Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 9, 2003 The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Bill Hughes, Jane Bennett, Fredrick Shaffer, Glen Hartzler, George Katsoufis, Mark Ford, Peter Tassi. Personnel and Appointments Recreation Committee — The Board interviewed Fredrick Shaffer for one position on the Recreation Committee. Anthony moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2004: Frederick Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer received four votes and was appointed. Charter Review Committee—The Board interviewed William Brown, Glen Hartzler and William Hughes, Jr. for four positions on the Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee. - Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for four positions on the Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2004: William Brown, Glen Hartzler, William Hughes Jr. and George Theophanis. William Brown, Glen Hartzler and George Theophanis received four votes each and William Hughes received one vote. Messrs. Brown, Hartzler and Theophanis were appointed. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination as the Selectmen's representative on the Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee: George Hines. Mr. Hines received three votes and was appointed. The Town Manager noted that the School Committee has appointed Bill Griset as their representative, and the Finance Committee has appointed Chuck Robinson. Discussion/Action Items Presentation on Master Plan Process — Town Planner Chris Reilly and Master Plan Advisory Committee Member George Katsoufis were present. Chris Reilly noted that MAPC is the State designated consultant for the project. He also noted that Executive Order 418 authorizes the expenditure of $30,000 for the consultant. There are four requirements of the Master Plan -- economic development, housing, open space and transportation. I Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 9, 2003 —Page 2 Chris Reilly noted that a visioning session was held on April 9, 2003. A natural resource and open space forum took place on June 16, 2003. They will be holding an economic development workshop and a housing workshop. Early next year, they will start "putting it all together" and report back to the Board of Selectmen and then to Town Meeting. George Katsoufis noted that there are a variety of opinions. CPDC is playing a very solid role in open space, housing and economic development. He also noted that they are entering the more difficult phase of economic development. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how important public response is. Chris Reilly noted that the people who have attended are very knowledgeable and the consultant feels we have enough. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that there are other ways to reach the community other than workshops. She suggested that the committee meet with the Finance Committee. Some of the suggestions from the Board were to use newspaper articles, surveys, Cable TV, and the web page for public outreach. The Board suggested provocative questions to spark public interest. Chris Reilly noted that the Town cannot access TIP funds if we don't have an approved Master Plan. Discussion — Memorial Park Use — Mark Ford of 38 Charles Street was present. The Town Manager noted that the Town does not schedule organized activities at Memorial Park except for Sunday concerts and the Theater in the Green on Wednesdays in the Summer. He also noted that the park was given to the Town in 1918 and has Deed restrictions. Mr. Ford noted that he lives on Charles Street across from Memorial Park. He reviewed pictures of cars double parked on the street, and noted that they make U turns in the middle of the street, turn around in people's driveways, the coaches are aggressive, and there was even a domestic argument on his front lawn. Chairman George Hines asked what activity is taking place at Memorial Park. Mr. Ford indicated that it is soccer practice at specific times every day so it is being scheduled by someone. Town Meeting Member Bill Brown noted that the sign at Harrison and Charles indicates that a permit is required to use the park but the Deed restricts against soccer, baseball, etc. Mr. Brown indicated that the Selectmen need to oversee the trust that was given. The Town Manager noted that this is a standard sign at all of the parks. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that this is not a standard park. Chairman George Hines directed the Town Manager to have the sign replaced and to ask the Recreation Administrator to send communication to all groups to use the park for appropriate uses. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 9, 2003 —Page 3 Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the concerts were a problem, and Mr. Ford indicated that they were because they attract a lot of cars. He also noted that baseballs are hitting cars because there are no backstops due to the fact that this sport is not supposed to be allowed at Memorial - Park. Chairman George Hines noted that upper Parker should be looked at as an alternate field. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Board has the fiduciary responsibility to oversee the restrictions in the Deed, and feels the Board is obligated to prohibit these events at Memorial Park. He also noted that the layout is not supposed to be conducive for games. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the events should be restricted to certain areas. Chairman George Hines noted that the current generation's needs have changed, and life is a lot different today then when the Deed was written in 1917. Selectman Gail Wood noted that what is happening at Memorial Park is not acceptable. Review Water Supply Issues — Conservation, MWRA, WTP — Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi were present. Ted McIntire noted that there is an Article on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant to fund - $1.5 million to upgrade the Water Treatment Plant. The Town has applied for State revolving funds. The water and sewer financing plan includes a 5.5% increase in the rate per year. Improvements from the upgrading will include: Improved water quality and improvements to the health, safety, security, mechanical, electrical, architectural, structural, instrumentation and control and HVAC at the facilities. The schedule is to award the RFP in three to four months, design/bid the construction in 20 months, and construction will take 24 months with completion in the Fall of 2007. MWRA— Ted McIntire reviewed the schedule for the MWRA water service. He noted that the plan is to use one million gallons per day from April to November. The total cost for tie-in will be $3.180 million. The Town will fund $2.716 million and the developments will fund $464,000. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that large users; i.e., 4013's, the landfill, etc. should help offset the costs. The Town Manager noted that the leak detection program is working well. Chairman George Hines suggested putting information on the website and cable to gain support from the general public. Board of Selectmen Meeting September 9, 2003 —Page 4 Conservation — Ted McIntire noted that the public "Kick Off' meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2003. The program elements include water audits, free water conservation retrofits, rebates for low flow toilets, washing machines and irrigation devices, shower heads, aerators and rain gauges. Chairman George Hines asked if automatic water faucets will be included. Ted McIntire indicated that they will look into that issue. He noted that this is a four year program and not everything will be done at once. Water Main Replacement—Ted McIntire noted that the water main on Bancroft at Hartshorn and Forest at Colburn need to be replaced. There have been six breaks over the past 10 years. The support under the pipe is poor and that is causing the breaks. The Town Manager noted that he is asking for a Warrant Article but he won't have the cost until right before Town Meeting. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — The Town Manager noted that a Reading resident will be celebrating her 100th birthday soon and a Proclamation for her is attached. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve a Proclamation for a Reading resident on the occasion of her 100th birthday was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of September 9, 2003 at 10:07 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary