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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen's Meeting October 6, 1998 The meeting was convened at 7:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Laurie Gonsalves, Arthur Gonsalves, Sue Reardon, Ed Cirigliano, Brenda Smith, William Lavoie, Steven Percy, Bill Bogaert, Dan Stills, Maria Dinjian, Gerard McDonald, Dorothy Foxon, Erline Robinson, Edwina Kasper, Betty Cronin, Peter Simms,Bill Burditt, Mary Ellen O'Neill, Bob Bradley, Charles Horton, Bill Hughes, Dick Knowles, Stephen Bremis, Peter Casolaro, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Watkins, Beverly Walsh, Mark Hildreth, Joseph Bevilacqua, William Carrick, David Shute, Daniel Lewis, Len Rucker, Jim Blomley, George Pottle. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Camille Anthony noted that she was going to meet with the RMLD staff tomorrow regarding South Main Street and the substation Warrant Article. George Hines gave an update on the Reading Business Park Advisory Task Force. He indicated that he drove by the Auburn Street Water Tower, and he asked if the whole fence area could be covered during construction. He noted that a resident abutting the Longwood sewer construction project praised the contractor who did the project and noted he was very accommodating. Sally Hoyt noted that she attended the September 27th Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Ipswich Bank. Harry Harutunian and Robin D'Antona were present to receive a check for $1,000 for the School Department. She attended the September 30th Barrows School Meeting regarding parking. She was invited to a Woburn City Council Meeting regarding heavy trucking problems on West Street. She received a phone call from a Mr. Maderios regarding the proposed billboard on West Street. Public Comment — Bill Brown noted that he attended a meeting of the Reading Business Park Advisory Task Force, and noted that Finance Committee members are not allowed to be on more than one committee. The Town Manager indicated that Adhoc committees are not standing committees. Town Manager's Report ♦ Blight Grant—update—bids for the construction of the parking lot are due next week on October 21 st. ♦ Landfill bid opening evaluation process is ongoing. ♦ Walnut Street Scenic Roads - CPDC approved with conditions. s Labor Counsel—Morgan, Brown and Joy has been selected. e REI regarding parking—working with Registry. * Approval of Site Plan Waiver—Fraen Corporation. ® Approval of Site Plan —Cumberland Fauns. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 6, 1998—Page 2 ♦ Funding for Clock Maintenance and Repairs—Old South Church-- either Town or private funds. ♦ Polar Express—December 6th -4:00-6:00 p.m. ♦ Staff Liaison—Millennium Steering Committee- Russ Dean. ♦ Police Station filed sub-bids— 109 bids received for 15 sub bids. Results.are being analyzed and will be available tomorrow late. ♦ Brande Court Parking Lot—the Housing Authority wants to move the building so the parking lot will be completed in the Spring. ♦ Local Government Week—week of November 2nd—Election week. ♦ CPDC—cancelled meeting due to lack of quorum so the Second Street approval will be rescheduled ♦ Library parking lot bids have been protested. ♦ Mill Street Bridge Construction—waiting for guide rail to be installed. ♦ Longwood Road Sewer—pump station is installed—waiting for electric. ♦ Water Tower Painting—Auburn Street—have had to work on Sunday to repair shrouding used during painting. ♦ Prescott and Summer Avenue Signal—signal is operational- when this project is Completed, it is our intention to have a 2 to 4 week transition period and then remove the temporary Crossing Guard at that location, and to reassign the Guard at another high priority location. Personnel and Appointments Board of Re istrars —The applicant was not present. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Organ and Tissue Donor Stamp Day — On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation designating October 22, 1998 as Organ and Tissue Donor Stamp Day. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Proclamation— A Day of Carina for Reading Senior Citizens—On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation designating the week of October 18 - October 24, 1998 as A Day of Caring. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Sue Reardon was present to accept the Proclamation. Proclamation — Business and Professional Women's Week — On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation designating the week of October 18 — October 24, 1998 as Business and Professional Women's Week. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Quarterly Meeting with Town Counsel — Town Counsel, H Theodore Cohen, was present and gave a review of current cases. Town Counsel indicated that Mr. Goddard is interested in reopening negotiations with the Board of Selectmen. George Hines urged the Board of -- Selectmen not to direct Town Counsel to reopen negotiations. Hines noted that Goddard is attempting to delay the process. This has been going on for 10 years and the Selectmen should pursue all court options. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 6, 1998 —Page 3 --, Camille Anthony indicated that it was unclear as to how much land will be altered and she asked what the parameters are. The Town Manager noted that the parameters have been exceeded and that is why we are in court. Ted Cohen noted that Goddard is trying to get zoned for agricultural use. Agricultural use is permitted in all districts but it has to be a valid agricultural use. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to not enter into any further negotiations with Goddard on a settlement. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of Anton's Deed — Town Counsel explained that this is a donation of land from the owner for access to the parking lot. Town Counsel noted that there is a correction on page 2, third line of the deed- Union Street should be changed to Hamden Street. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the signing of a deed and the execution of all other documents, in substantially the form as presented, for the acquisition by gift and eminent domain taking of a portion of the property known as "Parcel 1" on the "Plan of Land in Reading, MA 01867 dated August 19; 1998" and the related easement. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval YMCA Bid — Town Counsel noted that if the Board of Selectmen approve the agreement, then it will go out to bid. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept the agreement in substantially the form submitted and authorized the project to be bid. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of Cable TV Franchise — Brenda Smith, Chainnan of the Cable TV Advisory Committee, was present. The Town Manager indicated that we were close to reaching an agreement with Media One but needed a little bit more time. The Cable TV Advisory Committee recommends a 45 day renewal and if we don't reach an agreement in 45 days, we will renew at 31 months. Brenda Smith indicated that both sides want to settle. She noted that most of the clarification is on the transition plan— it was suppose to be a one year transition and now Media One wants a four month transition. George Hines asked if four months was realistic. Brenda Smith noted that the Board of Selectmen will need to appoint a Board of Directors. George Hines noted that if there are any penalties for not being done in four months, then we should reconsider. Brenda Smith indicated that Channel 3 would still run, and noted that the Cable TV Advisory Committee is solidly behind public access. Camille Anthony noted that if we are not up and running, then we will look bad. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the execution of a renewal license between the Town of Reading and Media One for a term expiring the end of business- on November 25, 1998, which license will automatically renew for 31 � -t months under all of the teens and conditions of the existing license unless a new longer term license is executed by the parties on or before November 25, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 6. 1998—Pa ee44 Hearing on the Future Use of the"Old"Police Station—Camille Anthony read the notice to open the public hearing. George Hines indicated that the issue is the demolition of the Police Station, not for other uses. The Town Manager indicated that the Board of Selectmen already approved the demolition. The abutting property owners have been notified. Thirty four parking spaces will be generated. The Historical Commission has sent a letter requesting that the Board of Selectmen demolish the addition and keep the old part of the Police Station. George Hines had concerns about developing at the basement level. There will need to be appropriate screening. He doesn't want a wall that might become a play area. William Bogeart of 91 Pleasant Street indicated that he is in favor of a parking lot. The businesses and residents desperately need this parking. Steve Percy of 76 Pleasant Street asked if the Town will take hazardous waste (asbestos) into consideration during demolition. Mr. Percy also asked if Saturdays would be in the work schedule, and would the Town or a contractor be doing the work. The Town Manager noted that it would be unlikely to have Saturdays in the work schedule and that a contractor would be doing the work. Mr. Percy asked if there would be public hearings during the process. The Town Manager indicated that it could be done. Betty Cronin, a member of the Council on Aging, indicated that the Council on Aging would like reserve parking for the Senior Center. She also asked about constructing a two level parking garage. Peter Simms indicated that he agrees with Mr. Bogeart's comments and noted that the Chamber of Commerce is in favor of parking. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on the reuse of the "old" Police Station site. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to confirm its earlier decision to demolish the buildings and construct a municipal parking lot at the site of the "old" Police Station, and that the Board directs the Town Manager to include this project in the Capital Improvements Program and to take all other actions necessary to effectuate this decision and to schedule hearings as appropriate to keep residents informed of the process. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Review Open. Space Committee — Gerry McDonald, Chairman of the Open Space Committee, was present. He indicated that there has been a problem getting members to attend meetings. The Committee has been working with the Open Space Plan which is broad. The plan needs to be revised by the year 2000. The Committee has worked on Longwood Farm and Spence Farm. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 6 1998 —Page 5 The Town Manager noted that the Committee expires in December 1998. The Board of Selectmen need to determine if they want to continue. He noted that the Conservation Commission and CPDC are very interested but don't have the time to give attention to open space. Camille Anthony noted that the representatives on the Longwood study were very good. The Committee wants to be called in on focused issues, not meet every month. George Hines asked if we need to establish a committee that is not needed all of the time. Camille Anthony indicated that she is the CPDC liaison, and will work with the Open Space Committee and report back to the Board. Status of Reading Business Park— George Hines noted that Russell Dean and staff have spent a lot of time on the analysis. Ten bids were received, and seven of those will be invited in for interviews. The Task Force will make three recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. He noted that the proposals were attractive and were for mixed use and residential. Russell Dean noted that six of the seven proposals have hotel/office use. George Hines indicated that interviews will be taking place on October 15th and 21St' and the Task Force hopes to have a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen about one week after the interviews. Intervale Terrace One Way— George Pottle of 36 Intervale Terrace was present to request that Intervale Terrace be made one way. The Town Manager indicated that the Board of Selectmen made a commitment to keep two way access open for business. Any changes that the Board makes will have a reaction on other streets. The Town Manager recommended to make no changes and to monitor the speed. Review.Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant — Len Rucker, General Manager of the Light Department, Jim Blomley and RMLD members Bill Hughes and Bill Burditt were present to discuss Articles 19 and 20 on the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. Len Rucker explained that the Light Department needs to build a substation by the year 2000, or they won't have the capacity to carry electricity and black outs will be experienced. Mr. Rucker indicated that there is a possibility of taking approximately six acres of land behind the North Reading DPW to build a substation. The DPW site has future expansion capability and is prime land for a substation. The 24 Haverhill Street site is not very expandable. Bob Bradley of 2 Scotland Heights in North Reading indicated that the towns need to work together to find a suitable site. He's in favor of having the station at the back of the DPW. Bill Burditt indicated that other properties were investigated, and the DPW site in North Reading makes everyone happy. Camille Anthony asked if the land would be leased and Len Rucker answered "no" - that the substation needs to be on property that we can control. Camille Anthony asked what effect this would have on bonding. Len Rucker answered it would -- not be adverse. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 6, 1998 —Page 6 West Street Speed Limits — The Town Manager indicated that Sally Hoyt requested a speed study to be done on West Street to get the speed limit reduced. A speed study is being done and will be submitted to Mass Highway. Police Chief Edward Marchand's memo indicates that there is a high incidence of speeding on West Street. The Town Manager noted that Mass Highway could recommend a higher speed limit but the Town would not be obligated to accept a higher speed limit. Sally Hoyt indicated that the residents on West Street want the entire length of West Street to be 25 miles per hour. Stephen Bremis of 99 West Street stated that he is in favor of 25 miles per hour. He also noted that there should be warning signs posted for children and the Town should display a sign board that shows the speed. He also indicated that there is not enough enforcement. George Hines noted that he had never seen a display on West Street. He requested a report on when the display unit has been operated and the plan for utilizing this display unit. Joe Bevilacqua of 540 West Street has had Joe Veno at his house to do enforcement of speeding but people can see the cruiser and slow down. Dick Knowles of 103 West Street noted that he is against lowering the speed limit. He feels that West Street is too long to have one speed limit for the entire road. He's lived on West Street for 11 years and people have to be careful. Virginia Watkins of 351 West Street noted that the biggest accomplishment is to get out of her driveway alive. The value of her house is $10,000 less because she lives on West Street. She also noted that there is no sidewalk for children. Bill Carrick of 239 West Street indicated that a number of studies have already been done on West Street and could those be used to expedite the process. Mark Hildreth of 495 West Street agrees to 25 miles per hour for all of West Street. He noted that it is a cut through for truckers in the morning. The Town Manager indicated that the Industriplex Connector will connect to Commerce Way, and the cut through traffic will stay on I-93 and use that. Pete Casolaro of 150 West Street noted that he would like to see the speed limit reduced to 25 miles per hour and enforcement needs to be increased. Dan Sulls of 50 Walnut Street indicated that he uses West Street and there are a lot of trucks coming in from Wilmington. Sally Hoyt noted that she followed the trucks and found hundreds of tractor trailer terminals in Wilmington so the Town will never be rid of the trucks but we can lower the speed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 6, 1998—Page 7 On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to direct the Town Manager to proceed with speed limit studies of West Street along its entire length. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of Minutes The minutes of September 22, 1998 were tabled. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting on September 8, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The minutes of August 25, 1998 were tabled. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of August 20, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The minutes of August 4, 1998 were tabled. The minutes of May 5, 1998 were tabled. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of October 6, 1998 at 11:03 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Se etary