Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-12 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 12, 1999 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor, Secretary George Hines, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen, Town Planner Anne Krieg, Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Ann and Bill Cummings, Bill Brown, Lois Bond, Rick Schubert, Lori Leland, Roberta McRae, Kim Honetschlager, Nancy Eaton, John Wood, Gail Wood, Bob Brown, David Kinney, Don Cowan, Doug Prentiss, Glen Milley, Joseph O'Keefe, Joe Russell, William Bogeart, Joan Lepore, Attorney Steven Cicatelli, Attorney John Lainond, Paul Commers. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments—Matthew Cummings had no report. George Hines noted that he attended a meeting with representatives from Meadow Brook, representatives from various Boards, Committees and Commissions and staff regarding the concept of a land swap. Camille Anthony noted that she attended the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, a water supply meeting and the Meadow Brook meeting. Matthew Nestor noted that he attended the Financial Forum which is a FinCom meeting to which the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Board of Library Trustees are invited. He noted that there will have to be either an increase in revenues or a cut in expenditures to balance the budget this year. He also noted that he had received a phone call regarding the proposed water tower. Public Comment — David Kinney of 91 Green Street had a complaint about the Police Department. He had received a copy of a Police report that he believes was incorrect and asked Chief Marchand to correct it, and Chief Marchand told him that wasn't possible. He feels as though he is being threatened and abused because of the Police Department report because of his gender. Selectman Matthew Nestor noted that civil process is available, and that the Board of Selectmen cannot order expulsion of an official document. The Board of Selectmen suggested that Mr. Kinney allow the Town Manager to look into these issues. Gail Wood, Chairman of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee, was present. She indicated that the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee needed guidance as to whether they should hold a hearing on the water tank siting. She also noted that some of the numbers in the Woodard and Curran report are wrong. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he had asked for a full breakdown of costs. Ms. Wood noted that the removal of lead paint is included in the amount and the lead paint has already been removed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Page 2 Camille Anthony noted that the Town Manager or the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee needs to go back to Woodward and Curran with our concerns. She also noted that the Minutes from the previous meeting indicated that the Selectmen would hold the hearing, and she suggested not having a hearing until all of the issues are dealt with. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Senior Center roof—a contract for new slate has been awarded—that was the preference of the Historical Commission and the State Historic Commission. Work should be completed within one month. Selectman Hines asked for the justification for going with the higher price, and Selectman Cummings asked for the difference in the warranty. ♦ Walnut Street paving has been completed. Final work including driveway aprons, loaming and seeding is yet to be done. ♦ Stewart Road sidewalks, which were installed in order to improve pedestrian traffic flow at the Barrows School, have been completed. ♦ Pearl Street sidewalks from Orange Street to Longwood at Pearl Street have been completed. This closes a gap in a major school walking route. ♦ The Route 129 project progresses well. The Highland Avenue gate to the -� Laurel Hili Cemetery has been opened for several of weeks to provide alternate parking and access when the heaviest work is taking place on Salem Street. This was done in conjunction with the Old South Methodist Church and the Cooperative Nursery School that operates there. A letter was sent to Highland Avenue residents. Selectman Hines complimented the office for sending notices out to the neigh- borhood but he was disappointed with the slow progress of the project. ♦ We hope to start the work on the Auburn Street neighborhood improvement project within the next couple of weeks. ♦ The new Burbank YMCA was dedicated on Saturday, September 18th and it is a magnificent facility. Reading residents have certain preferred rights to use the facility and are eligible discounts for membership. ♦ Selectman Anthony suggested that the Grant Pool should be drained. ♦ Senator Tisei and Elder Affairs Secretary Glickman were at Tannerville today to honor several residents, and to provide information to seniors regarding a number of issues, and especially to provide information about prescription drugs. ♦ "Local Government Week" in Massachusetts is October 10-16, 1999. Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson is working to develop a program here in Reading. -t Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12 1999—Page 3 ♦ A leadership retreat was held Saturday, September 18th, including members of the FmCom, School Committee, Board of Library Trustees, Board of Selectmen and staff. A follow-up meeting was held on October 7th to review the Town's pending financial situation for next iscal year. The Town Manager noted that last year there was a 2.3% increase, and this year there is about a 1.3%. ♦ The Board of Selectmen with the Garden Club will meet next Tuesday at the Senior Center to honor those who have adopted islands this year. ♦ Community elected leadership will be participating in a two-session Diversity training by the U.S. Department of Justice. The first session will be this Thursday and the follow-up session will be next Thursday. The D.O.J. training is highly respected, and the Department has done other such training in Reading including the Police Department and citizen training. ♦ The Town Manager noted that the Police Officer's Contract has been amended to provide for the hourly detail rate to be$31/hour, a$1/hour increase. A side letter was also added to the main body based on an arbitration decision. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Police Officer's Contract revised October 12, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-1, with Cummings abstaining. Selectman Cummings asked that the Board of Selectmen have an Executive Session to explain such changes, prior to voting the changes. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Week of Caring for Readiniz Senior Citizens — Lois Bond, the Elder Services Administrator, was present to receive the Proclamation. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation for a Week of Caring for Reading Senior Citizens on October 17-23, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation — Honoring the Business and Professional Women's Week — Secretary George Hines read the Proclamation. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation Honoring the Business and Professional Women's Week on October 17-23, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation — Dorothy Kelly Gay Mayor of Somerville — On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to table this Proclamation. The motion to table was approved by a vote of 3-1-0 with Cummings opposed. Proclamation — Local Government Week — On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation designating the week of October 10, 1999 as Local Government Week in Reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-_0_-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Page 4 Discussion/Action Items Hearing on George Street Development — Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor reviewed the additional material that had been received: A memo from Town Counsel H Theodore Cohen; a memo from Town Planner Anne Krieg dated October 8, 1999; a report from Police Chief Marchand; additional reports on water pressure; additional documents from Attorney Cicatelli dated October 8, 1999 which included a six page memo with attachments; a memo from Fire Chief Wood; emails from Public Works Director Ted McIntire; documents and traffic study by Bruce Campbell and Associates; a three page letter with attachments from Joseph O'Keefe dated October 7, 1999; a letter from the Executive Director of the Reading Housing Authority, and a memo from the Assistant Fire Chief Mooney dated October 12, 1999. Attorney Steven Cicatelli was present representing James T. Lynch, Trustee of L.A.B. Realty Trust, and addressed the following issues: Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor referenced the Assistant Fire Chief's memo of October 12, 1999, Paragraph Number 2 which indicates that the front of the building would have to be kept clear in order for a fire truck to turn around. Attorney Cicatelli noted that there would be a fire lane and/or the island would be eliminated. The rear of the buildings will consist of a gravel bed to allow fire trucks access to the rear. Regarding the issue of noise, the buildings will provide a 10-15 decibel reduction, and the issue of it being a"human barrier"was a marketing issue. The drainage would be designed in accordance with the D.E.P. guidelines and Town guidelines. Refuse will be kept in an enclosed locked building. Water pressure testing will need to be done prior to development. If a booster pump is needed, the developer will provide it and the Condo Association will be responsible for repair and upkeep of the pump. Camille Anthony asked about a sewerage pump, and Attorney Cicatelli referenced a memo from the Public Works Director Ted McIntire indicating that there is no problem with the sewer main on George Street. The Town Manager noted that the sewer line in George Street is adequate but it is unknown if the sewerage would get from the property to the sewer main without being pumped. Selectman George Hines indicated that a memo from Jim Richardson says there is a problem, and then says there is no problem. Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner noted that there is no problem with the sewer main but there is a problem where a house sewer connection goes into the main and it has to be checked weekly. Attorney Cicatelli noted that the sewer and any pump station would be the responsibility of the Condo Association. Douglas Prentiss from Bruce Campbell and Associates was present to answer questions about the traffic study. He indicated that the traffic study shows an increase of one car every 7.5 minutes during the peak hours. There has been one accident over the last three years at South and Heather and that was related to a car hitting a fixed object. ,:_ Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Page 5 Attorney Cicatelli indicated that he copied the Board on the Canton housing case where 6.49 units/acre were proposed. He noted that the real issue here is traffic and noise which has been addressed, and density is not the real issue. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that density is a real problem. This is a residential neighborhood -- 10 units are too much for the neighborhood, and asked if there was room to negotiate. Attorney Cicatelli noted there is always room for negotiations but the numbers would have to work, and asked if eliminating one or two houses would really solve the traffic issues. Attorney Cicatelli noted that a PRD was not the route that his client wants to take to develop the property. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that there are access issues from an engineering standpoint, and maneuverability concerns about getting in and out of the development. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if the fire lane would provide enough room, and Anne Krieg indicated it would inside the property, but it is difficult to maneuver at the intersection with George Street. The Fire Department indicates that the travel route will have to be from Curtis Street to George Street. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked how the Fire Department knows how to respond. The Town Manager noted that the Fire Department has records on all locations but it is a concern if we get help from out of town. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if routing automatically comes up when the call comes in, and the Town Manager noted that it does not. Selectman George Hines noted that there could be a fire access problem when cars are parked on George Street. He went up George Street in a 1/2 ton truck and had a difficult time turning around. He asked how often just one emergency vehicle responds, and the Town Manager responded almost never. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that the sidewalk on the development roadway does not go all the way out to George Street. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that there is a break in the sidewalk because there is not enough lot width, and noted that a PRD would require a sidewalk to the street. Town Planner Anne Krieg indicated that she created a table showing the density ranging from 3 to 10 units. Four units would be equivalent to the average density of the neighborhood. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the site is zoned for a single home. The other process would be a PRD, and would need Town Meeting approval and variance relief on requirements. Attorney Cicatelli noted that if the developer went with the PRD, there could be delays in getting a certificate of occupancy because of Conservation sign off on wetlands. This happened in another project the developer built in Reading. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted that the Conservation Commission could issue a temporary Certificate of Compliance. Selectman George Hines indicated that this would not delay the process for two years. Anne Krieg agreed and indicated that the Building Inspector can also grant a temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Selectman George Hines indicated that this does not justify not going with a PRD. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Page 6 Attorney John Lamond was present representing the residents of the neighborhood. He noted they have concerns about the public safety, density and access. There is no similarity between this and the Canton case, and all of the neighbor's concerns need to be considered. Glen Milley introduced Joseph O'Keefe, former State Fire Marshall. Joseph O'Keefe noted that he measured the wheel base of the ladder truck, and he doesn't know how it would get into the development. He wrote the State regulations, and it is clear that the entrance has to be clear of obstructions and the width no less than 20 feet. Selectman Matthew Nestor asked who would be responsible for removal of the obstruction, and Joseph O'Keefe noted that after the fact, the developer will probably make the Town widen the entrance. He also noted that there would be a significant drop in water pressure as a result of the proposed development. Attorney Cicatelli noted that the sidewalk cannot go all the way to George Street. He also noted that people.do not want to buy homes with a temporary Certificate of Occupancy, and that is why the developer does not want to go with a PRD. Joe Russell of Heather Drive abuts the property. He noted that access is an issue and he asked if one car is coming in and one is going out, who has the right of way. He also noted that residents will lose parking because the street has to remain clear for emergency vehicles, and the development overpowers the whole neighborhood. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on the proposed LIP Program for 23 George Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that if the Board of Selectmen votes in favor, then the Town joins the developer as a partner in the proposal. Town Counsel Ted Cohen responded that if the Board of Selectmen approve, then the proposal essentially becomes the municipality's proposal. The Town would become partners with the developer on the proposal as presented. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if there was any obligation to exhaust all routes, or if the process can stop with a negative vote. Town Counsel noted that there is an obligation to consider the proposal in good faith but the Board of Selectmen do not have to agree to the proposal. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked the Town Manager for an update on affordable housing in Reading. The Town Manager noted that the Town currently has four elderly units at the Schoolhouse Condominiums; four family units at Pleasant and Parker; six family units at Summer and Main Street; three units at Summit Village and 17 units of affordable housing at Longwood at the Pearl Street School. The Town has also approved an additional two units at Pleasant and Wilson on Town owned land; six units of family housing at an unknown location, and one unit of family housing at another location. George Hines noted that he feels Reading has done a great job in trying to get affordable — housing. He is opposed to the proposal -- it has restricted access and numerous issues including n density on a lot that already has a lot of constraints due to size and shape. He also noted he Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1.999—Page 7 - would be more supportive if the density was appropriate but the proposal is unrealistic, and he will vote no. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that Town Counsel raised two issues -- density and accessibility, and he doesn't know how to get around the accessibility issue. He has watched tapes of previous hearings and read the material. He also noted that density is an issue that cannot be lightly dismissed because it is out of character with the neighborhood. There is an issue with the easement and the issue of increased traffic. He visited the site and there was a child in the middle of the street enjoying the neighborhood. This proposal will introduce a whole new issue that doesn't exist now. The plan is not reasonable, and he will not support it. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that in order for the Board of Selectmen to support a LIP, it would have to be a win/win situation for the Town. There are issues of density, neighborhood character, access and site conditions, and she will not support it. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he agrees with the other Selectmen. Sidewalks are an issue and access for fire apparatus and density are also issues. When he ran for Selectman, he heard a lot of concerns of the Town becoming over developed. The density changes the character of the neighborhood, and he will be voting no. He might consider three units. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve their participation in a LIP Program as presented by the applicant on October 12, 1999. The motion was not approved by a vote of 0-4-0, with all four Selectmen voting in the negative. Easement - Danvers Savings Bank — The Town Manager noted that Danvers Savings Bank is considering demolishing the building on Hamden Street, and constructing a bank with a drive- thru through the municipal parking lot to Hamden Street. Town Counsel Ted Cohen noted that the Town acquired the property for the parking lot from Chris Grevelis by deed and order of taking. A Purchase and Sales Agreement was signed by the Board of Selectmen with a provision that the seller reserve the right to use the premises for access and maintenance, and it was always understood that this access would be available through the Town parking lot. With this drive-thru, the Town will be losing one parking space in the parking lot and two on Hamden Street. Selectman George Hines noted that the easement was always envisioned for pedestrian access, not vehicular. He has concerns about giving up parking spaces. He noted that we have a bank in Town with no drive up. The bank did renovations without a drive up and is thriving. Don Cowan, owner of A Plus Printing, passed out pictures showing queuing at another bank in Reading and the back of the parking lot. He is upset about losing parking. Gail Wood of 213 Pleasant Street suggested that the Board of Selectmen consider this item with the next item on the Agenda regarding making Pleasant Street one way. Board of Selectmen Meeting_October 12, 1999—Page8 William Bogeart of 91 Pleasant Street asked if the Town was granting an easement, will it be solely for use of the bank or for anyone. Town Counsel Ted Cohen noted that the Town has to give Grevelis the easement right. Hearing on Approval of One Way Street—Pleasant Street from Parker to Main Street - Secretary George Hines read the hearing notice for making Pleasant Street a one way. The Town Manager noted that there had previously been much discussion as to which way to make Pleasant Street one way. Making Pleasant Street one way will add six to eight parking spaces. The Town Manager noted that the Downtown Traffic Consultant had recommended making it one way westbound. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked how wide the drive-thru would be. It was noted that it will be two vehicles exiting to the right. Selectman. Camille Anthony asked how many employees will work at Danvers Savings Bank, and it was noted that there will be five employees. She had concerns that the building was bigger than what they needed, and was concerned about a backup into the parking lot. The Attorney for Danvers Savings Bank noted that six cars can be stacked inside their site, and there is enough room for four to five additional cars before having an impact on the parking lot circulation. John Wood of 213 Pleasant Street noted that tractor trailers go down to the wax factory, and it would.be difficult for them to go down Haven and across to Parker. He suggested that Public Works put up barricades for a couple of weeks and see if it works. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that the Board received a letter from Reed Wax objecting to making Pleasant Street one way. Bill Bogeart objects to making Pleasant Street one way. He noted that Pleasant Street is a cut through in the early morning, and it is difficult to make a left hand turn onto Haven Street. Joan Lepour of 11 Wilson Street noted that all of the traffic to the Little League Field will go down Wilson Street. Selectman George Hines noted that evaluating two items together is not a good idea. He noted that the Downtown designers had originally proposed the other way because the Police wanted to have two means of egress. This was adopted as part of the whole plan. This plan was designed to make the Square more pedestrian friendly. He advised against implementing this at this time. Gail Wood noted that if Pleasant Street is made a one way, and the Town gives an easement to Danvers Savings Bank, it will make a bad situation impossible. The Attorney for Danvers Savings Bank noted that they did not propose Pleasant Street one way. CPDC asked Danvers Savings Bank to pay for line striping of Pleasant Street. The drive-thru will decrease the need for parking. CPDC asked them to increase the size of the building. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Page 9 Rich Schubert, Chairman of CPDC, noted that the plan should be taken as a whole. Angled parking on Pleasant Street was always planned. Danvers Savings Bank's first proposal had two curb cuts, and we would have lost seven parking spaces. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the plan was to make Pleasant Street one way before implementing the rest of the Downtown Streetscape plan. The Town Manager responded yes, that there is no cost involved and it is reversible. Selectman Matthew Cummings feels it will create a nightmare if it is not done all at one time. The Town Manager responded that the Downtown will never be done all at one time. Joan Lepour of 1 i Wilson Street asked if a traffic study was done relative to making Pleasant Street one way and the response was yes. John Wood of 213 Pleasant Street asked if the study was done in the Summer in baseball season, and asked for stats on accidents at the corner of Pleasant and Hardnen. Selectman George Hines noted that he was not opposed to Pleasant Street being one way with other improvements. He feels it should be done after major improvements in the Downtown area. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that maybe CPDC shouldn't tie the line striping of Pleasant Street to the Danvers Savings Bank. Town Counsel Ted Cohen indicated that the easement for the drive-thru needs to be approved. If the Board of Selectmen do not approve, then Danvers Savings Bank would have to draw up new plans. Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the original plan without a drive-thru was abandoned because the Town asked them to increase the size of the building. The Attorney for Danvers Savings Bank noted that the bank will not build on this property without a drive-through. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if CPDC looked at how the parking lot will survive the queuing. Town Planner Anne Krieg noted there can be a total of 10 cars in two rows of five before blocking circulation. On motion by Cummings seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on the one way street -- Pleasant Street from Parker to Main Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to table the proposal of making Pleasant Street one way. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he agrees to tabling this item for tonight but the Town cannot start to pull out of the downtown master plan. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that when the municipal parking lot is being impacted, then Boards, Committees and Commissions need to come in and talk to the Board of Selectmen. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Paize 10 Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor agreed that the plan is not perfect but the Town cannot hope for a perfect retail business. Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that it seems that the Board has to grant the easement because CPDC requested certain things. He feels it is better to lose three parking spaces instead of seven parking spaces. Selectman George Hines asked if language could be added requiring both lanes functioning to prevent back ups. On motion by Nestor seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an easement document subject to final approval by the Board of Selectmen confirming Danvers Savings Bank's right to access the property on Hamden Street from Hamden Yard parking lot. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0, with Hines opposed. Hearing on Amending the Policy— Cultural Council —Number of Members — Secretary George Hines read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the current policy is 12 members. There are presently 7 members on the Council. He recommends amending the policy to 7 members and this number can be increased in the future if needed. Cultural Council Chairman Roberta McRae was present. She indicated that amending the policy to 7 members is fine as long as there is the option of being able to expand in the future. On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public hearing on amending the policy on the Cultural Council—Number of Members. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the number of members on the Cultural Council to 7 members. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing on Amending Policy — Open Space Committee — Secretary George Hines read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the policy was adopted in November, 1996. The Committee has not met. It is time to update the master plan and the Board needs to decide who will do it. The Town Manager suggested the following options: Keep the Open Space Committee to do it; have the original Task Force do it; have staff do it or hire a consultant. The Town Manager noted that it will be easier to update than it was to create the initial plan. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that it should be a community based effort. Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that there are a lot of issues. He suggested continuing the hearing until another evening because of the late hour. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to continue the hearing to another evening. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 12, 1999—Pale 11 - Hearing on Amending Policy — Solid Waste Advisory Committee — The Town Manager noted that the Public Works Director Ted McIntire suggested postponing this so the Solid Waste Advisory Committee has a chance to review the proposed changes. Review of Pay/Classification and Personnel Evaluation System — This item was tabled because of the late hour. Request for Curb Cut — 28 Salem Street — Property owner Paul Commers was present. The Board asked Mr. Commers for permission to table this item until the next meeting because of the late hour and he agreed. On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to table the request for curb cut—28 Salem Street until their next meeting. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting of October 12, 1999 at 11:25 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, ecrec ry