HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-04 Board of Selectmen Minutes - , Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 4, 1998
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present"were Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt,
Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Counsel H Theodore
Cohen, Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson, and the following list of interested parties: Nancy Eaton,
David Kwong, Mike deBrigard, Joe Connelly, Marjorie Pacino, Rick Schubert, Bea Erickson,
Kathy D'Angelo, Ted McIntire, Stephen Tucker, Gerald MacDonald. ,
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Sally Hoyt noted that the Woburn Interchange
project is under construction and there are no pians to connect Inwood Office Park. She spoke
with Mayor Dever in Woburn who suggested that the Town Manager write a letter to the
Aldermen in Woburn to look into heavy vehicle exclusion on West Street.
Camille Anthony noted that we need a game plan for the heavy vehicle exclusion on West Street.
She also noted that she received a call from a resident who is interested in serving on the Water
Supply Task Force.
Bruce MacDonald noted that the follow-up meeting on South Main Street streetscape will be
scheduled for some time in early September. He also noted that he received a phone call on the
issue of condominium trash collection.
Public Comment—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager noted that in the Selectmen's packet was the determination from the D.E.P.
regarding the Pleasant and Wilson Street property. The D.E.P. determined that the River's
Protection Act does not apply. The Town Manager also reported on the following issues:
♦ Lou Adriani, an educator in Reading for over 40 years, passed away last week. He was
most recently the Assistant Principal at the Coolidge Middle School.
♦ The Home Rule petition for Lou Bacigalupo has been approved by both houses of the
legislature, and is on the Governor's desk awaiting signature.
s Mill Street Bridge construction—beginning July 20, 1998.
e Longwood Road sewers going well.
o Route 129 construction is ongoing.
Charles Street sidewalks and re-paving are under construction.
o Prescott and Summer Avenue signal— installation to begin mid-July. When this project
is completed, it is our intention to remove the temporary Crossing Guard at that location,
and to reassign the Guard at another high priority location.
a Rustic Lane construction is well underway—the pavement was removed and a new base
course of pavement installed. Work is being done on sidewalks now.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 1998 —page 2
♦ Meeting by Town Manager with residents regarding drainage — Red Gate Lane and Balsam
Road. The consensus is that the owners will try to work out the issues themselves, and
that the Town will be ready to help if we can.
♦ Jonathan Edwards has submitted his resignation. His last day at work will be August 13,
1998.
♦ Appointment of Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean — he will start work the day after
Labor Day.
s Sign requested at John Carver and Hanscom in remembrance of Larry Reed — Crossing
Guard.
s Meeting with Grubb and Ellis—progress on Business Park;.
♦ Meeting on 7-21-98 —Board of Selectmen regarding South Main Street;
♦ Town is arranging to install permanent fencing on the Eric's Greenhouse side of the
easement;
The "Stream Team" is planting a low water use lawn and landscaping at the Good Shepherd
Church on Woburn Street beginning July 31 st and continuing on August 15th and August
21 st.
Personnel and Appointments
Board of Appeals—On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed
the following name into nomination for one position on the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term
expiring 6-30-99: Michael J. Larkin, Jr. received three votes and was appointed.
Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee — On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board
of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Hazardous
Waste Advisory Committee for a term expiring 6-30-01: Foy L. Johnson received three votes
and was appointed.
North Suburban Planning Council — This was postponed until August 25, 1998 when the full
Board is present.
Board of Selectmen Liaison Assitrnments — The following liaison assignments were made:
Accounting Department — Camille Anthony; Community Development Department — Sally
Hoyt; CPDC/MAPC — Camille Anthony; Finance Department — Matthew Nestor; Trust Fund
Commissioners — Bruce MacDonald; General Services — Bruce NfacDonald; Housing Authority
— Bruce MacDonald; Human Services — Sally Hoyt; Library — Matthew Nestor; Department of
Public Safety — George Hines; Department of Public Works — Camille Anthony; Reading
Municipal Light Department — Bruce MacDonald; School Department — George Hines;
Downtown Steering Committee— Camille Anthony.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Awards — Adopt-An-Island— Kathy D'Angelo explained that the contest for awards for adopted
islands was judged on July 22, 1998 by members of the Garden Clubs in Wilmington, North
Reading and Stoneham. Local merchants donated the awards. Kathy D'Angelo and Bea
Erickson made the presentations to the winners. The Board commended the whole group on a
job well done and thanked them and all the participants for their work on behalf of the
community.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 1998—page 3
Certificates of Appreciation for Outgoing Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service — On
motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen presented Certificates of
Appreciation to the following volunteers in recognition of their years of service to the Town of
Reading:
Karen Samatis Arts Council 5 years
Stephen Tucker Zoning Board of Appeals 17 years
Mary Mundjer Council on Aging 5 years
Gerald MacDonald Finance Committee 9 years
Nathan White Finance Committee 9 years
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Stephen Tucker and Gerald MacDonald were both
present to receive their Certificates.
Discussion/Action Items
Close Warrant— State Primary Election — On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board
of Selectmen closed the Warrant for the State Primary Election to be held September 15, 1998
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road. The motion was
approved by a vote of 3-0-0-
Continued Hearing — Liquor License Transfer — Panda Station (formerly Station House
Restaurant) — On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen closed the
public hearing on an application for a liquor license transfer at 32 Lincoln Street to-the Panda
Station Restaurant. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
The Town Manager noted that this hearing was continued due to two issues: the condition of the
exterior of the building (which has since been painted), and the deed restriction that the building
be open for commuters.
David Kwong stated that he did not see in the deed where he has to be open in the morning for
commuters. He noted that it states in the deed that a heated and lighted room needs to be open
for the Station Manager, not for commuters. The Town Manager noted that a separate building
could be constructed. Mr. Kwong also noted that Winslow's is the official ticket agent, and they
are open early in the morning and also have facilities.
Camille Anthony noted that this is a deed requirement when the property was transferred to the
Town from the B&M Railroad, and has been passed on to successive owners.
Bruce MacDonald noted that he did not want to see the building closed up and derelict; that there
has been no enforcement in the past; and that he is not aware of any complaints from commuters.
Sally Hoyt noted that this could be a legal problem. It is in the deed and should be adhered to.
Bruce MacDonald asked Mr. Kwong if he would consider changing his hours. Mr. Kwong noted
that the previous owner did breakfast. He couldn't get designated as a ticket agent and he
eventually went out of business.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 1998—page 4
Mr. Kwong stated that he would have to close up if he had to open in the morning. It would cost
an extra $500-$700 a week plus liability and he was also concerned about vandalism. Mr.
Kwong stated that the burden should be on the property owner, not the business owner.
The Board instructed the Town Manager to have Town Counsel put the owner of the building on
notice to comply with the requirements in the deed.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen approved an application for a
liquor license transfer at 32 Lincoln Street to the Panda Station Restaurant, subject to the
following conditions:
♦ All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts shall be followed;
♦ All employees of the establishment involved in the serving of alcoholic beverages shall
be trained in TIPS, or an equivalent program, on the effective date of this license, and
new employees shall be trained within 3 months of being hired;
♦ The operator of the establishment will certify in writing to the Town Manager that this
requirement has been met;
♦ There shall be no video gambling machines on the premises.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Snow Plowing Policy—Public Works Director Ted McIntire was present to discuss the street list
of private ways (Schedule A). He noted that Beacon Street and Swan Road need to be added to
the list and Partridge Road will be taken off. He stated that roads would be taken off the list as
they become public ways.
Sally Hoyt was concerned that this policy would hurt residents from 46 roads in Reading.
Bruce MacDonald feels that there needs to be a policy put in place. If it's a problem, it would be
rescinded.
On motion by Anthony seconded Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen moved to approve a "Policy
Regarding Snow Plowing on Private Ways" as amended as identified in Schedule A dated
August 5, 1998. It was voted that if it didn't work out, the Board of Selectmen has the right to
rescind. The motion was not approved by a vote of 2-1-0, with Hoyt voting against it.
The Board directed the Town Manager to implement the..policy administratively and appeals
may go before the Board of Selectmen.
Review Proposed Adult Use Bylaw Amendments — Bruce MacDonald noted that the old Bylaw
was too restrictive and that is why amendments are being made. Richard Schubert, Jonathan.
Edwards and Ted Cohen were present to discuss the changes.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 1998—page 5
Richard Schubert explained that there were two issues that needed to be addressed: 1) the
wording "...Board of Appeals may grant a.special permit...."had to be changed to "....Board of
- Appeals shall grant a special permit..." and 2) CPDC had to redefine the locations. The
residential setback had to be changed from 750 feet to 100 feet and the setback from another
establishment with a special permit had to be changed from 750 feet to 500 feet.
Ted Cohen explained that adult uses are permitted in the industrial zone which is the best place
to protect residents and businesses.
The Town Manager indicated that we will have a Special Town Meeting on September 14, 1998
for adoption of these amendments and the Warrant will close on August 25, 1998.
Review Election Options —Bruce MacDonald stated that the purpose of this discussion was to
review alternative ways of voting; i.e., Saturday elections, voting over a period of time, voting by
mail, etc.
Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson was present to explain the options. Her study showed that Saturday
elections could be done but it wouldn't bring out more voters and it could cost more for
custodians. Voting by mail is not an option. Texas does it but there is a lot of mail fraud.
The Town Clerk mentioned that combining local and federal elections works well, and there was
an instructional motion at Town Meeting to combine the federal primary and Town election in
2000.
Sally Hoyt noted that North Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield vote one month later than we do.
Camille Anthony suggested that this report should be made available to Town Meeting.
The Town Clerk recommended that we continue voting as is and in the one location.
The Town Manager noted that we need a secondary access to Hawkes Field House at such times
as the opportunity may present itself.
Chairman Bruce MacDonald thanked Cheryl Johnson for all the work she did in compiling the
report and indicated that we will leave the elections as they currently are.
Board of Selectmen Goals — Camille Anthony noted that it would be good to know the
departments goals. Certain things are ongoing; i.e., the landfill. But the Town has been
designated "Tree City" yet we're taking down more trees than we plant. Camille feels that the
Board needs to get out in the community and deal with issues like electric deregulation._ She
would also like the Selectmen to have office hours with the Selectmen alternating days.
Sally Hoyt feels that the Board should be addressing community concerns.
The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen should be establishing community goals
and should be dealing more with policy issues.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 1998 —page 6
Bruce MacDonald asked if the Department Heads submit goals, and the Town Manager noted
that it helps to have the Board of Selectmen goals to set the department goals.
The Town Manager indicated that he could have the departments put together a list of goals, and
then filter it through the Selectmen to help set their goals.
Nancy Eaton requested that Boards, Committees and Commissions and perhaps residents be
included in that process.
Bruce MacDonald stated that he will be looking for goals about different ways of doing business.
The Town Manager will get the goals from the departments, and Camille Anthony requested
copies of the goals from last year.
Name Ball Field after John Pacino —Recreation Administrator Joe Comieily and Marjorie Pacino
were present to discuss the naming of the ball field at Washington Park after John Pacino.
Marjorie Pacino indicated that she was honored.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen moved that the baseball field
at Washington Park be named in memory of John Pacino, and that the Town Manager work with
volunteers on a suitable commemoration of the naming of the field. The motion was approved
by a vote of 3-0-0.
Vacate the Decree for 25 Willow Street — On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board
of Selectmen voted to vacate the final decree of Land Court for the property at 25 Willow Street,
Reading. The property owner has paid all back taxes. The motion was approved by a vote of
3-0-0.
Signing of Deed — Sidelinkers — On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of
Selectmen voted to approve the signing of all deeds and other documents to effectuate the
transfer of .5 acres of land on Grove Street from the Town of Reading to Leslie and Cheryl
Sidelinker. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of their
meeting of June 2, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of their
meeting of June 16, 1998, as amended. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of their
meeting of July 14, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen approved the minutes of their
meeting of July 21, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 4, 1998—page 7
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted go into Executive
Session for the purpose of approval of minutes and discussion of strategy with respect to
`._ litigation not to come back into Open Session. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Respect lly submitted,
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