HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-07-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes I
t
Board of Selectmen Meeting
July 11, 1995
The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary Camille Anthony,
Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the
following list of interested parties: Nancy Eaton, Paul Feely Jr., M.J. Andreola, Lawrence S.
Moss, Widdy Ho, Stavros Natsis, Connie Wong, Michael Wong, Keith Yam, Philip Rushworth.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger, the minutes of the meeting of May 23, 1995,
were approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the minutes of the meeting of June 6, 1995,
were approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Dan Ensminger had no report.
Camille Anthony had no report.
Bruce MacDonald had no report.
Sally Hoyt met with the Conservation Commission regarding administrative issues. She attended
Senator Tisei's reception on the 29th. She attended Summerfest on the 30th and the concert and
fireworks on the 1 st. On the 10th she met with the Council on Aging regarding the proposed
program of earning money for offsetting property taxes. She attended the Reading Housing
Authority meeting,and attended the CPDC meeting on Domal Estates. She's been receiving calls
regarding the boot camp at Camp Curtis Guild and we need to schedule a meeting with the
legislators. She asked who owned the property.
Public Comments
Nancy Eaton remarked that Camp Curtis was a federal facility and it was turned over to the state
in the 1970's. Gerry Varney, town resident, sent a publication to the Board of Selectmen
regarding Camp Curtis.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager reported that South Street is under construction. The Town has removed the
tree and is reconstructing catch basins. Utilities are doing their relocation; the contract has been
bid and a notice of award has been sent. The upper Pearl Street project is out to bid this week
and we are expecting a notice from the Mass Highway Department as to the availability of funds
--- this week. Woburn and High Street improvements will be done on a force account basis for the
MBTA. Water restrictions are still in place and a notice has been sent to all households regarding
the lifting of Sunday watering restrictions effective this week. The Town has received State
Board of Selectmen Meeting- July 11, 1995 -page 2
reimbursement of a limited amount of RESCO pass-through moneys in the amount of$148,000.
These funds are set up in a separate account to be made available by Town Meeting for
appropriation this Fall for the design work related to the landfill closure. The Town has awarded
bids for the replacement of the salt storage shed at the DPW site. This is a State grant in the
amount of$100,000.
The Town Manager met with Town Counsel, the General Manager of the Light Department and
the RMLD counsel regarding the 25 Haven Street property. The Task Force will be meeting
shortly to review the staff recommendation that the RMLD hire a broker for the property. The
Town Manager asked the Board of Selectmen for a date to tour the police station with the Police
Station Building Committee. The Town has received property and casualty insurance and
workers' compensation insurance bids and both result in significant savings for FY96 and beyond.
The Workers' Compensation Program returns us to a fully insured program with MIIA. The
Town Manager met with the School Committee last evening and a contract with the School
Custodians through FY96 has been ratified. The School Committee is also reviewing the
extension of natural gas service to the Birch Meadow area.
Personnel and Appointments
Zoning Board of Appeals - The Board interviewed John Jarema for a position as an Associate
member on the Zoning Board of Appeals. On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald the
Board appointed John Jarema to a position as Associate member on the Zoning Board of Appeals
for a term expiring June 30, 1998.
Cemetery Board of Trustees - The Board interviewed Randy Harrison for a position on the
Cemetery Board of Trustees. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger the Board
appointed Randolph R. Harrison to a position on the Cemetery Board of Trustees for a term
expiring June 30, 1998,
Discussion/Action Items
Approval of Bond Anticipation Notes - The Town Manager reviewed the sale of Bond
Anticipation Notes. Beth Klepeis, Finance Director, was also present. On motion by Anthony
seconded by MacDonald the Board approved the sale of$8,818,000 of Bond Anticipation Notes
due July 12, 1996, to Bay Bank at a net interest rate of 3.77%. The motion was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
Senior Citizens Program to Earn $ for Tax Payment - The Board reviewed information on the
Senior Citizen's Program to earn money for tax payments. Finance Director Beth Klepeis was
present. A number of details were discussed in terms of the purpose of the program, and how
many of the technical details would work. Dan Ensminger noted that if the purpose was to try to
hit hardship cases, he felt that the program missed the mark. Camille Anthony asked if there is a
social reason for the program. Additional information requested are as follows: information on
the age and income of homeowners; demographics of those who are delinquent in taxes. Bruce
i
Board of Selectmen Meeting-July 11„1995 - page 3
MacDonald will also draft a mission statement and this will be scheduled for future Board
discussion.
Liquor License Transfer-Emperor's Choice Restaurant- The Board opened the public hearing on
a liquor license transfer for Emperor's Choice Restaurant. The applicant and counsel were present
and spoke about the proposed facility. They noted that they have attended and are attending tips
training courses. They are converting the former Reading Diner to an Asian style restaurant.
Sally Hoyt asked if the purchase and sales agreement was based on obtaining a liquor license and
they indicated that it was. They asked if they owned other facilities in Massachusetts and they do
not. Dan Ensminger noted that he disagreed with the memo from the Planning Director indicating
that the sign should be removed and site work done. The Town has a bond for the site work, and
the sign has to come down with a change of ownership. Camille Anthony questioned whether or
not the manager was aware of what the responsibilities are in dealing with liquor sales. Mr. Wong
noted that his responsibilities were to order and keep the supply of liquor, wine and beer, to stop
patrons from ordering if they are drunk and not serve those who are underage. He has taken the
tips course. Dan Ensminger asked about the financial arrangements, and it was noted that they
will be leasing the facility for five years with three five year options to renew. This is a long-term
commitment. Mr. Yam noted that he is a Professor in Food Science at Rutgers University and
advisor for the city of Dallas. He felt the strength in this proposed restaurant is the management
team. The restaurant will draw from an area of approximately five miles. They have done 2
months worth of research, and they will provide quality service and an innovation in cuisine.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald the Board voted to close the public hearing by
a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to approve the transfer of an
all alcoholic/common victualler liquor license from the Reading Diner to Emperor's Choice
Restaurant Inc. for the premises at 530 Main Street with the stock and license to be pledged and
subject to the conditions that the license will expire on December 31, 1995. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Review of Water Restrictions Status - The Town Manager noted that at the next meeting the
Board will have a full review of the status of water restrictions.
Review of Liquor License Suspensions - The Board reviewed the letters of liquor license
suspensions from the ABCC for the VFW and the American Legion and agreed that the
suspensions were appropriate and the Board would not propose any further action in accordance
with the recommendation of Police Chief Edward Marchand.
MMA Legislative Agenda - The Board reviewed the Mass Municipal Association Legislative
Agenda and had no particular comments. Any comments should be directed to the Town
?- Manager within the next couple of weeks so that they can be sent in to the MMA.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-July 11, .1995 - page 4
Request for Waiver 2nd Water Meter - The Town Manager presented a request for a waiver of
the second water meter moratorium for 93 Eastway. The Town Manager noted that he is aware
of the case personally and that the request for waiver is for medical reasons. On motion by
Ensminger seconded by Anthony the Board voted to grant the request for a waiver for the
moratorium on second meter installations for the owner of 93 Eastway in Reading for medical
circumstances. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with MacDonald in opposition.
Establishing Local Election Date - The Board discussed the establishment of the Local Election
date for March 5, 1996. Members of the Board expressed concern about including Local Election
within a National Election, but also noted that Town Meeting by a very large vote had
recommended the Board of Selectmen go this route. The election equipment allows this kind of
process to take place. On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to
establish March 5, 1996, as the Local Election date in accordance with Section 2.1.1. of the
Bylaws, said March 5, 1996, being the date established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
for the Presidential Primary Election. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony the Board voted to go into Executive Session for
the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations, the sale of real estate, and approval of minutes
not to come back into Open Session. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all four
members present voting in the affirmative, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary