HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
December 16, 1997
The meeting was convened at 7:31 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, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Community
Development Director Jonathan Edwards, Building Inspector Glen Redmond.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to go into Executive Session at
7:31 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation, and strategy with
respect to purchase and sale of real estate, to come back into Open Session at approximately 8:30
p.m. Anthony, MacDonald and Hoyt voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
The Board came back into Open Session at 8:32 p.m. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony,
Vice Chairman Bruce MacDonald, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectman Dan Ensminger, Town
Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Mary Andreola, Lois
Bond, Mark Gallant, Steve Nelson.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Dan Ensminger had no report.
Bruce MacDonald reported that the Police Station Building Committee has been meeting to
review the program, and to fit a design on the site which will be compatible with all interests.
Sally Hoyt felt that the Selectmen's Retreat was extremely well done and hopes it continues.
Camille Anthony asked for a follow up on Mill Street relative to Walmart, the status of the
Mineral Street Bridge and its construction schedule, how the Compost Center hours worked out,
and suggested that we have a"demonstration lawn" for next Spring.
Public Comments—There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager had no report.
Personnel & Appointments
Millennium Steering Committee — The Board of Selectmen reviewed the requests to appoint
Karen Sawyer to the Millennium Steering Committee, The Board of Library Trustees has
requested this appointment.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to appoint Karen Sawyer for a
position on the Millennium Steering Committee for a term expiring 3/31/2000. All four
fg members present voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. _
Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 16. 1997—pageg
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to confirm the appointment to a
position on the Millennium Steering Committee for Allen Smith for a term expiring 3/31/2000.
All four members present voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
signing of a release indemnification for the entry by Town employees onto private property for
the purpose of review and evaluation for potential Town acquisition. The motion was approved
by a vote of 4-0-0.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Recognition — ZBA Member who retired — On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensmigner, the
Board voted to approve a Certificate of Appreciation for Ardith Wieworka in appreciation for her
twelve years of service to the Town of Reading as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Acceptance of Donation —Estate of Dorothy Burbank-The Town Manager noted that the Town
of Reading was the sole beneficiary of Ms. Burbank's Estate.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept on
behalf of the Town of Reading the bequest from the Estate of Dorothy L. Burbank to the Council
on Aging the sum of $211,205.05 with the gratitude of the entire community, and the assurance
that these funds will be spent in a manner to create a lasting tribute to Ms. Burbank. The motion
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Mary Andreola from the Council on Aging spoke and noted
that they would accept this gift and its responsibility with appreciation.
Review Taxi Rates — The Town Manager submitted material to the Board of Selectmen. Mr.
Wiswall was not present and he will be asked to come in and discuss this with the Board of
Selectmen.
Review RFP — Landfill Sale — Several suggested changes were made, none of them substantive.
It was suggested that this be put on the Web Page under"Land for Sale" heading. A copy of the
developer's package will be sent to the Board of Selectmen.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the Requests for
Proposals for the Reading Business Park, as amended, subject to review by Town Counsel, and
that the Board approves the advertising program and schedule as outlined to secure proposals for
the Town's sale and development of the site. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Review West Street — Heavy Vehicle Exclusion — The Town Manager reviewed the history of
this project going back approximately ten years. We are very close to being able to secure
approval along with their neighbors for this restriction.
Sally Hoyt noted that there has been several near tragedies and we cannot wait any longer. . The
Chairman designated the Town Manager and Sally Hoyt to work on this issue with the
neighboring communities and with Mass. Highway.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 16, 1997—page 3
Licensing - The Town Manager submitted the list of licensees for Class 1, II and II Motor
Vehicles, Common Victuallers, Entertainment, Automatic Amusement Devices, Laundromat,
Taxi and Livery, and noted those he would not license because of outstanding issues. These
could be licensed up until the end of the year. The Board had no objection.
Licenses, Permits and Approvals
Hearing — Change of Manager —Knights of Columbus — On motion by Ensminger seconded by
MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the change of manager for the Reading
Council Knights of Columbus to Francis V. Pilkanis. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
Hearing on 24-Hour Operation — T.T. & E. — Mark Gallant and Steve Nelson were present. All
previous conditions have been met. Sally Hoyt asked about experiences with people hanging
out. It was noted that there is no problem. They did have one armed robbery. The armed
robbery was between 11:00-11:30 p.m. and not during extended hours.
Bruce MacDonald asked what is the patronage for midnight to 6:00 a.m., and it was noted that
there is a steady clientele from 1-95. In Winter, there is an especially large use.
Sally Hoyt asked about security issues, and the applicant declined to discuss those on Cable TV
but offered to discuss them at any time individually with the Board members. There was no
public present to comment.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, 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 Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board 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 finds that it is in
the interest of the public health safety and welfare to permit such operation; and 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, 1998;
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.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 16, 1997—page 4
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. by a vote of
4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
E
Secretary f f