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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-06-25 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting June 25, 1991 The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. Present were Chair- man Eugene Nigro, Vice Chairman Dan Ensminger, and Secretary` Sally Hoyt. Selectmen George Hines and Russ Graham and Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner arrived at 7 : 45, 7 :55, and 8 :15 respectively. Also in attendance were the following interested citizens. E. Bryant Whiton, Ted McIntire, Carol A. Amico, Angelo S . Amico, Sr. , Stephen P. Tucker. Len Wiswall , Ron Wood, Jim' Keighley, Carroll McMillan, Virginia M. Adams, W. L. Simpson, Jr. , E. W. Palmer, Gordon Rogerson, Jim Biller, Jim Nugent, Jr. , Anne Mark, Lorraine Salter, Wayne Muise, Gary Roberts, Cathy Baranofsky, Isidoro D. Perez, Gail Wood. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger the minutes of June 6 and June 11 were approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Liaison Reports Sally Hoyt indicated that she had marched in the Welcome. Home parade for the participants in Desert Storm and Desert Shield and had attended the waking hours for Erin Healy. Mrs. Hoyt gave a mosquito control update and reported on the Hearing Clinic, the Tire and Battery Collection, pool hours, volunteer recognition for Reading residents who participate in Mystic Valley sponsored programs and the Elder Services plans to sell strawberry short- cakes at Summerfest. Gene Nigro gave public thanks to Bill Simpson for the job he did in coordinating the Welcome Home festivities for participants in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Gene Nigro read a letter from Medal of Honor winner Charles A. MacGillivery thanking the Town for the Certificate of Appreciation and Cross pen awarded him at the Welcome Home celebration. Public Comment George Hines reported on a phone call he had received from a con- cerned South Street resident regarding tree cutting on South Street. Gene Nigro asked that the Town Manager get a full report from the Director of Public Works. Virginia Adams expressed con- cern on behalf of the Historical Commission that other plans for further tree cutting might be upcoming. Personnel and Appointments The following interviews and appointments were conducted: Board of Appeals - Applicant Peter I. Tedesco was interviewed. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the names of John A. Jarema and Peter I. Tedeseco were put in nomination. By vote of 5-0-0 incumbent John A. Jarema was appointed to a term to expire 6/30/94. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt Carol N. Scott was appointed an Associate member for a term to expire 6/30/92 by a vote of 5-0=0. Community Planning & Development Commission - On motion . of Ensminger seconded by Hines the names of William E. Goodrich and Peter I. Tedesco were put in nomination. By vote of 5-0-0 incum Selectmen Minutes - 6/25/91 - page 2 bent William E. Goodrich was appointed for a term to expire 6/30/94. Conservation Commission - Kevin O'Donnell was interviewed by the Board. Applicants Sean P. O'Brien, David M. Sullivan, Parris -F. Varney were not present to be interviewed. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger the names of Camille W. Anthony, James E. Biller, Harold V. Hulse, Sean P. O'Brien and Kevin O'Donnell were put in nomination. By vote of 5-0-0 Camille W. Anthony was ap- pointed for a term to expire 6/30/94. By vote of 5-0-0 James E. Biller was appointed .for a term to expire 6/30/94. By vote of 5- 0-0 Harold V. Hulse was appointed for a term to expire 6/30/94. Fair Housing Committee - There were no applicants for the Fair Housing Committee. The Town Manager will prepare an article on the Fair Housing Committee for publication in the paper. Historical Commission - Edward W. Palmer was the only applicant for the Historical Commission. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines it was moved that Edward Palmer be appointed to the posi- tion as a regular member of the Historical Commission for a term expiring 6/30/94. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Frank P. Orlando and Nancy L. Smethurst were applicants for ap- pointment as Associates to the Historical Commission for a term expiring 6/30/92. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines both Or- lando and Smethurst were appointed as Associates to the Histori- cal Commission by vote of 5-0-0. Board of Cemetery Trustees - There were two incumbent applicants for the two vacancies on the Board of Cemetery Trustees, and no other applicants. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt Edward F. Fuller and James J. Sullivan were nominated for positions on the Cemetery Board of Trustees for a term expiring 6/30/94. Each receiving five votes both were appointed to the positions. Cable TV Committee - Theiss E. Winkler was the only applicant for a membership on the Cable TV Committee. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt Theiss E. Winkler was nominated for a position of the Cable TV Committee for a term expiring 6/30/94. The mo- tion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Arts Council - There were nine vacancies on the Arts Council for a two-year terms. Frances G. Brown, Mary C. Grosvenor, Mary El- len LeCroix, Erline M. Robinson, Alice W. Collins, Beverly B. McAleer, David C. Mitchell and Eleanor S. Weiss were- nominated to terms on the Arts Council expiring 6/30/93. Each received five votes and all were appointed to positions on the Arts Council. There is one remaining vacancy. Beverly A. Cook was an applicant and did not show up for the interview. Board of Health - Kevin O'Donnell had been previously inter- viewed. W. Gordon Rogerson and Cathy P. Baranofsky were inter- viewed. Ronald Wood withdrew from consideration. Jim Nugent, Chairman of the Board of Health indicated that he thought all ap- plicants were qualified but that he personnaly would prefer the Selectmen Minutes - 6/25/91 - page 3 engineering experience and would recommend Mr. Rogerson. On mo- tion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the names of Kevin O'Donnell, W. Gordon Rogerson and Cathy P. Baranofsky were placed in nomination for a term on the Board of Health expiring 6/30/94. O'Donnell - got no votes, Rogerson got no votes and Baranofsky got five votes and Baranofsky was therefore appointed to the Board of Health. Council on Aging - There were three vacancies for terms expiring 6/30/94 . Gladys Cail, Linda Nordberg were incumbents who requested reappointment. Leonard J. Dergay requested appoint- ment. On motion by Ensminger . seconded by Hoyt all three names were placed in nomination for three terms expiring 6/30/94. Each applicant received five votes and all three were appointed to terms on the Council on Aging. Hazardous Waste - The Town Manager is meeting with the Hazardous Waste Committee to review their future operations. Therefore the Board decided not to consider theseappointments at this time. Recreation Committee There were three positions for regular members available plus associate members. Incumbents Catherine R. Kaminer and Joseph J. Giordano requested reappointment. Lor- raine Z. Salter had requested appointment as a regular member. She has been an associate. Also interviewed was Gary P. Roberts. Thomas J. Zaya was not present for an interview. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Ensminger the names of Joseph J. Giordano, Catherine R. Kaminer and Lorraine Z . Salter were placed in nomination for terms expiring 6/30/94 . All three members received five votes and each was appointed to the Recreation Com- mittee. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines Steven R. Sullivan and Gary P. Roberts were nominated to positions as associates to the Recreation Committee for terms expiring 6/30/92. Each received five votes and both were appointed as associate members. The Chairman had read the recommendation of John Fallon, Recreation Committee Chairman. Solid Waste Committee - There were two vacant positions for regular members on the Solid Waste Committee and two incumbents wishing to' be reappointed. Also interviewed was Carroll E. McMillan. In addition, the following people had been previously interviewed and were considered for this position: Wayne P. Meuse, Connie L. Phillips, Paul T. Woodbury and Kevin O'Donnell. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the following names were placed in nomination for the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for terms expiring 6/30/94 - Carroll T. McMillan, Wayne P. Meuse, Linda L. King, Stephen W. Thomases, Kevin O'Donnell, Connie L. Phillips and Paul T. Woodbury. King and Thomases each received five votes and were appointed to the Solid Waste Committee. Licenses 5 On motion by Graham seconded by Ensminger the Taxi and Livery Licenses for Acura Taxi were .amended by adding Acura Livery Serv- ices and Acura Carrier Service to each license for a term expir- ing 4/30/92/ The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectmens Minutes - 6/25/91 - Page 4 E Wilbur L. Simpson applied for a Peddlar's License. Mr. Simpson was present and discussed his application with the Board of Selectmen. He would do business as Trillium. He would do busi- r ness one to two days per week on Saturdays and Sundays and sell cut flowers. He has permission from the property owner, and sees this as a temporary business until he seeks full employment. He will be the only employee on the premises. . The license if issued would be non-transferrable. He would be selling from a platform with awning located in a parking space on the Berger property. He would not use the sidewalk or other surrounding areas. On mo- tion by Ensminger seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to grant the license expiring December 31, 1991 subject to Community Develop- ment approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Mr. and Mrs. Amico of 28 Pasture Road appeared to appeal their water bill. The meter was installed in 1975 and the Town has been reading the remote reader since. It was explained that the remote reader was apparently in error and when the meter was changed on February 14 , 1991, there was a large bill of ap- proximately .$4,000 due. They indicated that they are appealing based on the fact that the Town is negligent in not maintaining its equipment. They have received an abatement of approximately $2 , 000 but this leaves approximately $2 , 000 still due. They agreed with the Board to use the current usage - i. e. from February 1991 to June 1991 as the accurate amount of usage, to extrapolate that amount backwards to 1976, and to render a new bill based on that usage at the rates that were in effect at that time. They would then have the discount preserved. If they are not satisfied with the bill they have the right to further appeal to the Board of Selectmen. The Board requested that the form letters sent out by the Department of Public Works be reviewed and improved. Public Hearings The Board of Selectmen reviewed the proposed water and sewer rates. Revised figures were handed out at the meeting reflecting the latest change in the Mass Water Resources Association rates. Present were the three members of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee. They recommended a rate of $2.29 per 100 cubic feet for water with a minimum of $11.45 per quarter. For sewer they recommended a rate of $3 . 31 per .100 cubic feet of water used with a minimum of $16.55 per quarter minimum. These rates would have the effect of the water rate decreasing 27 cents per 100 cubic feet, and the sewer rate increasing 35 cents per 100 cubic feet. The total combined increase is less than 1.5% increase from FY91 rates. The rates will be in effect for August 1, 1991 billing. On motion by Ensminger seconded. by Hoyt the Public Hearing was closed at 11:16 p.m. by vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger seconded by Hines the water rates for FY92, effective with the billing of August 1, 1991, were set as follows: water - $2.29 for 100 cubic feet with a minimum bill of $11.45 per quarter. Selectmens Minutes - 6/25/91 - page 5 Sewer - $3.31 per 100 cubic feet of water used with a minimum rate of $16.55 per quarter minimum. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board approved the Street Lighting Policy which was the subject of a previous hearing, by vote of 5-0-0. The Board reviewed the proposed RMLD agreement. On motion by . Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to table action on this agreement until the next meeting by vote of 5-0-0. The Board asked what the cost of putting together this agreement was, and what the total legal services costs to the RMLD are. The Board discussed the Trash Rules and Regulations. The Town Manager is looking for direction on these policies so that they can be subject of a Public Hearing on July 16. The Board sug- gested that the draft policies be amended to provide that if a household is going to have collection by a private contractor, that household would have to let us know and show the agreement. The Chelmsford form, for opting out of the trash disposal system was presented by Mr. Carroll. The Board discussed the waiver system and agreed that the accounts as proposed to be waived be appropriate. It was the consensus that we would not waive or abate other accounts based on income. The Board adopted a meeting schedule of 7/16, 8/6, 8/27/91 for• the summer months. On motion by Graham seconded by Ensminger the Board voted to ad- journ at 12:01 by vote of 4-0-0 (Hines left just previous to the vote) . Respectfully submitted: Secretai_ TOWN OF READING, MASSACHUSETTS STREET LIGHTING POLICY i 1. The Board of Selectmen, acting through the Town Manager or his designee, shall determine the placement,frequency and size of all public street and public parking lot lighting. 2. The Town Manager or his designee shall review the street lighting scheme with the Reading Municipal Light Department and the Police Department and advise the Selectmen annually on the quantity and illumination level required. The RMLD will advise the Selectmen on the estimated lighting budget required to provide such lighting. 3. PLACEMENT; GENERAL Lights shall be placed at curves,intersections,and heavily treed areas and at locations of severe topographical changes. Lights will also be considered at locations of high incidences of accidents, and at locations of high pedestrian activity. Lights will be considered at public parking lots,recreation areas,etc.on the basis of identified public safety needs. 4. The frequency of lighting fixtures on straight runs of street length shall be at every third pole and shall be on alternate sides of the road where possible. 5. The type of street, considering width, traffic, zoning and background may affect frequency and size. 6. In all cases,Reading Municipal Light Department shall make the final decision within plus or minus 25 feet on the specified physical location subject to field installation conditions. 7. PETITION(S) Requests for new or added lights in an already lighted area shall be made to the Town Manager or his designee for action.The Town Manager or his designee shall consult with the Police Department and shall have thirty (30)working days to respond to the petitioner.A petitioner not satisfied with the Town Manager's decision may appeal to the full Board of Selectmen. 8. SUBDIVISION LIGHTING The Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works shall review the lighting scheme in review of subdivision plans in accordance with this policy.The Director of Public Works will then advise the Developer and Community Planning and Development Commission of lighting standard locations. 9. The Town of Reading will not be responsible for subdivision lighting costs until at least 50% of the proposed lots within 300 feet of a planned street light are built and are occupied. Notice Date: June 6,1991 Hearing Date: June 11,1991 Adoption Date: June 25,1991