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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-12-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 13, 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: Donald Wood, Karen Wallace, Peter Marchetti, Robert Beck, Patrick Wallace, Mark Gallant, Ken Maguire, Jessie Mraz, Ruth Cogan, Nancy Eaton, Tom Stohlman, Kren Ghirardi, Karin Samatis, Loretta Comeau, Betsy Cordwell, Jeanne Selfridge, Jacquelyn A. Mandell, Cyndie Niven, Steve Conner, Cathy Mandolise, Robert Ward,Nancy Nadville. Approval of Minutes On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the minutes of September 28, 1994, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the minutes of November 15, 1994, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the minutes of November 22, 1994, were approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Anthony the minutes of November 29, 1994, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. __ On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board approved a Certificate of Appreciation for 128 Sales thanking them for their contribution to the community Thanksgiving and Holiday giving. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0 and the Board members each thanked Mr. Paul Scannell from 128 Sales for their assistance. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve a Certificate of Appreciation for Reading Rotary thanking them for their organizing a community campaign to raise funds for the purchase of defibrillators for the Reading Fire Department. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board thanked Bobby Botechelli, Jesse Mraz, and others for their help in this matter. Chief Donald Wood, Lt. Peter Marchetti, Fire Fighter Bob Beck, and EMT Coordinator Pat Wallace from the Reading Fire Department were present to demonstrate the equipment to the Board of Selectmen. Liaison Reports/Selectmen's Comments George Hines attended the Birch Meadow School Open House and expressed congratulations to everyone involved in the project. Bill Burditt echoed George Hines' comments with regard to Birch Meadow School. It was nice to attend such a positive community event. -- Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 13, 1994 -page 2 Camille Anthony attended the Open Space Task Force, and attended the Historical Commission meeting on Wednesday. She also attended the Housing Partnership. She was impressed by the Birch Meadow School project-it was a first class job. Sally Hoyt attended the County Advisory Board Legislative Committee meeting, and Sally Hoyt was elected Secretary. On December 1, 1994, she attended the candle light vigil in recognition of Aids Awareness Day and hopes that this will be a greater community participation annual event. She attended the Reading Housing Authority Open House on Summer Avenue and congratulated them on their project. She was present with Chairman Dan Ensminger to greet guests from Melrose on the "Polar Express." Bill Burditt was also present and the Chamber of Commerce and McGonigle family extended themselves to assist in this project. She hopes that next year there might be music accompanying this event. She attended the Middlesex County Selectmens Association meeting and was elected Secretary of that group. They are establishing a speaker for their Spring event. She attended the Birch Meadow School Open House and expressed thanks to all involved. She wished all residents a happy holiday season. Dan Ensminger attended the Housing Authority dedication and noted that this is some additional affordable housing available in the town. He felt that the "Polar Express" visit from Melrose residents is a good tradition. On December 6, 1994, the Reading Memorial High School 2000 group visited the Wayland High School and noted that they got 2/3 reimbursement from SBAB for this project. He attended a meeting regarding Bear Hill on the 9th, and attended the Birch Meadow Open House. Public Comment Nancy Eaton from the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club commented regarding posting of Range Road - they're interested in having it posted and encourage it. This is part of the parcel that the Town acquired from the federal government. She felt that the Town should seriously consider lowering the speed limit on the entire Symonds Way, and better lighting at the split of Range Road from Symonds Way needs to be installed. Also, there is puddling on Range Road where vehicles turn around to go to the ice rink. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that the Compost Center is now closed for the Winter, but that the Christmas trees will be picked up in the regular trash collection this year or residents may take their Christmas trees to the Compost Center on Saturday, January 7, 1995, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Holiday Reception by the Friends of the Library has been postponed from this Friday to another date next week. The Board agreed that the Town Manager,should try to get the RMLD to keep the Haven Street parking lot open for the Winter, even if the Town has to maintain it. The Board agreed to the Town Manager's writing regarding the.funding of Chapter 32 Section 22B regarding the unfunded pension liability. Reading's share of this funding would be $117,495 per year for the next eight years, or over $900,000. The Reading Police Department's Citizens Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 13, 1994 -page 3 Police Academy is scheduled to begin on January 4, 1995. Tax bills will be mailed on Friday. The Town Census will be mailed by the end of this year, just before the postal rate hike takes effect. "At Wood End!-is on sale this evening at Town Hall in the Town Clerk's office from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Town Manager noted that the bond sale of bond anticipation notes has taken place, and on motion by Anthony seconded by Hoyt the Board authorized the Treasurer to prepare and deliver the note to the purchaser or purchasers or order against payment in full of the agreed purchase price as follows: Baybank Note R-1 $3,000,000 Interest Rate-4.02% Premium- 0 Baybank Note R-2 $5,818,000 Interest Rate-4.25% Premium - $7,218.09 The motion was made by Anthony seconded by Hoyt and was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hines asked for better notice of these bond sales in the future. Discussion/Action Items Public Hearing on Star Enterprises - The public hearing regarding 24 hour operation of Star Enterprises was opened. Present was Attorney Mark Gallant, as well as Frank Delorenzo, Wendy Hickey and John Malloy from Texaco. It was noted that Star Enterprises has made a serious local commitment making contributions to the Science Olympiad, Human Services programs for the elderly, collections for the elderly and homeless, the Salvation Army collections, and the scholarship foundation. Mr. Gallant explained the after hours policy on security. From midnight to 6:00 a.m. there is one employee in the store and therefore customers are not allowed into the store. The station has a'"deep drawer" to provide service to the public. The bathrooms are designed for exterior access without accessing the interior of the building. On motion by Hines seconded by Burditt the Board voted to close the public hearing on the application by Star Enterprises to operate 24 hours a day for calendar year 1995 by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve the operation of Reading Texaco Station at 87 Walker's Brook Drive on a 24 hour a day basis based on improvement of the safety of the motoring public, and subject to all previous conditions on the approval. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Gasoline License Modification - Star Enterprises - On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted to approve the amendment to the gasoline storage license for Star Enterprises DBA Reading Texaco at 87 Walkers Brook Drive to provide storage for 30,000 gallons of gasoline, 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 550 gallons of waste oil, and 2,000 gallons of fuel oil, all as outlined in the permit application dated November 17, 1994, and approved by the Fire Chief dated November 18, 1994. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Adoption of Selectmen's Policies - The Board reviewed the changes in the Selectmen's Policies. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted to adopt the Town of Reading Board of Selectmen Policies as amended by a vote of 5�-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 13, 1994-page 4 Review of Appeal of Tree Hearing on Upper Pearl Street- The Board reviewed the appeal of the tree hearing on Upper Pearl Street. Ellen Cool at 707 Pearl Street had written to the Board objecting to the removal of all five posted trees. Bud Dickey, Tree Warden, was present. He noted that the procedure when there is objection to the removal of a tree is for the Board of Selectmen to make a decision on it. The Board discussed various issues of safety. Dickey noted that of the 12 people attending, only two were opposed. Dickey was concerned about losing the trees and that they shouldn't be removed if possible. Hoyt asked if all five trees had to come down. Dickey noted that he is not a Safety Engineer. He felt there was historical value to the road and some of the trees are over 150 years old. It doesn't seem to him to be important to reconstruct the road and if it is reconstructed it can be constructed in its current footprint. Burditt asked if all five trees were posted. He noted that two trees are well into the street, and that two are trees near Main Street that might be preserved. Hoyt asked if all the trees are healthy and Dickey noted that they are and he can't see any reason for removing them. Joe Delaney, Town Engineer, noted that a pavement width of less than 20 feet is unacceptable. The present alignment is generally 20 - 22 feet, but is as low as 15 - 16 feet. The bare minimum is 20 feet. The two trees near Main Street will be saved if possible. The other three trees would need to be removed. Camille Anthony noted three points: 1) This is a scenic road (it was noted that this is not approved asa scenic road but is being designed as if it were). 2) The trees are close to the road - she=talked to the Chief and residents of Wakefield Street and feels that removing the trees will mean faster°traffic. 3) She could not make a decision tonight because she needs to see the physical location. Dan Ensminger asked the Town Engineer his professional opinion as to how many trees would have to be removed. The Engineer noted that if we shifted away from any of the trees in order to save them, there is a tree on the other side - the right of way is also variable from 25 - 30 feet in some cases to 50 feet in others. George Hines noted that we have been through a process of design. The neighbors are supportive of the project. The street is in terrible condition. The Town needs to meet the minimum safety standards for vehicles. In order to meet a Spring construction season we need to proceed. The Board decided to have a site visit on January 21, 1995, at 9:00 a.m. - they will meet at Franklin and Pearl Street. Discussion on Request of Funding from Understanding; Handicaps - The Board of Selectmen heard a discussion of a request for funding by Understanding Handicaps. Nancy Radville and Judy Leblanc spoke in favor of a new program request that has been included in the School Department's budget request. Camille Anthony expressed concern about the long term commitment to the Understanding Handicaps Program. She noted that when a recycling group called Return went from volunteer to becoming a municipal function, it wound up being eliminated. She worried about funding in the long term. Leblanc noted that there may be grant funding available but that Understanding Handicaps is not now eligible, and the administrator would try to seek grants to support the program. Sally Hoyt noted that Understanding Handicaps - should contact Senator Tisei's office for possible funding. Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 13, 1994 -page 5 Dan Ensminger asked if this was part of the Special Education budget and if monies were available from the State. Leblanc noted that Understanding Handicaps got $500 in the past from the State but that money is not now available. Tom Stohlman noted that the School Department currently pays consultants for other programs, and that this might be done as a paid consultant as opposed to becoming a part-time employee of the School Department. The Town Manager noted that IRS regulations may create a problem there. Sally Hoyt noted that if Understanding Handicaps needs clerical help they should contact the Girl Scouts. George Hines felt the program is excellent, and wondered what the ongoing budget is - without the Administrator position it is $7,300 for 1994 - 1995. The money comes from PTO's, businesses, civic organizations, and fund raising. The School budget would supplement these funds. If the School Department was not doing the Understanding Handicaps Reading program they would have to do something else to meet their inclusion requirements. Policy Establishing the Eugene R. Nigro Award - On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines the Board voted to establish the Eugene R. Nigro Town Government Volunteer Recognition Award as proposed by a vote of 5-0-0. Hines will contact all parties who will be part of this process. Licenses Auproval of Licenses - Common Victualers Liquor• Peddlers - The Town Manager presented the Board with a list of licenses. On motion by Burditt seconded by Anthony the Board voted to approve the restaurant liquor license for Wes Parker's for a term from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 1995, by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Burditt seconded by Hoyt the Board voted to approve the club liquor license for a term from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 1995, for the Meadow Brook Golf Corporation of Reading. The Town Manager noted that his wife was a corporate member of the Meadow Brook Golf Corporation, but that he had no role in granting the license and therefore there was not a conflict. George Hines noted that he is a member of Meadow Brook Golf Corporation but not a corporate member and therefore there was no conflict of interest. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Chanyze of Manager- Wes Parker's - On motion by Hoyt seconded by Burditt the Board voted to approve the change of manager of Wes Parker's to Emily Owens of Salem, Massachusetts. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board asked in the future to have the new manager attend the meeting. Board of Selectmen Meeting-December 13, 1994-page 6 On motion by Burditt seconded by Hines the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations, discussion relative to the sale of real estate, and approval of minutes not to come back into Open Session. On a role call vote, all five members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. Respectfully submitted, 1 ' Secret