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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 11, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:03 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, Representative Brad Jones, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Beverly and Bob Sorrentino, Dave Nelson, Chet and Evelyn Small, Susan Byrne, John Sullivan, Beth Herman, Carol and Jeffrey Everson, Vivian and Susan Abate, Carla Abate, Janet Latham, Jeannette and Jim O'Rourke, Bill Webster, Rosemarie and Joe Hrubi, Thomas and Lucretia Zarfas, Susan and Gene Cort, Sandra Sartell, Dennis McCarthy, Meghan Aynan, David Dugan, Bill Harron, Bill Brown, David Lautman, Tony Borsini, David Donnelly, Lori Vinciguerra, Dan Lenehan, Patricia O'Donnelly, Lori Leland, Dennis Anderson, Marie Hickey, Maureen Arakelian, Barbara Maguire, Sue Reardon, Sharon Petersen, Francis Breen, Mark Hank, Eleanor Mahoney, Anne Kinteris, Ruth Sweeney, John Pack, Bradley and Joan Steele, Rosemarie Hrubi, Louise Mullaney, Krissandra Holmes, Karen Cameglia, Daria Niewenhous, Eileen Moynihan, Joan Foohey, Kathryn Millette, Edward and Nancy Smethurst, Timothy Houston, Ann Hale, Walter Begonis, Charles and Martha Wilder, Robert and Marlene McArdle, Charles McDonald Jr., Marcel Boisvert, Joan Benevides, Tim Hopkinson, James Serevitch, Marianne Downing, Sheila Stempeck, Susan Blake, Robert and Roseann Prioli, Thomas Healy, Judith Silva, Mary Ann Dwight, Barbara Mcdade, Lynne Graham, Sally Grindall, Robert Frederick, Kim Flynn, Frank and Eileen Faggiano, Burleigh Wellington, John Kalogeris, Michael McCourt, Robert Nason, William Arakelian, Richard Dennis, Phyllis Mullins, Elaine Assaf, Kate Murphy, Jenny Auyeung, David Lucas, Charles Restuccia, R. Soli, Debra Wilson, Matt Plano, Nancy Graham, Jan Feagley, Ida Fitzgerald, Dez Kenney, Linda Peluso, Brian Mahoney, Carmen O'Rourke, Lee Josephson, Debra Gaw, Richard and Jane Lessard, Camille D'Alesandro, Alan McCoy, Janet and Bernard Carey, Chris Farley, Richard Knowles, Anthony Macedino, Nancy and Daniel Tuttle, Dave Tuttle, Jonathan Krugman, Stephen Bates, Kate Adams, Chris Oehmen, Joan Drane, Carolyn and Paul Missert, Barbara and Gil Rodrigues, Sean Murphy, Will Drachler, Audrey Doyle, Dave Wilson, Maureen Hennessy, Donna Doucette, Brian Snell, Sue Colozzi, John Delancy, Diane Cohen, Richard and James McDonald, Catherine Lenox, George Remy, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Neil Sullivan, Michael Flammia, Paul Devlin, Nichola Safina, Virginia Adams, Mark Cardono, Sharlene Santo, Patricia Greichen, Douglas Cowell, Dan Ensminger, Sally Hoyt, Sheri Breen. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Citizens Advisory Board voted against reimbursing the Town for the audit, and the North Reading CAB Member voted against North Reading's request. He also noted that the RMLD Subcommittee wants to hire a search firm for the new General Manager. He will send a letter to the Reading Municipal Light Board, and indicated that he wants the Finance Committee to focus on the financial statements regarding Energy New England. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the CPDC will be sending the Board information on the Longwood parcel. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 11, 2002 —Page 2 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended an Audit Committee Meeting and they had concerns regarding the RMLD audits. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The RMLD Oversight Task Force meets again on June 201h ♦ The RMLD Citizens Advisory Board met on June 4th and voted 2-3 NOT to recommend the reimbursement to the Town of Reading of the cost of the Melanson Heath audit. The full membership of the RMLB was not at their meeting on the 0' but will be meeting with the Finance Committee tomorrow night. We will be asking the RMLB to vote to approve the transfer. ♦ The State Inspector General's Office has requested information from the RMLD regarding contracts for engineering consultants, and the RMLD is in the process of pulling the information together and turning it over to the IG. The Acting General Manager has promised full cooperation with the Inspector General's Office. ♦ The Board of Selectmen has in their packet this evening a letter from the RMLD's Auditor explaining why it is not practical to send original invoices with the accounts payable. This is in response to questions raised by the Board of Selectmen. ♦ Reading has received its proposed MWRA sewer assessment for FY 2003. The assessment to Reading is a reduction of$10,000, while the overall increase of 2.92% would have meant - an increase of $80,000. The savings of $90,000 is directly attributable to the sewer inflow/infiltration efforts of the Town, most specifically the Walkers Brook Drive sewer. The cost of the WBD improvement was $1 million of which the Town paid about $675,000. The payback on this investment is less than 7 years. ♦ The Town will be doing a water line flow test in the Willow/West Street area tonight at about 11:00 p.m. This is being done for the Town to be able to properly evaluate development proposals in the West Street area. ♦ Beginning next week, the Town will start the process of converting all water meters to a radio frequency reading system to facilitate better and more timely reading of water meters. A notice is going to all homeowners. The first 1500 will be direct mailed, and the remainder of the notices will be placed in the next tax bill. ♦ I had gotten a notice of the cancellation of Summerfest this year because of difficulty getting a carnival but found out today that another carnival company is available on August 1, 2, and 3. Fireworks will be part of the program. ♦ We have learned from a neighboring property owner that two adjacent properties next to the George Street comprehensive permit site have been purchased by the developer, apparently giving access to the site from Curtis Street. I have asked Town Counsel to explore whether the developer has submitted any further plans, and Town Counsel notes that this will require a new hearing before the ZBA because of the extent of changes. ♦ CPDC has forwarded to the Board of Selectmen a proposed amendment to the Zoning By- Laws and map for the Longwood Poultry Farm site. I will put this on the Board of Selectmen's Agenda for next week to formally refer this back to the CPDC for hearing, and the Board of Selectmen will need to discuss when to have a Town Meeting to consider this matter. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 11, 2002 —Paye 3 Personnel and Appointments Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD — The Board interviewed Dan Ensminger for a position on the Committee. Anthony moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD: Dan Ensminger. Mr. Ensminger received five votes and was appointed. Schubert moved and Wood seconded to nominate Matthew Cummings as the Selectmen's representative on the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Constable.—The Board interviewed Sally Hoyt for a position as Constable. Anthony moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions as Constable with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Sally M. Hoyt and Daniel Halloran, Jr. Mrs. Hoyt and Mr. Halloran received five votes each and were appointed. Land Bank Committee— George Perry, Vice Chairman of the Land Bank Committee, noted that Ben Nichols was unable to be present because he was in the hospital. Schubert moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Land Back Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Benjamin E. Nichols. Mr. Nichols received five votes and was appointed. CPDC — The Board interviewed Neil Sullivan, Michael Flammia, Paul Devlin, Nichola Safina and Mary Ellen O'Neill for three positions on the CPDC. Schubert moved and Cummings seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the CPDC with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Neil Sullivan, Michael Flammia, Paul Devlin, Nichola Safina and Mary Ellen O'Neill. Neil Sullivan and Michael Flammia received five votes each and were appointed. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the CPDC with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Paul Devlin, Nichola Safina and Mary Ellen O'Neill. Mr. Devlin received five votes and was appointed. Conservation Commission - The Board noted that William Ogden Finch was up for reappointment and was unable to be present. Schubert moved and Anthony seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2005: William Ogden Finch. Mr. Finch received five votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 11, 2002—Page 4 Historical Commission — The Board interviewed Virginia Adams, Mark Cardono, Sharlene Santo and Patricia Greichen for positions on the Historical Commission. Cummings moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Historical Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Roberta Sullivan, Virginia Adams, Mark Cardono, Sarah List, Sharlene Santo, Patricia Greichen. Roberta Sullivan and Virginia Adams received five votes each and were appointed. Anthony moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for four Associate positions on the Historical Commission with terms expiring June 30, 2003: Mark Cardono, Sarah List, Sharlene Santo and Patricia Greichen. They each received five votes and were appointed. Board of Appeals — The Board interviewed Susan Miller, Associate member of the Board of Appeals. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Susan Miller. Ms. Miller received five votes and was appointed as a full voting member of the Board. Commissioner of Trust Funds—Commissioner Robert Cummings was unable to be present. Chairman George Hines noted that the Middlesex Visiting Nurses Association is proposing a Hospice House and they want the Reading Trust Fund to be the lead investor. They are asking for $1 million from Reading. The Commissioners are considering a full investment and have asked Beth Klepeis to do further investigation. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Commissioner of Trust Funds with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Robert S. Cummings. Mr. Cummings received five votes and was appointed. Aquatics Advisory Committee—The Board interviewed Mary Ellen O'Neill for a position on the Aquatics Advisory Board. Wood moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Aquatics Advisory Board with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Mary Ellen O'Neill. Ms. O'Neill received five votes and was appointed. Human Relations Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Sheri Breen for a position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2005: Margaret Soli and Sheri Breen. Ms. Soli and Ms. Breen received five votes each and were appointed. — Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 11, 2002 —Page 5 Discussion/Action Items Review Draft Letter to MHD Re: 128/93 Interchange — Chairman George Hines noted that the Selectmen have drafted a letter to Mass Highway to put them on notice that they have significant concerns regarding the changes to the Interchange. He also noted that the Selectmen will schedule a meeting to have discussion with the residents regarding this project. Carla Abate of 23 Sturges Road noted that the magnitude of this project requires the Selectmen to hold a meeting, and this project affects the entire Town. At least 75 homes will be taken in Reading for fly over ramps, and the Town will lose the tax base from 75 homes. She also noted that the study is flawed, and that Mass Highway indicated they have no experience with a project of this magnitude. She noted that this is a regional problem and more homes are being taken in Reading than in Woburn and Stoneham combined. She is requesting the help of the Selectmen. Bill Webster from THAG noted that THAG does not endorse this project. They are working with Mass Highway to get information out to residents. They invited the State Legislators to this meeting. They want to force Mass Highway to cut back the footprint. THAG is requesting that more people get involved and perhaps set up subcommittees. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Darlene Bruen indicated that all three communities have to stand together because Mass Highway will try to divide them. Representative Brad Jones noted that he talked to Mass Highway and they have committed to a meeting in Reading this Summer but he doesn't have the date yet. He also noted that the Commissioner has assured him that he will respond to the letter that is being sent. Selectman Gail Wood indicated that she would like to know what the State does to compensate the Town for lost taxes when they take homes. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the benefits of this project aren't there versus the costs. He also noted that there will be an impact on traffic on local roads and there will be an impact on housing. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested adding Carla Abate's comment that Mass Highway has failed to explain how they will implement this plan. Carla Abate noted that the maps that Mass Highway used for the plans are old. She also noted that the 25% design plan is the final plan and will be ready at the end of this year. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he wants to know who the decision maker is and what criteria will be used to make the decision. He also wants the projections on cost and the funding mechanism. The Selectmen scheduled a meeting on this topic on June 24,2002 at 7:30 p.m. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 11, 2002—Paye 6 Hearing — Establishment of Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the committee will consist of seven members — one Selectman, one member of the Finance Committee, and five other - members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The focus will be on how the RMLD is structured, review and understand the governance laws, review existing models of governance, and develop one more options for future governance of the RMLD. The committee will report back to the Board of Selectmen frequently with the report due on September 15, 2002 or later date as needed. The Board discussed having a later due date for the report, and it was decided to change the due date to October 30, 2002. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the establishment of an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the policy establishing the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on the Governance of the RMLD as outlined with the due date changed to October 30, 2002 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Heariniz — Establishment of Ad Hoc Reading Telecommunications Advisory Committee (R- TAC — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Cable TV Advisory Committee fluctuates in membership and only has one member now. He suggests expanding the scope of the committee to include telecommunications. The committee would advise the Board of Selectmen on cell phones, internet issues, etc. The committee would consist of five members and it would be Ad Hoc to see how it works. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the Cable TV Advisory Committee deals with complaints, and the Town Manager indicated that they do not -- he handles individual complaints. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there is a real need and value for cell phones and internet oversight. Doug Cowell, Chairman of the Cable TV Advisory Committee, noted that this is an excellent opportunity to interface with new technology. Chairman George Hines recommended deleting "Ad Hoc" from the title and adding the word technology to the title. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the Establishment of an Ad Hoc Reading Telecommunications Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve the policy establishing a Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—June 11 2002—Pa,_ee77 Board of Selectmen Reorganization — The Board turned the meeting over to the Town Manager for nominations of Chairman. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to place the following name into nomination for the position of Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2003 or such earlier date that a successor is named: Camille Anthony. Mrs. Anthony received four votes and was appointed Chairman. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to place the following name into nomination for the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2003 or such earlier date that a successor is named: Matthew Cummings. Mr. Cummings received five votes and was appointed Vice Chairman. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to place the following name into nomination for the position of Secretary of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June 30, 2003 or such earlier date that a successor is named: Richard Schubert. Mr. Schubert received five votes and was appointed Secretary. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of June 11, 2002 at 10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ; - ' Secretary