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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 5, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines (arrived at 8:50 p.m.), Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Matthew Cummings, Selectmen Richard Schubert and Gail Wood, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Mary Ellen O'Neill, Barbara Meade, Derek Loftus, Chrissy Lowry, James McLaughlin, Prudy Loftus, Leigh Loftos, Ed Loftus, Attorney Brad Latham, Developer Mark Dickinson, Engineer Ed Shaw, Tim Kelly, Don Allen, Karen Flammia, Mary Connors, John Coote, Dave Billard, Ralph Colorusso, Tom Ryan, Gerry MacDonald, Stephen Crook, Will Finch. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat and he highly recommends it. The Town Manager noted that tickets are still available for this weekend. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she also'attended the play and highly recommends it. Chairman George Hines had no report. -' Selectman Matthew Cummings had no report. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony also attended the play and highly recommends it. She attended the Library Foundation Reception and went to Jordan's Furniture in Natick. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Board of Selectmen Chairman George Hines reported to me that in a news article on local TV network, Reading was not mentioned as having an approved Emergency Management Plan. We do, in fact, have an approved plan on file with MEPA, and Reading is part of the Mystic Valley LEPC. ♦ Officer David Clark and Sergeant James Cormier will be representing the Reading Police Department in New York City providing transport and security for victim's families and/or workers. They leave on November 6th and will be there for a couple of days. ♦ The Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Nelson Burbank as Citizen of the Year, and also a Police Officer of the Year and a Fire Fighter 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, Rotary, and Lions Club to fund a display of flags in the Square. The RMLD has agreed to do installation Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 5, 2001 —Paye 2 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. ♦ The annual training session for Boards/Committees/Commissions is November 6th -- all staff is invited to attend also. ♦ The Conservation Commission will be hearing the application for the Walkers Brook Drive improvements as part of the Walkers Brook Crossing on November 7th. ♦ The Subsequent Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting start on November 13th, and are expected to go four nights. ♦ The Financial Forum took place on November 1st at the Parker Middle School to look forward to the development of the FY 2003 Budget. ♦ The Massachusetts Highway Department is conducting a study and review of the I-95/I-93 intersection. You have a letter from Senator Richard Tisei and Representative Brad Jones to the MHD in your packets tonight. ♦ The leaf collection schedule for this Fall are the weeks of November 12th (starting on November 13th because the 12th 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. Personnel and Appointments Badge Pinning Fire Fighter Derek Loftus —Fire Chief Greg Burns introduced Derek Loftus, and his mother pinned his badge on him. The Board congratulated Derek. Aquatic Advisory Board — The Board interviewed Mary Ellen O'Neill for one position on the Aquatics Advisory Board. Wood moved and Cummings seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Aquatics Advisory Board with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Mary Ellen O'Neill. Ms. O'Neill received four votes and was appointed. Board of Health — The Board interviewed Barbara A. Meade for one position on the Board of Health. Wood moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Barbara A. Meade. Ms. Meade received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Update Board of Selectmen on Reading Business Park—Attorney Brad Latham, Developer Mark Dickinson and Engineer Ed Shaw were present. The Town Manager noted that Mark Dickinson is here to update the Board on the schedule for the Business Park and also the sediments in the brook. The CAAA states that dredging could be required. If it is, it will be the responsibility of the Town. CDM did a cost estimate for removal of sediments and they estimate it to be $200,000 - $300,000 while the closure is being done. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 5, 2001 —Page 3 Mark Dickinson, President of Dickinson Development and Walkers Brook Crossing LLC, noted that DEP states that it would do more harm to stir up the sediments now but they reserve the right to change their mind in the future. He also noted that the project is moving along but is three months behind schedule. He is looking at a closing date of June 30, 2002. Mr. Dickinson noted that Extended Stay America was ready to sign but was put on hold because of the September 11, 2001 events. He has a signed letter of intent with Chili's. Attorney Brad Latham noted that the CAAA stating that the sediments might have to be removed in the future makes Jordan's Furniture and Home Depot nervous. The Town Manager reiterated that the Town has acknowledged responsibility for removal. Attorney Brad Latham noted that they are going before the Conservation Commission to address issues of the PWED work. Ed Shaw noted that the 25% design plans are going to Mass Highway next month. Mark Dickinson noted that it will take 18 months to complete the development from start to finish. A motion by Schubert seconded by Cummings to direct the Town Manager to apply to DEP for an extension of the Administrative Consent Order for the closure of the Reading landfill site by extending the times until July 1, 2002 for the date of approval of the landfill closure design by DEP was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. RHA Review of Grant Application Housing Authority Executive Director Lyn Whyte, Housing Authority Chairman Tim Kelly, Housing Authority Members Don Allen, Karen Flammia, Mary Connors and John Coote were present. Lyn Whyte noted that the Housing Authority filed a block grant but withdrew because they didn't have enough time to meet the deadline. The Town Manager noted that their goal is to acquire property and use it for affordable housing. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if any contributions have been made to the trust fund. The Town Manager noted that there is about $8,000 in the trust fund. Lyn Whyte indicated that would help with auction costs. Tim Kelly noted that they will be having a house donated to them in the near future and they need land to put it on. It was noted that the Selectmen will begin the process of reviewing vacant property in December. Tax Classification Hearing — Secretary Matthew Cummings read the hearing notice. Assessor Dave Billard, Board of Assessors Members Ralph Colorusso and Tom Ryan were present. Chairman George Hines arrived at 8:50 p.m. Dave Billard noted that there are four issues that the Board needs to address: (1) set a residential factor; (2) open space discount; (3) residential exemption; (4) commercial exemption. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 5, 2001 —Paye 4 Mr. Billard noted that the Town of Reading has historically adopted a residential factor of"l." A residential exemption is designed for communities with a high proportion of rental dwellings or seasonal residents. A commercial exemption would give a modest savings for residential and there would be a dramatic increase in commercial rates. There are only 43 properties in Reading that would qualify for an open space discount. The current assessment is $31,000. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked what the criteria is, and Mr. Billard noted that it has to be at least one acre and undevelopable. It would be assessed as open space but not classified as open space. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked how many properties in Reading had a value over $1 million. Mr. Billard noted that there were 27 properties. Mr. Billard noted that the Board of Assessors are recommending a residential factor of"1" and not to adopt the residential exemption, commercial exemption or open space discount. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on the tax classification for FY2002 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Wood to adopt a residential factor of"1" for the FY2002 tax year was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to adopt an open space discount on the tax rate for FY2002 failed by a vote of 0-5-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to adopt a residential exemption for the FY2002 tax year failed by a vote of 0-5-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Cummings to adopt a small commercial exemption for the FY2002 tax year failed by a vote of 0-5-0. Review of Water Restrictions—Odd/Even Watering DUs —Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi were present. Ted McIntire noted that the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee discussed the restrictions at their meeting on October 17th and recommended changing the title to "Water Conservation and Management." They recommend no restrictions on the use of hand held watering devises and they want to reduce the hours by one hour in the morning. The Town Manager noted that he recommends allowing hand held watering devises, but wouldn't change the hours unless there is a compelling reason because it is too hard to educate the public. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 5, 2001 —Page 5 Will Finch, member of the Reading/North Reading Stream Team, noted that he supports the time cutback to 10:00 a.m. because a lot of the water is lost to evaporation. He agrees with the hand held devices but has a problem with washing cars. He also noted that he feels all private wells should be subject to restrictions. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there has been an increase in private wells, and Ted McIntire noted there has been but they are not all in the Ipswich River Watershed. Selectman Gail Wood noted that the odd/even is a management tool and we only have two tanks now. Ted McIntire noted that the time restrictions is to allow for watering during the most beneficial times of day. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he has a problem with hand held devices, and has no problem with the name change. Selectman Gail Wood noted that she agrees with the recommendations. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony had concerns about hand held devices. Chairman George Hines has no problem with the name change or hand held devices. He wants to have restrictions for well owners. - The Town Manager will schedule a hearing for a future agenda. Decision on RMHS Funding CMital Exclusion vs. Debt Exclusion—The Town Manager noted that Article 7 is for funding for the design work for the RMHS project. It could be funded as a debt exclusion or a capital exclusion. The Board discussed the two options and the consensus of the Board was to go with a short-term debt exclusion. Review Town Meeting Warrants - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles for the Special and Subsequent Town Meetings. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 4 of the Special Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 5 of the Special Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 5 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. - A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to recommend the subject matter of Article 6 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 5, 2001 —Paye 6 A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 7 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Wood abstaining. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 8 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board discussed Article 9 - Acceptance of the Community Preservation Act (CPA). Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the economy is a factor but this is a tool for getting housing and grants and the voters should have a chance to say yes or no. Selectman Gail Wood had concerns about the CPA. She feels that we are being held hostage because we can't apply for grants if the Town doesn't accept it. She does not support the act but wants it on the ballot. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 9 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Wood opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 10 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Schubert abstaining. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 11 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 12 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Schubert abstaining. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 13 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Wood opposed. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 15 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 16 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 17 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Wood seconded by Anthony to recommend the subject matter of Article 18 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to recommend the subject matter of Article 20 of the Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 5, 2001 —Page 7 Goals and FY2003 Budget Strategy - The Town Manager noted that the goals for last year were (1) economic strategy; (2) improve working relationships with B/C/C; (3) financial strategy; (4) traffic management program; (5) water supply policy; (6) violence prevention; (7) community diversity program and(8) affordable housing. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that the relationship with B/C/C should not be a Town Manager goal-- it should be just a Selectmen's goal. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town Manager plays a critical role and his techniques can help the Selectmen. There was discussion about scheduling a session with the appointed Boards to talk about expectations in terms of relationship with the community, civility and communication. The Town Manager will schedule a Saturday Retreat for the Selectmen to discuss goals. The Town Manager noted that he has asked the Department Heads to build next year's budget with the same amount of money and include salary increases. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she wants to see the list that was cut out of the budget last year. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked for capital too. Approval of Minutes A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 16, 2001 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Cummings seconded by Wood to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 23, 2001 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Wood to adjourn the meeting of November 5, 2001 at 11:20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Secretary y s i i