HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 26, 2000,
The meeting convened at 7:40 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George
Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Sally Hoyt and Matthew Cummings, Town
Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Counsel H
Theodore Cohen, Superintendent of Schools Harry Harutunian, Conservation Administrator
Karen Mullins, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Kathy Greenfield,
Virginia Adams, Bill Brown, Allison DaSilva, Nancy Eaton, Kim Honetschlager, Ed Balboni,
Judith Mitchel, Sue Cavicchi, Ben Nichols, George Perry.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Selectman Matthew Cummings had no report.
Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that she attended meetings of the Board of Appeals, CPDC and
Conservation Commission, and also attended the Firefighters ceremony honoring the two men
from Maine and their acts of heroism. She visited the location of the comprehensive permit for
Beacon Street, and noted that the Fire Department cannot access that site.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Open Space and Recreation Task Force is putting
together the final draft of the Open Space Plan. It will be going to the Boards, Committees and
Commissions for their comments. She also noted that the Legal Services Review Committee
conducted three interviews and have three more scheduled.
Selectman George Hines met with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee regarding Pay As You
Throw. He indicated to them that it would have to be revenue neutral. The SWAC will be
putting together a questionnaire. He attended the Danvers Savings Bank Grand Opening, and
they have indicated that they have a community room that will be available for meetings while
the bank is open.
Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that a well known critic of the School Department and the
Town called an attorney who works with him to talk about Mr. Nestor's shortcomings. He
noted that he is in favor of the open record law but this action crossed the line, and there is a
need for civility in the Town.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Selectmen's Forum will take place on October 3rd. It will be televised from the RCTV
studio so there is no opportunity for an audience other than the residents watching on TV
and, hopefully, calling in.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2000—Page 2
♦ The next Financial Forum is Saturday, October 21, 2000.
♦ We have received a lot of calls about the signal operation at the intersection of
Willow/Grove/Lowell Streets. Modifications were made on Friday or Monday of this week,
and it seems to be working better. We have asked the MHD to implement the left turn phase
of the project on Lowell Street and, hopefully, we will be getting that designed and
implemented shortly.
♦ We have installed a crosswalk on Middlesex at the northerly entrance to the Library, and one
will be installed on Grove Street east(towards Lowell Street) from Mark Avenue.
♦ We just received today approval from MHD to make Minot Street a heavy vehicle exclusion,
and a hearing is scheduled for October 17th.
♦ I have talked with Mayor Dever from Woburn and Mike Caira from Wilmington about the
heavy vehicle exclusion on West Street. I will be moving ahead on meeting with the two
communities to try to get this regulation effectuated.
♦ The site walk on Route 129 has taken place and all remaining work should be completed by
the end of this Fall. Selectman George Hines suggested that the Town Manager send a notice
and punch list to the abutters asking them to maintain the tree lawns. He indicated that some
people may not realize it is their responsibility to maintain the tree lawns.
♦ _Sewer work on Walkers Brook Drive is well underway. The process is disruptive — it is 14
feet deep and on a busy street. Progress is slow but steady, and the Construction Manager
from CDM is managing the job effectively.
♦ The Mill/Short Street sewer construction is done, and the road is "buttoned up" for the
Winter. During the Winter, the Community Planning and Engineering staffs will be working
on a final road paving, and we hope to try to design a sidewalk on one side of the road. This
is a scenic road and there will be hearings on the project.
♦ A Plus Printing in Downtown Reading is going out of business as of Friday—Don Cowan
and his print shop will be missed.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation— Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive — Representatives from the Knights of
Columbus were present. They noted that they raised$6239 last year.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
Proclamation for October 6-9, 2000 as the Knights of Columbus Weekend for Physically and
Mentally Challenged Children. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Proclamation — Honoring Business and Professional Women's Week — Selectman Sally Hoyt
noted that Beth Klepeis has been selected as "Woman of the Year." They will be honoring her
on October 11, 2000.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen approved a Proclamation for
October 16-21, 2000 as Business and Professional Women's Week in the Town of Reading. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2000—Page_3
Personnel and Appointments
Zoning Board of Appeals —The Town Manager noted that there are two vacancies on the Board
_ of Appeals -- one that can be filled now and one that can be filled in October. He. suggested that
the Selectmen interview Ed Balboni and wait until they hear from the Associate Members if they
want full membership.
Ed Balboni was present. He noted that he is retired and has the time to devote to the committee.
Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if he was aware of the comprehensive permit process and Mr.
Balboni noted that he wasn't.
Chairman Matthew Nestor asked what things are considered in the appraisal of a development.
Mr. Balboni noted what properties have already been developed, the price, location and zoning
of the property. The type of neighborhood, the type of site and demand for the property are all
taken into consideration.
Chairman Matthew Nestor asked Mr. Balboni if he could calculate a profit margin. Mr. Balboni
noted that the difference between the total cost of the development and the amount that can be
obtained when developed is the profit.
Chairman Matthew Nestor asked what would be needed from the developer, and Mr. Balboni
noted that he would need the total cost of the project. Chairman Matthew Nestor asked what
stage that could be determined at, and Mr. Balboni noted that it could be determined at any stage,
but the further along in the project the more accurate of a figure.
Selectman George Hines asked if there were any particular land use issues in Reading that
concern him, and Mr. Balboni indicated that there weren't.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked what kind of value would he put on what the property
owner wants and what is allowed. Mr. Balboni noted that everything has to be considered, and
he has been a negotiator and usually can make both sides happy.
Selectman Sally Hoyt asked if he had any experience writing up decisions, and Mr. Balboni
noted that he didn't but he has the ability to do that.
Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that Mr. Balboni had experience as an expert witness and asked
who he had been an expert witness for. Mr. Balboni noted that he was an expert witness for the
Mass. Department of Public Works in land taking matters. He was an Assessor in Lynn, Salem
and Reading for many years.
Selectman Sally Hoyt asked about conflicts of interest. Mr. Balboni noted that he didn't foresee
any conflicts but if one were to come up, he would make it known and not participate.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that he had worked for an engineering firm and asked if he
could read plans. Mr. Balboni noted that he could.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2000—Page 4
Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Board was going to wait to make the appointment.
Selectman George Hines noted that John Jarema had noted that he is not interested in a full
membership and neither of the other two Associates have come forward to fill this vacancy so
the Board should go ahead and appoint.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name
into nomination for one position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2003:
Edmund Stanley Balboni. Mr. Balboni received five votes and was appointed.
Historical Commission — Virginia Adams, Kathy Greenfield and Judith Mitchel were present.
Ms. Adams noted that the Historical Commission would very much like to have Ms. Greenfield
and Ms. Mitchel as Associate Members.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into
nomination for two Associate positions on the Historical Commission with terms expiring June
30, 2001: Kathryn M. Greenfield and Judith A. Mitchel. Ms. Greenfield and Ms. Mitchel each
received five votes and were appointed.
Cultural Council—Allison DaSilva was interviewed by the Board.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name
into nomination for one Associate position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30,
2001: Allison DaSilva. Ms. DaSilva received five votes and was appointed.
Last Night 2000 Committee—The applicant was not present.
Discussion/Action Items
Close Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting_— Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen was present.
The Town Manager and Town Counsel reviewed the Articles on the Warrant.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he would prefer to have discussion on the Articles
before the closing of the Warrant instead of after.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the Warrant
consisting of 14 Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting to be held at the Reading Memorial
High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road, on Monday, November 13, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing on Amendment to Section 5.2 of Traffic Rules and Regulations establishing Reading
Community Access Sticker, amendin4 fees for commuter parking sticker and establishing rules
and regulations therefor — Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Chairman
Matthew Nestor noted that this has been created as a Selectmen's response to raise revenues.
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Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2000—Page_5
The Town Manager noted that currently the sticker for the Depot is free for residents and out of
towners pay. The new Reading Community Access Sticker will be for combined use of the
Compost Center and Depot parking for $25/year. The non-resident commuter stickers will
increase from $20/month to $30/month. The non-resident employee parking stickers will be
$10/year.
Chairman Matthew Nestor asked how much revenue this will create. The Town Manager noted
that it was hard to say but it could raise$40,000450,000 per year.
Selectman George Hines asked if the sticker could include overnight parking in the Hamden
Yard and parking in conservation areas. The Town Manager noted that he would include
overnight parking in the regulations but he would have to research paying to park in conservation
areas.
Town Meeting Member Bill Brown noted that there will be a lot of illegal dumping, and he
asked how regulations will be enforced.
The Town Manager noted that people will be turned away from the Compost Center if they don't
have a sticker. People parking in the Depot without a sticker will receive a$15 parking ticket.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the
hearing on establishing a Reading Community Access Sticker and amending fees for Commuter
Parking Sticker and establishing rules and regulations therefor. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve
Article 5, Section 5.2 of the Traffic Rules and Regulations as amended establishing a Reading
Community Access Sticker and fee, amending the fees for commuter parking, employee parking
and overnight parking in designated municipal lots. The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
Consideration of School Committee request to appropriate Chapter 70 funds — FY 2001 —
Superintendent of Schools Harry Harutunian and School Committee Chairman Sue Cavicchi
were present.
The Town Manager noted that the Chapter 70 money has become available. The School
Committee requested and the Finance Committee recommended approval of appropriations of
$424,000 plus to the School Department for the FY 2001 budget.
Superintendent of Schools Harry Harutunian noted that the State has done an audit looking for
how the money is spent. The School Committee has approved a specified list including Special
Ed, student transportation and fuel.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he has a problem appropriating this money outside of
full debate.
Board of Selectmen Meeting=September 26, 2000 —Page 6
The Town Manager noted that if the money is not appropriated now, it will go into free cash.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that Chapter 70 funds are for the education budget and we
should abide by their mission.
Selectman George Hines noted that the Town does not lose this money, and the Finance
Committee unanimously recommended appropriating the money, and the legislator gave the
Selectmen authority to do this. He also noted that the municipal side also has deficiencies, and
feels a portion should go to employee benefits.
The Town Manager noted that the legislator states that the money has to be given to the schools..
It cannot be earmarked for employee benefits because it is outside the School Department
budget.
Superintendent of Schools Harry Harutunian noted that there is concern that the State may
change the formula if the Town doesn't use the full amount for the schools.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to appropriate the sum
of$424,561 in additional Chapter 70 assistance to the School Department in accordance with the
provisions of Section 3, Chapter 159 Acts of 2000. Hines moved and Cummings seconded to
amend the amount of$424,561 to $284,456 or 66%. The motion to amend failed by a vote of 1-
4-0, with Anthony, Nestor, Cummings and Hoyt opposed. The main motion was approved by a
vote of 4-1-0, with Cummings opposed.
Tax Title Review for possible land transfers to Conservation Commission — Invite Land Bank
Committee also — Conservation Administrator Karen Mullins, Open Space Member Kim
Honetschlager, Conservation Commission Chairman Nancy Eaton, Land Bank Members Ben
Nichols and George Perry were present.
Conservation Administrator Karen Mullins noted that in the Selectmen's packet is a list of 31 tax
possession properties, maps and a list of other Town-owned land. The Town Manager noted that
tax possession properties come through non-payment of taxes. The Board of Selectmen has
authority to dispose of or transfer. The other properties are not within the Selectmen's purview
to dispose of.
Conservation Administrator Karen Mullins noted that some of the properties are small pieces
that abutters may be interested in or DPW might want. She suggested setting up site walks and
do a staff review at the same time.
Conservation Committee Chairman Nancy Eaton noted that reviewing these parcels was a goal
of the 1995 Open Space Plan.
The Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager to set up a schedule to review these parcels.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 26, 2000—Page 7
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of August 1, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of August 9, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-2, with
Hoyt and Nestor abstaining.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of August 22, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of September 5, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes
of their meeting of September 12, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Hoyt
abstaining.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of September 18, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-2,
with Nestor and Hoyt abstaining.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of September 26, 2000 at 10:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and
the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, g
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Secretary