HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-02 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 2, 1999
The meeting convened at 7:32 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, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Matthew Cummings, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following
list of interested parties: Gina Snyder, Douglas Cowell, Nancy Eaton, Attorney Saul Feldman,
Mike Iodice, Will Finch, Steve Blewitt, Dick Howard, Gail Wood, Bill Freeman, Peter Tassi,
Ted McIntire, John Gall, Karen Burdick, John Parsons, Henrietta Marada, Kim Honetschlager,
Bob Brown, Mrs. Robert Hamblin.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Matthew Cummings noted the he attended the
Financial Forum, and the prospects for the next fiscal year budget is cloudy.
Camille Anthony noted that she attended both of the diversity trainings. She asked about the
intersection at Sunnyside and Melbourne. She asked about"Pay as you Throw."
George Hines attended the Financial Forum, and the two site visits to 75 Pleasant Street and the
drainage ditches on Saturday. He and the Town Manager met with a resident regarding a
parking situation.
Matthew Nestor noted that he attended the Financial Forum and the two site visits. He went to
the Reading Recreation's Halloween Parade and commended the Recreation Department for a
great job.
Sally Hoyt noted that she attended the Financial Forum, the two site visits, and a meeting with
the Moderator and chairmen of other committees to review the Warrant.
Public Comment — Gina Synder noted that she is a member of the North Reading Stream Team
which is a group of volunteers whose concern is to conserve the Ipswich River. She asked the
Board of Selectmen to consider the Ipswich River as a valuable resource in their decision on the
water supply issue.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ Senior Center roof—the Board of Selectmen has received a memo outlining the reason
for awarding the contract for new slate.
♦ Walnut Street paving has been completed. Final work including driveway aprons and
foaming and seeding is yet to be done.
♦ The Route 129 project progresses well.
♦ Work has started on the Auburn Street neighborhood improvement project. The
condition of the pavement in this area is worse than anticipated so the road will be
repaved as part of the project.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 2, 1999—Pages
e The Town's Home Rule petition on the land swap at the Wood End Cemetery has
been approved and awaits the Governor's signature.
The Home Rule petition vacating easements on the landfill property is through the -
House and has been approved by the Senate Committee—it should be passed within
the next couple of weeks.
♦ The Town's tax rate has been certified by the State. Two things pop out in looking
at the approval:
1. The total assessed valuation of the community is over$2 billion for the first
time in history;
2. The tax rate of 14.79 is down from last year's rate of 15.89. This reflects a
significant increase in values in the community.
♦ The Reading Health Division's flu clinics were very successful this year—the final
clinic was this evening, and we will give you final numbers when they are available.
There is no news on the Mill Street property.
♦ Grading is done at the Symonds Way recreation field. One spot had contaminants
and that will be excavated and cleaned up. It will be hydro-seeded in the Spring.
Discussion/Action Items
Review Rubbish Collection at Apartments — The Town Manager indicated that Mike Iodice
contacted the Board of Selectmen in May, 1999 to request trash pick up for apartments. Staff did
a review of costs. It would cost the Town anywhere from $12,000 to $53,000 to pick up trash at
apartments. The contract with Ogden Martin would have to be renegotiated.
Attorney Saul Feldman was present representing Mr. Iodice. He feels that if the Town provides
trash pick up for condominiums, then it should do the same for apartments. He indicated that the
only difference is that a condo is owned and apartments are rented.
Selectman George Hines asked what Mr. Iodice pays for trash pick up. Mr. Iodice noted it is
$850 to $900 per month.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor referenced a memo by the Town Manager dated May 14, 1999
in which he notes that the property is being assessed as an apartment. Selectman Nestor asked if
apartments are assessed at a lower rate than condo's, and the Town Manager indicated that they
are.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that an apartment is a business venture, and the Town does
not pick up for businesses.
Attorney Feldman indicated that legally it is a condominium, and the Town has no legal right to
refuse.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that it is unfair to present the issue in two ways. Being
an apartment for tax purposes and a condo for services is not right. Mr. Iodice noted that condo
owners could be renting out and the Town still picks up the trash.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 2, 1999—Page 3
Selectman George Hines noted that he agrees with Mr. Iodice that it is unfair to make residential
units pay for trash pick up, and feels that renters should not be discriminated against.
Chairman Sally Hoyt noted that she provides services to the complex and will not be voting on
this.
Selectman George Hines suggested scheduling a hearing to change the trash policy, and
indicated that the property owners of all apartment buildings should notify the renters.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to hold a hearing to
review the trash collection policy for dwellings in Reading. The motion was not approved by a
vote of 1-3-1, with Anthony, Nestor and Cummings opposed and Hoyt abstaining.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that he would consider a hearing, if the owner stops being
taxed as an apartment and begins being assessed as a condo.
Presentation — Water Supply Task Force — Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean introduced
Water Supply Advisory Committee Members Will Finch, Steve Blewitt, Dick Howard, Gail
Wood, Bill Freeman, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, Public Works Director Ted
McIntire and the Town's Consultant, John Gall, Vice President of CDM.
- John Gall gave an overview of the process. He noted that the current source of water is the
Ipswich River and the watershed. The water is distributed by pipes and two storage tanks are in
use. The Town has a registered withdrawal of 2.57 m.g.d., and the system is 100% cost
recovery. Options that were evaluated were the Ipswich River; MWRA; Town of Andover;
aggressive conservation and bedrock wells. All were evaluated for cost, quality, yield,
environmental impact, vulnerability and implementability.
Mr. Gall noted that the recommendation of the Water Supply Advisory Committee is to take
some water from the Ipswich River along with purchasing water from the MWRA and
aggressive conservation. The capital costs for this would be $10.3 million, opposed to $15.7
million for the MWRA alone, or $6.9 million for the Ipswich River alone. Mr. Gall noted that
the MWRA charges a buy in fee that goes back to current members. He also noted that the
Town's Water Treatment Plant can be renovated instead of being replaced.
Mr. Gall noted that the Ipswich/MWRA option acknowledges the problems with the Ipswich
River, would be used to offset peak demand times, and would provide an "insurance policy" for
the Town.
Regarding enviromnental issues, Mr. Gall noted that the Ipswich River experiences low flows
and riverbed dry up in Reading. The future viability of the river is an issue and Reading's effect
on the Ipswich River is substantial.
Mr. Gall noted that buying into the MWRA requires several approvals, and a decision is needed
now for what could be a two year process. The Ipswich River/MWRA solution is balanced but
-' more costly per household per year.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 2, 1999—Page 4
Selectman Matthew Cummings asked if there would be less restrictions on the residents if the
Town goes with the MWRA. Steve Blewitt noted that the Board of Selectmen make the decision
on restrictions, and noted that the Selectmen need to look at if the restrictions are accomplishing
what they were set out to accomplish.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor asked if the toilet rebates and washer rebates help to conserve,
and John Gall responded that they did.
The Town Manager noted that a report will be given to'°Town Meeting, and then it will come
back on the Selectmen's Agenda to finalize and start the process. The Board thanked the Water
Supply Advisory Committee for all of their work.
Request to Rename C Street — The Town Manager noted that he received a petition from
residents on the eastside of C Street to rename C Street. Public Safety has no problem with
renaming the street, and the Town Engineer recommends changing the house numbers also.
Karen Burdick of 10 C Street noted she used to get mail for Carnation Circle and they were
getting her mail. She noted that because the name of the street is a letter, people think they live
in an apartment complex but it is not. People also use various spellings of the letter C; i.e., sea,
see, etc. She noted that she has gotten some of the residents on the west side of C Street to sign
the petition also.
John Parsons of 3 C Street noted that he is against it but his wife is for it. This was brought
before the Selectmen 22 years ago, and the Selectmen said if everyone agreed, then they would
consider it. He noted he only had a problem with his mail twice.
Henrietta Marada of 9 C Street noted that she has received mail that is not hers. She asked if
there are any costs associated with the change, and the Town Manager noted that street signs,
map changes would be done by the Town. Property records, driver's licenses, etc. would be
property owner costs.
Karen Burdick noted that she spoke with the Registry of Deeds, and it would cost each
homeowner$25.00 to change the deed.
The Board of Selectmen directed the Town Manager to explore the procedure and schedule a
hearing.
AT&T Media One Merger — The Town Manager noted that he has attended hearings on this
issue and the hearing officer recommends approval. The open cable issue, which allows any
home to use the cable lines, is not part of this merger issue. He sees no reason to not approve.
Cable TV Advisory Committee Chairman Doug Cowall, 958 Main Street, noted that the
committee did comment on the merger issue. They have no major objection. Their concern is
they hope AT&T will improve on service complaints.
Board of Selectmen Meetinz—November 2, 1999—Pau 55
On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Reading, Massachusetts, acting as issuing authority, voted to approve the "change of control" of
the Town of Reading's current Cable Television license from Media One Group, Inc. to AT&T
Corp.
The current licensee, Media One of Massachusetts, Inc., will continue to own and operate the
system with AT&T Corp. as its ultimate parent after closing. The successor to the license
will meet all obligations of the license currently in effect. The motion was approved by a vote
of 5-0-0.
Hearing on Holiday, Liquor Sales on Sunday — Secretary George Hines read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that State law allows liquor stores to be open on Sundays starting the
Sunday before Thanksgiving and continuing until the Sunday before the New Year. He also
noted that there have been no reported problems from the Police Department regarding liquor
stores being open on Sundays.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor indicated that he voted against this last year because he doesn't
feel that employees should have to work on a Sunday. He will vote for it this year because he
doesn't want to see Reading's merchants punished.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing
on holiday liquor sales on Sunday. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Hines seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the sale
of liquor beginning on November 21, 1999 and continuing Sunday, November 28, Sunday,
December 5, Sunday, December 12, Sunday, December 19 and Sunday, December 26 from the
hours of 12 noon until 8:00 p.m. in accordance with State law, subject to the premises coming
into compliance and remaining in compliance of the local Zoning By-Laws with respect to signs
and particularly related to illuminated signs. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing on Amending Policypen Space Committee — Secretary George Hines read the
hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen need to decide whether or
not to keep the Open Space Committee and how the plan will be updated. The Open Space
Committee has not been active. He recommends rescinding and asked the Board to direct him to
work with staff to update the plan with members of Boards, Committees and Commissions.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she feels this should not be a staff project and members at
large need to be involved in this project. She feels that a standing Open Space Committee is
needed. Chairman Sally Hoyt agreed with Selectman Camille Anthony.
Nancy Eaton noted that the Open Space Committee did meet and members served on the
Longwood Study Committee. She indicated that the plan needs to be updated, and she strongly
believes this should not be a staff committee.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that lack of staff support was a problem with the former
committee.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 2, 1999—Page 6
Kim Honetschlager noted that she feels the Committee should continue but the Selectmen should
not appoint the Chairman.
Selectman George Hines noted that if the Committee doesn't have a charge, then it won't meet.
He suggested having it remain an Ad Hoc Committee with a sunset provision and a specific
charge.
The Town Manager reviewed the original Task Force's charge. It was suggested to change the
expiration date in the last paragraph of the policy to March 2001. It was also suggested to add
"and the Open Space Master Plan dated November 1995" to the end of the first paragraph of the
policy. It was suggested to change the number of Conservation Commission Members from two
to one member and the number of residents from two to three. The third charge would be
changed from review the inventory to update the inventory.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public
hearing on amending the policy for the Open Space Committee. The motion was approved by a
vote of 5-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to reestablish the
Ad Hoc Open Space Committee and policy as amended. The motion was approved by a vote of
5-0-0.
Hearing on Amending Policy—Solid Waste Advisory Committee— Secretary George Hines read
the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that he requested input from the Solid Waste
Advisory Committee regarding taking on hazardous waste issues. He noted that the Hazardous
Waste Committee did meet and they were used for advice. The Fire Department, Health
Division and DPW are staff who would work on hazardous waste issues.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she does not want to put hazardous waste issues onto the
Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Bob Brown, Chairman of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, noted that there is a thin line
between hazardous waste issues and solid waste. He noted that the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee does not have the expertise to handle hazardous waste issues.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor noted that if the Committee doesn't have the expertise, then that
issue can be referred back to the Selectmen to filter elsewhere.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on
the amendments to the policy on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
The Board recommended adding to the proposed Solid Waste Advisory Committee policy the
word "solid" after the word "hazardous" in numbers 2 and 5. Delete charge number 4 and
renumber the others. Delete the sentence in the second to the last paragraph that reads "When
considering applicants....in hazardous waste issues."
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 2 1999—Page 7
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
amendments to the policy establishing the "Solid Waste Advisory Committee" as included in the
---` material dated 11/2/99, and rescind the policy on Hazardous Waste Advisory Committee. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Waiver for Concrete Sidewalk/Apron— 89 Vine Street — The Town Manager noted that Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Hamblin were in front of the Selectmen in June 1999. At that time, the Board
granted a waiver as long as the'Hamblin's expXozed the option of using cement with final
approval by the Town Manager. Since that time, two of the Selectmen have indicated that if the
Hamblin's are not using concrete, then they want the Hamblin's to come back before the Board.
Mrs. Hamblin noted that the contractor gave an estimate of $2100. She also noted that the
Library is in the same district and it does not have a concrete driveway.
Selectman George Hines noted that asphalt looks terrible but he has a problem holding them to a
standard when the Town didn't adhere to it.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Hamblin's should be able to finish the job without
an additional $2000 cost.
No action was taken by the Board of Selectmen.
Review Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant—The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the
Subsequent Town Meeting. The Board took no position on Article 2.
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the
subject matter of Article 3 of the November 8, 1999 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The
motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Town Manager noted that Article 5 will be indefinitely postponed. The Housing Authority
will be buying this property and will sell the Town a piece of it for parking,
Regarding Article 7, Selectman Matthew Cummings indicated that he thinks all Articles
involving money should wait until April. The Town Manager noted that this has been in the
Capital Improvements Program for a number of years, and he is proposing to spend $75,000 now
to plan for the work that needs to be done.
On motion by Hines seconded by Nestor, the Board of Selectmen voted to recommend the
subject matter of Article 7 of the November 8, 1999 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The
motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Cummings opposed.
Article 8 will be indefinitely postponed. _
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 2, 1999—Page 8
Town Manager's Evaluation — Approval of Process — The Town Manager reviewed the policy
for the Town Manager's evaluation. He noted that typically the Board sets up a subcommittee to
review the process and recommend any changes.
Chairman Sally Hoyt volunteered Selectmen George Hines and Matthew Cummings to the
subcommittee. Selectman George Hines noted that goal setting can be evaluated this year but
can't next year unless goals are set. The Town Manager noted that he will talk with the Chair
and set aside time on an upcoming Agenda for setting goals.
Approve Amendment to Lease with RIAA and Agreement with YMCA — The Town Manager
noted that this is needed for funding improvements at Symonds Way field.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Cummings, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve an
amendment to the Agreement between the Town of Reading and the YMCA relative to the
donation to the Town of Reading by the Reading Ice Arena Authority of the sum of$50,000 for
the improvement of the Symonds Way fields. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Hines seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the minutes
of their meeting of October 26, 1999. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-1, with
Anthony abstaining.
On motion by Cummings seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their
meeting of November 2, 1999 at 11:15 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,,,
Secreta6y