Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting January 18, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:34 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nancy Eaton, F. J. MacDonald, Sally MacDonald, John Fader, Gary and Mary McEachern, David and Julie Talbot, Karen Rose-Gillis, Bill Gillis, Mike and Smidge Riordan, Mark Jones, Robert G. Pothier, Henry Bardol, Nathan White, Peg Plansky, Michele Brissenden, Mary Fraser, Kathy Cartwright, JoAnne and Fred Garlick, Ted Cartwright, Ilse Fersing, Joel Rubin, Jay Smith, Attorney Tim Kelly. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended a meeting with the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager with Lincoln Properties. They are very interested in the Reading Business Park but are complexed as to how Corporex came to the dollar amount that they did. They will be sending a formal Letter of Intent to the Board next week. Selectman Matthew Cummings also noted that he has concerns about building maintenance issues. He's hearing complaints regarding the condition of the buildings and asked that this issue be placed on the next Financial Forum Agenda. Selectman George Hines agreed with his concerns but felt it should be addressed by the Board of Selectmen first. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he has also received complaints about the cable service. The service is very poor especially the audio. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she will be running for another three year term as Selectman. She attended the Martin Luther King breakfast at the Old South Church. Selectman George Hines noted that the Department of Justice cleared the Town of Reading in the discrimination case. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he attended many School Department budget hearings as the Selectmen's liaison. Chairman Sally Hoyt noted that she attended the CPDC meeting regarding the Addison-Wesley site. Public Comment —Mike Reardon of 38 Highland Street noted that the Cable TV audio has been awful and the picture was distorted all the way through Town Meeting. Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager gave the following report: Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18, 2000—Page2 ♦ The Town had a Special Election last Tuesday and the turnout was excellent—especially for a Town Election. There were few problems and now that the vote is in, I hope that those on on differing sides of the issue will unite as part of the community and move forward to solve our community's problems. I must commend the Reading Clergy Association for their part in helping to address concerns about community divisiveness. ♦ The work on the Police Station is coming close to completion. The curb on-site and paving are done, and the Union and Middle Street curbing and sidewalk are complete except for the aprons. Furniture delivery is scheduled for the week of February 7'h. The installation of communication equipment is also scheduled for that week. ♦ The Superintendent of Schools and I put together a fact package relative to the proposed Dividence Road School, and held a press conference the week before last. I participated in a School Committee/School Building Committee Program on the school to answer factual questions about the Town's Capital Plan and financial matters. ♦ The Martin Luther King Celebration on Monday morning at the Old South Church was well attended. The program was put on by the Reading.Clergy Association and the Speaker, Rev. Campbell from BU, was excellent. ♦ I attended a workshop on diversity at the Old South Church last week, and will be moving forward with the Department of Justice and community members to put together a series of discussion groups on diversity. Chief Marchand and Lt. Silva from the Police Department, and Selectman Camille Anthony were also present. ♦ Bonds in the amount of$14,350,000 have been sold to State Street Bank -- this has resulted in a$112,000 savings to the Town. - ♦ Wendall Wallace passed away this week. ♦ The Town Manager reviewed the Action Status Report that will be used as a tool by staff and Selectmen to keep the Board up-to-date on issues. Personnel and Appointments Reading Ice Arena Association Representative—Selectman George Hines noted that he has been serving as the representative since the inception and would like to continue. On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Reading Ice Area Association Board of Directors with a term expiring June 30, 2002: George Hines. Selectman Hines received five votes and was. appointed. Le,gal Services Review Team — The Town Manager noted that the Town Moderator has been unable to find a Town Meeting member who is willing to serve. Selectman Camille Anthony and Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that they will start the process and continue to advertise for a Town Meeting member. Discussion/Action Item Hearing — Comprehensive Permit 82 Linden Street — Secretary George Hines read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Housing Authority sent a letter to the Selectmen requesting support for a comprehensive permit for the former Reading Home for Aged Women. He noted that a hearing is not required by law. The hearing notice was sent out to all abutters within 300 feet. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18 2000—Page 3 Peg Plansky, Executive Director of the Reading Housing Authority, noted that the Housing Authority is negotiating to purchase the house based on the approval of the comprehensive permit. They will continue to operate as a six family house. The ZBA has endorsed and this is under appeal. Selectman Camille Anthony asked what provisions of the comprehensive permit is being applied for. Executive Director Peg Plansky noted it was needed to allow to continue as a six family. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that the comprehensive permit is to override the appeal. Selectman George Hines noted that the sketch plan is dated 1973 and asked if the building has been operating illegally. Executive Director Peg Plansky noted that the Reading Home for Aged Women stopped functioning in the 1970's when the building was sold and the new owner ran it as a rooming house. The Town Manager noted that the ZBA decision on March 18, 1999 was to allow the conversion with conditions that were more restrictive than what it was previously used for. Selectman George Hines asked who appealed, and the Town Manager noted it was an abutter. Selectman George Hines noted that if the Board of Selectmen takes action and grants the permit, than the appeal will be taken out of the court loop. David Talbot of 75 Linden Street noted that he filed the appeal and he is strongly opposed to any action that allows more than two families. He noted that all records show this house as a two family and all other work was done illegally. The house was built in the 1890's as a single family and there was no apartment construction during this use. The building permits show that the only work done was a 24 x 26 foot addition. When the current owner bought the house, two permits were pulled — one for a new roof and alterations, and the other for a new kitchen and bath and the house was listed as a two family converted. The Assessor's Office has it listed as three apartments and seven rooms. He feels it is time to enforce building codes and zoning, and he thinks the Reading Housing Authority should use it as a two family with an attached accessory apartment. Selectman George Hines asked what the status of the appeal was. Bill Gillis of 69 Linden Street is an abutter and the Attorney who filed the appeal one year ago. The appeal is pending. Chairman Sally Hoyt advised the Reading Housing Authority to arrange to meet with Mr. Gillis and the abutters to talk about the plans. Reading Housing Authority Attorney Tim Kelly noted that March 17, 2000 is the deadline. Selectman George Hines asked if the Housing Authority would consider a lower density option. Attorney Kelly indicated they would but their goal is to increase the affordable housing in Reading. Michael Reardon of 38 Highland Street asked how many people will occupy the building. Attorney Kelly noted that there would be up to two people in each one bedroom unit, and up to four people in each two to four bedroom units. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18, 2000—Page 4 Joel Rubin of 10 Kingston Street noted that parking was an issue. Executive Director Peg Plansky noted that there is adequate space on the lot and it would be screened. Dave Talbot of 75 Linden Street asked if a citizen notifies the Town that illegal work has been performed, whose responsibility is it to enforce. The Town Manager noted that it is the Town's responsibility to enforce, and he also noted that the issues have already been raised and went before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor had concerns about the delay in the complaint. He requested that Town Counsel Ted Cohen look at the appeal and advise the Board of Selectmen as to where we stand. He also requested a site visit both inside and out, asked for the past uses of this property, asked if it stopped being used as a boarding house when the Reading Home for Aged Women stopped, and asked what the use has been from 1971 to the present. Executive Director Peg Plansky noted that what the Board has now is the current plan. The Housing Authority will have their own plans when the comprehensive permit gets approved. They are asking for a maximum use of six units. Gary McEachem of 9 Kingston Street asked how it went from a two family to a six family without a pen-nit. Smidge Reardon of 38 Highland Street indicated she was eager to see more affordable housing in Reading but she has concerns about where it is going. Jack McDonald of 60 Lowell Street has concerns regarding having six units. Sally McDonald of 60 Lowell Street asked if the Housing Authority would consider a lesser number of units. She also noted that she has been inside of the units and they are small studio apartments. She asked if that was what the Housing Authority wanted. Attorney Tim Kelley noted that the Town needs to increase their affordable housing. It is being used as six units and the Housing Authority will continue with six units. The apartments will be renovated. Selectman George Hines noted that the Selectmen just went through this process with a developer who wanted 17 units. Given the hazy history of this property, he cannot support the request for six units. He asked if the Housing Authority would consider three or four units. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the Housing Authority is asking for a maximum permit of six units because that is what it is now or for financial reasons. Attorney Tim Kelley noted that everything has been based on six units, and that they would have to go back to the drawing board. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he had concerns regarding density, and he is also concerned because the Town is the defendant in the appeal. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18, 2000—Page 5 Mary McEachern of 9 Kingston Street asked if rooming houses are allowed. The Town Manager noted that a person can rent rooms but cannot run a rooming house. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the role of the Selectmen is to say if this is an appropriate use. He noted that the Board needs Town Counsel Ted Cohen's opinion on whether six units is legal. He asked if there were kitchens in each unit, and Executive Director Peg Plansky responded that there is. John Fader of 28 Kingston Street noted that his neighbor at 28 Bancroft put in three driveways without permits and when the whistle was blown, he got the permit. The area is zoned for a certain number of people. This degrades the integrity of the neighborhood. Selectman George Hines noted that the Town had zoning before 1973, and he is uncomfortable short circuiting what the abutters have gone through. He requested that Town Counsel look at this. He can't support without knowledge. Mark Jones of 14 Kingston Street noted that it has been implied and stated by the current owner that it has always operated as six units. Maly McEachern of 9 Kingston Street noted that she is a real estate agent, and each unit has to have a kitchen and a bathroom and a means of egress. On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on a comprehensive permit for 82 Linden Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. This issue will be rescheduled for another date. Memorandum of Understanding — 75 Pleasant Street — The Town Manager noted that there is a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Reading and the Reading Housing Authority regarding 75 Pleasant Street which the Board needs to sign. Selectman George Hines asked if this locks in the Town's right for parking, and the Town Manager noted that it does. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that this limits the Town to a three year window, and the Town will be released after three years. The Town Manager noted that the structure will be moved to accommodate parking for the Town. Selectman George Hines asked if this is doable in three years. The Town Manager noted that the Town will apply for grants. Attorney Tim Kelley noted that they want to get to the end result. The Housing Authority was asked to step into this and do not want to be held up waiting. The memo preserves the property and helps out the Town. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18, 2000—Page b Selectman George Hines noted that there were no assurances that the Town can do it after three years. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that this gives the Town more flexibility than we had when we wanted to purchase the property. He thinks this is reasonable. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that this is a win/win situation. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the Reading Housing Authority and the Town dated January 18, 2000 for 75 Pleasant Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed. Review Downtown Parking — Town Planner Anne Krieg was present. She indicated that the Downtown Steering Committee has been discussing parking at their meetings. Their recommendation is to lower the parking time from one hour to 30 minutes on Haven Street from Reading Co-Op Bank to Linden Street. It is also recommended that the time in the parking lot behind CVS be reduced from three hours to two hours. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked when the three hours was established. The Town Manager noted around 1970 because it was the average length of time for a hairdressing appointment. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about enforcement, and the Town Manager noted that there is a fair amount—there is a Police Officer in the Square 80% of the time. Jay Smith, the owner of Sense of Wonder, noted that enforcement came up repeatedly at the Downtown Steering Committee meetings. They would like to see more enforcement. The owner of Reflections Nail Salon was present, and thanked the Board of Selectmen for the implementation of the 2 hour parking in front of her salon. Her sales have increased but there is still a minor problem with enforcement. She would like to see more enforcement especially on Saturdays. The Town Manager noted that the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force will look at the recommendations and come back to the Selectmen. Review Streetscape Design Decisions — Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that Mass Highway is actively working on the waivers for this project. The Town Manager noted that the lighting fixtures, fencing, benches, rubbish containers and brick pavers have already been decided on. Selectman Camille Anthony asked for an update on the entry signs, and the Town Planner noted they will be installed in the Spring. The Town Manager noted that the improvements from the Main Street Fire House to Washington Street is funded 100% from the State. Once the waivers are granted, then it will go to 25% design and then onto the TIP. ' Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18 2000—Page 7 Review Budget Status — Supplemental Budget Decisions — The Town Manager noted that a revised summary budget has been given to the Selectmen. He is asking for consent of $12,330,083 which is a 3.1% increase. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the budget. He noted that the amount for personnel does not include any new staff but it does fulfill contracts and the Pay and Classification Plan. Expenses have been level funded where possible except where we have to fulfill contractual items. The amount for postage in the Finance Department has increased a little bit. The Library has an increase for materials. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that at the Financial Forum, there had been a lot of discussion about increasing the snow and ice account but it hasn't been done. The Town Manager noted that it wasn't added because there was no consensus. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that there is a request in the supplemental decisions for a GIS Manager, and he noted that we couldn't put $75,000 into the system without someone to run it. The Town Manager noted that a GIS Coordinator will not be needed until after 2002 because the first step will be to develop a set of base maps and that doesn't require a Coordinator. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about an intern, and the Town Manager noted that an intern could be used for the first phase but not for the second phase. The Town Manager noted that he is proposing to divide the GIS Coordinator between the Police Department and GIS. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he has received feedback from the community to hire a consultant to see how the Town could dispose of the RMLD. The Town Manager noted that due to the complexity of the utility business, he would have to meet with consultants and get a cost. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that it would cost from $30,000-$75,000 for a consultant. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested adding the disposal of the RMLD to the Capital Plan. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about options for the Senior Center. The Town Manager noted that one option is to have staff there for four hours a day from Monday to Thursday. A technology upgrade will be needed to accomplish that. The Elder Services Administrator Lois Bond is also looking at other options. Selectman George Hines asked that the detailed supplemental requests be faxed to the Board of Selectmen tomorrow. On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to add $24,000 to the snow and ice budget. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the FY 2001 Municipal Budget in the amount of$12,354,658. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Preview Annual Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the outline for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 18, 2000—Page 8 Article 5 would be an amendment to the organizational chart showing Human Services and - Community Development as one. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Article 11 was not supported the last time. The Town Manager noted that this is for the Saugus River basin drainage design that will cost $75,000. This project still needs to be done. Article 13 will give the Selectmen the ability to amend fees. Article 15 is to approve the compost bin revolving fund. Article 17 is requested by the School Department for the REAP and/or RCTV leases. Article 18 is for the retirement COLA. Article 19 is for taking of the performance bond for Sunset Rock because there has been no performance. Article 20 is to accept the donation of land on Haverhill Street for conservation purposes. Article 21 is for taking of land at Spence Farm. Article 22 is for amendments to the Business C District for Addison-Wesley. There might be a Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting. Article 23 is to accept gifts. Article 24 is to vacate Town Meeting seats. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that it is extremely important to discuss behavior at Town Meeting—people are getting very rude. Selectman George Hines asked that the School Committee and CPDC come in to discuss the site plan review and the municipal parking lot. On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of January 18, 2000 at 11:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, ' fr Secret