Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 5, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Secretary Gail Wood and Selectman Camille Anthony, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Tax Collector Beth Klepeis, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested persons: Bill Brown, David Singer, Jonathan Epstein, Captain Ken Campbell, Lt. Phil Boisvert, Lt. Paul Jackson, Fire Fighters Tom McCarthy and Matthew McSheehy, Karen Sanborn, Tony Cook. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she has been working with the Finance Committee, and she is meeting with them tomorrow night to do brainstorming. Chairman George Hines noted that he has received phone calls regarding the School Committee vote. This was a requirement that the School Building Assistance put in place, and the School districts have to acknowledge that there will be a longer wait for funding. Also, he and the Town Manager met with the Chairman of the School Committee and Superintendent of Schools for lunch to try to improve relationships. He also noted that residents on Pierce Street have concerns about the proposed sidewalk on Pierce Street because they feel that it will exasperate the parking problems because the street is narrow. The Town Manager noted that he will have Engineering take a look this. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ We are working on the second issue of "Your Community Connection" to go out in September. Selectman Camille Anthony is lining up sponsors for the printing and mailing. ♦ The Town's "emergency warning" sirens are repaired and ready to be tested. October 4th is the first test, giving time to let residents know of the testing. ♦ Attached is a copy of material provided by the Division of Elder/Human Services regarding Prescription Advantage. The enrollment period is the month of August. ♦ I would ask that the Board of Selectmen appoint two members to the Ad Hoc RCTV Sub- committee. The School Committee appointed Carl McFadden and John Carpenter at their meeting last evening. The Moderator has also agreed to serve. Chairman George Hines designated Selectmen Gail Wood and Richard Schubert to serve on the Ad Hoc RCTV Committee. ♦ There will be a tour of the landfill development tentatively scheduled for September 18th at 5:30 p.m. Invited are the Board of Selectmen, CPDC, Conservation Commission and the Board of Health with staffs as well as the Town's legislative delegation. Board of Selectmen Meeting=August 5, 2003 —Page 2 ♦ If you are at Town Hall next Thursday from noon 'til 2, you will notice a lot of activity. We are hosting a cookout for employees during their lunch hour. It is a"pot luck" event and an opportunity for our employees to get together, and to introduce our new employees to our more seasoned ones. ♦ We are trying to schedule a joint Board of Selectmen School Committee meeting to discuss a number of issues of common interest. It looks like mid-September is a likely time. The School Committee will be discussing this at their August 16th goal setting meeting. ♦ Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini will be my guest on the August 14th session of"Ask the Town Manager." This is a call in show and may be another opportunity for the community to get to know Pat. Personnel and Appointments Board of Health—The Board interviewed Dave Singer for one position on the Board of Health. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2004: David Singer. Mr. Singer received three votes and was appointed. Badge Pinning — Fire Fighter Tom McCarthy — Fire Chief Greg Burns introduced Tom McCarthy, and Tom's father pinned on his badge. Recognition of Length of Service—Fire Fighters —Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that the State of Massachusetts has developed a Fire Fighter Service Award to recognize and honor Fire Fighters for their years of service. Captain Campbell and Captain Sargent are recipients of 30 year awards and Lt. Jackson, Lt. Boisvert and Fire Fighter McSheehy are recipients of 20 year awards. Discussion/Action Items Reading's Recognition as a "Heart Saver" Community — Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that the Town of Reading has recently been named as a Massachusetts Heart Saver Community. He reviewed the process and criteria for receiving this award. Jonathan Epstein, Regional Director of the Northeast EMS for the Department of Public Health, was present. He noted that the Town of Reading is the fifth community in the region to receive this status and is in the same category as Seattle and Boston. He presented the Town with two road signs. Acceptance of Deed—Lot 3A—Van Norden Road - The Town Manager noted that the owner of the property has demolished the old house and built a new one with the condition that a 14,000 square foot parcel be donated to the Conservation Commission. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood that pursuant to the provisions of Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws do hereby pprove the conveyance of 14,856 square feet of land shown as Lot 3B on a plan recorded as Plan No. 1266 of 1998 in the Middlesex South District from David P Johnson, Trustee of Naples Realty Trust, to the Town of Reading Conservation Commission was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 5, 2003 —Page 3 Review Tax Title Process — Tax Collector Beth Klepeis reviewed the process collecting outstanding tax bills. She noted that tax bills are due in May and letters are sent out the following January, March and April to delinquent property owners. A legal notice is advertised in the newspaper in May and a tax lien is put on the property. The remaining delinquents are submitted to Land Court in September. She also noted that Land Court is a rare occurrence in Town. There have been 45 foreclosures in the last 25 years. The Selectmen have vacated 10 of those. The Selectmen can decide whether to sell or retain the property but the law allows property owners to pay the taxes to get the property back. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she felt six months was too long to wait before sending out the first letter. Beth Klepeis noted that each situation is different and if people are not paying, it is because they can't. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if we could do payment plans, and Beth Klepeis noted that it would take too much staff time. Hearing on Sidewalk Snow Plowing Regulations — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is a proposed bylaw for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Public Works Director Ted McIntire read the bylaw. He noted that Lexington has a bylaw that limits the regulations to industrial and commercial areas that requires snow and ice to be removed within four hours. North Reading has regulations for nonresidential only. Stoneham has regulations for two streets that require removal of snow and ice within five hours. Wakefield requires snow and ice removal on certain streets within 12 hours. Wilmington only requires ,y - businesses. Ted McIntire noted that all of these communities have equipment to plow sidewalks. He also noted that when the Town uses a private contractor to plow sidewalks, it costs an average of$3500 per storm. Selectman Camille Anthony asked what areas we plow. Ted McIntire noted Salem Street, Lowell Street, Washington Street and Haven Street. The business area is approximately six miles, and the schools are 45 miles. He also noted that if we don't plow the sidewalks, then the phones will ring off the wall for sand. Karen Sanborn of 54 Mt. Vernon Street noted that there are no sidewalks on her side of the street. She had concerns about senior citizens and bussing. The Town Manager noted that neighbors need to look out for each other and the Town would try to coordinate volunteers. Tony Cook of 94 Salem Street noted that there are a lot of elderly people on Salem Street. He asked who would plow the sidewalks when they are away in January and February. Chairman George Hines indicated that is a service the homeowner would have to contract for. Mr. Cook asked about insurance, and the Town Manager noted that the property has liability anyway. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the surrounding towns require it in the industrial and commercial areas. No residential unless it is within a commercial area. Board of Selectmen Meeting;—August 5, 2003 —Page 4 Chairman George Hines suggested continuing the hearing and getting the word out to the newspapers. The Town Manager suggested closing the hearing and then reschedule in October or November. He also suggested considering taxing separately for snow removal and street sweeping for the business area. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested a map showing the 45 miles of school area. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on sidewalk snow plowing regulations was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Hearing on Charter Amendment Requiring Residency for Members of all B/C/C —The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted this came about when a ZBA member moved out of town and still served on the ZBA. The draft Charter amendment would indicate that people are only qualified to serve on a Board, Committee or Commission while they are living in the Town. Selectman Gail Wood asked if we have to define multiple member bodies. Chairman George Hines noted that we could just indicate volunteers, excluding paid employees. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that all appointed volunteers must be a resident. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the hearing on a Charter amendment requiring residency for members of all Boards, Committees, Commissions and individual volunteer positions was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood that a Warrant Article requiring residency be drafted by Town Counsel for the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 3-0- 0. Discussion—Basketball Backboards on Town PropertX— The Town Manager noted that this is a public safety issue. After discussion on the issue, the Board directed the Town Manager to draft a Warrant Article including all play equipment, no permanent, must be removed out of public way and hours need to be set. Approval of REAP Lease—The Town Manager noted that the REAP lease has been approved by Town Meeting, the Department of Education and the School Committee. The terms are the same as last year including the rate based on the recommendation of the Assessor. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the lease between the Town of Reading and Reading Extended Day Activities Program, Inc. beginning July 1, 2003 and expiring June 30, 2004 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. - Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 5, 2003 —Page 5 Approval of Minutes A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of July 8, 2003 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of August 5, 2003 at 10:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, `-Secretary