HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
May 5, 1998
The meeting convened at 7:16 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 Matthew Nestor, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Phil Boisvert, Mark Daley, Edwin
Loschi,Nancy Eaton, Ken Brown, Kim Honetschlager, John Gerhartz, Martha Moore, Joe Veno,
Ted McIntire and Will Finch.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Comments - Bruce MacDonald noted that the Town of Reading did not lose the case
on Video Expo. This is still a priority for the Board of Selectmen and corrections to the Bylaw
will be forthcoming.
Camille Anthony requested that Town Counsel come in with the exact language of what needs to
be done relative to this case.
Discussion/Action items
Appointment — Conservation Commission — On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the
Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for a term on the Conservation
Commission with a term expiring June 30, 1999: William Ogden Finch received four votes and
was appointed.
Proclamation — Day of Recognition for Volunteers - On motion by Hoyt seconded by
MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen approved a Proclamation for a Day of Recognition for Elder
Services Volunteers on May 13, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Certificates of Appreciation: Det. David Saunders Sergeant Det. William Keefe and Patrol
Officer Hobart Nelson — On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen
approved a Certificate of Appreciation for Detective David E. Saunders for his 34 years of
service to the Reading Police Department. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by'Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen approved a Certificate of
Appreciation for Sergeant Detective William Keefe for his 37 years of service to the Reading
Police Department. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen approved a Certificate of
Appreciation for Patrol Officer Hobart E. Nelson for his 23 years of service to the Reading
Police Department. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Meetina With PTT Task Force —Members of the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force
were present to update the Board of Selectmen on projects throughout the Town. It was noted
that the West Street corridor project was slated for construction in the Spring of 1999.
Board of Selectmen Meeting_May 5, 1998—Page 2
Balsam Road/Maple Ridge Road Stop Sign — The Board discussed the need for a stop sign at
Balsam/Maple Ridge Roads. It was noted that there have been no reported accidents at this
location. -
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the -Board voted to have traffic counts done to
determine which is the less traveled road. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Approval of Stop or Yield Sign— Sanborn Lane at Lilah Lane—Ken Brown of 99 Sanborn Lane
stated that the majority of the traffic turns at Sanborn Lane(new)to Lilah,but don't signal.
John Gerhartz of 98 Sanborn Lane remarked that the stop sign should be on Lilah Lane.
Sally Hoyt questioned whether it was possible to have a three way stop. Joe Veno said no, that it
would be too restrictive.
Martha Moore of 102 Sanborn Lane had no objections to a stop sign on Sanborn Lane, but didn't
think it would solve the problem.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public
hearing on the stop sign on Lilah Lane at Sanborn Lane. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
On motion by Nestor seconded by MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an
amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations to place a stop sign on Lilah Lane southbound
at"old" Sanborn Lane. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Amend Traffic Regulations — Standards for Eligibility for Snow Plowing on Private Ways —Ted
McIntire was present to discuss snow plowing of private ways. It was noted that the Town
would not be able to plow a road if it has speed bumps or other obstructions.
Nestor was concerned that the policy would require expenditures by residents on improving their
private streets.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen closed the public hearing
on amendments to the Traffic Rules and Regulations to establish standards for eligibility for
snow plowing on private ways. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Board directed a fourth review of this issue.
Follow-Up on Water Use Restrictions — Ted McIntire was present to discuss the Water
Conservation Program that is currently in place. He noted that most of the violations appear to
take place in the early morning.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to amend the hours of the Stage 2
Water Conservation Program by extending the morning hours to allow outdoor water use from
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 5, 1998—Page 3
4:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on odd and even days depending on
street address. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of May 5,
1998 at 10:35 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respe lly submitted,
ie r tary