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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 10, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen George Hines and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Health Administrator Jane Fiore, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Laurie Lane, Phil Liaboe, Rosetta and John Barry, Maurice and Joan Pelland, Mary Ann Attwood, Dennis Anderson, Troy and Karen DiNapoli, Jon Vedder, Amy and Marie Gagnon, Cheri Crow, Nancy Minichiello, Fred Boni, Barbara Whitman, John L. Davie, John Maffa III, Stephen Crook, Steven Oston, Richard Moore, Amy Munson, James and Jeanette O'Rourke, Joseph and Rosemarie Hrubi, Camille D'Alessandro, John Carpenter, Ann Elsner, Patrick Fennelly, Virginia Adams, Jody Avtges, Carla Abate, Tod Jacobs, Paul Pustorino, Karin Cosgrove, Edie Kramer, James Lordan, Robert Langely, Susan Mickey, Bill and Caren Cowie, Jerold Lamhut, Ginger Hartman, John Wood, Gerry Horton, Brook Chipman, James Nugent, Peter Tassi, John Gall, Attorney Robert Scarano. Cummings moved and Wood seconded to go into Executive Session for the purpose of strategy with regard to the sale of real estate (landfill) and approval of minutes to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:50 p.m. Reports and Comments Public Comment— Carla Abate of 23 Sturgis Road indicated that she got enough signatures on a petition to make South Street and Walnut Street extension scenic ways. She also indicated that this would rectify an oversight. She is requesting that an Article be put on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The Town Manager noted that CPDC is holding their hearing on September 28, 2002. He indicated that it is not clear if the Selectmen can put this on the Warrant before CPDC holds their hearing. The Warrant closes on September 24, 2002 and the consensus of the Board was to support such an Article. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager noted that he has hired a Town Planner and a Network Technician. ♦ There will be a 9/11 program tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. at the Fire Station and another service tomorrow evening on the Common. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Forget-Me-Not-Week—Gerry Horton, Adjutant for the Disabled American Veterans, was present to receive the Proclamation. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 10, 2002 —Paye 2 A motion by Schubert seconded by Hines to declare September 8-16, 2002 as Disabled - American Veteran's Forget-Me-Not-Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Certificate of Recognition — Dana Prescott Boyd, Eagle Scout Troop 702 — Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that he would attend the Court of Honor for Dana Prescott Boyd. A motion by Schubert seconded by Hines to approve a Certificate of Recognition for Dana Prescott Boyd was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Recreation Committee—The Board interviewed Patrick Fennelly for a position on the Recreation Committee. Hines moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Patrick Fennelly. Mr. Fennelly received five votes and was appointed. Solid Waste Advisory Committee — The Board interviewed Brook Chipman for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Judith Mitchel was unable to be present. Wood moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Brook Chipman. Mr. Chipman received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items - Acceptance of Conservation Restriction — 10 Cor. Lane — The Town Manager noted that the Conservation Commission is requesting the Selectmen's approval for this. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood that the Board of Selectmen approve the conservation restriction for 10 Cory Lane was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Close Warrant — Special Town Meeting for October 7 —The Town Manager noted that Article 4 is the zoning for Longwood, Article 5 is the zoning map for Longwood, Article 6 is to amend the FY 2003 Budget and Article 7 is a Home Rule Petition regarding retired Police Officers. The School Committee Article has been taken off and will probably be on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant because there are issues that need to be dealt with first. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the Longwood affordable housing was in perpetuity. The Town Manager indicated that it was but he would check with Town Counsel to make sure. A motion by Wood seconded by Hines to close the Warrant consisting of seven Articles for a Special Town Meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. on October 7, 2002 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hi ghli,Qhts of the Health Division — Health Administrator Jane Fiore and Board of Health Chairman Jim Nugent were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 10, 2002 —Page 3 Jane Fiore reviewed the duties and programs that the Health Division offers. She noted that due to budget decreases, 20% of the flu vaccine will be cut by the State. The Town's first flu clinic will be on November 6 and it will be for 65 years or older. To prepare for any acts of bio-terrorism, the Health Division did a survey of active RN's in Reading asking if they would be willing to volunteer if needed. She noted that they sent out 668 surveys and 210 responded that they would be willing to work if needed. Hearing- — Review of LIP Request — Van Norden Road — Attorney Robert Scarano was present. The Town Manager noted that this was the subject of a planned residential development previously and there were issues that were never addressed. This request is to build 24 units of affordable housing. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Chapter 40B is used to circumvent zoning but conservation issues must be met. The Town Manager noted that local regulations can be waived but don't have to be granted. Attorney Scarano noted that Boards can participate in the process and up to 70% of the housing can be designated for Reading residents. If approved, a lottery would be held for the housing, and it would be long term affordable housing in perpetuity. He also noted that they would be modified colonial homes with three bedrooms and six units would be affordable. It would have private roads and municipal water and sewer. He noted that the homes would be 34 x 40 or 30 x 32 with 15 foot front yard, 6-8 foot side yard and 12 foot rear yards. Vice Chainnan Matthew Cummings asked what the minimum number of units he was looking for. Attorney Scarano indicated that he was not there to negotiate -- he will do that with the Board of Appeals. Selectman George Hines informed Attorney Scarano that he needed to be forthcoming with information and he would like to know the minimum number of units. Attorney Scarano responded 24 units but he has had discussions with the owner and expressed a willingness to work. Selectman George Hines asked if he was aware of the previous proposal, and Attorney Scarano indicated that it was for six units and the Conservation Commission took a position not to support. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about the profit margin, and Attorney Scarano noted that it is limited to 20% profit and there would be a certified accounting process. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he will want a response to his following questions/comments: I. History of site, previous proposals, issues and decisions. 2. Applicability of wetland and vernal pool issues to this filing. 3. Differences between LIP and typical 40B with respect to: a. Profit margins b. Financing requirements Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 10, 2002 —Page 4 C. Benefits to Town (such as 70% affordable units to Reading residents with LIP?) d. Review and Board input process (using ZBA 40B Rules and Regulations) 4. Analysis of potential financial impacts on schools and Town services (24 units with three bedrooms each. 5. Impacts of any recent Legislative updates to 40B (time delay due to "good faith effort" in achieving 10% goal). 6. General comments from staff on this proposal. 7. Note: Any affordable units created under LIP must remain affordable in perpetuity. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that he would like to see the results of a traffic study, and would like input from the Town Planner, CPDC and the Fire Department. Laurie Lane of 128 Fairchild Drive noted that the neighborhood does not embrace this LIP. John Barry of 100 Fairchild Avenue asked if the Town would consider the original six units. Jon Vedder of 133 Van Norden Road noted that there are vernal pools at that location. Sue Mickey of 50 Lindsay Lane noted that the residents are concerned that if the Town doesn't approve, then the developer would go to the State and put in more units. She requested a plan that was more neighborhood friendly. Charles Lambert noted that he resents the fact that we have to accept or we will end up with more units. He also noted that the average lot size in that neighborhood is 20,000 square feet. Fred Boni of 116 Van Norden Road noted that six houses wouldn't fit with today's regulations and feels that this project is inappropriate. The Board of Selectmen continued this hearing until October 8t" at 9:00 p.m., and they requested that the Conservation Administrator, CPDC and Town Counsel be present. Water ManaiZement and Conservation Plan — Water Treatment Plant Director Peter Tassi, John Gall from CDM, Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Members John Wood, Steve Oston, Steve Crook and Richard Moore were present. Peter Tassi noted that these reports will be part of our application to the MWRA. John Gall from CDM noted that there will be a report to Town Meeting in November. He also noted that the Water Conservation Plan will require a Program Coordinator for the rebate programs, public education, school curriculum, etc. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there are any videos on zero landscaping. Peter Tassi indicated that the Water Department purchased videos and books and donated thein to the Library. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 10, 2002 —Page 5 Selectman George Hines noted that the Chute Street laundry is out of business and should be taken off the list. John Gall reviewed the 13 conservation performance standards and indicated that our goal is to save 195,000 gallons per day. Chairman Camille Anthony asked for more information on organic lawn care and cisterns for the collection of water. The Town Manager noted that there will be an Article on the Town Meeting Warrant to fund the design and construction of the Water Treatment Plant. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to adjourn their meeting of September 10, 2002 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Wood opposed. Respectfully submitted, Secretary