HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
May 26, 1998
The meeting convened at 7:00 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, Selectmen George Hines and Matt Nestor, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Peter Simms, Adele Blunt,
Mark Eyerman, Bill Brown, Randy Collins, John Crosby, Jay Smith, Jack Russell, Larry Walsh,
Mary Slack, Marjory Wentworth, Virginia Adams, Wilbar Hoxie, Kathy Greenfield, Jonathan
Edwards, Rick Schubert, Mike Flammia, Nancy Eaton, David Sulls, Joanne Fuller, Bradley
Fuller, Stan Karandaris, Rupert Ines, Roberta Sullivan, Louise Sandberg, David O'Sullivan,
Everett Blodgett, Kim Honetschlager, Deirdre Hanley, Jack Sullivan, Gladys Montgomery Jones,
Curt Nitzsche, Cheryl Sidelinker.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Matt Nestor commented on the wonderful events
surrounding Memorial Day, and congratulated Bruce MacDonald on his speech at Laurel Hill.
Sally Hoyt noted that she was not able to attend the Memorial Day ceremonies. Comments she
received were that residents did not like the simultaneous events at the other three cemeteries,
there is no sound system at the other cemeteries and taps is not played at the other cemeteries.
She attended the Girl Scouts Achievement Awards events last week with the Town Manager.
Bruce MacDonald commented on the terrific show of support at Memorial Day. He was very
proud of the community. He received one call regarding discontinuation of second water meters
as being unfair. He noted that the Board was going to evaluate and consider removal of all
second water meters.
Camille Anthony noted that all second water meters have been checked out and are in
compliance with the back flow prevention tests.
George Hines attended the South Main Street walk last Saturday, and noted that we had learned a
lot about organizing such walks and also that we had a lot to do in this area. He was proud to
participate in the Memorial Day services, and commended Bruce MacDonald on his speech. He
has suggestions on smoothing out the ceremonies. He noted that the Reading Ice Arena
Authority met last week, and they are confident that they can make the payments pursuant to the
agreement with the YMCA.
Public Comment—Bill Brown hopes that we will enforce water restrictions.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—.May 26, 1998 —Page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program was a success — almost 400 people
used it in a 4-hour period. The next collection will be in Stoneham in the Fall.
♦ The evacuation of Longwood Place due to a transformer problem went very well. I was very
impressed with the response of all Town agencies including the work of the RMLD to get
this facility back on line. The Longwood staff and residents were great.
0 Four D.A.R.E. Graduations have taken place and/or are scheduled to take place this week
and next. This. is a terrific program that enables the Police Department to work with the
School Department on substance abuse prevention. The D.A.R.E. Officer this year is Leone
Sullivan.
e A risk assessment survey under the auspices of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council is
being conducted this week. Letters went to 1668 parents of children in middle school and
high school. Children have the option of refusing to answer the questionnaire. This
questionnaire has been used within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 10 years
(through the Department of Public Health). The survey is anonymous and is intended to
measure various behavioral risks over time. Many local communities have used the same
survey including Wakefield, Stoneham, Melrose, Danvers and Saugus.
♦ The Girl Scout Achievement Program was held last week at Camp Rice Moody. It was a
very nice event and five RMHS senior girls were recognized.
♦ EMS Week was last week, and this community has a great deal to be proud of in the work
that the EMT's of this community do for our residents.
♦ Media One Cable TV franchise negotiations are ongoing.
♦ Bulk Waste Collection the week of May 4th was very successful.
♦ The Mill Street Bridge reconstruction project has been awarded, and will be under
construction some time this Summer and, hopefully, completed by Fall. The road will be
closed during construction.
♦ The Longwood Road sewer pre-construction meeting was held last week, and the project
will be under construction beginning this week.
♦ Charles Street and Rustic Lane re-paving—bid opening May 27th.
♦ The building at 13 Union Street was demolished last week to make way for the new Police
Station.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 26, 1998 —Page 3
♦ The hours of the Compost Center for the remainder of the Summer are: This Friday and
Saturday; Saturday only for the rest of June, July, August and September; Friday, Saturday,
- and Monday for the month of October; and Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the
month of November.
♦ There is a problem at the standpipe on Auburn Street—the tank is pitted and rivets are gone—
an evaluation is being done and a report and action will be recommended as soon as possible.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Nestor, the Board voted to approve the settlement of an
Industrial Accident case for William O'Brien in the amount not to exceed $25,000, said sum to
be paid by the Town's insurer; and the Town Manager is authorized to sign the settlement
documents on behalf of the Town. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Approve Deeds for Cul-de-sac on Lucy Drive — On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the
Board of Selectmen voted to approve the execution of the deeds and all other related documents
for the transfer of a portion of the Lucy Drive cul-de-sac from the Town of Reading to Kevin M.
and Patricia M. Thompson, and to Edgar M. and Nancy E. Lovell. The motion was approved by
a vote of 5-0-0.
Decision — Balsam Road and Maple Ridge Road Stop Sign — The Town Manager presented the
report from the Traffic Consultant indicating that if a stop sign is to be located it should be on
Maple Ridge Road at Balsam Road.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public
hearing on the stop sign at Balsam Road at Maple Ridge Road. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an
amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations to place a stop sign on Maple Ridge Road in
both directions at Balsam Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. -
Bruce MacDonald questioned whether a staff is "in touch" with making good recommendations
regarding issues such as this. He noted that he had received a resident complaint about the stop
line on Lilah Lane at Sanborn Lane being painted across the whole road.
Presentation with Downtown Steering Committee and CPDC and Economic Development
Consultant for Downtown — Kathy Greenfield, Co-Chair of the Downtown Steering Committee,
made the presentation. She noted that 40 merchants are adopting flower boxes along Main and
Haven Street, The Northeast Regional Vocational School will be constructing them and the
merchants will have to provide materials only. - The merchants will buy soil and flowers and
plant them and take them in in the Winter. A committee has been formed on code enforcement
and is working with Matt Hakala from the Zoning Enforcement Office. A committee is
reviewing scheduled maintenance, and cleaning the sidewalks in Downtown once a week is
being done by DPW.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 26, 1998—Page 4
There is a subcommittee on business attraction and they have begun to develop a brochure. The
brochure will go to landlords and commercial real estate brokers. There is a marketing
promotion committee.
The Downtown Steering Committee.is working to improve its organization. It has adopted a
mission statement and has a voting membership of 17 members. They are going to work on a
subcommittee basis and additional people are needed. The Board of Selectmen might
recommend the Downtown Steering Committee to residents on the Boards, Committees and
Commissions list.
Since August of 1997, the Downtown Steering Committee has reviewed the Bandstand proposal;
has developed fascade guidelines with the Summer intern but was not able to get a grant;
participated in Town Government Week; sponsored the Lighting event in November; talked with
the Reading Police Department regarding early release days; and has worked with a vendor to
establish a ValuPak for Downtown with 40% of the proceeds..to go to the Downtown Steering
Committee.
George Hines asked about the Business Attraction Program and how the Town of Reading can
help. The Business Attraction Committee has not done direct outreach yet but will. The
Economic Development Consultant is giving the committee a how and why guidelines. Hines
reviewed several vacancies in stores that exist Downtown.
Bruce MacDonald asked when the Lighting Selection would take place.
Sally Hoyt commented on the bus tour. -
Randy Collins from Gates Leighton noted that the Mass. Highway application has been
submitted and the district has approved the project as a high priority. The MIM central office in
Boston is waiting to see how the federal legislation will work out, and then things should start to
move again.
The Downtown Steering Committee and others took a tour to see how some of the amenities that
are being considered for Reading will look in place. There was discussion about the lighting
types, and the Town Manager asked for decisions on types of lighting, benches and rubbish
containers as well as bollards so that these can be incorporated in the Police Station design.
Mark Eyerman, the Economic Development Consultant, spoke. He noted that change in the
Downtown is incremental, and presented a handout on successful main street programs. A
successful program must be a public/private partnership and must be multi-dimensional.
Camille Anthony asked how Eyerman has been working with the Downtown Steering
Committee — is it hands on or advisory? The comment was both. Eyerman noted that some of
the preliminary results of his study show that Reading's Downtown covers a variety of roles:
1. As a convenience retail and service outlet with strength in grocery shopping,
hardware, dry cleaning, flower shops, etc.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 26, 1998 —Page 5
2. As a service economy with professional and personal services available
including allied health professionals. These uses help bring people into
Downtown.
3. As a specialty retail around two areas—home services and niche businesses
(crafts,jewelry, clocks, etc.).
4. For local financial services including the banks, post office, etc.
He also commented about the strength of having local government services including the Police
Department, Fire Department, Town Hall and the Post Office in or adjacent to Downtown. He
noted that there really is a very low vacancy rate in Downtown. Square Liquors is very visible
and there is some development proposals there. Eyerman noted that he is working with the
Business Attraction Committee in developing the workplan.
Hines asked about things like clothing stores and Eyerman noted that there is not the space right
now for those kinds of uses. National businesses are tough to attract. We need to network with
landlords and tenants.
MacDonald asked about demographics in Reading and whether the Downtown development lags
behind the demographics. It was noted that this is the case. Eyerman noted that he met with
thirty businesses as part of his work here. There is a perception that Reading is not a business
friendly community. They find the Town government structure hard to work with. The Town
needs to develop a consistent message and deal even handedly with all the businesses. We also
need to work on assisting new businesses to locate in the community and have one stop
shopping. Eyerman noted that Reading has a complex regulatory system including historical
preservation issues, sign issues and planning. There is not a good road map through the process.
There is some sense that all businesses are not treated equally.
Matt Nestor felt that there has to be one stop shopping. He felt that it was ironic that we had to
have a consultant come in and tell us that we are not business friendly. Eyerman did note that
the business community was very impressed by the Selectmen present at the lighting ceremony.
Jonathan Edwards noted that the one stop shopping document is done— it is 18 pages long.
Mike Flammia from CPDC suggested that perhaps Mark Eyerman should be consulted on the
Reading Business Park issues.
Review Final Plans —Walnut Street - Jack Sullivan from the Engineering Division reviewed the
plans. Questions were raised by residents from 197 South Street (across from-Sturgess Park)
relative to the slope and masonry wall; the resident from 55 Walnut Street regarding kind of
curbing; the resident from 169 Walnut Street regarding the markings in the street and why the
Town is not making sharper corners; the resident from 50 Walnut Street regarding whether the
sidewalk from South Street to Pine Ridge Road should be paved; the resident from 50 Walnut
Street regarding what trees are going to be taken; the resident from 174 Walnut Street regarding
how much lawn will be taken; the resident from 119 Walnut Street regarding the width of the
road; the resident from 133 Walnut Street asking about removal and relocate curbing which does
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 26, 1998 —Page 6
not exist in front of his house; the resident from 197 South Street about taking the"hump" out of -
the street at South Street; the resident from 46 Walnut Street regarding the cost estimate and who
is paying and the resident from 174 Walnut Street suggesting that he liked the job that was done
on South Street but we need to be careful with grading and ponding.
Following all comments, the Board of Selectmen approved the following motion: On motion by
Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the plans for the
reconstruction of Walnut Street, and authorized the Town Manager to proceed with an
application for a Scenic Road Permit to the Community Planning and Development Commission.
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed.
Review Plans — Library Parking Lot — The Board reviewed the plans for the parking lot
improvements. Everett Blodgett suggested that the sidewalk on the school street side of the
Library building should be extended to the back of the building. The Board agreed.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the plan for the
parking improvements to the Reading Public Library as amended by extending the sidewalk on
the easterly side of the building to the rear of the building. The motion was approved by a vote
of 5-0-0.
Award of Bids — Grove Street Lot — The Town Manager reviewed the bidding process and
recommended that the sale of the lot to move the Foster Emerson House be awarded to the
Reading Friends of Historic Preservation because the sale price to the Town was greater, the
financial resources available were greater, and the experience of the contractor was better than
for the other proposal. The Board allowed each of the bidders to make a ten minute
presentation.
Glady Montgomery Jones spoke for the Reading Friends of Historic Preservation and introduced
board members Curt Nitzsche and Everett Blodgett, and proposed contractors Theophanis &
Cullen.
Matt Nestor asked when the property is sold how they would keep the new owner from undoing
the historic preservation work. It was noted that there would be a deed covenant such as Ipswich
has.
Sally Hoyt asked if it was possible to preserve the house and keep it for Town use, and Camille
Anthony noted that this was not part of the RFP.
George Hines asked if the Friends would consider marketing the project from a point where it is
moved and made sound so the buyer could make their own decisions on things like the kitchen,
bath, etc. Jones noted that they would.
Sally Hoyt hoped that whoever got the project would do such a great job that it would be eligible
for a Historic Preservation Award. f--
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 26, 1998 —Page 7
Cheryl Sidelinker spoke and noted that they have $275,000 in equity in their home which would
be adequate to finance this project. She talked about needing to restore the fireplace to a safe
working condition and being willing to do whatever is needed in order to accomplish this.
Matt Nestor asked about their experience, and it was noted that Les Sidelinker is a building
contractor and has done cabinet work. He has never worked on renovating a complete house.
Bruce MacDonald asked about having the Friends do the work and then buying it. The
Sidelinkers are not interested in this --they want some things different than the Friends would do
including higher quality cabinets, etc.
George Hines asked if the Sidelinkers were designated as the builders whether they would be
willing to negotiate the price. They indicated that they would, that there is a $20,000
contingency built into the project but the chimney may eat that up.
Camille Anthony asked about the two car detached garage. The Sidelinkers noted that the "L"
would be reserved for future living space and it would be left as a shell for now.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen authorized the Town Manager
to enter into negotiations, first with the Sidelinkers, and if that negotiation is not successful, then.
with the Reading Friends of Historic Preservation subject to the following conditions:
1. Submission of the final drawings of the move and renovation to the
Historical Commission for their approval prior to the moving of the
building;
2. The historical preservation restrictions will be recorded with the deed
to the property;
3. Subject to the successful bidder meeting all of the terms and conditions
of the RFP.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with MacDonald and Hoyt opposed.
Nestor wanted to ensure that if a deal cannot be worked out with the Sidelinkers that the Town
Manager would come back to the Board of Selectmen prior to negotiating with the Friends.
Nancy Eaton noted that the motion is to move a pre-1740 structure and that this should not
include a detached garage. The lot is environmentally sensitive.
Camille Anthony asked the Historical Commission if they had a recommendation. David
O'Sullivan noted that the Historical Commission would like to be able to review final plans and
make sure that they meet the guidelines from the RFP.
Board of Selectmen Meeting;—May 26, 1998 —Page 8
George Hines noted that since the ultimate goal is preservation of the home and sale to a private
owner, he prefers selling it directly to a private owner.
MacDonald noted that the first goal is to preserve the structure. He has no doubt that under the
Friends proposal, the property will go into private ownership., He knows the South Parish
construction group and has confidence in their capability.
George Hines noted that as part of the negotiations, the Sidelinkers would have to demonstrate to
the entire Board that they would be able to do the project. They have obviously given a great
deal of thought to this project, and he has seen Sidelinkers' work.
Matt Nestor noted that he would vote for the Sidelinker proposal because he thinks they would
bring passion to the job. They are putting up $275,000 of their own money.
MacDonald felt loyalty to the Friends since they took the initiative to save the house to start
with. Nestor feels that the project will succeed in either case.
Sally Hoyt is impressed with the Sidelinker's proposal but feels that the Friends would do a
better job.
Kim Honetschlager of 50 Mill Street feels that the Friends also have a passion to do this project
appropriately.
Camille Anthony noted that if the Sidelinkers are awarded the sale, she hopes the Friends will
work with them.
Everett Blodgett noted that the covenant on the house is the primary concern.
Gladys Montgomery Jones noted that they tried to help the Sidelinkers by putting them in touch
with builders who have expertise in this area but they did not follow up.
Virginia Adams asked if members of the Historical Commission could be involved in the
negotiations as well, and it was noted that they could be involved in an advisory role.
Hearing — FY 1999 Classification and Compensation Plan — The Chairman read the notice. The
Town Manager reviewed the proposed changes which would change Schedule B by 2.1%, and
would modify Schedule A as noted.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to close the hearing on the
amendments to the Classification and Compensation Plan for FY 1999. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve the amendments to the
Classification and Compensation Plan for FY 1999 as presented. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0. :--
Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 26, 1998..—Page 9
The Town Manager noted that the letter from three employees who were at Step 10 would be
reviewed with the Step Committee, and he would like to be able to come back with some
recommendations at a later date.
Vote to Establish Reading Business Park Task Force — The Secretary read the notice of the
hearing. The Town Manager reviewed the proposed policy. The Board of Selectmen made
several proposed changes.
George Hines noted that he feels the initial evaluation should be done in Executive Session.
Nestor and MacDonald disagreed. MacDonald noted that since this is a public body bound by
the Open Meetings Law, if the advisory committee found it necessary to go into Executive
Session, they could as long as it was appropriate in accordance with the Open Meetings Law.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing
on the adoption of a policy establishing the Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Task Force. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
policy establishing the Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Task Force, as amended. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of
May 26, 1998 at 10:55 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respeptfully submitted,
` Secretary,/
Section 2.I2 -Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory Committee
There is hereby created an Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory Committee which
shall exist until June 30, 2001, or until such time as the Reading Business Park (formerly known
as the Reading Sanitary Landfill) has been closed, and a new use for the site has been established
and committed. At that time, the Board of Selectmen may choose to continue the committee on
an ad hoc basis, or to let the committee be dissolved..
The Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory Committee shall consist of up to nine
members appointed by the Board of Selectmen, for terms expiring 6-30-01, or when the property
has been successfully marketed, whichever is first. In selecting the membership, the Board of
Selectmen shall consider the expertise of applicants in the areas of real estate development, real
estate marketing, community planning, environmental protection, landfill closure, and any other
discipline that would assist the Board of Selectmen in meeting the community goals related to the
closure and re-use of the former landfill site. The Board of Selectmen will consider and solicit
membership from the Community Planning and Development Commission, the Conservation
Commission, the Board of Assessors, and any other Town of Reading body or any citizen of the
Town who would be helpful in this process. The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee
will each be asked to designate a member of the Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory
Committee, and the Board of Selectmen will appoint the Chairman of the Committee.
The responsibilities of the Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory Committee shall be
to:
Provide on-going advice and recommendations to the Board of Selectmen and the Town
Manager relative to the site;
• Assist the Town in developing the Request for Proposals for marketing consulting
services,
• Assist the Town in developing the Request for Proposals for the disposition of the site
for reuse;
• Act as the screening committee to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on
proposals received for the disposition and re-use of the site;
• Work with the Town in monitoring the closure plans for the site;
• Upon request, provide additional advice and recommendations to the Town Manager
and the Board of Selectmen with regard to the closure and re-use of the site.
The Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory Committee will be provided staff support as
determined by the Town Manager, and shall work routinely with the Town Manager or other
person(s) designated by him. The Ad Hoc Reading Business Park Advisory Committee shall
report at least quarterly to the Board of Selectmen.
Idopted 5-26-98