HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-01 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 1, 1996
The meeting convened at 7:40 p.m. following the taking of photographs for Appreciation for the
"Adopt an Island" Program, the Knights of Columbus for Physically and Mentally Challenged
Children, and the Day of Caring for Reading Senior Citizens. Present were Chairman George
Hines, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Bruce MacDonald, Selectmen Dan Ensminger
and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties:
Paul Strong, Ann-Marie Strong, Julienne McKenney, Audrey Thompson, Kathy D'Angelo, Bea
Erickson, Kathleen Brennan, Debbie Ellis, Donna Walsh, Anthony Belcamino, Thomas Ryan, Paul
Robertson, Thomas Hildreth, Fred Litterio, Cecilia Lewis, Daniel Lewis, Brendan Hoyt, Jane
Cummings, Judy Thrasher, Joseph Musgrave, W. Lane, Robert Mohla, Nancy Eaton, Ken
Kaulbach, Christ Shomos, Jim Watts, Mary Slack, Ms. Ropple, Ms. Graham, Mrs. Aucella, Tom
Aucella, Neil O'Hearn, Linda Robosee.
Town Manager's Report
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve Certificates of
Appreciation for the participants in the "Adopt an Island" Program. Present to receive their
Certificates were Bea Erickson and Kathy D'Angelo from the Reading Garden Club and Strong
Landscaping, Reading Welcome Wagon, American Legion Post #62 Ladies' Auxiliary, Judy
Thrasher, Calareso's Farm Stand, Mr. Brendan Hoyt, Crystal Garden Club, and R & B
Landscaping. The Board expressed their appreciation for the fine" work that all of these
organizations did
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation
thanking the Reading Garden Club for their participation in the "Adopt an Island" Program. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and the Board particularly thanked Bea Erickson and
Kathy D'Angelo for their help.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board approved a Proclamation for the
Knights of Columbus for Physically and Mentally Challenged Children. Several members of the
Knights of Columbus were present to receive the Proclamation. They noted that the Knights of
Columbus have been doing this for twenty years, and last year they collected $5,000 for this
cause. They will try to exceed that amount this year.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation for
a Day of Caring for Reading Senior Citizens. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and
Lee Roberts was present to receive the Proclamation.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation for
Business and Professional Women's Week by a vote of 5-0-0. This will be presented at their
Annual Dinner.
Board of Selectmen Meeting.- October 1, 1996 - page 2
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation
honoring Bobbie Botticeili as the Business and Professional Women's Association Woman of the
Year. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and the Proclamation will be presented at
their Annual Dinner.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of their
meeting on September 3, 1996 as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Sally Hoyt noted that she had attended the 100th
Anniversary Celebration of the Library; attended a Special Town Meeting on September 9th;
attended a Budget Council Meeting; took the tour of the affordable units at Summit Village;
attended Georgia Sletterink's 100th birthday celebration at Tannerville; attended the RMLD
celebration regarding the sale of 25 Haven Street. She had received calls from senior citizens who
live on the south side of Reading requesting that the flu shots be administered somewhere closer
to their homes -- possibly at the Eaton School. The Town Manager noted that the Eaton School is
too small and the Parker Middle School is under construction this year. Hoyt also commended
the Recreation Fall and Winter brochure and felt that perhaps it should be previewed at a future
meeting. She noted that the zoning violation notices were very much improved.
Bruce MacDonald attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting last night - they are
struggling with their mission but have some very good ideas, he had received a call opposed to the
Square Liquor store relocation to High Street; got a comment from a citizen upset that Pop
Warner was not able to use the practice football field; will not be at the Middlesex County
Selectmen's Association or the Traffic Study Meeting; attended the 100th Anniversary of the
Library; attended a meeting coordinating the transition to the Town staff administering the Home
Page, and had a breakfast meeting with Representative Paul Casey.
Dan Ensminger expressed concern about the football fields and dust control -- the Town Manager
noted that the sprinkler system on the practice football field is now operational, noted that areas
on the regular football field have holes in them (this is a School Department maintenance issue);
tomorrow, he will be chairing the first meeting of the Reading Business Park Policy Advisory
Committee with a goal to get a Purchase and Sales Agreement on the property signed by
December, 1997 with any zoning changes, etc. in place by that date; as a former member of the
Reading 2000 Committee, he hopes that the Town will exercise the same diligence as it did with
the Parker Middle School project in making the necessary $30 million project happen.
Camille Anthony received calls about the Dunkin' Donuts signs in the REI area -- this is under
zoning enforcement; received a concern about free standing signs at Village and John Street;
received a call about needing some of the lights turned back on in the area of the Charles Lawn
Cemetery on Charles Street; last week attended an MMA meeting with RMLD representatives
regarding electric restructuring, and did not realize the complexity of the issue.
Board of Selectmen Meeting- October 1. 1996 - page 3
Anthony felt that perhaps the Town and the Board of Selectmen need to have a presentation by
the RMLD as to how it is dealing with this issue.
George Hines also attended the MMA meeting regarding electric restructuring. It does not affect
municipal electric companies now but probably will in the future. People will be expecting
bundled services. The RMLD has assured him that it has been preparing for this competition for
some time. A joint meeting or forum would be appropriate. Hines also participated in the
Highland School celebration, and noted that he wished all residents would respect the building
since there is currently some vandalism in this area. He attended the Budget Council discussion
and noted that the next Budget Council meeting is scheduled for October 22nd. He attended the
joint meeting between the School Building Committee and the School Committee regarding work
to be done at RMHS. He feels we should find a way to do a meaningful project even though it
may not be the whole project as suggested. He acknowledged three residents who had
contributed greatly to the community and had passed away: Garth Scott who helped form
Reading Youth Hockey, John Javor who worked in Youth Soccer, and Eleanor Bishop who was
Reading's Historian.
Discussion/Action Items
Representative of TASC re: Adult Entertainment Bylaw - Ken Kaulbach from TASC spoke to the
Board of Selectmen. Dan Ensminger excused himself from the Board for this discussion. Mr.
Kaulbach noted that TASC was surprised and disturbed by the enactment of the adult
entertainment bylaw. They are concerned that they could have an adult entertainment business as
one of its neighbors. TASC brings current and prospective customers to the site, and their
business is extremely important to them. They have been in business since 1966, and they have a
polished and professional image. TASC is a $350 million a year business with 20 offices. They
would view the actual location of adult use as a grave concern. They would like to register
serious concern. They did not receive notice of the rezoning. This is the first opportunity they
have had to express their concern. His purpose in meeting with the Board tonight is to raise his
concerns, and to start a process to ameliorate this concern. He expressed understanding as to the
limits the community has for commercial and industrial space. He noted that TASC pays $295,000
in property taxes per year, and is one of the largest tenants. TASC is actually a tenant, and at
some point the lease will expire and.a bylaw is a negative in considering a lease renewal. Their
desire is to work with the Town and find another area for adult entertainment uses where TASC
would be impacted less. He urged the Town to modify the bylaw to lessen its impact.
George Hines noted that TASC is a very good resident of the community, and he hopes that the
Town development on the landfill will emulate the quality of the development. The Town has
concerns about adult entertainment uses, and has taken action to restrict the uses within its ability
to do so. If future courts and/or congress give communities a better way to regulate these uses,
then the Town would certainly consider it.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October i 1996 - page 4
The zoning should not be construed as an intent to promote adult entertainment uses. The Town
can still exercise a lot of control through alcohol beverage licensing and other licensing. There
were broad hearings within the community and a lot of staff work that went into this. Sally Hoyt
noted that she did not know TASC would be affected by this.
Mr. Kaulbach asked how they could appeal this decision, and they would appreciate future notice
or possible bylaw changes that would affect them. If anybody applies for an adult entertainment
use, TASC would want to be notified of it in time to be able to voice their concerns. Hines noted
that the Board will ask the Board of Appeals and the CPDC to give notice to TASC of any such
application.
Dan Ensminger rejoined the quorum.
Licenses/Permits and Approvals
The Secretary read a notice on a hearing for an application for a Change of Location to sell all
alcoholic beverages by Athens Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors from 607 Main Street, Reading,
Massachusetts to 11 High Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Christ Shomos and Jim
Watts representing the applicant.
Mr. Watts noted that the present location is not suitable for continued use as a liquor store.
There are structural problems with the current location. They have entered into a lease for the
premises at 11 High Street subject to the Board of Selectmen approval.
Dan Ensminger asked about the size of the existing facility and the new facility. They now have
2,600 square feet, and they will have 1,550 square feet. They will not store any materials
outdoors or offsite. Deliveries will be made through the side door off of High Street so there will
be no on-street and off-street loading. High Street is to be reserved for customer access.
Bruce MacDonald asked if there was parking on site, and whether or not on-site parking is
required. The Town Manager noted that on-site parking is not required by the Zoning By-Law
because there is public parking within 300 feet. Mr. Shomos noted that they have parking on the
side of the building for up to ten spaces and they would have use of these.
Bruce MacDonald also asked about sign issues and Downtown development. He wanted to make
sure that the signing for the building is consistent with the efforts of the Downtown Steering
Committee and Downtown improvements. Shomos noted that the signs will be coordinated with
the other efforts in the community. He did note that his competitor (Reading Liquors) has their
windows plastered with signs and they have neon signs and for competitive reasons, if one store
has them, then he will also need to have them. The Town Manager was asked to review this with
the Building Inspector.
Board of Selectmen Meeting- October 1, 1996 - page 5
George Hines asked about planned renovations for the property. Watts noted that they were
redoing the inside ceiling, floors, walls, etc. Outside, they would like to have a sign like Focaccia
-- canopy with their name on it and light inside to illuminate it. They would also like to have a
couple of neon signs with brand name advertisements.
Sally Hoyt noted that they need to make sure they check with the Inspector before they invest in
signs and a canopy. She felt the new location would eieviate an existing problem with loading and
unloading. She asked if this location, not on Main Street, would present business problems for
them. Shomos noted that he has talked with many of his customers, and feels that he will do very
well in the new location. They are keeping the same name for the business.
George Hines asked where return bottles and cans would go. Shomos noted that not many cans
and bottles are coming back. They now have a policy that they will only take back what they sell
-- they use to recycle everything.
Camille Anthony asked about the hours of operation, and they will remain at 10:00 a.m.-11:00
p.m., Monday through Saturday, plus whatever Sunday sales the Board of Selectmen permits
from time to time.
Bruce MacDonald noted that he received a call in opposition to this location. The caller was
concerned about appearance and image.
The Board of Selectmen opened the meeting to the public. Mary Slack of School Street noted
that she had no objections. Ms. Ropple of 80 Minot Street objected to the transfer. She feels that
it would have a negative impact on property values. Her property is in view of this site. Her
concerns are aesthetic, traffic and safety. The intersection of Washington and High Street and
Washington and Minot Street are very bad. This would be the only business in the area opened
past the hour of 8:00 p.m. Neil O'Hearn of 81 Minot Street was also opposed for many of the
same reasons. Tom Aucella of 14 Crosby Road noted that the parking lot on this site floods, and
the drains should be checked. Ms. Graham of 14 Green Street has no objections to the store. She
would like to suggest some traffic improvements on Green Street but these improvements are
needed in any case. Linda Robosee of Green Street also had no objections to the proposal. Mrs.
Aucella noted that a stop sign should be located on Washington Street at Minot Street. Hines
requested that the stop sign at Washington Street and Lincoln Street be placed on the Board of
Selectmen agenda as soon as possible. Sally Hoyt suggested that the traffic issues be brought to
the Traffic meeting on October 9th.
Bruce MacDonald noted he was pleased that there would be a number of on-site spaces because
of lack of parking in the community lot. George Hines asked if the drainage may be a problem
because of the loading and standing. Dan Ensminger noted that he did not think there was any
problem when the Redemption Center was there. Sally Hoyt noted that most people are there for
a quick visit. Christ Shomos agreed saying that the average time a customer spends in the store is
2 1/2 minutes. Bruce MacDonald asked if the lease provided for off street parking and loading at
Board of Selectmen Meeting- October 1, 1996- page 6
the side of the building, and Shomos noted that they would have the right to use the side door
this is an oral agreement. Anthony suggested that the lease be amended.
MacDonald noted that the Board can re-examine the issue of off-street parking at the reissuance
of the license if it becomes a problem. Mrs. Auceila of Crosby Road noted that she will request a
reduction in her property taxes if this is approved.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to close the public hearing on
the Change of Location of a liquor license for the retail sales of all alcoholic beverages by Athens
Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors from 607 Main Street to 11 High Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Ensminger moved and Hoyt seconded a motion to approve the Change of Location of a liquor
license for the retail sales of all alcoholic beverages by Athens Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors
from 607 Main Street to 11 High Street, Reading, Massachusetts subject to the following
conditions:
The Manager and all employees will be TAM trained.
MacDonald offered an amendment that would require no less than five off-street parking spaces.
Anthony seconded the amendment. Then followed a discussion as to whether the lease provides
for these spaces, the amendment was withdrawn. MacDonald offered a further motion seconded
by Anthony that all deliveries will be off-street at the side door to the property, and the licensee
will provide documentation as to a lease amendment to provide for this off-street loading.
The amendment was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The main motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
Approval of Plans - Lincoln Street and RotgU Square - Joe Delaney and Jonathan Edwards were
present to discuss the plans for Lincoln Street and for Rotary Square. With regard to Lincoln
Street, the proposed improvements can be done within the $73,000 budget available through
additional Chapter 90 funds, and there will be a minimal reduction in parking. There should be
significant improvement in the neighborhood relative to circulation.
George Hines asked if the so-called MBTA plan of moving the curb to narrow Lincoln Street, and
building a "double loaded" parking area off street was feasible. Delaney noted that the expense
was approximately $250,000, and that there was a significant loss in parking -- almost 25 spaces.
The Board asked if there had been dialogue with the abutters with regard to this proposal, and
staff noted that there had been no such discussion. They noted that there should be stop signs at
the exit to the parking lot.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony that the Board approve the plans to reconstruct
the parking lot at the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Washington Street and Lincoln
Street, including reconstruction of portions of Lincoln Street as presented, with the condition that
staff notify all immediate abutters and provide an opportunity to comment.
Board of Selectmen Meeting- October 1, 1996 -page 7
If the abutters have any major issues with the plans as proposed, then the project will come back
to the Board of Selectmen for further review and approval. The motion was approved by a vote
of 5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to accept the grant in the amount of
$72,976 from the Massachusetts Highway Department under Chapter 204 of the Acts of 1996, to
be expended for the improvements to the Lincoln Street parking lot, and for Rotary Square if
funding permits. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager and Planning Director reviewed the Rotary Square plans. The Rotary Club
will be responsible for benches, planters, rubbish barrels, etc. The Town will use available funding
to build the curbs and sidewalk area.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board approved the plans for Rotary Square as
presented with their thanks and appreciation to the Reading Rotary Club for their participation in
this project. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and the Board congratulated the staff
for an outstanding effort.
Sally Hoyt noted that Bobbie Botticelli is the State of Massachusetts Woman of the Year as
designated by the Business and Professional Women's Organization.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to table items 5 d. and 5 f
relative to Mill Street and relative to the sale of a parcel of land on Linnea Lane. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Open Space Committee Proposed Structure - The Town Manager reviewed the proposed
structure. He is recommending an ad hoc committee made up of representatives recommended by
the Conservation Commission, CPDC, Recreation Committee, Town Forest Committee and
Water & Sewer Advisory Committee, plus 2 resident members who are not involved in any other
Board, Committee or Commission. The Chairman should be appointed by the Board of
Selectmen as one of the "outside" members of the Task Force who has strong leadership
credentials. The Task Force would be for two years, after which it will be evaluated as to what its
future would be. The Town Manager noted eight charges for the committee.
Nancy Eaton spoke. She suggested that acquisition of property should be included in the charges
to the committee. She noted that the committees should be allowed to pick from other activities.
She expressed some concern about who would appoint the Chairman. She suggested permitting
flexibility in the order of priorities. She noted that she hoped there was nothing in the set up that
would limit other volunteers who would contribute to the projects from participating. She also
felt that we should add the task of organizing a friends program.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 1, 1996 -page 8
Camille Anthony noted that the Board of Selectmen needs to tell the group what its main goals
will be. George Hines suggested that perhaps the group could review the main goals as the first
order of business. The Board members agreed that the Town Manager should set up a formal
policy to implement this program.
Selectmen's Goals - The Board reviewed their draft goals. On motion by MacDonald seconded
by Ensminger, the Board adopted 10 goals for FY 1998 as outlined in the memo of 9/23/96 as
amended, and directed staff to develop a specific action plan with budget implications and bring it
back to the Board of Selectmen for further review. This motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Release of Executive Session Minutes - The Town Manager noted that in accordance with the
Board of Selectmen's Policies, the following list of Executive Session Minutes have been released
because of the reason for them remaining confidential has expired:
10/05/93 8/02/94 11/07/95
11/02/93 2/28/95 12/26/95
11/16/93 3/22/95 4/11/96
12/14/93 4/11/95 5/07/96
1/11/94 5/09/95 5/14/96
1/19/94 5/23/95 5/20/96
2/15/94 8/08/95 5/21/96
On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to adjourn the Selectmen's
Meeting of October 1, 1996 at 11:20 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
S6 etary