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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 22,2009 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room,. 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman . James Bonazoli, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Library Director Ruth Urell, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Rachel Baumgartner, Karen Sanborn, Kurt McGrath, Muriel Hall, Adam Heroux, Gail Sallop. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there was a letter in the packet from Nick Safina regarding the proposed water tanks at the Interchange. Mr. Safina mentioned size, proximity and impact of shadows in his letter. He also recommended a pump fed system which reiterates what the Selectmen's perspective is on this issue. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended a meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli indicated that he spoke with the Northeast Regional Vocational School regarding the Mattera Cabin. Ted Nikole is now the Principal and one carpenter teacher retired, so they are short handed. They will come out and meet with us to determine what materials will be needed. The first thing that they will need is a dumpster. He also noted that he attended the School Committee Meeting regarding the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and there were no glaring changes. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there was an article in the Chronicle regarding RCASA efforts and events, and that survey is the basis for the RCASA. He also noted that the RCASA Annual Meeting is next Thursday. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he received a letter regarding flying the flag of the Commonwealth. The Town Manager noted that the Veteran's Agent checked with the State, and they indicated that we do not need to fly the flag. Chairman Tafoya also noted that he read an article regarding a liquor license that Wilmington denied, the ABCC then overruled, then the Town took it to court and won. He requested that the Town Manager get the details on this matter. Board of Selectmen Meeting_September 22, 2009—Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Franklin Street reclamation and repaving complete. • Wine Nation has filed an appeal with the ABCC on the denial of their liquor license. Town Counsel Gary Brackett and Ellen Doucette will represent the Town. • RCASA Annual Meeting is October 1 st at 7:00 p.m. at the Library. • The Reading School Committee and Board of Selectmen will host a meeting on Monday, September 21 st at the Performing Arts Center at the High School at 7:15 p.m. The results of the local 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey will be presented by Jim Ryan and Sara Grinnell, Northeast Center for Healthy Communities. • Sewer Inflow Infiltration smoke tests being conducted this Summer/Fall. Some 100 properties that had tied into the sewer system without approval from the Town are now being billed. • Preparation for September 29th Boards/Committees/Commissions training. • Children's Room closed 8/31 - 9/7, carpet in Library, costs covered by mfr. • Collins Field rededication yesterday. • Next Financial Forum is 10-14-09 at the Senior Center. • Flu clinics are on hold pending shipment of flu vaccine. • Thank you for your support during my recent surgery and convalescence. • Thank you for affording me the ability to attend the ICMA Conference in Montreal. I will have a report shortly for the Board of Selectmen on the sessions I attended. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution in Support of Bottle Bill —The Town Manager.noted that the MWRA is requesting that the Town support the bottle bill. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that this is a way to keep the water ways clear of bottles. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli that the Selectmen approve the Resolution in Support of H.3125: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Highlights — Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) — Recreation Administrator John Feudo was present and reviewed the program. He noted that Reading received seven kids for 25 hours per week, for seven weeks and was paid for by a grant. They cleaned up fields, picked up grass clumps on fields, moved furniture, washed walls, painted the band stand, replaced the wooden box at the tot lot, etc. He also noted that the kids were great to work with. Rachel Baumgartner re: Mass Memories Road Show — Librarian Rachel Baumgartner gave a presentation on the Mass Memories Road Show. She that the Library received a grant to participate in the Road Show. The purpose is to collect pictures of families in Reading and events such as blizzards, gas spills, Scout troops. At,the end of the program, the Town will receive CD's with the pictures scanned and cataloged. Itis $8000 -$10,000 worth of work. Close the Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting — The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting. He noted that Article 16 is a potential bylaw regarding the West Street Historic District. The Commission has no members and that holds up property owners from doing work. This Article would rescind the local Historic District. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 22, 2009—Page 3 Selectman Richard Schubert asked if members of other Boards and Committees can be a member of the Historic Commission, and the Town Manager indicated that they could. Selectman Schubert offered his services if needed. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the junk bylaw is for a pawn shop, and the Town Manager indicated that it is for precious metals. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about Article 11 regarding the meal tax, and asked how it will be discussed before Town Meeting. It was noted that it will be discussed at the Financial Forum on October 14th and then on the Selectmen's Agenda on October 20`". Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that he would like a list of restaurants, and Selectman Stephen Goldy indicated that he is interested in knowing how many towns have considered the meal tax and how many have adopted it. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen close the Warrant consisting of 16 Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting to take place on November 9, 2009 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing L—Parking_Regulations—Mt. Vernon Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that a request came from residents to limit parking on Mt. Vernon Street 130 feet from High Street. He also noted that the road gets narrow during the Winter. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that commuter parking seems to be a safety hazard. The resident from 115 High Street noted that he has a deaf son, and he has to walk into the street to see past the parked vehicles. Adam Heroux of 73 Mt. Vernon Street asked how the signs will be posted, and Police.Chief Jim Cormier indicated that they will be posted on two poles. Mr. Heroux asked that the police be vigilant and make sure that the parking doesn't get worse. Karen Sanborn of 54 Mt. Vernon Street noted that the snow plows all the snow on her side of the street and the road is receding. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked how many cars are being displaced, and Chief Cormier indicated four cars are being displaced. The resident from 111 High Street indicated that he was in favor of the no parking. He noted that people clear the snow off their cars in the street, and it turns to ice causing cars to slide down the street. Gail Sallop of 71 Mt. Vernon Street noted that commuters park there because it's free. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 22, 2009—Page 4 Muriel Hall noted that the commuters park and block the drains in the Wintertime which makes the roads a mess. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if no parking within 20 feet from the corner is enforced, and Chief Cormier indicated that it is enforced. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board might want to regulate the whole street at some point. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on parking regulations on Mt. Vernon Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Move that the Board of Selectmen amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 5, Section 5.1.7,the following: "No Parking Anytime" Street Location Mt. Vernon Street Both sides for 130 feet from the intersection of High Street The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing— Rescinding Parking Regulations on Birch Meadow Drive Hillside Road Longfellow Road, Waverly Road—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that parking regulations were put in place during the construction of the High School. Now that the construction is done, the restrictions should be rescinded. The Town Manager also noted that there was a letter from a resident who wants to keep the regulations on Longfellow Road. Chief Cormier noted that everyone is making use of the parking lots. People are not parking where signs have been removed. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how Arthur B. Lord Drive is doing, and Chief Cormier noted that it is a busy area and the crosswalks are being used. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on rescinding parking regulations on Birch Meadow Drive, Hillside Road, Longfellow Road, Waverly Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by rescinding from Article 5,Section 5.4.4.1, the following: Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 22, 2009—Page 5 "NO PARKING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M." Street Location Birch Meadow Drive Both sides of Birch Meadow Drive from Oakland Road to Arthur B Lord Drive Waverly Road Both sides for the entire length Hillside Road Both sides from Oaldand Road to Waverly Road Longfellow Road Both sides from Oakland North to the Dead End The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing - Parking Regulations on Lowell Street (in front of CVS) — The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that businesses are requesting six to eight parking spaces with a 30 minute limit from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There appears to be a lack of parking in the evening. Chief Cormier noted that he is not in favor of this, and indicated that this is taking a step backwards. The Downtown construction has just finished, and we will get requests from other businesses if we approve this. He also noted that the consultant does not recommend 30 minutes parking anywhere Downtown. It is very difficult to enforce 30 minute parking and enforcement will be inconsistent. Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he is not in favor because there would be more signs and enforcement will be a problem. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that if 30 minute parking cannot be enforced, then it's an exercise in futility. She suggested the property owners work it out amongst themselves. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked about parking meters, and Chief Cormier noted that meters are easier to manage. Selectman Goldy noted that he was disappointed that there was nobody present in favor of it. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on parking regulations on Lowell Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. There was no further action taken. Hearing=Approving Amendments to Liquor Policies—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the amendment eliminates the minimum seating in clubs, there is no requirement of the serving of food in clubs, and the language on orderly closing is the same as restaurants. Board of Selectmen Meetings September 22, 2009—Page 6 A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on amendments to the liquor policies was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the amendments to Article 3 of the Board of Selectmen Policies was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing—Amendments to Policy on Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations —The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that people want to donate to the Town and this spells out the process. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there needs to be a requirement for a gift to have a funding mechanism for maintenance and upkeep. He also noted that the Town should be consulted prior to any fundraising efforts. The Town Manager noted that Imagination Station had a small maintenance fund but the Town had no control over it. Chairman Ben Tafoya requested language that when the Town accepts gifts, the Selectmen should consider how the maintenance gets funded. He also noted that agreements should be documented. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on amendments to the Policy of Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the amendments to the Policy on Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Continuation of Charter Review—This item was taken off the agenda. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of September.1, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting of September 22, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary