HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 8, 1998
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt,
Secretary Matthew Nestor, Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, and the following list of interested
parties: Matt Lordan, Tom Flaherty, David Conley, Robert Avinella, Salvatore DiPinto, Clare
D'Alessandro, Sal D'Alessandro, Ann Marie McCaffrey, Richard McCaffrey, Jean Gabriel,
Virginia Thompson, Helen Morrison, J. Morrison, Wendy Small, Ann Marchinka, Evelyn Paste,
Richard Smith, Connie Sforza, Bill McCarthy, Betty Cronin, Edwina Kasper, Eleanor Higgott,
Nancy Eaton, Beth Klepeis, David Billard, Bob Nordstrand, Richard Schubert, Michael
Flammia, Dick Howard, Peter Simms, Don Cowan, Mollie Ziegler, Lois Bond
Reports and Comments _
Selectmen Reports and Comments— Sally Hoyt had no report.
Matthew Nestor had no report.
Camille Anthony noted that she had received an invitation to the change of command at Camp
Curtis Guild on September 19, 1998. She had spoken to Bob Brown regarding getting the
Hazardous Waste Committee and Solid Waste Committee to work together regarding fluorescent
lights. She also indicated that the tracking system needs updating.
George Hines commented on a successful Forum last Tuesday night. He's been informed that
Media One gave a two week notice that they will no longer be covering football games. He
directed the Town Manager to include this issue in negotiations with Media One.
The Town Manager noted that the Town is a recipient of a $250,000 regional grant for protection
of the Ipswich River watershed.
Discussion/Action Items
Appointment for Board of Registrars—The applicant was not present.
Appointment for North Suburban Planning Council — Sally Hoyt indicated that she has attended
and participated in many meetings of the North Suburban Planning Council and she would be
interested in serving on this Council.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint Sally Hoyt
as the Board of Selectmen's representative on the North Suburban Planning Council for a term
expiring June 30, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
- George Hines noted that the North Suburban Planning Council usually holds their meetings
during the day, and asked Sally to convey to the Council that they should consider having
quarterly meetings in the evening.
Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 8, 1998 —page 2
Matthew Nestor asked how this Council is funded and noted that if the original intent of the
Council does not work, then the funds should revert back to the community.
Approval of License for Sewer Connection through the Coolidge Middle School Property to
YMCA—The Town Manager explained that a request has been made for the Board of Selectmen
to grant a license for a sewer connection through the Coolidge Middle School property to the
YMCA. This had previously been approved by the Conservation Commission, School
Committee and the Town Engineer.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a license
for the construction of a sanitary sewer line to serve the YMCA, to be constructed through the
Coolidge Middle School.property, and authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign
the license agreement and any other documents on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Meet with CPDC — Quarterly Meeting — Richard Schubert, Dick Howard and Michael Flammia
from the Community Planning and Development Commission were present.
The Town Manager indicated that the potential sale of Spence Farm to Marriott requires an
amendment to the Nursing Home Bylaw to allow for assisted living. Richard Schubert noted that
Marriott is considering making a one time donation for affordable housing instead of a
percentage of affordable housing. Sally Hoyt noted that if they are negotiating money or
percentage, then the Housing Authority should be consulted. The Town Manager indicated that
the Housing Authority is working on this.
Dick Howard called attention to the language in the new subsection of the bylaw which reads,
"As may be acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority..." George Hines suggested an
alternative would be to have CPDC approve with a recommendation from the Reading Housing
Authority.
The Board talked about the filling of the Town PIanner's position. The Town Manager indicated
that he will be meeting with staff and commissions in the department, and hopes to have the
position filled by December 1, 1998. MAPC is available to provide planning assistance if
needed.
Sally Hoyt indicated that we need a Planner who can write grants to get the funds that we need.
George Hines noted that he is in favor of a professional Planner to work on the landfill and
Downtown revitalization to bring in the merchants that we want. This does not need to be a
Department Head position.
Richard Schubert noted that future CPDC projects include updating the Master Plan, once we
have a new Town Planner on board, and updating the site plan guidelines. The Town Manager
indicated that he would like to streamline the guidelines for new developers. Dick Howard noted
that Walnut Street, Bear Hill and Brande Court were upcoming projects also.
Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 8, 1998 —page 3
George Hines indicated that the Fire Chief has voiced concern over the naming of Pleasant Road
because we already have a Pleasant Street. The issue of street naming should be picked up
earlier in the process.
Camille Anthony questioned if other communities have more stringent setbacks. Dick Howard
suggested that CPDC could do a survey of other communities.
The Board thanked the Community Planning and Development Commission for their work.
Tax Classification — Discussion — Beth Klepeis, David Billard, Bob Nordstrand and Mollie
Ziegler from the Board of Assessors were present to discuss the tax classification.
Beth Klepeis reviewed the four issues of tax classification that the Board of Selectmen will be
voting on in November.
The Board of Selectmen is required to adopt a residential factor. A residential factor of "I"
results in all classes of property being taxed at the same rate. Klepeis noted that the marketing
efforts for the landfill showcase the fact that there is one tax rate in Reading. The Town
Manager noted that shifting the tax rate does not bring in more money.
Open Space is defined by the Assessors as "privately owned parcels which are over one acre and
are not developable." Only 15 properties in Reading would qualify and these properties have an
average assessment of $69,020. The assessment placed on these properties already reflects a
discount.
A residential exemption is for communities with a high proportion of rentals or seasonal
residents. Reading does not fit the profile for this exemption.
A commercial exemption gives a tax break to small businesses employing under 10 people and
valued at less than $1,000,000. This exemption would increase the taxes on those properties
which are ineligible and substantially increase the taxes on commercial properties valued over
$1,000,000.
Fire Lanes — Various Public Buildings — The Town Manager reviewed the locations where the
Fire Department is proposing fire lanes at the following public buildings: Town Hall, Library,
Parker Middle School, Joshua Eaton School, Killam School, Barrows School, Coolidge Middle
School, Birch Meadow School and Reading Memorial High School. The Board directed the
Town Manager to schedule a hearing on this.
Review Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the Subsequent
Town Meeting Warrant outline. It was noted that Article 7 was to provide funding for rubbish
collection at condominiums. This was previously approved by the Board of Selectmen but Town
Meeting did not fund it. There was discussion as to whether it should be a budget line item to
amend the FY `99 budget or a separate Article for discussion.
Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 8, 1998 —page 4
Dick Smith from the Summit Towers Condo Association gave a presentation on the tax money
paid by various condominiums in Reading. Sally Hoyt suggested that the Condo Association
distribute their information to the Town Meeting Members.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to establish an Article
for the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant to provide funding for rubbish collection and
recycling for condominiums. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to establish an Article for the
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant to move the Annual Election to the first Tuesday in April.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review Special Town Meeting Warrant— The Town Manager indicated that Article 2 was an
instructional motion to confirm the previous vote on the Vocational School budget.
George Hines indicated that he was opposed to asking Town Meeting to vote on Article 2.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to support the subject matter of
Article 3 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board voted to support the subject matter of Article 4
of the Special Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to support the subject matter of
Article 5 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Decision — "Old" Police Station — The Town Manager noted that the previous neighborhood
input was in favor of a municipal parking lot. The Town solicited a request for proposals and
received one proposal from Creative Arts who has since indicated that they are no longer
interested. The Town Manager noted that the Town has a commitment to the State to have at
least 88 parking spaces.
Peter Simms, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, indicated that the Chamber would
like to see more parking.
Bruce MacDonald asked if there were any Senior Center uses at the "old" Police Station. Lois
Bond indicated that they had considered using the "old" Police Station; more parking would
allow them to expand the services at the Senior Center.
Sally Hoyt noted that she had consulted with the Recreation Committee to see if the "old" Police
Station could be used as a Teen Center and she has spoken with Creative Arts. The Police Chief
does not recommend reuse of the Station, so she has changed her position and will support the
demolition of the building to be used for municipal parking.
Don Cowan asked if this will affect the blight grant if it doesn't pass.
Board of Selectmen Meeting_September 8, 1998 —page 5
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the demolition of the
"old" Police Station, and to direct the Town Manager to begin the process for demolition upon
vacancy and to schedule a hearing to discuss concerns. The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
Follow Up, Chapter 61 Spence Farm — The Town Manager outlined the process as follows:
Solicit comments from the Open Space Advisory Committee, have a site walk, set the process
and decide whether to accept the land donation.
Sally Hoyt noted that any offer of open space should be considered.
Modify Policy on Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee— 5 Members — The Board directed the
Town Manager to schedule a hearing for this.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of
September 8, 1998 at 10:40 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0._
Respectfully submitted,
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