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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 17, 1998 The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: James Cormier, William Lavoie, Mike Debrigard, Russ Graham, Tom Stohlman, Nancy Eaton, Brad Latham, Don Cowan, Deirdre Hanley, Paul Gorman, Joe Connelly, Virginia Adams, Roberta Sullivan, Louise Sandberg, Peter Simms, David O'Sullivan. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant — Special Town Meeting - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting consisting of 14 Articles. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting consisting of 14 Articles; this Special Town Meeting to be held beginning March 9, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Reading Memorial High School at 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts. The motion was approved by.a vote of 3-0-0. Close Warrant for the Election Ballot - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Election Ballot. The Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager to put out press information regarding thequestion on beer and wine licenses. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the Warrant for the 1998 Annual Town Meeting consisting of 25 Articles; this Annual Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 24, 1998 for Article 1 and adjourned until Monday, April 13, 1998 in the Auditorium of the Reading Memorial High School at 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Close Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting - The Board of Selectmen reviewed-the Annual Town Meeting Warrant consisting of 25 Articles. Russ Graham was present and spoke about the Capital Improvements Program and the Coolidge Middle School project. They will come back to the Board of Selectmen with a presentation. George Hines felt that doing the Coolidge Middle School project now is "putting the cart before the horse." Our problem right now is elementary school enrollment. Brad Latham, Paul Gorman and Joe Connelly were present to talk about the Article which would provide for the Town's participation in a swimming pool project. It is a $3 million project and $500,000 would come from the Town of Reading. The balance would be contributed by Nelson Burbank and by the YMCA. Board of Selectmen Meetinp,—February 17, 1998 —page 2 Hines asked about open swimming and Gorman noted that with the size of the pool, we can have - a variety of activities going in the two pools at the same time. The Board noted that an agreement needs to be in place prior to Town Meeting. We need to make sure that the grant pool request is not compromised by this action. We need to get neighborhood input. The Board discussed the remaining Articles. Hines asked about Article 16 which would provide for lease of space in private buildings for classrooms. It was noted that there is a particular location proposed, and this would have to go out to public bid. With regard to the Mill Street Scenic Road Bylaw, a group of residents presented CPDC and the Conservation Commission with a petition. David O'Sullivan noted that the Historical Commission did vote to give a letter of support. With regard to the petition Article on noise control, this was based on a North Andover bylaw. The Board voted to include an Article which would restrict noise from loudspeakers at commercial establishments. With regard to the proposed Article on the Rules Committee, Nancy Eaton felt that volunteers have been abused because the meeting of the Rules Committee took place the same night as the Conservation Commission meeting. The Board of Selectmen should be doing something to prevent such conflicts. Meet with the Historical Commission - David O'Sullivan, Virginia Adams, Roberta Sullivan, and Louise Sandberg were present. Their major project is to preserve the Foster Emerson House and there are Articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant to accomplish this. With regard to 607 Main Street (the Square Liquors' building) the Demolition Delay Bylaw as invoked. The demolition delay was released three months before it expired. They voted to release the delay without condition. This was done the first week in November. George Hines noted that the property owner sees a demolition delay as being very negative in this situation. The Historical Commission has had three potential demolition delays under the bylaw. One was not delayed and two were. After the Demolition Delay Bylaw was passed, a mailing went to all owners of property who were on the inventory. A second mailing was sent and a meeting was held at the Library. There are 220 properties on the inventory. Follow-up on "Old" Police Station - The Town Manager reviewed the process of soliciting input. The interests in this building could be historical, arts, downtown revitalization, parking and the Senior Center. George Hines noted that all information that we have says that we need more parking and the building should be demolished for that purpose. Sally Hoyt noted that this is our last Town building and she hopes we don't get rid of it. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 17, 1998 —page 3 Bruce MacDonald noted that he is not convinced that we shouldn't take the property down if that is the only option available. Sally Hoyt feels it would be wise to hold this building. There are no problems with the building. Grants may be available for an art center or teen center. Bruce MacDonald noted that he is not interested in looking for a reason to keep the building. An arts center in this location might have a potential for increasing commercial use of the Downtown. George Hines noted that there is a whole range of needs for funds. Don Cowan noted that the Board of Selectmen should make a decision before Creative Arts for Kids does their study. Bruce MacDonald feels that the Board should be looking at all options. Cowan noted that if the "old" Police Station is used for any other purpose, it will be using parking whoever goes there. In addition, there are 15 or 20 people who park at the Union Street lot who will need parking. Two restaurants are opening and they need parking. Simms noted that any alternative use of that building will create an additional parking demand. The Board asked that the Creative Arts for Kids assess the Police Station first as they look at options for a new home, and report back to the Board of Selectmen as soon as possible. Sally Hoyt noted that the Teen Center Committee is in existence. There seems to be more of a focus on programs rather than a center. George Hines noted that there was no interest expressed. The Board of Selectmen reviewed the budget priorities as they have established them. Beer and Wine License Policv - The Board of Selectmen talked about the potential liquor license policies. George Hines felt that the fee should be as close to the full license so that people don't decide to give up a full license for the beer and wine license. The Board noted that it is the intent that this be a full service restaurant as opposed to a bar or a fast food restaurant. Sally Hoyt felt that we should have some language that no entertainment that is not acceptable to the community may be permitted. The Town Manager was directed to put together a press release outlining the Board's intent for licensing if the question on the ballot is approved. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of February 17,1998 at 10:30 p.m. by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, /,`ecretary l Fv} Board of Selectmen Meeting February 17, 1998 The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: James Cormier, William Lavoie, Mike DeBrigard, Russ Graham, Tom Stohlman, Nancy Eaton, Brad Latham, Don Cowan, Dierdre Hanley. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant — Special Town Meeting - On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen closed the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting consisting of 14 Articles; this Special Town Meeting to be held beginning March 9, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Close Warrant — Annual Town Meeting — On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen closed the Warrant for the 1998 Annual Town Meeting consisting of 25 Articles; this Annual Town Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 24, 1998 for Article 1, and adjourned until Monday, April 13, 1998 in the Auditorium of the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The Board of Selectmen finalized the new program priorities for the FY `99 budget. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of February 17, 1998 at 10:30 p.m. by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, x Secretary .j;