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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 26, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:30 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 and Selectman George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Library Director Kimberly Lynn, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: William Kelley, Mary Duffy, Kristen Cota, Margaret O'Sullivan, Grace Jakbowicz, Dorothy and John Rideout, Eileen Barrett, Gary Phillips, Dan Ensminger, Dan Ogden, Jackie Mandell, Joe and Tina Marshall, Carolyn Sylvester, Barbara Kelley, Paul and.Marian McGrath, Sally and Roy Grindall, Mary Hart, Fred Van Magness, Margaret Soli, Phil Maher, Rhonda Holtz, Eugene Nigro, Patty O'Donnell, Esme Green, Rachel Baumgartner, Lorraine Barry, Elizabeth Dickinson, Attorney Brad Latham, Peter Wright, Ed Peduto. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman George Hines noted that he attended the Mass Highway Route 128 Task Force Meeting in Stoneham. Mass Highway will be hiring a consultant. The Task Force will meet again in January. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that Ken Miller indicated that there would not be an official vote but they would go with the consensus. Selectman George Hines asked if the Board wants the Conservation Commission to reconsider their hunting policy. Vice Chainnan Matthew Cummings suggested that they assess the different locations for specific use. Public Comment—Gary Phillips noted that he had concerns about Richard Schubert's comments last week about three or four people who question the school projects. Mr. Phillips noted that they do question because they are concerned about protecting the Town's best interest. He feels the School Department and School Building Committee are favoring the architect's best interest. Selectman George Hines suggested that time be scheduled on a future agenda to discuss this matter. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: General ♦ A meeting with four of the communities and Citizens Advisory Board re: RMLD will be held in Wilmington on December 3, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. ♦ The Massachusetts Highway Department Task Force on the Route 129/I-93 Interchange met Thursday evening at the Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm Street at 7:00 p.m. ♦ Rick Schubert sent out a copy of the Romney Healy Commuter Bill of Rights information that has also gone to the Board of Selectmen and the Town's 128 Advisory Committee — a Board of Selectmen Meeting —November 26. 2002 —Page 2 copy is in the Board of Selectmen's packet. The report specifically mentions the 128/I-93 intersection. ♦ The Inspector General's Office has filed legislation related to amendments to Chapter 164 which regulated Light Departments. The Board of Selectmen has a copy, and it has been copied to the RMLD Governance Advisory Committee. e Does the Board of Selectmen want to continue with "Road Walks" around the community on a monthly basis? ♦ The Conservation Commission met on Friday evening last week— Wednesday's meeting had to be cancelled for lack of a quorum. One item on their agenda was the issue of permitting bow and arrow hunting on Conservation lands, a practice that has been in place for a number of years. You have correspondence in your packet about this discussion. At the Board of Selectmen's request, we have had the conservation areas posted to warn residents that bow and arrow hunting is currently permitted. ♦ The ATT/Comcast merger has been approved and is now in place. The Board of Selectmen has material in their packet from ATT. ♦ Zoning enforcement is scheduled for % day a week, subject to holiday's etc. If there is a holiday during the week or if the Inspector is on vacation or out sick, the enforcement does not get done that week. ♦ Recreation Program Coordinator John Feudo will be Acting Recreation Administrator after Mark Hyson leaves. We are advertising for the Recreation Administrator's position, and John may be an applicant. We expect to have the position filled by the end of January. ♦ I have advertised the sale of the 10' wide strip of land on Governor's Drive to an abutter — the Board of Selectmen has a copy of the notice, with a minimum bid price of$1,990. The 2 7,500 square foot lots that Habitat for Humanity is interested in have been bid with bids due December 20. ♦ The Coolidge Middle School Student Council is holding a fundraiser for the Veterans Flower Fund. On December 7, they will be selling red/white/blue ribbons at the Atlantic Market from 9:00 a.m. 'til noon. ♦ The Town Manager noted that the Town of East Hampton sent survey with their census, and asked if the Selectmen would like to do a survey regarding the school projects. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to direct the Town Manager to draft a survey regarding support of the High School and elementary school building projects and a big comprehensive road program or smaller road program was discussed and approved by vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Citizen Advisory Board — The Board interviewed Fred Van Magness for one position on the RMLD Citizen Advisory Board. Cummings moved and Hines seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Citizens Advisory Board with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Fred Van Magness. Mr. Van Magness received four votes and was appointed. The Board requested frequent updates from Mr. Van Magness so time will be scheduled on an agenda in January. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 26 2002 —Patre 3 Discussion/Action Items Update RMLD Governance Advisory Committee — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she invited Dan Ensminger in to update the Board of Selectmen on the RMLD issues. Dan Ensminger noted that the committee asked the Selectmen for more time on November 6, 2002. He also noted that the committee looked at the steps taken by the Reading Municipal Light Board and weighed input from the Light Board and Citizens Advisory Board. He noted that the committee has revised their recommendations and voted to retain an elected Light Board. The reason for this is to gain the support of the other towns. He noted that the CAB has invited the four towns to their meeting in Wilmington on December 3, 2002 and he would like to make a presentation at that meeting. He also invited the Selectmen to the Ad Hoc RMLD Governance Advisory Committee Meeting on December 4, 2002. Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that the current Light Board has made changes but we can't count on the same people being on board. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that the changes would be embedded by special legislation. Selectman George Hines asked what role the other communities play, and Dan Ensminger noted that Representative Brad Jones indicated that he will weigh the opinions of the other communities and recommending an appointed board was a lightening rod with the other communities. Selectman George Hines noted that all of the Light Boards who have had problems going on under them were elected. Hearing — Stop Sign — Melbourne at Sunnyside — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Board had previously discussed this. Rhonda Holtz noted that the work being done on Summer Avenue is creating more cut through traffic and there are a lot of children in the neighborhood. The Town Manager noted that the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force does not recommend creating a four way stop. He indicated that a four way stop is a temporary measure before signalizing. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on the stop sign on Melbourne at Sunnyside was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding to Article 6, Section 6.12 the following_ stop on Melbourne Avenue eastbound at Sunnyside Avenue and stop on Riverside Avenue westbound at Sunnyside Avenue to establish a four way stop at Melbourne and Sunnyside was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Presentation by Human Relations Advisory Committee — Human Relations Advisory Committee Chairman Margaret Soli and member Phil Maher were present. Board of Selectmen Meetiu—November 26, 2002 —Page 4 Ms. Soli noted that a new brochure is being distributed to the community. She indicated that the committee would like the School Department to make the Department of Justice training available to everyone in the schools. The committee has also discussed issues of public transportation in the community and special permission of use of fields on Sunday. Wilma Frazer, Metro Director, will be coming to Town to speak, and the Martin Luther King Breakfast will be in January. Selectman George Hines noted that the 9/11 dialogue was excellent, and the Committee might want to continue to pick topics for community dialogue. Chairman Camille Anthony suggested it might be a good cable program. Presentation by Library Department— Library Trustee Eugene Nigro, Library Director Kimberly Lynn and Library staff members Patty O'Donnell, Esme Green, Rachel Baumgartner, Lorraine Barry and Elizabeth Dickinson were present. Each gave an overview of their Division. The Selectmen thanked the Library Department for their excellent presentation. Liquor License Renewals - The Town Manager noted that all of the applications have been reviewed by the Health Division, Community Services, Police and Finance. He recommends approval of all the licenses. The Town Manager noted that he is visiting each of the establishments to make sure that they understand the liquor policies and they are in compliance. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for: Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street Meadow Brook Golf Club 292 Grove Street Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn St. Reading Veteran's Association d/b/a American Legion Post 62, 37 Ash St. for a term expiring December 31, 2003 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor Licenses for: Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street Athens Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street North Side Liquors, 1349 Main Street Ramos, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2003 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 26. 2002—Page 5 A motion by Schubert seconded by Hines to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Caf6 Capri, 355 Main Street Harrow's Poultry Products d/b/a Harrow's 126 Main Street Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2003, subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Schubert to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor Licenses for: Focaccia Inc. d/b/a Focaccia Restaurant 601 Main Street C.A.C. Foods Inc d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant 680 Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2003, subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed was approved by_a vote of 4-0-0. Approval of Release of Easement — Fraen — The Town Manager noted that when the new sewer line was put in, we abandoned the old sewer line. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if we removed the old sewer line, and the Town Manager noted that we removed some and the rest was abandoned in place. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to approve the release of sanitary sewer easements to the Fraen Corporation in accordance with the vote of Town Meeting under Article 12 of the November- 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting, and that the Board is authorized to sign the "Easement Abandonment Plan through the Property of New Crossing Limited Partnership, 80 Newcrossing Road, Reading, Massachusetts, dated August 22, 2002," sealed by Robert Smith, Registered Land Surveyor on August 22, 2002, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Extension of Lease— Reading Ice Arena Authority— Peter Wright, Ed Peduto and Attorney Brad Latham were present. The Town Manager noted that the Town is entering their 10t" year of its lease to the Reading Ice Arena Authority. Attorney Latham indicated that the lease expires in March 2004 and the Board is receiving timely notice. He commended George Hines for his participation on the Board of Directors and noted that over $700,000 has come back to the Town. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 26, 2002 —Paye 6 The Town Manager noted that the Reading Ice Arena Authority is reinvesting in the facility so the expected payment this year will be lower than last. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to: ♦ Find that the Reading Ice Arena Authority has not been in default of the lease of property for the construction and operation of an Ice Arena during the term of the existing lease; and ♦ That the Board of Selectmen has received a timely notice of the intent to renew the lease for an additional five years expiring on March 4, 2009, in accordance with existing lease and the vote under Article 5 of the April 27, 1992 Special Town Meeting; and ♦ That the Board of Selectmen hereby accepts the extension of the lease with the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc. until March 4, 2009, under the same terms and conditions of the previous lease was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Request for Periodic Meetings with Town Accountant — Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that the Selectmen appoint the Town Accountant, and he feels the Selectmen should set up routine meetings with the Town Accountant to discuss areas of concern, budget status, expenditures, etc. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if all contacts for expenditure of funds go to the Town Accountant. The Town Manager noted that the Town Accountant signs off and authorizes that funds are available. Selectman George Hines indicated that he would like to discuss the issue of the Town Accountant acting as the Business Manager for the School Committee, and asked if one of the Town Accountant's staff could serve as this. The Town Manager noted that the Town Accountant has no staff. The consensus was to have the Town Accountant meet with the Board monthly. Review Special Employee Status —Election Workers —The Town Manager noted that the Board approved special employee status for the election workers very quickly because there was an upcoming Election. He noted that the State Ethics Commission sent us a list of our special employees. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings asked if the School Committee needed to be kept as special employees, and the Town Manager indicated that he would check with the School Committee. Discussion — Board of Selectmen LIP Regulations — The Town Manager noted that with a LIP, the Board of Selectmen is the applicant. If the Selectmen join and don't do the full due diligence, it could be embarrassing if it is not done thoroughly. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 26, 2002 —Page 7 The Board directed the Town Manager to draft the regulations and have Town Counsel, CPDC and ZBA review. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to approve the minutes of November 19, 2002 was approved by a vote of 3-0-, with Cummings abstaining. A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to adjourn the meeting of November 26, 2002 at 10:45 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully sua.� W bmit e , 1 Secretary