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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 12, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines (arrived at 8:40 p.m.), Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectmen Rick Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Library Director Kim Lynn, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Arthur Charest, Kenneth Charest, Pete Dahl, John Keegan, Gina Snyder, Maria Silvaggi, Steve Conner, Mike deBrigard, Ray Porter, Will Finch, Attorney David Carr. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the Financial Forum last evening. Public Comment — Ray. Porter indicated that he wanted to explain his proposal for having a process for disclosing income or source of income and assets for volunteers. He feels that it would improve the process and integrity of volunteers. There was discussion as to the feasibility of a disclosure form, and the consensus of the Board was to direct Mr. Porter to work with Town Counsel to draft a petition for this. Personnel and Appointments Conservation Commission—This appointment was cancelled due to litigation. Discussion/Action Items Hearing=Application for Diesel Fuel Tank — 1330 Main Street — Selectman Richard Schubert read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the application is to convert a gasoline tank to diesel. Notice has been sent to abutters within 300 feet. Staff has reviewed the application and recommends approval. John Keegan, from Bohler Engineering, was present. He noted that they want to convert to 20,000 gasoline and 10,000 diesel. Selectman Gail Wood asked what safeguards are in place to guard against leakage into the acquifer district. John Keegan noted that the tanks would have to have a double wall. The existing tanks were installed in 1987 and have a single wall with a trench. If fuel leaks into the trench, it sets off an alarm. They also do in-tank monitoring, testing every 30 days and they "stick" the tanks daily. Selectman Gail Wood asked what is the life expectancy of the tanks. John Keegan noted that it is 30 years. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she had concerns with the single wall tanks. Mr. Keegan noted that the tanks met State regulations when they were installed. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if Exxon Mobil was aware that they are in the acquifer 3 district. Mr. Keegan noted they are-- it is noted on the plans. Board of Selectmen Meeting-February 12, 2002-Page2 Attorney David Carr, representing Dandi-Lyons, noted that he objects to the Board issuing this license. He indicated that his client is purchasing the property across the street from Exxon Mobil and he cannot get financing because it is being contaminated by Exxon Mobil. He also noted that 1330 Main Street is a registered contaminated site, and the contamination is traveling under Route 28. He is requesting that the Selectmen make clean up of the site a condition on their license, and noted that a report was done and sent to DEP in October 2001. Conservation Commission Chairman Will Finch noted that he was unaware of this, and that sometimes reports go to DEP without being reported to the Town. The Town Manager will have Town Counsel review the report and report back to the Board. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to continue the hearing to 8:00 p.m. on March 12, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Spence Farms Chapter 61A - Selectman Richard Schubert read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that a presentation was done two weeks ago. Since then, Camille Anthony and Rick Schubert met with staff and committee members to evaluate the options. The Town Manager noted that there is a letter in tonight's handout from a neighbor with traffic concerns. He also noted that he received a phone call today from a neighbor who received the notice and wanted to know what it was about. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that density, traffic, development and impact on schools were all taken into consideration. CPDC suggested that the Town issue an RFP for affordable housing and this would give the Town greater control over the development. The voters would have to pass a$4.5 million debt exclusion to do this. Selectman Richard Schubert reviewed the pros and cons of the Town purchasing the property. The final analysis is that it would be a high risk for a minimal reward. The Town Manager noted that there is a letter in the Selectmen's packet from Chatam Development who is willing to develop a 55+ community if the Town purchased the property first. Gina Synder of 11 Jadem Terrace indicated that she feels it is fair to give voters the opportunity to vote on this. Vice Chairman George Hines arrived at 8:40 p.m. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town needs affordable housing, and this is a good site for this development. Developing this site will minimize issues in other parts of Town. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to close the hearing was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Hines to not exercise the option under Chapter 61A to meet the bona fide offer by Archstone Realty in the amount of$4,500,000 to acquire the Spence Farm property at 40-42 West Street in Reading was discussed and approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 12, 2002—Page 3 Finish FY 2003 Budget—The Town Manager reviewed the General Services' budget. He noted that reductions to the FY03 budget include: Reducing the Selectmen expenses, Town Manager expenses, Town Counsel/Labor Counsel expenses, reduce overtime and reduce a clerical position by .4FTE. The Town Manager noted that the salaries line item in Community Services has been corrected. The Cemetery Board voted $15,000, not $25,000. There is a gap of$120,000 in the municipal budget. The Town Manager noted that an Appellate Tax Board case has been settled and, hopefully, there will be an additional overlay surplus. Library Director Kim Lynn was present. She noted that if both cuts on the reduction list are implemented, then the Library will lose its certification. In addition, they would lose State aid and grant opportunities. Library Board Member Steve Connor noted that they need $816,665 to keep their certification. He asked that the Library Board be able to determine where the cuts would be. Chairman George Hines noted that it would be tragic for the Town to lose its certification. He suggested that they consider an override for the full materials amount plus the amount to restore the hours. Library Board Member Maria Silvaggi was in agreement. The Town Manager noted that all of the departments are making cuts, and he reviewed the list of reductions. Chairman George Hines noted that he had concerns about cutting the Christmas tree collection because some people don't have the capability to get to the Compost Center. Chairman George Hines suggested instead of reducing the number of recycling bins, to set up a revolving fund and charge $5.00 for the bins. DPW Director Ted McIntire noted that the cuts will reduce his budget by $131,000. The Public Works' operating budget has been cut by$400,000 over the past three years. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that leaf collection and Christmas tree collection are a luxury that we don't need to provide. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she would like to keep the Christmas tree pick up because you can't hire someone to come and get them. School Committee Member Pete Dahl suggested having the Band Parents add a disposal fee when they sell their Christmas trees. Chairman George Hines noted that if our share of the overlay surplus is enough, then it should go to the Library. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 12, 2002—Page 4 Arrangements for Memorial Day Events—This will be done after the Election. Follow Up on Selectmen's Forum—The Town Manager noted that the Board received 16 calls at their last Forum. There were a lot of calls regarding the school issues. The School Department does not want the Selectmen taking questions regarding the schools. Perhaps this should be a retreat topic. Follow Up on Town Manager's Evaluation — The Town Manager noted that he has an employment agreement with the Town, not a contract. He reviewed his management style and answers to questions that were given to him during his evaluation. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of January 8, 2002, as amended, was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of January 15, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of January 22, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of January 24, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of January 29, 2002, as amended, was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of February 12, 2002 at 11:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0, and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Secretary