Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 10, 1998 The meeting convened at 7:02 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, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: George MacPherson, Jack Beaulieu, Paul Feely, William Doucette, Lawrence Walsh, Ann Awuszus, Roger D'Entremont, Fran O'Brien, Clifford Gibson, Caroly Wynn, Terry Desmond, Brian Desmond, Dermot Desmond, Micheal. Desmond, Donald Arsenault, Thomas Murray, Cheryl Camarata, Ann O'Brien, Bill O'Brien, John Quinlan, Frances Brennan, Gerald Silva, Andrew Herlihy, Daniel O'Keefe, Margaret Connors, Rose Robbins, Paul Dustin, William Lavoie, Jack Russell, Brett Donham, Paul French, Brenda Smith, Nancy Eaton, David Bryant, Pat Iapicca, Bob Silva, Paul Peoples, Bill Elnecht, Dennis Lucyniak, Dawn Harrison, Dave Sampo, Alan Beaulieu, Illeana Napoli, William Dudley, John Webster, Frank Dunn, Tom Gardiner, Peter Moscariello, Richard Conboy, Kate Kammer, Lorraine Salter, Dave Billard, Dave Nugent, Mollie Ziegler, Bob Nordstrand, Mike Longo, Bob Morel. Chairman Bruce MacDonald asked for a moment of silence to reflect on our country's veterans and the services that they have rendered. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - George Hines had no report. Camille Anthony had no report. Sally Hoyt attended the Junior Girl Scout meeting where she informed the group of her duties as a Selectman. The group offered to hold signs for her during her next campaign. Bruce MacDonald received a couple of phone calls regarding the newspaper article on the Police Chiefs concern on the Library I-Net. Matthew Nestor took a site walk of Symonds Way. Public Comment- There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report ♦ Tomorrow is Veteran's Day - a solemn occasion to honor the veterans of our community. While no formal event is planned, I know residents will commemorate this day appropriately; This week is Local Government Week and a series of events is planned - they are listed on Channel 22 on Cable TV; ♦ Elections went well - congratulations to workers, Town Clerk and staff, DPW, Police; Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 10, 1998 —Page 2 ♦ DARE Officer Sullivan and Lt. Detective Kevin Paterson have received awards for Police work; ♦ Ted McIntire has received an award from one of the regional Public Works Associations; ♦ The Town is now the owner of the "blight grant" parking lot site. We have done environmental remediation of the site and demolished the two "out buildings". The construction contract for the project has been awarded. The deeds for the Anton's site have been signed; ♦ The Police Station construction contract has been awarded. I met with the contractor on Monday. They will be starting work the week of November 16`x'; ♦ Funding for clock maintenance and repairs - Old South—the Lions Club has agreed to lead this fund raiser; ♦ Polar Express - December 6 -- 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.; ♦ Flu Clinics are completed; ♦ Library parking lot bids have been protested- construction will not be done until Spring; ♦ Mill Street Bridge construction- guide rail installed and the bridge is open to traffic. North Reading has declined to agree to restrictions; ♦ Longwood Road Sewer-pump station is operational; ♦ 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. The Town Manager noted that the State has put together a loan and grant program for the Title V Septic Program. This program is in place to help residents with failing septic systems. To date, three homeowners have taken advantage of the program. The Selectmen are being asked to approve a loan bond. George Hines asked if all septic system owners have been notified of the program, and the Town Manager indicated that they have. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an issuance of a $200,000 Septic System Repair Loan Bond authorized under Section 127 B 1/2 of Chapter 111 of the Mass. General Laws and voted by the Town of Reading at the November 13, 1997 Town Meeting. Said bond shall be dated as of its date of issuance and shall be sold to the Massachusetts Pollution Abatement Trust at the price of par. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Approval of Plaques at Washington.Park - The Town Manager noted that the Board had received letters from Sally Hoyt and the veterans' organizations requesting plaques for Lawrence and Walter Doucette. George Hines asked where the plaques would be located, and Sally Hoyt indicated they would go near the flag pole. Ed Wright of 24 Vale Road gave the history ofMudville and the Mudville Gang. He noted that the group would pay all costs associated with the plaques. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 10, 1998—Page 3 Sally Hoyt noted that Mrs. Robbins was present at the meeting tonight. Mrs. Robbins is 90 years old and the oldest resident of Mudville. William Doucette, Walter's cousin, was present. He noted that "Pushy" broke his tooth when playing football with him. Anna Awuszus of 359 Summer Street, Arlington, noted that she was brought up on. Warren Avenue and is related to "Pushy" Doucette. George McPherson, a member of the Mudville Committee, knew both Walter and "Pushy" Doucette. He noted that when Walter was shot down, he was serving in the Army Air Corp and was buried in a French grave. Years later, his body was exhumed and moved a couple of times, finally to Hawaii. His mother tried to bring his body home but couldn't because he had been moved too many times. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the locating of plaques at the Washington Park in memory of Lawrence Doucette, Walter Doucette and the Mudville Gang with final approval by the Board of Selectmen:The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Introduction of Police Station Contractor - Architect Brett Donham, Paul French from Daedalus, Police Station Building Committee Chairman Paul Dustin and members Jack Russell and Bill Lavoie, and Construction Contractor Bob Morel were present. Camille Anthony asked if the Board would get periodic reports, and Brett Donham indicated that the architects would be chairing weekly meetings at the site and that minutes would be produced. Anthony indicated that the Board needs to be alerted right away to any budgetary issues. She also noted that the building is in a well established neighborhood and the site will need to be kept clean. Review of Reading Business Park Bids and Review Process - George Hines gave a summary of the three proposals that the Reading Business Park Advisory Committee have recommended to the Board of Selectmen. The three proposals were Corporex, Lincoln Properties and Dickinson. Hines noted that the Business Park Advisory Task Force is also recommending to the Board of Selectmen that the Town consider retaining a law firm that specializes in landfill development; that the Purchase and Sales Agreement contain a reasonable but limited time for the developer to perform their due diligence; and that the uses and densities described in the proposals be the only ones permitted on the site. Ted Cohen noted that he is not looking for additional work but has been aware of this coming. His firm is one of the top two or three firms working with brownfields and have represented clients in contaminated sites. He feels the Town will not get better people or service elsewhere. The Board agreed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 10, 1998—Paye 4 George Hines suggested to the Board of Selectmen beyond the Business Park Advisory Committee decision that the Selectmen add the Leach Family Holdings proposal to be interviewed. The Selectmen agreed. The Board discussed the process they would follow, and it was decided that the Board would interview applicants on November 17, 1998; have a public session for questions on November 19, 1998, and the decision would be made on December 1, 1998. Tax Classification Hearin - The Secretary read the notice to open the public hearing on the tax classification. Dave Billard, Dave Nugent, Mollie Ziegler and Bob Nordstrand were present. They indicated that the Selectmen needs to set the residential factor, decide on whether or not to have an open space discount, residential exemption and/or commercial exemption. Dave Billard noted that a residential factor of one would set the tax rate at the same rate. This has been advertised in the sale of the landfill. Only 14 parcels in Reading would qualify for an open space discount and their assessments already reflect the fact that the land is not buildable. The residential exemption is good for communities with a high seasonal and rental turnover but not for owner occupied such as Reading. The commercial exemption shifts the tax burden to commercial properties over S 1 million. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on tax classification. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a residential factor of 1. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0: On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to not adopt an open space discount. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Nestor seconded Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to not adopt a residential exemption. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to not adopt a commercial exemption. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion on CATV Public Access Corporation - Brenda Smith, Chairman of the Cable TV Advisory Committee, and Mike Longo were present. Brenda Smith noted that the committee will begin to solicit candidates and will be having a public information night. The Cable TV Advisory Committee will screen the applicants. November 1, 1998 is the beginning of the six month transaction period. Peter Epstein has been retained for this transaction. Advertising for the Executive Director position will need to take place the day after the contract is signed. The Board of Directors should be made up of at least five Directors but not more than seven; they will be appointed by the Board of Selectmen; the term will be for three years and after three years can increase to seven to fifteen Directors. Brenda Smith indicated that the mission of the Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 10, 1998 —Page 5 PEG access is to: operate channels, conduct training, recruit volunteers, responsible for equipment, update policies and procedures, solicit funds. Camille Anthony asked who would be in charge of the budget, and Brenda Smith responded the Board of Directors. Anthony asked who would be responsible if there is a shortfall, and the Town Manager indicated that it would not be the Town. Bruce MacDonald asked who is paying for Peter Epstein's fee, and the Town Manager indicated that the transition grant money is paying his fee. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen directed the Cable TV Advisory Committee to proceed as outlined in the presentation this evening. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Follow Up on Symonds Waw - The Town Manager gave the history of the field. He noted that the Recreation Committee has met once alone and once with the Police Department. Recreation Administrator Joe Coruielly noted that the Recreation Committee voted to leave it in the hands of the Selectmen. The Town Manager noted that he had spoken with the Danvers Fish and Game Club and they are closed to other Police Departments. He has formally requested the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club and has had no response. He is currently serving on a task force at Camp Curtis Guild. It is hopeful that Camp Curtis will reopen. If funding is not an obstacle, it could take three years. The National Guard has detennined that they need the range and are looking for involvement from communities. Lt. Bob Silva noted that the Police Department has heard this kind of talk for years and they still don't have a range. Not having enough fire arms training-is a liability issue. Matthew Nestor asked if limited use from November-March was adequate, and Lt. Silva answered yes. George Hines noted that this is a problem regionally and there are options elsewhere. Engineering indicated that there is not sufficient space to put both a firing range and ball field. Hines also noted that the Town has been waiting a long time for fields too. Camille Anthony noted that a recreational field and firing range are not compatible. Kids have to play safely. If we build a firing range, then we will be the solution for other Police Departments in the State. George Hines noted that the range has only been an issue since last Spring. Sally Hoyt noted that she does support recreation., and she feels that the Police Department could use it during the off months. Lorraine Salter from the Recreation Committee noted that the hockey rink is used 352 days/year and that it would be dangerous to put both together. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 10, 1998—Paye 6 Nancy Eaton noted that the Conservation Commission was promised land on this site for a trail head program. She also noted that there are a lot of wetlands on this site, and what is being proposed will not be approved by the Conservation Commission. Bruce MacDonald asked how much time is needed for firing practice a year. Paul Peoples answered approximately 32 hours. Dennis Gray indicated that he felt the field should be used for recreation, and that Camp Curtis Guild should be a temporary solution. Pete Moscarello, RMHS Coach, noted many possibilities have arisen for a ball field but it never materializes. If the Town is going to build a ballpark, then to do it right or don't do it at all. Richard Conboy was against discussing a firing range on this site. Alan Beaulieu, Recreation Committee, noted that the Town needs both ball fields and training for Police. Many people have to travel to do training for their jobs and the Police can do that too. Nancy Eaton noted that there was no logic to the Recreation Committee wanting to put a ball field at this site. They claim they don't want to be next to a shooting range but there is already one there—the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club. Matthew Nestor noted that all that separates the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club is a chain link fence and that berms are safer than chain link fences. Russell Howse noted that the Town lost the field at Pearl Street School and Coolidge. The firing range has only been a problem for the Police since April. Dave Bryant, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, noted that it has to be one or the other - the Town needs a ball field. Matthew Nestor asked if the Police were deficient in their training last year. The Town Manager answered yes. The Town Manager noted that once land is given to Recreation, it literally takes an act of legislation to get it back. Pat Iapicca noted that the Police are not against kids or recreation. They are just looking for a place to put a range. Matthew Nestor noted that he would love to vote for a ball field but there is a responsibility to train the Police. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the following plan entitled Option 6 for the development of Symonds Way property and to direct staff to proceed with design, bidding and construction, and for the Town Manager to make all Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 10, 1998 —Page 7 efforts to find a place to develop a range. The motion was not approved by a vote of 2-3-0, with Nestor, Hoyt and MacDonald opposed. Approval of Minutes On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 27, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 14, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Hoyt abstaining. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 13, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of October 6, 1998.. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Nestor abstaining. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of September 22, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Anthony abstaining. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of August 25, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Anthony abstaining. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of August 4, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Nestor abstaining. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of May 5, 1998. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Hines abstaining. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn their meeting of November 10, 1998 at 1.1:40 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respe; lly submitted, r Lary ,.,. �r l ......._...