HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 28, 2000
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chainnan Matthew Nestor, Vice Chairman George Hines
(arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Matthew Cummings (arrived at
7:05 p.m.) and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager
Russell Dean, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Conservation Administrator Karen Mullins,
Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Kim
Honetschlager, Will Finch, Stephen Lewis, Taylor Bramhall, Andy Bramhall, Nadine
Wandzulak, Benjamin Nichols, Bill Brown, Paul Feely, Gina Snyder, Nancy Eaton, Mark
Racicot from MAPC, Rich Tomczyh from Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Barry and
Eliot Tatleman (Jordan's Furniture), Attorney Brad Latham, Randy Collins from Gates Leighton,
Bill Roach from VHB, Mark Dickinson, Dickinson Development.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive
Session for the purpose of litigation and Approval of Minutes to come back into Open Session at
approximately 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, Nestor, Anthony and Hoyt voted in the affirmative
and the Board went into Executive Session,
The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:42 p.m.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—There were no Selectmen's reports.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Board of Selectmen asked for updated information on traffic citations on Haverhill
Street and on Minot Street. This year to date, Haverhill Street has seen 155 citations written,
and Minot Street has seen 31. An historical report has been given to the Board of Selectmen
in their packet.
♦ The DPW Water Division has again received an award from the Massachusetts Dental
Association for maintaining the optimal levels of fluoride in the Town's water supply for
1999.
♦ Karen Mullins is leaving Reading to take a position as Conservation Administrator in
Lexington. She's done a terrific job in her 2 years here and she will be missed.
♦ We have received the "Open Space and Recreation Master Plan" in draft form to review and
comment. It is a huge document so I have not copied it for each of the Board of Selectmen—
let me know if you want it copied. Comments are due December 5th.
♦ Reading's tax rate has been set at $13.51, a reduction from last year. The Assessed Values
have increased though so there is unlikely to be a reduction in taxes.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Page 2_
♦ We are doing some construction work here in Town Hall to better utilize space in the Human -
Services and Community Development areas. There will be some disruption but the result
will be improved efficiency and better utilization of limited staff.
♦ The Reading Co-Op Bank is proposing to add a drive through to their building, and will be
discussing this with the CPDC.
s The Asbestos has been removed from the "old" Police Station and bids have been taken for
its demolition. The low bid is very favorable. We don't have enough money left from the
Danvers.Savings Bank donation to quite cover it so we are going to look at other options,
including a reserve fund transfer. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he wants to
know before this goes to the Finance Committee. The old Police Station is on the National
Historic Register, and the Historical Commission will be considering a demolition delay that
could be up to six months. Selectman Sally Hoyt asked if the Historical Commission is
interested in restoring the building and the Town Manager indicated they are not.
♦ Construction has been done on Franklin Street between Main and Pearl Streets—this was the
location of the greatest number of pothole claims this past year.
♦ The construction on Main Street intersections is moving forward very slowly — there is
allegedly a problem in getting the signal equipment.
♦ The Walkers Brook sewer project is progressing—it is about one month behind schedule, and
should be done by mid-January, weather permitting.
♦ Curbside leaf collection will be conducted this week, and there will be two weeks of
collection in the Spring. The Compost Center will be open January 6thfor leaves and
Christmas trees. We have received calls to open the Compost Center this weekend.
♦ Studies in progress — Vehicle Maintenance — draft received; Water Hydraulics; Pavement
Management— draft received and reviewed with Board of Selectmen; Contract awarded for
Water and Sewer rate study.
Discussion/Action Items
Review Build-Out Analysis — Rich Tomczyh from the Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs and Mark Racicot from MAPC were present.
Mr. Tomczyh noted that they were there to talk about community preservation and watershed
initiatives. The EOEA is providing build out maps to all cities and towns in the State.
Mr. Racicot noted that the build out analysis can be used as a capital planning tool. If a
community doesn't like what it sees, then they can change the zoning, etc.
Mr. Racicot noted that Map #1 shows the permanently protected open space, subdivisions,
undeveloped land, and the first 100 feet of the River's Protection Act. Map #2 shows partial
constraints, the second 100 feet of the River's Protection Act. This map show a potential for 771
house lots in the community which will equal approximately 2000 more people in the
community and 382 students. Mr. Racicot noted that this map can be used for the Executive
Order 418 and/or used as a tool. He also noted that to get the Community Preservation Act in
Reading, it would have to go on the ballot and certain dates have to be met.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Page 5
Selectman Camille Anthony disclosed that she is on the Reading Open Land Trust Board of
Directors.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to transfer the following
tax title possession properties shown in the material dated 11/28/00 as A, C, D, E and F as
follows:
A. Transfer the following parcels acquired through tax title possession to Conservation pursuant
.to MGL c. 40, s. 8C for conservation, water supply and drainage purposes:
P# Property Map/Parcel/Acres Use
1 a North Main Street 245/006 .482 Con Com
lb North Main Street 245/007 .484 Con Com
2 Main Street 195/002 3.617 Con Com
4h Salem Street 092/030 .923 Con Com
5 Knollwood Road 035/006-007 .619 Con Com
9 Haverhill Street 147/013 .921 Con Com
11 Maple Street 042/028-030 .201 Con Com
12a Longwood Road 047/004 5.10 Con Com
15 Sturges Road 010/021 2.65 Con Com
16a Colburn Road 154/005 .206 Con Com
16b Colburn Road 153/044 1.080 Con Com
17, Off Temple Street 062/006A .570 Con Com
C. Transfer the following parcels acquired through tax title possession to Conservation, DPW
and Reading Municipal Light Department for conservation, utilities and drainage
maintenance purposes:
P# Property Map/Parcel/Acres Use
4c Track Road 079/011 .115 Con Com/
DPW/RMLD
4d Track Road 079/033-034, .257 Con Com/
047-048 DPW/RMLD
4e Track Road 079/098 .057 Con Com/
DPW/RMLD
4f Track/Harvest Road 079/055-057,078-080 .257 Con Com/
DPW/RMLD
D. Transfer the following parcels acquired through tax title possession to Conservation and
DPW for conservation and drainage maintenance purposes:
P# Property Map/Parcel/Acres Use
4g Salem Street 092/013 .577 Con Com/DPW
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Pa eg_6
E. Transfer the following parcels acquired through tax title possession to Conservation,
Recreation and DPW for conservation, recreation and drainage maintenance purposes:
P# Property Map/Parcel/Acres Use
12b Off Arcadia 059/097 2.61 Con Com/Rec/DPW
F. Transfer the following parcels acquired through Tax Title possession to the Department of
Public Works for incorporation into public rights of way or retained as private rights of way:
P# Property Map/Parcel/Acres Use
22 Salem Street 087/021 .077 DPW
23 Oakland Road 123/126-135 DPW
the motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Parking Regulations on Oakland Road at RMHS — Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing
notice. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Memorial High School Principal is
requesting a restricted drop off area with no parking.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked how many spaces will be lost, and the Town Manager „
noted about one dozen spaces,
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that if you change one system, it can cause problems
elsewhere. She asked how this will affect neighborhood parking.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing
on parking regulations on Oakland Road at the Reading Memorial High School. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager was directed to find out the impact on the area, if there is adequate onsite
parking and to get feedback from the School Committee.
The hearing was continued.
Parking Regulations — Police Station Parking Lot—The Town Manager noted that the Police are
requesting that the parking lot at the Police Station be restricted for Police business only.
Selectman Matthew Cummings questioned the impact this would have on the street, and
indicated he preferred to wait and see.
Vice Chairman George Hines agreed with Selectman Matthew Cummings. He also suggested
alternative wording because the Community Room isn't used just for Police business.
This hearing will also be continued.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Page 3
Selectman Camille Anthony asked if there is any help from the State in updating our GIS
program. Mr. Racicot noted that the disc with the maps has the layouts but it doesn't include
assessors or sewer lines, etc.
Selectman Sally Hoyt asked if there are grants available for the purchase of open space. Mr.
Racicot noted that there is but the Town has to have an Open Space Plan that is less than five
years old.
Vice Chairman George Hines asked if the $30,000 can be used toward building our GIS. Mr.
Racicot noted that the money can be used for services, not cash.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Town has concerns about another gas spill and
containment areas on I-93. Mr. Tomczyh noted that he could help us work with Mass. Highway,
Kim Honetschlager of 51 Mill Street asked if there are any calculations in developed
neighborhoods, and Mr. Racicot noted that there are not.
Mr. Tomczyh commended the Town for their work in the community.
Review Concept Plan — Reading Business Park — Attorney Brad Latham, Mark Dickinson, Bill
Roach and Barry and Eliot Tatleman were present.
Attorney Brad Latham noted that originally a cinema was being planned but now they are
proposing retail. He noted that it is a positive change that will generate equal revenue. Their
proposal is for a Jordan's Furniture, and they will have a written contract in a few weeks. Brad
Latham noted that Jordan's Furniture is philanthropic and will generate over $3 million in
revenues.
Developer Mark Dickinson noted that he has worked hard to put together a team and plan to
have both Home Depot and Jordan's Furniture. Mr. Dickinson noted that Jordan's Furniture
will be a landmark for the Town of Reading. They have moved the retail back into the upper
level because they won't need as many parking spaces.
Engineer Bill Roach from VHB reviewed the traffic impacts. He noted that the original plan
with the cinema would have generated 1800 vehicles during the peak hour and with Jordan's
Furniture, it will be 1500 per peak hour.
Barry and Eliot Tatleman were present. They noted that Reading was a beautiful Town like a
scene out of"It's a Wonderful Life." They noted that the Reading store will be their fifth store,
and that all of the profits from their attractions go to charity. They are looking at having a 3-D
cinema for educational purposes.
Vice Chairman George Hines asked how many employees they will have, and Barry noted that it
would be around 300 to 400 employees.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Page 4
Selectman Camille Anthony asked about walking trails and outside work. Elliot noted that they
take pride in the property and spend a lot of money on flowers every year.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
change in use from a cinema to retail business use as a Jordan's Furniture for the Reading
Business Park as presented by Dickinson Development on November 28, 2000, in accordance
with the terms of the Purchase and Sales Agreement between the Town and Dickinson. 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
concept plan presented by Dickinson Development on November 28, 2000 as the plan for the
Reading Business Park. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review Downtown Plan — Randy Collins from Gates Leighton was present. He noted that the
waiver submission plans were submitted to Mass. Highway, and he is now working on the 25%
plan. He hopes to have the 25% submission plan in January, and the 90% plan by the Summer
and under construction by 2002.
Mr. Colllins noted that Mass. Highway does not pay for amenities such as pavers, ornamental
lighting, etc., and the Town should be working on funding now.
Mr. Collins noted that some parts of the Common will be taken, and some parts of the Common
will be added to. The Town Manager noted that the Historical Commission is aware of what is
going on.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the plan for
the redevelopment of Downtown Reading, to advance to the 25% design phase and subject to the
required public hearing. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Transfer of Tax Foreclosure Property — The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen
had visited the sites. There is an action list in the packet that staff has reviewed and concurs.
The Town Manager recommended not transferring Parcels 4a, 4b, 7 and 13 at this time because
they are related to the landfill. The Town Manager noted that the parcels are being transferred
either jointly or individually to Conservation, DPW and Recreation. One parcel will be
transferred to the Open Land Trust.
Vice Chairman George Hines asked if the Line Road property that is being transferred to the
Open Land Trust has been appraised, and the Town Manager indicated that it has not.
Vice Chairman George Hines asked if there will be restrictions on the use by the general public.
Ben Nichols indicated that all they have to do is put their boots on.
Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the donation of land to a private entity should be
handled in a separate motion and the land should be appraised.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Paye 7
Approve Liquor Licenses — The Town Manager noted that all taxes for the liquor licensees have
been paid.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked how problematic payers can be dealt with. The Town
Manager noted that they have to pay interest on what is due, and we use the licensing process to
get taxes paid.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if there was any improvement with the restroom situation
at the Station House Restaurant, and the Town Manager noted that there was not.
Vice Chairman George Hines noted that we effectively use licensing for payment of taxes, and
we should be able to use it for Deed restrictions.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the All
Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for:
Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc., 575 Main Street
Meadow Brook Golf Club,292 Grove Street
Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street
Reading Veteran's Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62,
37 Ash Street
-- for a term expiring December 31, 2001, subject to the following conditions:
1. All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
—= Massachusetts shall be followed;
2. All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall
be trained in TIPS, or an equivalent program on the effective date of this license, and new
employees shall be trained within three months of being hired, and the operator of the
establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this condition has been
met;
3. There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises.
the motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the All
Alcoholic Package Store Liquor Licenses for:
Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street
Square Liquors, 11 High Street
North Side Liquors, 1349 Main Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2001, subject to the following conditions:
1. All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts shall be followed;
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000—Page 8
2. All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall
be trained in TAMS, or an equivalent program on the effective date of this license, and
new employees shall be trained within three months of being hired, and the operator of
the establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this condition has been
met;
3. There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises.
the motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the All
Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for:
Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street
Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri, 355 Main Street
Station House Restaurant, 32 Lincoln Street
Harrow's Poultry Products, Inc. d/b/a/Harrow's,
126 Main Street
Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2001, subject to the following conditions:
1. All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts shall be followed;
2. All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall
be trained in TIPS, or an equivalent program on the effective date of this license, and new
employees shall be trained within three months of being hired, and the operator of the
establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this condition has been
met;
3. There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises.
Hines moved and Anthony seconded to amend the motion by removing the Station House
Restaurant at 32 Lincoln Street. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the property owner is
in violation of the Deed restriction. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he supports the
amendment because the Selectmen have worked diligently to offer a remedy, and the owner will
not even consider. Chairman Matthew Nestor agreed. The motion to amend was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0. The main motion as amended was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Wine
and Malt Liquor Licenses for:
Focaccia, Inc. d/b/a Focaccia Restaurant, 601 Main Street
Joey B's Restaurant, 680 Main Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2001, subject to the following conditions:
1. That Section 3.3 of the Board of Selectmen's Policies — Sale of Beer and Wine in
Restaurants; all Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed;
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 28, 2000_page 9
2. All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall
be trained in TIPS, or an equivalent program on the effective date of this license, and new
employees shall be trained within three months of being hired, and the operator of the
establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this condition has been
met;
3. There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises.
the motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Town Manager's Evaluation — Begin Process — Chairman Matthew Nestor suggested that the
Board look over the form. Vice Chairman George Hines suggested asking Carol Roberts for
suggestions on the Personnel Management Skills section.
Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings will do the review this year.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked that the Town Manager evaluate the high turnover in
personnel.
The Town Manager noted that one of our Engineers was offered a job in Lexington for more pay.
DPW would like to retain him and have found a way to offer him more money. Chairman
Matthew Nestor, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings would not concur
because they did not want to set a precedent.
The Town Manager noted that the old Police Station is on the National Historic Register. The
- demolition delay could take up to six months. Favorable bids have come in for the demolition.
A transfer for approximately $10,000 might be needed. Selectman Matthew Cummings wants to
know before this goes to the Finance Committee.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of November 28, 2000 at 11:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted ''
Secretary