:00 a.m. Selectman Gail Wood noted that if they start at 10:00 a.m., they will be there before 10:00 a.m. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to add the Recreation Subcommittee's recommendations to the policy and change the words "special permit" to "exception" and allow no earlier than 10:00 a.m. failed by a vote of 1-4-0, with Anthony. Wood, Schubert and Cummings opposed. Schubert moved and Wood seconded to amend George Hines' motion to limit it to one day per season. The amendment failed by a vote of 2-3-0, with Cummings, Wood and Anthony opposed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 14, 2003 —Page 7 A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to strike "except by pecial permit...." and make it an exception that may be granted for one event per organization per Year by approval of the Recreation Committee was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hines and Cummings opposed. Selectman George Hines left the meeting. Hearing—Local Initiative Program—The Secretary read the hearing notice. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to continue the hearing to January 28, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Town Manager's Evaluation—Will be rescheduled. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to adjourn their meeting of January 14, 2003 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Wly s bmtt d