HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting
February 15, 2000
The.meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines,
Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties:
Nathan C. White, William Brown, Nancy L. Eaton, Karen Burdick, Henrietta Marotta, Jan
Letizia, Sean Chrisom, Helen Bramante.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive
Session for the purpose of discussion of litigation and approval of minutes to come back into
Open Session at 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the
motion was carried.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison.Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he met
with Lincoln Properties earlier this evening regarding their presentation.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended the seminar on campaign financing.
Selectman George Hines noted that he attended the tour of the new Police Station, and the
meeting of the Police Station Building Committee. The target date for moving in is the end of
next week and the Open House will be in April.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report:
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ Deirdre Brennan has accepted a position with the Regional Administrator, Boston Regional
Library System starting in late March. She has been Director of the Reading Public Library
since 1991, and is looking forward to increased professional responsibilities in her new
position.
♦ Site Plan Approval Process — New Elementary School Project This item is part of the
CPDC hearing scheduled for February 24, 2000 at the RMHS Lecture Hall. Residents on all
abutting streets will get a notice. We will have had 2 staff review sessions, and have made
comments to the design team for the project.
♦ Town Planner Anne Krieg has prepared an e-mail with a review of the role of Board of
Selectmen in Comprehensive Permit applications for the Reading Housing Authority. Vice
Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Housing Authority sent him a copy of Chapter 40b,
and he asked that.the Town Manager get Town Counsel's ruling on whether the Selectmen
lose the ability to require the Housing Authority to appear before them. Selectman George
Hines noted that he felt the Housing Authority needs to work with the Selectmen regardless
of Chapter 40b.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2000—Page 2
♦ The RHA has held a meeting with residents of the neighborhood regarding 82 Linden Street.
♦ We have received our annual report from Longwood Associates regarding the access to their
affordable housing at Longwood Place on Pearl Street. One half of the affordable units are
occupied by Reading residents.
♦ The Cemetery Board of Trustees held a public hearing about opening the Laurel Hill gate on
Highland Street, and has agreed to open it for large funerals and for Cemetery staff use.
♦ The MWRA estimated sewer bill for FY 2001 has come out — it would be a reduction of
$23,000 from the FY 2000 budget.
♦ The Senior Center roofing work has started and will proceed as weather permits.
o The Town's Annual Report will be in the next Reading Notes on March 3, 2000.
♦ The State Office of Campaign Finance ran a seminar in Reading on 2-14-00 to inform
officials and residents about the laws regarding participation in local ballot questions.
♦ THE LAST DAY FOR VOTER REGISTRATION—WEDNESDAY— 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
♦ The work on the Police Station is coming close to completion. We will be moving in late
this month.
♦ Fire Chief Wood has prepared a report on the Cost of Service for ambulance — in the worst
case, it costs the Town$107 for an average run, and the Town collects $190 per average run.
♦ We have received the Massachusetts National Guard report of their investigation of errant
rounds falling on properties off of the Camp Curtis Military Reservation.
♦ Review of Fire on 12 Woburn Street—cause trash bag too close to furnace.
♦ Town Hall closed due to Woburn Street fire because of smoke.
The Town has received a donation of a thermal imaging device to the Fire Department from
the McFadden family, and a second unit is in the works through a combination of public
support spearheaded by the Reading Co-Op Bank, plus a major donation to complete the
acquisition.
♦ I have been invited to be an evaluator of the "Innovation in American Government 2000
Awards Program," sponsored by the Ford Foundation, The Kennedy School of Government
at Harvard University and the Council for Excellence in Government. The Charter says that
the Board of Selectmen must approve because he is receiving a stipend under$500.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve Peter
Hechenbleikner being an evaluator of the "Innovation in American Government 2000 Awards
Program,"and receive a stipend for under$500. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Eagle Scout Award — William S Korth — On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the
Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Certificate of Appreciation for William S. Korth in
recognition of his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Hearing on Speed Zone—Intervale Terrace— Secretary George Hines read the notice. The Town
Manager noted that there were two letters from residents in tonight's handout requesting 25 mph.
The State came out and did a speed study and are requesting that the speed limit be lowered from
30 mph to 25 mph.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15. 2000—Page 3
- , Resident Helen Bramante asked if signs would be put up, and indicated that she has been trying
to get the speed limit lowered for 26 years. The Town Manager noted that signs will be installed.
Selectman George Hines asked if any of the residents there were present were opposed, and the
response was no.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing
on establishing the speed limit at Intervale Terrace. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to establish the speed
limit of 25 mph on Intervale Terrace eastbound beginning at Lowell Street ending at John Carver
Road, and westbound beginning at John Carver Road ending at Lowell Street. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Presentation by Lincoln Properties re: Reading Business Park — The Town Manager noted that
the Town is severing their relationship with Corporex. Lincoln Properties was ranked second in
the rating of the top three candidates, and they are here to make a presentation to the Board of
Selectmen.
Sean Chrisom, Richard Rose and Martin Howle from Lincoln Properties were present. Sean
Chrisom noted that the original proposal included 304 apartment units, a hotel and an office
building. Lincoln Properties now wants to propose 450 apartment units, a hotel and no office
building. The Town Manager noted that Lincoln Properties will have new numbers to the Town
by next Friday.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the hotel unit would be for extended stay. Sean Chrisom
noted that the market for extended stay was strong. The Town Manager noted that the tax for
extended stay was the same as for a regular hotel.
Selectman George Hines noted that this plan is for major use of the upper portion, .and"he wants
to make sure that the developer knows the site. Richard Rose from Lincoln Properties noted that
if they put 75 foot piles to the glacial till and put a slab on it, then they can build on it.
Selectman George Hines noted that the office development market is higher than it has ever
been, and he noted he didn't understand why they are not supporting office use. Sean Chrisom
noted that it is difficult to get construction financing for office buildings without a tenant.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the age of renters in luxury apartments. Richard Rose
noted that the average age is 28-45 years old, and they are typically empty nesters with an
income of$75,000-$100,000.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the amount of time needed for the feasibility period.
Richard Rose indicated that there could be benchmarks and progress meetings.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2000—Page 4
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked about the unit numbers. Richard Rose indicated 50%
would be one bedroom unit, 40% would be two bedroom units, and 10% would be two bedroom
units with a den.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there are any open space amenities. Richard Rose indicated
that there is a lot of open space.
Town Meeting Member Bill Brown asked if this plan will require a change in zoning at Town
Meeting. The Town Manager noted that it would.
Town Meeting Member Nancy Eaton asked if the Town will be refiling with MEPA. The Town
Manager noted that this plan has less impact, and the Town will probably file a Notice of
Change. Nancy Eaton asked for a water consumption analysis. The Town Manager noted this
would be forthcoming.
Selectman George Hines requested a financial compilation comparing Lincoln's proposal with
Dickinson Development.
The Town Manager suggested that the Board wait until they receive the financial information
and take action at their next meeting.
Approval of Health Insurance Agreement—The Town Manager noted that he has negotiated the
Health Insurance Agreement with all of the unions. All of the unions have approved and all of
the terms are the same.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
Health Insurance Agreement between the Town of Reading and its employees effective March 1,
2000 through February 28, 2001. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Wingate - Fire Lane - The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approved Section 5.14 of
the General Bylaws to establish fire lanes. The Town Manager noted that Wingate at Reading is
requesting a waiver to allow the Reading Police Department to ticket vehicles that are parked in
the fire lane on their property. He recommends approval.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted in accordance
with Section 5.14 of the General Bylaws of the Town of Reading, in accordance with the request
of the property owner and upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief, to designate as a fire lane
the "horseshoe driveway" along the southerly portion of the building known as Wingate at
Reading, 1364 Main Street; and that the property owner be directed to post and maintain signs
designating this area as "FIRE LANE — NO PARKING — TOW ZONE" in accordance with
section 5.14.5. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discuss Reizional Meetings — The Town Manager noted that Selectman George Hines had
suggested getting together with other Selectmen to discuss common issues. The Town of -
Andover thinks it's a great idea. The meetings would be informal and Selectman George Hines
indicated that there would have to be an agenda.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15 2000—Page 5
- Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor suggested Special Ed and potential legislation would be good
agenda items. Selectman George Hines suggested adding the Ipswich River to the agenda.
The Town Manager will send a letter to Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Andover, North
Reading and Lynnfield inviting them to a meeting in April.
Renaming C & H Streets — The Town Manager noted that a notice was sent to all of the letter
streets. C and H Streets were the only streets that showed an interest in changing. Town
Counsel did research the procedure. The only time the State gets involved is if there is an
appeal. The Historical Commission has recommended names. A name is needed to establish a
hearing.
The Town Manager will send a letter to residents on C and H Streets asking for a name for the
streets.
Building Maintenance - Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about breaking the building
maintenance budget into a separate budget. The Town Manager noted that Selectmen and
School Committee approval would be needed and then it would go to Town Meeting.
Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that she felt building maintenance should be its own
department. The Superintendent of Schools should be worried about education -- not building
maintenance.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked the Town Manager to prepare a list of the options and
what the procedure would be to accomplish this.
Approval of Minutes
The December 14, 1999 minutes were tabled.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of January 12, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3=0-1, with
Anthony abstaining.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of January 27, 2000, as amended. The motion was approved by a vote
of 4-0-0.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of February 15, 2000 at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary