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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-02 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting March 2, 1999 The nlecting was convened at 7:10 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary Matthew Nestor (arrived late), Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean., Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nancy Eaton, Betharm Matathia, Vincent Falcione, Michael Pacillo, Jane Fiore, Sandra Michaud, Gaynell Knowlton, Peter Simms, Mark Eyerman. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of sale of real estate to come back into Open Session at 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all three members voted in the affinnative and the motion was carried. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — George Hines noted that the Reading Business Park Negotiating Committee has been working on the Letter of Intent with Corporex. He attended the Budget Council Meeting last week, and noted that it will be a difficult budget season because of the government cutbacks. Camille Anthony noted that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee has formed a subgroup who is working on combining Earth Day with Community Day. If anyone is interested in volunteering they may contact Jacqui Chipman. She toured the Water Treatment Plant with the Water Supply Committee. She will be attending a CAB Meeting on Thursday with Sally Hoyt. Matthew Nestor had no report. Sally Hoyt read to the 5"' graders at the Barrows School in honor of Dr. Seus's birthday. She requested that the Board vote tonight on the Mudville plaques. She has received complaints regarding traffic at the Little Chuck's Store. The Clock and Bell Fund is looking for donations. Public Coninient—There was no public comment. Towyn Manager's Report The Assistant Town Manager gave the following report: � Continue to coordinate the Letter of Intent regarding the Town landfill with Corporex and the negotiating committee. Have attended meetings regarding environmental liability insurance, and worked with Engineering on various issues including the abandonment of casements on the landfill. Water Supply Committee: We were cancelled on the 18"' and 25t" of February but will meet this Thursday, March 4t". The Committee has received several sources of informa- tion, and we will begin working on a draft RFP on Thursday night. In addition, several guest speakers have offered their seivices to speak about water supply issues: Kerry Mackin from the Ipswich River Watershed Association, Steve Johnson from the DEP Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 2, 1999 —Page 2 (to discuss the Concord Street clean-up activities), and Ron Catena from the MWRA to give tis a system overview and answer questions. The Committee has already received a tour of the Water Treatment Plant and had a presentation from the Water Department. * We have received two complaints regarding campaign signs being torn down. Campaign signs must meet the requirements of the Zoning By-Laws. The signs that have been taken down have been placed in a public way. As a courtesy, a flier is being developed by Community Development that will be handed out when candidates turn in their nomination papers so they understand what the expectations are with respect to sign placement. We have our new Administrative Assistant in the Community Development Department. The name will be released once the pre-employment physical and drug and alcohol screen is complete. ® The Town Manager has copied the Board on correspondence dealing with a potential violation by Media One of their agreement with the Town. The concern is related to safety violations at the Media One studio. We expect these concerns will be addressed. o The house moving from Brande Court to Wilson and Pleasant Street has been postponed until March 14th. ♦ Annual Town Election is the 23'd of March which is a Tuesday. ♦ Annual Health Fair at Hawkes Field House is coming up on Thursday, March 11th. Personnel and Appointments Conservation Commission — The Board interviewed Vincent Falcione, Michael Pacillo and Bethann Matathia for two positions on the Conservation Commission. Conservation Commission Chainnan Nancy Eaton noted that the Commission upholds their previous recommendation that Mr. Pacillo not be appointed due to pending litigation against the Commission. George Hines asked if that meant that anyone who is involved in the Conservation Commission process would not be recommended to serve on the Commission. Ms. Eaton responded not while a case is under litigation. Mr. Pacillo noted that he has not been charged with any violations. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board placed the following names into nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission for a teen expiring June 30, 1999: Vincent Falcione, Michael Pacillo and Bethann Matathia. Vincent Falcione received three votes and was appointed. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board placed the following names into nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2001: Michael Pacillo and Bethann Matathia. Mr. Pacillo and Ms. Matathia received two votes each so no appointment was made. The Board asked that this item be placed on a future agenda when there is a full Board present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 2, 1999 —Pare 3 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Girl Scout Week—The Girl Scouts were present to accept the Proclamation, and presented the Board with the Girl Scout flag to be flown during Girl Scout Week. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Proclamation honoring Girl Scout Week on the week of March 7 - March 13, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation — Drua Free Week — Health Administrator Jane.Fiore, Substance Abuse Advisory Council Vice Chairman. Sandra Michaud, and former member Gaynell Knowlton were present. Ms. Michaud presented Gaynell Knowlton with a plaque and flowers in acknowledgement of her 12 years of service on the Council. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Proclamation declaring March 11 —March 18, 1999 as Drug Free Week in Reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation — Red Cross Month — On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Proclamation declaring the month of March, 1999 as Red Cross Month in the Town of Reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. -- Certificate of Appreciation — Brendan Donovan Eagle Scout Troop 705 George Hines indicated that he would be attending the Court of Honor on Sunday, March 7, 1999. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Certificate of Appreciation for Brendan Donovan in recognition of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Approval of Letter of Intent — Corporex - Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the Letter of Intent was not ready for approval at this time. Town Counsel Quarterly Report — Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen reviewed the status of pending litigation. He noted that the Video Expo case would be going before the judge on March 23, 1999. Eric's Greenhouse trial is set for April 14, 1999. Camille Anthony asked why the site is getting out of control, and Town Counsel noted that it is a subject of a contempt violation. George Hines asked if the Town could withhold permits, and Town Counsel noted that it is the Building Department's policy not to grant permits if there are violations but a permit is not needed for the mylar buildings. George Hines requested that Town Counsel add original dates to the cases when giving his report. Board of Selectmen Meeting—March 2 1999 —Page 4 Downtown Steering Committee Presentation — Peter Sin-rms, Chairman of the Downtown Steering Committee and Consultant Mark Eyerman were present. Mark Eyerrnan presented to the Board a Downtown market analysis, action plan, parking management strategy and short term parking actions that are needed. He noted that convenience goods and services draw 75% of the customers to Downtown. There is also a large amount of automotive services in the Downtown area. Additional parking is needed, buildings need improvements and the process of opening a business needs to be streamlined to attract new businesses. The Downtown Steering Committee is requesting that the Board of Selectmen reduce the parking time in some lots, extend the parking in some areas and improve Police enforcement. Camille Anthony asked what other towns have done, and Mark Eyerman noted that there is infonnation on Winchester in the packet. The Board directed the Assistant Town Manager- to get involved in this process, and to put this item on a future agenda for action. Approval of Minutes On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 16, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Anthony abstaining. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of February 23, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of March 2, 1999 at 10:10 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, nx Se etary