HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes i
Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 7, 1995
The meeting was convened at 7:07 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary Camille Anthony,
Selectmen Bruce MacDonald, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner(Vice Chairman George
Hines joined the quorum at 7:25 p.m., and Selectmen Dan Ensminger joined the quorum
at 8:00 p.m.), and the following list of interested parties: Nancy D. Snow, David W. Owens,
Susan Cohen, Robert A. Brown, Stewart Chipman, Richard Moore, Gail Wood, Paul Antonelli.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments:
Bruce MacDonald noted that he had attended the hearing on the Police Station. The Downtown
Steering Committee met with the Town Manager and Selectman George Hines. Saturday is the
"First Step" Program. Two meetings have been held with the Budget Council, and we have been
working on processing guidelines. We will still have problems funding all of the Town's needs.
MacDonald was concerned about the appearance of Keno gambling in Town, and that can be
talked about later. He feels that it sends the wrong messages. Lieut. Silva has been doing a great
job on the Police Station building project.
Camille Anthony noted that we may have some discussion on Keno at the MMA meeting. She
received a letter from Frank Driscoll, Custodian of Soldier's and Sailor's Graves, regarding
veterans markers. She and Joanne Nickerson attended a workshop on Chapter 61 Lands run by
the Trust for Public Lands. Camille had received comments on the Downtown Fair. Melrose and
Belmont are dealing with Downtown issues. She attended the Ham and Beans Supper run by the
Reading Police Department at the Senior Center. She is going to be attending the Northern
Suburban Planning Council meeting regarding direction for the suburban water supply.
Sally Hoyt attended the Middlesex County Advisory Board and a proposed County Charter is in
its first draft. She attended the Police Station Public Hearing and complimented Lt. Silva and the
architect. She attended the Budget Meeting with the School Committee and the Finance
Committee. On November 4th, members of the Board of Selectmen walked Route 129 relative to
the proposed Improvement Program. They also took a look at Upper Pearl Street. The
Downtown Steering Committee has been working well. Sally expressed thanks to the merchants
who donated refreshments for the "First Step" Program. Regarding the Budget Council Meeting,
she indicated that it was a pleasure to work with Dr. Harutunian, and she felt that we were
developing a good working partnership. She also attended the Ham and Beans Supper, and
commented on the S.P.I.C.E. Program.
George Hines noted that he had attended two budget sessions with the Finance Committee and
the School Committee as follow up to the Retreat. We are working to develop a collaborative
budget process. The Downtown Steering Committee has had good discussion and dialogue. He
attended the Route 129 walk with Town Engineer Joe Delaney and the Town Manager, and also
looked at the Pearl Street project.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 7, 1995 -Page 2
He expressed congratulations to the folks on Pearl Street and Lowell Street. The feedback from
the residents on these two streets that are slated for public improvement has been very positive.
Public Comment:
Sally Hoyt spoke for Bill Brown who had expressed concern about the Steering Committee using
public facilities for their meetings. The Town Manager noted that Town facilities are often used
by private, non-profit groups. George Hines noted that the Town has to be a partner in this
process and Bruce MacDonald agreed. Nancy Snow of 369 Lowell Street addressed an issue
regarding an oversight by the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen's Forum was scheduled on
Yom Kippur. Miss Snow gave the Board of Selectmen a copy of the calendar with the Jewish
holidays. Camille Anthony noted that we needed to have a master calendar. George Hines and
Bruce MacDonald expressed their apologies for scheduling the meeting on this day.
Town Manager's Report:
The Town Manager noted that a hearing on Public Safety Assistance Legislation is scheduled for
11/14/95 at 10:00 a.m. He is planning on attending with other Public Safety Officials. The Town
has received preliminary certification of our FY 1996 revaluation. This reflects outstanding work
done by the Board of Assessors and staff, particularly Dave Billard, Appraiser. The Town has
received notification that we are the recipient of a $20,000 D.A.R.E. grant. The Town has
received notification that we, along with Stoneham, are the recipient of a $10,000 Fire Prevention
grant. The Police Station Building Committee is meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, November 8.
The Town has received notice that the Cable TV lineup and FM service will undergo changes in
the coming months. Downtown's "First Steps" Program was a great success with approximately
175 Reading residents participating. Bids received today on the sale of 25 Haven Street. Two
bids received, both of which appear to meet the minimum bid requirements. The bidders are
Stratographics for $365,000, and P.J.C. Realty for Brooks Pharmacy for $370,000. The 25
Haven Street Task Force is meeting on 11/15/95 at the RMLD offices. The Board has received
the MMA Legislative Bulletin outlining the impact on cities and towns of the Governor's
proposed reorganization plan. Chief Marchand has asked the Board for support in funding the
Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council budget. South Street reconstruction is going
very well, and should be completed by the end of next week except for the final seeding and tree
planting which will be done in the Spring. A letter will be sent to-the South Street residents
letting them know this. Upper Pearl Street construction is underway and the binder course of
pavement is complete. Construction of several small stone walls is underway, and we hope to get
this project complete except for the final landscaping this year. Three additional small trees need
to be removed in front of 753 Pearl Street in order to accomplish the construction of a small
retaining wail. The Board had previously reviewed the tree removal and had voted only to
remove the one tree. All local approval has been granted for the Pearl Street School project, and
the oil tank is being removed. The Board of Selectmen took a site walk on Salem and Lowell
Streets on November 4th. The last Flu Clinic is November 15th at Coolidge, and the School
custodians will be organizing a food collection for the Food Pantry at each of the clinics.
i
i
i
Board of Selectmen Meeting -November 7, 1995 -Page 3
Joint meetings with the School Committee, FinCom and the Board of Selectmen took place on
11/01/95 and 11/06/95. A request for a livery license from U.S. Shuttle to traverse the Town via
Routes 93 and 128 has been made, and if the Board has no objection, the Town Manager will
issue the license.
On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board moved to approve the removal of three
trees at 753 Pearl Street in accordance with the review of the Tree Hearing on Upper Pearl Street
held on December 13, 1994, such removal being necessary for the public safety and convenience.
The Town Manager will notify the previous abutter (Miss Cool) by mail. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items:
Approval of 11/23/95 through 12/25/95 as a Townwide Promotion
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve the period of November
23, 1995 through December 31, 1995 as a "Townwide Common Special Event" in accordance
with Section 6.2.3.2.(i) of the Zoning By-Law of the Town of Reading. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Request for Second Water Meters
The Board discussed the request for a second water meter for an underground sprinkler system at
24 Thomas Drive. George Hines asked for the staffs recommendation, and the Town Manager
indicated that the staff would not recommend a waiver at this time. MacDonald noted that he was
against the waiver because it would be piece-meal. Sally Hoyt was concerned about consistency.
George Hines noted that there was a long list of previously applied requests and those are in
abeyance until the MVVRA billing structure gets clarified. He feels that the current policy is a fair
policy for everyone. Mr. Lim, the applicant, agrees with the issue of fairness but wants another
reason for the denial. He felt that he was entitled to a better reason. The Board took no action
on this issue.
Extendingthe he Open Space Task Force
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to extend the Ad Hoc Open
Space and Recreation Planning Task Force until January 31, 1995 in order for the Task Force
to complete the work of having the Open Space and Recreation Plan approved by the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing on Tax Classification
The Board of Selectmen opened the Hearing on Tax Classification. The Secretary read the notice
of the Hearing. Dave Billard, Assessor, made a presentation of the impact of tax classification,
and noted that the Board of Assessors recommends a tax classification residential factor of 1 (i.e.,
not a separate classification for commercial, industrial properties); recommends the Board not
Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 7 1995 -Page 4
adopt the Open Space discount for FY 1996; and recommends that the Board of Selectmen not
adopt the commercial exemption for FY 1996. Camille Anthony asked about the Open Space
classification, and it was noted that the Board of Assessors determines what open space is.
Bruce MacDonald noted that he thinks the commercial classification should be reviewed.
On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to close the Public Hearing on
Tax Classification for FY 1996 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines,
the Board voted, based on the recommendation of the Board of Assessors, to approve a tax
classification residential factor of "1" for FY 1996. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1,
with Ensminger abstaining. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted, based
on the recommendation of the Board of Assessors, not to adopt the Open Space discount for FY
1996. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted, based on the recommendation of
the Board of Assessors, not to adopt the residential exemption for FY 1996, by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted, based on the recommendation
of the Board of Assessors, not to adoption the commercial exemption for FY 1996 but that the
Board of Assessors be asked to evaluate this exemption for the future. The motion was approved
by a vote of 4-0-1, with Ensminger abstaining.
Hearing on Sunday Hours for Liquor Stores during the Holidays
The Board discussed the issue of Sunday hours for liquor stores during the holidays. It was
recommended that the Police do follow-up on underage drinking. Paul Antonelli of Vine Street
noted that he had watched the last Selectmen's Forum, and that he did not have all the information
regarding payment of signs in liquor store windows. His statement was not accurate with respect
to liquor stores, but cigarette companies do pay for advertising.
On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger, the Board of Selectmen approved the opening of
package stores in Reading on Sundays beginning November 19; 1995 through Sunday, December
31, 1995 to remain open from noon to no later than 8:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
Review Warrant
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting, The Board
made the following motions:
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 3 by a vote of 5-0-0.
i
i
Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 7, 1995 -Page 5
i
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 5 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 6 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 7 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 8 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 9 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 14 by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend the subject matter of
Article 18 by a vote of 5-0-0.
Review Sewer Budget and Recommend Lowering the Budget ) and Using More
Reserves to Offset the Rates(will require rate reduction hearing by BOS) - presentation by W&S
Advisory Committee
The Board discussed the modifications to the FY 1996 sewer budget. Gail Wood was present
and noted that the savings into the following years would be spent on capital. On motion by
Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to recommend to Town Meeting at the Subsequent
Town Meeting the following changes to the FY 1996 sewer budget: reduce Line N-2, Sewer
Non-Personal Expense by $100,000 to a new total of$2,503,075; modify the source of funds to
increase the use of the sewer reserves by $67,000 to $171,839. The Board further directs that a
public hearing on sewer rates be scheduled for the next feasible Selectmen's meeting after the
Subsequent Town Meeting adjourns, in order to modify the sewer rate effective with the first bill
after January 1, 1996. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Signing of Deed and Other Documents - Pearl Street School
Signing of Deed and Other Documents -Bear Hill
The Deed and other documents for Pearl Street School and Bear Hill were not ready to be signed.
George Hines noted that we owed thanks to Congressman Markey's office for his help on the
Bear Hill project.
Board of Selectmen Meetings November 7, 1995 -Page_b
On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for
the purpose of discussing labor negotiations not to come back into Open Session. On a roll call
vote, all members present voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. The Board
adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, ;
Secretary`