Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-09-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 23, 1997 The meeting was convened at 7:05 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, Selectman Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Nancy Eaton, Virginia Adams, Brenda Smith, Judith Junker, Mark Cardono, Christopher Campbell, Hector Jimeuez, John and Emilie Marvin, Ted Nalwalk, K. Kiely, William Gramzow, Gilles Nadeau, Nick Innes, David Fitzpatrick, Diane Williamson, Joanne and Bradley Fuller, Will and Jennifer Drachler, Dan and Mary Sulls, Charles Stobbs, Mary Ann Higgins, Michael Carpute, Elizabeth Mansfield, Jennifer Gramzow, Harvey and Barbara Lobdell, Craig and Bente Starble, Sharon DiFiore, Mr. and Mrs. David Sprague, Mr. and Mrs. William Roche, Elizabeth York, John Robert Powers, Christopher Zanni, Mike DiBacco, Judi Kramer, Kate Adams, Dennis Lucyniak, James Biller, Joe Delaney, Mark Favalaro, Paul O'Donnell, Paul Sweeny. On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to go into Executive Session at 7:06 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all four members present voted in the.affirmative and the motion was carried. The Board came back into Open Session at 7:35 p.m. Reports and Comments Public Comment - Virginia Adams read a letter and presented a petition relative to the location of the Bandstand. Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments —Dan Ensminger noted that Dr. Harutunian had asked him to review the updated population projections and to attend the meeting on Wednesday evening relative to school building projects. The Reading Business Park Task Force met and reviewed the Due Diligence Report and approved a schedule for the remainder of the year. Bruce MacDonald attended a walk on the Ipswich River with Trudy Cox from D.E.P. and various legislators. He attended the Saturday morning walk on Walnut Street. On Monday, he met with the arts community relative to using the former Police Station as an Arts Center. He distributed a copy of a Boston Globe article regarding State recycling. Sally Hoyt attended the North Suburban Planning Council meeting here in Reading. There are two watershed workshops coming up. She attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting and they discussed doing additional education. She attended the Walnut Street walk and also attended the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee meeting and their follow-up meeting with FinCom. She attended the Conservation Commission meeting and a CPDC meeting where they discussed a scenic road designation for Walnut Street. She noted that there is a land bank bill pending before the State legislature which would be applicable to all communities. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 23, 1997 —pageg Camille Anthony expressed her support and the support of the entire community to the Donahue family. She received a call from the Boston Globe regarding information needed for the Real Estate section this Sunday. The New England Square Dancing Association has expressed interest in renting space in a new Arts Center and she referred them to Bruce MacDonald. Town Manager's Report Proclamation — Local Government Week — On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger, the Board of Selectmen approved a Proclamation designating the week of September 28 through October 3, 1997 as Local Government Week in Reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Recreation Committee — The Board considered the application by Dennis Lucyniak for membership on the Recreation Committee. The Recreation Committee Chairman Chris Campbell was present and noted that Mr. Lucyniak has been an outstanding associate member and would recommend him for membership. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board of Selectmen placed the name of Dennis Lucyniak into nomination for one position on the Recreation Committee for a term expiring 6-30-2000. Mr Lucyniak received four votes and was appointed. Cable TV Advisory Committee—Four Candidates were interviewed: James Biller, Mark Cardono, Judith Junker and Brenda Smith. Mr. Biller has been recommended by the School Committee pursuant to the policy establishing the Cable TV Advisory Committee. The Town Manager noted that Mr. Liston's position is vacant because, even after several notices, he has not been sworn in. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the names of James Biller, Mark Cardono, Judith Junker and Brenda Smith into nomination for one position on the Cable TV Advisory Committee for a term expiring 6-30-99. James Biller received one vote, Brenda Smith received three and Brenda Smith was appointed. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the names of James Biller, Mark Cardono and Judith Junker into nomination for one position on the Cable TV Advisory Committee for a term expiring 6-30-2000. James Biller received three votes, Judith Junker received one vote and James Biller was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Discussion — Conflict of Interest - Stohiman — The Board of Selectmen discussed Mr. Stohlman's previous visit with the Board of Selectmen and his correspondence relative to conflict of interest. Town Counsel, H Theodore Cohen, reviewed the issue with the Board of Selectmen. Dan Ensminger noted that he would exclude proposed Article 7 from the Town Meeting Warrant. He feels that the conflict of interest provisions of State law and local bylaw are appropriate and would not want-to change them. He expressed that this is no reflection on Mr. Stohlman or his years of service to the Town of Reading. Ms. Anthony agreed. Board of Selectmen Meeting= September 23 1997—page 3 Bruce MacDonald asked if the bylaw approved by Town Meeting last Fall at the Selectmen's initiation precludes the possibility of having special employees. Town Counsel noted that it does not but it was intended to deal more with paid Town employees who wanted to do other work for the Town such as coaching. Sally Hoyt noted that she values Mr. Stohlman's service but she is not interested in changing the conflict of interest regulations that we have in place. Bruce MacDonald asked how we enforce the conflict of interest regulations and whether we do it on a proactive or reactive basis and whether we do it uniformly. Cohen and the Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner noted that they investigate all complaints.relative to the issue and if a possible conflict comes to their attention, then they will investigate it and deal with it. Close Warrant — Subsequent Town Meeting — The Town Manager reviewed the proposed 19 Warrant Articles. Ensminger expressed concern about Article 12 in that the Board had not previously discussed it. This is an Article which would set up a revolving fund for Community Development projects. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to close the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting to be held on November 10, 1997, consisting of 17 Articles as included on pages 14 through 19 of the Board of Selectmen's packet, removing draft Articles 7 and 12. An amendment by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt was offered to approve a Warrant consisting of 18 Articles, eliminating Article 7. A vote on the amendment of 2 in favor and 2 opposed resulted in the defeat of the main motion. The main motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion — Walnut Street - Nancy Eaton, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, noted that on September 3, 1997, the Commission endorsed the scenic road petition. Joe Delaney, Town Engineer, reviewed the process of the design to date. He noted that in June the public hearing was held and was noticed to all abutters of the Walnut Street project. The Engineering Division produced a memo summarizing the comments made at that hearing. A standard design for the road project would be similar to the eastern Summer Avenue project currently under construction — a 26 foot road pavement, curb, tree lawn and sidewalk on one side. The Engineers initially started at that position but quickly realized that was unfeasible. They then developed a design that would be a 20 foot wide pavement, a reduced tree.lawn (3 feet) and a 5 foot sidewalk. Drainage would be done as part of this project. In laying this out, they've determined that a maximum of 18 trees would have to be removed, 300 feet of retaining walls would have to be built, and 23 utility poles would have to be removed and reset. Camille Anthony asked what the construction schedule would be and Delaney noted that we hope to be in construction in the Spring of 1998. Bruce MacDonald asked if the Engineering Division had factored in comments made on the walk relative to issues raised by residents. The Town Engineer noted that the Engineering Division is waiting for direction from the Board of Selectmen prior to doing any redesign. He also noted that we've looked-at narrowing the walk from five feet to four feet — the architectural barrier access regulations allow a 48 inch walk. Camille Anthony noted that she was not able to attend the walk on Saturday but has reviewed the entire route. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September.23, 1997—page 4 Delaney reviewed the project from Pine Ridge Road moving eastward to Hopkins Street. He noted where there were issues of potential tree removals, retaining walls, etc. The Board then opened the meeting to public comment. - Dan Sulls of 50 Walnut Street spoke. He's a 21 year resident of Reading and is not affected very much by the project. The area that is affected is what he called the "heart of Walnut Street" where 11 trees would have to be taken. He feels there is adequate room on the current road for people to walk. The sidewalk would take away off-street parking. He feels the Town can't guarantee that only 18 trees would be affected-the concrete barrier will hurt trees in those areas. He felt the project would change the "path" of trees and would alter existing trees that were to remain drastically. All the residents want is a fair opportunity to present to Town Meeting the scenic road proposal. He doesn't feel that the project as proposed meets the Master Plan. The Town has to preserve what it has of value that is left. Asphalt against the stone walls does not add to the beauty. Virginia Adams reviewed a letter prepared from the Historical Commission to the Planning Commission and read it into the record. A copy of that letter is attached. Nick Innes of 112 Walnut Street spoke. He noted that the Northwest Weekly section of the Globe referenced historical preservation in Downtown and feels that Walnut Street should be preserved as it is. Mark Favalaro, an attorney representing the Walnut Street Neighborhood Association, spoke. He asked the Board as they consider a direction for this project to consider reconstruction of the road in its existing footprint. He asked if sidewalks would make the road more or less safe. If built as proposed, there is no curb along the street and cars could jump up onto the sidewalk. Camille Anthony noted that we have received letters from Alice Graw, Rosemary Violinte and Paul Sweeny in favor of the sidewalks. She asked if school age kids walk to school from the neighborhood. Residents noted that they do not walk along Walnut Street — they go down side roads. William Gramzow of 119 Walnut Street spoke. He feels that this is a safe neighborhood. He fears speeding on the street, and has called the Town Manager to express concerns about the speed of traffic. In the early morning, there is a lot of traffic. Much of it is Main Street in Reading to Washington Street in Woburn. The proposed plan would not impact his property that much, but he feels the road would be more unsafe as proposed. It would give the illusion of a wider street. Gilles Nadeau from 3 Strawberry Hill Lane spoke. He's a proponent of the sidewalk. Safety is a strong concern. Bente Starble of 55 Walnut Street spoke. She mentioned that if the I-93 intersection is built, _there will be more cut through traffic. She's opposed to sidewalks. She would like to see.a pedestrian study. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 23, 1997—page 5 Dan Ensminger noted that a previous study done on South Street notes that 2/3 of the traffic on these streets is locally generated — i.e., from side streets in Reading. He also noted that the 1-93 intersection would have no direct access and would not impact this neighborhood. Mary Anne Higgins of 175 Walnut Street spoke with regard to elimination of parking if a sidewalk is constructed, or if the road is narrowed. Paul Sweeny of 168 Walnut Street spoke. He asked if we investigated all possibilities. Can a sidewalk be constructed other than in a standard profile. Harvey Lobdell of 149 Walnut Street asked why the Board of Selectmen has authority on a road project when they don't live on that road. Mr. Kiely of 46 Walnut Street noted that sidewalks "aren't worth a damn." The kids don't use them. He asked about the source of funding and the amount, and it was noted that the funding is using State Chapter 90 funds and the projected cost is $350,000. Joanne Fuller of 169 Walnut Street spoke. Her property abuts Sturgis Park. She felt Mr. Sturgis had vision in creating the park and the Town should have the vision to retain Walnut Street in its current situation. David Fitzpatrick of 162 Walnut Street noted that the policy of the Town is to limit cut through traffic. The project should be constructed so as to limit it. His kids had no problems walking on Walnut Street. Ted Nalwalk of 33 Walnut Street spoke. He noted that if we had sidewalks then there would be snow banks along the street and the snowplows would plow in the driveway aprons. He noted that traffic has increased at Hopkins and Walnut Street. Will Drachler spoke. He has a two year old and five year old daughter, and he does not want the sidewalks. Mark Favalaro noted that CPDC is walking this street this Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Bruce MacDonald asked the Town Manager to review the history of traffic accidents. Nick Innis noted that all the accidents occurred at intersections. Kids are careful and the parents do a good job at parenting. Camille Anthony asked if a level grass area along the street is an option. Joe Delaney noted that from Hopkins Street — Hill Road.that is what you have. If you do a uniform grass strip, you'd still have the same impacts especially at Ash Hill Road (northwest corner) and Walnut Street. David Fitzpatrick noted that there are really only two areas that pose obstacles. Board of Selectmen Meeting— September 23, 1997—page 6 Sally Hoyt noted that she has served on the Conservation Commission for 18 years and saving trees is important. She has had to vote to remove trees for safety reasons. She understands the safety concerns. She supports the scenic road petition. The Board of Selectmen will work with CPDC to address the concerns. She feels that a sidewalk can be built in this area and the removal of trees minimized. Bruce MacDonald also supported the scenic road petition. He feels this is a difficult issue, but feels that having sidewalks makes the road safer for joggers and walkers. However, if there is not a problem he doesn't see any reason to change the situation. He's in favor of rebuilding the road in place. He feels that it will be less safe, but residents have considered the safety issue and would prefer to keep it as is. Dan Sulls noted that he was glad that Mr. MacDonald had the foresight to see what a thing of beauty Walnut Street is. The Town Manager made three comments: 1) in whatever manner this project is constructed, it will be constructed to the best applicable standards; 2) if the Board is not inclined to install sidewalks along the entire length of Walnut Street, the Board may want to consider whether there are some areas where sidewalks should be considered connecting one side street to another street; 3) one of the things the Board needs to think about relative to sidewalks is whether or not it will be able to get easements on private property to build a sidewalk that would not remove trees or walls, and at such time that a tree might die then the Town would reconstruct the sidewalk within the public way and abandon the easement. The Town Manager also noted that the sidewalk plow is 50 inches and, therefore, a four foot sidewalk could be constructed. Camille Anthony noted that she would like to see a grassed area along the street. Dan Ensminger feels that the sidewalk standards for ADA are extreme. He feels that if we do not build a continuous sidewalk then it probably will not get plowed by the Town. He feels perhaps we should do something towards Sturgis Park for sidewalks. MacDonald noted that if we did a sidewalk from South Street to Pine Ridge Road and the grass strip for the remainder of it, that might be appropriate. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Engineering Division will be directed to prepare plans for the improvement of Walnut Street from Hopkins Street to South Street (westerly portion) that includes a "grass walk" on the northerly side of the street from Hopkins Street to South Street (easterly intersection) and a sidewalk on the northerly side from South Street (easterly intersection) to Pine Ridge Road, and that the design be modified so as not to impact the trees at the intersection of Ash Hill Road and Walnut Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Gilles Nadeau of 3 Strawberry Hill Lane wondered about the possibility of just doing a piece of sidewalk to connect Strawberry Hill Lane to Redgate. The Board declined. Board of Selectmen Meeting=September 23. 1997 —page Follow-Up — Compost Center - The Town Manager reviewed Public Works Director Ted McIntire's proposed short-term and long-term solutions. The proposed short-term solutions were to increase the hours and days of the week that the Compost Center was open, and thereby lighten the traffic load at any time. Also, to increase the curbside collection during the Fall. This would cost an additional $6,000 for each week that the collection was increased. Camille Anthony asked what tonnage the site can hold and what percentage is brush versus leaves. The Town Manager noted that there is no limit on how much the site can hold other than the physical space available. Dan Ensminger suggested that we consider using the Nike Site on Haverhill Street for composting and/or brush drop off. Kevin Roche of 392 Grove Street noted that he would like one day of relaxation to work in the yard. John Powers of 256 Grove Street said that the volume of traffic is the number one issue, and McIntire's proposals would expand the problem. Katherine Adams of 255 Grove Street noted that she likes Saturday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. because she knows that the traffic stops then. She doesn't want it spread out. Mike DiBacco lives on Grove Street beyond Strout Avenue. In going from two times a week to seven days a week, the problem would be increased. Brush is dropped on the street. He's not able to walk on the street with a baby carriage. Cars drive with brush sticking out of them. He feels that we should off load some of the volume to another location. He feels we probably have people from neighboring communities using the site. Bruce MacDonald feels that we should close on Sundays, operate a little bit more hours on Saturday and operate Monday through Friday on non-school hours. We should increase the curbside collection to every week during November. We should do the brush chipping at the Nike base. Chris Zanni asked what other communities do. He knows that Melrose has every other week collection at the Public Works Garage. John Powers suggested using Strout Avenue all day on Saturday and using the Nike Base all day on Sunday. Paul O'Donnell noted that the Compost Center is interfering with reasonable enjoyment of the property. He noted that in Lexington and Wakefield the Compost Center is on a two way street as opposed to a dead end street. There was one suggestion to keep the hours as they are. Dave Sprague of 386 Grove Street felt that we should eliminate Sundays. Board of Selectmen Meeting September 23 1997 –page 8 On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the following operational changes to the Compost Center beginning October 1, 1997: The hours of operation shall be: Monday and Friday - 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday- 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday–Closed The curbside collection will be increased by two times this Fall to a total of five, at an estimated additional cost of $18,000. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Ensminger opposed. Katherine Adams noted that most residents would prefer the Compost Center being open mornings rather than afternoons. We could check residency by use of a sticker. Grove Street is not designated for through traffic. Dan Ensininger noted that we are going to have to find a new site for snow dumping and the Town Manager reminded that a task force to look at Public Works operations had previously been established, but has not come up with any conclusions. Camille Anthony noted that she received a note from Arthur Reynolds and suggested a liaison respond to it. Liaison suggested that not all letters needed a response. Anthony also noted that on the 12t' of October at 3:00 p.m., the Baptist Church is having an installation ceremony foi- its new Associate Pastor. Dan Ensminger will attend. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session at 11:43 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to purchase or sale of real estate. On a roll call vote, the motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, ye— �Ilcretary