HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
September 27, 1994
The meeting was convened at 7:30 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 George Hines and Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Richard Brown, Gladys Cail, Barbara
Ritchie, Mary Mundjer, Rose A. Vadala, Vera Silvirio, Scott McGrory, Mary Hayes, Celeste
Lawless, William Lawless, Jackie Chipman, Harland M. Roberts, Edmund S. Roberts, Marguerite
Lipton, Robert Upton, Paul F. Feely, Steve Smith, Geraldine Potheir, Edward J. Taylor, Curt E.
Nitzsche, Mary Keohan, Kevin Keohan, Joan Stearns, Glenn Drane, Sandy Antonelli, Paul
Antonelli, W. and Mrs. Shapiro, Joseph and Beverly Costa, C. Murphy, Gretchen Latowsky,
Bernice Herrick, Charles B. Herrick, Andrea Chase, Patricia Hogan, Marie Murphy, Gilbert
Radlo, Edward Writh, Roberta and Anthony Guarciariello, Deirdre Hanley, Elia Marnik.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board approved a proclamation for the Knights of
Columbus Days for the Handicapped by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board approved a proclamation for National
Business Women's Week by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Hines the Board approved a certificate of appreciation for
- Norma Charles Cripps by a vote of 5-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Burditt seconded Hines the Board voted to approve the minutes of September 13,
1994, as amended by a vote of 5-0-0.
Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments
Camille Anthony noted that the Open Space Task Force is working on a survey. Additionally,
she's gotten a lot of calls and mail regarding the Mineral Street Bridge.
Sally Hoyt attended the Antiquarian Society's 300 Anniversary party for the Parker Tavern;
attended the Middlesex County Advisory Board Legislative Committee meeting; congratulated
Elia Marnick on being appointed as a State Library Commissioner; attended the Reading Housing
Authority meeting and noted that they had received a grant and have awarded 7 occupancy
permits for Greenhouse Acres; attended the luncheon for Mystic Valley Elder Services; and has
received lots of calls and letters regarding Mineral Street Bridge. She noted that she welcomed
people expressing their views on this issue.
George Hines attended the Antiquarian Society Open House; attended the School Committee
meeting last evening regarding the budget; and expressed thanks to many residents who
communicated their concerns and opinions regarding the Mineral Street Bridge issue. He noted
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 - page 2
that people who had contacted him were reasonable and civil regardless of which side of the issue
they were on.
Bill Burditt received a number of calls and letters regarding the Mineral Street Bridge. He also
noted that the Massachusetts State Police Auto Strike Force provided a service last Saturday of
etching the VIN numbers on car windows as a security measure. The peer leaders and Reading
Police Department assisted in this program and it is hoped that it will bean annual event.
Dan Ensminger attended the Budget Committee meeting last Friday, and noted that the FinCom,
School Committee, Board of Selectmen, Capital Improvement Advisory Subcommittee, and
School Building Committee will be meeting on Wednesday night. There appears to be a
breakthrough regarding the Parker Middle School funding. He has also received a number of calls
regarding the Mineral Street Bridge.
Public Comment
Gretchen Latowsky gave the Board of Selectmen copies of photographs regarding the lack of
sidewalks on King Street. Steve Smith noted that he hoped the Board in the future would
schedule their meeting in a larger room if a crowd was expected.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager read a letter that he had written to the Board of Selectmen disclosing a
potential conflict of interest. He noted that on the list of potential bidders for the hauling of clay
material from the Central Artery Project was the firm of J.A. Jones Construction Company of
Charlotte, North Carolina. The Town Manager noted that he is related to the principals of J.A.
Jones Construction in that his first cousins wife's father is a principal. Town Counsel has noted
that there is no legal conflict. He indicated that he wanted the Board to know of the relationship
but that the decision as to whether or not to award the bid for central artery excavation hauling is
not a decision of the Town of Reading - it's a decision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Highway Department.
The Town Manager reported that the primary election last Tuesday went well and that it was
good trial period for the new voting equipment. The Special Town Meeting last Thursday
appropriated Chapter 90 funds, and the Town Manager expressed thanks to the Town Meeting
residents who came out for this single issue. The household hazardous waste collection program
is on October 8, 1994, at the Stoneham High School, and there should be no problems with
adequate capacity to handle everyone's needs. The Town Manager has appointed Joseph Delaney
as Town Engineer and he will start work on November 7, 1994. Because the starting rate is
above step 4, the Selectmen's approval is needed for his starting rate. On motion by Hoyt
seconded by Hines the Board voted to approve the starting salary of Joseph Delaney as Town
Engineer at grade 17 step 8 at an annual salary of$52,709 in accordance of Section 6.2.4 of the
Personnel Policies. The Board approved the motion by a vote of 5-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 - page 3
The Town Manager noted that he had approved a contract for Special Needs Recreation Services
to Alternative Leisure Inc., and that Fleet Bank has been appointed as the Town's Financial
Advisor. The Town has received a Community Policing Grant in the amount of$8,000. Street
lists are available at A Plus Printing on Hardnen Street for $14.25 per copy. The Library will be
open Sunday afternoons beginning October 2, 1994. The financial meeting outlined by Selectman
Ensminger is scheduled for September 28, 1994,at the RMLD building. The Bear Hill hearing on
final PRD approval was postponed until November 7, 1994. The Reading Police Association is
preparing a Ham and Bean Supper for senior citizens at the Senior Center on September 28,
1994. The Town is proceeding with remediation of the wetlands at the Water Treatment Plant.
Morton Field reconstruction has begun and the lighted softball field and other softball fields at the
Birch Meadow complex will also be reconstructed. Finally, he noted that the Town would resume
water main flushing this fall, keeping a careful eye on our water production capacity.
The Town Manager noted that the consent order with the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection in the matter at the Louanis Water Treatment Plant is settled. On
motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve the consent order with the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in the matter at the Louanis Water
Treatment Plant, and authorizes the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign a consent order
in the Board's behalf. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0, and Selectmen Anthony
asked that we receive periodic progress reports on this project.
Discussion/Action Items
Approval of Amended Bear Hill Agreement- On motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the Board
voted to amend the Purchase and Sales agreement between the Town of Reading and the Bear
Hill Limited Partnership by agreeing to extend the closing date for the transfer of the property
until December 30, 1994. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager
noted that they had proceeded expeditiously for PRD approval, but that the closing date at the
end of September is not possible.
Discussion Continued-Mineral Street Bridge - The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen outlined
the procedure for this evening. He indicated that they would not be accepting additional public
input as this was scheduled for Selectmen's discussion. He reviewed the Town Manager's memo
and other,material from the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Mass Highway Department.
Bill Burditt noted that the Board of Selectmen has heard all of the issues. He received 40 calls
which were split on the issue of a pedestrian bridge versus a vehicular bridge. He had also
received 18 form letters. He noted that he has found from the Fire Chief that approximately three
times a month the rescue vehicle is stopped by a train, and the Mineral Street Bridge would
resolve this. He noted that the Police prefer that the bridge be open to vehicular traffic. He
indicated that if it is open to vehicular traffic he will do everything possible to make the situation
safe. There were 29 rescue calls since the first of the year in the area to which service would be
improved with the vehicular bridge. Seven were for chest pains and Bill Burditt felt that the two
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 - page 4 -
minutes saved would be important. He noted that the bridge cannot be restricted only to
emergency vehicles. The Town can explore one way options, fund sidewalks, and establish stop
signs in the area. He will vote for the vehicular bridge.
Sally Hoyt noted that she had talked with Senator Tisei, Representative Jones and the Mass
Highway Department. She noted that the Town can develop restrictions after the bridge is built.
She shares concerns about the lack of sidewalks in the area. She noted that the bridge is unsafe
now and her vote will be based on the best decision for the Town and all of its residents. She felt
that public safety is a critical issue, and she urged construction of sidewalks on Mineral and King
Streets to be at the top of the priority list. She visited the elderly at Tannerville and they
expressed concerns about public safety if the vehicular bridge is not rebuilt. She understands both
sides of the issue, and has reviewed the Fire Chief and Police Chief s recommendations carefully.
She noted that she had gotten a call from a 13 year old concerned about young children, and also
got a call from a Willow Street resident noting that when they moved in the MBTA was inactive
in this area, but they now have to live with the MBTA trains traveling nearby. She also noted that
the detour signs on the bridge direct people to use Willow Street. She will vote for the vehicular
bridge.
George Hines thanked residents for their comments and feedback. He noted that there are deep
emotions on both sides of the issue. He sympathizes with and respects both sides. He noted that
the decision is difficult because of the concerns expressed - he is close with people on both sides
of the issue. He did note that comments regarding Inwood Park and the Town's role in this
project are not well placed. This facility is not located in Reading and it is controlled by Woburn.
The Town fought development through litigation and has since fought for mitigation efforts
related to the project. He noted that the elimination of school transportation has created traffic
issues every where in Town - including this area, the Birch Meadow area, and creating cross
town traffic. He noted that this process has taken a long time. The Board of Selectmen could
have made a decision earlier, but it was important to have the task force meet and review all of
the options and for residents to express their opinions on the bridge. The process "has been
dragged out" only because the Board wanted to listen and hear residents' concerns. He expressed
concern about the relationship with the state vis-a-vis funding. Initially we were told that there
was no funding available for a pedestrian bridge, and then funding became available. He noted
that Mineral Street is a preexisting connection of all ready existing public ways. This bridge
should have been replaced much earlier, but funding was not available. He talked with adults
who were kids when the bridge was opened, and they noted that there were no real problems. He
did note that we will have to get children in the neighborhood used to the bridge being open and
will have to do an education process. The design process requires a traffic study and the Town
will participate fully in this study and will insist on a scoping session to determine what areas will
be involved in the construction - intended to be a minimum including the intersections of Hancock
Streets and Vine Street. The Town will fully participate in the design review process. Hines
noted that he is relying on the advise of staff-the Police Chief, Fire Chief and the Reading
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 - page 5
Housing Authority Director. He noted that the Town Manager has not advised the Board of
Selectmen on this issue. The public safety issues involve reduction in response time to critical
areas of the Town, and also access to the section of Town for other purposes. He noted that the
opening of the Mineral Street Bridge is not likely to reduce traffic on Willow or Woburn Street.
He was troubled by the laughter regarding Bill Burditt's suggestions on traffic regulations, and
noted that the cynicism expressed is not properly placed in Town government. He noted that the
design will have to be intelligent, and enforcement must be extraordinary. Sidewalks are not a
panacea- kids still walk in the street when there are sidewalks available. He felt that public safety
is the bottom line and he holds the belief that the Town can mitigate most of the negative impacts
of the bridge and he will therefore vote for a vehicular bridge.
Camille Anthony noted that as the newest member of the Board of Selectmen she would have
been inclined to go along with the emergency pedestrian bridge. As she talked with the Police
Chief, Fire Chief and Housing Authority Director, she could not go with only a pedestrian bridge.
She talked with the Superintendent of Ambulance Services in the city of Boston and noted that
under four minutes is the optimum time for emergency medical response. She did talk with the
Town Manager and noted that the Town could prioritize sidewalks in that area from Mineral
Street to West Street. She felt that the design should take into account neighborhood concerns
and that the Town will work to ensure quality of design. She noted that she received a call from a
citizen who was concerned that if public safety was an issue why was the bridge not brought up
` earlier. She also noted that until 1990 when the new fire station was built, there were two trucks
available on the west side and staffing was on the west side. She has heard from a lot of residents
" by phone and in writing, and she could not get back to all of them but she did hear their messages.
She will vote for the vehicular bridge even though she is concerned that this will go against the
task force recommendations.. She felt that she was elected to make decisions and her decision is
based on response time and the quality of life in Reading. She notes that the Town has to come to
grips with traffic in Reading. She also noted that the Town Manager has never recommended to
her or to the other Board of Selectmen, nor been asked by the Board of Selectmen what his
recommendations were. The Board has reached this decision independently.
Dan Ensminger noted that he sought out a compromise. He noted that in his vote he would look
out for the overall good of the Town with particular concern to any area that is impacted. He
noted that 4 way stop signs at the intersections on either side of the bridge are an option and that
he would push for these. The Board will request that the Police Chief provide particular
enforcement in this location. He noted that education of the school children will be important.
He also noted that sidewalks will be prioritized and perhaps with new equipment previously and
to be purchased this can be a prioritized route for snow plowing. He urged everyone to
understand each others opinions and to work with each other to make this project the best
possible situation.
Mike Slezak asked to speak and expressed concern that a member of the Board of Selectmen
intimidated a public safety consultant and that the Board should recuse itself and go to
TownMeeting and get their approval for this project. Dan Ensminger indicated that he had talked
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 -page 6
with public safety consultant George Paul and had talked with Chief Wood. George Paul was a
Fire Dispatcher and not an Emergency Medical Technician. Ensminger noted to George Paul that
this was not a public hearing, and that if he was present and a member of the Board of Selectmen
had a question, he would allow him to ask it but he would not allow a presentation. He asked
George Paul if he had made any time trials during the fire study that was done in the late 1980's
and he had not. Scott McGuarity asked to speak and the Chairman ruled it out of order.
On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted to approve the reconstruction of the
Mineral Street Bridge as a vehicular bridge and requests the Massachusetts Highway Department
proceed with the design of the structure subject to the following conditions: a) the bridge and
approach will consist of roadway similar to the footprint of the existing bridge and approach road,
estimated to be 22 feet in width plus a six foot sidewalk on one side; b) the design will minimize
expansion of the existing footprint and the roadway so as to minimize the impact on the
immediately abutting property owners; c) the construction will include the entire area including
bridge, roadway, and sidewalk on Mineral Street including the intersections with Hancock and
Vine Streets and any drainage issues related to the construction will be addressed; d) the bridge
height will be minimized so as to mitigate the impact of the construction upon the abutters. It is
the Town's understanding that the bridge deck can be built at a height not to exceed 18.5 feet
from the top of the railroad rail to the bottom of the bridge structure; e) a traffic study will be
done as part of the design process, and the Town and Mass Highway will work to implement
traffic mitigation measures as identified in the studies; 0 efforts will be made to maintain
temporary pedestrian access during construction. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
...-..-.....
On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board voted their intention as part of the design
review process the reconstruction of the Mineral Street Bridge to request 4 way stop sign
approvals at the intersection of Mineral Street and Hancock Street and at the intersection of
Mineral Street and Vine Street, said stop signs to be installed at the time the bridge is placed into
service. Ensminger noted that even if this is not strictly in accordance with the MHD regulations,
that the Board would incur no personal liability and that he would recommend that we proceed
with this in addition to intense educational efforts enforcement efforts in the elementary and
middle schools. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to direct the Town Manager to place the
construction of sidewalks on one side of Mineral Street and King Street, and on the east side of
Prospect from Mineral to King Street, as a high priority so that such construction will be
completed no later than the date that the Mineral Street Bridge is placed into service; said
direction to be subject to funds for the project becoming available from the Town or other sources
including the Town's allotment of Chapter 90 funds. The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0. Hines noted that the stop sign enforcement at Vine and Mineral needs to be enforced now.
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 -page 7
Personnel and Appointments
Audit Committee - On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board appointed Camille
Anthony for a term on the Audit Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1997, by a vote of
5-0-0.
Conservation Commission - The applicant for the Conservation Commission position was not able
to be present, and there was no recommendation from the Chairman of the Commission.
Therefore, this will be postponed until the 1 lth.
Arts Council - The Board interviewed Karin Samatis for a position on the Arts Council. On
motion by Burditt seconded by Hines, Karin Samatis was appointed to a term on the Arts Council
expiring June 30, 1996, by a vote of 5-0-0.
In order to correct the terms of Arts Council members because of changes in the law, the Board
confirmed terms of existing members on the Reading Arts Council. On motion by Anthony
seconded by Hines the following dates of completion of terms were confirmed - expiring June 30,
1995, Alice Collins, Beverly McAleer, David Mitchell, Erline Robinson; expiring June 30, 1996,
Jane McKenzie, Lee Selzer, Jeanne Freeman and Ronald Morse. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
- Board of Registrars - The Board interviewed Brendan Hoyt, Jr., for a term on the Board of
Registrars. Sally Hoyt left the quorum for this discussion. On motion by Burditt seconded by
Anthony the Board appointed Brendan L. Hoyt, Jr. to a term on the Board of Registrars for a
term expiring June 30, 1995, by a vote of 4-0-0.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee - No applicants were present for an interview on the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee.
Discussion on the Role of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee - Sally Sabo was present filling in
for Bob Brown to discuss the role of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Committee is
willing to be a resource for a number of areas including renegotiations with Resco. The Town
Manager will schedule a meeting with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee in the near future,
and ask that they bring in a composting bin so that the Board can see what these look like.
Review of 25 Haven Street RFP - David Swyter, Chairman of the RMLD Board, was present.
The Board discussed the 25 Haven Street RFP. The Town Manager suggested a couple of minor
changes. Swyter noted that the RMLD Board has voted to approve the RFP as written, and will
be concerned about any further restrictions. Hines noted that somewhere in the schedule A,
which is the notice of bid, and/or in the conditions of bid there should be some language that
allows the Town to evaluate proposals based on consistency with the retail uses of the area. This
will be discussed and finalized in two weeks, and in the meantime the Town Manager will meet
with Mr. Rucker and perhaps Jonathan Edwards to further revise language.
Board of Selectmen Meeting- September 27, 1994 -page 8
Discussion on Resolution of"Conflict of Interest" issue Library BoardofTrustees - Elia Marnik
and Deirdre Hanley were present to review the issue of conflict of interest for School Department
employees who are on the Library Board of Trustees. The Board talked about a number of
options but concluded that the best approach would be a home rule petition which would allow
School Department employees to serve on the Library Board of Trustees in Reading. This will be
on the warrant for the Fall Town Meeting.
Review MMA Legislative Package and Standing Policies - There was no discussion regarding the
MMA Legislative Package and Standing Policies. The Town Manager did note that there were
several action alerts from the MAPC and he will respond to them.
On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussion of labor negotiations not to come back into open session. On a role call
vote, all five members voted in the affirmative and the meeting was adjourned at 11:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary