HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting --
September 13, 1994
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Bill Burditt, Secretary Sally Hoyt, Selectmen
George Hines and Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list
of interested parties: Lois Bond, Bill Hughes, Pat Iappica, Allan Ames, David Swyter, William
Brown, Fred Van Magness, Virginia Adams:
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the minutes of August 30, 1994, were approved as
amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Camille Anthony attended the meeting of the Open Space and Recreation Task Force. Last
evening she attended the CPDC Bear Hill meeting. She received a call from Johanna Drive
regardiAg driving schools. She noticed that neon signs have been lit after business hours.
Sally Hoyt reported on Elder Services fall classes, the Reading Police Association Ham and Bean
Supper for seniors, Recreation activities, the linen collection, and flu clinics. She congratulated
Deirdre Hanley for being elected president of the Rotary. She has received calls regarding the
Mineral Street Bridge. She noted that Reading's Business Professional Women's Association is
honoring Norma Charles Cripps as "Woman of the Year" at their meeting on October 13, 1994, at
6:30 p.m. at the Days Inn in Woburn.
George Hines received lots of calls regarding the Mineral Street Bridge. He noted with regard to
the concerns expressed about holding a sign at the last Selectmen's meeting, that Reading has.
community accepted standards of behavior and it was merely this that he was commenting on, not
anybody's right to free speech.
Bill Burditt attended the meeting of the Haven Street Task Force, and noted that the sign at the
Mineral Street hearing was distracting as he was trying to follow the discussion.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager noted that the Primary Election Day is next Tuesday and all voters will be at
the Hawkes Field House. We will be using new voting equipment and workers will be available
to train voters on this equipment - it is very simple to use. A Special Town Meeting is scheduled
for Thursday, September 22, 1994, to appropriate Chapter 90 funds. The Household Hazardous
Waste Collection is scheduled for October 8, 1994, at Stoneham High School -there should be no
problems with adequate capacity to handle everyone's needs. The newsletter comes out
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 13, 1994 - page 2
September 23, 1994. Street lists are available at A Plus Printing on Hardnen Street for$14.25 per
copy. The Library will be open Sundays beginning in October. The so called "all boards meeting"
is scheduled for September 28, 1994, at the RMLD building. The hearing on improvements to
upper Pearl Street was held on Tuesday. Abutters were notified and the recommendations are
included in the Board's agenda tonight. Appointments to the Board of Registrars, Conservation
Commission, and other boards, committees, and commissions is scheduled for September 27.
McDonalds has filed an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals. They will submit a site plan for
CPDC review by September 22, 1994, and an extension of the temporary C.O. for the
playground has been granted until the 26th. The Bear Hill hearing on PRD final approval started
last evening and is continued until the 26th. The draft of the Selectmen's Policy Book is
scheduled for discussion this evening. Line stripping has continued and will continue within the
next several weeks. Hines and Anthony noted that the pedestrian crossing sign on High Street at
the Depot is very effective, but that there should be an additional one. It was suggested that
perhaps a similar sign could be constructed at West and Woburn. The Reading Police Association
is preparing a Ham and Bean Supper for senior citizens at the Senior Center on September 28,
1994.: Reservations are being handled through the Division of Elder Services. There is alleged
interest in renaming Duck Road. The Town Manager will contact the property owners affected
and see if there really is interest. If there is then the Board can schedule the necessary action.
The Antiquarian Society is having a special 350th Birthday Celebration on Sunday the 18th from
2:00 - 4:30 at the Parker Tavern. The Town is proceeding with remediation of wetlands at the
Water Treatment Plant. Morton Field reconstruction begins next week with reconstruction of the
diamond in the existing location. The Town will be replacing the back stop, cutting and replacing
the field, replacing the benches, etc. The field hockey field in the outfield at Morton has been
modified to give more flexibility as to exact location and therefore allowing the field to be moved
periodically to reduce the woar and tear at the goal locations. It was noted that we need to
increase efforts to make sure people are not using Imagination Station during the rodent
extermination process at that location. The Town Manager reviewed a letter sent to the Mass
Highway Department regarding the need for improvement of the intersection of Interstate 93 and
Route 128.
Personnel and Appointments
Open Space and Recreation Planning; Task Force - The Board interviewed Gerard Vitale as the
FinCom's appointee to the Open Space and Recreation Planning Task Force. He was advised in
his task force role to make sure that he reports back to the Finance Committee periodically. On
motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board appointed Gerard Vitale to the Ad Hoc Open Space
and Recreation Planning Task Force representing the Finance Committee, by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Hearing on the Personnel Policies - The Board continued the public hearing on the revisions of
the Personnel Policies. Carol Roberts and Lois Bond from the Personnel Policy Review
- Committee were present. The Town Manager reviewed the status of changes and/or issues raised
by the Board of Selectmen at the last hearing. There was discussion on the issues of sick leave
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 13, 1994 - page 3
buy back - should the maximum of 100 days be increased. The Town Manager noted that this is a
financial liability to the Town, and our practice was common in comparable communities.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt a motion was made to include daughter and son-in-law
in Section 9.6.1 to provide for five days leave. The Town Manager reported that the committee
reviewed this issue and recommended no change. The vote was two in favor (Anthony and Hoyt)
and two against (Hines and Burditt) and the motion failed. On motion by Anthony seconded by
Hoyt the Board voted to close the hearing on the revisions to the Personnel Policies of the Town
of Reading by a vote of 4-0-0. The Town Manager noted that we would revisit the issue of
bereavement leave within the next several months. Hines confirmed with Lois Bond and Carol
Roberts that the process of reviewing the Personnel Policies was a very extensive and open
process.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines the Board voted to approve the Personnel Policies of
the Town of Reading dated August 30, 1994, as revised. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0: '
Review Results of Hearing on Upper Pearl Street - The Town Manager reviewed the process and
results of the hearings on the design of the reconstruction of Pearl StreetfromFranklin Street
north to Main Street using FY95 Chapter 90 funds.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve the preliminary design of the
reconstruction of Pearl Street from Franklin Street north to Main Street using FY95 Chapter 90
funds and that the Board directs the Town Manager to include in the bid construction of
sidewalks along one side of Pearl Street as a separate item, and try to secure the donation of the
necessary easements to construct a sidewalk without the need to remove trees; directs the Town
Manager to proceed with the necessary hearings to remove three trees and relocate the necessary
utility poles; directs the Town Manager to work through the Massachusetts Highway Department
to provide the turn restrictions at Main and Pearl Streets, and at Main and Mill Streets as
presented; the Board of Selectmen waives the standard for curbs and approves the provision of
the "drip edge" curbs; the Town Manager is directed to bring the final plans back to the Board of
Selectmen for final review prior to bidding. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Update of the Sale of Pearl Street School The Board reviewed the status of the sale of the Pearl
Street School. Bill Casper from Longwood Associates was present. He noted that this project
now has "official action status" from the Mass Housing Finance Agency. The agency and EOCD
have reserved tax exempt bond capacity for this project. They will be before the Boards,
Committees and Commissions of the Town by November 1, 1994, for permitting, and will be
submitting they financing plan to MHFA. They hope they can obtain their final financing approval
in less time. There is agreement on the outline of a new lease with LaPierre School of Dance, and
they have had discussions with the Historical Commission with regard to the design. The official
action status with MHFA is for 70 units, and they have requested modification to go to 80 units -
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 13, 1994 - page 4
the zoning allows up to 88 units. This would allow the purchase price to increase to over
$600,000 and would be within the proposed footprint.
Sally Hoyt asked about the lease renewal with LaPierre and how long it would be - it's a ten year
lease with a five year extension. With regard to the permitting before local Boards, Committees
and Commissions, application will be made by the beginning of November. McDonough and
Scully have been hired as traffic engineers, and Atlantic Engineering has been hired to do civil
engineering work. On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board voted to approve the
extension of the closing date for the sale of the Pearl Street School building to Longwood
Associates as follows: from December 31, 1994, with possible extension to March 31, 1995, to
March 31, 1995, with a possible extension to June 30, 1995. The Board recognizes that a
possible further extension to no later than September 30, 1995, may be requested by the purchaser
and that the Board of Selectmen will consider such a request if it is made prior to March 31,
1995. Part of the consideration of a further extension will be an evaluation of progress towards
securi4 all required approvals. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
25 Haven Street Task Force Report - Dave Swyter, Allen Ames, Bill Hughes and Phil Pacino
were present for the RMLD as well as Jim Blomley and Len Rucker. Members of the task force
- present included Bill Brown, Fred Van Magness, Phil Pacino and Bill Burditt. The task force
report was reviewed by the General Manager of the Light Department, including the process of
securing appraisals. The task force in accordance with its charge from the Board of Selectmen,
reviewed the current zoning and/or other restrictions on use; determined the optimal and
acceptable reuse of the property; determined any proposed changes in zoning and/or any other
proposed restrictions; recommended conditions of sale to be included in the request for sealed
bids; and will after bids are received, review the proposals and determine the best proposals to
recommend to the Board of Selectmen and the Reading Municipal Light Board. Their mission
statement was to maximize proceeds to the RMLD rate payers through a process that will
encourage inquiries, be least restrictive, enhance the area, be commercially sensitive, optimize
benefits to the Town of Reading. The best acceptable bid was defined as one that will maximize
tax revenue, reduce offsite impacts and maximize off-site improvements; have the least negative
impact on the Town's infrastructure; will meet or exceed the appraised value; and will have a
positive dollar impact on the neighborhood and businesses. The best acceptable bid will have a
positive impact on the Town budget, will prove the financial viability of the bidder, will prove the
ability to complete the project, will be high quality use, will have minimal negative impact on
parking, and will meet the desired restrictions. Issues considered included the structural integrity
of the building - it needs improvements,to meet current codes and there are no known structural
impediments to its use as it is; the value of the property with or without the building was
evaluated and this may be clearer when the appraisals are completed; the question was raised as to
whether the highest bid needs to be accepted - and the answer is no provided that it is higher than
the appraised value; if the project needs to be rebid, the cost impact is $5,000 - $6,000
administrative cost, unknown legal cost, $60,000 annualized insurance and maintenance cost of
the vacant building, and the loss of the property tax revenue.
Board of Selectmen Meeting September- 3, 1994- page 5_
Potential reuses to date include the expansion of a local retail establishment; administrative offices
for a private school; an arts center; and a small commercial bakery.
Other issues considered included: what does the business community want; are there hours of
operations issues - yes, no operation from midnight to 6:00 a.m.; what does the Land Bank
Committee know about the property- no known issues; are there environmental issues -a 40 year
old underground 1,000 gallon oil tank that passes state tests, non PCB transformers that can be
moved, asbestos floor tiles and boiler insulation jackets and joints, underground electric ducts that
can be removed. Further issues considered included zoning parking on or near the property,
rezoning - what are the options (none are recommended), site plan review will be required since
there is a change in use, what are the implications on the master plan - maintain the character of
the area, is the property within the 100 year flood plain - no, can restrictions be placed on
business B -yes via the RFP process.
Potential reuse ideas that were discussed include retail space, office building suites, medical
building, day care center, non kindergarten nursery, commercial venture, movie theater, funeral
parlor, hardware store, veterinarian, arts center, assisted living facility, tiny tot gym, adult day
care, medical clinic, school administrative offices, and bowling alley.
The 25 Haven Street Sale Task Force recommends the following restrictions on the sale - retain
the existing business B restrictions plus the following additional restrictions: no adult
entertainment uses, no automotive uses, no commercial arcade uses, no biotech waste or
hazardous material storage uses, and no bulk storage or warehouse uses.
George Hines expressed an interest in seeing the final RFP before it goes out "on the street."
After considerable discussion, it was agreed that the "non boilerplate" parts of the RFP will be
reviewed by both the RMLD Light Board and by the Board of Selectmen prior to its being
advertised.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony the Board voted to accept the report of the 25 Haven
Street Sale Task Force and agree that the process of offering the property for sale should proceed
in accordance with the recommendations to the report, subject to a review of the RFP sections on
criteria and restrictions being reviewed by the Board of Selectmen and the RMLD Board prior to
the RFP being issued. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Pacino seconded by Ames the RMLD Light Board approved the same motion by a
vote of 4-0-0.
The Use of the Town Seal for the Reading; Police Officers Association was reviewed. Pat
Iappica from the Reading Patrolman's Association was present. On motion by Hines seconded by -
Hoyt the Board voted to authorize the use of the Town Seal for use by the Reading Patrolman's
Association for use on articles of clothing including hats, sweatshirts and other articles of outer
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 13, 1994 -page 6
clothing to be sold to their members only, such approval to expire on December 31, 1995, unless
approval is renewed prior to that date. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. It was
noted that the seal being used for the patch needs to be upgraded to be consistent with the Town
Seal.
Use of Town Seal for Private Use - The Town Manager reviewed the request by Stewart E. Blier
to use the seal for various items of hats,jackets, etc. The Town Manager had reviewed this issue
with several local merchants and there does not appear to be a demand for it. The Board took no
action on this request.
Review of FY96 Budget Process - The Town Manager distributed the FY96 budget process to
the Board in draft form. The Board felt that the outline was excellent and would form a good
basis of discussion on the 28th. It will be sent to the Superintendent of Schools for his review.
Reviem,'of the Selectmen's Policy Book - The Board reviewed the Selectmen's Policy Book very
briefly. Issues raised were whether or not liaison assignments should be rotated, and how motions
should be made. The Board agreed that they may meet on October 4, 1994, for a special
Selectmen's meeting if there is other business from the meeting on the 27th to be reviewed_
Otherwise they will meet on the 1 lth as scheduled. They noted that we haven't had some of our
quarterly meetings with other Boards, Committees and Commissions lately.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board voted to go into Executive Session for
discussion of litigation, labor negotiations, and approval of minutes, not to come back into open
session. On a role call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
The session was adjourned at 11:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
O�-
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Secret