HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-30 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 30, 2001
The meeting convened at 7:45 p.m. in the Community Room at the Reading Police Station, 15
Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman
Camille Anthony, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Police Chief Robert Silva, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian,
Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Attorney Josh Latham, Stephen Crook,
Officers Leone Sullivan and Pat Iapicca, Russ Graham, Alex McRae, Linda Phillips, Peter
Dubois, Jackie Mandell, Dennis Anderson, Pete Dahl, John and Kathy Welsh, Peter Simms, Jay
Smith, Jane Harrison, Brian Crosby, Dick Ellis, Gil and Barbara Rodrigues.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to go into Executive Session for the purpose of
discussing strategy with respect to Labor Negotiations (DPW Union) and Approval of Minutes to
come back into Open Session at approximately 7:45 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with
Hines, Anthony and Wood voting in the affirmative.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he
attended the School Committee Meeting.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the Adopt-An-Island Dinner Program.
Selectman Gail Wood noted that she attended the Board of Health Meeting, and they want the
Board of Selectmen to consider a revolving fund for their clinics. The Water and Sewer
Advisory Committee will review the rates in November, and they want Kerry Macklin to come
in December. Over 1000 donations have been received for the Veterans Flower Fund.
Chairman George Hines noted that he attended the Adopt-An-Island Dinner. He also attended
the Selectmen's Forum last week.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting is on November 17th at the Thompson Country
Club in North Reading. They will be honoring Nelson Burbank as Citizen of the Year, and
also a Police Officer of the Year and a Firefighter of the Year from Reading. Tickets are
available through the Chamber of Commerce.
♦ I have been working through the Town Clerk with the Chamber of Commerce and other civic
groups to fund a display of flags in the Square. The RMLD has agreed to do installation of
flag holders (which can be reused when we do the Downtown improvements), and DPW will
be responsible for putting out the flags and taking them in at appropriate times during the
_.! year.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 30, 2001 —Page 2
♦ Property tax values have been certified by the State. The Board of Selectmen has the Tax
Classification hearing scheduled for November 5, 2001 and following that process and the
modification to the budget at the Special Town Meeting on November 13th, the Town can
then set the tax rate and get bills out by mid-December.
♦ The annual training session for Boards/Committees/Commissions is November 6th—all staff
is invited to attend also.
♦ The Selectmen's Forum that took place on October 23, 2001 was a great success. We will
make every attempt to keep to a quarterly schedule.
♦ We have received the application to the Conservation Commission for the Walkers Brook
Drive improvements as part of the Reading Business Park development aka Walkers Brook
Crossing. The hearing is scheduled for November 7th.
♦ The Subsequent Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting start on November 13th, and are
expected to go four nights.
♦ The Financial Forum is scheduled for November 1 st at the Parker Middle School.
♦ The Reading Police Department is being requested to provide assistance in New York, and
Sergeant Jimmy Cormier and Officer David Clark will be leaving on November 6th and
returning November Sth.
♦ The Massachusetts Highway Department is conducting a study and review of the I-95/I-93
intersection. The first meeting was in Woburn on October 23rd. The Town Engineer
attended on behalf of the Town and the Board of Selectmen has received the handout that
was given. The PowerPoint presentation that was given will be placed on the Town web
page for residents to see. Additionally, I have asked MHD if they would be willing to do
another presentation here in Reading prior to their six-month review.
♦ The leaf collection schedule for this Fall are the weeks of November 12th (starting on
November 13th because the 12 I is a holiday) and November 26th -- this is reduced for
budget reasons from the three that we usually do. The schedule gives residents the two
holiday weekends to rake leaves.
♦ The Summer Avenue paving has been completed. There are still pole removals and punch
list items to be done, tree plantings and driveway aprons, etc. Engineering hopes to have all
work done this Fall.
♦ The base course of paving has been placed at the "old" Police Station parking lot. Striping
and sidewalk/curb work still needs to be done but the lot is now usable.
Personnel and Appointments
Water and Sewer Advisory Committee — Stephen Crook was interviewed by the Selectmen for
one position on the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee.
Anthony moved and Wood seconded to place the following name into nomination for one
position on the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2003:
Stephen L. Crook. Mr. Crook received four votes and was appointed.
Discussion/Action Items
Reconsideration of Liquor License — Venetian Moon — Attorney Josh Latham was present
representing the applicant. He noted that one of the applicants had moved to Wakefield and the
ABCC wants re-approval of the application.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 30, 2001 —Page 3
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to re-approve the corrected Wine and Malt Restaurant
License for CAC Foods, Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon at 680 Main Street was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
D.A.R.E Presentation — Police Chief Robert Silva introduced D.A.R.E. Officer Leone Sullivan
and Community Outreach Officer Pat Iapicca.
Officer Leone Sullivan noted that this is her fifth season as D.A.R.E Officer. She gave a history
of the D.A.R.E. Program and reviewed the highlights.
Officer Pat Iapicca gave a presentation on the community policing programs.
School Buildiniz Committee Re. RMHS — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutunian,
School Building Chairman Russ Graham and School Committee Member Pete Dahl were
present. Russ Graham noted that Article 7 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant is for
$500,000 for the schematic design of the High School, and the SBAB has all new regulations.
He also noted that an architect is needed to draw up the schematics. The School Building
Committee will be bringing one recommendation to Town Meeting. If the voters say no, then
$500,000 won't have been spent.
The Town Manager noted that there are two options for funding. A debt exclusion which will
cost the voters $3.11 per year or a capital exclusion which will be a one time cost of$40.
Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the new regulations were in effect, and Russ Graham noted
that they were but nothing has been built under them. He also asked if the SBAB gives feedback
to the architect and it was noted they do. The SBAB is playing a more active role.
Selectman Gail Wood asked what we get for the $500,000. Russ Graham noted that we would
get a plan of what we will build including answers to issues such as conservation, etc.
Selectman Gail Wood asked how they would know what to design, and Russ Graham noted that
the School Building Committee is the advisory committee to Town Meeting. They talk with the
Superintendent of Schools, teachers, Department of Education, etc. They also use enrollment
data that has been collected.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Harutuman noted that the "Reading 2000" Committee was
formed in 1995. The plans that were brought to the School Building Committee in 1997 is not
what the SBAB wants to see anymore. The SBAB has cut back to the bare bones. They won't
approve an addition to RMHS because it is already too big. The electrical needs to be updated
but we need schematics to show what will be in the classrooms.
School Building Chairman Russ Graham noted that the intent of Article 7 is to answer questions
and give an absolute cost.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 30 2001 —Page 4
-- Hearing—Parking Regulations Union, Middle, Hamden Yard and"Old" Police Station Parking
Lot — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. The Town Manager reviewed
the discussion from the last meeting. He is proposing Monday—Friday daytime restricted parking
for merchants, and all night parking with a sticker for Hamden Yard and the old Police Station
parking lot.
Selectman Gail Wood asked if the Community Access Sticker for the neighborhood residents
would be free like it is for the Depot residents. The Town Manager noted that the intent is to
pay. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she supports free parking because the Union Street lot was
free.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that retail is open on Saturdays, and the Town Manager
noted that the parking is unregulated on Saturdays and Sundays.
Selectman Richard Schubert asked if enforcement could be done. The Town Manager noted that
it would basically be self-enforced. Call the Police and they will tow.
Kathy Welsh of 29 Union Street indicated that she felt everyone should have to pay -- they will
respect the rules.
Gil Rodriques of 97 Avalon Road noted that he feels it is wrong to make people enforce. He
feels it is a job for the Police.
Peter Simms of Simms' Jewelers made a counter proposal requesting 17 all day parking spaces
at Hamden Yard and five spots with two hour parking. He is requesting 18 all day parking
spaces for merchants and 10 spaces for seniors at the "Old" Police Station parking lot.
Jay Smith, Chamber of Commerce President and owner of Sense of Wonder, noted that the two
hour parking spaces at Hamden Yard are empty most of the day. He also noted that the issue of
parking enforcement needs to be addressed. The Town Manager noted that paid parking will
create funding and perhaps it could be used for enforcement.
Jane Harrison, Animal Clinic, asked how the number of merchant spaces will be determined.
The Town Manager noted that it will be first come, first serve.
Brian Crosby, representing the Accounting Office and Katie's Hallmark, noted that the more all
day spaces, the better.
The Town Manager noted that the cost for merchant parking would be $30/month or$300/year.
Peter Simms noted that spaces won't be sold unless the Police enforce the CVS lot.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to close the hearing on the Parking Regulations -
-- Union, Middle Streets and Hamden Yard and the "Old" Police Station was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—October 30, 2001 —Page 5
A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve the following amendments to the Traffic
Rules and Regulations revised as of January 23, 2001:
1. Amend"Appendix A-1 5.3 Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets—No Parking Any
Time" as follows:
• Add"Union Street—On the northerly side from John Street to Main Street."
• Delete "Union Street — on the northerly side from the intersection of Hamden Street
in an easterly direction for a distance of 120 ft."
• Add "Middle Street—on the easterly side from Pleasant Street to Union Street."
2. Amend Section 5.9—No All-Night Parking by deleting the section in its entirety and
substituting therefore the following:
• It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle other than one acting in an
emergency, to park said vehicle on any street or in any municipally owned parking
lot between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• With a valid current year's Community Access Sticker, vehicles may be parked
overnight in parking lots designated in Appendix A-5g.
• During a snow emergency declared by the Town Manager or his designee, no parking
will be permitted in"Employee/Merchant" spaces from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
3. Add"Appendix A-5g— 5.9—Overnight parking in Designated Parkin Lots" as follows:
• "Old" Police Station parking lot on Parker Street.
• Hamden Yard parking lot on Union Street.
4. Add"Section 5.13 —Senior Center Parkin" as follows:
• The Town Manager shall designate 14 parking spaces at the "Old" Police Station
parking lot on Parker Street for Senior Center parking, and shall order those spaces
to be appropriately marked for that purpose. These spaces shall be reserved for
employees and patrons of the Senior Center at 49 Pleasant Street between the hours
of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Town holidays.
• During a snow emergency declared by the Town Manager or his designee, no
parking will be permitted in "Senior Center" spaces from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
5. Add Section 5.14—Employee/Merchant as follows:
• The Town Manager shall designate 13 parking spaces at the "Old" Police Station
parking lot on Parker Street, and up to 18 parking spaces not already designated
with other restrictions in the Hamden Yard parking lot on Union Street, as
"Employee/Merchant Parking—Permit Required," and shall order those spaces to be
appropriately marked for that purpose.
• Such parking spaces shall be restricted to "Employee/Merchant" parking on
Monday through Friday. From 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., individual spaces will be
assigned to permit holders, and permit holders will be permitted to park only in their
designated space
• During a snow emergency declared by the Town Manager or his designee, no
parking will be permitted in "Employee/Merchant" spaces from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00
a.m.
• Permits will be sold at a fee of$30 per month.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 30, 2001 —Page 6
6. Add"Section 5.15 —Snow Emergency as follows:
• The Town Manager or his designee may declare a snow emergency on the
recommendation of the Director of Public Works. In such an instance, parking
regulations will be modified as noted in these "Traffic Rules and Regulations" for the
duration of the declared emergency. In the event of a declared snow emergency, every
effort will be made to notify residents and others affected by the implementation of
modified regulations
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearin�Stop Sign on Arthur B. Lord Drive at Forest Street—Vice Chairman Camille Anthony
read the hearing notice.
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on a stop sign on Arthur B. Lord
Drive at Forest Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.,
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve an amendment to the Traffic Rules and
Regulations amended through January 23, 2001 by adding to Appendix A-12 "6.12 Obedience to
Isolated Stop Signs": Arthur B. Lord Drive at Forest Street — northbound drivers, was approved
by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing— SundaLiquor Sales During the Holidays -Vice Chairman Camille Anthony read the
hearing notice. Chairman Hines noted that this is an annual event.
- A motion by Wood seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on Sunday liquor sales during the
holidays was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to approve the sale of liquor beginning on
November 18, 2002 and continuing Sunday, November 25, December 2, December 9, December
16, December 23 and December 30 from the hours of 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. in accordance
with State law, subject to the premises coming into compliance and remaining in compliance of
the local Zoning By-Laws with respect to signs and particularly related to illuminated signs was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing — Amending Fee Schedule — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen wanted to do a full review of fees. Some of the
fees need Town Meeting approval and some need the Selectmen's approval. He did a survey of
surrounding towns and recommends upgrading the fees to the average.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the following amendments to the fee
schedule effective January 1, 2002 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0:
Board of Selectmen Meeting-October 30, 2001 -Page 7
Board of Selectmen Existing Proposed
Reading Reading
Amusement(Each Device) $25.00 $50.00
Auctioneer $2.00 $20.00
Class I Auto $50.00 $75.00
Class II Auto $50.00 $75.00
Class III Auto $50.00 $100.00
Common Victualler $25.00 $50.00
Entertainment $25.00 $50.00
Laundromat $10.00 $50.00
Peddler $25.00 $200.00
Taxi Each Vehicle) $50.00 $50.00
Taxi Each Operator) $50.00 $50.00
Theater
Fire Department Existing Proposed
Reading Reading
Permits
Tank Installation
- Underground
- Above Ground $25.00 $50.00
Inspection Fees
Residential Plan Review $15.00 $15.00
Smoke Detector- Single Family $15.00 per dwelling $20.00 per
dwelling
Smoke Detector- Multi Family $10/unit $10/unit
Initial Connection to Municipal Fire $50.00 $100.00
Alarm System
Nursing Home Quarterly Inspections $25.00 $25.00
,Copies of Fire or Ambulance Report $25.00 $25.00
Police Department Existing Proposed
Reading Reading
Group B
Interfering with Snow Removal or $20.00 $50.00
Plowing
Bicycle Pen-nits $.025 $1.00
Board of Selectmen Meetinz—October 30, 2001 —Page 8
Plumbing and Gas Permit Fees Existing Proposed
Reading Reading
Plumbing
Domestic (3 dwelling units or less) $20 for up to 3
$20 up to 6 - $4 for fixtures, $5 for
each additional each additional
fixture fixture- $100
minimum
New Residential Construction $20 up to 6 - $4 for $20 for up to 3
each additional fixtures, $5 for
fixture each additional
fixture- $100
minimum
Replacement $20 up to 6 - $4 for $20 for up to 3
each additional fixtures, $5 for
fixture each additional
fixture
Commercial or Multiple Family $50 plus $5.00 $50 plus $5.00
per fixture per fixture
Piping - Gas also $5.00 $10.00
Sewer Connection $25.00 $50.00
Back Flow $25.00 $25.00
Gas
Domestic (3 dwelling units or less) $20.00 up to 6 $20 for up to 3
fixtures - $4 for fixtures, $5 for
each additional each additional
fixture fixture- $100
minimum
New Residential Construction $20.00 up to 6 $20 for up to 3
fixtures - $4 for fixtures, $5 for
each additional each additional
fixture fixture- $100
minimum
Replacement $20.00 up to 6 $20 for up to 3
fixtures - $4 for fixtures, $5 for
each additional each additional
fixture fixture
Commercial 50.00 $50 plus $5 per
fixture
Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—October 30, 2001 —Paye 9
Miscellaneous Fees Existing Proposed
Reading Reading
Re-Inspection Charge $25.00 $25.00
Domestic Boiler or Heater- Oil $10.00 $25.00
Domestic Boiler or Heater- Gas $10.00 $20.00
Hot Water Tanks—New or Replacement
$10 gas $20.00
Oil and Tankless (Plumbing Permit
Only) $10.00 $20.00
Gas and Tankless (Plumbing Permit
Only) $15.00 $20.00
Engineering
Inspection Fee for Sewer Connections $25.00 $50.00
Annual Drain Layer Fee $25.00 $50.00
Begin Town Manager Evaluation Process — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectman
Richard Schubert volunteered to do the Town Manager's evaluation this year.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 9,
2001 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. -
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of October 30, 2001 at 11:02
p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
y
Secretary
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Executive Session
- October 30, 2001
The Executive Session convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Police Station Conference Room, 15 Union
Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman Camille
Anthony, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Personnel Administrator Carol Roberts, Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Paula Schena.
Public Works Negotiations
The Town Manager noted that the Town is negotiating FY03 and FY04 contracts with the Public
Works Union. The Town is asking for mandatory overtime. In exchange for mandatory
overtime, the Public Works Union wants four hour minimum overtime, double time on Sundays
and holidays, language on calculating 24 hours and double time after 32 hours.
After discussion,the consensus of the Board was to not pursue mandatory overtime.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of
October 16, 2001 was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the
._.........
affirmative.
A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to adjourn the Executive Session at 7:45 p.m. was
approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary