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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting September 25, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:40 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gerry MacDonald, Jim Keigley, Carl McFadden, Bill Brown, Frank Driscoll, John Murphy, Gerry and Don Horton, Donna Walsh, Patricia Lloyd, Jack Downing, Kim Honetschlager, Richard Howard, Tom Ryan, Attorney Joshua Latham. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Gail Wood noted that the review of the water restrictions is on the October 16th agenda, and she would like to replace that with the water rate study instead. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the School Committee would like to know if payment of school nurses could come out of the Hospital Trust Fund. Finance Director Beth Klepeis will follow up. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that we received notification that the Open Space and Recreation Plan has been accepted as the final version. Chairman George Hines noted that the Board had a welcome reception for new and promoted employees earlier this evening. Selectman Camille Anthony had no report. Public Comment - Jim Keigley, School Department Liaison, was present. He requested that the Selectmen do something about the dangerous intersection at Hopkins and Cedar Streets. He indicated he has had many "close calls" there. He handed out pictures of the intersection and also of Gazebo Circle. The Board directed the Town Manager to have the P.T.T.T.F. take a look at the intersection and report back to the Board. Town Manager's Report Finance Director Beth Klepeis noted that the Town Manager is at a conference and she is filling in for him. She also noted that she received notification from John Washburn at the D.E.P. that we will be receiving the money for Marion Woods. She credited Representatives Brad Jones and Paul Casey and Senator Richard Tisei for all of their hard work. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation—Knizhts of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive for Physically and Mentally Challenged Children — Many members of the Knights of Columbus were present. They indicated this was th their 25year and last year they collected $6,856. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 25, 2001 —Page 2 A motion by Cummings seconded by Schubert to approve the Proclamation for the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive for Physically and Mentally Challenged Children was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Presentation on Veterans' Flower Fund — Carl McFadden, Bill Brown, Frank Driscoll, John Murphy, Gerry and Don Horton and Donna Walsh were present. Chairman George Hines noted that this is a private committee established to raise funds for flowers for veterans' graves. Carl McFadden noted that the goal has been set for $90,000. They have collected $15,000 to date. A fundraiser dance was planned for November 1 lth but that will be rescheduled because they haven't been able to find a location for it. Mr. McFadden noted that the donations are tax deductible as long as Town Meeting accepts it at the Subsequent Town Meeting. Bill Brown requested that the Board of Selectmen look at a bylaw that would give the Selectmen authority to issue liquor licenses for public buildings. The Board thanked the committee for all of their work. Report of Recommendations — Community Preservation Act Study Committee — Patricia Lloyd, Vice Chairman of the CPA Study Committee, Rick Schubert, Jack Downing, Kim Honetschlager and Richard Howard were present. Patricia Lloyd noted that the Community Preservation Act Study Committee voted to recommend the placement on the Warrant for the 2001 Subsequent Town Meeting an Article to accept the Community Preservation Act. Consideration of acceptance of the Community Preservation Act will allow Town Meeting and the voters of the community to consider the needs addressed by the Community Preservation Act, along with other pressing financial needs of the community. The CPA Study Committee recommends that the motion under this Article will include: An exemption of the first $100,000 of assessed valuation; the exemption for property owned and occupied by persons who would qualify for low income housing and low to moderate income senior housing and a I% surcharge. The Committee strongly recommends that the Community Preservation Act be considered part of a comprehensive plan to address the Town's financial needs. This motion was voted on by the Community Preservation Act Study Committee on September 18, 2001 by a vote of 6-1-0. Patricia Llyod noted that if the Board of Selectmen chooses to put this on the Warrant, then the CPA Study Committee will educate the community. Chairman George Hines asked if the surcharge is tax deductible. Bill Brown noted that Representative Brad Jones states that it is not. Board of Selectmen Meeting=September 25, 2001 —Page 3 Selectman Gail Wood asked what the qualifications are for the low/moderate exemption. Kim Honetschlager noted that the Department of Revenue just issued a form and guidelines. The Assessor's Department would determine if the person is eligible. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she had concerns about the formula and how it affects people who are low income, but not in subsidized housing. Bill Brown noted that he feels there will be no lost opportunities if this doesn't go through because the Town can resort to a Proposition 2 %Z at any time. He also indicated that he feels this is a poorly written piece of legislation and it does not go away after five years unless the Board of Selectmen put it on the ballot. Tom Ryan, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, noted that he sent a letter to the Selectmen. He is recommending that the Selectmen not place an Article on the Warrant. He also noted that the Town is looking at huge capital projects and if this goes on the ballot, it will be defeated, and the exemptions become very personal and confidential. Chairman George Hines noted that we are following a procedure sent to us by the legislature and the topic warrants going to the entire community. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the State is putting pressure on the Town. A big component of the Act is affordable housing. If the Town doesn't take action, then we won't get certified and we would be ineligible for PWED grants and the Downtown Streetscape money. Patricia Lloyd noted that we should not overlook the fact that there are matching funds and the Town would not get that with a Proposition 2 %z. Tom Ryan noted that a formula is used for the matching funds also. The Board thanked the CPA Study Committee. Close the Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he would prefer to discuss the instructional motions under Article 12. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to include in the Warrant the Article 2 language that comes first and strike the second language was approve by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert that Article 12 be placed on the Warrant with the Town Moderator as Chair and a non-voting member was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to place Article 9 on the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Chairman George Hines noted that putting this on the Warrant does not stipulate the Board's position. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the Warrant consisting of 23 Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting to be held on November 13, 2001 at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road at 7:30 p.m. as amended on September 25, 2001 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 25, 2001 —Page 4 Transfer of Wine and Malt License — Venetian Moon Restaurant — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Attorney Joshua Latham noted that he is representing Anthony and Carmen Cavallo for the transfer of the wine and malt license from Joey B's. Chairman George Hines noted that the Police Department and Health Department have reviewed the application and recommend approving the transfer of the wine and malt license. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the transfer of the wine and malt license for Venetian Moon Restaurant was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the transfer of the wine and malt license for Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street, for a term expiring December 31, 2001, subject to the following conditions: 1. That Section 3.3 of the Board of Selectmen's Policies — Sale of Beer and Wine in Restaurants; all Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed; 2. Should the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission not approve the license within 120 days of this date, the Town will refund to the applicant the cost of the license less a 10% administrative fee; 3. All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall be trained in TIPS, or an equivalent program on the effective date of this license, and new employees shall be trained within three months of being hired, and the operator of the establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this condition has been met; 4. There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises; was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Use of Hospital Trust Funds for Uncollectible Ambulance Bills — Finance Director Beth Klepeis noted that the Selectmen had asked Fire Chief Greg Burns to review the ambulance collections. She noted that this has not gone to the Trust Fund Commissioners yet. Chief Greg Burns noted that there were 1062 ambulance runs last year and of that number, 94 bills were not paid. Of the 94 bills, 18 could not afford to pay. Of the 18, only 3-4 were Reading residents. He does not feel it is significant enough to go to the Trust Fund Commissioners. Beth Klepeis noted that the wills establishing the trust fund state that the money can be used for unpaid hospital bills but ambulance bills are beyond the scope. She also noted that the trust fund pays $25.00 for transportation but the person has to apply for help and plan ahead. She will put this on a Trust Fund Commissioner agenda and report back to the Board. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 25, 2001 —Page 5 - A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to adjourn their meeting of September 25, 2001 at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Secretary