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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting February 13, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:01 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman.Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George Hines (arrived at 8:40 p.m.), Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Recreation Administrator Wayne Currie, Conservation Commission Chairman Nancy Eaton, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Gerry MacDonald, Tim Kelley, Thomas Ryan, John Hixson, Margaret Soli, Edward M. Toland, Will Finch, Kim Honetschlager, Barbara and Paul Kelley, Charles McDonald Jr., Jennifer Gannon, Dave Chase, Edward and Norma Chisholm, Carolyn Whiting, John McDonald, Alan Beaulieu, Michael Enos, Bruce Berger, Bernice Pierce. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of determining strategy with respect to the sale of real estate (Reading Business Park), review of strategy with respect to litigation, and approval of minutes to come back into Open Session at 8:10 p.m. On a roll call vote, Nestor, Anthony and Cummings voted in the affirmative and the Board went into Executive Session, The Board came back into Open Session at 8:16 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that there are signs at the new Police Station that say parking is for Police Business Only but the Selectmen have not taken action on that. He asked why overnight parking is allowed on Union Street when there is a parking lot behind the Bank that could be used for overnight parking. The Town Manager will look into this matter and get back to the Board. Public Comment—Gerry MacDonald asked about the results of the legislative action to fill Sally Hoyt's seat. The Town Manager noted that there are no results as yet. If the legislative action is signed by February 15, then the position will be on the ballot. If not, then the person with the 3rd highest vote will get the seat. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that Recreation Administrator Wayne Currie has announced his resignation. The Town Manager also noted that the Board of Selectmen appealed the ZBA's decision to grant a Comprehensive Permit at 23 George Street. The Board of Selectmen have been found to have no standing and the case will proceed with the abutters but not with the Selectmen. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation - Arbor Day 2000 — A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to approve a - Proclamation for the celebration of Arbor Day 2000 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 13, 2001 —Page 2 Discussion/Action Items Hearing — Establishment of Community Preservation Act Study Committee - Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this will be a nine member committee to review documents and components of the Community Preservation Act, and to advise the Board of Selectmen on the advantages and disadvantages of adopting the Community Preservation Act. Conservation Commission Chairman Nancy Eaton noted that she was in support of adopting a study committee. Tom Ryan, Assessor, noted that voters stated no to an increase in taxes two times last year. He indicated'that he would be willing to serve on the committee as a member of the Board of Assessors if the Selectmen so desire. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that this is a Statewide initiative to deal with the issue of open space disappearing. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he will vote for the study committee but not for the Community Preservation Act itself. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he will support the study committee and he hopes to get answers to his questions. He is concerned that Town Meeting will not want to appropriate money if it is approved. Vice Chairman George Hines arrived at 8:40 p.m. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to close the hearing on establishing a Community Preservation Act Study Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to approve the policy establishing an Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—Establishment of Human Relations Advisory Committee— Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested designating the Personnel Administrator as the staff liaison. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that with staff reductions, the level of support desired may not always be available, and he suggested having the wording "may appoint" Personnel Administrator. Paul Kelly, Chairman of DASC, supports the Committee. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 13, 2001 —Page 3 Kim Honetschlager of 51 Mill Street urged the Board of Selectmen to leave in language regarding a business owner and clergy association. She noted that the clergy and real estate -- people have been very helpful. John McDonald, member of DASC, suggested leaving the clergy association as an option. Carolyn Whiting of 17 Chestnut Road noted that she supports the committee. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if the Town Manager had discussed this with the Police Chief. The Town Manager noted that the Police Chief is aware of it and several members of the Police Department have participated in the past. The Town Manager also noted that he will talk with the Police Chief to make sure there is not a pay issue. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to close the hearing on the establishment of a Human Relations Advisory Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to approve the policy establishing a Human Relations Advisory Committee according to the outline in 6b of the packet with the changes that the remaining six members will be a diversified group and the Town Manager will appoint the Personnel Administrator as liaison was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to amend the main motion to read ...shall be a diverse group which may include representatives such as a business owner, member of the clergy and a representative from real estate business failed by a vote of 1-3-0, with Cummings, Anthony and Nestor opposed. Hearing — Increasing Fees for Liquor Licenses — The Town Manager noted that the last time liquor licenses were changed was in 1991. The proposal is to increase the restaurant from $2500 to $3000, the beer and wine from $2000 to $2500, the package store from $1600 to $2000 and the club license from $500 to $600. This would be effective 1/1/02. Mike Enos from the Cafe Capri noted that the towns that were surveyed have sit down bars that create a large revenue. Bruce Berger from Reading Liquors asked for a senior citizen discount. He noted that this is a 20% - 25% increase on the heaviest taxed and regulated businesses in town, and feels the survey has flaws because the towns surveyed have bars, and the fee should be in relation to the sale of alcoholic beverages. The surrounding town package stores are open seven days a week. Gerry MacDonald noted that he thinks the increase is too high and he would like to see a new survey done. The Town Manager noted that the survey is not flawed. It was done by Lynnfield of more than one town. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 13. 2001 —Page 4 Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that all costs have gone up in the past 10 years. He does not think the increase is out of range --he will vote for the increase. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she supports increasing the fees. Vice Chairman George Hines suggested reaching a compromise of a 10% increase, and then reevaluate the pouring policy. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Board voted last week to increase the fees when they were doing budget cuts and he voted against raising revenues. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that there is legitimacy to fees and suggested increasing in increments. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the fact that the fees have not been reviewed in 10 years has been a benefit to the license holders. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to close the hearing on increasing the fees on liquor licenses was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to increase the liquor license fees by 10% equaling $2300 for the licensing period beginning January 1, 2002 failed by a vote of 2-2-0, with Anthony and Nestor opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor to increase the liquor license fees as follows for the licensing period beginning January 1, 2002: Restaurant Liquor License $3000; Restaurant Beer/Wine License $2500; Package Store License $2000; Club License $600 failed by a vote of 2-2-0, with Hines and Cummings opposed. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to table the motion and do another survey and get input from the business community as to who to survey failed by a vote of 2-2-0, with Cummings and Nestor opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested doing a comprehensive review of the pouring policy, and Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he would like to see a breakdown of what is involved. Hearing— Establishment of Speed Regulation — Mill Street — The Town Manager noted that he asked the State to do a speed limit study on Mill Street, and they determined to reduce the speed to 25 mph. Will Finch of 51 Mill Street noted that he strongly supports this. Bernice Pierce of 66 Mill Street thanked the Town for all of the work that has been done on Mill Street and asked if the street could be made one way. A motion by Cummings seconded by Hines to close the hearing on the establishment of a speed " regulation on Mill Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 13, 2001 —Page 5 A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to adopt the special speed regulation on Mill Street, eastbound beginning at the North Reading/Reading Town line, thence easterly on Mill Street; .34 miles at 25 miles per hour ending at the junctions of Route 28 (Main Street); the total distance being .34 miles. Mill Street, westbound beginning at the junction of Route 28 (Main Street), thence westerly on Mill Street; .34 miles at 25 miles per hour ending at the Reading/North Reading Town line; the total distance being .34 miles was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearin�Oakland Road Parking - The Town Manager noted that the Principal of the High School is requesting a No Parking area to allow buses to swing during school hours but not after that. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on Oakland Road parking was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, by adding to Article 5 the following regulation: "No Parking 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday Through Friday, School Days Only" on Oakland Road on the east side, 150 feet south of Hillside Road for a distance of 110 feet in a southerly direction was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearin —4 WU Stop at Green and John Streets—The Town Manager noted that there has been an increase in accidents at this intersection. Comments from people in the neighborhood are in the packet and everyone is in favor of a four way stop. Ed Chisholm of 3 Beech Street noted that he was involved in an accident at that location and he is in favor of a four way stop. A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to close the hearing on the four way stop at Green and John Streets was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hines to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 6, Section 6.12, the following: Green Street at John Street—Stop was approved by a vote~of 4-0-0. Request for Modification of Recreation Rules and Regulations — Sundgy Hours — Recreation Administration Wayne Currie and Recreation Committee Chairman Alan Beaulieu were present. The Town Manager noted that the Recreation Committee has been issuing special permits and want to know if the policy should be changed to allow Sunday use. Cummings moved and Hines seconded to not take up this issue and leave it as it is. Wayne Currie noted that the special permit has become an issue over the past couple of years. The Recreation Committee is at a standstill and they want the Board of Selectmen to look at the policy to see if it is still applicable. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 13, 2001 —Page 6 Alan Beaulieu noted that the policy was adopted in 1980. The Recreation Committee is looking for guidance from the Board of Selectmen as to whether the policy is still viable. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if the Recreation Committee has taken a stand on it, and Alan Beaulieu noted it is 50150. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he was on the Board of Selectmen when this policy was adopted. The intent was to allow for church participation and for the quiet enjoyment of the homes that abut the fields. However, there was recognition that there may be occasions when it is okay to allow field use before noon so a special permit could be issued for adults for certain dates. David Chase of the Reading Adult Soccer Team noted that he will be asking for five days in the Spring and Fall to start at 10:00 a.m. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Recreation Committee has a better opportunity to issue and if they want to give a special permit to everyone who asks, then it is up to them. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the process seems to be working but he thinks nothing should start before noon. The Board of Selectmen decided to take no action on this item. Review Budget—The Town Manager noted that if the liquor fees are not going to be increased, then that brings the total left to cut at $42,178. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Selectmen did not cut the two Police Officers at the last meeting. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to increase the estimated conservation fees subject to Conservation Commission hearings by $5,000 was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Cummings opposed. A motion by Hines seconded by Nestor to not fill the two open Police Officer positions for FY 2002 in the amount of$73,114 was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if there is no detriment to the Department, why are those positions in the budget in the first place. The Town Manager noted that it was the recommendation of the staffing study. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the study was incorrect. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that some things won't get done but the basic public safety is assured. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about overtime, and Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Chief stated that he will be able to manage the overtime account. The Town Manager noted that if $26,000 is eliminated from the Pavement Management Program, we can still keep the level of the program suggestions. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 13. 2001 —Page 7 A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to amend the FY02 Highway budget to reduce the pavement repair by $26,163 was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked what repairs will be done. The Town Manager noted that there is $219,000 left and, historically, this budget is increased every year. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to reduce the DPW Seasonal Laborers by $11,000 was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Coolidge Spelling Bee—Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Spelling Bee is on Saturday, March 31, 2001 at 2:00 p.m., and she wants to know if the Selectmen want to put together a team. The cost is $100 per team. Chairman Matthew Nestor stated that he would participate. Vice Chairman George Hines and Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that they would sponsor someone to take their places. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to adjourn their meeting of February 13, 2001 at 10:58 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary