HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes s
Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 9, 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,
Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties:
Richard Radville, Joseph Finigan, Jeff Struble, Alex McRae, Paula Perry, Dr. Harry Harutunian,
Kathleen Guyott, Gael Phillips-Spence, Ken Tucci, Tim Twomey, Roger Sanstad, Peter M.
Kramer, Francis Gentile Sr., Jay Woodman, Elizabeth and Leo Meuse, David Tanner, Philip
LeBlanc, Peg Plansky, Rev. Robert Sweet Jr., Russ Graham.
Discussion/Action Items
Review of Dividence Road School Project — The Town Manager noted that the Board of
Selectmen invited the School Building Committee to give a presentation on the Dividence Road
school project.
Russ Graham, Chairman of the School Building Committee, noted that the Dividence Road
project went before Town Meeting last year and received Town Meeting's support. When it
went on the ballot, the Dividence Road project was defeated. The Department of Education will
not reimburse the project that was supported by the voters because it is not a permanent solution.
Jeff Struble and Alex McRae from the School Building Committee were present to discuss
enrollment issues. Jeff Struble noted that fixing Barrows alone will not help the problem. Alex
McRae noted that past enrollment projections have been right on target, and the current
projections show that there will be an additional 400 students in the next 6 years.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that the Town will not be reimbursed for schools using
portable classrooms. Dr. Harry Harutunian noted that portables could be used for storage or a
science center but not for educational purposes.
Alex McRae discussed the birth rates and projections. He noted that if the Dividence Road
project is approved, it will be fully utilized when it opens. The Town will have a crisis if it is not
approved.
Jeff Struble noted that core spaces are crucial to schools; i.e., cafeteria, Special Ed rooms, etc.
The Town has a significant space deficiency now -- art and music rooms are nonexistent. It
would cost $23 million to build onto the present schools, and that would include no funding from
the State. He also noted that the State indicates that the Joshua Eaton and Killam School sites
are too small to add onto.
Selectman George Hines asked if cities get waivers if they don't have the room. Russ Graham
noted that the State will not grant a waiver to Reading because they know we have the land.
Board of Selectmen Meetiniz—November 9, 1999—Pam
Selectman George Hines asked if we would have to redistrict if we build the new school. Dr.
Harutunian indicated that would have to be evaluated.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor suggested that the Board of Selectmen vote on the school project
and set a date to talk about an override. Selectman Matthew Cummings agreed with Nestor.
Selectman George Hines indicated that he would need more information on the financing before
he could recommend.
Selectman Matthew Cummings noted that there is an operating problem this year, and that the
funding for operating and capital will have to be separate.
The Town Manager reviewed the three types of overrides. He noted that Corporex and the sale
of real estate fund is key to the Capital Improvements Program.
Selectman George Hines asked if debt could go more than 10 years. The Town Manager
indicated that it could.
Vice Chairman Matthew Nestor suggested that the Board should take a vote because they would
still have to deal with not doing it and pay for portables.
Selectman George Hines agreed to show support but the Board also has to be fiscally
......._....
responsible.
Chairman Sally Hoyt indicated that she commits to supporting the 5 school.
Selectman Matthew Cummings left the meeting at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Review of Budget and CIP — FY2001 — Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean reviewed the
process in which the budgets were prepared. He noted that salaries are increased according to
the compensation step plan and Union contracts. Commodities were increased 1.7%. The
budgets include the "bare bones."
In the Library budget, the overtime for Sundays and materials will be taken out. Community
Development shows an increase of 6.3% because funds were shifted from Human Services.
General Services has a .82% decrease because the landfill expenses were taken out. The Human
Services budget includes the second part of the classification for the Health Administrator and
Public Health Nurse. In Public Safety, the School Crossing Guards have always been
underfunded in the past and it has been corrected this year.
The Town Manager noted that this is a standstill budget. Chairman Sally Hoyt noted that there is
a need for a School Crossing Guard at Parker Middle School. George Hines noted that a staff
person is needed for the Senior Center.
Selectman George Hines noted that the Board should scrutinize the based budget and prioritize
the supplemental requests. The Town Manager will get a new list to be prioritized.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 9, 1999—Pale 3
Comprehensive Permit Application — Wilson/Pleasant Street —Secretary George Hines read the
hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the property was taken years ago by tax title. The
Town gave the property to the Reading Housing Authority. The Housing Authority was going to
move a house onto the property but it didn't. They have gone through the conservation process,
and are applying for a comprehensive permit for 100% affordable housing.
The Reading Housing Authority Chairman showed a conceptual plan for one two bedroom and
one three bedroom units.
Phil Leblanc of 14 Gardner Road asked how high the peak is, and noted that he wants minimum
impact on the neighborhood. He asked the Board of Selectmen to appoint. someone from the
neighborhood to work with the Reading Housing_Authority in the design phase to represent the .
neighborhood concerns, and report back to the Board of Selectmen at the end of each phase.
Reverend Robert Sweet indicated that all of the meetings are public and anyone can attend.
Peter Kramer of 184 Pleasant Street asked the Board of Selectmen to postpone their decision.,
and have Town Counsel look at the court case involving the Town of Lexington.
Leo Meuse of 32 Wilson Street asked if the doors were on Wilson Street. Reverend Sweet
indicated that they were and Mr. Meuse noted that two families were not allowed on Wilson
Street. Reverend Sweet noted that is why they are asking for a comprehensive permit.
Jay Woodman of 37 Wilson Street noted that putting a house on the corner will block the view.
Phil Leblanc noted that Chapter 90 funds are needed for sidewalks, and he had concerns that
there would be a lack of parking spaces.
The Town Manager noted that the Town is anticipating putting in curbs and sidewalks on Wilson
out of the neighborhood improvement fund.
Francis Gentile of 36 Wilson Street asked where the driveways were.
Phil Leblanc noted that the Building Inspector did not have foundation plans on file. Reverend
Sweet noted that the size of the foundation was approved by the Conservation Commission.
When the building permit is issued, all of the specifications will be in order.
Peter Kramer noted that three trees were cut down and asked when they would be put back.
Reverend Sweet indicated they would be replaced in the Spring.
Francis Gentile noted that the trees were taken down to allow for the house to be moved.
Reverend Sweet noted that this will be a preconstructed home.
Phil Leblanc asked what a comprehensive permit was, and Selectman Nestor explained the
process.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 9, 1999—Page 4
Peter Kramer asked why it couldn't be a single family home, and Reverend Sweet noted that the
Town is behind on low income housing which can impact State funding, and a two family is
needed to make the project viable.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the public
hearing for a Comprehensive Permit Application on Wilson/Pleasant Street. The motion was
approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Selectman George Hines noted that in the past he has been opposed to the putting a building on
this lot, but since there are only three Selectmen to vote on this tonight he will be voting in favor
to be confident that it will pass.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to support the Reading
Housing Authority's application for a comprehensive permit under Massachusetts General Law
Chapter 40B, Sections 20-23 to construct a two family affordable housing residence on property
located at the intersection of Pleasant and Wilson previously donated to the Housing Authority
by the Town of Reading. Hines moved and Hoyt seconded to amend the motion to have a
community neighborhood representative be appointed as a liaison, and report back to the Board
of Selectmen on a quarterly basis. Vice Chairman Nestor noted that there was no need to appoint
someone because all of the meetings are open to the public. The amendment was defeated by a
vote of 2-1-0, with Nestor opposed. The main motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
On motion by Nestor seconded by Hines, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn their meeting
of November 9, 1999 at 10:50 p.m. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0 and the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submi ed,
Secretary