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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-29 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 29, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:40 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, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Robert and Heidi Petrosino, William Moderi, Jane Fiore, Leone Sullivan, William Carrick, Nancy Eaton, Laurie Arsenault. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman George Hines noted that he attended the CPDC hearing on the new school. CPDC gave the School Committee a list of 17 recommendations. Access and use of land were the major issues. He attended the CPDC meeting last night regarding Austin Prep who got approval to build a new field house. Addison- Wesley (Pearson) held a public infon-nation session before going before CPDC. The major issue is access. He attended a Reading Ice Arena Authority Meeting this evening. The debt for the swimming pool is virtually paid off--there is only$50,000 left to pay and that will be paid in six months. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the pool at the YMCA was money well spent -- a lot of people are using the facility. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Board of Library Trustees is appointing a search committee for the Library Director's position. He has received phone calls regarding the access and use of space for the new school. He received a flyer in the mail regarding budget cuts, and he noted that it does not reflect deliberation of the Board of Selectmen. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he is still receiving complaints about the lack of sound at the Selectmen meetings on Cable Television. He encouraged voters to vote next week, and noted that there is an informational session on the Proposition 2 %2 override tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall at the High School. Public Comment — Town Meeting Member Bill Brown noted that regarding Selectman Cummings' comment on the flyer he received, Town Meeting will be making the budget cuts, not the Selectmen. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen has with him this evening a signed copy of the agreement with Corporex severing our relationship. The Board of Selectmen has previously reviewed a draft. I would recommend that the Board of Selectmen approve the agreement and sign it this,evening. Town Counsel reviewed the agreement. Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—February 29, 2000—Page 2 On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an agreement with Corporex severing the relationship with the Town regarding development of the landfill. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. ♦ Site Plan Approval Process — New elementary school project — This item was part of the CPDC hearing on February 24, 2000 at the RMHS Lecture Hall. The Board of Selectmen has a copy of the CPDC advisory comments on this matter. ♦ The Building Inspector has received a Comprehensive Permit application for 10 units of housing for the property on George Street. No action by the Board of Selectmen is provided for — they have bypassed the normal chain of events by having a New England home Loan Bank finance the project and pursuant to a recent case in Barnstable, they are entitled to go directly to the ZBA with an application. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if this would come before the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Manager noted that it would not. It will go before the ZBA, CPDC and the Conservation Commission. Vice Chainnan Matthew Nestor asked if the Selectmen could vote on this. The Town Manager noted it is not required and it would not be binding. Selectman George Hines noted that the Selectmen could vote and pass their recommendation onto CPDC. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the ZBA does not have a written procedure in place for a comprehensive permit. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested passing the Selectmen Minutes onto the ZBA. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he felt the Selectmen should vote and pass it along with the Minutes to the ZBA. The Town Manager will put together a packet of information with Minutes for the Board's next meeting. He noted that the major issues were the number of units and the access point. ♦ The Town has received an Environmental Notification Form for the potential redevelopment of the Addison-Wesley property on South Street, including an extensive traffic study. The site visit is scheduled for March 6th. ♦ The Senior Center roofing work has started and will proceed as weather permits. ♦ We have moved into the new Police Station, as of Monday morning. We are still operating in part from the old Station but by the end of the week, we should be totally operating out of the new site. The quality of work is very good and there will be a Grand Opening in early April. ♦ The Board of Selectmen is meeting in joint session tomorrow night at the Lecture Hall at RMHS with the Finance Committee and the School Committee to answer questions regarding the FY 2001 budget and the Proposition 2 %2 override. Staff will be available to present information and answer questions. ♦ The Town's Annual Report will be in the next Reading Notes—March 3, 2000. ♦ Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson has prepared a summary of voter registration and it is included in the Board of Selectmen material this evening. The Presidential Primary and Town Elections are being held next Tuesday at the Hawkes Field House from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that there are two separate ballots for this Election. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 29, 2000—Page 3 -- ♦ Lincoln Properties presented a proposal at the Selectmen's last meeting. The Town Manager and the Assistant Town Manager met with Lincoln this afternoon, and a summary of that proposal is in tonight's handout that compares Lincoln's proposal with the Dickinson proposal. Lincoln is proposing to purchase the landfill for$7.65 million; close and cap the landfill and deduct$4 million from purchase price; set aside$1 million from the remaining $3.65 million and the Town will get $2.65 million on the closing; $1 million will be set aside until office is developed; 350 units of residential, 50% 213R, 50% 1BR and will meet 10% affordable housing requirements; 200 room hotel; 150,000 square feet of office; traffic mitigation; 30 day P &S Agreement; 90 due diligence period. Selectman Camille Anthony asked the Assistant Town Manager to look at how the water usage would play into the MWRA buy in. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if there will be an added cost for water and sewer. The Town Manager noted that there is no problem with sewer because they will have to pay it. Selectman George Hines noted that after Corporex not negotiating in good faith, he gets an uneasy feeling from Lincoln because first the office is out and now the office is in. The Town Manager will get confinnation in writing from Lincoln that the office is back in. The Town Manager noted that Lincoln does office development but they don't want to commit without a tenant, and they can't get a tenant without the land. Incentives need to be developed. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that in the 15 year scenario, it is more advantageous to go with 450 units and a hotel than with the office proposal. Selectman George Hines noted that office development is the hottest market right now. He feels that the$1 million should be the Town's to collect interest on as an incentive. The Town Manager noted that would have to be negotiated. Robert Petrosino of 18 Elliot Street noted that he is an abutter to the landfill. He has concerns about traffic. He noted that residential use increases traffic in Downtown but it wouldn't increase with commercial use. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Dickinson proposal has 14 cinemas and that should concern him more. Mr. Petrosino noted that not everyone will come from Reading--most will come from Route 128. Selectman George Hines indicated that he was concerned about going with a residential development because of the school population. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that when Lincoln gave their presentation, they were committed to 450 residential units and now they have changed. Whose idea was it? The Town Manager noted that their original proposal was for residential/hotel/office. They changed because they couldn't guarantee an office. If the Town wants an office, this is the package. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked about the financial outcome. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the original proposal was $24.5 million and the current proposal is $23.1 million. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 29, 2000—Page 4 Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the 300 units would be built on the front of the site. The Town Manager noted that it would have to be the front because the rear is the most expensive to develop. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the developer feels that this type of housing will not impact the schools. He feels it is difficult to leave $4 million on the table, and also feels that the Town should aggressively negotiate. He doesn't want to see an empty office pad on the property. Selectman George Hines noted that Lincoln's proposal was ranked on factors that included an office. If it was straight residential from the beginning, it wouldn't have been ranked in the top three. Office space puts the risk on the developer but that's what it is all about. Town Meeting Member Bill Brown asked if a 2/3 vote was required at Town Meeting to change the zoning. The Town Manager noted that it is. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that the Board needs to determine if they want office space, or if they should bypass Lincoln and go onto Dickinson. Selectman George Hines suggested looking at the other proposals. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that we had a committee who spent a-lot of time reviewing all of the proposals and he didn't think that would be appropriate. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Dickinson has sent a letter to the Board, and asked if the Board could go back and look at the Dickinson plan. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Dickinson proposal is the same as the original proposal. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if a zoning change would be needed for the Dickinson proposal. The Town Manager noted it might for the building height. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked the Assistant Town Manager to contact Dickinson and find out what they mean by"future office building." The Assistant Town Manager noted that the initial plan was to phase it in. The Town Manager noted that Dickinson is offering an alternative where Home Depot will guarantee the office space. The Board will meet on March 8, 2000 regarding this issue and the following information is requested for that meeting: Get written confirmation from Lincoln regarding the office space; breakdown of the 450 units versus the proposal with the office; firm up guarantee issue with Dickinson regarding office space; timelines for both offers including zoning_ changes; percentage of school children; impact on water and excise tax evaluation. The Board had discussion on whether to have both developers at their meeting on March 8, 2000. Selectman Matthew Cummings requested that Lincoln be notified that we are requesting information from Dickinson. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted he didn't want both developers in the same room, and that the Board should deal with Lincoln first. If the Board decides we don't want them, then move onto Dickinson. - Board of Selectmen Meeting–February 29, 2000–Page 5 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation – Drug Free Week – Secretary George Hines read the Proclamation. Health Administrator Jane Fiore, D.A.R.E Officer Leone Sullivan and Substance Abuse Advisory Council Member Bill Carrick were present to receive the Proclamation. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Proclamation declaring March 9 through March 12, 2000 as the Town of Reading's Drug Free Week. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation – Red Cross Month – Secretary George Hines read the Proclamation. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Proclamation declaring the month of March as American Red Cross Month.. Personnel and Appointments Conservation Commission–Applicant was not present. Leizal Services Review Team–No applicants. Substance Abuse Advisory Council – Laurie Arsenault was interviewed for one position on the Substance Abuse Advisory Council. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one term on the Substance Abuse Advisory Council with a term expiring June 30, 2000: Laurie Arsenault. Ms. Arsenault received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Final Response to Audit Letter – The Town Manager noted that he spoke with the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent indicated that the School Department will review and approve the rental rates on an annual basis. Cash collection for rental of facilities will be segregated as of July 1, 2000 and leases are being reviewed by Town Counsel. Selectman Camille Anthony asked that these items be tracked until they are resolved on July 1, 2000. Designation of Memorial Day Speakers – The designation for Memorial Day Speakers is as follows: Sally Hoyt —Laurel Hill Cemetery; Camille Anthony – Forest Glen Cemetery; Matthew Nestor–Charles Lawn Cemetery; Matthew Cummings–Wood End Cemetery. Review of Process – Comprehensive Permit – Reading Housing AuthoritX – Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that under Chapter 40b, the Selectmen can have an advisory vote but it is non-binding. The Town Manager noted that at the first hearing on 82 Linden Street, the Selectmen adjourned the hearing and told the residents that it would come back on as a public hearing. Reading Housing Authority is coming in on March 14, 2000 but they don't want a hearing. Selectman Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 29, 2000—Page 6 Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen need to oversee when it is a Town agency going for comprehensive permit. Selectman George Hines noted that the legal status of the property needs to be clarified. He suggested that the Selectmen meet with Boards, Committees and Commissions to make sure everyone is on the same mission. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Reading Housing Authority does not have the same mission as the Selectmen — their mission is to supply housing. Selectman George Hines noted that mission statements have been developed for all Boards, Committees and Commissions, and they need to look at townwide community goals. The Assistant Town Manager noted that a mission statement for affordable housing is needed in Reading. Vice Chainnan Matthew Nestor noted that if Chapter 40b doesn't give the Selectmen a role, then we need to establish one. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the ZBA can carve out a role for the Board of Selectmen. Town Planner Acme Krieg noted that the ZBA can carve out a role that seeks the Board of Selectmen recommendation. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested sending a notice to the residents informing them that the Board of Selectmen have no jurisdiction and outline what the process will be. Selectman Camille Anthony asked what the legal status is with 82 Linden Street. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that it is pending, and it will go away when Reading Housing Authority buys it. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that the Selectmen had a concern regarding density, and ZBA needs to be informed of that. The Town Manager will convey to ZBA a desire for a procedure for the Board of Selectmen in the comprehensive permit process. Board of Selectmen Goals - The Town Manager indicated that he wants to add diversity to the Selectmen goals. He suggested taking off the Police staffing; add Addison-Wesley and protocol expectations. Selectman George Hines noted that there is a need to identify areas that have a budget impact. This would help to give focus and attention to the Selectmen agendas. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen set the goals but nobody owns them. A timeline and ownership should be developed for each one. The Town Manager suggested putting together a diagram with suggestions on goals, protocols and resolution. Selectman George Hines suggested having working sessions dedicated to goals. Approval of Minutes The minutes of December 14, 1999 were tabled. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 29, 2000—Page7 On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 1, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 15, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of February 29, 2000 at 10:20 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secret