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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 11, 1997 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Alan Foulds, Doug Neary, Beth Mepeis, Ann Marie Brennick, Don Cowan, Frank Romeo, Randy Collins. Reports and Comments Public Comment - There was no public comment. Discussion/Action Items Approval of the Sale of Bonds - Finance Director Beth Klepeis was present to review the sale of bonds and Bond Anticipation Notes. The Board congratulated her on a very successful sale. George Hines asked if we can't improve the timing of the bond sales so that the Board does not have to have a special meeting for this purpose. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the sale of bonds in the amount of 5,930,000 in accordance with the bond prospectus to Prudential Securities at a Net Interest Cost of 4.8775%. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to approve the sale of Bond Anticipation Notes in the amount of$1,217,000 in accordance with the summary to BankBoston at a Net Interest Cost of 3.98%. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Presentation of Checks for Economic Development Facilitator - Ann Marie Brennick and Don Cowan presented to the Board of Selectmen a check in the amount of$10,000 for the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Steering Committee's contribution for the Economic Development Facilitator. Decision on Downtown Streetscape Pro-'.gram - Frank Romeo from Beta Engineering and Randy Collins from Gates Leighton were present to address issues that the Board had previously raised with regard to the Downtown Streetscape Plan. 1. Impact on Sanborn Street from Lowell to Woburn - Frank Romeo noted that there is a lot of traffic data available, but he would suggest that there is nothing in the construction plans that would require any change. If it is determined that there is too great an increase on traffic on Sanborn Street, following a study after construction, traffic calming measures can be used including possible restrictions to entry during certain times of the day. - However, the traffic consultant does not anticipate major changes in the flow, and Hines noted that the changes could be regulatory rather than capital. Board of Selectmen Meeting;- August t 11, 1997 - page 2 2. Woburn at Lowell Street Intersection - The plan proposes to eliminate the signal at this location. The concern expressed is that the intersection will get blocked by people on Woburn Street waiting to get through the Main Street light. Collins noted that the Down- town Steering Committee does not want to make it convenient to use Lowell Street to go from Salem Street to Main Street. Signing noting that motorists should not block the intersection will be added. Dan Ensminger asked about the possible effect of this change on funeral processions. Frank Romeo noted that it will be an improved situation since there will be only one signal to worry about rather than two. George Hines asked if the Common landscaped area could be expanded slightly when we make Lowell Street one way between Salem and Woburn. The consultant will look at it. 3. Emergency Vehicle Access into Ash Street from Main Street - The concern was that emergency vehicles would not be able to adequately access this area. Frank Romeo noted that the intersection will be designed to meet all standards, including access by emergency vehicles. It will also be designed to be able to add a traffic signal at that location at a later date if needed, including all the underground work. Sally Hoyt suggested that right turn only from Ash to Main Street be provided. Romeo felt that all turns should be allowed initially, and if it becomes a problem then it is a relatively easy thing to either restrict the turning movements or to install a signal. Dan Ensminger noted that the benefit to the Ash and Gould Street plan is to improve access to Downtown. He wondered if there were other efforts such as accessing the "CVS parking lot" from Haven Street which would also do that. Romeo noted that it would be difficult. The access way does not accommodate two way traffic. There is a bank teller machine concern. There is a public/private ownership issue. Ensminger asked whether the improvements as proposed involved public or private property. The roadway improvements are on public property but there would be improvements on private property. There have been meetings with Tambone, the property owner. He is very cooperative and likes the plan a lot. He is still reviewing it. Funding on the private property may be an issue that will have to be resolved during the rest of the process. Dan Ensminger asked if the Board of Selectmen does not approve this element of the project, would the remainder of the project stand alone. Collins noted that they would have to go back and rethink the program. This connection is very important. Ensminger asked what percentage of traffic going downtown would be recycled back through this route. Frank Romeo noted that it was impossible to tell, but the more the better. Sally Hoyt asked about reversing the one way on Ash Street to Gould Street - there was a loss of parking spaces and we should think about keeping it as it is. Frank Romeo noted that there is a balance of parking, circulation and traffic flow to keep in mind. The goal is to balance those items, and not necessarily to move traffic as fast as possible. Hoyt asked that this be done for a trial period and Romeo noted that because there is construction - needed in order to try it out, that a trial strictly speaking would not be possible. MacDonald noted that he will support the plans as laid out. Signing is important for this item. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August , 1997 - page 3 4. Green Street West of Main Street - It was suggested that this might be made two way. Romeo felt that this would create an additional uncontrolled left turn on Main Street and would eliminate parking. His opinion is that the benefits are not adequate to justify the disruption. 5. Sidewalks on Green Street East of Main - Romeo noted that we could look to see how far down Green Street the Streetscape Program would be able to fund that. 6. Should Post Office Drop Boxes be Located on Sanborn - Romeo noted that this could be discussed with the Postal Service. They were initially going to be relocated when there was discussion about changing the direction of Sanborn and Linden. 7. Pedestrian Crossing- Lowell at Salem Street - A crosswalk will be provided and it may be signalized. It will be on the West side of the intersection and coordinated with the Main/Salem Street signal. 8. Truck Traffic - Salem and Main Street - This intersection is designed to be able to handle truck traffic adequately. 9. Pleasant Street - One Way - The Police Chief had suggested leaving Pleasant Street the way it is. The consultants felt that there is an advantage having it one way in order to eliminate conflicts. If it is left one way westbound then there is no need for a left turn from Main onto Pleasant Street. This would simplify that intersection. The intersection could be reversed and would not effect any of the capital construction and it would not effect the concept plan. It was asked how critical the parking spaces were, and it was noted that they were extremely critical because of the loss of several of the spaces at the top of Harnden Street. 10. CVS Parking Lot - If it is redesigned, can we get more spaces. Romeo noted that if ownership was not an issue, only three spaces would be gained by legally laying out the parking spaces. Ensminger asked about the possibility of constructing a parking structure for the CVS lot to add parking spaces. It was noted that the costs were high for the benefit. The engineering analysis that would have to be done to determine the feasibility was not part of the scope of services for the consultant. 11. End of Chute Street at High Street - This would require the taking of the tree. Dan Ensminger asked if we could do less severe improvements to accomplish the goal but the consultants noted that the removal of the tree really is a requirement. As an element of the plan, there will be a significant number of trees planted. This is a safety improvement. Ensminger asked for a log of the number of accidents at this location. He asked if this was - taken out whether this would invalidate any of the other elements of the Streetscape Plan. It was noted that they would not. Hines asked about the feasibility of moving the tree, and Randy Collins noted that this would be a multi-year process with no guarantee of success. Hoyt suggested that it be redesigned to save the tree. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August 11, 1997 - page 4 MacDonald noted that this was a safety issue in trying to shorten the walking distance. Ensminger asked how much the walking distance would be shortened and it was noted that it would probably be by ten feet. 11. Funding - The next phases will be to address the Selectmen's issues once the Selectmen approve the plan in concept, and then to look at funding. It was noted that the construction would probably be phased and funding will probably also be phased. The consultants felt that the Main Street corridor work will be fully funded by Mass Highway. They were less certain about some of the other locations. Hines moved and Hoyt seconded a motion to approve the general plan for a Streetscape, Parking and Circulation Plan for Downtown Reading as presented and recommended by the Downtown Steering Committee, and that the consultant be directed to proceed with the Downtown Steering Committee on the design of the remainder of the improvements and to report at a 25% design back to the Board of Selectmen as well as reporting at the earliest appropriate date with the remainder of the streetscape design elements for the Board's consideration and approval. The following conditions were considered: 1. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, an amendment was approved that before implementation of the one way on Lowell Street between Salem and Woburn, that a trial period take place to simulate what closure would constitute, and the results reviewed by the Board of Selectmen at a public hearing as soon as reasonably possible. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 2. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, a condition requiring the review of the design of High and Chute Street to save the tree if it is at all possible, including the evaluation of the cost of replacing the tree with similar cost in kind was voted. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 3. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt was a substitute motion by Hines accepted by the mover and seconder, would require the designer to further evaluate Pleasant Street as to being one way or two ways, and if one way in which direction -the consultant will do more in-depth analysis and report back to the Board of Selectmen prior to the 25% design. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 4. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger to provide for right turn only at the new Ash Street intersection with its exit to Main Street was not approved on a vote of 2-2-0 with MacDonald and Hines opposed. It was noted by Hines and MacDonald that regulations can be adopted after the improvements are done and that approving this motion at this time would be premature. The main motion with the three conditions as approved was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with Ensminger opposed. Board of Selectmen Meeting August 11, 1997 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Alan Foulds, Doug Neary, Beth Klepeis, Ann Marie Brennick, Don Cowan, Frank Romeo, Randy Collins. Reports and Comments Public Comment- There was no public comment. Discussion/Action Items Approval of the Sale of Bonds - Finance Director Beth Klepeis was present to review the sale of bonds and Bond Anticipation Notes. The Board congratulated her on a very successful sale. George Hines asked if we can't improve the timing of the bond sales so that the Board does not have to have a special meeting for this purpose. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the sale of bonds in the amount of 5,930,000 in accordance with the bond prospectus to Prudential Securities at a Net Interest Cost of 4.8775%. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to approve the sale of Bond Anticipation Notes in the amount of$1,217,000 in accordance with the summary to BankBoston at a Net Interest Cost of 3,98%. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Presentation of Checks for Economic Development Facilitator - Ann Marie Brennick and Don Cowan presented to the Board of Selectmen a check in the amount of$10,000 for the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Steering Committee's contribution for the Economic Development Facilitator. Decision on Downtown Streetscape Program - Frank Romeo from Beta Engineering and Randy Collins from Gates Leighton were present to address issues that the Board had previously raised with regard to the Downtown Streetscape Plan. 1. Impact on Sanborn Street from Lowell to Woburn - Frank Romeo noted that there is a lot of traffic data available, but he would suggest that there is nothing in the construction plans that would require any change. If it is determined that there is too great an increase on traffic on Sanborn Street, following a study after construction, traffic calming measures can be used including possible restrictions to entry during certain times of the day. However, the traffic consultant does not anticipate major changes in the flow, and Hines noted that the changes could be regulatory rather than capital. Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 11. 1997-page 2 2. Woburn at Lowell Street Intersection - The plan proposes to eliminate the signal at this location. The concern expressed is that the intersection will get blocked by people on Woburn Street waiting to get through the Main Street light. Collins noted that the Down- town Steering Committee does not want to make it convenient to use Lowell Street to go from Salem Street to Main Street. Signing noting that motorists should not block the intersection will be added. Dan Ensminger asked about the possible effect of this change on funeral processions. Frank Romeo noted that it will be an improved situation since there will be only one signal to worry about rather than two. George Hines asked if the Common landscaped area could be expanded slightly when we make Lowell Street one way between Salem and Woburn. The consultant will look at it. 3. Emergency Vehicle Access into Ash Street from Main Street - The concern was that emergency vehicles would not be able to adequately access this area. Frank Romeo noted that the intersection will be designed to meet all standards, including access by emergency vehicles. It will also be designed to be able to add a traffic signal at that location at a later date if needed, including all the underground work. Sally Hoyt suggested that right turn only from Ash to Main Street be provided. Romeo felt that all turns should be allowed initially, and if it becomes a problem then it is a relatively easy thing to either restrict the turning movements or to install a signal. Dan Ensminger noted that the benefit to the Ash and Gould Street plan is to improve access to Downtown. He wondered if there were other efforts such as accessing the "CVS parking lot" from Haven Street which would also do that. Romeo noted that it would be difficult. The access way does not accommodate two way traffic. There is a bank teller machine concern. There is a public/private ownership issue. Ensminger asked whether the improvements as proposed involved public or private property. The roadway improvements are on public property but there would be improvements on private property. There have been meetings with Tambone, the property owner. He is very cooperative and likes the plan a lot. He is still reviewing it. Funding on the private property may be an issue that will have to be resolved during the rest of the process. Dan Ensminger asked if the Board of Selectmen does not approve this element of the project, would the remainder of the project stand alone. Collins noted that they would have to go back and rethink the program. This connection is very important. Ensminger asked what percentage of traffic going downtown would be recycled back through this route. Frank Romeo noted that it was impossible to tell, but the more the better. Sally Hoyt asked about reversing the one way on Ash Street to Gould Street - there was a loss of parking spaces and we should think about keeping it as it is. Frank Romeo noted that there is a balance of parking, circulation and traffic flow to keep in mind. The goal is to balance those items, and not necessarily to move traffic as fast as possible. Hoyt asked that this be done for a trial period and Romeo noted that because there is construction needed in order to try it out, that a trial strictly speaking would not be possible. MacDonald noted that he will support the plans as laid out. Signing is important for this item. - Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 11, 1997-page 3 4. Green Street West of Main Street - It was suggested that this might be made two way. Romeo felt that this would create an additional uncontrolled left turn on Main Street and would eliminate parking. His opinion is that the benefits are not adequate to justify the disruption. 5. Sidewalks on Green Street East of Main-Romeo noted that we could look to see how far down Green Street the Streetscape Program would be able to fund that. 6. Should Post Office Drop Boxes be Located on Sanborn - Romeo noted that this could be discussed with the Postal Service. They were initially going to be relocated when there was discussion about changing the direction of Sanborn and Linden. 7. Pedestrian Crossing- Lowell at Salem Street - A crosswalk will be provided and it may be signalized. It will be on the West side of the intersection and coordinated with the Main/Salem Street signal. 8. Truck Traffic - Salem and Main Street - This intersection is designed to be able to handle truck traffic adequately. 9. Pleasant Street - One Way - The Police Chief had suggested leaving Pleasant Street the way it is. The consultants felt that there is an advantage having it one way in order to eliminate conflicts. If it is left one way westbound then there is no need for a left turn from Main onto Pleasant Street. This would simplify that intersection. The intersection could be reversed and would not effect any of the capital construction and it would not effect the concept plan. It was asked how critical the parking spaces were, and it was noted that they were extremely critical because of the loss of several of the spaces at the top of Harnden Street. 10. CVS Parkin- If it is redesigned, can we get more spaces. Romeo noted that if ownership was not an issue, only three spaces would be gained by legally laying out the parking spaces. Ensminger asked about the possibility of constructing a parking structure for the CVS lot to add parking spaces. It was noted that the costs were high for the benefit. The engineering analysis that would have to be done to determine the feasibility was not part of the scope of services for the consultant. Il. End of Chute Street at High Street - This would require the taking of the tree. Dan Ensminger asked if we could do less severe improvements to accomplish the goal but the consultants noted that the removal of the tree really is a requirement. As an element of the plan, there will be a significant number of trees planted. This is a safety improvement. Ensminger asked for a log of the number of accidents at this location. He asked if this was taken out whether this would invalidate any of the other elements of the Streetscape Plan. It was noted that they would not. Hines asked about the feasibility of moving the tree, and Randy Collins noted that this would be a multi-year process with no guarantee of success. Hoyt suggested that it be redesigned to save the tree. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August 11. 1997 -page 4 MacDonald noted that this was a safety issue in trying to shorten the walking distance. Ensminger asked how much the walking distance would be shortened and it was noted that it would probably be by ten feet. - 11. Funding - The next phases will be to address the Selectmen's issues once the Selectmen approve the plati-in concept, and then to look at funding. It was noted that the construction would probably be phased and funding will probably also be phased. The consultants felt that the Main Street corridor work will be fully funded by Mass Highway. They were less certain about some of the other locations. Hines moved and Hoyt seconded a motion to approve the general plan for a Streetscape, Parking and Circulation Plan for Downtown Reading as presented and recommended by the Downtown Steering Committee, and that the consultant be directed to proceed with the Downtown Steering Committee on the design of the remainder of the improvements and to report at a 25% design back to the Board of Selectmen as well as reporting at the earliest appropriate date with the remainder of the streetscape design elements for the Board's consideration and approval. The following conditions were considered: 1. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, an amendment was approved that before implementation of the one way on Lowell Street between Salem and Woburn, that a trial period take place to simulate what closure would constitute, and the results reviewed by the Board of Selectmen at a public hearing as soon as reasonably possible. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 2. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, a condition requiring the review of the design of High and Chute Street to save the tree if it is at all possible, including the evaluation of the cost of replacing the tree with similar cost in kind was voted. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 3. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt was a substitute motion by Hines accepted by the mover and seconder,would require the designer to further evaluate Pleasant Street as to being one way or two ways, and if one way in which direction -the consultant will do 'more in-depth analysis and report back to the Board of Selectmen prior to the 25% design. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 4. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger to provide for right turn only at the new Ash Street intersection with its exit to Main Street was not approved on a vote of 2-2-0 with MacDonald and Hines opposed. It was noted by Hines and MacDonald that regulations can be adopted after the improvements are done and that approving this motion at this time would be premature. The main motion with the three conditions as approved was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with Ensminger opposed. Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 11, 1997-page 5 The Board discussed the costs. Ensminger asked what the cost of the program would be, and it was noted that preliminary cost estimates have not yet been done. The Board asked that when we begin to get the cost estimates that they please come back to the Board in as much detail as possible. The Board should have these by the end of September. These will be a planning estimate for at least the Main Street portion of the project. The Board of Selectmen complimented the consultants and the Downtown Steering Committee on an outstanding job, and look forward to continuing this process. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation, and strategy with respect to purchase or sale of real estate, not to come back into Open Session. On a roll call vote, all four members present voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. Respectfully submitted, S cretary