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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 7, 1999 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary George Hines, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Police Chief Edward Marchand, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Francis Coleman, Pete Shields, Tina Truedson, Craig J. Celli, Jeff Quinn, Deirdre Brennan, Frank and Mary Touserkani, Robin Hamilton, Jim Serevitch, Charlie and Deb Capobianco, Kate Murphy, Lori Leland, Alice Langone, Michael Langone, Susan Don, Donna Molley, Susan Russell, Glenn Milley, Fred Comeau, Stephen and Joanne Peters, Mark Delaney and kids, N. C. White, Dario Volante, Ruth Cripo, David and Laurie Cripo, Constance Leccese, John O'Connor, David and Nancy Tuttle, Rick Schubert, Michael Flammia, Gil and Barbara Rodrigues, Peter DePesa, Will Finch, Phil Vaccaro, Al Kinnon, Jay Smith, Richard Anderson, John Segalla, Joyce Holt, Robert and Barbara Apse, Senator Richard Tisei, Arthur Hitchman, Representatives Brad Jones and Paul Casey. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of litigation and approval of minutes to come back into Open Session at approximately 7:30 p.m. On a roll call vote, all three members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. The Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:35 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Camille Anthony noted that the Water Supply Advisory Committee continues to meet, and is meeting again on September 16, 1999. George Hines had no report. Sally Hoyt noted that she attended the Police Ham and Bean Supper for the senior citizens. It was a job well done. Public Comment—There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Town Manager received a call from Representative Brad Jones stating that the Town has received a grant for$50,000 for the Senior Center roof. ♦ The Coolidge Middle School had its grand opening today. Town staff has been very active in inspecting this building and getting it ready to open. ♦ Two former Fire Fighters, Arthur Steele and Kevin Kelly, died over the weekend. ♦ The Town Manager thanked everyone for their support during his mother's death. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 7, 1999—Page 2 ♦ The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to sign an abandonment of easement on Field Pond Drive. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to sign the "Abandonment and Release of Easement" for a drainage easement on Field Pond Drive as authorized by Town Meeting on April 30, 1984. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Reading into the Next Century - Secretary George Hines read the Proclamation honoring Reading into the Next Century. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation honoring the "Reading into the Next Century" endowment campaign for the Reading Public Library. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Aquatics Advisory Board — Tina Truedson was interviewed for a position on the Aquatics Advisory Board. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Aquatics Advisory Board with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Tina Truedson. Ms. Truedson received three votes and was appointed. Constable—To be rescheduled. Substance Abuse Advisory Council — John R. Segalla was interviewed for one position on the Substance Abuse Advisory Council. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Substance Abuse Advisory Council with a term expiring June 30, 2001: John R. Segalla. Mr. Segalla received three votes and was appointed. Board of Cemetery Trustees — Richard Anderson was present to be interviewed for one position on the Board of Cemetery Trustees. He noted that he had attended a meeting of the Board of Cemetery Trustees this evening, and that he is not interested in applying for that position. He would very much like to be considered for a position as an Associate Member on the Council on Aging. The Town Manager will ask the Council on Aging if they would like an Associate Member. Cultural Council — Joyce Holt was present to be interviewed for one position on the Cultural Council. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2002: ^ Joyce Holt. Ms. Holt received three votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 7, 1999—Page 3 Discussion/Action Items Review LIP and HOP Programs — Jeff Quinn from the Department of Housing and Community - Development was present to discuss the LIP and HOP Programs. Also present were Senator Tisei and his aide Arthur Hitchman, Representative Brad Jones and Representative Paul Casey. Jeff Quinn noted that the HOP is not available. The LIP came from the HOP in 1990. The goal of the LIP is to build affordable housing. It is important that the Town works with the developer. The process is that the developer has a plan and presents it to the Board of Selectmen and works with the Town. After the developer goes to the Town, then he goes to DHCD. DHCD walks the site with the Town Boards which helps to visualize problems. DHCD can suggest changes, then give an approval letter to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals. There is a strict minimum of what can be changed. A legal agreement is signed between the Town, DHCD and the developer. The Town has a lottery where 70% of the available low income units go to residents —the Board of Selectmen deems "resident" definition — and the other 30% go to minorities or low income families. Jeff Quinn noted that the HOP Program is private and does not fall into DHCD. It is similar to the LIP. If the Town turns down a private HOP, the developer can appeal unless the Town already has 10% of affordable housing. The amount of affordable units goes from 25% in the LIP Program to 30% in the HOP Program, and the Town loses the resident standing. Jeff Quinn noted that if the developer has been unreasonable or if the design issues are not in the best interest of the community, then DHCD would deny. Other reasons the DHCD would deny are safety, density and character of the neighborhood. Senator Richard Tisei noted that the goal of affordable housing is a good goal, and it is important that programs are available. He commended the Board of Selectmen for having this information session. He noted that marginal land is being developed because all of the good land is gone and already developed. George Hines asked if the yield of affordable housing versus the impact on the neighborhood is a criteria. Jeff Quinn responded yes. Representative Brad Jones noted that North Reading is working with a developer to build affordable housing in another location. Representative Paul Casey noted that the Board of Selectmen are worried about losing power and oversight. The residents are concerned that a developer is coming in, and they do not have to go through what they did. He asked if there have been cases when the community has been overruled. Jeff Quinn responded that if the developer is not dealing in good faith, then DHCD has denied. Meet with CPDC re: Zoning Initiatives—Town Planner Anne Krieg was present. She noted that CPDC has received a citizen request regarding controlling mansionization. She noted that the average house size is 1600 square feet. The newer homes being constructed are 2600 square feet. Other towns consider 5000 square feet as a mansion. Board of Selectmen Meeting=September 7, 1999—Page 4 In Lexington, people are purchasing whole neighborhoods and tearing them down to build mansions. CPDC wants to know if the Board of Selectmen wants to control this. George Hines noted that zoning has good requirements to restrict, and asked if there were any trends. Anne Krieg noted that the Board might want to modify the setback requirements. Russell Dean noted that there were 225 properties in Reading where the lots were assessed more than the buildings on them. CPDC Chairman Rick Schubert noted that the concern is about change to existing neighborhoods. He noted that older homes were torn down on Van Norden Road and replaced with bigger homes out of scale with the neighborhood and the Town is also losing affordable housing. George Hines noted that this is tricky to deal with. This would be putting limits on people's rights that are driven by market and lifestyle changes. We need community input. Town Planner Anne Krieg asked the Board to look at parking regulations. She noted that restaurant requirements are based on square footage. Fast food restaurants need to be separate from restaurants. Banks, offices, etc. have no requirement. She also asked the Board to look at parking of commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Camille Anthony suggested that CPDC look at whether present establishments meet the standards. Establish Parking Regulations—Haven Street East of Main Street—Secretary George Hines read the notice. The Town Manager noted that in this area, the business section does not have regulated parking and people park all day. George Hines asked if this has any impact on the residents and if the problem is caused by business hours. The Town Manager indicated that setting the hours might be appropriate. Gil Rodrigues, owner of Perfections, noted that people park there all day. Business hours would be okay as long as they include Saturday. Peter DePesa of Focaccia's noted that bank employees park there all day. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on parking regulations on Haven Street East of Main Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0, and the hearing was closed. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to amend Article 5 Section 5.4.2 of the Traffic Rules and Regulations by adding: Two hour parking from Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Haven Street on the north and south sides from Main Street to Number 239 (inclusive). The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 7, 1999—Page 5 Meet with Police Chief re: Incident The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen = requested that Chief Marchand come in to talk about traffic stops. I The Town Manager asked if the Police Department had a policy regarding taking photographs. The Chief responded no. Taking photographs is not illegal but he does not recommend it. The training council recommends pictures be taken of people when drug activity or gang activity is going on. Over the years, pictures/videos have been taken for surveillance activity regarding drugs. George Hines asked if the Chief was willing to adopt a policy so that when new Police Officers come on board, they will know it is not recommended. Chief Marchand noted he could but can't have a policy for every little thing. George Hines noted that people want to know that their rights aren't infringed upon at traffic stops. Chief Marchand noted that the Department stops about 10,000 cars per year, and he gets very few complaints. George Hines noted that people have relayed stories to him about the demeanor of Police Officers and attitudes could be better. He asked if the outcome of complaint investigations is reported back to the complainer. Chief Marchand noted that if they leave their number, he calls them back. There are Citizen Complaint forms that can be filled out. They go to the Chief and if he is not satisfied,they go to Internal Affairs. - Camille Anthony asked that perhaps people are afraid to make a complaint, not just in Reading j but everywhere. Chief Marchand noted that most of the complaints that he receives are about the way the stop is performed. People complain that they couldn't see the Police Officer or he wouldn't let the person out of the car, etc. Officers are taught these things. George Hines noted that he supports the Police but encourages people to report. The Town Manager asked about training. Chief Marchand noted that new Officers receive 22 weeks of training in the Academy and one week each year after that. LETN training is used. Peter Shields of 13 Randall Road voiced his support for the Police Department. He thinks video cameras on the cruisers are a good idea. Chief Marchand noted that there is a video camera on the sally port, and attorneys come in and view it all the time. Special Employee Exemption — Savio - The Town Manager noted that Police Officer David Savio is requesting Special Employee Exemption so that he can work as a Dispatcher. He will not work more than 500 hours/year, and he will not work as Dispatcher when he is working as a Police Officer. Board of Selectmen Meeting=September 7, 1999—Page 6 On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Special Employee Exemption for Police Officer David Savio .to allow him to work as Public Safety Dispatcher. The motion was approve by a vote of 3-0-0. Outdoor Hazardous Material Storage—No. Reading — The Town Manager noted that the Town has received a Notice of Intent for Teradyne, Inc. to store hazardous material in North Reading in our well fields. Anne Krieg and Camille Anthony will be attending the North Reading Board of Selectmen Meeting on September 9, 1999. The Board directed the Town Manager to write a letter to the North Reading Board of Selectmen noting that we have concerns about storage of hazardous material, and to ask North Reading not to take any action until we get more information. Approval of Minutes The June 22, 1999 minutes were tabled. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes of their meeting of June 29, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. The August 17, 1999 minutes were tabled. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of September 7, 1999 at 10:40 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secreta%