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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-21 Board of Selectmen Minutes I I i Board of Selectmen Meeting November 21, 1995 The meeting was convened at 7:35 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: Matt Wetzel, Matt Lacorazza, Matt Johnson, Chris Proctor, Jeff Wetzel, Mark Wetzel, Nancy Eaton, Paul Feely Jr., Gerry MacDonald, Bill Brown, Tim Nimblett, Cathy Baranofsky, Bill Murphy, Frank Driscoll, Stewart Chipman, Ted McIntire, Gail Wood. Attending the meeting for their Citizenship Badge were members of Pack 733 Weblos Den 1 at Barrows School including Mark Wetzel, Den Leader and Jeff Wetzel, Chris Proctor, Matt Lacorazza, Matt Johnson and Matt Wetzel. Also attending for the Aids Proclamation were Jane Fiore along with students Erin Smith, Emily Diamond and Nazli Greene. Approval of Minutes On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board approved the minutes of the meeting of November 14, 1996 by a vote of 5-0-0. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Dan Ensminger had no report but thanked George Hines for standing in on the 25 Haven Street Task Force meeting. Camille Anthony received a letter from the Division of Conservation Services from Jennifer Soper to Nancy Eaton commending the volunteer effort on the Open Space Plan. Bruce MacDonald attended a Police Station Building Committee meeting with the School Committee regarding the Oakland Road site. The concerns expressed were for the possible use of the land, and also issues with respect to having a Police Station near the High School. The School Committee won't make a formal determination until May because they have a study ongoing. MacDonald also attended the Housing Partnership meeting as Liaison. They came up with the final wording regarding the terms of the I 1 affordable housing units at Bear Hill. They will have a draft of the agreement next Monday night and are on the Selectmen's agenda for early December. Wednesday, November 29, there will be a meeting of volunteers who are interested in working on the Home Page for Reading. George Hines noted that Town Meeting has concluded in two sessions with mixed results. He suggested that the Sign Review Committee come before the Board to discuss issues with regard to signs. Also, CPDC should attend that meeting. He attended the Grand Opening of the Emperor's Choice Restaurant, and noted that this is a very healthy business who decided to go into business with a non-smoking environment. He attended the Ice Arena Authority meeting, and the fund raising was not going as well as they had hoped. They met their one year goal. The Board of Selectmen Meeting -November 21, 1995 -Page 2 operations are way ahead of costs. There's a tot lessons group. The High School hockey season is beginning, the ice time is booked. The Skating Club is doing very well. There is a New Years' Eve Party scheduled. August and September were very strong months but February is not fully booked. Their audit was completed. He attended the RMLD 25 Haven Street Task Force meeting. They met again last evening and clarified issues of asbestos abatement - the costs were lower than expected. Last evening, there was a meeting with the RMLD Board. The outcome was extremely disappointing. One of the bids is not compatible with the Downtown efforts. The overriding concern of the Task Force was the contingencies such as site plan approval. A letter from Brooks Pharmacy indicated that they would drop the contingencies. The whole Board should be present at the next joint meeting. Sally Hoyt attended the Veterans' Day Memorial Service at the Congregational Church. She attended the Emperor's Choice Restaurant Grand Opening. The 1995 Tree Lighting Ceremonies will be on the 26th, with hayrides, trolley rides, food sales, etc. Proceeds will go to the Food Pantry. The lighting is at 4:00 p.m. and Doyons will have music. On December 3, 1995, the Melrose Polar Express will becoming in at 6:10 p.m. and Santa will be thereon the Common. In the future, it would be good to coordinate this event with the tree lighting. Camille Anthony noted that she had gotten a call from a resident who was dismayed at Town - Meeting, especially with lack of respect to the presenters and poor demeanor. Town Meeting needs to be aware of this. The Board of Selectmen need to think about Town Meeting behavior and evaluate how to avoid problems. Clearly, some Boards, Committees and Commissions hadn't coordinated their activities. George Hines noted that when one member of the Board of Selectmen is appointed to a particular Board, Committee or Commission, then another person should be able to serve as back up -- the policies setting up these Boards, Committees and Commissions should provide for the member or designee. Public Comment Gerry MacDonald attended the Board of Selectmen's Meeting on behalf of Chew Chews and Main Sail Restaurants. They would like to see the item of smoking-placed on the ballot in the Spring. Bill Brown objected that Town Meeting allowed a non-Town Meeting Member to make a report - the Downtown Steering Committee. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager reported that South Street reconstruction is going very well. Upper Pearl Street construction is underway and the binder course of pavement is complete. The Pearl Street School project has all local approvals and the project is in the preliminary marketing stages. The closing will begin on Tuesday, November 28, and should be completed by Friday. Bids received for 25 Haven Street and the Task Force met last evening and voted 4-2-1 to recommend i Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 21 1995 -Page 3 Stratographics project for the site. The decision is up to the Board of Selectmen and the RMLD Board and we have tentatively scheduled a joint meeting with the RMLD Board on the 28th. The Town Planner and Town Manager have been working with Reading Medical Center on an off premises sign that can be a prototype for a directional sign. This matter is scheduled for December 5th with the Board of Selectmen. The Town Manager is asking the Finance Committee for three reserve fund transfers: $1150 to change to a dual arrow, yellow and then green, at the beacon at Main and Pleasant Street southbound from Lowell Street; $1080 to add a switch at the Fire Department Headquarters building to reduce impact of traffic from this site on the Square; and $1000 for Engineering overtime to assist in the development of sidewalk construction master plan. Town and School staff have met regarding preparations for the Super Bowl Game. The Town Clerk's position has been advertised. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force has recommended a change in parking on Woburn Street from Summer Avenue to Berkeley Street and citizen input will be solicited. The Route 129 hearing is at the Lecture Hall on November 29, 1995. The Budget Council Meeting needs to be rescheduled from December 2, 1995, because that is Super Bowl Day in Reading. The Open Space and Recreation Plan has been approved. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board approved a Proclamation designating December 1, 1995 as Aids Awareness Day in Reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and Jane Fiore received the Proclamation. Discussion/Actions Items Approval of Contract-DPW The Town Manager presented the proposed contract between the Town and the DPW Union. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to approve the contract between the Town of Reading and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1703, the DPW Union for a term beginning July 1, 1995 and expiring June 30, 1998, and authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign the agreement on the Town's behalf. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Presentation from Health Division on Activities Ruth Clay, Health Director, and members of the Board of Health, appeared along with the Health Department staff to talk about activities of the Health Division. Approval of Liquor Licenses The Board discussed the renewal of liquor licenses and talked about the need for TIPS training for servers. Dan Ensminger asked about the practice of liquor stores selling to people who then resell the liquor to minors, and how this can be prevented. The Board noted that it will expect cooperation from all liquor license holders with regard to TIPS training and may make more stringent requirements in the future. Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 21, 1995 -Page 4 On motion by MacDonald seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to issue a Club Liquor License to Reading Council Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street,Reading, MA 01867, with a requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent training course in this license year and that the manager then train the remainder of the staff. Bob McKenna noted that the cost of TIPS training was very expensive - approximately $250 per person. The Board approved the motion by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to issue a Club Liquor License to Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager then train the remainder of the serving staff. On motion by Hines seconded by MacDonald, the Board voted to issue a Club Liquor License to Reading Veterans' Association, 37 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the serving staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to issue a Club Liquor License to - Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc., 575 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the star The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to, Uptown Liquors, 1349 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to Square Liquors, 607 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. i Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 21, 1995 -Page 5. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to Wes Parker's Inc., 296 Salem Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996,with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to Harrows Poultry Products, 126 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to Main Sail Restaurant, 323 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to the Lok Restaurant, 32 Lincoln Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board voted to issue a Liquor License to Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street, Reading, MA 01867 for a term expiring December 31, 1996, with the requirement that the manager complete a TIPS or equivalent course in this license year and that the manager train the remainder of the staff. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Mr. Kuan Wa, who is the manager at Emperor's Choice, asked about the possibility of putting seats by the bar. The Board indicated that this would be a violation of the pouring policy, but that if he wanted to make a specific proposal, they would consider it. Approval of Gasoline License On motion by Ensminger seconded by MacDonald, the Board approved a gasoline storage license for 1462 Main Street for the storage of 4,000 gallons of gasoline, 6,290 gallons of gasoline, and 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel as recommended by the Fire Chief. The Town Manager noted that this was correcting a license that had previously been issued in error related to the number of gallons to be stored in each of the tanks. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Hines abstaining. Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 21 1995-Page_6 Review Status of Water Supply Ted McIntire reviewed the status of the water supply. In March, they will be doing a thirty-day pump test and will come back to the Board of Selectmen on an exception basis if the testing does not turn out as hoped. Evaluation of Tiered Water Rates The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen relative to the issue of tiered water rates. Stewart Chipman made the presentation, and noted that the advantages to a tiered water rate are promotion of conservation, providing rate relief to low water users, passing along the increase costs of high volume water production, and increasing the rate for second water meters would discourage non-domestic use. The disadvantages are that condos, apartments and municipal buildings are billed as one account with many users and thus would experience larger bills. Result and conservation of water may drive rates higher. The administrative costs associated with implementing the program may be problematic. Camille Anthony asked about water usage trends and it was noted that they are stable. Nancy Eaton noted that a methodology like this may drive people into drilling private wells and that may have a negative effect on wetlands. George Hines asked if the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee had discussed the second - water meter issue,and this is scheduled for February discussion. The Water and Sewer Advisory Committee recommends retaining a flat water rate structure at this time, and the Board of Selectmen concurred. Approval of Deed - Green Street The Town Manager noted that the Deed for 5,041 square feet of land on Green Street has been prepared and is ready for approval. On motion by MacDonald seconded by Hines, the Board voted to execute, acknowledge and deliver a Deed to a portion of land on Green Street consisting of 5,041 square feet as subscribed in a Deed to Marian L. Menelly in a form presented to the Board of Selectmen on November 21, 1995, and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all other instruments, documents or certificates necessary or appropriate in connection with the aforesaid transaction, and to authorize Sally M. Hoyt as Chairman or George V. Hines as Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to execute, acknowledge and deliver on behalf of the Town any and all other instruments, documents or certificates necessary or appropriate in connection therewith in order to consummate the aforesaid transaction. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Licenses Permits and Approvals On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to approve a Taxi Driver's License for David E. Carleton of 18 Pearl Street in Saugus driving a taxi for Acura International for a term expiring 12/31/95, subject to the condition that the vehicle be garaged at 18 Pearl i Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 21, 1995 -Page 7 Street in Saugus and that vehicle trips to 93 Dana Road be limited. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with Hines abstaining. Discussion on Residency Requirements for Members of Boards Committees and Commissions Discussion on Town Employees being Members of Boards, Committees and Commissions The Board of Selectmen discussed the issue of residency requirements for members of Boards, Committees and Commissions, and also discussed the issue on Town Employees being members of Boards, Committees and Commissions. The Board felt that multiple member bodies who make policy should not include employees. Employees could be included on Task Forces. Town Counsel will be asked to review this issue. The Town Manager was directed to draft a policy which would require that employees only be members of Boards, Committees and Commissions. Town Manager's Evaluation The Board of Selectmen will do the Town Manager's evaluation on December 19. Reports will be given to George Hines and Camille Anthony on the 12th, and they will develop a composite report. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to adjourn at 11:17 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, , SecretaryW~ -