Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-02-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 27, 2001 The meeting convened at 8:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Matthew Cummings and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Health Administrator Jane Fiore, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Gerry MacDonald, Nathan C. White, William Carrick, Dale Merrill, William J. Griset Jr., Catherine Kosta, Donald and Joan Monson, Reiko Radlo, Kevin and Neovi Plankey, Debbie Shontz-Stackpole, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Leonard R. and Mary Jean Merullo, Jack Sullivan, Mike Russo. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that she submitted her resignation from the Board because she was facing back surgery for a ruptured disc. She will continue to serve the elderly in the State on the Silver Hair Legislature and will continue her Constable duties. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended the Finance Committee Meetings and a Trustees Meeting. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she received a complaint from a citizen about the area in front of Doucette's on Prescott Street not being plowed out. She also commended Sally Hoyt on her years of hard work and service to the Town. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he attended the Finance Committee Meeting. He also noted that they are familiar with the budget and there is not much to discuss. He met with the Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools, School Committee Chairman and School Building Committee Chairman regarding the Reading Memorial High School project. The results of that meeting are there will be a proposal for architectural services at the Fall Town Meeting and the School Building Committee will develop a timeline. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked what the anticipated appropriation and where will the money come from. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that there will be a clearer picture of the sale of real estate fund in the Fall. Vice Chairman George Hines attended a meeting of the Reading Ice Arena Board and cautioned that the arena is seven years old and will soon have capital needs. The Ice Arena is hoping to return $130,000 to the Town this year. Vice Chairman George Hines also attended a CPDC meeting regarding South Main Street. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the School Department is floating the idea of charging the Recreation Department for use of facilities. The Town Manager noted that they are talking about the effect of full fees on the programs. The Recreation Department pays for janitorial fees at this time. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 27, 2001 —Page 2 Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if this is to cover expenses or to raise revenues. The Town Manager noted that the School Department is trying to cover the costs. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the fee increase is significant and is more like revenue enhancement. The Town Manager noted that the decision is on the School Committee, Recreation Committee and the Board of Selectmen. The Town Manager will send a letter to the School Committee. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the question of who should represent the School Committee in the Mohla appeal has become an issue and needs to be dealt with. A joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee will be scheduled for March 7th. The Board directed the Town Manager to make it clear to both law firms not to do anything until the Boards discuss this at the joint meeting. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report There was no Town Manager's report. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Drug Free Week—Health Administrator Jane Fiore, Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee Chairman Bill Carrick, SAPAC Members Dale Merrill and Kathy Kosta and School Committee Member Bill Griset were present. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to approve a Proclamation proclaiming March 6— March 11, 2001 as the Town of Reading's Drug Free Week was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Certificate of Recognition — Ryan Haley, Boy Scout Troop 705 — A motion by Hines seconded by Cummings to approve a Certificate of Recognition for Ryan E. Haley of Boy Scout Troop 705 for his improvements to the Reading Town Forest was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Warrant Closes for Annual Town Meeting—The Town Manager noted that the Warrant consists of 22 Articles. Article 10 is to increase the building, gas and electric fees. Article 15 is the sale of the "old" Police Station. Article 16 is transfer of land. Articles 17, 18, 19 and 20 are zoning articles. Article 21 is Option C Pop-Up Provision that effects one retiree of the Town. Article 12 is a home rule petition to set up an affordable housing trust fund. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about regulation for tattoo parlors and noted that Woburn wants to put their tattoo parlors in the adult zone. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel advises against it. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that decimal points were missing on the chart on page 5. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if Article 19 could wait until the Fall Town Meeting. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that a presentation was made to Town Meeting at the 1999 Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 27, 2001 —Page 3 Subsequent Town Meeting. A survey was done at the Annual Town Meeting in 2000, and 34 surveys were completed and requested some control over mansionization. CPDC is questioning whether it should be for new or existing lots. CPDC wanted to look at both issues at Town Meeting. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about Article 20. Anne Krieg noted that there are a large percentage of nonconforming lots. Special permits and variances are needed and this makes it difficult for the ZBA to deliberate. She noted that the proposed language mirrors General Law 40A and it sets criteria for the Zoning Board. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if hearings have been held. Anne Krieg noted that there was a workshop and there will be two hearing before Town Meeting. Selectman Matthew Cummings directed the Town Manager to send a letter to Boards, Committees and Commissions outlining expectations of getting Articles on the Warrant. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt to close the Warrant consisting of 22 Articles for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on April 23, 2001 at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road at 7:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing— Summer Avenue Reconstruction Plans — Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Senior Engineer Jack Sullivan was present. He noted that this will be a full roadway reconstruction. A meeting was held with residents on January 31, 2001 and he received favorable recommendations. Jack Sullivan noted that vertical granite curbing will be installed. Five foot sidewalks will be installed on both sides of the street except on the southerly side of Summer Avenue between Woodbine Street and Willow Street. The street will not be widened but there are some grading issues. A new gas line will be installed from Woburn Street to just past Woodbine Street. Drainage will be improved. Five .utility poles will have to be relocated. Five trees will be removed and 25 new trees will be planted. He will be asking permission from property owners to plant on private property. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there is erosion at Summer and Willow. The Town Manager noted that it is in the Aberjona River. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had concerns about the fence on the property at the corner of Willow and Summer because there is no sight line. She also noted that she had concerns that if property owners don't give permission to plant the trees on their property, 25 trees won't be planted. She wants to see 25 trees planted. Debbie Stackpole of 186 Summer Avenue asked when the construction will start and the deadline for road opening permits. Jack Sullivan noted that it will start in the middle of April and road openings should be done by June 1, 2001, Len Merullo of 159 Summer Avenue asked if the sidewalk at Summer and King would be improved. Jack Sullivan noted that the tree roots are upheaving that sidewalk, and they will try to do an overlay. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 27, 2001 —Page 4 Mary Ellen O'Neill of 125 Summer Avenue asked about the trees that are being cut down and traffic signs. Jack Sullivan noted that the signs will be replaced. Bill Brown of 28 Martin Road asked about a new water line. Jack Sullivan noted that a new 12 inch water line will be put in between Temple and Woburn. Mike Russo asked if retaining walls will be built. Jack Sullivan noted that there will not be any need for retaining walls. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that 48 foot openings were left on Salem and Lowell Street, and he would like to see nosing done when neighbor's driveways are side by side. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt to close the hearing on the Summer Avenue Reconstruction Plans was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to approve the design plans for the reconstruction of Summer Avenue from Woburn Street to Willow Street as presented on February 27, 2001 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Finalize Budget — The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen voted the budget with an override. That budget has been presented to the Finance Committee as the municipal budget. The Selectmen have also voted to put a $1.2 million override on the ballot. Finance Director - Beth Klepeis informed him today that there is a$50,000 savings in debt service. The Town Manager.noted that the Pavement Management Program would be eliminated because it is a new program. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there would be anything left in the Pavement Management Program, and the Town Manager noted that there will be no reconstruction but crack sealing will be done. Selectman Matthew Cummings doesn't agree with reducing the Pavement Management Program 100%. He noted that increasing the plumbing and wiring fees is problematic because it presupposes that Town Meeting will approve it. He also asked about laying off a Police Lieutenant. The Town Manager noted that the former Chief indicated that supervision is extremely important with a young police force. A motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings to reduce the Assistant Town Manager position in the amount of $52,000 was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hoyt and Hines opposed. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to eliminate a Police Lieutenant by $74,000 was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hoyt and Hines opposed. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that his concern is with overtime and the number of supervisors to patrolmen. The Town Manager noted that Chief Marchand felt strongly that having four Lieutenants reduced overtime. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to eliminate the proposed wiring, gas and plumbing fees was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—Februga 27, 2001 —Page 5 A motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt to delete from the list the freezing of the Town Manager's salary increase in the amount of$2,910 was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Cummings and Nestor opposed. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Town Manager will have to work extra hard if we are cutting staff and the ,least the Selectmen can do is give him a raise. Vice Chairman George Hines also noted that the Superintendent of Schools got a double digit raise and gets to keep his Assistant. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he agrees philosophically but sacrifice starts at the top. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why overtime was increased by half if the Assistant Fire Chief is eliminated. The Town Manager noted that the inspections would have to be done by Captains on overtime and plan review of the landfill and Pearson will begin this year. A motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor to reinstate one Fire Fighter position in the amount of $38,987 and reduce the overtime by $13,000 was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Cummings and Hines opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt to add$8,000 to seasonal laborers failed by a vote of 2-3-0, with Hines, Hoyt and Cummings opposed. A motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt to adopt the budget cut list as amended was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Hines seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting of February 27, 2001 at 10:50 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted 3 �J11 u. r Secrethry cl