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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-04-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen April 27, 1993 The meeting was convened at. 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Chairman Dan Ensminger, Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Bill Burditt and Eugene Nigro, Town Manager Peter I. Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Lois Bond, Lee Roberts, Nate White. Approval of Minutes On motion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt the Board approved- the minutes of the meeting of March 30, 1993 by a vote of 3-0-2 with Hines and Hoyt abstaining. on motion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt the Board approved the minutes of April 6, 1993 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board approved the minutes of April 13, 1993 by a vote of 4-0-1 with Nigro abstain- ing. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Bill Burditt indicated that the Audit Committee recommended Peat Marwick for a three year contract. He also attended the 350th Mug and Muffin last weekend. Sally Hoyt reported that tire and battery collection is set for June 26. The Junior Camp still has openings. Elder Services is doing a cooperative venture with the Library starting in May. She attended a reception for Mr. Hicks, new President of the Reading Co-Operative Bank. She delivered the April 16 letter regarding the Soft Second Loan Program. She attended a Reading Housing Partnership meeting. She attended the session by Mark Roosevelt regarding School Reform. Gene Nigro attended a meeting regarding Police Reserves and will have a report on May 11. The Reading Public Library has a long range plan and wants to discuss the issues of fundraising again on May 11. The Town Manager evaluation process needs to proceed. The Board needs to make appointments for speaking on Memorial Day. George Hines indicated that he had some questions regarding fund raising which will be discussed on the 11th. He attended the Ice Arena Authority meeting as a Selectmen member. They plan for filing for local approvals in May and June, with construction to begin in the Fall and the facility to be opened in June/July of 1994. Dan Ensminger will be attending the Cracker Barrel at the Senior Center on the 29th, the Regional MMA meeting is this Thursday. The Bulk Waste Program is set for May 17 . Board of Selectmen Minutes - 4/27/93 - page 2 The following Selectmen were designated to speak at Memorial Day ceremonies at the Cemetery: Dan Ensminger - Charles Lawn Cemetery; Sally Hoyt - Laurel Hill Cemetery; Bill Burditt - Forest Glen. Public Comments There were no public comments. Proclamation On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board proclaimed May 12 as a day of recognition for volunteers for Reading Senior Citizens. The motion was passed by a vote of 5-0-0. Lois Bond and Lee Roberts from the Division of Elder Services were present to receive the proclamation. Ms. Roberts noted that there are 35 active programs in Elder Services with over 200 volunteers. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager reported on gypsy moth spraying scheduled for May 17 thru June 17; the appointment of Steve Kajander as Recrea- tion Supervisor; the appointment of Whitney Goetz as Outreach Worker; the awarding of contracts for auditing services to Peat Marwick, Middle Street construction, Hopkins Street construction, Ash Street construction, High Street constuction, and Rubbish Collection/Recycling Contract to Waste Management of Mas- sachusetts. He also reported on the status of the Washington Street improvements; indicated that the case against Town Coun- sel, former DPW Director, and Town Manager by Rogan has been dis- missed; and the other case in the zoning violation is scheduled for trial on May 27; Reading has been recognized for the eight consecutive year as a "Tree City USA; " bids have been accepted for the Town's Property & Casualty and other insurances and are being evaluated by the Insurance Advisor; a reception to honor Peer Leaders and their parents will be held Tuesday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m in the RMHS cafeteria; the High School "Springfest" is scheduled for May 12 (this is a one-half day set aside by stu- dents, faculty and administration to improve the school campus) ; the SADD assembly at the RMHS is scheduled for tomorrow morning and the Police Department and I will be present to lend our sup- port; the Volunteer Recognition Reception at the Senior Center is being held on May 12 ; the Town Manager testified on two transportation-related Bills at the Legislature - 4914 which is the South Street Home Rule Petition, and 1567 which would fund Chapter 90 improvements to local roads; the Bulk Waste Collection Program is scheduled for the week of May 17 . Discussion/Action Items Gene Nigro asked about the Lacy Packer Sign and whether it will be refinished. George Hines suggested that Mr. McMillan, the property owner at Village and Washington Street, should come in to receive a certificate of appreciation for the donation of land at that site. Board of Selectmen Minutes - 4/27/93 - page 3 The Board discussed zoning issues, and specifically signs. The issue of concern is awning signs. The Board indicated they felt an integrated sign program especially for the downtown area should be a goal for next year. FY93 and FY94 Budget - The Board discussed the FY93 and FY94 budgets. The Town Manager is recommending $375, 000 in budget transfers for FY93 . On motion by Burditt seconded by Nigro the Board supported the Town Manager's recommendation with regard to the FY93 budget by a vote of 5-0-0. It was suggested that in the future, the 53rd payroll be divided among four or five fiscal years. Elimination of Haven Street Taxi Stand - On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the Board approved the removal and designa- tion of the taxi stand from two parking spaces on, the southerly side of Haven Street adjacent to property owned by the Reading Municipal Light Department. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. CPDC Discussion - The Community Planning and Development commis- sion members joined the Board of Selectmen. Present were Chair- man Jonathan Barnes and members Thomas Baillie, Richard Howard, and William Goodrich. Items discussed included economic develop- ment issues. The consensus was that the Town should develop a master plan for the site that would be consistent with the uses that are preferred for the landfill site - including hotel, res- taurant, and biotech or office. There is also a consensus that a marketing master plan should be developed as well as a plan for closure of the site. Concern was expressed that we may need some expertise and some monies to accomplish this work. The Town Planner reviewed the data base of economic development sites that is being compiled. The Board indicated that a complete review of the sign bylaw was needed. This should involve a comprehensive review, may involve Town Meeting, and perhaps there should be an advisory committee established. The Board discussed the process of selling Town owned lands - specifically Bear Hill and Pearl Street School. The Planning Commission felt that the process was appropriate, and Mr. Howard who chaired the Bear Hill Evaluation Committee felt that the only recommendation that he would have is to establish an evaluation committee to review and critique the RFP prior to it going out. Dan Ensminger raised concerns about placing extensive require- ments on bidders for the property, such as affordable housing and off site improvements, that would negatively affect the sale price. Jonathan Edwards brought the Board of Selectmen up-to-date on the Industriplex access from I-93 . Board of Selectmen Minutes - 4/2.7/93 - page 4 The issue of the water supply protection study was briefly dis- cussed. This study was completed and was included as part of the master plan. The Town Manager indicated that he would propose to develop a task force approach to deal with these issues, and that further discussion might take place at the next joint meeting of the Selectmen and the CPDC. Water Restrictions - The Board of Selectmen discussed the issues of water restrictions. The Town Manager recommended going to a Stage 2 water emergency from the current status of Stage 3 emer- gency. The Town Manager expressed concerns about our ability to produce adequate water supply, and the effect of operating in a Stage 2 emergency situation on the Water Treatment Plant employees. Mr. Ippolito and Mr. Ciano spoke. On motion by Bur- ditt seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to rescind the Stage 3 water conservation program, and in its place institute a Stage 2 water conservation declaration which states the following: "Stage 2 provides for mandatory water conservation subject to penalities in accordance with the law for violations of these restrictions. Water may be used for outdoor purposes only from 9:00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10: 00 p.m. , Monday thru Saturday, and only in accordance with the following schedule: Even numbered addresses: Outdoor use is permitted on even num- bered days of the month only during the hours specified above, except that no outdoor water use is permitted on Sunday. Odd numbered addresses: Outdoor use is permitted on odd numbered days of the month only during the hours specified above, except that no outdoor water use is permitted on Sunday. Further, the Town Manager is authorized, if conditions warrant, to immediately re-enact a Stage 3 water conservation program, and to notify the Board of Selectmen at the earliest possible date of such action. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. George Hines reminded the Board that this will require strict enforce- ment and the Town Manager agreed the enforcement would be aggres- sive and involve the Police Dept. Licenses Acura Industries Inc. - Mr. Ken Wiswall from Acura Industries met with the Board to discuss the issue of licenses. The Board was concerned about traffic violations of drivers. Mr. Wiswall indicated that there is a policy in place to let drivers go depending upon the seriousness of the violation. On motion by Nigro seconded by Hines the Board voted that the following taxi and livery licenses for Acura Industries by granted for a term expiring April 30, 1994 : Vehicles: -1987 Oldsmobile Station Wagon -1987 Chevy Station Wagon -1984 Chevrolet Caprice Station Wagon -1985 Chevy Caprice Station Wagon -1986 Oldsmobile Station Wagon Board of Selectmen Minutes - 4/27/93 - page 5 operators: -Wayne Lewis - 166 Woburn Street, Reading -James Dwyer - 21 Glenwood Ave. , Woburn -Kenneth Henshall - 1 Cappozi Circle, Woburn -Angelo Cagnina - 43 Spring Street, Medford -Edward Cagnina - 81 Winn Street, Woburn -Kenneth Wiswall - 93 Dana Road, Reading -Rosanne Hanifan - 65 Green Street, Woburn Subject to the conditions that: -All requirements of the "Policy on Taxi and Vehicle for Hire Licenses" are complied with; -drivers take the vehicles home to their place of residence when not in use; -all reasonable efforts be made to reduce or eliminate drivers' trips to 93 Dana Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Town Taxi of Reading. Inc. - Mary Gillis was before the Board representing Town Taxi of Reading. She indicated that Town Taxi does not have a policy regarding motor vehicle violations by drivers, but the company does not pay their fines for them. On motion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt the Board voted that the fol- lowing taxi licenses for Town Taxi be granted for term expiring April 30, 1994; Vehicles: -1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 -1986 Mercury Grand Marquis -1986 Chevrolet Caprice Operators: -Gary Gillis - 11 Lothrop Road, Reading -Mary Gillis - 11 Lothrop Road, Reading -Elizabeth Stakem - 20 Hunt Street, Reading -Albert Bothe - 23 Middlesex Avenue, Reading -Michael Smith - 9 Vale Road, Reading -George Lefavour - 6 Gardner Road, Reading Subject to the conditions that: -All requirements of the "Policy on Taxi and Vehicle for Hire Licenses" are complied with; -drivers take the vehicles home to their place of residence when not in use; -all reasonable efforts be made to reduce or eliminate drivers' trips to 11 Lothrop Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board agreed to go past the closing hour of 11: 00 p.m for items 9d and 9e. FY94 Budget - The Board discussed the FY94 budget as presented by the Town Manager. On motion by Nigro seconded by Hines the Board voted to recommend three amendments totalling $23 ,768 as follows: -Line C6 be increased by $3 , 000 for appraisals -Line G2 be increased by $4, 000 for police fuel in accordance with the override Board of Selectmen Minutes - 4/27/93 - page 6 -Line H7 be increased in the amount of $16,768 for additional street sweeping in accordance with the override. All funds to come from the reductions in Line C3 - the Reserve Fund. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Modification of Rubbish Fee FY 1993 - The Town Manager informed the Board of Selectmen that an instructional motion to defer use of the enterprise fund for Rubbish Collection and Disposal will be needed. He also indicated that he will send a letter to the Town's Senators and Representative regarding the instructional motion on Prop 2 1/2 billing. The Board approved that action. The Board discussed the issue of increasing the Rubbish Fee as recommended by the Town Manager. The recommended increase is $7.00 per household which is needed in order to pay for the remainder of the pass through costs from Resco. The Board debated the issue at some length. The members felt that such an increase is appropriate, but might be considered to be in bad faith with the voters who recently approved an override of Proposition 2 1/2 to eliminate the Rubbish Fee. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board moved to "modify the Town of Reading Rubbish Collection Rules and Regulations adopted 5/12/92 as follows: By modifying Section 8 to increase the effective quarterly fee per household from $27 . 50 per quarter subject to the prompt payment discount, to $34.50 per quarter subject to the prompt payment discount, and effective 4/1/93; and by rescinding Section 8 Rubbish Fee in its entirety effective 7/1/93 except that the Town should be authorized to continue efforts under Ar- ticle 8 to collect all fees billed through June 30, 1993; and to renumber Section 9 as Section 8. On motion by Hines seconded by Ensminger the Board approved an amendment to the main motion to delete the first paragraph beginning "By modifying Section 8 to increase the effective quarterly fee. . . . by a vote of 4-1-0. On the amended main motion, without the first paragraph, the mo- tion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Nigro the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of approval of minutes, sale of real estate, and labor negotiations not to come back into open session. All five members present voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. ;Resp ctfully submitted, �. ecret ry