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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-03 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 3, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: John Coote, Robert Brown, David O'Sullivan, John Cullen, Richard Stuart, David Gegrande, Fred Van Magness. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Master Plan Advisory Committee is having a Forum on June 16, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. He attended an event in Andover where Desmond Tutu was speaking on international justice. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she received a phone call regarding an article in the Sunday Globe. She also noted that elected officials in Reading do not get paid or receive health benefits, and the employees do not get 85% of their health insurance paid by the Town. The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee finalized the rates. The West Street Historic Committee walked a portion of West Street in trying to determine what part of West Street should be designated historic. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended the RMLB Meeting last Wednesday. There was much discussion about ENE and outstanding liabilities. The RMLD noted that they will not pay any legal funds regarding Article 7. He also noted that he received a request for a hearing to open the gate on Cherry Lane. He asked about the timeline for Article 7, and also if Nancy Eaton's position on the Conservation Commission can be filled. The Town Manager will follow-up. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she received a phone call from Dale Merrill requesting a meeting with the Board of Selectmen to work out any issues. The consensus of the Board was to schedule an open meeting. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ I have sent a notice to abutters within 600 feet of the Walkers Brook Crossing development that WBC is beginning test pile driving and that the real process will begin on or about June 9th ♦ I conducted a Risk Management Training Program on"Public Hearings" and on"Zoning and Land Use issues"to the members of the Community Development Department Boards, Committees and Commissions last evening. There were 10 officials present, and the Town will get credit on its Professional Liability Insurance Program as a result. I am working to schedule a similar program tailored to School Committees. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2003 —Page 2 ♦ I have revoked the Entertainment License at the VFW. They have been having concerts for the past several weeks, and we have been getting noise complaints. On Friday, I outlined what needed to be done to continue to hold the concerts but the Police Department had to close the concert down because of complaints. ♦ The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program took place in May. ♦ 293 residents went through the hazardous chemical drop off staffed by Clean Harbors. The average Reading participation alone is usually near 500 vehicles. ♦ Approximately 10 Stoneham residents were turned away except for waste oil drop off which they are still participating. ♦ We had"Reading Residents Only" signs posted. ♦ The mercury thermometer swap is completed for this "season," and it was very successful. We distributed 275 and collected 410. We have discussed doing the project again in September. ♦ The Financial Forum is scheduled to meet on June 18th. The agenda will include discussion on a Budget Committee as suggested by the Board of Selectmen. ♦ The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet next Tuesday, June 10th in a "development review"process on Gael's Chase. Staff and the developer will be present. It will be a public session. The Working Group will also be present. ♦ I have received no additional input from the Board of Selectmen on the LIP regulations. ♦ We are exploring the possibility of acquiring a Reverse 911 system which would have broad applicability in contacting all or portions of our residents via phone in the event of an emergency. The applicability is great — for water main breaks, no-school days, warnings about scams, lost children warnings, etc. We are looking at working with our utilities to assist in the maintenance of the program if we are able to acquire it. ♦ The "civil defense" warning sirens are being re-furbished and once they are operational, we will do a public notice and then periodic testing. ♦ The Antiquarian Society is hosting an "Olde Time"Baseball game this month at Washington Park. ♦ The 2002 Annual Report is now available at cost ($18.74) at the Graphics Shop—rear of Ash Street (behind the RMLD). ♦ Our Public Health Nurse is on maternity leave and, therefore, we will be offering only the most basic PH nursing services during the next three months. ♦ Compost Center Hours June— Ist and 3rd Saturdays only July, August, September Monday mornings and 1st and 3rd Saturdays Info on website, Chronicle, Advocate, Cable TV Channels 9, 10 and/or 22, DPW at 781-942- 9092 or 9076. There will also be a flyer and calendar in the June 10th water/sewer bills. Personnel and Appointments Cultural Council—The Town Manager noted that there were no applicants available. Board of Health—The Town Manager noted that Barbara Meade was unable to be present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2003 —Page 3 Cummings moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2006: Barbara Meade. Ms. Meade received five votes and was appointed. Council on Aging—The Town Manager noted that the applicants were unable to be present. Hines moved and Cummings seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Council on Aging with terms expiring June 30, 2006: Dorothy Foxon and Barbara Powers. Ms. Foxon and Ms. Powers received five votes each and were appointed. Housing Authority — The Board interviewed John Coote for one position on the Housing Authority. Hines moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Housing Authority with a term expiring June 30, 2008: John Coote. Mr. Coote received five votes and was appointed. Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council — The Board interviewed Robert Brown for one position on the Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council. Cummings moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council with a term expiring June 30, 2006: Robert Brown. Mr. Brown received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Salem Street Local Initiative Program—Architect David O'Sullivan, John Cullen, Richard Stuart and Engineer David Gegrande were present. John Cullen noted that they are proposing the project under the LIP Program. It would be a development for people aged 55 years and older. The association would pay for road maintenance, snow removal and trash removal. The project would generate approximately $100,000 in tax revenue to the Town, and 70% of the affordable units would be marketed to Reading residents. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about 21E issues, and Mr. Cullen noted that there are 250- 300 yards of subsurface contamination that will be eliminated. Richard Stuart noted that the LIP has an elderly exception that allows them to sell their existing homes,buy a unit, still have $100,000 in cash, and qualify under the LIP Program. David Gegrande noted that the property borders wetlands and a perennial stream. They are trying to determine the best location for the buildings and the appropriate density. He also noted that the floodplain would be used for passive open space. The zoning is 5-15 single family ' residential so they will need relief for multifamily. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2003 —Page 4 David O'Sullivan noted that they are committed to cleaning up the site contamination. They will hook up to the Town's water and sewer. He also noted that there are seven unit and four unit buildings with two stories and 35 garages. Every unit is single level and all have a private entrance. He further noted that the first floor units are handicap accessible. The stairways and doorways are wide for chair lifts if a handicap person lives in the second floor unit. Selectman George Hines asked about storage. Mr. O'Sullivan noted that the upstairs units have an attic, and the first floor units have space in the garage. The Town Manager noted that the Town should assume trash pick up, and the developer can do the street lighting and snow removal. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how the age restriction is controlled. Mr. O'Sullivan noted that the restriction is on the deed. At least one resident has to be 55 years or older. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about the contaminants. Mr. O'Sullivan noted that it was dumped there years ago and will be cleaned up by a specialist. Selectman Richard Schubert also asked if the Town would have any liability if they join in the LIP, and the Town Manager indicated that he would find out. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked about the timeline and the exact density. Mr. Gegrande indicated 1-1 %i years as a schedule and the density is 6.7 units per acre. Town Planner Chris Reilly suggested looking at different designs and making it more compatible with the street, and move the bulk of the buildings towards the street. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she would like information on conservation, drainage and traffic before a hearing is held. Mr. Gegrande noted that they will file for an ANRAD with Conservation, and get input from Department Heads and Boards, Committees and Commissions. Hearing—Water and Sewer Rates—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted that escalators for salaries, expenses, medical and MWRA were added to the base. He also noted that the capital plan was rearranged. The storage tank was deleted and $200,000 for the UI was removed because donations by developers will help to fund. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there should be something in the capital plan every year for UI to show that we are spending money and then offset. The Town Manager noted that we have a backlog of IA money. Selectman Gail Wood noted that it is not good to add more money if we have a backlog of$400,000. Ted McIntire reviewed the reserve fund and rate increase. He noted that the rate increase that is being recommended totals 5.5% Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2003 —Pa eg_5 Fred Van Magness noted that all costs are going up dramatically and he requested that the Selectmen hold the rates for this year. Selectman Gail Wood noted that if we don't increase this year, there will be a huge increase next year. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the water and sewer rates was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to set the water rate at $4.25 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of$8.50, effective with the September 10, 2003 billing, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to set the sewer rate at $5.28 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $10.56, effective with the September 10, 2003 billing, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Pavement Management Program - Town Engineer Joe Delaney noted that crack sealing and patching will use up most of the $300,000 for this year. He also noted that the Pavement Management System needs to be updated. Some of the money needs to be used for emergency patching, and the paving and reconstruction projects also need to be updated. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked if chip seal would be used for crack sealing, and Joe Delaney noted that it would not. It is less expensive but doesn't last as long. Fred Van Magness — RMLD Update — Fred Van Magness noted that employee personal use of -- vehicles is being looked at. The cost being assessed per day does not comply with IRS policy. In procurement practices, copies of purchase orders over $5000 must be filed with the Town. The rate stabilization fund has $14 million. The General Manager requested a $4 million transfer. The CAB recommended $1.5 million but the RMLB failed to approve it so they increased the rates. Mr. Van Magness also noted that the Winter and Summer rates have been eliminated, they are looking at the timeliness of monthly financial closing, a lot of internal costs are being charged to capital, street lighting is still being cancelled, the RMLB has decided to withdraw from Energy New England, and there is a potential for a new professional union at the Light Department. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the Light Department had any intentions on getting better legal counsel, and Mr. Van Magness noted that they have had discussion about that. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked about the relationship between the CAB and RMLB. Mr. Van Magness noted that the CAB is supposed to be advisory to the RMLD but they never come to the meetings. Report on Payment Progress — Global Gas Station — The Town Manager noted that there was a memo from Beth Klepeis on Page 11 of the handout. The owner of the property will be making a payment of$2500 on Thursday, June 5, 2003. He is making an effort to meet the payment schedule and he anticipates full payment by December 31, 2003. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2003 —Page 6 The Board directed the Town Manager to find out if the latest tax bill has been paid and to give an update every three months. Approval of Minutes A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of May 13, 2003, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of June 3, 2003 at 11:10 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, ,a Secretary ............