HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
April 28, 1998
The meeting convened at 7:32 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Bruce
MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman George Hines, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Bernice Lobdell, Eunice Degel,
Ernie Degel, Bill Hagstrom, Mary Hagstrom, David Brigham, Herbert Converse, Dick Ogden,
Ron Boucher, Ben Nichols, Kim Honetschlager, Will Finch, John Bergin, Anthony Crupi, Fred
'Livingstone, Kendall Fuccillo, Susan Hershon, Yvonne Gonsalo, Anne Colorusso, Louise
Arsenault, Judith Upham, Peggy Daly, Lois Trubiano, John McWilliams, Susan and David
Puopolo, Gina Snyder, Nate White.
Discussion/Action Items
Public Input Meeting; on Longwood Poultry Farm — Sally Hoyt read the notice of the public
forum.
The Town Manager reviewed the history of the property, the meaning of Chapter 61 land, and
presented several options. The meeting was open to the public.
Anthony Crupi of 43 Longwood Road felt that it was a great parcel for park, school, etc. He
does not want to see Longwood Road used for access. Access should come off of West Street.
Denise Lobdell of 49 Longwood Road asked where the Longwood Poultry Farm abuts
Longwood Road. This was pointed out by the Town Manager.
Kendall Fuccillo of 464 West Street lives on West Hill Road at West Street next to the site. She
was concerned about the site access on West Street.
Ernie Degel of 16 West Hill Circle asked about the minimum distance between streets. He
asked if the property has been surveyed — he feels it is more than 35 to 36 acres. The Town
Manager responded that there are minimum distances established the sub-division regulations,
but the Town cannot deny access to any site.
Dave Brigham from the United Church Homes asked about the possibility of doing something
with the property that would produce some income. He outlined a possibility of placing housing
for "empty nesters," some of which would be low income. Camille Anthony asked who would
buy it. Brigham noted that United Church Homes would buy it and turn over part of it to the
Town for open space recreation land. The Town of Reading would build the road to serve the
site.
Anthony Crupi of 43 Longwood Road asked if under that scenario this would be entirely elderly
housing, or if it would be low income family housing. It was noted that it would be entirely
elderly housing.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-April 28, 1998 -page 2
Ben Nichols spoke about the history of the area and the Open Land Trust property.
Judith Upham from 36 Enos Circle asked if there was any way the Trust could buy the property.
Nichols and Ron Boucher from the Open Land Trust noted that they do not have that kind of
resources.
George Hines noted that if it was within the Town of Reading means, it would be great to buy
this property. The only way this could happen would be a 2 '/2 override. Would the residents
here support it?
Nate White thought that the housing for"empty nesters" would be great. There is a need here in
Reading.
Kim Honetschlager of 51 Mill Street urged the Board of Selectmen to keep the property as open
space for both active and passive use. She also felt that a partnership with elderly housing would
not be a bad idea.
Judith Upham of 36 Enos Circle felt that the neighborhood would not want to see Option A
which would be the development for 52-57 single-family homes.
Ben Nichols noted that the Dividence Road site is a possible school site. Relative to a school
site, the Town Manager noted that the State would not pay for acquisition for a school site. He
also understands that the school administration favors dealing with elementary school
enrollments than the existing four sites and not expand a fifth site because of for financial
reasons.
Bruce MacDonald noted that in general he would be in favor of the site as open space. He noted
that the site is compromised by the adjacent development in Woburn and the noise and effect of
I-93. He felt that some open space and tax generating use would be appropriate.
George Hines noted that the master plan calls for the site to be developed for office research
development if access can be gained from the rear of the property.
Bill Hagstrom from 20 West Hill Circle noted that he does not like the idea of commercial
development.
Louise Arsenault from 44 Enos Circle likes the idea of it being open space.
Yvonne Gonsalo from West Hill Circle would like the property as open space but is concerned as
to whether or not the Town can afford it.
Will Finch of 51 Mill Street noted that allowing any development may cost the Town more than
purchasing it. Camille Anthony suggested to the press that this be considered for a question of
the week. -
Board of Selectmen Meeting;—April 28, 1998 —page 3
Sally Hoyt noted that if the Committee wants it as open space, than an effort needs to be made to
reach the community.
Ann Colorusso from 31 Enos Circle asked if the Audubon Society would be willing to buy it.
The Board of Selectmen thanked the residents for their input and will take this issue under
advisement.
Discussion on Reading Business Park Development — George Hines presented the Reading
Business Park Request for Proposals. The Reading Business Park Task Force had two meetings.
There have been significant improvements to the Request for Proposals. The Business Park
made two recommendations:
I. Engage a real estate marketing consultant and negotiate an agreement to market
this property. This could be a two-tiered arrangement whereby some expenses
up front will be provided but whereby the majority of the compensation would
be made at the time of sale;
2. The Business Park recommended not re-advertising the RFP until a consultant
is engaged. The consultant may have recommended changes.
- The Town Manager reviewed the time lines for landfill closure. It appears because of the State
delay and the review of the ISA that the closure is going to be in FY 2000.
Retail language has been added to the RFP. This could require some zoning changes. The
consensus of the Task Force was that we do not need to abandon the best return on the property.
Bruce MacDonald had a few questions and comments. The Task Force status needs to be
constituted in a broader role.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to formalize the Reading Business
Park Task Force to the adoption of a policy, and directed the Town Manager to develop a
proposed policy by the end of May. George Hines noted that at the first meeting of the Task
Force, two or three members of the public attended, and at the second, no members of the public
attended.
MacDonald asked how we would pay for the consultant, and Hines noted that it would be
primarily from the proceeds of the sale.
MacDonald asked what the latest prognosis was for getting a response to the ISA from the DEP.
Sally Hoyt asked about funding for the marketing consultant.
Bruce MacDonald asked for a recommendation from the Town Manager. The Town Manager
recommended that the project be bid now with a due date in early-mid August. He also
recommended that the marketing consultant be hired as quickly as possible.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 28, 1998—page 4
George Hines noted that the timing of receiving bids may have to do with the closing date of
Town Meeting. If any zoning changes need to be made, we need to keep this in mind. He has
gotten calls of interest from developers and feels that we should take advantage of the window of
opportunity now. Hines asked the Town Manager if modifications to the RFP could be made if it
is bid now. The Town Manager noted that this could be done through addenda and is commonly
done and, in fact, was done in the last bid.
Camille Anthony was concerned about the timing issue but if we can issue addenda, she is not
concerned. She does not feel we can wait until July 1 to get this project back out to bid. She
asked when we would get the marketing proposals, and this is on the Agenda for the Task Force
next Wednesday.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen approved the RFP for the
Reading Business Park, as revised by the Reading Business Park Task Force, and directs the
Town Manager to advertise the property for sale at the earliest possible date, with a bid opening
date of approximately 90 days from today. Further, the Town Manager is directed to proceed in
parallel to secure the services of a marketing consultant on the most favorable terms possible and
at the earliest possible date. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing re: Second Water Meters — The Secretary read the notice of the public hearing. The
Board reviewed the Town Manager's memorandum regarding this issue. George Hines asked if
the Board was going to rescind the approval for the second meters, what is the investment in the
meters and how can this cost be advertised. He felt that he might be willing to do this with four
or five years advance notice to the second meter owners. The Town Manager will review it.
Will Finch of 51 Mill Street asked what the issues were. He suggested that the Town should
look into recalling the second water meters.
Gina Snyder agrees with the second water meters and keeping the moratorium. Bruce
MacDonald would not support the removal of the moratorium.
Sally Hoyt hoped that water conservation would improve but is has not. She supports conserva-
tion.
Camille Anthony noted the uncertainty, and suggested that we should retain the moratorium on
the second water meters.
George Hines noted that if we are going to consider phasing out second meters, then we need to
do education well in advance.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen closed the public hearing
on the issue of the moratorium on second water meters. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen moved to approve the
lifting of the moratorium on second water meters. The motion was not approved by a vote of
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 28 1998 —page 5
0-4-0.
Camille Anthony asked what happened when we were not able to check back flow preventers,
and the Town Manager will give the Board of Selectmen a report.
The Board reviewed the proposed water restriction fines, and it was suggested that improved
graphics would be appropriate.
Request to Purchase Land on Auburn Street—Puopolo — Susan and David Puopolo were present,
and spoke about their interest in acquiring a portion of the Town land for a driveway access.
The Board supported this concept and on motion by Macdonald seconded by Hines, directed the
staff and Town Counsel to pursue arrangements necessary to transfer the land and prepare a
Warrant Article for the Fall Town Meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Approval of Earnings Distribution Formula—RMLD — Camille Anthony reviewed the proposed
agreement. George Hines noted that he likes it but we should not have an automatic review by
the sub-committee—the formula should be used and if there is an issue, then it can go back to the
RMLD Board and the Board of Selectmen.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the
draft policy dated April 14, 1998, as modified, relative to the increase in the earnings distribution
-- payment from the Reading Municipal Light Department to the Town of Reading as follows:
"There is established a benchmark payment of$1,560,414 for the calendar
year 1998. In subsequent years, the payment will be increased by the
consumers price index for the previous year."
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Board of Selectmen feel that the increase
should be automatic but that for exceptional circumstances, either the RMLD Board or the Board
of Selectmen could request a review of the process and that under those circumstances, the
Boards would meet to review the issues.
Board, Committee and Commission Training Program — This is a discussion about training and
orientation for new members. This should be coordinated with the ethics training in the Fall.
Taking the training should be a requirement of appointment, and we should have a training
session set up prior to interviewing people so that we can let them know when it is.
Training opportunities should include conflict of interest, open public meetings law, how to deal
with the public, how to run meetings. In addition, it was suggested that the questions about
whether or not someone is a registered voter, and whether or not they have a listed phone number
appear on the application form.
George Hines asked that for the RFP for the landfill that we develop the true cost of the RFP and
the Due Diligence Report, and establish that as the cost of the documents but that it be no greater
than the original RFP.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 28, 1998—page 6
Sally Hoyt suggested that she will respond to Phil Vaccaro's memo.
Camille Anthony asked to develop a time line for negotiations with Media One.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for
approval of minutes and litigation, not to come back into Open Session. On a roll call vote, all
four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
Resppdtfully submitted,
s� e
y
ecretary