HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-23 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of&.1actmen ld seting
May 23, 1995
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Dan Ensminger, Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt,
Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Bruce MacDonald and George Hines, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Michael Slezak, Mary Mundjer,
Foris Williamson, Helen Posey, Barbara J. Ritchie, Florence Chuisa, Gretrude M. Kehre, Dorothy
White, Rose Vadala, Gladys B. Cail, Roberta Guarciarello, Marie Murphy, Fred Van Magness,
Paul Antonelli, Sandy Antonelli, Bo Garrison, Rob Spadafora, Susuan Cavicchi, Matthew
Cummings, Tom Stohlman, Robert Upton Jr., Robin D'Antona, Dennis Richards, Timothy
Twomey, Jackie Chipman, Bernice Herrick, Gretchen Lutowsky, Charles Smith.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting of March 28,
1995, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by MacDonald the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting of April 4,
1995, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting of April 11,
1995, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting of April 25, 1995,
were approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting of May 9,
1995, were approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Ensminger abstaining.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Bruce MacDonald attended the RMLD meeting and the RMLD Board voted to approve an
amount of$1,442,000 for the payment in lieu of taxes for 1995. They will also work on a six year
plan for the payment in lieu of taxes to the Town. The ongoing issue is to provide the Town of
Reading with an appropriate return on investment. The Town Manager made a presentation. The
Police Station Task Force did not have a meeting, but MacDonald discussed with Lt. Silva and
with the architect the process. The architect is at work on the primary assumption that the
building will remain where it is, the study is going well with relation to this issue and the result
would be a building that is viable for the next 50 years. He also attended a School Committee
meeting regarding the RMHS improvement program. MacDonald discussed a proposed
amendment to a bill modifying Prop 2 1/2 relative to increases in enrollment.
Camille Anthony asked where this bill is in the process. She attended the RMLD breakfast this -
morning, and noted that the RMLD is facing deregulation. The Town of Reading is liable for the
debt of the RMLD and maybe the 'Town should look into its deregulation. Anthony noted that
Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 23, 1995 - page 2
the Ipswich River cleanup is scheduled for this month. She also noted that she, the Town
Manager and Kevin Kirwin took a tour of cellular tower sites.
George Hines noted that he has spent a lot of time on the phone regarding the Mineral Street
Bridge. The overriding sentiment in the community is that the decision has been made. The focus
should be on the design.
Sally Hoyt noted that she has been spending time monitoring bills in the State Legislature. She
attended a meeting at the Middlesex County Hospital. She attended the volunteer reception at the
Senior Center. She attended a health care panel at the Unitarian Universalist Church that was
moderated by Bruce MacDonald. She expressed congratulations to the Coolidge Science
Olympiad students who were tied for 8th place in the United States.
Dan Ensminger had no report.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Town Manager's Report
Proclamation for WGBH/Channel 2 Auction Day - On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the
Board voted to approve a proclamation for WGBH/Channel 2 Auction Day in Reading for June 9,
1995, by a vote of 5-0-0. Paula Antanelli expressed appreciation for the Proclamation and hoped
that Reading residents would attend. George Hines noted that the items being auctioned were
from local businesses and he hoped that residents would continue to support local businesses.
Sally Hoyt noted that Postmaster Driscoll was a big help in this area.
Certificate of Appreciation "It's Good to Care Program"aim"_ - On motion by Anthony seconded by
MacDonald the Board a Certificate of Appreciation for the LSM Barrows fifth grade class for
their participation in the "It's Good to Care Program". The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
The Town Manager noted that bullet proof vests had been acquired for all Town Police Officers
through a State grant. There is no requirement that they be worn, be it will be encouraged. He
noted that the contract for food sales at the pool require a peddler's permit and that a permit has
not yet been applied for. The street sweeping process continues and is going well. Street
improvements on Grove and Franklin Street are on schedule. The MBTA is doing improvements
at the Woburn and High Street intersection to put in a crossing gate and the Town will be
required to install traffic signal improvements which will be charged to the MBTA. Water
restrictions are stili in place. The Auburn Street water tank is being repainted it has been
drained and it is just the interior that is being painted. The Town is expecting reimbursement of a
limited amount of RESCO pass through moneys which are included in the State supplemental
budget. A public meeting on the phase 3 townwide traffic study is scheduled for June 8, 1995, at
Board of Selectmen Meeting-Ma-,-23, 1995 - page 3
the Parker Middle School. CPDC is holding a public meeting on the tree trimming plan for South
Street on June 5, 1995. This is the final approval that is required and the trimming plan notes that
there are no tree branches over 4" in diameter that will need to be trimmed to accomplish the pole
and utility relocation. We are currently out to bid on the project, and plan to start construction
immediately after CPDC action on the 5th.
The Town Manager attended a meeting of the RMLD Board to talk about establishing a formula
for the automatic escalation of the "earnings distribution" from the RMLD to the Town. The
RMLD Board voted to increase the earnings distribution by $42,000 for this year with a
commitment on an automatic annual change with a floor to prevent loss of funds. The Police
Department has expressed concerns about parking in the Bancroft Avenue area near the tennis
courts, and has proposed additional parking restrictions which the Board has for potential action
tonight.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony the Board voted pursuant to section 2.4.2 of the
Traffic Rules and Regulations to approve and experimental regulation for 30 days to the Traffic
Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading adopted March 28, 1995, as follows: add to
appendix Al, 5.3 Parking prohibited on certain streets - no parking anytime, the following
locations: Bancroft Avenue- on the westerly side between Tower Road and Hartshorn Street.
Hartshorn Street- on the southerly side from Bancroft Avenue to Hanscom Avenue. The motion
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and the Board noted that all effected abutters should be notified
prior to the installation of the signs.
The Town Manager noted that the traffic controller at Summer and Woburn Street is out of
commission. A new one which will meet current and projected needs is $11,900. We will be
requesting a reserve fund transfer. Meanwhile the signal is on flash and stop signs have been
installed. We are trying to get an easement from the Unitarian Church to locate the new
controller behind the sidewalk.
The Town Manager noted that we've made an application for bikepaths that would connect Grove
Street, Henzie Street, and Criterian Road along with Rice Road to the Birch Meadow area.
Discussion/Action Items
Close Warrant for Special Town Meeting - Members of the School Committee and School staff
appeared before the Board of Selectmen. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony the Board
voted to close the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be scheduled for the RMHS
auditorium, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 1995,
consisting of six articles as presented. George Hines voiced concern about closing the Warrant
without a thorough explanation of how the budget was overrun to such a large degree and how it
would be prevented in the future. The School Committee committed to making a presentation to
the Board before Town Meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Dennis Richards,
Interim Superintendent, noted that the School Committee's
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Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 23, 1995 - page 4
commitment is to do a better job of forecasting. This does not guarantee that there would not be
overruns, but that they would be identified at an earlier date when something can be done about it.
The School Committee presented a list of procedures to be used for monitoring and managing the
situation, and the Selectmen made some additional comments related thereto.
Mineral Street Bridge 25% Design Follow Up - The Board of Selectmen discussed the proposed
design of the Mineral Street Bridge, and reviewed memos from Town Engineer Joe Delaney,
Community Development Director Jonathan Edwards,Fire Chief Don Wood, and reviewed phone
calls and correspondence received. Selectman Bruce MacDonald reviewed a two page
memorandum reviewing his initial view of the bridge, the feedback that he has been receiving, the
problems brought up by the design review, and design concerns about the slope in one area of the
bridge. George Hines noted that there is no town standard for bridges. This is a difficult location
to build because we are a replacing a 150 year old structure in a existing neighborhood. Camille
Anthony noted that if we reduce the crest of the bridge we would have to come out higher on
either side of the bridge. Camille Anthony asked for comments from Chief Wood and Chief
Marchand. Chief Wood noted that we cannot compare this bridge to any other bridge in town
because we do not have any other bridges. He felt that the bridges design would not be a
problem, and neither would a four way stop sign. He felt that a four way stop sign is better than a
signal because all approaching traffic is prepared to stop at a stop sign so an emergency vehicle
will have better access. There is only one location in town where the fire trucks have a problem
and that is at Mount Vernon and High Street where there is an angled hill. The Chief will supply
the wheel base specifications to the design engineers to make sure there is no problem. Marchand
noted that with respect to speed the speed limit would have to be approved by the State. They
anticipate no problems with the bridge as designed. With sidewalks on the bridge, Hancock, etc.
he sees no problem and this will provide a better access for pedestrians. Sally Hoyt noted that she
had gone to Salem to see the March Street bridge which is very similar, but is steeper. The
neighbors had no problems. She felt that it is a beautifully structured bridge and feels a lot better
about the Mineral Street bridge proposal.
MacDonald moved to request a redesign of the bridge to bring the slopes within town standards
and to hold a further public hearing on the merits of the proposed redesign when it becomes
available. There was no second to the motion. Camille Anthony noted that she would like to do
whatever she can to make the bridge safer, but she would not stop the design process. She asked
that we revisit the issue of the driveway location with the abutter - Mr. Warren. George Hines
felt that the bridge design is a safe design. MacDonald felt that common sense says that it is not
safe. Bruce MacDonald noted that there is a problem with the design of the bridge given the
volume of traffic using this bridge.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony the Board voted to direct the Town Manager to submit
the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force comments to the Massachusetts Highway
Department and also send the emergency vehicle designs to the engineers to make sure that there
will be no problems for fire apparatus on the bridge as designed. The motion was approved by a
Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 23, 1995 - page 5
vote of 4-0-1 with MacDonald abstaining. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force
comments are as follows:
1. The design of the retaining wall adjacent to 93 Vine Street needs to be carefully done in
order to tie-in to the retaining wall on the property at 93 Vine Street.
2. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force noted that one small section of
transition on the westerly side of the bridge has a slope in excess of 10%. The Task Force
is not terribly concerned about the degree of slope, since many streets in Town have a
greater slope - Bear Hill Road for example is 16%. The Board of Selectmen should
review whether or not it would want that slope reduced, which would require much more
extensive work at the intersection of Hancock Street by raising the street intersection.
The Task Force would not recomir�end this. The slope with respect to subdivision rules
and regulations is not a concern-this is not a subdivision.
3. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force would recommend lighting beneath
the bridge as well as placement of some kind of stone rip rap the purpose of which would
be to discourage youngsters hanging out in this location.
4. It is the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force's understanding that Mass
Highway will include the warrant for four way stops at both Hancock and Mineral and
Vine and Mineral as part of this project so that we will not have to take further action with
regard to these regulations.
5. The Water Division of the Department of Public Works will evaluate whether or not a
water line should be looped via the Mineral Street Bridge.
6. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force would recommend a concrete parapet
on both sides of the bridge with stone facing. This would significantly improve the
appearance of the bridge.
7. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force recommends tree lawns between the
sidewalk and curb where ever feasible, and in accordance with Town standards.
8. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force would like to have built into the
design the installation of an ornamental style street light fixture - one on each side of the
bridge to provide for street lighting and to provide a design feature for this project.
9. It is the Parking, Tra$i-- and Transportation Task Forces understanding that the fencing to
be used on this project is a dark brown anodized fence which will be low maintenance, and
which will be dark in color and therefore tend to blend into the background.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 23, 1995 -page 6
Additionally, the Town Manager was directed to contact Mr. Warren and see if he would be
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amenable to having the State relocate his driveway to Hancock Street from Mineral Street.
Hearing to Revise Sewer Tie-in Policy- The Secretary read the notice of the hearing. Gail Wood
and Stewart Chipman from the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, and DPW Director Ted
McIntire, reviewed the proposed changes. The intent is to basically update these policies, and
also to implement a change in policy that would not require a sewer tie in within a specified
period of time. MacDonald asked how failure was defined. Camille Anthony suggested that we
look at the fees. She also suggested that we should look at the penalties and review their severity.
On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald the Board voted to close the public hearing on the
modifications to the Rules and Regulations for Sewer Use in the Town of Reading. The motion
was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines the Board voted to approve the Rules and
Regulations for Sewer Use in the Town of Reading as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
Public Hearing on Water and Sewer Rates - The Board of Selectmen opened the hearing on
Water and Sewer Rates with the Secretary reading the notice. Wood, Chipman and McIntire
were present for this discussion. The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee reconsidered their
earlier vote on Water and Sewer Rates and revised the higher rate to use more of the reserves.
This reflects a concern about residents and the cost of water and sewer. Camille Anthony noted
that the Town should consider setting aside money for the reconstruction of the Water Treatment
Plant projected for 1999. Dan Ensminger noted that the Capital Program calls for
preprogrammed replacement, but to set aside money towards an $8 million capital project is
probably not realistic at this time. That's a project that will probably have to be bonded.
The Board talked about tiered rates and suggested that this be on a future meeting probably in
early Fall. We can also talk at that time about more frequent billing.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to close the public hearing on Water
and Sewer Rates effective with the billing of August 1, 1995. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald the Board voted to approve the following Water
and Sewer Rates for the Town of Reading effective with the billing of August 1, 1995:
Sewer- $4.53 per 100 cubic feet of water used with a minimum quarterly bill of$22.65.
Water- $2.39 per 100 cubic feet of water used with a minimum quarterly bill of$11.95.
It was noted that the new rates represent a drecrease from the previous rates. The motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review of Water Restrictions - Ted McIntire brought the Board of Selectmen up to date. He
f spoke with DEP and a meeting has been set up with Cumberland Gulf. The staff is looking into
Board of Selectmen Meeting -May 23, 1995 - page 7
the odd/even restrictions but allowing watering on Sunday. We need additional enforcement and
the Reading Police Department will help. Warnings and/or tickets have and will be issued. We
can't go to the odd/even system for system for Sunday until we get better cooperation, and until
the water tank in back in operation. MacDonald asked about adding earlier times of the day and
supported adding Sundays. McIntire noted that we have to be careful to maintain the level in the
water tank for fire flow. Dan Ensminger asked if the hydrological control as proposed is
reasonable. Steward Chipman noted that the site clean up can last for years - he suggested that
perhaps we should pursue remedy from Gulf Oil for the inconvenience to our residents. Bruce
MacDonald asked about building some kind of a barrier along I93 - this would have to be a
cooperative effort between the Mass Highway Department and DEP. A containment structure
such as this has been discussed. Dan Ensminger asked about the time table. Ted McIntire noted
that he is not happy with the hydraulic model that has been proposed, but that once the model has
been approved then we should see additional progress. It could take months. The site is
constantly changing. George Hines asked that we consider straight odd/even restrictions now -
which would allow watering on Sunday. McIntire responding that enforcement, conservation,
and completion of the water tank are needed in order to go to straight odd/even including
Sundays.
A question was asked with regard to sodium levels. It was noted that we are required only to
send a notice to the Board of Health, but that we will publicize our sodium levels. Without using
revay well our sodium levels are 35-40 parts per million. Using the revay well the sodium levels
are 40-50 parts per million. The State standard is 20 parts per million.
The issue of water restrictions and clean up will be on every agenda until the issue is resolved.
Police Station Building Committee- The Board discussed the possibility of adding to the scope of
the Police Station Building Committee a couple of additional sites. This was suggested because
many of the architects who looked at the proposed project thought that the needs of the Reading
Police Department could not be met on the existing site. The Town Manager had suggested two
sites - the RMLD site at 25 Haven Street, and the former Tree and Moth facility on the former
landfill at Walkers Brook Drive. George Hines noted that he is opposed to the other sites named.
He noted that we have to be disciplined about our Capital Program, and exploring other sites will
not do this. Chief Marchand noted that nothing can be done at the existing site unless we acquire
additional land. He concerned about logistics - the current facility will be expensive to remodel,
and we need to stay in operation while remodeling is done. The architects sense is that building
on a new site, and remodeling and adding at the existing site is just about the same costs. Parking
is an issue - 50 spaces are needed just for the Police Department we should be planning for 20
years in the future. There won't be alot of growth, but we need to recognize that we've added
Central Dispatch, and Animal Control to the operations. We also need specialized space for a
modern Police Department. Hines noted that we should establish criteria for evaluation of other
sites, including the tax affect. Hines also noted that if we change the scope it is a longer process - -
will the contract with the architect cover this. MacDonald noted that he felt that we should look
at alternatives in the initial phase. This will be scheduled for future discussion.
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Board of Selectmen Meeting-May 23, 1995 - page 8
Approval of Pearl Street School Agreement with the Reading Housing Authority - On motion by
j Hoyt seconded Hines the Board voted to approve the agreement between the Town, the Reading
Housing Authority, and the Longwood Senior Living, Inc. relative to affordable housing at the
Pearl Street School site. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Bear Hill Property- On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board voted to grant an extension
for the closing date for the Bear Hill property between the Town of Reading and the Bear Hill
limited partnership until June 29, 1995, in order to complete the necessary paper work to
effectuate the transfer. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Licenses, Permits and Approvals
Taxi License - John Doto Jr. - On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to
approve a taxi drivers license for John M. Doto, Jr. of 9 Stark Avenue, Wakefield, MA, driving
for Accura Industries for a term expiring December 31, 1995, subject to the condition that the
vehicles be garaged at Stark Avenue in Wakefield and that the vehicle trips to 93 Dana Road be
minimized. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board talked about the Memorial Day speeches, and copies of sample speeches will be given
to Bruce MacDonald. Sally Hoyt will substitute for Camille Anthony.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the
purpose of the sale of real estate not to come back into Open Session. On a role call vote,
Ensminger, MacDonald, Hoyt and Anthony voted in the affirmative, Hines abstained, and the
meeting was adjourned at 11:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, f
Secretary