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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-03 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 3, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:35 p.m. in the Police Station Community Room, 15 Union 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, Recreation Administrator Mark Hyson, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Police Chief Bob Silva, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Ben Nichols, Daniel McKee, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Ben Elgeziry, Sumi Sinnatamby, Pasquale and Michael Iapicca, Peter Dubois, John Mitropoulos, Paul Anderson, Joy Hutchinson, Mike and Mary Kay Fox, Matt, David and Amy Lane, Liz Wood, Marilyn Cortese, Alex and Nancy Ortiz, Sue and Jim Conley, Justin Hutchinson, Mike Eddy, John Guerin, Gary Nixon, Ingrid Krohn, Esther and Harold Bolivar, Amanda and Angelo Puglisi, Sean Whalen, Claire Bolger, George Perry, Jack Downing, Alan,and Jared Beaulieu, Cynda Rohmer, Ben, Gabrielle and Chris Drake, Kevin Thomas, Jeff Stewart, Ryan KcKee, Michael McDermott, Kathy and Pat Mahoney, David Gagnon, Susan Cavicchi, Linda Phillips, Beverly Daly, John Fallon, Kerry, Taylor and Andy Bramhall, Steve Dibble, Fred and Brad Van Magness, Florence Campbell, Matthew Baltier, George and Edna Farrell, Kevin Donovan, Nan Bodebender, Mary Scott, Mary Purcell, Juan Diaz, Virginia Adams, Ellen Mounteer, Karen Sawyer, Bob Hayes, Colin Cool, Peter Lennox, Mark Cronin-Golomb, Arlene and Dick Harper, Jack Ghazi. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the School - Building Committee met last Thursday and they selected Flansburgh Architects for the school project. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the Volunteer Reception and she is thankful for all the volunteer efforts. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony for Matt Chapanca and was very impressed. Public Comment — Linda Phillips of 42 Willow Street handed out a letter to the Board of Selectmen. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The RMLD Oversight Task Force meets again on June 13th ♦ We are receiving a lot of complaints about the hours of the Compost Center—mostly that the hours are reduced. We are working to have the Center open Mondays in June, July and August in addition to the posted hours, depending on our ability to get Senior Tax workers. ♦ The Town has received formal notice of a second hearing on June 4, 2002 at the Stoneham - High School on the possible improvement of the intersection of Route 128 and I-93. The room will be opened at 5:00 p.m. for people to look at the options and the formal presentation will start at 7:00 p.m. RCTV will be taping this meeting and televising it later Board of Selectmen Meeting-—June 3, 2002—Page 2 since it's in Stoneham and we don't have the capability of broadcasting it live. The Board of Selectmen is meeting Monday night so that the Board members will be able to attend the meeting in Stoneham. ♦ The RMLD Citizens Advisory Board is meeting tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. and the RMLB is meeting at 7:30 p.m. The primary issue before the CAB is the recommendation that the RMLD reimburse the Town of Reading for the cost of the Melanson Heath audit. ♦ The Town was successful in getting a GIS grant in the amount of$12,000. There is a match and we are looking at ways to meet this match including the FinCom reserve fund. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Use of Memorial Park Tennis Court Site for Skateboard Park — Taylor Bramhall of 11 John Street Court made a presentation regarding having a skateboard park at Memorial Park. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there was any data from the Recreation Committee. Recreation Administrator Mark Hyson noted that there is no real data on the use of the tennis courts -- it is an unsupervised area. Recreation Committee Chairman Alan Beaulieu noted that there are three members of the Recreation Committee who run a tennis program, and they state that loss of the court at Memorial Park would not be a detriment. Selectman Matthew Cummings read a letter from Town Counsel regarding the use of Memorial - Park for skateboarding (letter is attached). Ben Nichols, Chairman of the Land Bank Committee, noted that he had the file on Memorial Park and feels that this activity will go against the Deed restrictions. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she received notice that adults use the tennis court during the day because Birch Meadow is off limits during school time. John Fallon of 1 Charles Street noted that this is the third time a group has requested a skateboard park and this is the largest turnout. He also noted that he visited three skate parks — two were supervised and one was not. He asked if this skate park will be supervised and questioned the funding of the park, supervision and maintenance. Fred Van Magness of 1 Charles Street noted that there is no parking at Memorial Park. He is an insurance agent and he questions the liability issues. Liz Wood of 26 Harrison Street noted that she's in the park daily and there is trash, broken beer bottles and the kids light fires and smoke pot there. She recommended siting the skateboard park at the back of a school. Andy Bramhall of 11 John Street Court noted that most of the kids don't drive so parking won't be an issue. Regarding it being a hazardous sport, there are a lot less incidents with skateboarding than with softball or football. He also noted that the YMCA has come forward and have stated that there is a potential for them to supervise. He recommended locking the gate at night. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2002—Page 3 Angelo and Amanda Puglisi of 10 Harrison Street indicated that noise and parking will be an issue. They also noted that the area is not easily accessible for the Police to patrol. Jared Beaulieu of 153 Belmont Street indicated that he thought the skateboard park was a great idea and noted that there are 14 other tennis courts in Town. A resident from 1 Charles Street noted that she didn't think Memorial Park was a good place for this. She also noted that there are water rats at the park. She had concerns about noise and feels that the skateboard park should be located near the High School. Virginia Adams of 59 Azalea Circle noted that the problem is with the way Memorial Park was left to the Town. She indicated that the land was left to the Town in 1919 for specific reasons and restrictions. The suggestion to lock the gate is against the restriction of fencing it in. Steve Dibble, a certified Skateboard Park Inspector, was present. He reviewed the statistics of injuries and sports. He noted that the ramps could be made out of soundproofing material to cut back on the noise. Mary Kay Fox of 56 Temple Street noted that she lives near Parker and is inconvenienced all the time. She puts up with it for the good of the community. Alan Beaulieu noted that the Recreation Committee looked at four or five places and found Memorial Park to be the best. He also noted that skateboarding is a passive recreation, not a competitive sport, and feels that it is an allowable use for Memorial Parka Peter Dubois of 26 John Street noted that the kids need a place to go and get off the street. He also noted that 20 years ago, a child was killed on Hardnen Street on a skateboard. Fred Van Magness Jr. of 1 Charles Street noted that the important issue is the Deed restrictions. Skateboarding will have an impact on the quiet enjoyment, and padlocking the fence is definitely against the restrictions. Ben Nichols noted that his sister owned 3.5 acres of land and was going to donate to Conservation but when the Town took land for the Fire Station, she go upset and decided to donate the land to Reading Open Land Trust. A Main Street resident noted that there is a lot of drug use and vandalism at the park. She also observes tennis players, the park is heavily used by the Old South School, and precision drill practice. A Charles Street resident feels the skateboard park is a great idea -- it's just the wrong place. She feels it will violate the quiet enjoyment of the park. Mike Fox of 56 Temple Street noted that drug use will drop and the area will be kept clean. He suggested giving the keys to the Fire Department. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2002—Page 4 Police Officer Pat Iapicca of 75 Tennyson Road noted that this would solve Police Department issues by getting the kids out of Downtown. He indicated that there is a tremendous need for a skateboard park and he supports the proposal. A John Street resident noted that the community consensus is that a skateboard park is needed. The challenge is where is the best location. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the use of Memorial Park tennis court site for a skateboard park was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she found the perfect site for the skateboard park but it is being used for summer camp. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that this has been an excellent learning experience for the children but the caveat is the Deed restrictions. He also noted that the Deed specifies that it should be a place of healthy rest with no fenced enclosures. He pictures these activities as picnics, walking, reading but not skateboarding. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town must honor the Deed but also have a responsibility to the children. He would like a committee to find a solution. Chairman George Hines noted that the kids' needs outweigh the appearance of a conflict. He has no problem supporting the skateboard park proposal. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to instruct the Recreation Committee to work with the group to find an alternative location was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed. Hearing — Sewer Inflow/Infiltration PolicX — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this policy creates a permit fee of$4.00 per gallon. The funds will be used for reimbursement to private property owners for removal of sump pump or other inflow sources from the sanitary sewer system. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the Sewer Inflow/Infiltration Policy was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the Sewer Inflow/Infiltration Policy as presented was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion on Schedule for Roads Debt Exclusion Vote—Tabled until the next meeting. Hearing — Traffic Regulations — Main Street at Chapin, No Parking — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Town Engineer Joe Delaney, DPW Director Ted McIntire and Police Chief Robert Silva were present. The Town Manager noted that site line is the issue here. If parking is restricted, then we will lose four parking spaces. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2002—Page 5 A resident from 21 Chapin Avenue noted that there are regulations as parking next to corners. She would like to see no parking on the Main Street corners. Peter Dubois of 26 John Street noted that it is a safety issue. Turn Restrictions — Main/Mill/Pearl — The Town Manager noted that he is suggesting right turn only from Pearl Street onto Main. He is also suggesting no left turn onto Pearl from Main Street and only right hand turn onto Main from Mill Street. Dick Harper of 695 Pearl Street noted that the problem is with the site line -- there are walls and poles in the way. Bob Hayes of 739 Pearl Street wants Pearl Street to be made a dead end. Mark Cronin of 669 Pearl Street wants the left hand turn onto Pearl Street to be permitted. Paul Anderson of 753 Pearl Street also wants to take the left turn onto Pearl Street. Karen Sawyer of 746 Pearl Street noted that the site line is a problem. She suggested a sign that says left turn not recommended. Sinal Reconfiguration — Lowell/Willow/Grove — The Town Manager noted that we have a left turn lane but no signal. Town Engineer Joe Delaney noted that when the intersection was done, there were not enough cars to warrant a signal but that has changed. Police Chief Bob Silva noted that there have been 20 accidents in the past two years at this location. Heavy Vehicle Exclusion — John Street — The Town Manager noted that this is related to the development of the landfill. The heavy vehicle exclusion will help eliminate cut through traffic. Parkin,g Regulations—Police Station Lot—This issue has already been dealt with. Safety Issues related to the Willow Street Railroad Grade Crossing — The Town Manager noted that there have been a couple of serious accidents in this area-- one fatality and one serious injury. He also noted that the Town needs to take "the fun" (the drop) out of Willow Street. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there is money to do this, and the Town Manager noted that we will try to find it with the State. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to close the hearing amending the traffic regulations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: to Appendix A-1 —5.3 Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets - No Parking Anytime Chapin Avenue—south side from Main Street a distance of 20 feet Main Street northbound—a distance of 20 feet on either side of Chapin Avenue was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 3, 2002—Page 6 A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: to Appendix A-13 —6.17 —Left Turns Prohibited No vehicle traveling southerly on Main Street shall make a left turn onto the northerly-most section of Pearl Street; No vehicle traveling east on Mill Street shall make a left turn onto Main Street; No vehicle traveling west on the northerly-most portion of Pearl Street shall make a left turn onto Main Street. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: to Appendix A-18—9.1 —Heavy and Commercial Vehicles Excluded John Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Heariniz — NPDES Stormwater Management Advisory Committee — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Town Engineer made a presentation in March regarding the stormwater management. The Committee would exist of one CPDC member, one Conservation Commission member, one Finance Committee member, one Water and Sewer Advisory Committee member, two citizens at large and one Selectman. The Committee would expire on December 31, 2003. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the NPDES Stormwater Management Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to approve the policy establishing the Ad Hoc Stormwater Management Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Continued Hearing — 1337 Main Street — Gasoline Storage License — The Town Manager noted that the Fire Chief issued the permits. A tremendous amount of work has been done but there is still more to be done. He recommends a performance bond. Jack Ghazi noted that he has shown good faith and feels a bond is not needed. He indicated that basically all that is left is landscaping. Chairman George Hines noted that there is fence repair and sign relocation which goes beyond the scope of landscaping. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the hearing was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to not rescind the flammable storage license at 1337 Main Street, provided that the owner submits to the Town Manager by the end of business on June 4, 2002, a cash bond in the amount of$4700 to complete any uncompleted work as of this date and to be released at the Town Manager's discretion, including building code, fire code, Board of Selectmen Meetin ,—June 3 2002—Paize 7 landscaping, sign relocation and fence repair; such work to be completed within 30 days of this date. If the work is not completed, the Town Manager is directed to again advertise a public hearing for the Board of Selectmen to consider the revocation of the flammable storage license was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Approval of Minutes A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of May 7, 2002 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of May 14, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Cummings abstaining. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of June 3, 2002 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, df Secretary