HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-26 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
October 26, 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, Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor,
Secretary George Hines, Selectman Matthew Cummings, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Finance Director Beth Klepeis, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Lois
Bond, Steven Matrullo, Gina Synder, Robert Granetz, Cathy McCaron, Thomas O'Donnell,
Carol Sheehan, David Kinney, David Proch Wilson, Dave Billard, Mollie Ziegler, Bob
Nordstrand, Susan Puopolo, Paul Commers, Attorney Nancy McKeon.
Reports and Comments-
Selectmen Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he
attended a meeting of the Board of Library Trustees.
Selectman George Hines noted that he attended the second session of the diversity training. He
attended the Reading Municipal Light Department Joint Meeting with the Citizen Advisory
Board. The Citizen Advisory Board voted to recommend a 20 year extension to the agreement
with the Reading Municipal Light Department, and this will be coining to the Board of
Selectmen for approval.
Chairman Sally Hoyt thanked Gail Wood and the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee for
responding to the Ipswich Watershed Report Card.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor had no report.
Public Comment — Elder Services Administrator Lois Bond was present to show the patches of
the Millennium quilt that is in the process of being put together. Eleven stitchers are working on
this project, and it will be ready in time for the New Year.
David Kinney of 91 Green Street noted that he made a complaint about the Police Department
two weeks ago and he wants an apology. Chairman Sally Hoyt noted that the Town Manager
will report back to Mr. Kinney in writing.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager noted that the Town Engineer has met with the State Engineer and
Contractor for the Route 129 project. He will be getting a more defined schedule. December 1st
is the paving deadline.
The Town Manager noted that he distributed a memo to the Board from the Town Planner
answering their questions on the slate roof for the Senior Center. The Board Members noted
they did not receive this memo.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 26, 1999—Page 2
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation for REAP's 15th Anniversary - Carol Sheehan from REAP was present to accept
the Proclamation.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a
Proclamation for REAP's 15th Anniversary. The motiorivvas approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Three Certificates of Appreciation for Legislators — On motion by Hines seconded by
Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve Certificates of Appreciation for Senator
Richard Tisei, Representative Bradley Jones, Jr. and Representative Paul Casey in recognition of
their outstanding service and achievements on behalf of the Town of Reading. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Review of Corporex —The Town Manager noted that he had received a letter dated October 15,
1999 from Bill Blackham indicating that the costs of the plan are very expensive, and asking the
Town for a 30 day extension to investigate ways to reduce costs.
Corporex Representative David Proch Wilson was present. He noted that Corporex has worked
through an extensive due diligence, and the cost is beyond what they expected. The Lease
Agreement has November 1, 1999 as the cut off date for notification of termination. Corporex is
requesting a 30 day extension of this deadline, and has no problem with the Town talking with
other bidders during this time.
Selectman George Hines noted that he met with David Proch Wilson, Corporex President Bill
Butler, Bill Blackham and other Corporex representatives to get a sense of the level of
r commitment. He noted that Corporex does want to stay with the project if they can find a way to
mitigate. The Town does not lose a great deal in giving an additional 30 days but we do have to
notify MEPA. He recommends approving the extension.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated he felt that granting a 30 day extension is not a huge
issue but the Selectmen would like the Town Manager to make contact with the second and third
bidders to see if they are still interested.
Chairman Sally Hoyt indicated that the cost of capping the landfill is prohibitive, and that the
State should be made aware of the costs. She asked if Corporex could pass the costs onto the
potential owners. David Proch Wilson indicated that they have determined that the cost is so
high, it will not be marketable.
Chairman Sally Hoyt asked if Corporex is willing to share some of the costs that the Town
incurred with Grubb and Ellis. David Proch Wilson noted that was not something that was
considered in the lease, and he was not able to answer that question.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that he had no problem granting a 30 day extension. He
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asked if this delay is going to impact Town Meeting in November, and the Town Manager noted
that it would have an affect.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 26, 1999—Page 3
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a 30 day
extension of their November 1, 1999 date in the lease for Corporex to evaluate alternate
development schemes for the Reading Business Park as requested in their letter of October 15,
1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager to contact the second and third bidders to
see if they are still interested.
Hearin- on Tax Classification— Secretary George Hines read the legal notice. Finance Director
Beth Klepeis, Assessor Dave Billard, Board of Assessor Members Mollie Ziegler and Bob
Nordstrand were present.
Dave Billard noted that the Board of Selectmen amlualiy vote on the tax classification and three
exemptions—the open space exemption, residential exemption and small commercial exemption.
Regarding tax classification, historically the Board of Selectmen adopts a residential factor of 1
which results in all property being taxed the same. Over 90% of the property in Reading is
residential. Neighboring communities who split the rate have a higher commercial industrial
rate. The Town Manager noted that a low tax rate helps to promote Downtown revitalization.
Regarding an open space discount, Dave Billard noted that the Board of Selectmen need to
decide whether to tax open space at a discount. He noted that the Board of Assessors
recommends to not offer this because there are too few parcels that would qualify.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about Chapter 61A and 61B. Dave Billard noted that
owners of large parcels could place their property into.Chapter 61, 61A or 61B and receive the
benefit of a reduced tax, and the Town would receive rollback taxes if the property is sold for
other uses.
Regarding a residential exemption, the Board of Assessors recommends not adopting because
Reading does not have a lot of rentals or seasonal residents.
Regarding the commercial exemption, The Board of Assessors recommends to not grant a small
commercial exemption which would substantially increase taxes on commercial properties over
$1 million.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve a residential
factor of 1 for the FY 2000 tax year. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to not adopt an open
space discount on the tax rate for FY 2000. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to not adopt a
residential exemption for the FY 2000 tax year. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting October 26, 1999—Page 4
On motion by Nestor seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to not adopt a small
commercial exemption for the FY 2000 tax year. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Review Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant — The Town Manager noted that under Article i
there will be reports on the Reading Business Park, Water Supply, Schools, Leases at the
Reading Memorial High School, 1999 RMLD Budget and a.report by CPDC on mansionization.
Article 2 is for instructions. Susan Puopolo from Beacon Street was present. She is requesting
an instructional motion for the Board of Selectmen to issue a license across Town land on
Auburn Street for a driveway to her property on Beacon Street. The Puopolo's had requested to
purchase this property but.Town Meeting did not approve so they requested a license from the
Board, of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen did not approve the license because they did not
want to go against Town Meeting so the Puopolo's want to go back to Town Meeting and ask
them to instruct the Board of Selectmen to grant a license.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that Town Meeting was concerned that the property
would be sold at a discount price and it could be developed. Granting a license seems like a
reasonable solution.
Selectman George Hines has a problem with the Board of Selectmen asking Town Meeting to
instruct the Board of Selectmen. He feels that the Puopolo's should ask a Town Meeting
Member to support the instructional motion.
Susan Puopolo noted that when it went to Town Meeting, those opposed suggested getting a
license.
Selectman Matthew Cummings agreed with Selectman Hines to get a Town Meeting Member to
support the instructional motion, not the Board of Selectmen.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that if the Board wants to grant a license, then it should be
conveyed to Town Meeting.
Article 3 is to amend the C.I.P. FY2000 — FY2009. There are three changes: To purchase 75
Pleasant Street under Article 5; for Symonds Way Development under Article 4; and to increase
the funding amount for the Dividence Road school project.
Article 4 is to amend the FY 2000 Budget for marketing of the landfill; engineering for the
landfill closure; and improvements to Symonds Way which will come from the RIAA.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked why the landfill expenses were not done at the April Town
Meeting, and the Town Manager noted that we did not have a signed Purchase and Sales
Agreement in April.
Article 5 is for the acquisition of 75 Pleasant Street. }
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 26 1999—Page S
Article 6 is authorizing debt for Chapter 90. This will allow the Town to move forward with
road projects.
Article 7 is authorizing debt for the Saugus River Drainage Basin. The Town Manager noted
that the Saugus River drainage basin has not been maintained or dredged in a long time, and it is
having an effect on the private properties abutting it. There are also three bridges that need to be
evaluated. The money is needed for evaluation and design.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that this has been the C.I.P. plan for a long time, and asked
if it could be done at the Annual Town Meeting with the rest of the C.I.P. plan when the
priorities are set. The Town Manager noted that if this is done in the Fall, then engineering can
get an RFP out in the Winter.
Chairman Sally Hoyt noted that the residents have experienced flooding in the Spring and
waiting could create problems.
Article 8 is accepting MGL Chapter 41, Section 100B for indemnification for retired Police
Officers and Fire Fighters. The Town has been paying some medical bills, mostly for
prescriptions for retired Police Officers and Fire Fighters who are disabled. State law says that if
the Town is going to pay any costs, then the Town needs to adopt the local option. The Town
Manager noted that if this passes, it could increase costs to the Town.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if the Town accepts it, could it be rescinded and he also
asked who would be covered. The Town Manager did not know if it could be rescinded, and
noted that it would cover future employees and employees who have already retired.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor suggested exploring a Home Rule Petition, and the Town
Manager will follow-up with Town Counsel.
Article 9 is the taking of performance bonds for Sunset Rock Subdivision. The Town Manager
noted that the developer has not performed, and CPDC is requesting a taking of the bond.
Article 10 is the taking of performance bonds for Corey Lane Subdivision. The developer has
been performing, and CPDC will table this at Town Meeting.
Article 11 is to amend the Zoning By-Laws regarding commercial parking in residential district.
Article 12 is to amend the Zoning By-Law regarding commercial parking in a residential district.
CPDC does not support this.
Article 13 is to authorize leases of space at Reading Memorial High School. Town Counsel is
negotiating these leases.
Article 14 is to authorize the construction of an additional elementary school. Selectman
Matthew Cummings suggested having the School Building Committee do a presentation. The
Board agreed to this.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 26, 1999—Page 6
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to table action on
the Warrant Articles until after the agenda item on 28 Salem Street. The motion was approved
by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Board of Selectmen continued their review of the Warrant. Regarding Article 7, Selectman
George Hines asked if the property owners are requesting this, and the Town Manager noted that
they are. Selectmen Hines asked if slides could be av4ble for Town Meeting. The Town
Manager suggested doing a site visit on Saturday.
Selectman Matthew Cummings indicated that many capital items were deferred in the Spring,
and Town Meeting might want to do one of those capital projects instead of this.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the
subject matter of Article 4 of the November 8, 1999 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The
motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the
subject matter of Article 6 of the November 8, 1999 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The
motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to table the subject
matter of Article 7 of the November 8, 1999 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The motion
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0, and it was tabled.
Selectman George Hines noted that a citizen approached him and indicated that he was told that
the school building project would not be going to site plan review. He suggested that the Board
request the School Committee submit the plan.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to discuss the issue of
site plan for the proposed school project to be the same as municipal projects. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Request for a Curb Cut — 28 Salem Street — Paul Commers, 1130 Main Street, owner of the
property at 28 Salem Street, was present to request a second curb cut. Mr. Commers noted that if
he has two curb cuts, then he can get seven parking spaces.
The Town Manager noted that the front of the property has been paved and the curb was very
low. Now new curbs have been put in so the owner is requesting a second curb cut to access
parking spaces #6 and #7. The Town Manager noted that if cars park in #l, #6 or #7, they hang
out onto the sidewalk.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that this parking situation has been going on for years.
He asked Mr. Commers if he would find another place to park if this isn't approved, and Mr.
Commers indicated that if the Selectmen want six cars, he will find another space.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 26 1999—Page 7
The Town Manager noted that it is not possible to get six conforming spaces even with a second
curb cut.
Selectman George Hines asked about the size of the curb cut, and the Town Manager noted that
he could have two 16 foot openings or one 24 foot opening. Selectman Hines asked Mr.
Commers if he would commit to enforcing the regulations with his tenants, if the Selectmen
approve this. Mr. Commers indicated that he would.
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked about a plot plan. The Town 7Vianager noted that it could
be put as a condition but there is no way that he can get six conforming spaces.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the request
for two 16 foot curb openings on 28 Salem Street subject to the condition that a plot plan
showing conforming spaces be submitted to the Town. The motion was approved by a vote of
4-0-0.
Easement to Danvers Savings Bank — Attorney Nancy McKeon was present representing
Danvers Savings Bank. She indicated that Ted Cohen had forwarded an easement document,
and she is requesting the Board to approve and sign.
The Town Manager noted that CPDC requires the two lanes to be open and not allowed to block
the parking lot. The Town Manager also noted that Danvers Savings Bank will be contributing
up to $58,000 towards demolition of the old Police Station.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve and authorize
the execution of the easement and related documents confirming Danvers Savings Bank's right
to access the property on Hamden Street from the Hamden Yard parking lot. The motion was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Attorney Nancy McKeon asked the Board for their approval of the signs that they would like to
use. One will be placed under the "P" sign at the corner of Union and Hamden, and a sign
showcasing the new Downtown signs will be placed at the entrance of the parking lot.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to accept the signs as
presented pending that Danvers Savings Bank continues to work with staff regarding location
and color scheme. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes
of their meeting of September 21, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of September 28, 1999 as amended. The motion was approved by a
vote of 3-0-1,with Cummings abstaining.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 26, 1999—Page 8
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
minutes of their meeting of October 12, 1999 as amended. The motion was approved by a vote
of 3-0-1, with Hoyt abstaining. r___
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of October 26, 1999 at 10:00 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitte
Secre ary