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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-12-08 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 8, 1998 The meeting was 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, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Sandy Michaud, Jane Fiore, David Bryant, Leone Sullivan, Mark Gallant, Steve Nelson, Stephen Crook, Stewart Chipman, Sharmeen Irani, Thomas Fennelly, Joseph Picano, Ted McIntire, Gail Wood, Steve Ippolito. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Camille Anthony noted that the Town looks wonderful and she thanked DPW. Matthew Nestor had no report. Sally Hoyt congratulated the Super Bowl winners, and recognized the Band and Color Guards. She attended the AIDS vigil last week. Bruce MacDonald had no report. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: s We have received applications from IS candidates for the Planner's position. Camille Anthony and Richard Howard will be involved in the screening, interviewing and the selection process. ♦ We are advertising a combined Retirement Administrator/Assistant Town Accountant position to replace the retiring Executive Secretary of the Retirement Board. It will be able to be done within budget for the remainder of this year, and will require an amend- ment to the Classification Plan. We plan on doing this modification and the modification for the Planner's position at the same time. ♦ Reading Business Park—Meeting with DEP and with Corporex this week. ♦ Outdoor testing of the Auburn Street neighborhood relative to the cellular and digital communications antennae has been done by DPH. Indoor testing is scheduled if residents want it done—90 letters were sent, 15 appointments made. Construction on the East Main Street parking lot—base course of pavement on the site by the end of the week, with construction completed next Spring. ♦ The Police Station ledge removal will be starting tomorrow—they will not be blasting. ♦ The AIDS Awareness Program took place Tuesday evening, December 1, 1998. ♦ The Department of Public Works did a great job on the tree lights this year-- the cooper- ation of the RMLD and the Chamber of Commerce was very much appreciated. Board of Selectmen Meeting;-December 8, 1998 -Paye 2 Discussion/Action Items Presentation on Results of Youth Risk Behavior Survey - Health Director Jane Fiore and the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Members Sandra Michaud, Dave Bryant and Leone Sullivan were present. Sharmeen Irani from the Mass. Prevention Center was present to review the results of the survey. Sandra Michaud noted that this survey was done to collect baseline data. Two surveys were conducted - one targeted youths ages 10-13 years, and the other targeted youths ages 13-18 years. Results of the survey indicate that the number of students who had tried cigarettes prior to age 13 was high from 6`" to 12`x' grade. Alcohol use and marijuana use among High School students was lower than the State percentage. Incidence of violence were lower than the State percentage but 17.4% of all the Middle School students reported having ever carried a gun. There is a high incidence of property stolen or damaged at the schools. There is a high percentage of High School students who have considered, planned and attempted suicide. The number of students having sexual intercourse was lower than the State percentage but the number of students reported having sexual intercourse before age 13 was higher than the State percentage. Camille Anthony asked if the survey addressed eating disorders. The answer was no. Sally Hoyt noted that it was very discouraging to hear the number of students who have carried weapons, thought about suicide, drinking in vehicles and having sexual activity. - Matthew Nestor shared Sally's concerns about the marijuana and alcohol use and suicidal behavior. Sharmeen Irani noted that marijuana use is on the rise in the State and tobacco is going down. Matthew Nestor asked if the Board of Selectmen could have more input in the process next time: Star Enterprise 24 Hour License-The Secretary read the hearing notice. Attorney Mark Gallant and operator Steve Nelson were present. The Town Manager noted that this is a yearly approval process. Attorney Gallant indicated that Mr. Nelson leases the station from Texaco. He contributes to the community and all the conditions of the license have been met. He also noted that the convenience store closes at midnight, and items can be sold through a drawer for safety reasons. On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on an application for 24 hour sales by T.T.& E. d/b/a Reading Texaco Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an application for 24 hour sales by T.T.& E. d/b/a Reading Texaco Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, upon a finding that in accordance with Section 5.10.1 of the General Bylaws, the Board ID finds that it is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to permit such operation; and Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 8, 1998—Page 3 that there is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors; and subject to the following conditions: 1. The approval expires at midnight, December 31, 1999; 2. All signs shall conform with the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading; 3. The menu of food to be covered by the Common Victualler's license shall be limited to those items specified in the license application; 4. The gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; 5. The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all hours that the station is open; 6. The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 7. The operator will prepare and post a list of local 24 hour towing and repair shops that are open 24 hours a day for those who need it; 8. Bathroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review of Restaurants being Opened on Christmas DU for Serving of Alcoholic Beverages — The Town Manager noted that the ABCC regulations for allowing the restaurants to serve alcohol on. Christmas Day supercedes the Town's regulations. The restriction of being closed on Christmas Day refers only to package stores. The Town Manager will inform all restaurants. Change of Manager VFW — Thomas Fennelly was present. Sally Hoyt indicated that she would abstain because Tom Fennelly is her nephew. Camille Anthony asked if he was responsible for TIPS training, and Mr. Fennelly indicated that he trains everyone. On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on the change of manager for the Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Hoyt abstaining. On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the change of manager for the Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc. to Thomas Fennelly. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Hoyt abstaining. Appointment of NesZotiatiniZ Committee for Reading Business Park — The Town Manager noted that Michael Flammia, Robert LeLacheur, David Nugent and Donald Stroeble have volunteered to be the Reading Business Park Advisory Committee representative on the Negotiating Committee. On motion by Nestor seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination to be a member of the Reading Business Park Negotiating Committee: Michael Flammia, Robert LeLacheur, David Nugent and Donald Stroeble. Flammia received 2 votes, LeLacheur received 2 votes, Nugent received 1 vote and Stroeble received 3 votes. Donald Stroeble was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 8, 1998 —Paye 4 On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination to be a member of the Reading Business Park Negotiating Committee: Michael Flammia, Robert LeLacheur and David Nugent. Flammia received 3 votes, LeLacheur received 1 vote, Nugent received 0 votes. Michael Flammia was appointed. Discussion on Second Water Meters —Joseph Picano of 87 Gleason Road was present to request a full reimbursement for unjust sewer charges because his request for a second water meter was denied in 1994. Mr. Picano stated that his system was installed in 1992 and he was unfairly denied in 1994. His neighbor has a second water meter and he enjoys a savings because of this. He feels that the Selectmen's policy is unfair-- either everyone should be allowed to have one or nobody should be allowed to have one. The Town Manager indicated that the MWRA bills the Town for one lump sum, not on flow. Customers are billed by water usage. Public Works Director Ted McIntire reviewed a survey that he did of surrounding towns. Gail Wood, member of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, noted that when second water meters were allowed for a brief period of time, the water usage increased. Stewart Chipman, member of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, noted that there was a request a few years ago for fairness and conservation. The sewer charge needs to be borne equally by all in the Town. Matthew Nestor asked what kind of savings people who have second water meters have had in the past four years. Ted McIntire noted that since 1994 the cost of the investment has been recouped. Camille Anthony noted that there is a safety problem, and Ted McIntire noted that there are backflow issues for sprinkler systems with or without second water meters. Sally Hoyt indicated that water conservation was the reason for the moratorium and we shouldn't change that. Bruce MacDonald noted that there is a need to remove the inequity. He directed staff to prepare the ground work to rescind the policy and bring back to the Board of Selectmen. Camille Anthony asked if there was a different way to calculate sewer charges. Stewart Chipman indicated that the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee did a presentation on water and sewer rate structure. Steve Ippolito of 52 Fairchild Drive spent over $1,000 to put in a well and pit for his second water meter. The Town should do a study on sprinkler systems saving water not on removing. second water meters. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 8, 1998 —Page 5 Joseph Picano noted that he is not suggesting that the Board of Selectmen take out the second water meters --he is asking them to allow second water meters. Approval of 1999 Licenses — The Town Manager noted that he supplied the Board with a list of licenses . All'zoning violations will have to be corrected and all taxes will have to be paid before the license will be issued. The Town Manager noted that Dandi-Lyons will not be reissued until all taxes are paid because they have reneged on their committment. Camille Anthony noted that T.T.& E. has a sign violation, and asked the Town Manager to make sure this is corrected before the license is issued. The Town Manager noted that Reading Cycles has also reneged on their commitment, and he will not extend them the courtesy again. Camille Anthony asked about the restrooms at the Station House. Bruce MacDonald noted that there is a huge mismatch of operating hours, and he didn't know how we can expect them to accommodate. The Town Manager noted that they could open and sell coffee or build a facility. Discussion — Ad Hoc Water Supply Advisory Committee — The Town Manager reviewed a policy for an Ad Hoc Water Supply Advisory Committee with a term expiring December 31, 1999. It would consist of nine members — one from CPDC, one from the Conservation Commission, one from the Finance Committee, one from the Ipswich River Water Shed Association or Stream Team, one from the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, three at large and one Selectman. The purpose of the Committee will be to advise the Board of Selectmen on the best long term water supply options. Bruce MacDonald noted that the reason we need this is because the Water Treatment Plant needs to be replaced around the year 2001. It is a big decision on whether to stay local or to go to the MWRA. Gail Wood requested that the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee have a chance to review the policy. Stewart Chipman feels as though there should be three members of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee on this Conunittee. The Town Manager noted that it would be a very large Committee if there were three members of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee on it. The membership is intended to represent a balance of committees: The Selectmen directed the Town Manager to put this item on the December 15, 1998 Agenda. Town Manager's Evaluation — The Town Manager indicated that he will do his self evaluation and get it to the Board. Information will be due to Camille and Matthew by January 5, 1999. The evaluation will be done on January 19, 1999. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 8, 1998—Page b Approval of Minutes On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of November 10, 1998 as amended. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of December 8, 1998 at 10:47 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respe,, fully submitted, � f . Mary