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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-19 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 19, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gerry MacDonald, William Rivers, Tim Kelley, Susan Cavicchi, Jacqui Carson, Torn McAuley, Paul Feely, Kenneth Cain, John Coote, Mark O'Brien, Attorney Richard Pareles, Clayton Jones, Virginia Adams, Wilbar Hoxie, Roberta Sullivan,Rosalind Post. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended meetings of the Cemetery Board of Trustees, Recreation Committee and Solid Waste Advisory Committee. She also noted that Bob Brown was awarded Volunteer of the Year for improving the environment. Chris Campbell and Mary Ellen Stolecki were appointed to be on the subcommittee regarding Sunday field use. A young man made a presentation to the Recreation Committee regarding a skateboard park and he would like to make a presentation to the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Richard Schubert congratulated the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team for winning first place again. Chairman George Hines noted that he attended the Human Relations Advisory Committee Meeting regarding September 11th. He also congratulated the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager noted that the closure plan for the landfill was filed with D.E.P. ♦ The Drama Club is going to the State finals. ♦ Two hockey alumni were written up at the University of New Hampshire. ♦ The Financial Forum is March 21, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. at the Parker Middle School. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony is asking to have a subcommittee set up for the budget. ♦ Legislators are suggesting a 10% reduction in the Governor's Budget. Personnel and Appointment Cable TV Advisory Committee—The applicant was not present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 19, 2002—Page 2 Discussion/Action Items Release of Easement—32 Davis Lane—The Town Manager noted that the property owner wants to add on to his house so he is asking for a release of easement. Town Meeting has approved this and Town Counsel has approved the paperwork. Bill Rivers, the homeowner, was present. He noted that this condition existed when he bought the house. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the release of easement of a portion of a drainage easement located on 32 Davis Lane in Reading as authorized by Article 17 of the November 19, 2001 Town Meeting and sign all documents related thereto was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Historical Commission Update — Historical Commission Members Clayton Jones, Virginia Adams, Wilbar Hoxie and Roberta Sullivan were present. Mr. Jones noted that the Commission has tightened up their procedures and he reviewed the projects they have worked on for the past year. He also noted that they have acquired a picture of the Reading Ice Company and a prescription book from the 1880's. Mr. Jones noted that the developer of 1375 Main Street is paying $20,000 to the Commission for demolition. The Town Manager noted that this might require Town Meeting action to set up a revolving fund. Mr. Jones also noted that they currently have $5,000 from Addison-Wesley. He noted that a lot of homeowners need help in deciding what to do with their property and the money could be used for consultants. Mr. Jones suggested that the Town may want to set up a historical district on West Street due to the high concentration of historical homes in that area. The Board directed the Historical Commission to set up the process for creating a historical district and come back to the Board of Selectmen with the procedures. Affordable Housing—Governors Drive—The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen previously directed staff to go back and do some follow up on these parcels. A notice of this meeting was sent to abutters. The Town Manager also noted that regarding the drainage issues, we dug test holes and the water table is 18-24 inches below the ground so the house will not have a basement. He recommends starting with Lot A, and noted that the Housing Authority will apply for a LIP, move the house and sell it for approximately $130,000. The Housing Authority will pay for moving the house and putting in a pipeline for sump pumps and possibly granite curbing and sidewalks. The money that is left over will go into the Housing Trust Fund. Selectman Gail Wood noted that at the end of Governors Drive, there is a stone wall with a pipe almost buried and cluttered with leaves debris --there was standing water during a drought. Board of Selectmen Meetinsz—March 19, 2002—Paye 3 John Coote and Tim Kelly from the Reading Housing Authority were present. Mr. Kelly noted that the Housing Authority has not met yet regarding this matter. He also noted that the drainage issues need to be addressed. He indicated that the idea was to roll over the money and purchase more units but if they have to do all of the improvements, it will lessen the amount of profit. Chairman George Hines noted that he will not support this unless the problems are mitigated. John Coote noted that there is a pressing need for rentals and if the proposal would be for renting instead of selling, it would be better. The Town Manager noted that the sale of the two houses will total $260,000. The cost of moving the houses equals $80,000 and the cost of improvements is approximately $80,000, leaving$100,000 in the Housing Trust Fund. Rosalind Post of 20 Governors Drive noted that the pumps will have to be tied into the pipeline before putting the houses on the lots. She approves of paving the street but no sidewalks because it will be difficult for the plows. Jacqui Carson of 50 Bay State Road suggested selling one house as affordable and one at market rate. Mark O'Brien of 20 Governors Drive asked if this will go before the ZBA. The Town Manager noted that the comprehensive permit bypasses zoning and works directly with the Board of Selectmen. Tom McAuley of 33 Canterbury Drive requested a copy of the results of the test holes. Attorney Richard Pareles indicated that the legal limit is 24" over the water table and noted that the results could be different at wetter times of the year. Selectman Gail Wood noted that there won't be a different mottling level because the water on top of the ground doesn't change how the ground water rises. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Selectmen are being faced with being proactive and are making an effort to try to work with the neighborhood and make improvements. He feels that this could be a favorable project. Selectman Gail Wood asked if the lots could be moved. The Town Manager responded that would depend on the delineation of wetlands. Chairman George Hines suggested taking a piece of Lot 45 and selling it to the O'Briens. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested delineating the wetlands and work with the Housing Authority to develop Lot B first and test the drainage before developing Lot A. The Town Manager suggested that perhaps a part of Lot C could be cut out for drainage. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 19, 2002—Page 4 A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to direct the Town Manager to survey the lots, delineate the wetlands and return with information for a public hearing and include the backup on the test pits to explain the science to the abutters was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Warrant — Annual Town Meetiniz — The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles. Under reports in Article 2, the State of the Town will include an update on the landfill and the Affordable Housing Trust. He doesn't have any instructions yet for Article 3 but he would like one on retired Police Officers working details. The Town Manager reviewed the amendments to the FY 2002 Budget. Selectman Matthew Cummings requested an analysis of free cash for the Financial Forum and indicate what were one time items. Chairman George Hines noted that the bulk waste rubbish collection is in the contract. The Town Manager noted that the variable is in the disposal costs. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 5 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 7 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 9 was -- approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 10 with more flexible language was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to recommend the subject matter of Article 11 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 14 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 15 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 16 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 17 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Town Manager noted that there is a settlement regarding the Beede Superfund site and he - needs to respond by March 27, 2002. He also noted that the settlement is a lower rate than previously discussed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 19, 2002—Page 5 A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to move forward with the agreement to settle the Beede Superfund site was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 5, 2002 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 12, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Cummings abstaining. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 26, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Cummings abstaining. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of their meeting of March 5, 2002 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of March 19, 2002 at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary