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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 5, 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, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Susan Cavicchi, Bill Brown, Gerry MacDonald, Will Finch, Bill Hughes, Phil LeBlanc, Glenn Paradis, Tom Wallace, Kate Kammer, Dick Matthews, James Ruszkowsi, Jean Marie Halley, Alan Beaulieu, David Bryant, Chris Campbell, Jack Downing, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Ellen Emmons, Petra Conby, Rev. Kevin Vendt, Carl McFadden, Gerry Horton, Anthony Cota Sr., Anthony Cota Jr., Joe Delaney. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the CPDC visioning session last evening. There was a lot of concern regarding traffic and signage on South Main Street. She noted that there are real issues on the ballot and encouraged citizens to get information. She also noted that the School Building Committee is having an Open House at the High School on March 30, 2002. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended the Recreation Committee Meeting two weeks ago. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the CPDC visioning session. Chairman George Hines noted that there was a Letter to the Editor in the paper. In response to that letter, Mr. Hines noted that elected officials give up a lot of things but not their freedom of speech. He also noted that volunteers are not paid. Public Comment—Bill Brown noted that people need to remain civil. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Reminder: Please make sure that you license your dog. If the dog is no longer living in Reading, please let the Town Clerk's Office know. ♦ Our apologies to our residents — the white "Town Hall" mailbox was vandalized over the weekend, and we had to stop using it until it was repaired. Thanks to DPW, it is now repaired and back in operation. ♦ RCTV is celebrating its 3rd Anniversary on April 1 st. ♦ The Town has received an offer of donation of 4.342 acres of land on Brook Street to Conservation. Staff is evaluating the proposed donation of this wetland and will have a ._.._........ recommendation in the near future. ♦ We have received a donation from the family of a deceased resident — Mrs. Zwieker — for the installation of a bench on the Common. I have ordered the bench and it should be Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 5, 2002—Page 2 delivered in about eight weeks. It will replace one of the older type of benches we have on the Common. ♦ Open burning by permit will end on Tuesday, April 30, 2002. ♦ The last free curbside "Bulk Waste" pickup will be the week of May 13-17 on the regular trash day. A notice will be included in the next water bill. ♦ The last curbside leaf collection program will be the week of April 29-May 3, 2002 on the regular trash day. ♦ The Bear Hill water tank was been taken out of service for planned inspection, and for installation of a new water valve. It is now back in service. ♦ The Town Manager noted that there may have to be a Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting because the ballot question was suppose to go on the ballot no more than 90 days after Town Meeting. Discussion/Action Items Presentation to Veteran's Flower Fund — Carl McFadden, Bill Brown, Gerry Horton, Anthony Cota Sr. and Anthony Cota Jr. were present. Carl McFadden, Chairman of the Veteran's Memorial Fund, noted that Anthony Cota Jr. who is seven years old requested donations to the Veteran's Memorial Fund in lieu of birthday presents. He received a total of $270.00 for his birthday and donated this money to the Veteran's Memorial Fund. Bill Brown noted that Anthony Cota is the youngest contributor to the Veteran's Memorial Fund, and the Board of Selectmen praised Anthony for his generosity. Presentation on NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations —Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Town Engineer Joe Delaney were present. Joe Delaney noted that the E.P.A. issued regulations on Phase 11 Stormwater in 1999. These regulations require small municipalities to apply for a permit by March 2003. There are six requirements to the regulations and they are as follows: Public education and outreach, public participation/involvement, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction runoff control and pollution prevention/good housekeeping. The E.P.A will issue the general permit by December 8, 2002. The Town will have to submit a Notice of Intent by March 10, 2003. The Notice of Intent will have a five year compliance schedule. Joe Delaney noted that several of the requirements will necessitate significant personnel time, consulting services and budget increases. The Town will need to establish new bylaws, map the drainage system, evaluate the drainage system and implement pollution prevention. He also noted that the Phase II Regulations are an unfunded mandate. There are three sources of funding — general fund, enterprise fund or a stormwater utility. The next step is to establish a citizen committee, establish a staff task force to outline the parameters, and establish a schedule for completing the application. The Board directed the Town Manager to send a letter out to the Boards, Committees and Commissions asking for their feedback on establishing a committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 5, 2002—Pnye3 Presentation on Inflow and Infiltration Efforts — Town Engineer Joe Delaney noted that the Town has contracted with Camp, Dresser and McKee, Inc. to assist the Town in our continuing effort to eliminate inflow and infiltration from the sewer system. The problems are sump pumps that are going directly into the system and sewer backups caused by rainwater getting into the system. The solution to the problems would be to conduct a house to house inspection program. This would start in the areas that suffer from the highest rate of inflow and then the remainder of the Town. An "amnesty" letter would be sent to residents and a mailing would be sent out explaining what we are doing. Television inspection analysis will also be done. The Town will work with CDM to develop a justifiable per gallon fee to cover the cost of the program. Once the illicit connections are identified, an action plan will be implemented to correct the problems. Conservation Commission Chairman Will Finch requested that when the house to house inspections are done, residents should be informed that the sump pumps should be drained 25 feet from the wetlands, not into the wetlands. Hearing — Amendment to Recreation Rules and Regulations re: Sunday Morning Field Use — Chairman George Hines noted that the Recreation Committee has been dealing with requests for exception to the rules. He had written a letter to the Recreation Committee trying to clarify reasons for the regulations. Recreation Committee Chairman Alan Beaulieu noted that the Committee voted 5-4 to delete the last sentence in#4 of Section 6.2.2. Selectman Gail Wood noted that there are reasons for the regulations. The Recreation Committee has had a lot of discussion regarding this issue, and they are suggesting that the Board of Selectmen issue the special permit. She also noted that there needs to be some guidelines for issuing special permits. Alan Beaulieu noted that a subcommittee was formed but was inconclusive. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the intent is to open the parks or close the parks on Sundays. Mr. Beaulieu noted that it was the intent to open the park the same as on a Saturday. He also noted that different religions have different special days. Chairman George Hines noted that he remembers getting a letter from the Reading Clergy Association asking for regulations and the abutters concurred. He also noted that the Reading Clergy Association consists of representatives from different religions. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she is not saying that kids have to go to church but it is good to have a time when they don't have to be somewhere. The regulations also allow for a short period of free time for the abutters. School Committee Member Susan Cavicchi noted that the problem is with the wording "special" permit-- it should say"waiver." Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 5, 2002—Page 4 Selectman Matthew Cummings disagreed with Ms. Cavicchi. He noted that a special permit is out of the ordinary and the regulations are clear that there are no activities unless it is a special circumstance. Bill Hughes noted that he was appointed to the Recreation Committee in 1977, served for 12 years, and the policy was in existence then and strictly adhered to. He also noted that the Sunday permit allowed for extraordinary circumstances and he desires that the policy stay in effect. Recreation Committee Member Chris Campbell noted that he has served on the Committee for nine years and the committee always voted down requests for multiple Sundays. They denied many organizations and all of them were great people. He also noted that one league was mandated to play on Sunday morning and instead of coming to the Recreation Committee for a special permit, they made those games their away games. Recreation Committee Member Mary Ellen Stolecki indicated that she feels parents should make a stand regarding time off on Sunday mornings. Phil LeBlanc, an abutter to a park, noted that he likes not having to get up on Sunday morning and it is nice having the quiet time. He also noted that one group wants an exemption to play because they are adults and he suggested they go to another town. Tom Wallace, an abutter to a park, noted that he has lived next to a park for 35 years and he enjoys the peace and quiet on Sunday morning. Petra Conboy, an abutter to a park, noted that she also enjoys the peace and quiet on Sunday mornings and wants the same respect that the Compost Center neighbors receive. James Ruszkowski noted that Sunday morning is a relief to the noise. Reverend Kevin Vendt of the Reading Clergy Association who is also an abutter noted that as long as there is a conflict between worship or play, there is a potential to damage relationships. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he abuts Morton Baseball Field and he is in favor of the policy but feels the need to be flexible. He feels that the Recreation Committee should be able to handle this regulation, and suggested changing the wording to give clarity and also set some guidelines. Selectman Gail Wood noted that frequency is a problem. Chairman George Hines suggested two Recreation Committee Members meet with Selectmen Gail Wood and Rick Schubert to come up with some guidelines. Selectman Matt Cummings noted that the policy is explicit and there is nothing wrong with it. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on amendment to the Recreation - Rules and Regulations regarding Sunday morning field use was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 5, 2002—Page 5 A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to keep the language was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to establish a subcommittee consisting of two Recreation Committee Members (one from each side) and two Selectmen to establish a statement of purpose for the special permit and factors was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Letter to Federal Legislators re: WTP Funding — The Town Manager noted that we have started the process of a feasibility study for the Water Treatment Plant. Our consultants suggest asking for help with funding. The letter in the packet will be sent to our federal legislators and hopefully will result in some money coming back to the Town. Board of Selectmen Goals—This item will be rescheduled. Update on Action Status Report—The Town Manager noted that the Board requested a tracking form a few years ago and this form was developed. The Town Manager noted that the hearing on the diesel fuel has been continued. Town Counsel indicates that this is a private matter. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that this is in the aquifer district and should be taken seriously. Selectman Gail Wood noted that if the tanks weren't licensed, they wouldn't be leaking. The Town Manager noted that the current tanks are not leaking and the report reaches a conclusion but lists other factors. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked what procedures the Town can take to protect the aquifer district. The Board discussed the Selectmen's Forum. The consensus was to keep the format as is and to reschedule for April 16, 2002. The Town Manager noted that he will be making a presentation to the Finance Committee on the Parking Enforcement Officer. The Town Manager will send a letter to the owner of the Reading Depot and ask him to comply with the Deed requirements. The Town Manager noted that the Town is holding a $15,000 bond on Summit Village but the developer refuses to do anything because he is not the property owner. The Board directed the Town Manager to try to get permission from the Condo Association. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of March 5, 2002 at 10:50 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary