Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-28 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting September 28, 1999 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Sally Hoyt, Secretary George Hines, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena and the following interested parties: Lucy Manousakis, Karen Flynn, Lawrence Stefani, Bob Brown, Ed Halpin, James Claroni, Ted McIntire, Gail Wood, Lisa McGrath, Tim McGrath, Debbie Boschetti, Paul Collins, John Campbell, Lorraine Campbell, William Freeman, Bob Salter, Anne Marie Czamota, Nancy Eaton, Susan Johnson, Philip Johnson, Stephen and Cheryl Surette, Judith Clarke, Paul Boudette, Joseph Condon, Michael Gildea, Peter Tassi, Kim Honetschlager, Rick Schubert, Susan Miller, Joan Hoyt, Steve McLaughlin, Doug Reed, Peter Curran, Sean Ferris, Mike Gildea. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Camille Anthony noted that she attended a South Main Street Meeting at Harrow's. She attended a CPDC Meeting and the issue of making Pleasant Street one way came up. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the Board has previously approved making Pleasant Street one way and when the Police Station moves, the Board will have a hearing to revise the Traffic Rules and Regulations. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that the light going south on Lowell Street has a dedicated left hand turn and that will have to be reconfigured. Camille Anthony noted that she would like more information on the letter from Jean Marie Halley at 47 Warren Avenue. George Hines noted that he attended the Conservation Commission last week. Corporex was present and there was a lot of good dialogue. Matthew Cummings had no report. Sally Hoyt noted that she met with Senator Tisei and with Eleanor Dustin. She attended the Eagle Scout Ceremony for John Kachichian, the Anti-Defamation Conference at the State House, and the CPDC meeting on September 27, 1999. Public Comment-There was no public comment. Town Manager's Report Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the Senior Center Roof project will be proceeding around mid-October and the intent I is to use the new slate. The Historical Commission is working on the color for the slate. George Hines asked if there was a practical reason for not going with the less expensive option. Russell Dean noted that the history is that a defective product was there before, and there is a longevity issue with using recycled. `- r Matthew Cummings asked what the difference was in the warranty. Board of Selectmen Meeting--September 28, 1999—Page2 George Hines wants to hear back on the warranty and the reason for not using the less expensive option. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that one bid was received for the gravel rights on the property located on Grove Street. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the acceptance of the bid in the amount of$35,000 for gravel rights and related easements on the property located on Grove Street approved under Article 7 of the June 30, 1999 Special Town Meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Knights of Columbus Weekend for the Physically and Mentally Challenged — Representatives from the Knights of Columbus were present to receive the Proclamation. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to declare the weekend of October 8th to October 11, 1999 as "Knights of Columbus Weekend for the Physically and Mentally Challenged," approved by a Proclamation this 28th day of September, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Personnel and Appointments Board of Appeals — Susan K. Miller was interviewed for a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. On motion by Anthony seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Susan K. Miller. Ms. Miller received four votes and was appointed. Cultural Council— On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Karen M. O'Connell. Ms. O'Connell received four votes and was appointed. Solid Waste Advisory Committee — Joan Hoyt was interviewed for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2002: Joan A. Hoyt. Ms. Hoyt received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Review Driveway Request — 201 Salem Street — Anthony Boschetti noted that this was his second request before the Board of Selectmen. He noted that he spoke to many residents who didn't have to go through this process and some have two openings in areas that are small. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 28, 1999—Page 3 Camille Anthony noted that the Town Engineer wrote a memo agreeing to two 16 foot openings. David Boschetti noted that is his second option but he would prefer to have the whole access left open for safety, parking and accessibility reasons. Camille Anthony asked how much frontage this was, and David Boschetti noted that it was 78 feet. George Hines noted that the Town is putting in curbs and sidewalks and indicated that none of his neighbors have a 78 foot opening. David Boschetti noted that he was not asking for anything different, he just wants it to be kept the way it was originally. Camille Anthony noted that every household has been impacted by the reconstruction and his previous request was for two 16 foot openings. Steve McLaughlin of 195 Salem Street noted that he was under the impression that 24 feet was the total, not two 16 feet openings which equals 32 feet. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to reconsider the previous vote to restrict to a 24 foot opening. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve two 16 feet driveway openings at 201 Salem Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed. Review Driveway Request— 183 Woburn Street—Sean Ferris of 183 Woburn Street was present to request a circular driveway for the second time. He noted that his driveway is eight feet wide and he drives a large vehicle. He is requesting this for safety reasons. George Hines noted that the regulations for two openings require 150 feet and Mr. Ferris has 120 feet. George Hines also noted that the sidewalk and apron in that area have to be concrete. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a waiver for a second driveway opening at 183 Woburn Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed. Review Water Storage Options — Woodward and Curran Report - Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, and Doug Reed and Peter Curran from Woodward and Curran were present to review the future water storage options for the Town. Doug Reed noted that they looked at capacity, consumption and locations. He noted that the wells furnish enough water to meet demands except during the peak hours so water comes from the storage tanks. Water to fight fires also comes from the storage tanks. Storage tanks maintain pressure and the height of the water tanks creates the pressure so they are usually located on top of hills. If the distribution piping is too small, that can lower the pressure. Mr. Reed noted that the water use will increase from 3.19 million to 3.51 million between now and 2020 and the wells can meet this need. _, Board of Selectmen Meeting_September 28. 1999—Page 4 The tank on Bear Hill holds 1 million gallons of water. The tank on Auburn Street that was - dismantled held .53 million gallons, and the remaining tank at Auburn Street holds .75 million gallons. If the new tank is located at Auburn Street, it will have to be elevated. If the new tank is located on Dobbin Hill (near Route 93), it is a high hill so it could be a ground storage facility made of concrete or steel. Bear Hill is too small. A tank at the Auburn Street site would cost $840,000 and would not have to be screened. A tank on Dobbins Hill would cost $837,000 and would need to be screened with trees. A tank on Dobbins Hill would distribute the water supply evenly throughout the town. Mr. Reed also noted that fire flows are not adequate, and 70,000 feet of pipe needs to be replaced throughout the Town. Their action plan is to implement the study of the distribution system, implement the distribution system improvement program,build a 1.2 million gallon concrete storage facility at Dobbins Hill at a cost of$1,200,000. George Hines asked if a concrete tank could be built on the Auburn Street site, and the answer was no we couldn't go that high. Matthew Cummings asked why only 500,000 gallons were counted as useable when it is a 1.2 million gallon tank. Doug Reed responded that the bottom portion of the tank is supporting the water in the upper level. Matthew Cummings noted that Table 3.5 shows that water consumption went down during 1997- 1998, unaccounted for usage had increased while overall use declined. Public Works Director Ted McIntire responded that there were leaks in the system. Some of the leaks have been repaired and more will be done next year. Debbie Boschetti of 6 Emerald Drive asked what size storage facility we were talking about for Dobbins Hill and indicated that if trees are taken down, they will lose their sound barrier. It was noted that the facility would have a 57 foot diameter and be 60 feet tall. Tim McGrath of 37 Emerald Drive wants a copy of the study. He has safety and environmental concerns and there will be litigation costs. Ed Halpin of 61 Lothrop Road asked about costs and if easements were needed. Doug Reed responded that it is Town owned property and he didn't know of any easements needed. Mr. Halpin had security concerns about a ground level tank. Bob Brown, Precinct 6, asked if the Town got water from the MWRA would the tanks be needed. Doug Reed indicated that he did not look at that. Mr. Brown asked if a spherical tank would be considered for Auburn Street. Doug Reed responded that it would be too costly. George Hines asked whether storage was impacted by the source, and asked that we find out the pressure of MWRA water. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that CDM has looked at the cost of MWRA water and water tank storage is included in the cost. Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 28, 1999—Pale 5 Nancy Eaton of 13 Short Street asked if use of the landfill was considered. Doug Reed responded that it was not a big difference. Steve Surrette of 177 County Road asked if an additional tank would get rid of the Town's two pumping stations. The answer was no. Tim McGrath of 37 Emerald Drive asked if the cost of connection was included and what is the timeline. Doug Reed responded that the costs are included, and Ted McIntire noted that the existing Capital Improvements Program has funding this year for the design phase. Paul Boudette of 48 Lothrop Road asked about the size of the lot on Lothrop Road. There were concerns raised about the study because the source of water was not included in the study nor when the conclusions were reached. In addition, Selectman Cummings requested fully costed information including cost of debt service and actual repair and maintenance figures regarding the water tank on Aubum Street. Gail Wood, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, asked if the WSAC should hold a public hearing. George Hines noted that input should be direct to the Board of Selectmen. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean suggested having a hearing on October 26, 1999. Debbie Boschetti of 6 Emerald Drive asked if the Board of Selectmen make the decision or if the community makes the decision. George Hines noted that the Board of Selectmen make the decision and Town Meeting Members vote on the funding. Approval to sell propertyadjacent to 43 Linnea Lane — Mike Gildea of 43 Linnea Lane was present. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that Mr. Gildea is interested in acquiring the abutting property. Dave Billard has assessed the property at $5700 to $6290. Mr. Gildea noted that he wants to add to his lot. The property is overgrown and a refuse area. It needs to be cleaned up by a tree service and he would like the price reduced. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the Town Manager is willing to lower the price by $1000 for maintenance. George Hines indicated that the Town is compelled by the State to get the best price. Dave Billard states $5660 as the minimum price. Mike Gildea noted that the land is of no value to the Town and trees are falling on abutting properties. Special Employee Status — Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the Board of Selectmen need to review the current listing. Camille Anthony noted that Tom Stohlman is no longer a School Committee Member and questioned whether the School Committee needed to continue as Special Employee Status. The Board of Selectmen agreed to keep all of the others who are listed, and need to hear from the School Committee as to whether or not it is necessary to keep them as Special Employee Status. Water Supply Update — Gail Wood, Chairman of the Water Supply Advisory Committee, noted that the Adhoc Water Supply Committee is studying the water supply and w.ih be making Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 28, 1999—Page 6 recommendations. They are looking at the current supply, MWRA, bedrock wells. They have held two hearings and distributed surveys. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that they hope to get 12% back and have gotten 300 back so far. He noted that weighting is being worked out and they will get recommendations from CDM. George Hines indicated he wants an information summary before the hearing. Future of the Open Space Committee —Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean indicated that he was looking for a recommendation to take an alternate course. Nancy Eaton disagreed with the Town Manager, and felt that he was taking votes and decisions away from the people of the Town and giving it to the staff. Camille Anthony noted that the Town Planner does not have the time to do this. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that the document is created by different boards and staff is there for support. Nancy Eaton noted that cross communication with other committees is important. Rick Schubert noted that most meetings did not have a quorum and there is a lack of staff support. He indicated that it is a good opportunity for communication between boards. He noted that the Town Planner and CPDC do not have the time. He noted that the charge of the Committee expired on December 31, 1998. George Hines noted that the Town still has obligations to fulfill, and urged the Board of Selectmen to support and assign a staff person. He noted that an intern might be available and suggested setting up a budget. Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean indicated that Karen DeFrancesco, Conservation Administrator, could provide staff support. Kim Honeschlager of 51 Mill Street noted it was important that there be a big representation. George Hines suggested sending the policy out to the former committee and the former task force, and ask for comments to come back to the Board of Selectmen. Solid Waste Advisory Committee — Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean noted that there is one member left on the Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee and he is willing to join the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Board of Health will take on a more active advisory role to the Board of Selectmen on hazardous waste issues. Solid Waste Advisory Committee Member Bob Brown noted that the Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee was originally set up for the Woburn odor. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee, will take on hazardous waste collection but not pollution issues. Matthew Cummings suggested holding a hearing, invited the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Foy Johnson and the Board of Health. �_ Board of Selectmen Meeting—September 28 1999—Page 7 On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of September 28, 1999 at 11:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully subm ed, Secretary