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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes { Board of Selectmen Meeting July 15, 1997 The meeting was convened at 7:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Housing Authority Chairman Robert Sweet, Jr., Housing Authority Vice Chairman Donald Allen, Housing Authority Executive Director Peg Plansky and the following list of interested parties: Rick Schubert, Bill Lavoie, William Hughes Jr., Dick Monroe, Kathy Greenfield, Nancy Eaton, Jim Cormier, Bruce MacKenzie, Michael Flammia, Chief Ed Marchand, Lt. Bob Silva, Bryan Irwin, Mike DeBrigard, Robert Cavagnaro, Eric Jason Smith, William Brown, John Russell, Wilbar Hoxie, Gail Wood, Stewart Chipman, Ted McIntire, David Lee, Randy Collins, Frank Romeo, Nathan Chamberlain, Jonathan Edwards. Housing Authority Concerns Reverend Sweet, Mr. Allen, and Ms. Plansky addressed the Board of Selectmen regarding Housing Authority issues. With regard to the Damon house on John Street, they've had discussions with the property owner. There appears to be three options: 1) Reading Housing Authority purchase and renovation with four apartments; 2) Reading Housing Authority purchase and move the building to a new site—the Housing Authority does not have a site and if this option is viable, the Board of Selectmen would have to make a site available; 3) have the owner renovate the property and rent it. If the Wilson and Pleasant Street site is cleared from tax title, then it could be made available to the Housing Authority. Drew Dolben, developer of the Summit Village site, is looking to get rid of the house on that site and has offered it to the Housing Authority. They have not given the building a thorough structural evaluation. A decision needs to be made by the end of July. There are no State monies available anymore, and the Housing Authority needs to find a way to provide low moderate income housing itself at minimal cost. The purpose of this discussion is to bring the Board of Selectmen up to date and ask for some assistance from the Board of Selectmen. George Hines asked if the Damon house has been structurally analyzed. Peg Plansky noted that the house can be moved without the addition. Hines asked if the purchase and renovation on the site is financially viable. It was noted that the numbers work, but the owner has a problem. The owner paid $110,000 for the property. The Housing Authority would offer $130,000 but it would cost about $350,000 to renovate. Hines asked if it would be cheaper to build new and Plansky noted that it would be much cheaper and easier but it would not preserve the historic home. The Town Manager was directed to talk with Drew Dolben about that building. Bruce MacDonald noted that in principal he feels the Town is interested in both options _ and we should look at both. Sally Hoyt felt that either option would be great for the g ` Housing Authority. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 15 1997—page.2 Dan Ensminger was concerned about funding. The Housing Authority noted that they have access to funding through the Reading Co-op Bank and others. Reverend Sweet noted that if the Damon house was donated, they would be asking the Co-op for funding. George Hines felt that the Board of Selectmen could offer the Housing Authority a glimmer of hope but not a concrete commitment. There is a process that has to be considered here. Personnel and Appointments CPDC — The Board of Selectmen interviewed Richard Schubert for a term on the Community Planning and Development Commission expiring June 30, 2000. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Community Planning and Development Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2000: Richard W. Schubert. Schubert received five votes and was appointed to the position. Police Station Building Committee — The Board of Selectmen interviewed the following candidates for membership on the Police Station Building Committee: Chief Edward Marchand, Lt. Robert Silva, Police Officer James Cormier, Bryan Irwin, Mike DeBrigard, Robert Cavagnaro, William Lavoie, Eric Jason Smith, William Brown, John Russell and Wilbar Hoxie. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen agreed to appoint a Police Station Building Committee consisting of nine members by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following names into nomination for eight positions on the Police Station Building Committee for terms expiring upon initial occupancy of the building, or upon abandonment of the project whichever occurs first: Edward Marchand, Robert Silva, Paul Peoples, James Cormier, Richard Monroe, Bryan Irwin, Louis DeBrigard, Robert Cavagnaro, William Lavoie, Eric Jason Smith, William J. Hughes, William C. Brown, John H. Russell, Wilbar M. Hoxie. The following were appointed: Edward Marchand — 5 votes, James Cormier — 4 votes, Bryan Irwin — 5 votes, Mike DeBrigard — 4 votes, Robert Cavagnaro — 3 votes, William Lavoie— 5 votes, Eric Jason Smith— 3 votes, John Russell—5 votes. Discusssion/Action Items Approval of Policy Establishing a Millenium Celebration Committee — Alan Foulds, proponent of the establishment of this Committee, was not able to be present this evening. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to continue the public hearing until August 5 at 8:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 15, 1997 —page 3 Water and Sewer Rate Hearing — The Secretary read the notice of the hearing. Present from the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee and the Department of Public Works -- were Gail Wood, Stewart Chipman, Ted McIntire and David Lee. A presentation was made to establish a regular water rate of$3.11 per hundred cubic feet and a second meter water rate of$3.73 per hundred cubic feet, a sewer rate of$5.11 per hundred cubic feet, a minimum water bill of $15.55 per quarter and a minimum sewer bill of $25.55 per quarter. The proposed rates will increase 20.6%. This is entirely related to the lack of reserves available at the time that the FY'98 budget was passed to offset a portion of the cost of the water and sewer rate. Several capital projects were deferred. Wakefield Street and water supply protection for water, and the Short and Mill Street sewer project were deferred. George Hines asked that we make an effort to go to monthly billing and MacDonald agreed. The hearing was open to the public. Nancy Eaton asked that if we go to a monthly bill then the minimums should change. The Board of Selectmen asked for a follow-up on three items: 1) a proposal on how to stabilize the water and sewer rates; 2) a look at the science behind setting of minimum rates. The Board asked that this issue come back to them in September. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to close the public hearing on water and sewer rates for 1998 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the water and sewer rates for FY `98 effective with the first billing after July 1, 1997 as follows: water regular(non-second meter) $3.11 per hundred cubic feet; water— second meter (plus 20% of regular) $3.73 per hundred cubic feet. Sewer regular $5.11 per hundred cubic feet of water used. Minimum at least 500 cubic feet of water used per quarter — water $15.55 per quarter. Sewer $25.55 per quarter—total $41.40 per quarter. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Acceptance of Land — 110 Van Norden Road — The,Town Manager noted that the Conservation Commission approved the donation of this land by unanimous vote. This is approximately 1.2 acres that was donated by the people selling the property. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger, the Board approved the acceptance of a donation of 50,744 square feet of land at the rear of 110 Van Norden Road as a donation for conservation purposes pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 8C of the Massachusetts General Laws, and pursuant to the recommendation of the Conservation Commission dated June 25, 1997. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Deeds— Reading Rifle and Revolver Club — All of the paper work related to this item has finally been approved by all parties including the State. This is aland swap between the Town of Reading and the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club. Board of Selectmen Meeting=July 15, 1997—page 4 On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger, the Board of Selectmen approved the signing of all documents related to the deed and conservation restrictions effectuating the swap of land between the Town of Reading and the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Presentation/Discussion Downtown Streetscape Program— Kathy Greenfield was present to discuss this matter with the Board of Selectmen. The Downtown Steering Committee has a plan that has evolved over a two year process culminating in a third step process in March 1997. The Downtown Steering Committee voted unanimously to seek approval of this plan from the Board of Selectmen. A presentation of the plan was made by Randy Collins from Gates Leighton, Consultants, and Frank Romeo from Beta Engineering Traffic Consultants. The Downtown Steering Committee, consultants, and staff met with 15-20 business owners. The Downtown Steering Committee is seeking approval of phase one which is the layout for circulation purposes. The next steps include the actual streetscape. The goals were to improve the circulation pattern within the Downtown, maintain or increase parking and improve pedestrian safety. Funding sources will be pursued on a priority basis. This is an integrated plan and changes in any one element may affect other elements of the plan. George Hines asked about the elimination of the light at Pleasant Street. Depending on what direction Pleasant Street is made one way, the light can be simplified or eliminated. The Salem and Main Street intersection is currently operating at level service F, and it will be operating under the plan at level service C. Concern was expressed about the "bump outs" at Haven and Main Street. Dan Ensminger asked that we try out the Lowell Street (Salem to Woburn Street) modification. Bruce MacDonald asked about the benefit of keeping Lowell Street as a paved way. It is primarily for parking spaces. He asked about the possibility of putting a parking garage in the"CVS" lot. Camille Anthony asked about the concept plans on Haven Street at the Fleet Bank. She's concerned about the number of stacking spaces for the bank drive up. She also expressed concern about the Dunkin' Donuts location at Washington and Main and the need for a drive up. George Hines suggested that we have a public hearing one night with only this item on the Agenda. The Board of Selectmen established that hearing for August 5, 1997. Issues the Board would like focused on is the Fleet Bank access, the net impact on parking, the level of service on traffic in all areas, a summary of pedestrian impact and access to the Union Street parking area. CPDC for General Discussion — Michael Flammia, Chairman of CPDC, was present along with Jonathan Edwards, Planning Director and other members of the Planning Commission. Major projects that they are working on include revision to the subdivision Board of Selectmen Meeting;—July 15, 1997—page 5 rules and regulations, and an earth placement bylaw for the Subsequent Town Meeting. George Hines noted on the subdivision Rules and Regulations that he likes the underground utilities. He's concerned about requiring a 60 foot wide right of way. Perhaps we should consider reduced pavement widths instead. Flammia admitted that no other towns have a 60 foot wide right of way for local streets. Flammia noted that the reason for the wider right of way is to help with tree planting and survival. If it doesn't work, then it could be waived. Dan Ensminger noted there should not be a Business Park article for the Subsequent Town Meeting—it appears that none are needed. George Hines asked about a bylaw on abandoned in ground pools. Sally Hoyt noted that the pool regulations to be considered for the Subsequent Town Meeting should deal with the distance from the house. The Board of Selectmen thanked CPDC for the work and for being involved in the Downtown improvement process. Temple Street Traffic Regulations — The Town Manager reviewed a memo prepared by his office outlining the response to a survey on the traffic regulations on Temple Street. The unanimous feeling of those who responded was to keep the regulations in place. Additionally, a lot of residents want to see the road improved. The Board directed the Town Manager to set up a public hearing at a future date on this matter. OSCO Sign Approval — Nathan Chamberlain was present from OSCO to present the proposal for a sign to be installed within the public right of way directing to the new OSCO Drug and to the Reading Municipal Light Department. This is requested because the OSCO Drug Store is set way back from Main Street on Bolton and Goodall Sanford Road. George Hines expressed a concern about the sign. He's opposed because he feels the site is clearly visible from Main Street and if we approve it, we will get inundated with requests. Camille Anthony is concerned about free standing signs proliferating in the area. The Board asked that criteria be developed for approval or disapproval in order to try to codify what we are trying to accomplish. The Board also suggested that we do a spot light on new businesses in Town perhaps in the Reading Notes. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen approved a license between OSCO (American Store Properties) and the Town of Reading relative to the erection of a directional sign within the public right of way on Ash Street as shown in the letter dated July 8, 1997 and the accompanying plans and signed sketch subject to the following conditions: the sign will be substantially the form presented; OSCO will maintain the sign and related landscaping; subject to the approval of the Sign Review Board. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-2-0, with Hines and Anthony opposed. Dan Ensminger noted that he felt the maintenance at the High School has improved significantly since the Town has taken this maintenance over. He also noted that the Reading Business Park Task Force has met. They are dealing with concept plans. The Homart build out plan was unrealistic because of required parking. A more realistic concept is a 400,000-600,000 square foot development in four to six story buildings. Concerns that have to be addressed are the acceptance of excavate at the site, and the type Board of Selectmen Meeting;—July 15J997—page 6 of impervious cover to be placed. Discussion on this item will be scheduled for the next meeting. Sally Hoyt noted that the County Advisory Board has been eliminated since Middlesex County has been eliminated. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:07 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, secretary j F