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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-12-01 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting December 1, 1992 The meeting convened at 7: 30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman George Hines, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Bill Burditt and Eugene Nigro, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested citizens: Michael Belmonte, Teresa Moran, Kathleen M. Dumas, Jim Guptil, Betty Guptil, Peter A. Ahlquist, Gary Demopoulos, William J. Hughes, Jrs. , Kevin Moran, Stacy Lombardo, Rob Bennett, Gaynell Knowlton, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mohler, Joseph Panevino, Mike deBrigard, and Bob Silva. Chairman Dan Ensminger arrived at approximately 8: 10 p.m. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nigro the Board approved the minutes of November 16, 1992 as amended by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Nigro seconded by Burditt the Board approved the minutes of November 17, 1992 as amended by a vote of 4-0-0. Liaison Reports and Selectmen's Comments Bill Burditt indicated that he had attended the Christmas light- ing ceremony on the Common and complimented the band. He also noted that the swim team won the Middlesex League. Sally Hoyt commented on the Adopt a Family program and recrea- tions programs. She also recognized the band and swim team and extended congratulations to the football team. She reviewed the accomplishments of the marching band and color guard. She at- tended the Christmas lighting ceremony. She also spoke with Dr. Munnelly and expressed disappointment at Jack Delaney' s withdrawal from consideration for the Assistant Superintendent position. Eugene Nigro attended the Library Planning Committee meeting. He hoped that the Police Reserves issue would be resolved soon. He announced that Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen's father died and expressed sympathy on behalf of the Board. He also expressed disappointment about Dr. Delaney's withdrawal, and indicated that residents can show support by calling Dr. Munnelly, the School Committee and Dr. Delaney. George Hines indicated he felt it was great to see the Board of Selectmen honoring the youth of the community and again congratu- lated the various sports teams. Bill Burditt expressed concern that there was no background in the packet for the licenses to be reissued. He asked if there was enough information. The Town Manager indicated that the Board has previously directed that most of the license reissues are pro forma. When Dan Ensminger arrived, he commented that he has completed the draft of the population projections for the School Department and gave copies to the members of the Board of Selectmen. Selectmen's Minutes - 12/1/92 - page 2 Public Comment Kevin Moran indicated that events at Birch Meadow this past weekend brought a lot of out-of-town and out-of-state traffic through the Intervale Terrace neighborhood as late as 11: 30 p.m. Printed directions directed people to come in via Intervale Ter- race. The Town Manager indicated that by Charter, use of the Field House for non-school events comes under the Town Manager, and he will institute a program to ensure there is adequate police notice and that directions are given via major routes and not residential routes. Teresa Moran expressed thanks to the Police Department for their patience, and suggested that such events should be timed not to conflict with other events like the tree lighting ceremony. Personnel and Appointments The Board of Selectmen recognized Joseph Panevino and Robert Mohla from the Town of Reading Department of Public Works for their efforts on the day of the gasoline spill. They had been omitted from previous recognition. Discussion/Action Items The Town Manager introduced Jane Fiore from the Drug and Alcohol Task Force. Ms. Fiore reviewed the Drug Fighter of the Year award that was received, and introduced members of the Drug and Alcohol Task Force who were present. George Hines congratulated the youth on the leadership they are showing in a number of ureas. The Board of Selectmen discussed the Constable' s status . Selectman Sally Hoyt excused herself from the quorum. Town Coun- sel Ron Kaczynski indicated that it appears there would be a con- flict between the Constable position and employee status. He also indicated that there was some question about the Ethics Opinions. The conflict deals with the issue of having 500 hours of compensation, but the Ethics Opinions and Statute appear to be in conflict over whether this is 500 hours of compensation as a Constable or 500 hours of compensation as an employee. Mr. Kac- zynski suggested that the Town request a formal written opinion from the Ethics Commission, and Mr. Belmonte indicated that he would agree to not serve as a Constable during the period that this opinion is being requested. It' was suggested that Mr. Bel- monte be permitted to review the letter and that it also be copied to the other Constables. Eugene Nigro did not understand why there is a conflict if the Town is not paying for Constable services. It was responded that because of Mr. Belmonte's ap- pointment he does derive some benefit. Public Hearing The hearing on Brande Court/Woburn Street parking was opened. .�_ Sally Hoyt read the notice. The public asked about commuter parking and whether there are adequate spaces. A Bancroft Avenue - resident also asked what the effect would be on Bancroft Avenue where there is commuter and all-day parking. Pat Driscoll indi- cated that as a resident she has no objections to the surplus Selectmen's Minutes - 12/1/92 - page 3 commuter parking spaces being used for employee parking, but sug- gested it should be evaluated over time. Ann Ward expressed con- cern about Bancroft Avenue/Mt. Vernon all-day parking and it was felt that this should be monitored. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted to close the hearing at 8 :45 p.m. by vote of 5-0-0. The Board members indicated that we should evaluate the Bancroft Avenue/Mt. Vernon Street parking situation before and after the regulations go into effect. We should also revisit the issue if parking overflows, and emphasized that this is employee parking only while the driver is working in this area of Town. On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board voted that in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 85 Section 2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Board of Selectmen approves restrictions for the following streets by the following regula- tion: Article V Section 3 of the Traffic Rules and Orders adopted by the Board of Selectmen on April 16, 1948 for the Town of Reading are hereby amended as follows: two-hour parking per- mitted on both sides of Woburn Street from Chute Street to San- born Street - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board voted that the Board of Selectmen support the elimination of parking in three spaces in the municipal parking lot at the rear of the Atlantic Supermarket, said three spaces being designated as three spaces adjacent to the handicapped parking spaces; and the location of those three spaces be redesignated as the loading zone; all as outlined in the Town Manager's memo of 10/1/92 and accompanying maps; and that the Town Manager be directed to pursue these im- provements using Town work forces and/or private contractors as appropriate. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board voted that the Board of Selectmen amend the Depot Parking Rules and Regulations by adding a Section 4a as follows: non-resident employee parking stickers shall be available for a fee as established by the Chief of Police to cover the cost of the program. The Chief may estab- lish such rules and regulations as are appropriate to ensure that such stickers are being used by employees of the businesses lo- cated in the area of the Town roughly bounded by Lincoln Street, Woburn Street, Main Street and Washington Street. Permits will be for parking during working hours. Employee parking will be limited to the. Town-owned lot on High Street north of Woburn Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board talked about the possibility of waiving the YMCA fees for development applications. The Town Manger indicated that be- cause his wife is on the Board of the Eastern Middlesex Family YMCA, he felt that he should not make a decision in this case. Bill Burditt indicated that he would abstain because his daughter is an employee at the YMCA. The Board of Selectmen asked for I� i Selectmen's Minutes - 12/1/92 - page 4 - feedback from the Building Inspector, the. Conservation Commis- sion, and the Community Planning and Development Commission as to whether these fees should be waived. This will be scheduled for additional discussion at the next meeting. The Board discussed the Cable TV franchise renewal process. Present were Will Richmond from Continental Cable, and James Guarente, Chairman of the Cable TV Committee. Issues that have arisen include the need for a senior citizen discount, what kind of basic packages should be available, whether volume controls on the remote should be available, whether or not there are reduced installation rates, whether or not there are equipment upgrades. Mr. Guarente indicated that the Cable TV Committee would work with the Board of Selectmen to have hearings and gain citizen in- put. Mr. Richmond indicated that Cable TV regulations are in a state of flux because of new federal laws. He will keep the Board and the Cable TV Committee apprised of these changes. The Board of Selectmen discussed the possibility of consolidation of the Summer School Director's position and the Recreation Program Supervisor's position. Both positions are currently vacant. Sally Hoyt indicated that she feels there is an ad- vantage to this program and that it is greater than any disad- vantages. There will be a two-year trial period. Both the Recreation programs and the Summer School programs are self sup- porting. Joe Giordano spoke in favor of this program. The Town Manager and Ruth Cogan cautioned that at such time as the program may further expand it may outgrow the available clerical help. George Hines asked about the possibility of consolidating this with the Adult School Continuing Education Program, and it was indicated that this position is not currently vacant but that is a direction that could be taken at a later date. On motion by Nigro seconded by Hines the Board voted to support the concept of consolidation of the positions of Recreation Programs Supervisor and Summer School Coordinator in a manner as outlined in the Town Manager's memo of November 18, 1992 and the attached outline of agreement, including Recreation input on the selection process and asked the School Committee to proceed as soon as possible. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Burditt abstaining. Licenses The Board proceeded to review and approve licenses. The Town Manager indicated that all license applications had been reviewed by the Police Department, the Community Development Department and the Department of Human Services and none had any problem with renewal. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board ap- proved the renewal of licenses for Amusement Devices for terms expiring 12/31/93 as follows: three devices - Reading Knights of Columbus; three devices - Reading Overseas Veterans Inc. (VFW) ; three devices - Reading Veterans Association Inc. (American Legion) subject to the condition that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectmen's Minutes - 12/1/92 - page 5 On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board voted to approve the renewal of licenses for Class I Motor Vehicles for terms ex- piring 12/31/93 as follows: 128 Sales Inc. subject to the condi- tion that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previ- ous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hines moved and Burditt seconded a motion that the Board of Selectmen approve the renewal of licenses for Class II Motor Vehicles for terms expiring 12/31/93 as follows: Automotive Grooming Center d/b/a Foreign Auto Union; Brown's Auto Repair; Route 28 Motors; Russo Auto Sales Inc. ; and 128 Tire subject to the condition that all Zoning and other Bylaws of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to the condition that each motor vehicle for sale have posted on it only one sign in letters no larger than two inches in height; the price of the vehicle; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. Hoyt moved and Ensminger seconded to add Salem Street Garage to the list of Class II Motor Vehicles. The Town Manager indicated that he felt the site was much too crowded and the housekeeping was poor and he would not recommend renewal of this license. The amendment was not approved by vote of 2-3-0. The main motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board approved the renewal of license for Class III Motor Vehicles for terms expir- ing 12/31/93 as follows: J.D.C. Towing; subject to the condition that all Zoning and other Bylaws of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval; and subject to the condition that the property owner work with the Town to improve traffic flow and parking on the site. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Nigro seconded by Hines the Board approved the renewal of Common Victuallers licenses for terms expiring 12/31/93 as follows: A Crafty Companion, Alcopia Gourmet Food, AMF American d/b/a Fulchino Mobil of Reading, Atlantic Food Mart, Burger King Inc, Chew Chew's Pizza, Cumberland Farms, Christy's Supreme Pizza, Domino's Pizza, The Dragon Corner, Friendly Res- taurant, Golden Dragon Restaurant, Gregory's Deli and Sub, Read- ing Knights of Columbus, Kristen Donuts d/b/a Dunkin' Donuts, DAKA, L & S Bakery, Last Corner Restaurant, Liberty Bell Roast Beef, Little Chuck's Deli, Meadowbrook Country Club, Mr. Softie (formerly Gregory's Ice Cream) , Christopher's Cafe, P & S Con- venient Store, Pleasant Market, Pizza World, Reading Overseas Veterans (VFW) , Reading Quick Stop, Reading Redemption Center, Reading Veteran's Association (American Legion) , Rugdale Corpora- tion, Service America, Star Enterprises, Subway's Subs, TJ's Roast Beef, Town Pizza and Deli, VIDEOS . MUSIC And More, White Hen Pantry subject to the condition that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectmen's Minutes - 12/1/92 - page 6 - - On motion by Hines seconded by Nigro the Board approved the renewal of Entertainment licenses expiring 12/31/93 as follows: Reading Knights of Columbus and Reading Veteran's Association Inc. subject to conditions that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board approved the renewal of a Peddlars license for a term expiring 12/31/93 as follows: Morton I. Owen subject to the condition that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of ap- proval. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-2-0 with Hoyt and Nigro voting against. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board approved the renewal of Liquor Package Store licenses for terms expiring 12/31/93 as follows: Reading Liquors, Athens Liquors d/b/a/ Square Liquors, and Uptown Liquors subject to conditions that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board approved the renewal of Liquor Club Licenses for terms expiring 12/31/93 as follows: Knights of Columbus, Meadowbrook Country Club, Reading Overseas Veterans, Reading Veterans Association Inc. subject to the conditions that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve the renewal of Liquor Restaurant Licenses for terms expiring 12/31/93 as follows: Main Sail Restaurant subject to the condi- tion that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previ- ous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Nigro voting against. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nigro the Board voted to renew the Laundromat license for a term to expire 12/31/93 as follows: Bryant's Homestyle Laundries Inc. subject to the condition that all Zoning and other Bylaws and rules and regulations of the Town of Reading are adhered to; and subject to all previous conditions of approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by- Hines seconded by Burditt the Board of Selectmen authorized the Town Manager to approve annual renewals on all licenses originally issued by the Board of Selectmen with the following exceptions: liquor licenses; and any controversial -' license renewals should come to the Board of Selectmen. On no- tion by Nigro seconded by Hoyt to Board voted to add Class II licenses to the Selectmen's Minutes - 12/1/93 - page 7 exceptions. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Hines opposed. The main motion 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 the approval of minutes and discussion of the negotiation and sale of real estate, not to come back into Open Session. All five members voted in the af- firmative and the motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secre ry