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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 12, 2000 The meeting convened at 7:32 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 Matthew Cummings and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Fire Chief Don Wood, Assistant Fire Chief Jack Mooney, Town Engineer Joe Delaney, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Attorney Mark Gallant, Attorney Brad Latham, Edward Merullo, Mary Becker, Keith Becker, Nancy Eaton, Will Finch, Mary Gillis, Pat Lloyd, Thad Berry; Neil Sullivan, Dick Howard, Rich Schubert, Mark Dickinson, Mark Megera (VHB), Scott Weiss(VHB), Rick Askin (Add, Inc.), Elliot Tatleman, Eddie Bramhall. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman George Hines attended a meeting with the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools with the legislature delegation. He congratulated the RMHS football team for winning the Super Bowl Championship, Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that she attended the ZBA meeting regarding 45 Beacon Street, Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he attended the Board of Library Trustees Meeting, and he noted they had questions regarding whether their budget was an override budget or non- override budget. If it is a non-override budget and we are going to have an override, they would like to make some adjustments to their budget. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended an Audit Committee Meeting, and noted that it was very successful and recommendations for the Police Department and Recreation Division have been made. She met with Dr. Harutunian regarding her concerns with building maintenance. He suggested having Rick Barrett do a synopsis of the state of the buildings. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked when Rick was coming in, and the Town Manager noted the sense was that he would do the written report first and then come in. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that their request to talk to Rick Barrett keeps getting put off. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that if anyone is interested in the building maintenance budget, then they should attend the School Committee Meeting on January 9, 2001. Vice Chairman George Hines noted the building maintenance budget is awkward. They blame the increase on the new Police Station so the Board of Selectmen should have some input. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Town Manager sent a memo to Dr. Harutunian regarding having Rick Barrett in on January 23rd before the joint meeting, and she didn't get the feeling there was a problem with that. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 12, 2000—Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: The Town Manager noted that the decision came in today on the 10 taxpayer lawsuit -- the judge found for the Town. Cleanup is going on at the DPW Garage. The Walkers Brook Drive sewer project is ongoing. Contamination was found, not on our site, and is being taken care of by licensed professionals. Anticipated clean up costs were a part of the allocated budget. Personnel and Appointments Council on Arg — Edward Merullo was interviewed for a position on the Council on Aging. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Edward A. Merullo. Mr. Merullo received five votes and was appointed. Mystic Valley Elder Services—Applicant was not present, will reschedule. Solid Waste Advisory Committee — Mary E. Becker and Keith P. Becker were interviewed for two positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination for two positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with terms expiring June 30, 2003: Mary E. Becker and Keith P. Becker. Both Mary and Keith Becker received five votes and were appointed. Discussion/Action Items Hearing — 24 Hour Permit — Reading Texaco — Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Attorney Mark Gallant and representatives from Motiva Enterprises were present. Attorney Gallant noted that Motiva Enterprises is requesting to renew the license. They meet all of the conditions on the license, but they were closed for one week due to the canopy being hit by a truck. They will also be submitting a site plan to redo the station. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen closed the hearing on an application for 24 hour sale by Motiva Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Reading Texaco Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. 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 an application for 24 hour sales by Motiva Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Reading Texaco Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, upon a finding that in accordance with Section 5.10.1 of the General Bylaws, the Board determines that it is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to permit such operation; and that there is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors, and subject to the following conditions: 1. The approval expires at midnight, December 31, 2001; 2. All signs shall conform with the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading; 3. The menu of food to be covered by the Common Victualler's License shall be limited to those items specified in the license application; Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 12, 2000—Pnze3 4. The gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; - 5. The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all hours that the station is open; 6. The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 7. The operator will prepare and post a list of local 24 hour towing and repair shops that are open 24 hours a day for those who need it; 8. Bathroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day. Joint meeting with CPDC and Conservation Commission re: Reading Business Park — Conservation Commission Members Nancy Eaton, Will Finch, Mary Gillis, Pat Lloyd, Thad Berry; CPDC Members Neil Sullivan, Dick Howard, Rich Schubert; Attorney Brad Latham, Mark Dickinson, Mark Megera, Scott Weiss, Rick Askin and Elliot Tatleman were present. Mark Dickinson noted that Home Depot will be on the lower level of the site and Jordan's Furniture will be on the upper level. Jordan's Furniture will have a 300 seat IMAX Theater. He hopes to be under construction one year from today. Mark Megera, Civil Engineer from VHB, was present. He noted that site constraints include 75% of the site being ringed by wetland areas and vegetative wetlands. The capping will be done in a manner to reuse and develop the site. Some of the waste will be relocated so a large retaining wall will be built. Scott Weisse from VHB talked about the traffic perspective. He noted that a preliminary traffic evaluation has been done, and noted that the access points will be opposite New Crossing Road and another halfway between there and the existing signal. There will be signals at both driveways with separate right and left turn lanes. A second left turn lane will be added on the Route 128 exit ramp. Rich Askin from Add Inc. gave a virtual reality video presentation. Attorney Brad Latham noted that they needed a very aggressive schedule where all of the permitting will be done by June at the latest. The initial application of the Wetlands Protection Act will be filed in a few days from now. They would like the Conservation Commission hearing done by January 10, 2001, and will request dual hearings with CPDC and the Conservation Commission for January 16, 2001. The PUD plans — notice of intent will start March 15, 2001. Need to be done with all of the permitting by June 1, 2001. Mark Dickinson noted that they will be working with MEPA, DEP, Mass Highway, etc. and hope to meet the start date of December 1, 2001. He noted that these dates are important to a lot of people including the Town. Elliot Tatleman noted that speed is important but he wants everyone to want them. He noted that the Town will be proud of his facility. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 12, 2000—Page 4 Dick Howard asked about the scope of the traffic study. Scott Weise noted that a traffic study was done in 1997 and that will be repeated. Dick Howard asked about the source of traffic, and Scott Weise noted that Home Depot and the restaurant is more a local draw; i.e., Wakefield and Reading. Jordan's Furniture is more of a regional draw. Dick Howard asked if Mark Dickinson was planning on building everything at once. Mark Dickinson noted that the retail will be first, and he will start in the back and move forward. Rick Schubert noted that this is a wonderful project and asked if there are newer traffic numbers. than 1995. Scott Weisse noted that the traffic numbers don't vary over time. He will get the numbers from Jordan's Furniture in Natick. Nancy Eaton asked about widening of Walkers Brook Drive and right of ways. Scott Weisse noted that most of the widening is on the south side to keep away from the brook. Will Finch asked them to consider paths and walk site for employees and folks who want to exercise, and to consider shuttle buses to the Wakefield and Reading train stations. Eddie Bramhall of 11 John Street Court asked what size the Home Depot was going to be. Mark Dickinson indicated it will be the same size as the others. Mr. Bramhall also asked if the traffic study will include build out and traffic from Route 129 to John Street. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the feedback he has received regarding Jordan's Furniture has been very positive, and thanked everyone for their patience and cooperation. Hearing —Approve Burning Permit Policy— Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Fire Chief Donald Wood and Assistant Fire Chief Jack Mooney were present. Chief Wood noted that the burning permit will give the Fire Department more control over nuisance fires. The policy will make the individual come to the Station, take out a permit and sign for it. The Officer will still be in control of making the decision. Selectman Sally Hoyt asked if burning is allowed in the Summer, and Chief Wood indicated it is not. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that a process for "closing up shop" on how to leave a fire should probably be part of the policy. Chief Wood indicated it should probably be part of the permit. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the State sets the $10 fee, and Chief Wood noted that State regulations say we can charge up to $10. On motion by Cummings seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on the burning permit policy. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 12, 2000—Page 5 On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the open burning permit in accordance with Chapter 148, Section 10A of the Massachusetts General -- Laws. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing — Approve the Road Opening Permit Policy - Secretary Camille Anthony read the hearing notice. Town Engineer Joe Delaney was present. He noted that he needs direction from the Board of Selectmen on certain issues. He noted that the regulations as written are for utility installations and he needs to know how to deal with driveways, sidewalks, etc. Joe Delaney asked if the Board wants to license paving contractors. Selectman Sally Hoyt noted that it is a good idea to charge a bond. The Town Manager noted that a bond is only for work on public property, not for private property. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if it is legal to charge fees and license pavers. Joe Delaney will look into it. Joe Delaney noted that he gave the Board a draft policy. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the repair standards need to be improved. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to continue the hearing on the Road Opening Permit Policy to January 23, 2001 at 7:50 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approve Licenses — The Town Manager noted that no action is necessary because the Board has authorized him to issue licenses. The companies who owe back taxes will not be issued licenses until that is taken care of. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that the Class II licenses have conditions regarding signs and number of vehicles. He had asked about one and hasn't heard anything yet. The Town Manager noted that Harrow's has come in for a variance. FY 2002 Budget and C.I.P.- The Town Manager noted that Dr. Harutunian sent a memo with the School Committee's budget calendar. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why the additional fuel costs were down. The Town Manager noted that the cost of fuel will be lower than anticipated. The building maintenance budget has increased $108,000 because the FY 2001 salaries were under budgeted. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Town has 4.5% increases and building maintenance has 9.01% increases. He wants to know how much it was under funded. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that Dr. Harutunian and Sue Cavicchi noted that any surplus would go back to the Financial Foram, and this $108,000 did not go back to the Financial Forum. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that one could draw the conclusion that if at the end of FY2002 there is any money left, then it would go back to the Financial Forum. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 12, 2000—Page 6 Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Fire Chief's salary is correct. The Town Manager noted that this year's budget was under budgeted. The Assistant Town Manager will check on this number. He will also check on an updated average number for Fire Department overtime. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Library Trustees want to know if their budget is an override budget. Selectman Anthony noted that all of the budgets are override budgets. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that last year the School Department added four positions and they are now part of the base budget. The following items are needed for the next meeting: Forecast of expenses; debt exclusion model for 20 or 25 years; draft schedule for non-override budget; building maintenance budget; discussion with Rick Barrett. Vice Chairman George Hines asked if they will be in a position to make a decision at their next meeting. Selectman Matthew Cummings suggested that they can come to a decision for the mechanism, but not a number. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he will vote for a debt exclusion. Selectman Cummings noted that if we need a general override, we should ask for it. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that some more recent projects could be a debt exclusion plus a general override. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that when Town Meeting funded the projects, they knew it would come out of the tax rate. The original debt exclusion for the school failed. He wants to do a general override. Vice Chairman George Hines noted that voices of opposition from past override have indicated that they would support debt exclusion. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that excluding debt doesn't change spending habits. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that there is no fat in the budgets. She would like to see a five year projection. Selectman Matthew Cummings requested the impact on free cash; the Capital Improvement Program and the building maintenance budget. Chairman Matthew Nestor concluded that the Selectmen agree the Town needs $3 - $3.2 million. The Town has cut what could be cut and will be seeking some form of an override. Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the last three years have been great, but he will not be running for re-election in January because he doesn't have the extra time that is required for the job. - Board of Selectmen Meeting=December 12;2000—Page 7 On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to sale of real estate, not to come back into Open Session. On a roll call vote, all five members voted in the affirmative and the Selectmen went into Executive Session. Respectfully submitted, M1y' fif A. i.P Secreta ' f�a