HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes i
Board of Selectmen Meeting
January 23, 1996
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary
Camille Anthony, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Town Engineer Joe Delaney and the following list of interested parties: Paul
Feely, Steve McLaughlin, Nathan White, Jim Keigley, Nancy Eaton.
Discussion/Action Items
Discussion on Route 129 Project - The Town Engineer reviewed a two page paper and sketches
relative to the Route 129 reconstruction project. In response to the Selectmen's Meeting of
January 16, 1996, the Town Engineer conducted further research into the parking issues on Salem
and Lowell Street, and has established six criteria for establishing parking locations. The rationale
for the criteria are to limit parking areas to places where there is a demonstrated need, to cluster
parking spaces in specific areas, to provide safe distances from driveways, to provide sufficient
sight distance when entering Route 129 from a side street and to help meet the needs of residents
without significantly effecting the safety and aesthetics of the project. Five locations for on-street
parking were determined. A sketch showing the modification to the design layout for parking was
presented.
The Board of Selectmen appreciated the work of the Town Engineer and expressed support for
-- the proposals as submitted. Additionally, Steve McLaughlin from Mass Highway Department
commented on planting of trees. He noted that the Mass Highway Department likes trees to be
planted on projects like this. The Town Engineer noted that the Tree Warden does not like trees
planted on the tree lawns because of damage from salt. Ted McIntire noted that trees in the tree
lawn tend to push sidewalks upwards as the trees grow. George Hines asked about having
townwide criteria for planting trees. Bruce MacDonald asked what species would be planted, and
it was noted that perhaps Red Oaks and fruit trees would be planted. The consensus of the Board
of Selectmen was to proceed with approval of planting trees in tree lawns along the project where
it would not interfere with existing trees. The consensus also was to approve the parking plan as
proposed. They agreed to modify the distance from driveways in area #4 in the area from
Bancroft to Middlesex to 15 feet.
FY97 - 2006 Capital Plan - The Town Manager reviewed the Capital Improvements Program
with the Board of Selectmen. A memo from the Capital Improvements Advisory Subcommittee
was presented to the Board of Selectmen also. There was significant discussion on the parks
improvements program.
FY97 Budget - There was discussion about goal setting and tying it into the budget process.
Camille Anthony noted that we need zoning enforcement, the Assistant Fire Chief is needed, and
r.. we need improved parks maintenance. Dan Ensminger asked how to address the budget shortfall.
The Town Manager noted that other programs proposed were the employee assistance program.
The Board asked for a synopsis of budget requests. They also asked for a copy of the last retreat
Board of Selectmen Meeting-January 23, 1996 -page 2
minutes. The Board suggested some kind of comparable way to show the school numbers. They
also asked for a better way to identify issues. MacDonald noted that we needed to establish
priority cuts. Dan Ensminger asked about consolidation of personnel - for example in the Human
Services and Community Development Department.
The Town Manager noted that the signs have been installed on Sanborn Lane.
On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to adjourn at 10:30 p.m. by a vote
of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary