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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 17, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:33 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, Police Chief Edward Marchand, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, RMLD General Manager Len Rucker, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nancy Eaton, Paul Kelley, John Jarema, Douglas Cowell, Jr., Allan Ames, Kim Honetschlager, Joan Wooldridge, Ed Driscoll, Shirley and Ben Grillo, Carol O'Brien, Roberta Sullivan. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman George Hines noted that he attended the site visit of the tax title properties. He commended Karen Mullins and Nancy Eaton for a great job. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended a meeting regarding the Dorothy Burbank Trust Fund. She received a phone call regarding the steps at the soccer field, and requested that Russell Dean follow up on the I-93 containment. She attended the walk of the RMHS track, and the site visit of the tax title properties. She received a phone call from a Minot Street resident who will have to buy a Community Access Sticker to park in front of her house. The Town Manager will put this on an upcoming agenda to deal with the issues. She noted that she had never formally met Rick Barrett, and requested that he come in to meet the Selectmen and talk about building maintenance issues. Selectman Sally Hoyt attended the site visit of tax title properties, and praised the Conservation Division for preparing the tour. She attended the testimonial for Beth Klepeis naming her Reading Business and Professional Woman of the Year. She received a request from an elderly resident for a discount on the Community Access Sticker, Selectman Matthew Cummings attended the walk at the RMHS track, and asked where this is in the Capital Plan. The Town Manager will have a list of requests for the November 14, 2000 Meeting. Selectman Matthew Cummings requested that the School Building Committee, Finance Committee and Selectmen meet regarding the escalating costs for the new High School. He noted that there has been some discussion at the regional level that the Regional Library contract may not go out to bid this year but just be renewed with Andover. There are concerns about a fair and open process. Chairman Matthew Nestor wanted to remind everyone that there is a Financial Forum on Saturday. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Board of Selectmen Meeting— October 17, 2000—Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report. ♦ The last day to register to vote in the November Election is Wednesday, October 18, 2000, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ♦ The Selectmen's Forum on October 3rd was very successful with lots of public participation. ♦ The Financial Forum is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2000, at 8:00 a.m. at Parker Middle School. It is open to the public and will be broadcast, although not live. ♦ RCTV has agreed to order new microphones for broadcasting Town Meetings, and they will be in place as early as this Saturday. ♦ The construction on Walkers Brook Drive is sewer construction not related to the sale of the landfill. ♦ Signals on 129 at Willow and Grove have been modified and their operation has improved. ♦ Punch list work on 129 has started-- it should be done by the end of this Fall. ♦ I have received calls about the construction on Main Street, particularly at South Street, and its effect on commuter traffic. It is so hard to get the contractor back to finish up the job that I think we have to be patient with work during commuter hours. ♦ Water and Sewer Rate Study — 2 proposals have been received and interviews will be done the week of October 30, 2000. ♦ Curbside Leaf Collection -- 10-23, 11-6 and 11-27 --then 2 weeks in the Spring. ♦ Studies in progress --Vehicle Maintenance -- draft end of this week; Water Hydraulics -- draft November 10; Pavement Management -- have draft and will review with Board of Selectmen in November. Personnel and Appointments Zoning Board of Appeals—John Jarema, Associate ZBA Member, was present to be interviewed for the full membership position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2001: John Jarema. Mr. Jarema received five votes and was appointed. Cable TV Advisory Committee — Douglas E. Cowell, Jr. was present to be interviewed for one position on the Cable TV Advisory Committee. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Cable TV Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2003: Douglas E. Cowell, Jr. Mr. Cowell received five votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant — Election — On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the Warrant for the State Election to be held on November 7, 2000 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, at the Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. f Board of Selectmen Meeting— October 17, 2000—Page 3 Re-Review Process of Hiring Police Chief—The Town Manager reviewed the options for hiring the Police Chief. He is recommending the Assessment Center and interview. The Assessment Center gives the best opportunity to evaluate the candidates. It is the fastest track and it parallels the process used to hire similar positions. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if a writing test can be given in the Assessment Center, interview option. The Town Manager indicated that it can. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why we couldn't conduct the interview ourselves like an Assessment Center. The Town Manager noted that it would take too much time and there have been challenges on appointments. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about funding for the Assessment Center. The Town Manager noted that it would come from the Police budget and/or Reserve Fund. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she didn't have a problem with the Assessment Center and interview option if it is going to get someone on board by March 1, 2001, Chairman Matthew Nestor agreed with Selectman Camille Anthony, and directed the Town Manager to get the money internally. Selectman Sally Hoyt agreed with the Assessment Center and interview option. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that for timing reasons alone, he will agree with the Assessment Center and interview option and wants the money to be found internally. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Town is.being forced to spend money because of Civil Service. He feels that staff can do the process effectively if not better, and prefers the test and interview option. The Board directed the Town Manager to move ahead with the Assessment Center and interview option, and to follow through to remove the Police Chief position from Civil Service. Review Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting — Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, RMLD General Manager Len Rucker and Light Board Member Allen Ames were present. The Town Manager noted that Article 8 is requested by the RMLD to amend the Charter. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he had a serious problem with the fact that an elected Board wants to delegate this responsibility. He will not support this Article. Town Counsel noted that the RMLD Attorney stated that it is okay to delegate, but the Department of Revenue states that it is not. The RMLD is willing to allow the General Manager and one Light Board Member to sign off. RMLD Board Member Allen Ames noted that their authority has been taken away because once the General Manager gives his approval, the Light Board cannot stop it. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 17, 2000—Pe4 On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 8 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Cummings opposed. Chief Edward Marchand noted that Article 7 is proposed by the Reading Police Department to deal with the motorized scooters. Town Counsel noted that the Department of Motor Vehicles suggests that cities and towns adopt regulations because they do not regulate these scooters yet. Chief Edward Marchand noted that there have been several near misses with 9 and 10 year olds going in and out of traffic and on sidewalks. The Town Manager noted that the timing is important because Christmas is coming up. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if there were any Bylaws now prohibiting snowmobiles. Town Counsel responded that there are not. They are included in this Article. Conservation Commission Chairman Nancy Eaton noted that if a vehicle is registered, it can go where it wants. She does not want motorized vehicles in the Town Forest or on conservation land. The Town Manager noted that the Town Forest and conservation can have separate regulations. Selectman Camille Anthony asked what we are trying to regulate, and Town Counsel noted motor scooters because they are riding everywhere. Snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, etc. will also be included. Selectman Camille Anthony asked where they will be able to use them, and Town Counsel noted in driveways and shopping centers., Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that paper boys use the motor scooters to deliver their papers. Vice Chairman George Hines reminded the Board that they adopted regulations on skateboards. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 7 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant with the addition of language that protects the interests of the Town Forest and conservation land. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-1, with Anthony opposed and Cummings abstaining. Paul Kelley from Precinct 5 and Kim Honetschlager were present to discuss Article 9. Mr. Kelley noted that the Diversity Awareness Committee proposed this Article. The Human Relations Commission would be comprised of nine members including one member of the Board of Selectman, the Police Chief or his designee, the Superintendent of Schools or his designee and the remainder being appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Town Counsel noted that the second sentence in 3.9.2 conflicts with the Charter and the language will have to change in the motion. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 17, 2000—Page 5 Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Article calls for the Town Manager to arrange staff support without funds to the extent possible, and that funding may not be possible and the language needs to be fine-tuned. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 9 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant subject to the change in language adding "or designee" as Board of Selectmen representative and that language requiring staff liaison be changed to "may designate." The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager reviewed Article 10. He noted that the Conservation Commission owns the abutting property. This property is not tax title so Town Meeting has to do the transfer. Chairman Matthew Nestor asked what would it take to transfer the property back to the Town. The Town Manager noted that it would take an act of legislature. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why we are doing this now. The Town Manager noted that the development of the recreation area is completed and the remaining land is wetland. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 10 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion - was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager reviewed Article 12. He noted that this gives the Board of Selectmen authority to abandon the sewer easements. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 12 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager noted that Articles 13 and 14 are zoning Articles for Pearson. The Board has previously reviewed these issues. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 13 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject matter of Article 14 on the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager noted that he needs direction on whether to do budget adjustments at the Fall or Spring Town Meeting. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he feels we should do it now. If certain things need to be funded, then Town Meeting should know about it now. Board of Selectmen Meeting— October 17, 2000—Page 6 Chairman Matthew Nestor directed the Town Manager to put the budget on a separate agenda item. Review Issue of Town Hall Hours — Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she feels a need to be flexible for the community. The Town Manager noted that there is a cost associated with changing the hours. Full-time employees will have to be paid overtime, and the long hours result in more staff stress and poor productivity. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that when we tried being open on Monday nights, very few people came in. Staff is also available to make appointments in the evening, if necessary. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that it is poor customer service not to offer night hours but we can't do it if the taxpayers don't want to pay. Parking Regulations — 287 Haverhill Street, Washington Street, Heavy Vehicle Exclusion on Minot Street— Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. 287 Haverhill Street - The Town Manager noted that Joan Wooldridge, the property owner at 287 Haverhill Street requested no parking because she can't get out of her driveway. She noted that she is concerned about the speed and volume of traffic on Haverhill Street, that there is very little policing and that there are huge trucks going to Monihan Lumber. Chief Edward Marchand noted that Haverhill Street, West Street and Main Streets are constantly being enforced. The traffic volume has increased dramatically. Chairman Matthew Nestor asked for the number of tickets issued on Haverhill Street for their next meeting. Washington Street — Chief Edward Marchand noted that the no parking is at the front of the entrance on the southside. The property owner requested a crosswalk but there is no sidewalk. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how many parking spaces will be eliminated, and it was noted that 1.5 spaces will be eliminated. Ed Driscoll of 105 Washington Street noted that he thought the hearing was about the parking fee. Chairman Matthew Nestor directed the Town Manager to put the parking fee issue on the November 14, 2000 Agenda, tentatively. Heavy Vehicle Exclusion on Minot Street— The Town Manager noted that he has been working with a resident to get this done. Traffic counts have been done and there are a lot of trucks and buses using this road. Shirley and Ben Grillo of 69 Minot Street were present. Mrs. Grillo noted that they have lived there for 21 years, and there are a lot of people rushing to get to the Depot. MBTA buses are using it as a short cut, and she feels Gray's Towing should not be allowed to use it at all. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 17, 2000—Page 7 The Town Manager noted that if their address is on Minot Street, then they can use it. He also noted that the signs will be taken down because if the speed limit is 30 mph, then it can't be posted. Carol O'Brien of 24 Minot Street noted that she supports her neighbors. Trucks use that road all day and all night. The towing company idles their trucks in front of her house all hours of the day and night. She has complained about speeding cars and people parking on the sidewalks, and she feels Minot Street should be a one way street. Selectman Camille Anthony requested a Police report on enforcement, and the possibility of making Minot Street a one way. Ben Grillo of 69 Minot Street noted that cars are parking on the sidewalks because they will get hit if they park on the street. Roberta Sullivan of 76 Minot Street noted that she doesn't notice any buses. She feels the issue is speed and it is not patrolled very well. Vice Chairman George Hines urged the Board Members not to pass the no parking on Washington Street because parking is at a premium. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on amendments to the Traffic Rules and Regulations. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 5, Section 5.3 — "No Parking Anytime" at 287 Haverhill Street on the east side. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 5, Section 5.3 — "No Parking Anytime" on Washington Street on the south side at the entrance to the park approximately 30 feet. The motion was approved by a vote of 3- 2-0 with Hoyt and Hines opposed. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 9 — "Heavy commercial vehicles excluded from Minot Street 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The alternate route shall be Main Street to Washington Street." The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Board of Selectmen Policies-This will be rescheduled. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 17, 2000—Page 8 Approval of Minutes On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of September 26, 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of October 17, 2000 at 10:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, - -; 'a Secretary M _�_