HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-07-06 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
July 6, 1999
The meeting convened at 7:25 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary Matthew Nestor,
Selectmen Camille Anthony and George Hines, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant
Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Police Chief Edward Marchand, Paula
Schena and the following list of interested parties: Brendan Hoyt, Robin Hamilton, Kate
Murphy, Susan Don, Susan Russell, Donna Milley, Ruth and David Crispo, Frank Touserkani,
David B. Tuttles, Jason and John P., Mark Delaney and kids, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Peters,
Charles and Deb Capobianco, Paul Janes, Lois Pike, Craig J. Celli, Linda Lewis, Kim
Honetschlager, A.M. Boschetti, Steve McLaughlin.
Board of Selectmen Reorganization
The Chairman turned the meeting over to the Town Manager while the Board chose a Chairman.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name
into nomination for the position of Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June
30, 2000 or until a successor is elected: Sally Hoyt. Mrs. Hoyt received four votes and was
appointed Chairman and the meeting was turned back over to Mrs. Hoyt.
On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into
nomination for the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June
30, 2000 or until a successor is elected: Matthew Nestor. Mr. Nestor received four votes and was
appointed Vice Chairman.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name
into nomination for the position of Secretary of the Board of Selectmen for a term expiring June
30, 2000 or until a successor is elected: George Hines. Mr. Hines received four votes and was
appointed Secretary.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive
Session for the purpose of contract negotiations, discussion of Sprint litigation and approval of
minutes to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:45 p.m.
The Open Session reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
Discussion/Action Items
Review Information—George Street Proposal—The Town Manager noted that on June 17, 1999,
he and Sally Hoyt met with Attorney Ciccatelli, Mr. Lynch and Mr. Otario to talk about two
items — land area and rights of access. It looks like the area is 67,000 square feet. Attorney
Cicatelli gave the Town Manager documents regarding rights of access and these have been sent
to Town Counsel for his review. Attorney Cicatelli has talked to the Department of Housing and
Community Development about H.O.P. but has not made a formal application. The owner
cannot apply for a PRD because it doesn't conform to zoning.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 6, 1999—Page 2
The Town Planner Anne Krieg was present and noted that she has received phone calls from
residents asking to see the plans but no plans have been submitted. She noted that the State uses
the LIP (Local Initiative Petition) to enhance low income housing, and a developer uses the LIP
for funding. In the LIP process, the State gives the approval and the developer goes to the Town.
The Selectmen would have to endorse the project and partner with the applicant. CPDC and the
Zoning Board of Appeals would have a limited review. The affordable housing requirement for
the LIP is 25%.
The Homeownership Opportunity Program is considered a "hostile LIP," a situation where the
community has not made a good faith effort to reach agreement on the LIP. In this situation, the
State authorizes the developer to proceed, the project passes over the review of the Selectmen
and proceeds directly to the ZBA for approval. If the ZBA denies the site approval permit, then
the developer appeals to Housing Court. The affordable housing requirement for the HOP is
30%.
Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that the biggest problem is access. The lot is big enough for
two houses.
George Hines noted that he heard rumors that the developer had originally wanted three homes
but the Town wouldn't allow it so this is retribution.
The Town Manager noted that he heard that the developer had talked with a former employee, -
and he was told he would have to go to Town Meeting.
George Hines asked if the developer is willing to modify. The Town Manager noted that
Attorney Cicatelli does all of the speaking for the developer. George Hines asked about Route
128, and the Town Manager noted that he heard that Route 128 cuts through the property.
Camille Anthony asked if this is zoned for single family. Anne Krieg noted that 60 foot frontage
is needed. The configuration of the property is a good argument for variance relief. If the owner
could show that he had frontage before Route 128, that would help.
Matthew Nestor asked to have the steps for a variance researched. George Hines noted that there
is no point in doing research unless we hear from the developer without his legal counsel. The
Town Manager noted that he had tried to reach the developer but he wouldn't talk. Sally Hoyt
noted that at the meeting she and Peter had with Attorney Cicatelli and the developer, Peter was
told not to speak to the developer but to address all questions through Attorney Cicatelli. It is
unknown whether Attorney Cicatelli is willing to work with the Town.
Kate Murphy of 59 Heather Drive asked the following questions as spokesperson for the group
of residents:
1. Under the"right to develop,"without frontage, how can the site be developed?
The Town Manager replied that the frontage issue is what has started this whole
process.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 6, 1999—Page 3
2. Are the Attorney and developer willing to talk about two or three houses? The
Town Manager replied that is unknown.
3. Residents would like to be informed of how the right of way works once it has
been established. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel is reviewing the
paper work.
4. Why should the developer be allowed to build when two former owners of the
property were denied in the past? The Town Manager replied that there is no
previous application on this property on file.
5. Will all of the information received by the Board of Selectmen to date on this
property be taken into consideration. Sally Hoyt replied yes.
The Selectmen will continue this discussion at their July 27, 1999 meeting.
Status of Ad Hoc Water Supply Advisory Committee — Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean
noted that the Ad Hoc Water Supply Advisory Committee is reviewing the options for the public
water supply. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was solicited to potential consultants and
seven responses were received. The Committee has narrowed it down to four firms and hopes to
have a selection made by the week of July 15, 1999.
Camille Anthony noted that the timeline is very aggressive, and asked if it had to be done by
November. The Town Manager noted that the Capital Improvements Program shows
expenditure in FY01 so we need to come to grips and move on.
The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Committee has been educating itself and that there
are currently two significant projects ongoing — the USGS Hydrological Model and the
"Planning for Growth" in Wilmington. The Town of Reading will be involved in the consultant
selection for the"Planning for Growth"project.
George Hines indicated that the Committee is behind in schedule and that the schedule should be
revised. He also noted that self education and priorities need to be concurrent.
Amendments to the Traffic Rules and Regulations: The Secretary read the hearing notice. Police
Chief Edward Marchand was present to review the amendments.
"Stop" — Lincoln Street at Woburn Street — Chief Marchand noted that the stop sign at Woburn
had numerous complaints from neighbors.
"Stop" - Virginian Road at Pennsylvania Avenue - Chief Marchand noted that this is a four way
intersection. There is a history of accidents and the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task
Force agrees.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 6, 1999—Pale 4
"Stop" - Short Street at Mill Street and Old Mill Lane at Mill Street — Chief Marchand noted
that the original plan had stop signs. The contractor was suppose to put up the signs but didn't so
the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force is requesting this.
Kim Honetschlager of 51 Mill Street does not think the stop sign is necessary.
"No Parkinz"—East Side of Harrison Avenue between Orange Street to Charles Street— Chief
Marchand noted that there is a problem with double and triple parking. Emergency vehicles
have a problem getting through. The Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force is
requesting this.
Linda Lewis of 11 Francis Drive asked if the logs could be moved to allow cars to move in. The
Town Manager noted that there are a lot of big trees in the area of the logs.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing
on the amendments to the Traffic Rules and Regulations. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations to provide for the installation of a Stop sign on
Lincoln Street at Woburn Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
amendment of the Traffic Rules and Regulations to provide for the installation of a Stop sign on
Virginia RoadatPennsylvania Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
amendment of the Traffic Rules and Regulations to provide for the installation of a Stop sign on
Short Street at Mill Street and on Old Mill Lane at Mill Street. The motion was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
amendment of the Traffic Rules and Regulations to provide for the installation of"No parking"
signs on the east side of Harrison Avenue between Orange Street to Charles Street. The motion
was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed.
Request for Waiver for Driveway Opening — 201 Salem Street— Dr. Boschetti who has a dental
office at 201 Salem Street is requesting the waiver. He has an 82.5 foot frontage with a 24 foot
driveway opening. He wanted to ask for two openings for safety consideration. He thought of
putting parking in the back but it abuts conservation land. He is requesting a curb cut for the
entire length of frontage for ease of plowing etc. He noted that there can be four to five vehicles
there at one time plus delivery trucks.
The Town Manager had concerns about vehicles backing out into the roadway. He noted that
there is a precedence of two curb cuts in that area.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—July 6, 1999—Page 5
Steve McLaughlin of 195 Salem Street indicated that Dr. Boschetti's entire front yard is paved
and it keepsgetting bigger and bigger. Cars are constantly for sale. People keep asking him if it
is zoned commercial and it's not-- it is residential.
George Hines noted that it is unacceptable to have the entire frontage open.
Both Camille Anthony and Matthew Nestor noted that 24 feet is appropriate in a residential area.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to grant a waiver for a
driveway opening greater than 24 feet at 201 Salem Street. The motion was defeated by a vote
of 0-4-0.
Review Policies — General Operating Procedures — Camille Anthony questioned the need for
Section 1.1.2 - #2 regarding not being Chairman in the last year of a Selectmen's term. The
Town Manager noted that it was because if the Chairman was not re-elected, then there would be
a gap from March until June. George Hines noted that it is only a guideline.
Camille Anthony asked that a notation on moving through the ranks be added to this section, i.e.
going from Secretary to Vice Chairman to Chairman.
The Town Manager asked the Board if they wanted him to draft a policy on the use of Town
Counsel services. The Board directed the Town Manager to work with Town Counsel to develop
a policy.
The Town Manager reported that there had been a water main break at Birch Meadow during the
July 4th weekend. He also noted that the Library is closed until noon tomorrow due to a
malfunction of the air conditioning.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of July 6, 1999 at 10:30 p.m. The motion was approve by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted, -
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Secreta