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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 25,2003 The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Gail Wood, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Police Chief Bob Silva, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dennis Richards, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Robyn Mather, Leslie Leahy, Stephen and Janice Bell, Margaret Soli, Paul Kelly, Attorney Larry Casey, Susan DeMatteo, Jonathan Barnes, Neil Sullivan. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he will be seeking re-election in the Spring. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended a meeting of the RCTV Subcommittee. She also attended the RMHS Hall of Fame on Saturday night, and informed the public that tickets for Les Miserable are on sale. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the Citizen of the Year Dinner with the Town Manager and Richard Schubert. The Garden Club is looking for a Selectman to speak at the Memory Tree Celebration and Richard Schubert volunteered. She requested that the Police Chief's position in Civil Service needs to be put on a future agenda. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Friends of the Library Holiday Store is open for the season. Chairman George Hines asked the Town Manager to follow up on the following items: Letter from resident regarding Curtis Street, Military Leave Act, special employee status for the School Committee, agreement regarding Birch Meadow, and the letter regarding the skateboard park. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Over 20 Reading staff and volunteers for Boards, Committees and Commissions attended the training session held on October 16th at 7:00 p.m. This annual Ethics training was conducted jointly with Stoneham, in Stoneham this year. ♦ The Reading Fire Department began to provide Advanced Life Support to the community as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday. There was one ALS call last night. The Fire Department has put a lot of time and effort into this improvement to Emergency Medical Services in Reading, and the entire Department is to be commended. ♦ The Chamber of Commerce Dinner Saturday night honored Sally Hoyt as Citizen of the Year,Paul Guarino as Firefighter of the Year and Michael Lee as Police Officer of the Year. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 25, 2003—Page 2 ♦ Sunday, November 30th is the last day for operation of the Compost Center this year. It will be open one Saturday in January for Christmas trees, and end of the year leaves and brush. The DPW has been having some problems lately with residents wanting to use the Compost Center without stickers, and dumping material that is not permitted. These cases will be prosecuted. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Universal Declaration of Ri hg is Dav — Police Chief Robert Silva and Human Relations Advisory Committee Members Margaret Soli and Paul Kelly were present. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the Proclamation for Universal Declaration of Rights Day was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items "Shop the Block" Presentation — Robyn Mather and Leslie Leahy were present and noted that "Shop the Block" will take place on December 4, 2003 from 5:00-10:00 p.m. for holiday shopping. Review 30 Year bonds for RMHS —Finance Director Beth Klepeis and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dennis Richards were present. Beth Klepeis noted that the Town will get better bids before Christmas. She spoke with Christine Lynch from the SBA and she indicated that they will be sending out a letter next week indicating that the project is fundable. She reviewed the 20 and 30 year schedules. She noted that $400 per homeowner was the highest amount used when campaigning for the High School - project. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she would rather pay an extra $84.00 per year over 20 years than to end up paying an additional$19.5 million over 30 years. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that would put an unfair tax burden on today's taxpayers and if a resident sells their home in 20 years, they don't get any of the money back. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the project will be 65% more expensive if we borrow for 30 years. He feels it is a good policy to retire debt as quickly as possible. He also noted that furniture, lights,mechanical equipment, etc. do not have a 30 year lifespan. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the selling of the first increment of debt for the Reading Memorial High School for a term of 20 years at level debt pants was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he would like to discuss the circuit breaker at a future meeting if the Selectmen are interested. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 25 2003 —Paize 3 Review Curtis Street re: Access for 40b — The Town Manager noted that the ZBA has had hearings and the Selectmen as the Road Commissioners need to approve the access. The proposed access is on a dead end street with a 40 foot right of way access to a 20 foot drive. He needs to know how the Selectmen want to proceed. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that if this is not a viable project because of access, then the ZBA can dispense of it. She suggests a site visit. Selectman Gail Wood noted that if the ZBA approves on the condition that the Selectmen approve the access, then there could be legal issues. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert agreed and noted that it would be viewed as two separate decisions. The consensus of the Board was to hold a hearing before the ZBA makes a final decision, and to conduct a site visit with the area staked out. Hearing — Liquor License Transfer for Savory Tastes Cafe — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Chairman George Hines noted that this is a transfer from Focaccia Restaurant. Attorney Larry Casey and Steven and Janice Bell were present. Attorney Larry Casey reviewed Mr. Bell's credentials. Steven Bell noted that he will be serving white tablecloth dinners in the evening, and will start with dinners and then add lunches. He will be open five days a week — Tuesday through Saturday. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if he will reconfigure the plan, and Mr. Bell indicated that he would not because there is no room for reconfiguration. He did indicate that he has the first option on the space next door, should it become available. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the liquor license transfer for Savory Tastes Cafe was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the liquor license transfer for Savory Tastes Cafe with a term expiring December 31 2004 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 Approval of West Street Heavy Vehicle Exclusion — Chairman George Hines noted this precludes the special legislation. The Town Manager noted that Mass Highway prefers to do this administratively rather than by law. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28 1995 by amending Article 9 b adding the following regulation: 1 Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 25, 2003 —Page 4 Heayy commercial vehicles are excluded from West Street 24 hours a daL seven days a week. The alternate route shall be Washington Street(State Highway-Burlington),I-95 (Route 128),1-93 and Route 129 (State Highwa_y—Wilmington)was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Board of Selectmen Policies on Sidewalks and Curbs with CPDC —Town Planner Chris Reilly, CPDC Members Susan DeMatteo,Jonathan Barnes and Neil Sullivan were present. The Town Manager noted that Section 5.5.2 of the Selectmen's Policies indicates that the intent is to have sidewalks on at least one side of the street. Chairman George Hines noted that the Board upheld CPDC's decision on Pierce Street. He suggests having installation of sidewalks subject to the Selectmen's approval. Susan DeMatteo noted that the Selectmen's policy has worked up until Pierce Street. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that overriding issues such as density, grading, etc. were dealt with on Pierce Street. He feels that the Selectmen's policy is a directive because it states that there will be a sidewalk on every street. He also feels this policy is not practical, especially when a sidewalk only goes 2/3 of the way up the street. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that it is a good policy to strive for but the character of the neighborhood also needs to be taken into consideration. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that parking is a huge problem in some areas. She feels that sidewalks need to be site specific. She also noted that putting a sidewalk 2/3 of the way down the street that connects to nothing is ridiculous. Chairman George Hines noted that there is a perceived moral obligation to return money to a developer. He feels that there should be a clause that indicates if sidewalks are not feasible, the money will be used to build a sidewalk elsewhere. Jonathan Barnes noted that CPDC has waived sidewalks on one side of the street and used the money elsewhere. He asked if CPDC could waive on both sides subject to the Board of Selectmen's approval. The Town Manager noted that the last bullet in the policy indicates that the Selectmen urge CPDC to build sidewalks elsewhere. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that with Pierce Street, the developer didn't have to show the whole street and impact, and it would be helpful to include the whole street. He also indicated that the Town cannot require the developer to look outside the scope of the project but CPDC can look at it. Neil Sullivan noted that construction tears up the roads and sidewalks, and the developer should be required to replace them. - Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 25, 2003—Page 5 Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he would like to introduce an evaluative process by CPDC. CPDC will review the policy and bring back any recommended changes to the Board of Selectmen. Liquor License Approvals—The Town Manager noted that he is in the process of reviewing and inspecting the liquor establishments. He recommends that the Board of Selectmen approve the licenses and he will hold any licenses.that are not in compliance. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for: Reading Overseas Veterans,Inc.,575 Main Street Meadow Brook Golf Club 292 Grove Street Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street Reading Veteran's Association,Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62 37 Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2004 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the All Alcoholic Package Store i Liquor Licenses for: Reading Liquors,345 Main Street Athens Liquors,Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street North Side Liquors, 1349 Main Street Ramos,Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2004 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: Mandarin Reading Restaurant,296 Salem Street Mecom,Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri,355 Main Street Harrow's Poultry Products,Inc. d/b/a/Harrow's Restaurant 126 Main Street Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street C.A.C. Foods,Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2004 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 25, 2003—Page 6 A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor License for: Focaccia,Inc. d/b/a Focaccia Restaurant,601 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2004 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Begin Town Manager's Performance Evaluation Process — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the same mechanism has been used for the past eight years, and asked if the Board wanted something different. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he prefers written comments and suggestions in the narrative. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert and Selectman Camille Anthony volunteered to do the Town Manager's evaluation. Approval of Minutes A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the Executive Session minutes of November 4,2003, as written,were approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the Executive Session minutes of November 13, 2003, as written, were approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Cummings abstaining. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of November 25, 2003 at ! _ 10:20 p.m.was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted,, Secretary