HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-17 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
December 17, 1996
The meeting was convened at 7:05 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. 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: Robert Keegan, Eric Jason Smith, Bill
Brown, Nancy Eaton, Jim Cormier, Mark Gallant, Steve Nelson, Lt. Silva, Lauretta Raffi.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the
meeting of September 24, 1996 as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the
meeting of October 29, 1996 as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony, the Board voted.to approve the minutes of the meeting
of December 3, 1996 as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the
meeting of December 11, 1996 as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Sally Hoyt noted that on December 8 she and
George Hines met the Polar ~Express. She attended the Middlesex County Advisory Board
meeting and noted that the county had defaulted on a $4.5 million note. It is Mrs. Hoyt's opinion
that the County Commissioners have failed to meet the responsibilities and chose to do nothing.
She attended legislative sessions at the State House yesterday, and the County Budget Director
addressed some of their concerns. The Legislative Committee asked the Department of
Administration and Finance to respond to the issues. It is very possible that there will be changes
in Middlesex County. This may be an opportunity to eliminate the County Commission and/or
eliminate county governments. The total county deficit is $17 million. Even if the State takes
over the buildings, the cities and towns may continue to be assessed.
Bruce MacDonald noted with sadness the passing of Dorothy Nichols. He was able to attend the
wake. He went on the walk through at the Reading Memorial High School with the Finance
Committee. This will not be an easy problem to resolve. He noted that the signs at the Square
Liquor Store are in place, and contrary to what the Board of Selectmen had understood was
going to happen.
Camille Anthony noted that the RMLD site visits will be scheduled for January 25 and FinCom
should be invited. She announced her candidacy for re-election in March 1997. She has been on
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the Board of Selectmen for three years. The Budget Council process has been extremely positive
with the three Boards working together as a team.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 17, 1996-page 2
She wants to see through the Downtown revitalization efforts which are well on their way to
making progress. She would like to see the Liberty Tree Elms introduced in Reading. She was in
Tucson recently, and noted that Reading has a much better land use and zoning pattern. Sally
Hoyt also noted Camille's work on Community Day.
Dan Ensminger attended the RMHS Football Banquet before the last meeting. Thursday, the
Business Park study group met. George Hines and Sally Hoyt were also present, and there was a
presentation by CDM, Haley and Aldrich, and Vanass, Hangen Brustlin Inc. The discussion took
place regarding marketing and phasing of development. Reauthorization by Town Meeting to sell
the property is needed. The suggestion was made to wait on bylaw changes until we know what
the market response to the site will be. An information meeting will be held in March or April for
potential bidders. All options are available. Ensminger suggested lightheartedly that perhaps we
should consider this site for a new Patriots Stadium.
George Hines noted that he had attended three meetings last week - Tuesday regarding the
volunteer and conflict of interest issues, Wednesday regarding Police Station siting, and Thursday
the Business Park Advisory Committee. He also attended the wake for Mrs. Nichols. George
Hines noted that there is stili confusion with regard to the Sign Bylaw. There is some feeling that
if the signs are turned off at night they comply. The Town Manager will get the dates for the
Board of Selectmen when meetings are scheduled on sign review.
Sally Hoyt noted that she has learned firsthand that the last invoice to come out of Sheriff Bailey's
office for legal fees is $28,000.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Town Mana er�� 's Report
The Town Manager noted that the staff hearing on the lower Summer Avenue project was held on
December 12, 1996. The hearing was very good and some good input was received. The
tentative design is a 27 foot pavement, curbs on both sides of the road, and sidewalks on the north
side. A recommendation to the Board of Selectmen will be made by the end of January, taking
into account residents' suggestions. The project will be out to bid for construction this spring.
The Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on the Police Station siting on December 11, 1996.
A new mailbox has been installed at Town Hall to help residents with paying bills and dropping
off their census. This is a drive-up mailbox, and any Town of Reading mail may be placed in the
box except for RMLD mail which needs to go directly to the RMLD.
The Town Manager attended the VFW Senior Citizen Luncheon on Saturday. The Police
Department held their community Christmas party on Sunday. He offered to the Board and the
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community best wishes for a safe and happy holiday.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 17, 1996 - page 3
George Hines noted that applications for exemptions for local property tax needed to be made by
March 13. An application for abatements need to be made by Monday, January 13, 1997. Bruce
- MacDonald asked about CPDC's evaluation of the PRDG amendments. It was also noted that
there is an apparent sign violation at the Carpet Outlet at Boston Stove.
Licenses, Permits and Approvals
License Renewals - The Town Manager reviewed the license renewals, and the Board had no
objections to reissuance of any of the licenses. They did suggest a letter to Focaccia regarding a
change in the license. Dan Ensminger is happy to note that all parties have addressed their tax
responsibilities.
Discussion/Action Items
Police Station Building Committee - Suspension of Operations until after a Special Town Meeting
and a decision is made on the site. Bruce MacDonald reviewed the history of the committee.
MacDonald moved and Ensminger seconded a motion that the Board of Selectmen suspend the
operations of the Police Station Building Committee until such time as a decision is made on a
location of a Police Station, and that decision is approved by Town Meeting, at which time the
Board will review the future role of such a committee. Ensminger seconded the motion.
Discussion took place regarding the need for the Board of Selectmen to take leadership on this
issue. The motion is proposed in order to eliminate any confusion as to responsibility for this
project. Sally Hoyt noted she appreciates the long hours of the committee and doesn't think that
the committee should be disbanded. MacDonald noted that the Board of Selectmen has to take
responsibility for this project at this time, and it has to be seen as a townwide need, not a special
interest of the Police Department. The Police Station Building Committee had actually suggested
that they be suspended. Jim Cormier spoke as an employee and a resident of the Town and a
member of the Police Station Building Committee. He also lives in the neighborhood. The
Committee began in March of 1995. The Committee has never questioned the Board of
Selectmen's authority with regard to this matter as opposed to suspending the Committee.
George Hines noted that this is not a reflection on the Committee. The proposal is so that the
Town and Town Meeting knows that the Board of Selectmen takes responsibility for it. When it
gets back to design, the Committee may be appropriate. Dan Ensminger asked that if the Board
of Selectmen wants to evaluate the future role and makeup of the Committee would Cormier have
a problem with that. Cormier felt that it was a well rounded group and suspension of the
Committee seems like it is solving a problem that doesn't exist.
George Hines noted that this is not a negative issue. If the Committee is reconstituted, it may
have to do with where the station is sited. Unlike the School Building Committee which deals
with a known site, the site has not even been selected for this project. There may need to be more
neighborhood representation relative to mitigation efforts. Bruce MacDonald noted that the
proposed motion is against the Board's own policy. Perhaps we should be amending the policy.
He suggested the Board revisit the policy and expand or change it. It was suggested that the
motion should be tabled and we should schedule discussion on the original policy.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 17, 1996- page 4
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony to table the motion failed by a vote of 0-5-0.
MacDonald noted that perhaps we should take up an evaluation of the policy if any different site
is approved by Town Meeting. Bob Silva, Chairman of the Police Station Building Committee,
spoke. He noted that if the Committee is suspended for two or three months, this would be
detrimental to the committee. The Committee is working on issues that have nothing to do with
the site. Some issues still have to be dealt with. The architects tell them that the floor plans will
be relevant regardless of the site and location. Lauretta Raffi, a member of the Committee, also
agreed with Silva. She felt that the group has worked as a team. The direction has always come
from the Board of Selectmen. If the Committee is suspended, they would lose a lot of interest.
George Hines noted that he was under the impression that the Committee was ready to go to final
design. Sally Hoyt felt that like in building a house, the occupants need to be involved in the
design. Bruce MacDonald noted that the Committee could in effect suspend itself.
On the main motion, the vote was 2-3-0 and the motion did not carry.
Hearing; on 24 Hour Operation -..Texaco Gasoline Service Station on Walkers Brook Drive - The
Secretary read the notice of the hearing. Mark Gallant and Steve Nelson were present. Nelson is
the owner of T.T.&E., Inc. and it is under contract to run the station. He is a former employee of
Texaco and Star Enterprises. He was given his choice to run any two stations on the East Coast,
and he selected Reading and Lexington, Massachusetts. He is there every day at the station. He
has been running the facility since November 1, 1996. The station will continue to be operated as
it has in the past. Star Enterprises has been involved in the Community. They have been a
Salvation Army drop off, have contributed to the Reading Clergy Association, the Reading Police
Association, and have donated Texaco toy trucks for the Adopt-A-Family Program. The property
is available for car washes and such things as fundraisers. The Reading station has never been
robbed or broken into. A "low level" of security is required. A lot of Police and ambulance
(private ambulance services) gas up at this location. They have a lease with Texaco for three
years but it is in fact a lease in perpetuity.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the operation of the
premises operated as T.T.&E., Inc. d/b/a Reading Texaco Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive as a
gasoline service station between the hours of 12 midnight and 6:00 a.m. contrary to Article 5.10.1
of the Town of Reading General Bylaws and to operate the premises on a 24 hour day basis with
a Common Victualler's license in accordance with the previous approval subject to the following
conditions which shall be in effect for the term of the license:
v The approval expires December 31, 1997;
4 All signs shall conform with the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading;
• The menu of food to be covered by the Common Victualers license shall be limited to those
items specified in the license application dated November 13, 1995;
® The gasoline service station will in fact be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
• The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all
hours that the station is opened;
Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 17, 1996 -page 5
+ The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gas on the road;
e The operator will prepare and post a list of 24 hour towing and repair shops that are open
24 hours a day for those who need it;
* Bathroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for
the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to labor negotiations, strategy with respect to
purchase or sale of real estate, and approval of minutes to come back into Open Session at
approximately 9:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all five members voted in the affirmative and the
motion was carried. The Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Discussion and Possible Decision of Police Station Siting - The Board reconvened at 9:32 p.m.
The Board noted that the Town is negotiating for properties for the Police Station siting and are
making progress. They hope to make a decision in December.
Town Manager's Evaluation - Dan Ensminger reviewed the evaluation. He noted that there is a
new format which includes eight general categories with 39 evaluation questions. The Town
Manager did a self review and the Board of Selectmen reviewed it also. Of 182 Board of
Selectmen responses, 174 were categories 1 or 2 - meets all and frequently exceeds or may
exceed expectations.
The Board reviewed the categories in some detail.
General Management - The Town Manager is strong in this area and has kept the Board of
Selectmen apprised of activities.
Personnel Management - This is a strong area. More delegation is needed. More staff input will
be provided in the Board of Selectmen goal development.
Financial Management- This was a strong area.
Planning Skills - This was a strong area. MacDonald noted that in the Police Station siting, there
was a good grasp of the elements of the process and where the Town is going. This was
communicated well at the hearing. Camille Anthony noted that the Capital Planning is a strength.
Interorganizational Cooperative Skills - This is good.
Leadership Skills - This is good.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 17, 1996 - page 6
Community Outreach- It was suggested that perhaps the Ombudsman should be somebody other --
than an employee, especially for personnel issues. The Town Manager noted that he could
designate the Personnel Administrator as the Ombudsman for personnel issues. The Board would
like the Town Manager to evaluate whether or not he should continue the Ombudsman role or
whether perhaps it should be somebody from outside the organization.
Goals 1996 - The Board asked for a quarterly report on these. The Board asked for a follow up
on the use of the forms. They felt the outcome of the evaluation was excellent. The Town
Manager requested that he be allowed to participate in the Sick Leave Bank, and the vacation in
the amount of one day per year be added for the next five years consistent with the Personnel
Policies. The Board asked whether there were other benefits that could be extended, including
seminar attendance. The Town Manager talked about an interest in teaching on a community
college or other level outside Town hours, but noticed that this was a violation of the Charter.
The Board would like to see this issue addressed since they felt that it would be good professional
development for the Town Manager.
George Hines noted that the salary needs to be set prior to finalization of the budget. That's why
we have changed the timing on the evaluation. This evaluation is consistent with the general
employee evaluation process.
Dan Ensminger noted that salary should be market based, and performance based.
The Town Manager noted that the Board had a copy of a letter relative to the Longwood Road
sewer betterment charges. This memo notes that the minimum interest that the Town can charge -
is 2%, the Town Manager will convey that to the residents and ask if there is a need for any
further discussion.
The Town Manager will review the goals and new programs with the Board at a future meeting.
The Board asked that somebody represent the Town in evaluating the MEPA study for the Beal
property in Wakefield.
On behalf of the entire Board, Chairman George Hines wished all staff and residents a very happy
holiday season. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to adjourn at
10:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Seeretary