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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-12-18 Board of Selectmen Minutes Minutes of the Board of Selectmen's Meeting December 18, 1990 The meeting convened at 7 : 05 p.min the Selectmen's Meeting s 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Room, x Chairman Russell Graham, Vice Chairman Daniel Ensminger, Secretary George Hines, Selectmen Eugene Nigro and Sally Hoyt, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of in- terested parties: Doug Wood-Boyle, Domenick Zanni, nnM ,emery Francis Gentile, Jr. , Richard Parry, David Reid, Bobbi Maillett, Diane McLaughlin, Courtney Evans, Judy Smith Philip D. LeBlanc, Betty Dew, Bill Dew, Chuck Schena, Pat Black, Nancy Eaton, Lillian Maillett, Ray Maillett, Virginia Adams , Damon Black, and Jonathan Edwards. - On motion by Hoyt seconded by Nigro the minutes of December 4 , 1990 were approved with corrections by a vote of 5-0-0. Liaison Reports Eugene Nigro indicated that the Legal Services Selection Com- mittee had met. George Hines also attended the Legal Services Selection Committee meeting. Russ Graham attended the Solid Waste Committee meeting. Things are going well in the plastics recycling program. There was twice as much material last month as in the previous month. They are awaiting Selectmens' action ori making this a standing com- mittee. ` Dan Ensminger has kept up with the School Committee regarding s he budget deliberations, and indicated that he was happy to, seeresolution to the drainage problems on Pasture Road and expressed congratulations to Tony Fletcher and the Public Works Department for this work. : . Sally Hoyt indicated that the flu a�,zd pneumonia clinics were over and 104 pneumonia shots and 912 flu shots were given. This is double the number of pneumonia shots from last year and a 25% in- crease in flu shots. Reading Gymnastics Academy raised $500 for food and toys for Reading's needy at their Santa's Playland last Sunday. The Human Services Director is coordinating those monies with the Reading Santa who is distributing gift certificates, Reading Lions Club, and a local church who is donating food bas- Reading 70 families will kets. At last count it looks like approx receive help this Christmas.' The Reading Housing Authority met with the Executive Office of Communities and Development and in- formed the RHA that there will be no salary increases for staff this year. There will be 5.5 a5million dollar tion n reductotheion Hin the housing subsidy account, and ng Authority budgets. There will be no fuel assistance. The Hous- ing Authority is looking to the Town for financial assistance regarding trash collection at Parker Place and Waverly Oaks. The Town Manager asked the Selectmen how they would feel about publicizing the upcoming January Special Election by including, with the census to all Town residents, a copy of the Town Meeting Selectmen's Minutes - 12/18/90 - Page 2 motion and notice that the election was being held on January 8, 1991. The Board felt that this would be appropriate. i George Hines indicated that he had been questioned about the Depot parking enforcement and when things were going to be en- forced in the Depot area again. Joe Veno, Traffic Safety Of- ficer, indicated that we are waiting for the sign installation, and that stickers are available for 1991. Russ Graham indicated that Ron McKay from the MBIA has been work- ing diligently on controlling noise in the Depot area and this seems to have had some success. On motion by Hines, seconded by Hoyt, Amusement Devices Licenses for the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and VFW were ap- proved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines seconded by Hoyt the Board approved Entertain- ment Licenses for the American Legion, VFW, Carolan's Variety foir a juke box and Ida's Stationhouse Restaurant for a television in the waiting area, Reading Knights of Columbus for a television, and Wes Parker's Inc. for a piano and a television set. The mo- tion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Board discussed Class I, II and III Motor Vehicle Licenses. There was a concern that the draft policies are not in place as f we are trying to license these facilities. The Town Manager in- dicated that he felt that many of the Class II Motor Vehicle Licenses would not be renewable because it is not the principal business for most of those licensees, as required by State law. The question was how do we give these people in a poor business climate adequate notice that their licenses may not be renewed. The Board decided to grant all of the licenses for 1991, and to have the policies put in place with input from the licensees within the first sixty (60) days of 1991. Eugene Nigro moved and Ensminger seconded a motion that the Class II Licenses be renewed without prejudice for sixty (60) days in 1991, subject to consideration of renewal for the remainder of the year, following the adoption of policies. On motion by Hoyt, seconded by Ensminger, the time frame for the extension of the license was increased to 90 days. On motion by Hines, seconded by Ensminger, the motion was amended to approve the license for one year, and as the policies are adopted in early 1991, to in- volve the licensees in the policy development, and give them adequate notice of the potential termination of the license if they do not comply with the relative State law. Mr. Hines' mo- tion was voted on first, and was approved by a vote of 3-2-0 . The amended motion becoming the main motion, the main- motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Nigro, seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to renew a Class I Motor Vehicle License for Route 128 Sales by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger, seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to renew a Class III Motor Vehicle License for JDC Towing by a vote of 5-0-0. Selectmen's Minutes - 12/18/90 - Page 3 Reverend David Reid and Richard Parry from the Baptist Church in Reading appeared and confirmed the presentation of a check in the amount of Two Thousand Dollars ($2, 000.00) to the Human Services Revolving Fund to help the needy in Reading with issues such as food and fuel. The Board expressed their deep appreciation for this donation to the Community, especially in light of government cutbacks for items such as fuel assistance. The Children's Chorus from the new Eastern Middlesex YMCA sang Christmas Carols to the Board of Selectmen as a gift to the Board from Bob Nordstrand. The proceeds from the gift go to help fund the capital campaign for the YMCA. George Hines read the notice of a public hearing on potential traffic changes as follows: 1. Prohibiting left turns from Salem Street westbound onto Man- ning, Eaton and Wilson Streets from 6: 00 a.m. to 9 : 00 a.m. , Monday through Friday. 2 . Establishing a four-way Stop regulation at the intersection of John and Pleasant Streets 3 . Limiting truck traffic on Washington Street between Main and John Streets. This hearing and its discussion was a follow-up to a meeting held in November with residents from the East Side Neighborhood. Of- ficer Veno, Traffic Safety Officer, indicated that the turns onto Pearl and Harrison would not be a big problem, according to the Town's traffic consultant. Enforcement will be something of a problem. He suggested that the posting be "Do Not Enter 7 : 00 AM to 9:00 AM, Monday through Friday" at these three streets. He also indicated that there is a crossing guard at Salem and Pearl and he felt that would probably be better protection than Chang- ing that intersection to a pedestrian-activated signal . Officer Veno indicated that there were ten (10) reported accidents in 1988, 1989, and 1990 at the intersection of John and Pleasant Streets. There was discussion about making John and Pleasant f- Street a four-way Stop sign, and concern that the uphill part of Pleasant Street might be difficult to maneuver during ice and wet weather conditions. Mr. LeBlanc asked about a three-way Stop and Officer Veno indicated that he felt that would not be wise since it is not a commonly used intersection. Several residents spoke in favor of the proposed changes. On motion by Hines, seconded by Ensminger, the Board voted to close the Public Hearing by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hines, seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to establish a Do Not Enter 7 : 00 AM to 9 : 00 AM, Monday through Friday at the northerly end of Wilson, Manning and Eaton Streets where they meet Salem Streets. This was approved by the Board by a vote of 5-0-0 . The Board agreed that they would revisit the issues in about six (6) months and see how it is working. On motion by Hines, seconded by Nigro, the Board voted to estab- lish a four-way Stop sign at John and Pleasant Street by a vote i 12/18/90 - Page 4 Selectmen's Minutes arking regulations and ad- the McDonough & Scully of 5-0-0. The Board indicated that p vanced Stop signs in accordaiaCe�i11tThis will also be reviewe report should also be put in p one __. in a six-month time frame- ton Street was raised. the ' ht limits on Washing nighttime was not the The issue of weight ton indicated that nig getting time. We will g° about g order resident from Washing other information together in concern. The concern was day tate. We will also find m what necessary traffic counts and to make an application to the state. and Brad La the concerns from the Chamber of objected to the that he obj He Elm Street indicated and Wilson Streets. Bill Watson from 18 et to his house. Mr. Bram- Do Not Enter provisions at Manning, Street and to have to go around to g of John doesn t want temporary measures reconstruction of that and wanted to know if some hall had concerns about the intersec 1 Walkers Brook one Din advance of the genera ') could be t. intersection by gomarBen Nichols asked ion. es motion by amended to show the date °ct he Assessors' The Board reviewed the Conserva land taking-a e that the plan be d Town Meeting to approve th date of voted as and indicate the Hoyt the Boa f r the Conserva land Ensminger, seconded by of Taking a vote Notice of Taking and Order and attachments by Counsel's letter by Mr. Nichols if Town outlined in the ow put on the map- of 5-0-0, with the amendments req sel determines that these items can be p and voted to ap- r Coun the Bo Ensminger, seconded by Health Insurance by a vote o On motion by Hines, to ee H the Finance reement on the Emp Y and prove the -agreement congratulate good the Town Managerair program f or the 5-0-0• The Board otlating a good and Director for negotiating employees and retirees of the Town. eviewed the proposed contents of a the The Town Manager r the studio at like a School . The Board felt th that the Cable it looks s Advisory or agreement with Continental Cable d t Memorial High este the adver- reasonable agreement and suggested to know where to review it, on the public access channel, Committee be asked for advertising tising revenues g ht be dealt with on cable is. They asked to be informed when res if the and talked aboubtas hat other items to the lease exp chase renewalexpires, and to make sure that franchise eXpires. franchise exp Service Station, Of the Texaco $e has Mark Gallant appeared on behalf the Reading Drive. owned by Star Enterp rises , on Walkers eared in question is in an industrial ell mailed out all nO�o property and in q notice app and sells _ Chronicle. The p p or residences, impact on the Community four (24) hours a day tract, has no It has been open twenty- there had been Sally Hoyt asked if En- co items. ears. Murphy from Star En- for the last several y and Mr. ts, All problems with theft or robbery no such attempts that there havebeenben hour opening have been terprises indicated twenty previous conditions of the Selectmen's Minutes - 12/18/90 - Page 5 met. Star Enterprises is involved in the Community through projects such as Toys for Tots and Project Bread. George Hines encouraged their involvement in other Reading-based programs. On motion by Ensminger, seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to close -- the hearing by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Ensminger, seconded by Hoyt, the Board voted to approve twenty-four (24) hour opera- tion for the Texaco Service Station on Walkers Brook Drive for the calendar year 1991, subject to the following four conditions: 1. The restrooms be open and accessible to the public twenty- four (24) hours a day 2. Safety gas cans be available for motorists who run out of gas on the highway 3 . A list of emergency phone numbers on a twenty-four-hour per day basis be posted for the public to use 4. The station will continue to have gasoline available twenty- four (24) hours a day The motion was approved by a vote of 4-1-0 , with Mr. Graham voting in the negative. On motion by Hoyt, seconded by Ensminger, the Board approved a Laundromat License 'for Bryant's Homestyle Laundries at 47 High Street by a vote of 5-0-0. On motion by Hoyt,t seconded by Nigro,ro the Board a pproved Peddler's Licenses for George R. Scully of 38 Louanis Drive to serve food and drinks at Frugal Fannies Warehouse, subject to all previous conditions, and for Ida's Stationhouse Restaurant to sell take-out food to commuters and Reading patrons subject to all previous conditions. The motion was approved by a vote of 5- 0-0. The question was raised as to w!zether there was a problem with a concession stand at the Field House at the High School and did they need a Peddler's License. The Town Manager is to follow up. A member of the Board indicated that there was a sign on the sidewalk indicating the phone number for rooms for rent on West Street. The Board established January 10, 1991 and January 17, 1991 at 7 : 30 PM for budget meetings . Additional meetings will be scheduled as may be needed. The Board asked the Town Manager to make sure that the School Committee understands that the Board of Selectmen supports quality education in the Community. The Board's concern about funding a trash fee is not to be interpreted as a lack of support for quality education in the Community. .....-..-.. Selectmen's Minutes - 12/18/90 - Page 6 On motion by Ensminger, seconded by Hoyt, the Board declared Lot 27, Plat 3 as surplus to the needs of the Town, and voted to of- fer the parcel, consisting of approximately 2,300 square feet on Pinevale Avenue, for a minimum bid of $25,000, with conditions that it be sold to abutters only, and that it be attached to an adjacent property. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Eugene Nigro wanted to make sure that the Town pursued the pos- sibility of tank removal in the aquifer protection areas such as Northampton had done. The Board wished all residents and staff of the Town a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. On motion by Hines, seconded by Nigro, the Board adjourned at 11:09 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0. Res ctf`ully submitted, Secre ry