HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 27, 1998
The meeting was convened at 7:32 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 George Hines and Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry
Harutunian, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bernice Herrick, Lois
Bond, Bernard Goba, Virginia Adams, Anne and Frank Gentile, Marie and Robert Jutras, Mary
Morris, David Tanner, Philip Leblanc, Leo and Elizabeth Meuse, Ellen Emmons, Carole Davis,
Mary and Gordon Watkins, Margaret Plansky, Robert Sweet, Bob Lynch, Paul Scannell, Joanne
Douglas, George Lefavour, Donald Allen, Jay Woodman, James Steenbruggen, Brenda Smith,
Alan Bond, David Fitzpatrick, James Krupa, Don Sulls.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Sally Hoyt attended the Pacino Ballfield
Dedication, and attended the tribute to John Pacino during the halftime at the football game.
George Hines noted that the Business Park Advisory Committee had its second round of
interviews and have targeted three or four as finalists. Hines asked the Board about a schedule
for interviewing and public input. Bruce MacDonald indicated that the Board should probably
do two nights as soon as possible.
Camille Anthony attended the second round of Business Park interviews. She attended the
Spence Farni site tour. She received a phone call from Gail Wood regarding the status of the
stabilization fund. Ms. Wood also indicated that the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee
would not be supporting the Mill and Short Street sewers because it is in litigation.
Matthew Nestor attended the Spence Farm site walk. He has received phone calls regarding the
cell towers and would like to see the Town Manager look into alternative sitings; i.e., median
strip on Route 93.
Bruce MacDonald noted that Phil Leblanc called him regarding the lot on Pleasant Street. He
also received a phone call from a spokesperson on Auburn Street who wants removal of the other
two cell companies on an upcoming agenda.
Sally Hoyt asked if the Town Manager could try to find alternative Town sites for the cell
companies. The Town Manager indicated that he would have to work with the cell companies
because he is not knowledgeable of what is needed. Matt Nestor noted that the Town cannot
review taking them down without having alternative sites. Camille Anthony noted that the
Board took a stand that it didn't want the cellular antennas in residential areas. Bruce
MacDonald noted that the Town had no obligation. to find them an alternative site. Matthew
Nestor requested that the Town Manager call the State and find out if any State sites were
available.
Board of Selectmen Meeting;—October 27, 1998—Page 2
Bruce MacDonald indicated that this is not a major priority and he did not want the Town
Manager spending his time on this. George Hines noted that other towns are trying to avoid cell
towers and why should we try to locate them.
Public Comment—Bernice Herrick of 85 Vine Street spoke regarding the Mineral Street Bridge.
She indicated that the construction is coming to a close and she is concerned about the children's
safety. The children are not using the sidewalks; the Safety Officer is needed to train these
children. Ms. Herrick asked when the sidewalks would be completed and indicated that more
information is need in the newspaper.
Sally Hoyt indicated that she had visited the site and spoke with the workers who told her the
bridge would not be ready until the Spring. George Hines, as liaison, will coordinate public
safety training with the schools.
Town Manager's Report
o Absentee ballots are available this week—for those who will not be available in Reading
on Election Day.
♦ Testing of cellular tower site and neighborhood—we are working with the Massachusetts
Health Department to get a date or dates.
♦ The Town is now the owner of the"blight grant"parking lot site. We are doing environ-
mental remediation of the site this week, and demolition of the two "out buildings"this
week or next. The construction contract for the project has been awarded. The closing
for the Anton's site should be this week.
♦ Landfill bid process—evaluation of the 10 proposals, already narrowed by the committee
to 7, should be complete tomorrow night. The Board of Selectmen needs to decide how
and under what time schedule to proceed with its part of the process.
♦ The Police Station construction contract has been awarded. I met with the contractor on
Monday. They will be starting work the week of November 8th.
♦ REI regarding parking—working with the Registry.
♦ Funding for clock maintenance and repairs—Old South.
♦ Polar Express—December 6, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
♦ Last Flu Clinic is at Parker Middle School—Tuesday, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
♦ Library parking lot bids have been protested—construction will not be done until Spring.
♦ Mill Street Bridge construction—guide rail installed.
♦ Longwood Road Sewer—pump station is operational.
♦ Water Tower painting—Auburn Street.
♦ Prescott and Summer Avenue signal—signal is operational—walk signals are back ordered.
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.
o The Board received a memo from Camille Anthony regarding Spence Farni recommending
that the Board not proceed with acquiring the property. --
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 27, 1998—Pa ee33
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to not exercise their
option under Chapter 6 1 A to meet a bona fide offer to acquire the Spence Farm property on West
- Street; and further that the Board of Selectmen direct the Development Review Team and the
CPDC to consider the comments in the Review Committee's memo of October 26, 1998 relative
to the approval of development of the site: The motion was approved,by a vote of 5-0-0.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Certificate of Appreciation— 128 Sales—Paul Scannel from 128 Sales was present to receive the
Certificate.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve a Certificate of
Appreciation for 128 Sales for their generous donation to the Elder/Human Services Department.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Approval of Transfer of Lot—Wilson and Pleasant Street to RHA—Housing Authority Director
Peg Plansky, Housing Authority Chairman Bob Sweet, and Architect Bernard Goba were present
to discuss the transfer of the lot to the Housing Authority. Bob Sweet noted that the Housing
Authority had an informational meeting with the neighbors. The house will consist of two units
of affordable housing and the plans include a six foot high basement. Architect Bernard Goba
noted that the basement is just above the water table. Test beds have been dug; the plans show a
dry well and a gravel driveway for water run off. George Hines asked is there are any
restrictions in the deed to make sure the gravel driveway will never be paved.
Camille Anthony asked if the house is facing Pleasant or Wilson Street. Bob Sweet noted that
one apartment will face Pleasant Street and one will face Wilson. There will be two 10 foot
driveways.
Sally Hoyt had concerns about flooding in the basement. Mr. Goba noted that the basement
doesn't effect the water table. Camille Anthony noted that the flooding issues will have to go
before the Conservation Commission.
Phil Leblanc of 14 Gardner Road asked if the deed will have restrictions limiting the number of
units. Mr. Leblanc also indicated that this is a S15 zoning district with a maximum height of 35
feet and that there were no homes of that height in the neighborhood. He also noted that the
dormers are unsightly and out of character with the neighborhood and asked that the dormers be
removed. Bob Sweet indicated that it would be unfeasible to remove the dormers.
Camille Anthony asked if there was any way to minimize the top of the house and Mr. Goba
answered"yes"by detail and calor.
Frank Gentile of 36 Wilson Street indicated that there were already parking problems on Wilson
Street. He also indicated that the location where the house is going was flooded during the last
storm.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 27, 1998 —Page 4
Camille Anthony asked if there was some way to rectify the "boxiness" of the dormer area. She
also asked if three bedrooms were needed on the second unit. Bob Sweet noted that three
bedrooms are needed because of the way the laws are written. There is a need for three bedroom
units in Reading, and it wouldn't make sense to go with just two bedroom units.
Elizabeth Meuse of 32 Wilson Street asked if the dormers could be taken off. Leo Meuse had
flooding concerns and felt that this will impact property values.
James Krupa of 164 Pleasant Street urged the Selectmen to investigate other locations for this
house because this house is too big for the lot on Wilson and Pleasant Streets.
Bruce MacDonald indicated that the Board of Selectmen voted on the plan for this land on June
23, 1998. He voted for affordable housing but doesn't like this structure.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to have the Housing Authority look
into a schematic design that addresses the elimination of the boxy nature of the dormer into a
design that will be more fitting with the neighborhood. The motion was not approved by a vote
of 2-3-0,with Hines,Nestor and Hoyt opposed.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
transfer of Plat 77, Lot 30 to the Reading Housing Authority for purposes of providing two units
of affordable housing in the manner presented by the RHA, and that the Board of Selectmen
authorize the Town Manager to sign all documents on behalf of the Board of Selectmen related
to this transaction. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hines and MacDonald
opposed.
Decision on CPDC Approval of Scenic Road Application to Walnut Street— The Secretary read
the public hearing notice. The Town Manager explained that the Board of Selectmen had
previously approved a plan with paved sidewalks. The neighbors do not want sidewalks and
CPDC approved'a plan without sidewalks. The area from South Street to Pine Ridge Road will
have grass sidewalks. The Town Manager noted that the abutters received a notice of this hearing
and that construction will begin next Spring.
Alan Bond of 178 Walnut Street had concerns about the radius of the curve and the speed of
cars.
David Fitzpatrick of 162 Walnut Street noted that a grass sidewalk is adequate for that area.
Dan Sulls of 50 Walnut Street noted that the new road will create higher speeds, and asked if in
the future they could have no trucks like South Street. Bruce MacDonald noted that this was not
a traffic issue hearing.
Virginia Adams noted that in the future, plans should show cross sections on retaining walls.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 27, 1998—Pa ee55
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public
hearing on the scenic road application to Walnut Street. The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the plans for
reconstruction of Walnut Street consistent with the CPDC Scenic Road's approval. The motion
was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed.
Petition — Barrows School Area — The Town Manager noted that Bob Lynch had circulated a
petition requesting a public hearing regarding the traffic issues at the Barrows School.
Bob Lynch of 24 Shelby Road noted that there were severe traffic issues at the Barrows School.
These are safety issues. Mr. Lynch indicated that the drop off zone should be increased in size.
He also noted that there is a problem with people stopping in front of driveways.
Carole Davis lives across the street from the school and indicated that there was no way a fire
truck could get down Edgemont after 2:30 p.m. School buses go down the street the wrong way,
and she gets stuck in traffic trying to get into her driveway.
Bruce MacDonald asked if the Fire Department has made a recommendation. The Town
Manager noted that the Fire Department has assured him that they can get down the street.
Joanne Douglas, a PTO member and Edgemont Avenue resident, had concerns about traffic
coming out of the back of the school, not the front. She also requested that DPW plow the
sidewalks at the back of the school.
Gordon Watkins of 11 Edgemont Avenue had concerns about cars speeding on Edgemont
Avenue.
Dr. Harutunian noted that the School Department is concerned about the situation. The school
population has increased, and he has ordered an additional bus to accommodate the need. One of
the problems is that new parents are following the school buses. Building a new school is a long
term solution. The Fire Chief has assured•the School Department that they can get down the
street if needed.
Jim Steenbruggen noted that he has a problem getting his full size truck down the street.
Ellen Emmons of 19 Stewart Road indicated that she cannot back out of her driveway in the
winter time. She also noted that cars on Edgemont are backing up into the crosswalk.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager and
Superintendent of Schools to work with the Police Department, Fire Department, Bob Lynch and
the PTO to find a solution to the traffic issues and bring anything that needs Board of Selectmen
approval back to the Board. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 27, 1998—Page 6
Status — CATV License — Brenda Smith of the Cable TV Advisory Committee was present to
discuss the status of the CATV license. Media One has agreed to a six month transition period;
they will grant us the copyright for past tapes; Media One will keep Channel 3 and give the --
Town two channels and the formula for a third channel.
Brenda Smith noted that the Cable TV Advisory Committee met with Peter Epstein, and he will
be providing the Town with assistance in getting the public access corporation. The Town
Manager noted that transition costs will be covered by the agreement and that we should have a
full contract in a couple of weeks.
Review Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the Articles on the Subsequent
Town Meeting Warrant.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 3 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
The Board took no action on Article 5 at this time.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 7 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0. -
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 8 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The,motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 9 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The.motion was approved by a
vote of 4-1-0, with Hines opposed.
The Board took no action on Article 10 at this time.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 11 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 12 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
The Board took no action on Article 13 at this time.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 14 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 27, 1998—Page 7
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 15 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
- vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 16 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 17 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 18 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 19 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 20 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 21 of the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
The Board took no action on Articles 22, 23 and 24 at this time.
The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the November 12, 1998 Special Town Meeting.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the subject
matter of Article 4 of the November 12, 1998 Special Town Meeting Warrant. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting
of October 27, 1998 at 11:12 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respgttfully submitted
retary