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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 26, 1995 The meeting was convened at 7:00 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 Daniel Ensminger and Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter I. Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Jean Humphrey, Dick Monroe, Nancy Eaton, James P. Morris, Kim Park, James H. Morse III, Nadine Bozek, Richard Smith, Ken MacKinnon, Patricia MacKinnon, P. Richardson, Nancy Miller, Katherine O'Brien, Ken Maguire, Scott Miller, Bill Fiscus, Wendy Fiscus, Sharon McCauley, Kimberly Murphy, Stanley Portman, Wendy Small, David Carley, Virginia Thompson, Jean Gabriel, Robert Brown, Marie Lux, Lynn Barry, Philip Pacino, Ed Palmer, David O'Sullivan, Virginia Adams, Edward Smethurst, George Perry, Stephen Erickson, Wayne Bell, Donald Wood. Approval of Minutes On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of August 22, 1995, were approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-1. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Ensminger noted that he had received one call regarding potential Police Station siting on Oakland Road. He felt that this site could be an asset if it is done right. He attended a 25 Haven Street Task Force meeting. Camille Anthony noted that she had attended the Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting and their items for discussion were unit pricing and landfill reclamation. She attended a Board of Cemetery Trustees meeting regarding Wood End Cemetery. She attended a Water and Sewer Advisory Committee meeting at which they discussed tiered water rates. She attended a 766 Pack meeting and noted that there will be some changes in special needs. She had a discussion with the Town Manager and the Garden Club regarding the Adopt an Island Program. Bruce MacDonald received a call regarding condo rubbish collection. He also noted that the Mineral Street Bridge plans were available at the Public Library. George Hines attended the Recreation Committee meeting as liaison and as Baseball Commissioner. Items of discussion were field,fees and continuing maintenance. He noted that if the Town was going to continue to invest in its facilities, then it needs to improve maintenance. The Downtown Steering Committee did not meet last week. Sally Hoyt noted that the Town recognizes the excellent work of the Garden Club. She attended a meeting of Trust Fund Commissioners. She participated in the Day of Caring Program, and attended a Middlesex County Selectmen's Association meeting. Ms. Hoyt is a member of the County Advisory Committee and they are reviewing a draft of a County Charter. Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 26, 1995 - page 2 Public Comment Lucky Hulse from Sanborn Lane spoke. He presented a letter and petition to the Board of Selectmen from Cicatelli and Cicatelli, Attorneys at Law requesting the Town post and enforce a 15 mile per hour speed limit from 92 - 107 Sanborn Lane. The petition was signed by each of the landowners. He also attached an accident report. Town Manager's Report On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to approve a Proclamation honoring a Knights of Columbus weekend for the retarded on October 7 -9, 1995. The following representatives of the Knights of Columbus were present to receive the Proclamation: Bob McKenna, Paul Robertson, Tim Knowles, John Tormey, John Rotundi, Brian McMahon. The Town Manager reported on a number of issues including the Mystic Valley Elder Services Legislative Luncheon scheduled for September 27, 1995; the Police Station Building Committee will be meeting with the Board of Selectmen on September 27, 1995; the groundbreaking for the Parker Middle School is scheduled for October 5, 1995; the retreat and follow-up are scheduled for October 5, 1995, which will be a joint meeting on the budgets; the Day of Caring is October 27 - 28, 1995; the dedication of Collins Field is scheduled for October 9, 1995; Cathy Quimby is being honored by the Business and Professional Women's Association on October 11, 1995; there have been a number of requests for street lights to be turned on via the RMLD's "Share a Thought" program; South Street reconstruction is going very well; the upper Pearl Street project bid has been awarded with construction to start on October 1, 1995; we are still working through issues on Bear Hill with regard to the Housing Authority and the U.S. Coast Guard; sidewalk improvements are completed in the Mineral Street/King Street area, and the preparation work was done by the Town's Department of Public Works to save as much money as possible; all local approvals are granted for the Pearl Street School project and an extension for closing will be needed; 75% design plans are available for the Mineral Street Bridge; the Town has made application for funding under the Cops Fast and Cops Ahead program to hire an additional Police Officer; discussion on Temple Street one-way will be held by staff with a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen; a culvert on Haverhill Street on the North Reading boundary line has collapsed, and there will be detouring during construction; the Board needs to set a date for a site walk on Salem and Lowell Streets; winter parking on Grove Street will be permitted with the Police "bagging" the signs; residential properties have been certified by the State for revaluation. Additionally, the Town has been notified that the Summer Avenue/Prescott Street plans are completed. The Board was copied on a letter from Vassilios Borikas of Lowell Street in Arlington regarding alleged discrimination. The MMA Legislative Bulletin was transmitted to the Board members. A copy of the Superintendents update on the budget for the current fiscal year was submitted. Personnel and Appointments Ratification of Dispatcher Contract - The Town Manager reviewed the proposed Public Safety Dispatcher Contract effective July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1998. On motion by Anthony Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 26, 1995 - page 3 seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to approve the contract between the Town of Reading and the Reading Public Safety Dispatchers, Mass COP Local 191A for a term of July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1998 and authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign on behalf of the Board. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and Richard Monroe from the Dispatch Association signed the contract on behalf of the Union. RMLD Citizen Advisory Board - The Board interviewed James P. Morris for a position on the RMLD Citizens Advisory Board. On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to place the following name into nomination for a position on the RMLD Citizens Advisory Board for a term expiring June 30, 1996: James P. Morris. Mr. Morris received five votes and was appointed to this position. Arts Council - Priscilla M. Richardson was interviewed for a position on the Arts Council. On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to place the following name into. nomination for a position on the Arts Council for a term expiring June 30, 1998: Priscilla M. Richardson. Ms. Richardson received five votes and was appointed to this position. North Suburban Planning Council Member - The Board discussed its representative to the North Suburban Planning Council. Bruce MacDonald is the Liaison to Community Development. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to appoint Bruce MacDonald to a -- position on the North Suburban Planning Council for a term expiring June 30, 1998, with the understanding that MacDonald may appoint an alternate in the event that he cannot attend meetings. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with MacDonald abstaining. Discussion/Action Items Presentation of Check for Special Elections - Representative Brad Jones was present to give the Town a check from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay for a portion of the cost of the Special Elections that were held in early 1995. Review Status of Water Supply - The Town Manager reviewed Ted McIntire's memo of September 22, 1995, updating the Board of Selectmen on the status of the water supply. A fuller report will be given at a later date when more information is available. Rubbish Collection Condominiums - The Board of Selectmen discussed the issue of rubbish collection in condominiums and how we should proceed. Questions raised were whether there was a difference between curbside collection and dumpsters, what the effect of a special permit or zoning requirement that we not collect rubbish from condominiums would be on any decision of the Board, whether the Town can distinguish between apartments and condominiums, what the effect would be on the Town's rubbish collection and disposal contracts, where the funding would be coming from (it was noted that this would be a new program request and would be prioritized with other requests), whether a zoning special permit was a contract relative to this issue, whether conversion of condos from apartments would be a special case, whether this would encourage Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 26, 1995 -page 4 additional conversion of apartments to condominiums and whether that conversion would negatively effect the rental housing stock of the community, what the cost impact would be to provide this service to all current condominiums and new units, and whether the cost of this would effect other new programs like police staffing, police stations, the elder tax earnings program, etc. Sally Hoyt noted that we should resolve the legal issues first and then determine how to fund it if we decide to go this route. Bruce MacDonald noted that we should be able to make a decision on a program and strategy, and then phase it. He would not suggest biting off the whole program at one time. He noted that the costs that the condos are currently paying for collection is less than the Town's estimate, and the Town Manager noted that the Town is required to pay prevailing wage. MacDonald noted that taking the condominium taxes as a given, they should get the same services or should pay less taxes. Camille Anthony asked for an in-depth study of what other towns are doing. She doesn't see the issue going away. She asked if a tax break could be given for this item, and the Town Manager noted that it cannot. George Hines noted that the Town needs to be careful about not talking out of both sides of its mouth at the same time. The following list was made for required follow-up: 1. For each major development, the Board asked for the average taxes paid per unit and the same material for the average single family home. 2. Legal opinions are needed. 3. We need to look at the cost of municipal collection versus condominium collection. 4. We need to know what other communities are doing. 5. We need a legal opinion on the zoning effects. 6. We need to know what the cost of other services would be. 7. The Town Manager will write up a mission statement for the Board of Selectmen to review. Dick Smith from Summit Towers noted that they would like the Town to look at recycling, but the trash question comes first. He asked when the study would be made - the Condo Association has contracts too. Camille Anthony asked why the Condo Associations were not concerned about snow plowing and street lighting. Smith noted that they would not request the Town to do snow plowing because the roads are part of their parking lots, etc. He noted that street lighting might be another issue that they would want the Town to look at. RMLD and 25 Haven Street Sale - Phil Pacino was present. He talked about the costs of continuing to operate the property at 25 Haven Street. The Shepardson Group has been hired to market the property. A list of contacts made through the Shepardson Group was submitted. George Hines noted that the costs seemed to be somewhat inflated. One proposal has been submitted from Strato Reprographics, and the formal bidding props will be undertaken. It was suggested that Shepardson also continue to market the property. George Hines asked that when the Task Force reviews the bids that they give due consideration to uses compatible with the area Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 26, 1995 -page 5 (retail use) because of the interest in revitalizing the downtown. Camille Anthony asked for an update on the process of the tank removal. Historical Commission Review Demolition Review Bylaw - The Historical Commission reviewed the proposed Demolition Review Bylaw with the Board of Selectmen. Ed Palmer was present and spoke for the Commission. Members of the Board suggested a number of modifications. They asked if there was any local issue that precipitated the proposal, and the comment was that there had not been. Camille Anthony noted that it was good to be proactive. This will be part of the General Bylaws. Bruce MacDonald and Dan Ensminger noted that this will give a lot of power and authority to the Historical Commission and perhaps would extend government authority too far. David O'Sullivan from the Historical Commission commented that a lot of residents don't know what they have and the Historical Commission has many resources that can be made available to them. Palmer noted that there were 37 demolition permits issued in the last two years, and among those only one house would have gone through the entire process outlined in the Bylaw. The Board of Selectmen noted that the intent is laudable but that some modifications may need to be made. The Board members made some specific suggestions as to modifications that could be made. Wood End Cemetery, Development - Joyce Miller appeared and spoke for the Cemetery Board of Trustees. She reviewed the proposed development. The Cemetery Board is requesting that this project be moved forward to being approved this Fall. The Cemetery Board would pay all costs over a five year period through the bequest funds. Joyce noted that there has been excellent cooperation between the remainder of the Department of Public Works and the Cemetery Division. They hope to have the new cemetery seeded one year from now. Development of a piecemeal would take a long time, will make the cemetery a poor neighbor to its abutting properties, and will not make for good sales situations. Doing the project in lump sum will allow income to be generated from the cemetery and pay for the borrowing. They are asking the Board of Selectmen's blessings to go to Town Meeting with this funding program. Beth Klepeis explained the financing structure to the Board. Fire Department Auxiligy Proposal for Use of Surplus Ambulance - The Town Manager reviewed the proposal which would not cost the Town anything except for the trade in value of the ambulance and the insurance cost. The Board felt that using this vehicle as an auxiliary vehicle for the Fire Department for an air cascade system, lighting plant, fire fighter recovery, and a mobile command center was an excellent idea. Extension of the Pearl Street School Agreement - The Town Manager noted that the agreement needed to be extended until November 15, 1995, to enable the applicant to exhaust all appeal periods and arrange for final closing and other relative matters. On motion by Anthony seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to approve the extension of the closing date for the sale of the Pearl Street School property to Longwood Senior Living, Inc. until November 15, 1995, to Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 26, 1995 -page 6 enable the applicant to exhaust all appeal periods and arrange for final closing and other relevant matters. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Licenses, Permits and Approvals The Town Manager noted that he had issued the Common Victualler's License for Bri Ti's Cafe. This is a change in ownership. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve the Common Victualer's License for Ernest Arena and Steven Mastrangelo d.b.a. Brick Oven Baking Company at 1349 Main Street seating 20 customers subject to conditions that "no alcoholic beverage will be allowed to be consumed on the premises and all signs will conform with the sign regulations of the Town of Reading and this license will expire on December 31, 1995. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Michael Wong was present requesting an Entertainment License for the Emperor's Choice Restaurant. George Hines asked if the Town's smoking regulation will inhibit business at the new restaurant. Mr. Wong noted that he would prefer to have smoking, but he didn't see it as a big problem. The restaurant will be open in late October. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to approve an Entertainment License for the Emperor's Choice Restaurant for a term expiring December 31, 1995, by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board of Selectmen adjourned at 11:20 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary