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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-29 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 29, 2002 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 Camille Anthony, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Rick Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Police Chief Bob Silva, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Health Administrator Jane Fiore, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gerry MacDonald, John Williams, Bill Brown, Paul Kelley, Will Finch, Stephen Crook, Gina Snyder, Susan Conley, Dana Ballou, Captain Steve Ballou, Paul Dustin, Attorney Richard Murphy, Bill Carlson, Bill McCulloch, David Lee, Richard Moore, Robert Salter, Steve Oston, Janet Sortor. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to go into Executive Session for the purposes of labor negotiations (Police and Superior Officers) and approval of minutes to come back into Open Session at approximately 8:00 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 8:15 p.m. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that he has written an article to change the Charter for the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting. The Town Manager noted that would have to be done at the Fall Town Meeting. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation - Study Circles Awareness Day — The Secretary read the Proclamation for the Study Circles Awareness Day. Paul Kelly was present to receive the Proclamation. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to proclaim March 7, 2002 as Study Circles Awareness Day in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel & Appointments Badge Pinning — Fire Fighter Dana Ballou — Fire Chief Greg Burns was present to introduce Dana Ballou. Captain Steve Ballou pinned on Dana's badge and the Board congratulated him. Discussion/Action Items Approval of Flexible Spendim, Program — Finance Director Beth Klepeis was present. She reviewed the program and indicated that this will not cost the Town any money. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that it doesn't say in the agreement that the employee is paying. Beth Klepeis noted that this is stated in the contract. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve the Flexible Spending Account Plan, contingent that it states in the agreement that there is no cost to the Town, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29, 2002—Page 2 Approval of Health Insurance Agreements — The Town Manager noted that the coalition bargained with the unions for the health insurance. The Town will pay 70% and the employee will pay 30%. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the Health Insurance Agreement effective March 1, 2002 through February 28, 2003 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Chapter 61A Decision — Spence Farms — Town Planner Anne Krieg was present representing CPDC. The Town Manager noted that Spence Farms receives preferential tax treatment in exchange for giving the Town the right of first refusal. The owners of Spence Farm have a buyer and they are asking the Town not to exercise the right to acquire. The Town Manager noted that the Town has already been through this process with Marriott. He also noted that Spence Farms is seven acres of land in Chapter 61 A--the abutting property is not in Chapter 61 A. Anne Krieg noted that CPDC is recommending to the Board of Selectmen to purchase this property. They suggest issuing a RFP for 110 apartment units of affordable housing. If the CPA passes, then funds can be allocated. CPDC feels that this would allow the Town to control the site because there are density and traffic concerns. There was discussion about possible financing of the project. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the Housing Authority has been contacted and Anne Krieg indicated that they have not. Paul Dustin, Chairman of the Community Preservation Act Study Committee, noted that if the CPA passed, the earliest we would get any funds would be October 2003. Mr. Dustin also noted that if we do take the debt, then we have to continue the CPA funds through the life of the debt. - Selectman Matthew Cummings asked what the purchase price is, and the Town Manager noted it is $4.5 million. Chairman George Hines asked what we would be accomplishing, and the Town Manager noted that the developer is planning on 240 units. There are density and traffic concerns. This would give the Town control on the number of units. Attorney Richard Murphy was present representing the developer. Bill Carlson, owner of the property,noted that Spence Farms is 6.5 acres and the abutting property is actually 4.5 acres. Will Finch, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, noted that the Commission is in favor of the Town purchasing the property. Chairman George Hines noted that if the CPA passes, then this project would tie up all of the resources. Bill Carlson requested that the Board of Selectmen make a decision as quickly as possible. A representative from Archstone Community noted that they will be willing to sit down with the community. He noted that the property abuts Route 93 and the traffic will head towards Routes 128 and 93. He also noted that the Town would get 100% credit on the Chapter 40b. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29 2002—Page 3 Bob McCulloch, owner of Archstone Community, noted that the Board of Selectmen declined purchasing the property a few years ago for $3 million. He also noted that the spirit of the CPA is to preserve land and this would not be accomplished because the Town would be building on it. He noted that this is the best site for Archstone and will have the minimal impact on the Town. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested looking more closely at the numbers and process. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Board has enough information to make an informed decision. He feels that if it comes down to the Board of Selectmen recommending an override for the RMHS and road improvements, this project will not be a priority. He also noted that the Town is still trying to sell the landfill. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that two Boards have requested that the Selectmen consider purchasing this land and she feels that it should be looked at more closely. The consensus was that a working group would be set up to review the options and this would be placed on the Selectmen's February 26, 2002 agenda. Water/Sewer Rates — Approval of Study Recommendations — Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Public Works Business Administrator David Lee and Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Members Richard Moore, Robert Salter, Stephen Crook and Steve Oston were present. Richard Moore noted that Russell Consulting was hired to do a water and sewer rate study. The study recommends an 8% increase in water rates over five years and a sewer rate increase of 2.5%. The consensus of the committee was not to setup a stabilization fund until the new Water Treatment Plant is complete. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that we have $1.3 million in reserve and asked why a stabilization fund is not set up. Bob Salter noted that the money should be spent down and then raise money for a stabilization fund. Richard Moore noted that it was the consensus of the committee to keep one customer class for billing. He indicated that is a fairness issue. The Russell report recommends eliminating the present minimum charge of 200 cubic feet of usage per quarter and institute a customer serve charge based on meter size. The consensus of the committee is to maintain the 200 cubic feet charge. It was also the consensus of the committee to maintain the existing service charges for private fire protection services and not to charge for public fire service. The committee also recommends not adopting lifeline rates but to maintain the 10% discount. The Town Manager noted that he recommends leaving out the replacement of a water tank for the first 10 years of the capital plan. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29, 2002—Page 4 Will Finch asked if the increase in daily consumption was based on the apartments going in. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the landfill, Spence Farms, Longwood and Pearson were included in the amount. Janet Sortor of 55 Temple Street noted that wells are taking water out of the same watershed and she feels the Selectmen should restrict private wells. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to direct that the FY2003 Water and Sewer rates be developed reflecting the following policy decisions: 1. Maintain stabilized rates over the next decade as recommended by the consultant; 2. Utilize the current reserve funds as recommended by the consultant; 3. Maintain a single customer class; 4. Maintain the existing 200 cf minimum charge for water and for sewer; 5. Maintain the existing service charges for private fire protection; 6. Do not charge for public Fire Protection costs; 7. Continue with a single rate until such time as monthly billing is feasible; 8. Do not adopt lifeline rates for water and sewer; 9. Continue with the 10%discount for prompt payment. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to amend 92 to read "utilize the current reserve funds to mitigate rates for a time period longer than 10 years," was approved by a vote of 3-2-0. The main motion as amended was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Parkiniz Regulations — No Parking at Corner of Temple Street and Parker Middle School Driveway—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force recommends no parking in this area. There is a letter in the packet from a resident supporting this. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked why the Town Manager is not requesting the 20 feet on the other side as well. The Town Manager noted that it is a right turn only. Janet Sortor had complaints that the street is eroded and there is no parking enforcement. The Town Manager noted that there is no money for road paving. There was discussion among the Board regarding traffic/parking enforcement. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to close the hearing on parking regulations for no parking at the corner of Temple Street and Parker Middle School driveway was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Schubert moved and Anthony seconded to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on January 23, 2001 by adding to Article 5, Section 5.3; "No Parking Here to Corner" on Temple Street at the driveway to Parker Middle School, the westerly side 20 feet south of the entrance/exit to Parker Middle School. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to amend the main motion to include 20 north of the entrance/exit to the Parker Middle School. The main motion as amended was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 29, 2002 —Page 5 A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to request the Town Manager to develop an implementation plan including an enforcement plan for a presentation to the Board of Selectmen was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing—Review of Water Restrictions—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Public Works Director Ted McIntire was present. He noted that Water and Sewer Advisory Committee recommends the following changes: Change the title to Water Conservation and Management, eliminate restrictions on hand held devices, continue existing restrictions and to continue restrictions as mandatory. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen were interested in restricting private wells. Town Counsel indicates that the Board of Health can enforce well restrictions in the Aquifer Protection District but it has never been done before. Health Administrator Jane Fiore reviewed a map that she had showing the private wells in Town. Will Finch noted that 60%-70% of water from sprinkler heads is lost to evaporation. Selectman Gail Wood noted that if you water deeply, then it goes back to the water shed. Ted McIntire noted that the Ipswich River Council is looking into this. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested waiting until we received information from the Ipswich River Council before contacting the Board of Health. - Jane Fiore noted that the Board of Health can only restrict for public health and safety. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the hearing on review of the water restrictions was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Wood moved and Anthony seconded to change the title to the water restrictions from "Water Conservation" to "Water Conservation and Management;" eliminate restrictions on the use of hand held watering devices; continue the existing restrictions on all other outdoor water use; continue the water restrictions as mandatory. Hines moved and Schubert seconded to amend the motion to request that private well users follow the outdoor water use restrictions same as the others in Town. The motion to amend the main motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Wood opposed. The main motion as amended was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Wood opposed. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to adjourn their meeting of January 29, 2002 at 11:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ecretary , �