Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 25, 1998 The meeting convened at 7:01 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary Matt Nestor, Selectman George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Town Accountant Richard Foley, Police Chief Edward Marchand, and the following list of interested parties: Robert Redmond, Matt Lordan, Eleanor Dustin, Everett Blodgett, Beth Anderson, Allen Ulrich, Stephen and Carmela D'Amico, Lawrence. Walsh, Joe Santangelo, Jake McAleer, Jeff Lawson, Ross Anderson, Karen M. Sawyer, Richard J. Moore, Gail Wood, Mark Reilly, Ben Nichols, Jim Guarante, Bernice Svedlow, Mike Longo, Brenda Smith. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — George Hines reported that he attended a meeting of the Business Park Advisory Committee last week. The Committee discussed the process of reviewing proposals. Twenty packets have been taken out to date. The staff will do the initial screening and recommend three to go before the Board of Selectmen. Sally Hoyt had no report. Matt Nestor had no report. Bruce MacDonald indicated that he has had calls on the condo trash issue and it will be brought up in the Subsequent Town Meeting. He also received a call on the loudspeaker bylaw. Public Comment - Robert Redmond informed the Board that he was having a problem with the Police Department. The Board suggested that he speak with the Town Manager. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager informed the Board of a pedestrian accident on Woburn Street. The "Big Mac" water tower is getting ready for painting. The Engineer Consultant recommends removal of the "Rocket" standpipe as soon as possible due to loss of structural integrity. The Town is in the process of getting estimates for demolition. Personnel & Appointments Board of Registrars—The applicant was not present. Discussion/Action Items Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting— Town Accountant Richard Foley was present to give a summary of the year end cash and reserves. The estimated free cash is over $1,950,000. That, compiled with the reserve fund gives us $2.1 million in reserves. The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee Policy states that free cash and reserves should be 5% of the budget. We are $130,000 short of where we want to be. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 25, 1998—Page 2 We have a surplus of $566,000 in the water account and a surplus of $691,000 in the sewer account. Matt Nestor asked why we are holding the water and sewer surplus. The Town Manager noted that we keep $200,000 in the water and the sewer accounts to meet unanticipated expenses. The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee recommends the establishment of a stabilization fund for water and sewer. George Hines felt as though the surplus indicates that the rates are too high and that the surplus should go to lowering the rates. Bruce MacDonald asked what drives up the surplus. The Town Manager noted that high usage and the number of people getting a discount effect the rates. Richard Foley indicated that he will have updated FY99 projections at the Budget Council meeting. Close Warrant for a Special Town Meeting on September 14, 1998 —The Town Manager gave a brief explanation of the Articles. Town Counsel Ted Cohen was present to discuss Article 4 regarding amending the Adult-Use Bylaw. He indicated that there were no changes since the Selectmen's meeting with CPDC a couple of weeks ago. Ted Cohen met with the court today and informed them of the Town's intention to take action once the Bylaw is passed. He has spoken with Video Expo's attorney and he indicated that the option of moving to the industrial district is a possibility. The Town Manager gave the background information on Article 5 regarding Brande Court. The Atlantic Realty has acquired the property and is donating it to the Town. The Town will either demolish or move the building that is on the property and construct a parking lot for 12-14 parking spaces. The estimated cost will be $48,000. The reason for having this on the Special Town Meeting Warrant is to grade the land this Fall for use this Winter. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen closed the Warrant consisting of five Articles for the Special Town Meeting to be held September 14, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 146-148 Woburn Street - Driveway Opening - The Town Manager explained that this is a two family house on a very narrow lot and the former owner had put in an illegal second driveway. Carmella and Stephen D'Amico, the homeowners, were present and explained that when they bought the house, they assumed the driveway was legal. When they had called the DPW about a pothole, they were informed that the second driveway was illegal. Their long driveway doesn't accommodate the parking needs because of a large tree that is in the way, and they are requesting that the Board of Selectmen allow them to keep the second driveway. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 25 1998 —Page 3 Matt Nestor asked if the Town had any record of the previous owner being contacted regarding this second driveway. The answer was no. George Hines indicated that on street permit parking is available. The pothole was created by driving through the tree lawn into the second driveway and that the regulations are in place for a reason. Sally Hoyt indicated that the Town Engineer states that the long driveway can accommodate six vehicles. Aesthetic and safety issues are a concern. Matt Nestor agreed that we have regulations for good reasons and the Town has a responsibility to enforce them. He also feels that the driveway has been there for a long time and we should let it be. Bruce MacDonald agreed that we don't want to overwrite the regulations but if it is a pre- existing condition, then we shouldn't take it away. George Hines indicated that we don't know if the driveway pre-existed the regulations, and stated that the doublewide driveway can accommodate six cars. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board voted on a motion to approve a second driveway at 146-148 Woburn Street. The motion was not approved by a vote of 2-2-0, with Hines and Hoyt opposed. Discussion with the Reading Antiquarian Society re: Sweetser Avenue Property — Beth Anderson, Everett Blodgett, Allen Ulrich and Eleanor Dustin from the Antiquarian Society were present. Everett Blodgett gave the history of the Parker Tavern acquisition. The Antiquarian Society wishes to acquire the surrounding Town owned property to protect the Parker Tavern. The additional land could eventually be used for a possible work space or display area. George Hines suggested that perhaps we could bid the land with the requirement that it be used for a museum. Matt Nestor suggested that we bid the land to be used by the Antiquarian Society, or perhaps we could have Town Counsel look into putting it into a trust to avoid bidding. Eleanor Dustin indicated that this is the only historic house in Reading that is open to the public. If anything should happen to the Parker Tavern or to the Antiquarian Society, the land would revert back to the Town. - - Sally Hoyt noted that it is importanttopreserve the Parker Tavern and the property around it. - Ben Nichols stated that the Town gave this property as a gift in 1949, and it reverts back to the e_.t Town should something happen. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 25, 1998—Page The Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager to look at options to make the property available to the Antiquarian Society through bidding or a trust. Cable TV Negotiations — Jim Guarente, Bernice Svedlow, Mike Longo, Brenda Smith and Joe Santangelo from the Cable TV Advisory Committee were present. Jim Guarente gave the chronology of events and gave an outline of the elements of the Cable TV franchise renewal. The elements of negotiations are as follows: ♦ 10 year renewal of a non-exclusive cable franchise; ♦ I-Net remains as is, maintained at no cost to subscribers for 10 years; ♦ Development of I-Net for high speed data transmission between the RMHS and Town Hall or Library with the cost to be externalized; ♦ Continuation of internet access to the schools at no cost until the"social contract" expires, after which the costs may be externalized; ♦ A customer service center in Reading for bill payment and equipment exchange; ♦ Transition from a studio operated by Media One to a studio operated by a Reading Community Access Corporation; ♦ Funding of$80,000 to the operation of the Studio without externalization and an additional $20,000 which will be externalized; the contribution will be expanded by a CPI not exceeding 2% annually; ♦ Funding of$200,000 to the capital cost of the studio, plus all of the original studio -t equipment; $150,000 of the $200,000 will be externalized; $100,000 to be spent immediately, $50,000 in year 3 and $50,000 in year 6; _- ♦ "Mild" level playing field language and early renewal language; ♦ 10% discount for needy senior citizens. Bruce MacDonald asked how we get the schools on the internet and the Town Manager responded that they already are; we are now connecting Town Hall, Police Station, Fire Station and Library. The Cable TV Advisory Committee feels the cost shouldn't be passed onto the subscribers. Brenda Smith mentioned that she has made calls regarding additional funding for the studio, and she noted that there is support out there. George Hines stated that his dissatisfaction with the Media One studio was regarding support. Bruce MacDonald asked how much Media One makes in Reading, and Jim Guarente responded that he wasn't sure but thinks it is around $3.5 million. Sally Hoyt noted that there are not many seniors in need who would benefit from the 10% senior citizen discount. George Hines noted that he supports a senior citizen discount but noted that Cable TV was not a necessity. He also noted that the budget for the studio equipment could be more as far as the Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 25 1998—Page S way it is being proportioned — there has been little capital investment from day one. He also wants to see"stiffer" language regarding the I-Net for the schools. Bruce MacDonald has the same concerns. He wants to see more of the "social contract" lived up to. The Town Manager noted that $200,000 is appropriate, the issue of sharing was hard to bargain. Sally Hoyt requested a second camera in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to support the direction established by the Committee and Media One, and to move forward to finalize the contract incorporating the comments as made. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Board thanked the Cable TV Advisory Committee for their hard work. Water and Sewer Stabilization — Richard Moore and Gail Wood from the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee were present. Richard Moore explained that the rate stabilization policy proposed has three line items to be funded and expended in the following manner: Line 1 — Emergency Reserve; Line 2 — Capital Expenditure Stabilization Line 3 —Rate Stabilization. He noted that rates are set by estimating cost and usage and we don't have a cushion in the budget right now. Previous surpluses were used to lower rates, then the following year we would have a large rate increase. Richard Moore stated that we try to keep $200,000 in each emergency reserve. f---s George Hines stated that he would like to see the stabilization fund phased in and also have some rate reduction immediately. Matt Nestor noted that this will raise rates by 3% for several years until the 30% stabilization figure was reached and he was opposed to asking rate payers to pay more if not needed. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager and staff to develop a policy on establishing a rate stabilization fund. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Nestor opposed. The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee will use existing surplus to show how the model would work. Police Staffing and Deployment Study Follow-Up - Chief Edward Marchand was present to discuss the responses to the Police Staffing Study. The Chief noted that he is asking for one more vehicle and that the two man car has been changed to a one man car by changing the shift of the other officer. Regarding selective enforcement, the traffic stops are called in and recorded by the Dispatchers. A new Sergeant is being appointed tomorrow and all the other issues are either budgetary or Union issues Matt Nestor asked what was needed to get clerical help, and it was noted that this was budgetary. George Hines stated that Officers shouldn't be doing computer work. The additional Sergeant and the extra clerical help will put us right on target. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 25, 1998—Page 6 Matt Nestor stated that he supports a weapon between firearm and pepper spray. He recommended the baton. Chief Marchand indicated that he will be sending two Officers for baton training and they will train the rest of the Officers. The batons have already been purchased. Hines noted that he had hoped the study would put to rest the questions of staff levels. The Town Manager noted that if all elements of the study (clerical & computer civilians) are implemented, then the staff level issue is resolved. Review Spence Farms Chapter 61 —The Town Manager gave a review of the Spence Farm site. The Marriot Corporation has made an offer to purchase this property and is planning on building a 120 unit assisted living facility on the property. The Town has 120 days to make an offer and that expires sometime in November. The Marriot Corporation is willing to donate three acres to the Town if we request it. The Marriot Corporation has offered $1.75 million for the property. The property is zoned for single family, and a developer could go in under_a comprehensive permit and develop the land as long as 20% of the units are affordable housing. George Hines noted that the proposed use would dissuade him from pursuing the Chapter 61 rights but as an alternative to single family housing, he would consider exercising the option. He asked if we could have the seller put language in the Purchase and Sales Agreement stating that it has to be used for the proposed use. -- Matt Nestor commented that restrictions on selling wouldn't be attractive to Marriot and that we should consider the open space offer. Sally Hoyt stated that we should take advantage of all offers of open space and that it would be more affordable than Longwood Place. George Hines requested that the owners be contacted and schedule a site walk. The Board of Selectmen will consider the property and put together a plan. The Town Manager noted that we could have a Special Town Meeting during the Subsequent Town Meeting if necessary. The Town Manager was directed to start the process. Approval of Minutes On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of June 23, 1998 as amended. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of June 30, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. E Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 25 1998—Page 7 On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of August 25, 1998 at 11:10 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, 7 Z' cretary