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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes i Board of Selectmen Meeting September 12, 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, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Dan Ensminger and Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Paul Feely, Philip Rushworth, Nancy Eaton, Joan Nickerson, Billy Brown, Eric Heineman, George Perry, Kay Clark, Mary Andreola, Dorothy Foxon, Dorothy Hayes, Clifton Proctor, Rick Weiner, Lois Bond, John Annarelli. Approval of Minutes On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of June 27, 1995, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines the Selectmen's minutes of September 7, 1995, were approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-1 with Ensminger abstaining. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Dan Ensminger noted that there is an offer to purchase 25 Haven Street, the former RMLD - headquarters. The Task Force is meeting on September 8, 1995. He felt that the Leadership Retreat involving the Selectmen, School Committee, Finance Committee and selected staff was very positive and there will be significant improved working relationships as an outcome_ He has been receiving phone calls regarding water restrictions and the current drought. Camille Anthony noted that she thought the Retreat was wonderful and that the facilitator was excellent. She was very pleased to be able to work with the new Superintendent of Schools. She was also able to attend the Boosters' Press Box Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on the day of the Retreat. She has been receiving additional calls regarding the Hopkins/Main Street intersection and parking on Hopkins Street. She expressed concern about the access from Harrows' parking lot to Hopkins Street and the fact that it has been "reopened". The Board of Selectmen met with the Reading Housing Authority regarding Bear Hill last week. Bruce MacDonald noted that he's been involved with the Downtown Steering Committee which is looking at ways to rejuvenate downtown. He noted that they have developed a brochure, and it lists businesses to come to Reading. He's attended two CPDC meetings and was very impressed with the way that CPDC deals with citizen issues. He enjoyed the Retreat and felt that the major thing was the opportunity to get to know and work with members of FinCom and the School Committee. Issues discussed and established for future action were the budget, library issues, building maintenance and technology. He met with Deirdre Hanley regarding a home page on world wide web. He's been receiving calls on Bear Hill and why there is a delay in the closing. He noted that the delays were not of the Town's making - that we are involved with the federal government and their bureaucracy. He received a call regarding the possibility of the Police Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 12, 1995 - page 2 Station on Oakland Road. He noted that the Boosters' Club is to be commended for constructing the Press Box, especially Chuck Schena and Joe Donegan. George Hines noted that he had attended the Downtown Steering Committee meeting on Wednesday. The Steering Committee will accept additional volunteers. He noted that there had been a rumor regarding a major business closing and that business is not closing. They are expanding the business. The Board of Selectmen has worked with the Reading Housing Authority to work out an agreement and get the Bear Hill deal closed. The U.S. Coast Guard is holding the process up because they want a hold harmless agreement for the old water line. Hopefully, this last issue will be resolved very soon. Hines felt the Retreat was excellent - people were able to "mingle but not get mixed up". He complemented Camille Anthony and Bruce MacDonald for their participation in this first Leadership Retreat for the Town that they have attended. Hines attended the Council on Aging meeting last night establishing a liaison contact. Hines noted that the Oakland Road property being suggested for a Police Station is only one suggestion -the committee is looking at all available land and this is part of a study process. The Board will be evaluating the pluses and minuses of each site and will be getting input from all interested parties. Sally Hoyt along with Camille Anthony and Dan Ensminger attended the reception given by Sue and Bob Cavicchi for Dr. Harutunian and his wife. With Camille Anthony, Hoyt attended the MWRA field trip to Deer Island. The 9 mile outfall tunnel is 50% completed and the harbor is already cleaner. She noted that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has eliminated $50 million for the Boston Harbor cleanup and that effort is needed to get this money restored. The Board of Selectmen met with the Reading Housing Authority and Bear Hill Realty Trust and those issues have been resolved. Hoyt attended the Leadership Retreat and she thought it was very worthwhile - especially the team building exercises and the exercise to prepare for a town emergency. She was also able to attend the dedication of the Press Box. Hoyt congratulated Cathy Quimby on her attainment of the CMC dedication, and on her retirement in March. Hoyt received calls from Ken Ivester, owner of Wes Parkers', regarding a reduction of business related to smoking regulations. She has also received one call regarding Oakland Road as a site for the Reading Police Station. Public Comment Bill Brown noted that he may be partly "to blame" for consideration of the Oakland Road - he suggested it to the Police Station Building Committee as a possible site. Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 12, 1995 - page 3 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager reviewed the Retreat and its follow-up. He noted that South Street construction is going well, and that upper Pearl Street has been bid and awarded. He reviewed the status of the Bear Hill project and noted that the Housing Authority issues have been resolved and the Coast Guard issues are on their way to resolution. He noted that sidewalk improvements are underway in the King, Hancock, Mineral and Prospect Street areas. It had been the Town's intention to have this work completed by the beginning of school. All of the preparation work was done by the Town work force in order to save as much money as possible and stretch project funding as far as possible. The Town work forces are stretched very thin at this time of year, and some of the projects including the paving of the portable area at Killam School diverted attention from this project. The entire project should be completed by the end of the month. Water restrictions are still in place and residents still need to assist in conserving water. Additional sewer rate relief may be on the way through the final state supplemental budget, but we haven't heard anything from the state yet. The Pearl Street School has cleared its final state and federal hurdles, and revised site plan approval was granted by CPDC last night. The final special permit approval by the ZBA is scheduled for September 21, and an extension for closing will be needed. The Mineral Street Bridge work is being done to provide for a pedestrian access until the full bridge is reconstructed. The 75% design plans should be in the Town's hands shortly. The Downtown Steering Committee is looking at a visioning process for the end of October/early November for the Reading Square area. The Mystic Valley Elder Services Luncheon is on September 27, 1995, the RAMS football bonfire and pep rally is September 15, 1995. Hines and Hechenbleikner attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting and we were able to fill the Chamber in on what's going on with downtown issues. Personnel and Appointments Conservation Commission - The Board interviewed candidates for a position on the Conservation Commission. Michelle Rose Keating and Eric P. Heineman were both interviewed. On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger the Board placed into nomination for a position on the Conservation Commission for a term expiring June 30, 1997, the following names: Michelle Rose Keating and Eric P. Heineman. Keating received four votes, Heineman received one and Keating was appointed. Solid Waste Advisory Committee - The Board interviewed Kay Clark for a position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines the Board placed the Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 12, 1995 - page 4 name Kay E. Clark into nomination for a position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1996. All five members voted for Ms. Clark and she was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Discussion - Town Forest Committee - George Perry, Bud Dickey and Ben Nichols were present to discuss Town Forest issues with the Board of Selectmen. It was noted that the roads have been upgraded and roadside trimming has taken place. This was done by DPW and is primarily for the purpose of improving fire access. The Fire Department is making one trip per day into the Town Forest and it was noted that in planning for some of the wells, hydrants are located in the Town Forest area for fire fighting purposes. Three groups are scheduled to use the Town Forest for the next three weekends. A new access point on the McMillan property off of Roma Lane is being established. There has been encroachment problems, but that is being resolved. The Fox Run access as currently established is no longer suitable and the Town Forest Committee is talking to the School Department about allowing access through their property via Dividence Road. It's suggested that the Town should get a skid mounted pumper on a pick up truck for use in fighting fires in the Town Forest, but this is up to the Fire Chief. It was noted that when groups use the Town Forest, the Town Forest Committee provides an Indian tank which is suitable for dealing with very small fires. It was noted that we once had picnic tables in the Town Forest, but they were burned one evening. There have been 10 fires in the Town Forest through history. There was discussion about opening Town Forest for more trail use. It was suggested that cross country trails should be marked and it was noted that the Rotary Club may be available to volunteer for this project. It was also suggested that a joint effort with Recreation Director and Town Forest Committee could improve the accessibility of trails and establish rules and regulations for responsible use of this site. Concern was expressed that the Open Space and Recreation Planning calls for wheel chair access, but Nancy Eaton noted that this was only if there were improvements to the site. Senior Citizen Program to Earn $ for Tax Payment - There was discussion about the Senior Citizen Program to earn money for tax payment. Bruce MacDonald presented material on the proposal, and Dan Ensminger noted that he felt it was a very good presentation. He questioned whether we should be targeting all ages and would like to eliminate the age requirement. Sally Hoyt noted that younger people may have a better opportunity to earn money. George Hines thought that it would be a good start to target 60 years and older and the Board asked for a better breakdown on data. Lois Bond, Dot Foxon, Len Dugay and Mary Andreola were present. They noted that they would be sensitive to volunteers and that the volunteers are needed by long term projects where as this program may make people available for short term projects. Fox noted that the elderly have a limited ability to move to get a job. There was discussion about how much money should be devoted to the program to start with. It was noted that it may take two to three years for people to recognize that the program is available. On motion by MacDonald, seconded by Anthony the Board voted to include the amount of$12,500 as a new program request for the FY97 budget. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Ensminger abstaining. Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 12, 1995 - page 5 Discussion - Sanborn Lane - There was discussion regarding Sanborn Lane and Old Sanborn Lane. The Town Manager reviewed some of the options for traffic control that have been evaluated by staff, but noted that Town Counsel advises the Board of Selectmen to take no action until all of the legal issues have been resolved. Gloria Hulse noted that if there was no cost to the abutters to improve the road and the road has to be public then they would be agreeable so long as the Town would bear all the costs. Bruce MacDonald noted that the primary goal seemed to be to try other avenues to resolve the issues, and then pursue improvements through betterments. Rick Weiner from Thomas Road noted that although the land court only provided for one property owner to have access, that the other people who have rights of access are also being brought through land court. He would like to see the necessary land takings done, and the road improved to full Town standards. Failing that he would suggest removal of speed bumps. Dorothy Hayes noted that something needs to be done quickly. Residents of Old Sanborn Lane noted that the problem with temporary speed bumps is that there may be resident liability. Review Status of Water Supply- Ted McIntire reviewed the status of the water supply. He noted that the pumping of wells 2 and 3 was going very well, and that Cumberland Gulf seemed to be able to maintain hydraulic control of the spill site. However, the water level is down because of the drought, and he would recommend any change at this time in the water restrictions. That could be considered for next Spring. The Town is also pursuing the opening of all of the additional wells, one at a time. Discussion on Residency Requirements for Members of BCC - The Board deferred discussion on residency requirements for members of Boards, Committees and Commissions. Discussion on Town Employees being; Members of BCC - The Board deferred discussion of Town employees being members of Boards, Committees and Commissions because of time. Extension of Bear Hill Agreement - On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to approve the extension of the closing date for the sale of the Bear Hill property to Reading Bear Hill Limited Partnership until October 31, 1995, to enable the Town to complete the obtainment of an easement release from the U.S. Coast Guard and other relevant matters. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board reiterated that the delay on closing this project has nothing to do with the Town's lack of interest - it is difficult to get the issues cleared through the U.S. Coast Guard bureaucracy. There being no need for an Executive Session, on motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald the Board voted to adjourn at 1.1:05 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, S"tary