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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting July 9, 1996 The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman George Hines, Secretary Bruce MacDonald, Selectmen Sally Hoyt and Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Ted McIntire, Nancy Eaton, David Lee, Stewart Chipman, Gail Wood, Bili Hughes, John Fallon, John and Marge Pacino, Elizabeth Cronin, Bob Jeffries, Tom Fields, Tim Wasacki, Dick Haggerty, Tom Stohlman, Brian Mahoney, Gladys Jones, Mike Beiteer, Everett Roscoe, Virginia Adams. Approval of Minutes On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 14, 1996 as amended by a vote of 3-0-1, with Ensminger abstaining. On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 13, 1996 as amended by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 18, 1996 as amended by a vote of 4-0-0. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Sally Hoyt attended the June 25, 1996 Legislative Committee meeting to testify for the Middlesex County Charter. This item has been referred to further study and will not be on the November, 1996 ballot. On June 24, 1996, she greeted Spanish students visiting Reading. On July 2, 1996, she attended a very successful Selectmen's Forum, and also attended the reception for the Spanish students. She expressed thanks to Donna Martinson for her work with this group. On July 8, 1996, she attended the CPDC meeting regarding the implementation of the Open Space Plan and the Adult Entertainment Bylaw. She expressed thanks to Representatives Jones and Casey regarding a technology grant to the Library for the development of a Home Page. Bruce MacDonald had no report. George Hines asked if the technology grant for a Home Page on the Worldwide Web would interfere with the Home Page that MacDonald had developed with volunteers. He indicated that there was no problem and that they would coexist very well. Dan Ensminger attended the Cable TV Transfer Hearing in Burlington with the Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and two members of the Cable TV Advisory Committee. George Hines attended the Selectmen's Forum and felt that it was very successful. He also noted that there was an issue that had been brought up at a previous meeting regarding the home on Woburn Street that had burned last November. There is some confusion as to whether the contractor or the Building Inspector was responsible for the demolition and whether the building permit was issued in error. The demolition permit was not issued in error. The company -' performing the work was a subcontractor of the contractor that the owner had contracted with. Board of Selectmen Meeting-July 9. 1996 - page 2 Public Comment Bill Brown showed the Board of Selectmen a copy of the program for the dedication of the Pearl Street School when it was built as a school. He plans to donate this to Longwood at the Pearl Street facility at their dedication. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager will do an analysis of the Selectmen's Forum for the Board. He noted that the $10 million of Reading bonds were sold on June 27, 1996 with an interest rate of 5.2768%, representing a savings of almost $115,000 because of the bond upgrading. He reported that the regional hearing on the Cable TV franchise took place on June 27, 1996. There will be a local hearing on July 30, 1996 so that the Town may satisfy itself with respect to management and financial capability of the transferee to manage the Reading Cable TV franchise. The Town has received seven proposals for design work for capping the landfill. These are being evaluated and a recommendation will be made to the Town Manager by the end of the month. Water restriction enforcement has been undertaken after several days of very high water usage. The CPDC hearing regarding Adult Entertainment Bylaws is scheduled for July 15, 1996. A mediation session on the "Old" Sanborn Lane issue is scheduled to continue on July 10, 1996. The demolition of the building at 78-80 Woburn Street is scheduled for July 15, 1996. A waiver for the outdoor use of water has been granted. A similar waiver has been granted for the demolition of the old Parker Middle School. The Town Manager also answered questions from the Board of Selectmen about the Route 129 construction schedule. The project is scheduled to go out to bid in the Fall with construction perhaps starting this Winter. Personnel and Appointments Council on Aging - The Board of Selectmen interviewed Elizabeth Cronin for a position on the Council on Aging. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board appointed Elizabeth Cronin to a position on the Council on Aging for a term expiring June 30, 1998 with four people voting in the affirmative. Discussion/Action Items Establish Liaison Assignments - The Board discussed the proposed liaison assignments. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to establish liaison assignments per the memo in their packet expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote of 4-0-0. AT&T Agreement for Water Tower - The Town Manager introduced.Bob Jeffries from Lucent Technologies, formerly AT&T, relative to installation of digital transmitters on the Auburn Street water tower. W. Jeffries introduced Tom Fields and Tim Wasacki from his firm. Jeffries noted that Lucent Technologies will be building a wireless communications network in the Boston area. It is a digital network which requires a lower height (100 feet above ground) than cellular (180 feet above ground); it is also lower powered. They will put 12 to 14 antennas on the water tower. From the signing of the license, there will be six to eight weeks for construction drawings and ` Board of Selectmen Meeting-July 9 1996 - page 3 i three to four weeks for construction. They will then spend two weeks "optimizing the system" and then they will be in business. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen had previously reviewed the issue of communication structures on water towers and had determined that from the health and aesthetic perspective, the cellular communication or digital communication types of antennas were safe and nonevasive and should be permitted. Bruce MacDonald asked about the site location for the building and the material of the building. It was noted that these were precast concrete buildings that are very durable. There is no radiation. The noise level is similar to a room air conditioner in a home. The unit itself is slightly larger than a residential unit but not as large as a commercial unit. The air conditioners can be baffled to reduce noise. Dan Ensminger asked about research regarding interference with other uses. Jeffries noted that by FCC regulation and license, they cannot interfere with other uses. Jeffries noted that the building would be enclosed by a fence and would be screened by shrubs and this would also help with noise reduction. AT&T will work with the Town regarding any interference issues. George Hines asked if the structure on the ground could be shared with other users. It was noted that the building can be constructed so that it could be shared with another user, and a larger building that is segmented could be located. Inside the building are racks of radios and access to the coaxial cable. Bruce MacDonald asked about the amount of power used for this facility, and it was noted that they will be bringing in 200 amp service, but will only use 100 amp for this installation. Sally Hoyt asked about complaints at installations at other facilities. Jeffries noted that they only have three in the Boston area but they are planning 300. In New York City, there are over 560 sites. AT&T prides itself on its installations; for example, there are installations in St. Patrick's Cathedral. In a lot of locations around New England, they are going on old churches. George Hines asked that this be put on the next meeting as an action item with a hearing and that abutters be informed. Close Warrant for Special Town Meeting to be held September 9 1996 - The Town Manager reviewed the 10 Articles on the Warrant. He noted that the Adult Entertainment Articles need to be put on the Warrant in the manner that CPDC gave them to the Board of Selectmen. This is because the hearings have already been published. Modifications may be made as part of the motions if needed. Dan Ensminger noted that an Article regarding Adult Entertainment Zoning in Woburn referred to a need to have 5% of the community available for this purpose. The Town Manager will check with Town Counsel about this. Bruce MacDonald noted that at the hearing there was a change by CPDC from a 500 foot distance to the nearest home to 750 feet from the nearest home. He believes that Town Counsel took these measurements into account. Sally Hoyt noted that the first Stoneham Bylaw that was developed was sent back by the Attorney General. Bruce MacDonald noted that there were several comments from George Theophanis, member of the Bylaw Committee, that perhaps should be included in the Board's deliberations. It was suggested that these be brought up at the CPDC's hearing also. Board of Selectmen Meeting-July9, 1996 -page 4 On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the Warrant consisting of 10 Articles for a Special Town Meeting to be held on September 9, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road. The vote was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing on Water and Sewer Rates - Gail Wood made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on the proposed water and sewer rates. Dan Ensminger asked why we have a minimum rate, and it was noted that this is necessary in order for all users to pay their share of the cost of providing for water service in general, and for maintenance of the account. Ensminger noted that he didn't think a minimum rate for a second meter was appropriate. Nancy Eaton asked what the current minimum was and how it is justified. It was noted that the minimum is based on a cost of 500 cubic feet of water. George Hines asked if the rates could be modified to meet the "magic number of a 2.5% increase. Bruce MacDonald noted that he supported the goal of stable long-term rates. On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to establish the following water and sewer rates, effective with the first bill rendered after July 1, 1996: Water first meter: $2.85 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum bill of$14.25 per quarter Second meter: $3.42 per 100 cubic feet Sewer: $3.97 per 100 cubic feet of water used with a minimum bill of$19.85 per quarter The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Gail Wood asked what the Board of Selectmen wanted to do about setting up a depreciation fund. The Town Manager is going to meet with the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee in July and will discuss it with them. Bandstand Presentation - Dick Haggerty appeared before the Board of Selectmen to explain a proposal to build a bandstand in Town. He introduced the rest of the committee. He noted that the committee has been meeting informally for one year and formally for six months. They've broken into several committees including fundraising, site, construction, programming and publicity. He presented the pros and cons of two general locations - Memorial Park and the Reading Common. At Memorial Park, there are three alternative sites. Bruce MacDonald asked what the deliberations were with respect to the Birch Meadow Area. It was noted that the site is currently very busy, and the location of a bandstand at Birch Meadow would not have the visual impact that it would in other locations. Sally Hoyt noted that a concept of a bandstand was excellent. She noted that Whittier Regional Vocational School built the bandstand at Rowley. John Pacino, who is the Northeast Regional Vocational School District representative from Reading, noted that the Northeast Regional Vocational School could not do a project like this because they only do one construction project a year. George Hines focused the Selectmen's discussion on two questions: (1) Is it a worthy project and (2) where should it be sited? Dan Ensminger asked if Town Counsel had reviewed the option of putting the project at Memorial Park, and the Town Manager noted that he has and he believes ' there was a written memo on it. Board of Selectmen Meeting -July 9, 1996 - page 5 Bruce MacDonald noted that he thinks the project is absolutely worthwhile. He feels emotionally that the best place for a facility like this is on the Common. Traffic and the size of the bandstand is a concern. If the Common is enlarged, it would make more sense. Dan Ensminger asked Virginia Adams from the Historical Commission if they had any comment. She noted that they had met this evening and feel that a bandstand would have a major impact on the Common. They would have concerns and would be able to provide input within one weeks time. Sally Hoyt noted that if we build a bandstand it should be a larger one so that it could accommodate more functions. Haggerty noted that a 22 foot bandstand will hold 25 musicians. Hines asked the size of the crowds and the bands at current concerts, and it was noted that the larger crowds were 300 -350 maximum and the size of the bands were typically 15. The concerts are now all at Memorial Park. Sally Hoyt noted that the Common is not very large and she would like to see the integrity of the Common maintained as a greenbelt in front of the church. Tom Stohlman noted that the Common is a possibility without blocking the view of the church or the flagpole. If the Common was enlarged, it would fit in better. Nobody has laid out a bandstand on any of the sites yet. The Common could hold a bandstand -- it handles large crowds for different events now. If the Common was enlarged, it would certainly be better. Hines asked what the Bandstand Committee was looking for, and Haggerty noted that they would like the endorsement and commitment to review the sites. Hines asked if it would be a problem if they involved additional people who would be interested in the sites. Bill Hughes noted that there is a name to the Bandstand Committee, which is "Reading Community Bandstand Committee". John Fallon is a resident of One Charles Street. He noted that of the three sites at Memorial Park, the northeast corner is too sunny. They had previously contemplated a roof at the Pacino site. If you build the bandstand on the Common, where would you put the crowd? We currently have three bands that take up the entire existing Pacino platform and fill it. He has a petition from abutters to Memorial Park. They are not in favor of having the bandstand there. Memorial Park is currently used 13 times per year-- it has been used up to 16 times per year for concerts. They are concerned about any structure in Memorial Park - especially if it is made out of wood. He noted that Imagination Station was to have a maintenance fund set up for it, but now the Town has to maintain Imagination Station. He noted that the existing Pacino platform is not glamorous but it is functional. Brian Mahoney questioned having the bandstand in the center. He felt there were too many trees. He lives in the Birch Meadow Area and would be inclined to build it in Birch Meadow. Everett Roscoe lives on Charles Street. He quoted the Deed that prohibits "placement of anything that draws a crowd, etc." He thought that the bandstand could not be placed there. George Hines asked if the neighborhood finds current activities offensive, and Roscoe noted that he finds the current activities and concerts offensive because they draw more and more people. Sally Hoyt noted that we need to get Town Counsel to review the Deed. Gladys Jones noted that we should include the Reading Memorial High School Band in the planning of the bandstand. She is not sure that the Common is a good place for Wednesday afternoon concerts for preschoolers. Board of Selectmen Meeting-July 9, 1996 -page 6 Mike Belteer of 48 Charles Street at Harrison noted that the Town Counsel in 1988 wrote a memo regarding putting a playground structure at Memorial Park. George Hines summed up the sentiment of the Board of Selectmen which is to continue to evaluate the concept. They would like to have the siting committee continue to evaluate sites. They would like to have staff investigate responses to the issues raised. It was noted that we need to look at the Memorial Park area relative to existing concerts and emergency vehicle access, drinking, etc. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session at 10:10 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to the purchase and sale of real estate and approval of minutes, not to come back into Open Session. On a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. Respectfully submitted, Secretary