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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-14 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting March 14, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:25 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nancy Eaton, Debby McCulley, Carol Grimm, Bob Brown, Acme Mark, Jean Hoyt, David and Julie Talbot, Rev. Robert Sweet, Nancy Ortiz, Keith and Mary Becker, Mary McEachern. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session for the discussion of strategy for the sale of real estate and approval of minutes to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:45 p.m. On a roll call vote, Nestor, Anthony and Cummings all voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Selectman Matthew Cummings had no report. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Open Space and Recreation Committee has been meeting. Surveys were handed out at the Election. She noted that she is going to the State House tomorrow for a program on Special Ed funding. Selectman George Hines noted that the Proposition 2 %2 did not pass. He has concerns about the breakdown in civility during the campaign and the majorities lack of respect for their employees. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he is also planning to attend the program on Special Ed funding at the State House tomorrow. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: o The Building Inspector has received a Comprehensive Permit application for 10 units of housing on the property on George Street. The hearing is scheduled for March 30th. o The Environmental Notification Form site hearing for the potential redevelopment of the Addison-Wesley property on South Street took place on March 6th. o March 20th CPDC Meeting—Addison-Wesley and landfill zoning. o Two of the four sides of the Senior Center roof are done and the project should be completed within about three weeks, as weather permits. o The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program will be in Reading on May 20th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Reading DPW. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 14, 2000—Page 2 ♦ The Board of Selectmen is meeting in joint session tomorrow night at the RMLD re: Financial Forum. ♦ The Town's Annual Report was in the last Reading Notes—March 3, 2000. Due to budget constraints, this will probably be the last Reading Notes. Selectman George Hines thought this was premature because the Selectmen have not made their cuts yet. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor disagreed with George Hines and indicated that the budget is not going to get any better. ♦ Election recap: Voter turnout was 55%, the best turnout for a Local Election. A question was raised about the placement of the ballot question on the bottom of the ballot, the concern being that it was "hidden"and voters could not find it. By the statistic that 93% of those who took a ballot voted on the question, clearly voters were able to find the question. That compares to the top vote getter in the Local Election receiving 56% of the votes for those who took a Local Election ballot. The placement of the ballot question is exactly the same as for all elections—it is placed after the listing of elected positions being voted upon. The print size and print type is the same as in all other elections. ♦ There is an MMA Meeting in Marlborough for members of the Board of Selectmen who may want to attend—3-23, 7:00-9:00 a.m. re: Cell Tower Siting Legislation. ♦ The Federal Census forms have been mailed out. It is very important that residents return the census form to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are a number of effects of having an accurate count, including distribution of Federal funding, reapportionment of Congressional and State legislative districts and the redrawing of Town precinct boundaries. ♦ The Town Manager congratulated Camille Anthony on her re-election. ♦ RCTV has moved to Ash Street. They are in the small brick building in front of the RMLD. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Girl Scout Week — On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation designating March 11—March 17, 2000 as Girl Scout Week. Discussion/Action Items Award of Sale of Land—Linnea Lane—The Town Manager reviewed the process. He noted that two out of a possible three bids came in. The Cormio family bid $6250 and he recommends awarding the bid to them. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to award the sale of the property known as Plat 160, Lot 19A on Linnea Lane to Robert V. and Concettina M. Cormio in the amount of$6250 and subject to all of the conditions of sale as advertised. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearin — Amendments to the Administrative Code — Secretary George Hines read the legal notice. The Town Manager noted that the Town Charter provides for adoption of the code; i.e., table of organization which sets up how we are organized to do business. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 14. 2000—Page 3 The Town Manager noted that he is proposing two changes. One to consolidate Human Services and Community Development, and the other is to put the Land Bank under General Services to work with the Town Clerk. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested that this be dealt with after the Building Maintenance budget. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on the amendments to the administrative code. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — 82 Linden Street Comprehensive Permit — Secretary George Hines read the legal notice. The Town Manager noted that this was before the Selectmen at a previous meeting. The Board of Selectmen has no formal role but had committed themselves to this meeting. A notice was sent to the abutters. The proposal is for up to six units of affordable housing. This is scheduled before the Board of Appeals in April. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that she had attended the site visit on March 4th. The court case is in a holding pattern. Housing Authority Chairman Reverend Robert Sweet noted that they are making progress on 82 Linden Street. He noted that the Anti-Snob Zoning Law is designed to take control away from the Board of Selectmen and gives control to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Meetings have been held with the neighbors. There was a site visit on March 4, 2000. The house currently has six apartments and nine parking spaces. The neighbors have requested an alternative to parking. Rev. Sweet anticipates no additional cars -- there may even be fewer cars. He anticipates going before the Zoning Board of Appeals next month. David Talbot of 75 Linden Street noted that the neighbors are looking for the spirit of compromise. He indicated that four units is a reasonable compromise. He noted that the owner of a two family on Woburn Street will want to become a five family if six families are allowed at 82 Linden Street. He asked the Board not to set a precedent. He asked that the Board let the appeal run its course. He wants the Board of Selectmen to ask the Zoning Board of Appeals to defer this to CPDC, and he noted that density is the problem. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Board of Selectmen does not have the authority to defer the case to CPDC. He also noted that regarding the five family that Mr. Talbot was talking about,he could not see a private developer rushing in to create affordable housing, and noted that the comprehensive permit removes the density problem. This home was set up as an elderly home,was grandfathered and continued to be a rooming house. David Talbot noted that the house was put on the market in the 1970's as a two family house. He feels the renovations that were made are illegal. - Selectman George Hines asked if everyone could agree on four units, would the Talbot's withdraw? Mr. Talbot indicated he would. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 14, 2000—Page 4 Julie Talbot of 75 Linden Street wants to wait for the decision on the appeal. She indicated that two of the units are empty. Selectman George Hines noted that he went on the site visit. He has a problem with not allowing the appeal to run its course. Mary McEachern of 9 Kingston Street asked about the process for the comprehensive permit. The Town Manager noted that the Town does not have any set rules or regulations regarding the comprehensive permit process. The Zoning Board of Appeals will request input from other Boards. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Board of Selectmen has asked to be included in that process. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on the application by the Reading Housing Authority for a comprehensive permit to utilize the property at 82 Linden Street for up to six units of affordable housing. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that she has a problem with the density issues, and noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals will have to deal with these issues. Selectman George Hines asked the Board to consider requesting that the Board of Appeals delay their decision until the appeal process is complete. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked what would happen if the appeal is successful. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that the owner would have to convert to a two family, or apply for a comprehensive permit. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the neighbors feel that the Zoning Board of Appeals made a mistake, and that a compromise of less than six units and more than two units is reasonable. Hines moved and Cummings seconded that the Board of Selectmen recommend to the Zoning Board of Appeals that an application by the Reading Housing Authority for a comprehensive permit at 82 Linden Street for up to four units of affordable housing be considered, barring that wait until the appeal decision has been made. The motion failed by a vote of 2-2-0, with Anthony and Nestor opposed. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he has a problem leaving things up to the courts -- it will be in court for years. Review ATM Warrant — Focus on Budget and Capital — Saugus River Drainage and DPW Vehicle Maintenance — The Town Manager noted that the Board also needs to focus on Pay As You Throw (PAYT). The Town Manager noted that PAYT is a method to recover the cost of rubbish disposal, not collection. Debby McCully of 52 Wakefield Street noted that she has a petition supporting a unit pricing program in Reading. She noted that she was an Associate Member on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee in 1986 and they had looked at PAYT. She noted that elderly people would not be hurt financially because they make less trash. She also noted that PAYT is not tax deductible. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 14,2000—Page 5 Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there would be a reduction in service, and the Town Manager noted that there would not. Selectman George Hines noted that this is a good concept but the timing is not right. This will be looked at as a punitive action. He suggested looking at this in the future. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that this is not a good way to raise revenue because it is not tax deductible. He will not support PAYT now or in the future. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that this should have been done three years ago, and she feels that the Board should move forward with PAYT. Selectman George Hines noted he would support developing a plan to warn tax payers that this will be coming in a few years. Debby McCully noted that in 1990, 80 communities out of 174 were using a trash fee. She feels the Board of Selectmen should consider and revisit this issue. Bob Brown, member of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, noted that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee passed a motion supporting PAYT. They refer to it as a user fee. He noted that PAYT promotes financial and environmental equity. Anne Mark, former member of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, noted that PAYT should be framed as a positive light. It reduces waste and increases recycling. The Town Manager suggested that the Board of Selectmen ask the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to develop a"road map"to get to PAYT. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor agreed but indicated that it shouldn't be considered in the budget planning. DPW Director Ted McIntire was present to discuss Article 11 — the Saugus River Drainage Basin. The Town Manager noted that the drainage ditch is affecting private property. Ted McIntire noted that the river goes in many directions and the Line Road property is falling into the ditch. He is requesting hiring a consultant to evaluate the three bridges, survey the cross sections to determine options to stabilize and get a cost estimate to stabilize. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Conservation Administrator could delineate the wetlands. Ted McIntire indicated that he didn't think the Conservation Administrator had the time. There is a huge erosion problem along the Line Road area, and three bridges that have to be replaced. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he does not support this, and indicated that the whole Capital Plan needs to be looked at. Selectman George Hines noted that he understands the problem but can't commit right now. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor echoed the same concerns. Board of Selectmen Meetinz—March 14, 2000—Page 6 Nancy Eaton, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, suggested that a lot of the land is in tax title, and suggested that the land be transferred to the Conservation Commission for flood control. She indicated it might be more economical to have the Town purchase some of the parcels, demolish the houses and let the river go natural. Selectman Camille Anthony requested that DPW,relook at the Line Road area. The Town Manager noted that DPW does not have the resources to do this kind of work. The situation is not going to solve itself and it is not getting better. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she cannot see putting $1.3 million into this project. Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm noted that this project has been in the Capital Improvements Program since 1992 and it keeps getting moved. She indicated that the Finance Committee wants to go back and restructure the Capital Improvements Program. She suggested taking a two year breather until the landfill is developed. Selectman George Hines noted that the Capital Improvements Program should be built based on what we have for revenue. It can be adjusted when revenues increase. On motion by Cummings' seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to indefinitely postpone the subject matter of Article 11. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Public Works Director Ted McIntire noted that they are looking at consolidating vehicle maintenance for DPW, Police, Fire and RMLD, and are requesting $30,000 for hiring a consultant before designing. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if we service RMLD vehicles now, and the Town Manager noted that we do not, but they are looking at asking us. Currently, the Police and Fire Departments have a Mechanic who works out of the westside Fire Station, and he's been asking for a lift. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the cost of adding a bay. The Town Manager noted that there is $500,000 in the Capital Improvements Program for this. Selectman George Hines asked if the RMLD has said anything about kicking in some money. The Town Manager noted that the General Manager of the RMLD wants to focus on core business and not vehicle maintenance. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he didn't want to spend $30,000 to determine we don't have$500,000 to spend. The Town Manager suggested purchasing a lift for the Police and Fire Mechanic for $8000. Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm asked if that Mechanic would work nights at the DPW facility. The Town Manager noted that was not feasible. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if we could contract out, and the Town Manager noted that we contract out major work.. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted he couldn't see spending $8,000 for something we got along without all of these years. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 14, 2000—Page 7 Finance Committee Chairman Carol Grimm noted that the Finance Committee will be proposing to cut some Capital Improvements projects. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested doing away with Article 15 (Revolving Fund), and add it to the general budget because money is being used in other parts of Town where there are no cell towers. Selectman George Hines noted that the water tower fees could target neighborhoods that are not in the Capital Improvements project. We used if for the new Police Station neighborhood. Cummings moved and Nestor seconded to not support the subject matter of Article 15. The motion failed by a vote of 2-2-0,with Anthony and Hines opposed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of March 14, 2000 at 11:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary