Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-08-30 Board of Selectmen Minutes - Board of Selectmen Meeting August 30, 1994 The meeting was convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Dan Ensminger, Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Alyssa L. Hubbard, Bruce Hubbard, Mike Hubbard, Susan M. Hubbard, Mabel Hubbard, Jane Fiore, Bob Silva, Joe Connelly, John B., Pacino, Marge Pacino, Jim Barry, Gerry MacDonald, Lois K. Bond, Stewart Chipman, Brook Chipman, Stephen P. Brighton, Torn Stohlman, Charles Herrick, Michael F. Slezak, Charles Latowsky, Gretchen Latowsky, Gina Snyder, Bo Garrison, Gail Boudreau, Nancy Eaton, Jim Biller, Don Nadeau. Presentation of the Summer Camp Smoking Cessation T-shirt Contest Winner - The Town Manager introduced Jane Fiore who presented three winners of the summer camp smoking cessation T- shirt contest: they are Alyssa Hubbard the winner, Mark Triglione the runner up, and Julie Barry runner up. The winner's design went on the T-shirts, the first runner up's design is going on book covers, and the second runner up's design is going on book marks. This was a marriage of two elements of the Department of Human Services - the Health Division and the Recreation Division. Presentation of Town Flag for State House "Hall of Flags" - The Town Manager presented to the Board of Selectmen for their review the Town of Reading flag which will hang in the State House Hall of Flags. Town Clerk Cathy Quimby worked to get this flag prepared. Presentation of the Certificate Denoting the Gift of Land for Memorial Park - The Town Manager displayed for the Board of Selectmen a copy of the original framed certificate of acceptance by Town Meeting of the Memorial Park property. This was found in an old record box, and Joseph Nola from the Artist Shoppe framed it at no cost as a donation to the Town. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board awarded a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Nola for his generosity. Approval of Minutes On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board approved the minutes of August 2, 1994, as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded Burditt the Board approved the minutes of August 9, 1994, as amended by a vote of 4-0-1 with Camille Anthony abstaining. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments Camille Anthony noted that CPDC met regarding zoning issues, and McDonalds. She realized from that meeting how important it is that the Zoning Bylaws are specific and how important it is to have the right person doing zoning enforcement. She received four calls regarding the Mineral Street Bridge, and a letter regarding mandatory sewer tie-ins. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August 30, 1994 -page 2 Sally Hoyt attended the defibrillator fund raiser, helped judge the T- shirt contest, and attended the County Advisory Board Legislative Committee meeting. Of specific interest in the latter meeting was the issue of collective bargaining for counties. She offered congratulations to the Fire Department and thank you to the neighboring communities. She has also received calls regarding the Mineral Street Bridge. George Hines attended the August 17, 1994 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Bear Hill, and there was a long dialogue with regard to the issue of jurisdiction. He found the discussion enlightening, and noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals upheld the Zoning Administrator's decision. He attended the School Committee meeting last night and'heard a presentation from the Town Manager regarding budget projections - his only complaint was that perhaps this should have been made at the Board of Selectmen's meeting first. He discussed the issue of having a joint budget summit. He has received calls on the Mineral Street Bridge, and has received a lot of feedback on the issue of sewer tie-ins. Bill Burditt attended the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regarding Bear Hill. He also attended the defibrillator fund raiser and the weekly meeting of the 25 Haven Street Task Force. A report by the Task Force will be made to the Board of Selectmen on September 13, 1994, and the report will recommend no required action by Town Meeting. He extended his congratulations to Regina Benoit, Public Safety Dispatcher, for assisting in the apprehension of a person who had committed a robbery in Reading. Dan Ensminger noted that he and the Town Manager had met with Senator Tisei regarding potential conflict of interest.relative to the Library Board of Trustees members who are also school teachers, and discussed options including a Home Rule Petition. This would be discussed by the Board prior to Town Meeting. He attended the School Committee meeting and found the budget projections sobering. This is the first step in our long range budget planning. He has received calls regarding the Mineral Street Bridge. Public Comments There were no public comments. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager congratulated the Reading Fire Department, Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Municipal Light Department and the neighboring communities of Woburn, Stoneham, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Wilmington and North Reading in containing and managing the fire scene on Salem Street last Tuesday. There were no injuries and the property damage was well contained in what could have been a much more serious situation. The Town Manager and the Finance Committee Chairman and the Finance Director were invited to meet with the School Committee last evening to review the financial health of the Town. The Board of Selectmen has copies of the preliminary budget projections. A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 30, 1994-page 3 Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Capital Improvement Advisory Subcommittee, and the School Building Committee will meet later this month to review budget issues and capital issues. He noted that a hearing on the improvements to upper Pearl Street is scheduled for next Tuesday and abutters have been notified. Appointments to the Board of Registrars, Conservation Commission, and other Boards, Committees and Commissions are scheduled for September 28, 1994. The Town through the Department of Public Works is working to solve a sewer odor problem in the Grove Street area. Enforcement of water restrictions is going well and water use is within reasonable limits. Chapter 90 funding signed by the Governor will deliver to Reading $875,710 over two years. The Town Manager requests a Special Town Meeting for September 22, 1994, to appropriate the first $437,855 so that the construction of projects in accordance with the Capital Improvements Program can proceed. The Grant Memorial Pool is closed for the season. Site Plan approval has been required by the CPDC of McDonalds. McDonalds has filed an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Cease and Desist order. The Town Manager delivered the draft of the Selectmen's Policy Book to the Board of Selectmen with discussion scheduled for the next meeting. Zoning Enforcement training continues. Line striping has started and will continue within the next couple of days. The Reading Police Association is preparing a Ham and Bean Supper for senior citizens at the Senior Center on September 28, 1994, and reservations are being handled through the Division of Elder Services. Personnel and Appointments Open Space and Recreation Planning, Task Force - On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board appointed John McGrath representing the Recreation Committee to a term on the Adhoc Open Space and Recreation Planning Task Force by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Close Warrant for Special Town Meeting - Chapter 90 Appropriation - The Board discussed the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting to appropriate Chapter 90 funds. This is necessary in order for some of these projects to be under construction this fall. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board closed the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting to be held on September 22, 1994, consisting of four articles. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Close Primary Election Warrant - On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to close the Warrant for the State Primary Election to be held on September 20, 1994, from the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road, Reading, Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Demonstration of New Election Equipment - Town Clerk Cathy Quimby demonstrated the new election equipment for the Board of Selectmen. This equipment will be used for the first time at the primary election on September 20, 1994. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August 30, 1994 - page 4 Approval of Amendments to Personnel Policies - The Secretary read the notice of the Public Hearing on approval of amendments to the Personnel Policies. The Public Hearing was opened and Selectmen Bill Burditt had several comments including typographical errors; should the Town Accountant be listed in Article 4 - Applicability; and should son in law and daughter in law be included in Article 9 - Section 9.6 - Bereavement. Selectmen Hines suggested some revised wording in Article 2 - Statement of Personnel Philosophy. Selectmen Camille Anthony asked whether the policy would allow someone to take their sick leave to attend to a family member who is ill, but who is not resident in the household. The Town Manager indicated that the policy as written would not, and Selectmen Hines and Burditt noted that such a policy would be very liberal. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to continue the Public Hearing on the revisions of the Personnel Policies of the Town of Reading until September 13, 1994, at the time stated in the agenda for that meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Approval of Parking Restrictions and Traffic Control Agreement for Prescott/Summer Avenue - The Town Manager presented the parking restrictions for Summer Avenue and Prescott Street at the intersection. These restrictions will be needed as part of the agreement between the Town and the State to improve this intersection signalization. The locations have been noted and the letter has been sent to the abutting property owners. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board approved a revision to the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding the following locations to Article V - Section II- "No Parking Regulations," the following locations: Summer Avenue both sides from a point 180 feet south of Prescott Street to a point 180 feet north of Prescott Street. Prescott Street both sides from a point 140 feet east of Summer Avenue to a point 130 feet west of Summer Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to authorize the Town Manager to sign an agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Highway Department and the Town of Reading for the Federal Aid Project to improve the intersection of Prescott Street and Summer Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Final Review/Decision Mineral Street Bridge - The Board reviewed the situation with regard to the Mineral Street Bridge. George Hines noted with regard to securing funding that we should get documentation on any proposed funding. Hoyt noted that in conversation with Tim Regan from Congressman Markey's office, funds are not available for a pedestrian bridge because the bridge is state owned. Chapter 90 funds are also not available. The Chairman read into the record Chief Donald Wood's letter and Chief Edward Marchand's letter, copies of which are attached. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August 30, 1994 -page 5 Bill Burditt stated his major concern is being public safety. He has received calls, and he will be making his decision on public safety issues first, and the cost to the Town secondly. Camille Anthony noted that the task force said that public safety was a major concern. She also noted that the two chiefs are concerned with public safety. She noted that if the bridge is opened, there will be more cut through traffic from Route 129. She also asked if the crossing gates at Woburn Street can be used to preempt the trains on Woburn Street (the response was that they cannot). Anthony asked the task force that if they are concerned about public safety, why did they not agree with the Chief s position. Gail Wood spoke for herself noting that she felt there would be more of a burden because of the potential of the pedestrian being hit by a car than problems would be created by the current response time without a vehicular bridge. She noted that there are pedestrians of all ages using this area. Mile Slezak noted that the task force had asked for a traffic study, but it was not funded. The task force and/or the neighbors would look to do a compromise and agreed that the broad issue of public safety needs to be furthered explored. He noted that Chief Marchand stated at their meetings that he was not qualified to comment on site lines and street width. Bernice Herrick noted that the Police Department has indicated that there are police vehicles always on either side of the railroad tracks when they patrol their sectors. She also noted that a commuter hit a child at the intersection of Vine and Woodward because they were going through that area not knowing the neighborhood. She noted that Chief Wood apparently did not read the corrections to the minutes. Marie Murphy was one of the authors of the minority report and noted that the minority felt that public safety was the overriding issue particularly the concern from Tannerville.and the Housing Authority. She feels that the Town can manage vehicular traffic and that Mass Highway Department had agreed to reconfigure the intersections if needed. Bruce MacDonald of 57 Prospect Street at King Street has noted that since 1973 when the bridge was open there was a lot of traffic in the area. He noted a positive difference when the bridge was closed. He asked the Board to evaluate the daily issues of public safety. Stuart Chipman of 24 Summer Avenue noted that this is a quality of life issue. The streets are pleasant to walk on and opening the bridge to vehicular traffic will negatively impact the quality of life. He also noted that there is a lack of sidewalks. John MacAleer of 135 Summer Avenue noted that in the winter kids walk in the street. He asked that Jonathan Edwards memo to be read for the record and Chairman Ensminger read this letter into the record.-A copy is attached. Board of Selectmen Meeting- August 30, 1994 - page 6 Dan Ensminger noted that if the bridge is built as a vehicular bridge, he would be amenable to reviewing the direction, time of day restrictions, and other traffic control issues once the Inwood Park is opened. Tom Stohlman presented a petition from the neighborhood consisting of nine pages. He found it disturbing that a "normal citizen" had to go after state funding. He felt that if the Town wants to get the pedestrian bridge funded, that it would happen. With regard to public safety, he noted that the task force had favored protection of ongoing public safety versus public safety on a few occasions. He noted that Reading Rotary is raising money for a defibrillator that will be located on the vehicle at the Westside Fire Station. He felt there was too much emphasize on response times and vehicular traffic, and wondered if a pedestrian bridge could be built to carry the weight of an ambulance. He is sympathetic to Willow Street residents, and feels they have a legitimate concern; he feels that the Mineral Street Bridge is not the solution. He feels that the solution is to slow people down on Willow Street and make that street safe for pedestrians. Mike Curran asked if there would be additional liability to the Town if the bridge were constructed. The Chairman asked if there was enough information for the Board to make a decision, and would additional information be needed. Bernice Herrick presented a memo dated August 30, 1994, indicating that under the Transportation Enhancement Program there is a special section for bicycle and pedestrian bridges. Camille Anthony noted that a nine member task force met for six months, and that she was nowhere near ready to make a decision. She is interested in the possibility of a vehicular/pedestrian bridge. The Board agreed to look at two issues prior to meeting on the 27th. The Board will request review of funding for a pedestrian bridge with written assurances, and whether or not a pedestrian bridge can handle an ambulance. Selectmen Hines and Burditt noted that they were insulted by a sign being held by one of the residents sitting in the audience. Bert Chipman of 13 Willow felt strongly about the issue and felt that the sign was appropriate as it had been in the community he had previously lived in - Cambridge. Sally Hoyt noted that with respect to Bernice Herrick's memo, the monies that she had outlined are not available because it is a state owned bridge. We can get a clarification. Burditt noted that he needed no additional information other than that requested. Conservation Administrator Position Review - The rating of the Conservation Administrator's position was reviewed. Jim Biller and Conservation Administrator Donald Nadeau spoke in favor of upgrading the position. The Town Manager was asked if there were other examples of situations where people have gone higher than a 10% increase, and it was noted that the Elder Services Administrator was one. Hines spoke in favor of upgrading the position, but effective with the next fiscal year. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the Board agreed to request that the 1994 Subsequent - Town Meeting appropriate a sum of money needed to implement a change in the Conservation Administrator's position from a grade 11 to grade 13 step 1, and that it is the intent of the Board i Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 30, 1994 - page 7 of Selectmen to reclassify the position to the grade 13 effective January 1, 1995, if Town Meeting transfers the necessary funding. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 with Hines opposed. Delegation of the Regulation of the Use of Lighting at Practice Football Field to the Town Manager - On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to delegate to the Town Manager the approval of the use of the lighting at the Birch Meadow practice football field for times other than Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. as detailed in the initial approval of lighting. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Licenses Modification to Peddler's License - DeStafano - Ann Marie DeStefano appeared before the Board of Selectmen to request permission for an additional pushcart for the sale of slush for a term expiring December 31, 1994. She amended this request at the Selectmen's Meeting to request a total of four carts for a variety of products. She feels that she wants to add pretzels, popcorn, pizza, etc. She wants to expand the business. She is selling from 11:00 or 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. That is when the customer base is there. Hines noted that he felt this departs from the initial intent of the pushcarts at this location. Anthony and Hoyt noted that they felt that this was not an appropriate change in conditions. Ensminger noted that he didn't see any reason to vote against the proposal. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines the motion was made to grant to Ann Marie DeStefano a permit for additional pushcarts for the sale of slush and other products for a term expiring December 31, 1994. The vote being one in favor(Ensminger) and four against, the motion was denied and additional pushcarts were not permitted. Additional products as may be approved by the Board of Health may be sold from the existing pushcart. Approval of Taxi Operator License - Perry - On motion by Burditt seconded by Bines the Board voted to grant a taxi license to Phillip Perry of 1002 Lords Court, Wilmington, Massachusetts, driving for Town Taxi for a term expiring on April 31, 1995, with the provision that the trips to Town Taxi of Reading be minimized, and that the vehicle be garaged at the licensee's address. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of litigation, labor negotiations, sale of real estate, and approval of minutes not to come back into open session. The motion was approved on a role call vote, with all five members voting in the affirmative. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secretary