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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-20 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting June 20, 1995 The meeting was convened at 7:31 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Bruce MacDonald. Selectman Dan Ensminger joined the quorum at 7:55 p.m. and Selectman George Hines joined the quorum at 8:25 p.m. Also present were: William F. Crowley, Leslie and Irene York, Nancy Eaton, Gerry MacDonald, Chris Gill, Michael Dannemiller, Town Counsel Theodore Cohen. Approval of Minutes On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony the Board approved the minutes of June 5, 1995, by a vote of 3-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by MacDonald the Board approved the minutes of June 14, 1995, by a vote of 3-0-0. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments MacDonald had no report. Anthony noted that she had met with the Housing Authority and the Housing Partnership regarding Bear Hill. She suggested doing some kind of a volunteer spotlight once per month at a Board of Selectmen meeting or perhaps in the Reading Notes. She also suggested having a volunteer/board picnic where all Boards, Committees and Commissions could get together with some kind of a potluck meal. She enjoyed attending the Middlesex County Selectmen's meeting and getting together with Selectmen from neighboring communities. She noted that at the Volpe Transportation Building there was a session on transportation with an environmental emphasis, including the over throw of construction within an environmental frame work. She was very interested in some of the discussion particularly about providing for green spaces along roadways. She noted that the Federal Highway Administration is going towards environmental friendly roadways and transportation systems. Sally Hoyt attended the Middlesex County Selectmen's meeting with Camille Anthony and Bruce MacDonald and was elected Vice President. The Office of Elder Affairs is running a silver hair legislative elections and meetings. She attended the opening of the Melrose Senior Center. She noted that Arnold Berger was in the hospital. Dan Ensminger received a call regarding John and Green Street vision obstruction. He also reported on the Finance Appointment Committee meeting. Public Comment There was no public comment. Board of Selectmen Meeting- June 20„1995 -page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager reported that an emergency appropriation for $11,900 for traffic control replacement at Woburn and Summer Street was approved by the Finance Committee and the work is done. We will work with the property to lessen the impact. Street sweeping is completed. The street improvements of Grove and Franklin Streets have been completed. South Street is under construction with the Town doing tree removal and reconstruction of catch basins. The Town is installing signals at Lincoln and Woburn Street related to the installation by the MBTA of the railroad crossing protection. Water restrictions are in place and a full report is scheduled by DEP. We will receive a limited amount of RESCO pass-through money reimbursement if the supplemental budget is approved. A public meeting was held on the Phase 3 Townwide Traffic Study on June 8 at Parker Middle School. Jonathan Edwards, Camille Anthony and George Hines attended. The Selectmen's Forum on last Thursday was very successful and a follow up will be scheduled in the near future. The Town has accepted bids for the replacement of the salt storage shed at the DPW site using a State grant in the amount of $100,000. The preliminary MWRA rates will further decrease Reading's sewer expenses by $114,991 from the rates anticipated when the budget was adopted. The Board may want to revisit sewer rates mid-year. - The Town Manager recommended that the Board of Selectmen extend the Special Employee status for the Library Board of Trustees giving additional time for Reading's Home Rule legislation to be approved. On motion by Anthony seconded by MacDonald the Board approved the extension of the Special Employee status for the Library Board of Trustees to expire September 30, 1995, or until such time as the Town's Home Rule legislation is approved, whichever comes first. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Town Manager also reported that there were no bids on the 25 Haven Street sale. Imagination Station has been closed for rodent control, but should be open very briefly. Henry Murphy, past Assistant Treasurer of the Town, died of cancer recently and the flag is at half staff. We received proposals for Cable TV and they will be distributed to the Board; and Town Counsel has indicated that a combined Housing Partnership and Fair Housing Committee is appropriate and can be done. Discussion/Action Items Report from MAPC Representative - William Crowley, MAPC representative, made a presentation to the Board. He noted that MAPC is there to help, and is a good resource and clearing house. The meeting on June 7 at Winchester was hosted by MAPC and North Suburban Planning Council I and Reading was extremely well represented. A number is issues were raised including water supply protection, downtown enhancement, dealing with through traffic, open space acquisition, etc. He also commented on the local net and Mass track options that are available, commented on joint service initiatives, and the pavement management program. He noted there was a draft study done for the I93 - 128 intersection and copies will be available to Board of Selectmen Meeting- June 20,.1995 -page 3 the Town. He distributed copies of the MAPC's Annual Report. Camille Anthony suggested that MAPC consider workshops on downtown redevelopment, assisted living and bike paths. Review of Water Restriction Status - Steve Johnson and Amy Valja from DEP made a presentation to the Board regarding the status of water restrictions and the clean-up. They stressed that there is no well contamination and the goal is not to draw contamination into the wells. The end result should be to be able to use additional wells and not increase the risk to the safe drinking water supply. In order to accomplish this, they are reviewing ground water modeling and dealing with an early warning and monitoring program to ensure continued water quality. They are evaluating water quality and the hydraulic effect of turning on additional pumps and depending on material presented from Handix, Cumberland Gulfs consultant, we should be able to put wells 2 and 3 on in early to mid-July and test them for three to four weeks. DEP's goal is to have a zero risk of contamination of water supply. Dan Ensminger asked how the risk is measured. George Hines asked if Cumberland and their consultant are being responsive - why are things like air sparging not being done sooner. What happens if the pilot study is inclusive - would that hold us up in terms of being able to turn those wells back on. Bruce MacDonald asked what would happen if wells 2 and 3 are turned on and they do draw contaminant and they are shut down. What happens then? Gail Wood noted that there are a number of time frames for monitoring and a number of locations for monitoring. George Hines suggested that we might want to or need to bring DEP in for another meeting after the wells open to talk to us about risk assessment and toxicology. Ted McIntire noted that based on our current usage, and not including any positive effect of turning wells 2 and 3 back on, he would recommend that we lift the Sunday water restrictions based on conservation levels to date and based on continued enforcement. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony the Board voted to modify the previously approved Stage 2 water restrictions pursuant to Section 5.9 of the Board of Selectmen's Policy, effective no later than July 14, 1995, so that outdoor use of water is permitted as follows: water may be used for outdoor purposes only from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday and only in accordance with the following schedule: even numbered addresses outdoor use is permitted on even numbered days of the month only during the hours specified; odd numbered addresses outdoor use is permitted on odd numbered days of the month only during the hours specified above. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Traffic Regulations, Grove Street - The Town Manager reviewed the recommendation from the Chief of Police regarding Grove Street parking. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force has recommended no parking on Grove Street from 293 Grove to opposite 378 Grove. This is in order to keep traffic flow largely during the operation of the compost center. Camille Anthony was concerned about parking in the winter for people who use the Town Forest and Meadowbrook Golf facilities for recreational purposes. There was discussion about alternate parking for cross country skiing - perhaps at the compost center. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve an amerdmentto the traffic rules and regulations of the Board of Selectmen Meeting-June 20,.1995 - page 4 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: Grove Street on the northwesterly side from 293 Grove Street inclusive to opposite 378 Grove Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Traffic Regulations on Hopkins Street Wakefield - The Board talked about traffic regulations on Hopkins Street in Wakefield. Chief Marchand spoke against the regulations noting that this would likely put traffic on other streets in Reading, including Ash, Brook and Summer Avenues. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony the Board voted to endorse the actions of the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Wakefield in restricting traffic on Hopkins Street and Brook Street in Wakefield from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. This endorsement will expire if .Wakefield rescinds its approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Hoyt voting in opposition. Amend Schedule Bl - FY1996 Compensation Plan and Al Classification Plan - for non-union personnel - The Town Manager explained that there were two positions added to the classification plan because they are currently in the clerical union and that union is voting on whether or not to decertify. The compensation plan is increased by 2.5% for all non-union personnel. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony the Board voted to close the hearing on amendment to schedule Al Classification Plan and schedule B1 FY96 Compensation Plan. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve Schedule Al Classification Plan and Schedule B 1 FY96 Compensation Plan as presented effective July 1, 1995, by a vote of 5-0-0. Establishing;FY96 Salary - Town Manager- The Board discussed the Town Manager's salary and noted that all non-union personnel are receiving a 2.5% increase. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to establish a Town Manager's salary for FY96 at $78,444 per annum effective July 1, 1995. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Liquor License Hearing - The Board reviewed the issue of selling liquor to minors on the part of three institutions in Reading: Uptown Liquors, 1349 Main Street; Harrows Restaurant, 126 Main Street; and Reading Diner, 530 Main Street. Representatives of each establishment were present. Chief Marchand reviewed his memo and other materials related to the sting operation at which. it was determined that these sales were taking place. The sting operation took place on May 19 and May 20 with a 20 year old youth. He was able to buy alcoholic beverages in the three locations. Following the hearing, on motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board voted to suspend the liquor license of Uptown Liquors, 1349 Main Street; Harrows Restaurant, 126 Main Street; Reading Diner, 530 Main Street for the following three days - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 11, 12 and 13 - for violation of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 34 Selling Liquor to a Minor, subject to the provision that if the decision of the Board of Board of Selectmen Meeting- June 20„1995 -page 5 Selectmen is appealed to the ABCC, and the decision of the Board of Selectmen is upheld, then the suspension shall be for the same three days of the week immediately following the decision of the ABCC. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Bancroft and Hartshorn Ave. Parking Regulations - The Board of Selectmen reviewed proposed parking restrictions on Bancroft Avenue and Hartshorn Street. The Town Manager reviewed comments received from residents. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony the Board voted to approve an amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulation 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 west side between Hartshorn Street and Tower Road. Hartshorn Street south side between Hanscom Avenue and Bancroft Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and it was requested that we reduce the signs and move one sign. Appointment of Town Counsel .- The Board reviewed the issue of Town Counsel and Counsel's retainer. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to appoint H Theodore Cohen of Counsel to McGregor and Shea, as Town Counsel for a term expiring June 30, 1996, at an all inclusive retainer of$101,900. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Extension of Closing;Bear Hill - The Board discussed the extension of a closing date for Bear Hill Limited Partnership. The major obstacle is the water line to Tarrant Lane, and the necessary release from the U.S. Coast Guard. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board voted to grant an extension of the closing date for Bear Hill Limited Partnership to purchase the Bear Hill property until July 31, 1995, at 12 noon in order to complete all the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Bruce MacDonald noted that there have been a number of extensions and asked whether this was costing the Town anything. George Hines noted that we should communicate to the buyer that future extensions may be subject to some escalation in price. Ted Cohen noted that responsibility is the Town's to get this water line release. On motion by Hines seconded Hoyt the Board voted to adjourn at 11:18 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, .: Secretary