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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-12-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 10, 2002 The meeting convened at 7:35 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, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Attorney Josh Latham, Rob Travers, Amy Brough, William Griset Jr., Ellen Mounteer, Nancy Hudson, Richard Radville, C. Zerfas, Susan Cavicchi, Jeff Struble, Gina Snyder, Ralph and Lori Vinciguerra, Bill Carroll, Sarah List, Joey Crotelluccio, Mary Bishop, Ken Tucci, Gary Phillips, Alex McRae, Bill Josephson, Linda Phillips, Jackie Mandell, Phillip Werth, Jody Artges, Marie Dumas, Charlie Mathewson, John Russo, Russ Graham, Tim Twomey, Elaine Webbg, Nancy Ortiz, Dennis LaCroix, Paula Perry, Warren Cochrane, Rob Spadafora, Bruce Cerullo, James Mulvey, Diane Rhudick, Sid Bowen, Patti Schipelliti, Richard Davidson, Karen Cullen, Tom Walsh, Mary West, Kathy Vaccaro. The School Committee called to order at 7:37 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the RMLD Governance Study Group is meeting tomorrow evening. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee met to review a letter of recommendations regarding the MWRA connection. She indicated that one item is to decrease the registered withdrawal and that will be a big problem. Selectman George Hines indicated that the Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee Meeting was canceled and he would like to know when is the next meeting. He also indicated that the MMA is having a local bill signing day, and he would like Brackett & Lucas to give us an update on the new laws. He noted that a Vine Street resident sent a letter requesting a stop sign and he would like a copy of the response letter. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the Reading Garden Club Memory Tree Celebration. They received over 200 donations. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that the Veterans Memorial Fund brochure is going out in the water bill this month. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ A meeting with four the communities in the RMLD service area and the Citizens Advisory Board re: RMLD Governance was held in Wilmington on December 3. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 10, 2002—Page 2 ♦ The Inspector General's Office has filed legislation related to amendments to Chapter 164 which regulates Light Departments. The Board of Selectmen has a copy and it has been copied to the RMLD Governance Advisory Committee. ♦ Does the Board of Selectmen want to continue with"road walks" around the community on a monthly basis? ♦ Zoning enforcement is scheduled for %Z day a week subject to holiday's, etc. If there is a holiday during the week or the Inspector is on vacation or out sick, the enforcement does not get done that week. ♦ The Governor has eliminated the State aid to the MWRA for debt service. We do not yet know what the impact of this reduction will be. We will find out and do an analysis to see what the impact is on the Sewer Division budget and whether we need to amend the rates. ♦ I am considering a modest water rebate to those customers affected by disruption of water service during the past two weeks as a result of the construction of the Summer Avenue water main. Does the Board of Selectmen have any suggestions/comments on this idea. ♦ The Town has received its housing certification effective through June 30, 2003. A copy is attached for the Board of Selectmen's review and includes the specific areas where the Town has made progress. ♦ We have accepted bids for the employee Health Insurance Program, and there were two bidders. The cost of the program is expected to increase about 11%, considerably less than projected. ♦ We have received the grant material for the PWED grant and I have signed and returned it. We are proposing an article on the January 13, 2003 Special Town Meeting authorizing us to expend the grant moneys. ♦ The Conservation Commission has met regarding the issue of permitting bow and arrow hunting on Conservation lands, a practice that has been in place for a number of years. They have set up a working group to help them review their regulations and perhaps establish new ones. ♦ 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 (1000 square foot) 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 bids are due next Monday. ♦ The 2 7,500 square foot lots that Habitat for Humanity is interested in have been bid with bids due December 20. ♦ The DPW has installed a sign at the intersection of Main and Birch Meadow Drive. The sign was donated by the YMCA, and I reviewed the contents with the Superintendent of Schools. Personnel and Appointments Board of Re_istrars—The Board interview Sarah List for a position on the Board of Registrars. Hines moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Registrars with a term expiring June 30, 2005: Sarah List. Ms. List received five votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 10, 2002—Page_3 Discussion/Action Items Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings recused himself from the meeting. Confirmation of Approval of Curb Cut Variance— 143 Main Street — The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen previously approved the plan, but the owner now wants to build a retaining wall. Attorney Josh Latham noted that the wall would start at a height of three feet and level off to one foot. This will close off the egress. Chairman Camille Anthony asked what the original recommendations were, and the Town Manager noted that he was suppose to replace the curbing. Attorney Latham noted that all asphalt will be removed except for the sidewalk. Selectman George Hines asked if the applicant would be willing to do landscaping on the edge; i.e., barrels as a physical barrier. Attorney Latham indicated that he would. A motion by Hines seconded by Wood to approve the plan dated November 19, 2002 subject to the property owner maintaining planters on the edge of the sidewalk as long as the existing curb cut exists was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings rejoined the meeting. Review of AT&T Compliance Issues — CATV Franchise — Rob Travers, Manager of Government Affairs for AT&T, was present. The Town Manager noted that AT&T requested approval of the merger and the Board took no action. Since then, the merger was approved. There are four outstanding items that need to be addressed. Rob Travers noted that the 3rd access channel is active and the In-Net is working fine. He also noted that converting the access channel to stereo will cost $13,000. The pass through cost to the customer will be $.03 per month for the remainder of the contract. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to decide on this issue. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he thought the cost was being absorbed by AT&T. Executive Director of RCTV Amy Brough noted that the RCTV Board didn't request stereo, it is in the contract but it doesn't state who will pay for it. ........... The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel indicated that paying the $13,000 is not AT&T's responsibility. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that RCTV doesn't have the money to pay. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 10, 2002—Paize 4 Chairman Camille Anthony asked if Comcast has a policy or procedure as to what is provided. Mr. Travers noted that they abide by the contract. Selectman Richard Schubert asked Mr. Travers that since it is the season of giving, if AT&T would consider paying the $13,000. Mr. Travers noted that he would bring the request back to the people who make that decision and get back to us. Review Proposed Warrant for Special Town Meeting — Januga 13 2002 with SC and SBC - School Building Committee Chairman Russ Graham called the meeting of the School Building Committee to order at 8:45 p.m. The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles. There was discussion about the language of Article 4. Selectman George Hines asked if "extraordinary repairs" was acceptable language for the SBAB. It was noted that it was. Selectman George Hines suggested eliminating the "and" in and/or additions. The Town Manager noted that the Article is broad but the motion would be specific. Selectman George Hines indicated that if the School Building Committee is only bringing one option to Town Meeting, then the Article should be specific. The Town Manager noted that Article 5 is the School Committee Article, and they will meet on Monday and vote on the Article. Bill Griset, Russ Graham and Architect Sid Bowen were present to advocate for a Special Election. Russ Graham noted that the architect has great concerns about meeting the deadline for SBAB. He also noted that the architect feels that if we hold a Special Election, it will give staff more time to gather the information that is needed, and it will widen the pool of architects who bid on the project. He feels that the Town will not receive many bids, if the funding is not in place. Bill Griset noted that there would be a cost savings of$5 million if we hold a Special Election. Selectman Gail Wood noted that everything, except hiring the architect, can be done before the Special Election. Sid Bowen noted that architects will not respond to the RFP unless there is funding because it costs a company approximately$30,000 to respond. School Committee Member John Russo asked if changes could be made to the plans after it is submitted to the SBAB. Sid Bowen noted that the square footage cannot change but the rooms can be reorganized. Nancy Hudson, a resident, indicated she was in favor of a Special Election. Bruce Cerullo of 29 Perkins Avenue indicated that he was in favor of a Special Election. Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that he was in favor of a Special Election. He agrees with the School Building Committee that it is not wise to cut the time period short. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 10 2002—Page5 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian noted that he does not have a Business Manager and he cannot do a contract in three to four weeks. Russ Graham noted that it would be irresponsible not to move forward with Sid Bowen's recommendations because the Town could lose$5 million. Gary Phillips of 42 Willow Street indicated that he didn't think the Town will lose money if they don't speed up the project. He suggested doing the project by piece meal. Elaine Webb of 309 Pearl Street noted that Town Meeting spoke last night, and she urged the Board of Selectmen to consider the Special Election. Ellen Mounteer from Building Pride urged the Board of Selectmen to schedule the Special Election. Jackie Mandell of 441 Lowell Street had several questions for the architect. Linda Phillips of 42 Willow Street handed out material to the Selectmen. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony that the Town, subject to the vote and funding of Town Meeting, hold a Special Election on February 25, 2003 for the purpose of addressing school capital needs was discussed Chairman Camille Anthony noted that her instinct is not to have a Special Election but feels that the schematic design is important so she will support a Special Election. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she would not support a piece meal renovation, and she does not believe in Special Elections unless it is an emergency. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to table the subject matter until the next meeting failed by a vote of 2-3-0,with Schubert, Anthony and Wood opposed Vice Chairman Matthew Cummings noted that he has a problem with a Special Election for just the schools because it ignores the other financial issues. He feels the community needs the opportunity to prioritize. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that people already know what the priorities are. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that everybody has known this would be coming, and feels this would be the way to maximize success. A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to table the motion to December 17, 2002 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 10, 2002—Page 6 A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of December 10, 2002 at 11:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted mw +� Secretary