HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-02-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting
February 16, 1993
The meeting was convened at 7:13 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting x{
Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were
Chairman Dan Ensminger, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Eugene
Nigro and Bill Burditt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the
following list of interested parties: Carolyn Garratt-Reed, Nancy
Eaton, Gary Demopoulos, Richard Radville, Matt Cummings, Beth Ann
Matathia, Sandy Matathia, Tom Stohlman, Arthur Scarpa, Sal Mele,
Michael Belmonte, Barbara Philbrick, William Hughes, George Shan-
non, Robin D'Antona, Richard V. DeLong, Jeanne R. Genna, and
Carol Burnham.
Minutes
There were no minutes for approval..
Liaison Report
Bill Burditt had no report.
Sally Hoyt indicated that she had been in Washington, DC recently
and had met President Clinton. She was lobbying on behalf of the
Business and Professional Womens' Association on issues of family
medical leave, educational reform, and MWRA rate relief.
Eugene Nigro indicated that the John Kenneth Galbraith talk was
rescheduled for March 21 at 2 : 00 p.m. It had had to be
resheduled because of weather.
Dan Ensminger indicated that he had attended Budget Committee
meetings and had discussion with the Taxpayers' Association
President over the weekend.
Public Comments
There were no Public Comments
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager indicated that the joint meeting with the RMLD
will be on 3/31/93 with a location and time to be announced.
This is a meeting with the other communities. He also indicated
that the Senior Center was open for business, and that as of this
evening, the Town was out of snow and. ice control funding and
would need a Reserve Fund transfer.
Personnel and Appointments
Dan Ensminger indicated that he had received the resignation of
Adrienne McMahon from the Reading Housing Partnership Committee.
Public Hearing
The Secretary read the notice of the hearing on Reading Rifle and
Revolver Club's request to start firing at their range on Haver-
hill Street at 7 : 30 a.m. on four Saturdays . Ms . Nancy Eaton,
President of the Club, addressed the Board of Selectmen. She in-
dicated that two of these dates are state meets and two are
regional championships. The morning light is better for shoot-
ing. One person has contacted the Club and requested no shooting
on Mothers Day and there is none scheduled. On Fathers Day a
Selectmens' Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 2
Sunday match is scheduled from 9: 00 to 11: 00 a.m. April 10 is
reserved as a rain date (the Saturday before Easter) and Easter
Sunday is scheduled for shooting from 9: 00 a.m. to 12 noon.
Beth Ann Matathia from 439 Haverhill Street objected to the early
starting on Sundays. She felt that there is shooting too early.
Arthur Scarpa from 679 Pearl Street is opposed to any earlier
starts. Selectman Burditt noted that the Police Range at that
location will be phased out with the construction of the ice rink
so there will be less shooting in the area. Dan Ensminger asked
if the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club would be willing to trade
off 9: 00 a.m. starts on other Sundays in order to get the early
Saturday times. Gene Nigro asked how often the New England Cham-
pionships were held in Reading and Ms. Eaton responded that Read-
ing is the best range in New England and the shoots have been in
Reading for at least the last 20 years.
On motion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to close the
public hearing at 7 :25 p.m. by vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Nigro the Board voted to approve
the start of firing at the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club
premises on Haverhill Street at 7: 30 a.m. on May 15, 1993 ; June
12, 1993; July 3 , 1993 ; and August 28, 1993 , with the agreement
from the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club that no firing shall
take place prior to 9: 00 a.m. on the following Saturdays and Sun-
days: March 14, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11, May 9, May
15, May 29 and 30, June 5 and 6, June 12, June 26, July 3 , July
11, July 24, July 25, July 31, August 1 through 21, August 28,
October 3, and October 10. The motion was approved by a vote of
3-1-0 with Hoyt voting in opposition.
Discussion/Action Items
Warrant - Carroll McMillan, President of the Reading Taxpayers'
Association, spoke to the Board of Selectmen. He recommended an
override of Proposition 2 1/2 to appear on the ballot on March
23 , 1993 in the amount of $2 to 2 1/2 million dollars. He had
indicated at the joint meeting of FinCom, the Board of Selectmen,
and the School Committee, that he would need to be convinced of
the need for a Prop 2 1/2 override. He has calculated the infla-
tion rate since 1981 when Prop 2 1/2 was adopted, and the in-
creases permitted under Prop 2 1/2 . He finds that there is a 15%
to 20% difference, and taking into account the Water and Sewer
Enterprise, the trash fee, and new growth, there is still a gap
of approximately $1 , 000, 000 . The Town is short at least
$1, 000, 000 for level services for the school and municipal
departments. He felt that residents are short changing the Town
and he is proposing a 2 .5 million dollar override and elimination
of the trash fee which would address that shortfall. He also
asked that the Board of Selectmen give serious consideration to
evaluating tax classification for FY95 and that thorough research
by persons other than the Board of Assessors should be conducted.
He also suggested that the School Department might consider the
Selectmens' Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 3
elimination of all fees (athletic and Middle School Band) as part
of this package. Mr. McMillan indicated that the average home in
Reading is assessed at $178, 000. Using a $175, 000 assessed
valuation a 2 .5 million dollar override would cost approximately
$318 per household per year. Assuming that the vast majority of
residents itemize, and are in the 28% income tax bracket, they
would save $89 in federal income taxes which would result in
shifting approximately $500, 000 from federal taxes to local
taxes. Also assuming that the trash fee would increase to $180
in FY94 (the current fee plus RESCO pass through plus recycling)
that a net effect of an override on an average home would be $49 .
He indicated that the RTpA would continue to be a watchdog on how
monies are spent. He felt that this override would balance the
books with the taxpayers and he hoped for improved communication
with the Reading Taxpayers' Association and the Town. He indi-
cated that he would actively campaign for an override.
Dan Ensminger asked if the membership of the RTpA had evaluated
this proposal and why they would press for a March election. Mr.
McMillan indicated that the March election is important because a
lot of people will be voting for local officials and people will
be paying attention to local issues. In addition, federal tax
hikes might be put in place and there could be resistance to a
local override if it was held later. He has polled his member-
ship at a meeting held over the weekend in his home and they are
in agreement.
Sally Hoyt felt that having the override on the March election
would save $10, 000 for special election costs.
Bill Burditt indicated that he thinks five weeks is too short a
time to get an override successfully approved and would opt to
think the process out more clearly, get some of the unknowns like
education reform and the RESCO court case dealt with, and have a
special election.
Dan Ensminger indicated that the Warrant can close and the dollar
amount be decided next week. He hoped that an override attempt
would be a multi-year (two years) approach.
George Shannon commended Mr. McMillan and indicated that we need
to take local action and not depend on the state or federal
governments.
Richard DeLong of the Reading Taxpayers' Association indicated
that he backs Carroll McMillan's comments. The FinCom and the
Board of Selectmen know the issue with regard to the School
budgets and they shouldn't delay or prolong the process.
Matt Cummings, Chairman of the School Committee, commended the
Reading Taxpayers' Association and indicated that he will be ad-
dressing that group on March 4 . He feels that the public will
well understand the issue of elimination of the trash fee and
that major service areas have been identified. He feels that
there is adequate public interest to mobilize to get the word
out. He felt that we should solve our own problems in Reading.
Selectmens' Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 4
Sally Hoyt indicated that we are unlikely to receive the same
state aid as last year. She thanked the RTpA for their efforts.
Gene Nigro thanked Carroll McMillan and indicated that he hoped
the organization would support the override. He has seen it com-
ing for years and feels that the Town should be in charge of its
own destiny. The state and federal government can hurt us and
time is of the essence. He felt that we should go for it now.
Gail Wood indicated that she was at home listening and urges the
Board of Selectmen to support the override now. She thinks that
we should avoid a special election. We can't wait for state ac-
tion.
Ron Daddario felt that we should strike while the iron is hot.
There is little organized opposition.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Nigro the Board voted to close
the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting by a vote of 4-0-0. No
additional petition articles were submitted.
Public Hearing
The Secretary read the notice of the hearing for the Constable.
She then excused herself from the quorum since she is a Con-
stable. Bill Hughesindicated that he wanted to reiterate his
belief and feeling that the Town needs a third Constable and that
Michael Belmonte is an excellent choice. He has invested money
for bonding and he feels that Belmonte should be retained.
Sal Mele indicated that it is no reflection on Mr. Belmonte but
he feels there is a conflict working as a Public Safety Dispat-
cher and as a Constable. The Dispatcher shouldn't be so tired
that another "Lexington situation" happens. He feels there are
other qualified Constables to fill the position.
Michael Belmonte spoke and said he feels that there is a need for
a third Constable. He took offense at Mr. Mele's reference to
Lexington. He indicated that if he felt there was a conflict he
would not serve as Constable.
Selectman Burditt indicated that the issue of the best qualified
person was debated in July and Mr. Belmonte was chosen. The Town
wanted somebody to train in the ,position. The Police Chief has
no problem with Belmonte working as a Constable.
Bill Hughes indicated that he has been a Constable for 10 years
and it has never interfered with his primary job. The Constables
work with each other to make sure there is coverage.
On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the hearing was closed by
a vote of 3-0-0.
Selectmens' Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 5
Gene Nigro indicated that the issue is ongoing because of tech-
nicalities of law but they have already determined that Mr. Bel-
monte is the most qualified person and that there is no real con-
flict.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Nigro the Board voted after a
duly noticed Public Hearing held on February 16, 1993 , to make
the following findings in accordance with GL Chapter 268A Section
20f; 1) Michael Belmonte is a part-time Dispatcher for the
Department of Public Safety; 2) We seek to appoint him to the
position of Constable of the Town of Reading in accordance with
GL Chapter 41 Section 91A; 3) The services as Constable can be
performed outside his normal working hours; 4) The services as
Constable are not required as part of his regular duties as a
part-time Dispatcher; and 5) At the current time Michael Belmonte
is the best available person to hold the additional appointment
as Constable for the Town of Reading. All in accordance with the
Public Hearing before the Board after public notice.
The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 and Ms. Hoyt rejoined
the meeting.
DiscussionjAction Items
Ice Rink Arena Authority Lease - The Board considered the execu-
tion of the lease with the Reading Ice Arena Authority. Carolyn
Garratt-Reed of 64 Wakefield Street expressed concerns about
traffic and presented a graph on trafficactivityin that area
now. Concerns also exist about the intersection of Charles and
Wakefield Streets, and Bainbridge and Wakefield Streets. Dan - -
Ensminger indicated that these issues could be dealt with during
the site plan process. Tom Stohlman asked if site plan approval
is required by the lease and it was indicated that it was. He
also asked if a copy of the lease would be available once signed
and the response was also yes.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board moved to
authorize the signing of the lease for portions of the Haverhill
Street Nike Base with the Reading Ice Arena Authority Incor-
porated.
Nancy Eaton, representing the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club,
was concerned that the number of special events was not spelled
out, there was no definition of major event, the Gun Club is con-
cerned about security, parking and traffic control are a concern
as well as liability by Reading Rifle and Revolver Club as an at-
tractive nuisance.
Sandy Matathia, 439 Haverhill Street, outlined three areas of
concern; 1) There is a built-in presumption that the rink
qualifies as a municipal use but there is no requirement of a
specific amount of "public skating. " He questioned whether the
facility would in fact qualify as a public facility. (It was in-
dicated that Town Counsel felt because the rink will provide for
public skating and because the Town may take over ownership of
the rink at any time, that it qualifies as a public facility. )
Selectmens' Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 6
2) Reference is made in the lease regarding environmental condi-
tions to the property. He suggested that the Town do a detailed
examination of the land, not because of previous use for a Nike
Base but because of previous use by the Town for herbicide and
pesticide storage (the proponent has done an environmental study
and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will be doing the cleanup. )
3) Paragraph 40 includes a waiver that precludes CPDC from seek-
ing in any way to making certain requirements or impositions on
the developer for off-site improvements. Tom Stohlman indicated
that he agrees that that might be a limiter. The Town Manager
indicated that may be something that would need to be evaluated
as the planning process moves forward.
Marlene Cohen from Timberneck Drive expressed concerns about uses
of the property for other than rink use. The Town Manager indi-
cated that the other uses that she had talked about (like a flea
market) would be commercial uses in violation of the zoning.
On the original motion, the Board voted 4-0-0 to approve the
signing of the lease. Nancy Eaton asked to see the application
for IRS approval, and the Board asked that it be requested from
the proponent.
Education Reform Bill - Senator Tisei, Senator Buell and Repre-
sentative Krekorian appeared before the Board to talk about the
progress of the educational reform bill. Senator Buell indicated
that the Senate hopefully will not pass the House-passed version
since it isnot beneficial to education.
Senator Tisei indicated that he is wary of funding. Communities
have different types of needs. For example, Malden, which is in
his district, is in crisis and the reform bill may not do enough.
Sections of the bill would be punitive to Reading because they
don't measure performance. The bill would eliminate tenure but
would replace it with a worse system. Funding should be tied to
performance, and there needs to be some assurance that funding
will be there.
Representative Krekorian noted that he voted against the bill and
felt that the bill "stinks. " It has become a funding bill not an
educational reform bill. To the extent that it seeks to step up
to the state responsibility for supporting education, he supports
the bill. However, there are no ties to performance. Many of
the suburban communities need money but not many of the so-called
reforms in the bill. He also had argued for a hold harmless
provision if performance standards are met. The consensus was
that the bill would not be debated by the Senate this week or
next week. There will undoubtedly be two different versions and
there will be a conference committee which will decide the final
bill. Each House then will need to vote for or against but will
not be able to amend it
Selectmens' Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 7
Dan Ensminger noted that some of the earlier versions required
that school collective bargaining agreements be approved by Town
Meeting. It is unclear where that provision currently lies. The
Board thanked the Representative and Senators for attending.
Lions Park: The Town Manager presented the history of the
request to remove the plantings from the so-called East Common
and to rename Elm Park to Lions Park. He felt that the Lions
Club has performed outstanding service to the community and has
agreed to maintain the Park other than mowing and that therefore
naming the Park Lions Park would be appropriate. Ben Nichols
presented the history of Elm Park and objected to the change in
the name. The Board of Selectmen noted that there are no elms
left in Elm Park, and that the change of name would be ap-
propriate to recognize the outstanding efforts on the part of the
Lions Club in this community.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board voted to rename
the area known as Elm Park at the intersection of Washington and
Main Streets as Lions Park, and to authorize the Town Manager to
permit the re-landscaping and maintenance of the property by the
Reading Lions Club; and the Town Manager is authorized to approve
a suitable sign naming the park to be installed by the Lions
Club. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Stop Sign - On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board ap-
proved in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 89 Section 9
of Mass General Laws the designation of the following street as a
stop street in the direction indicated. In the amendment of Ar-
ticle VI Section II the Traffic Rules and Orders adopted by the
Board of Selectmen on April 16, 1948 for the Town of Reading to
add the following - Prescott Street westbound at West Street -
stop.
The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Licenses
Carol Buchanan from Papa Gino's appeared before the Board of
Selectmen to request approval of the Entertainment License and
Common Victuallers License. They plan to open on February 22 .
They will have 83 seats and their hours will be 11: 00 a.m. to
10: 00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11: 00 a.m. to 11: 00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday; noon to 10: 00 p.m. on Sunday. This facility
is corporately owned. Thejukebox will be coin operated. They
are not requesting a liquor license and do not have the required
100 seats
On motion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt the Board approved a Common
Victuallers License and an Entertainment License for a juke box
for Papa Gino's Acquisition Corporation at 676 Main Street for a
term expiring December 31, 1993 . The motion was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
Chapter 90 - The Town Manager reviewed Chapter 90 improvements.
He noted what projects were ongoing and what projects needed to
move forward.
Selectmen's Minutes - 2/16/93 - page 8
He recommended that we proceed with the Hopkins/Walnut Street in-
tersections improvements as designed and without a sidewalk on
the northerly side of Hopkins. Town policy had been to expand
the sidewalk inventory in Town by providing sidewalks on one side
of each street before going back and putting sidewalks on both
sides. Additionally, the cost of the sidewalk on the northerly
side of Hopkins Street is $40,000 which is almost as much as the
entire remainder of the project. This project will proceed
without further hearing. The High Street overlay project from
Lowell to Middlesex will be a micro-chip seal project and will
not require further hearing.
The reconstruction of Middle Street to provide curbs and
sidewalks and overlay and therefore improve access from the Union
Street parking lot to the Senior Center will require a hearing
and will then be constructed this spring. The overlay of Ash
Street from Wakefield to the RMLD property would result in im-
proved wearing surface plus a sidewalk on one side of the street.
This will require a hearing and then design and construction this
spring. Additional funds are available and the priority list for
Chapter 90 funds include upper Pearl Street, Mill and Short
Streets (which includes sewer construction) , Salem Street includ-
ing sidewalks, Lowell Street including curbs and sidewalks, Eaton
Street, John Street, Gould Street, Linden Street sidewalk, Ash
Street between Green and Washington, Lincoln Street including
reconstruction of the depot parking lot, and Causeway.
On-motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to go into
Executive Session for the purposes of discussing litigation,
labor negotiations, sale of real estate, and approval of Minutes
not to come back into Open Session. The motion was approved with
all four members present voting in the affirmative and the Board
adjourned at 11: 15 p.m.
Respe tfully submitted,
ecret y