HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-24 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 24,2009
For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in
which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the
order in which any item was taken up by the Board.
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James
Bonazoli, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard
Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance
Director Bob LeLacheur and the following list of interested parties: Board of Assessors
Chairman Bob Nordstrand, Board of Assessors Vice Chairman Ralph Colorusso, Michele
Benson, Gina Snyder, Bill Brown, Jack Russell, George Hines, Irene Collins, Ken
Rossetti, Michael Giacalone, John Murphy, Bill Crowley, Karen Herrick, Meaghan
Young Tafoya, Sheila Clark, John Douglas, Sheila Smith.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Richard Schubert discussed the
proposed 40R zoning issue before the November 30th Special Town Meeting. He noted
that CPDC made a few changes last night in response to some public discussion. The
minimum parking spaces were increased from 1.0 to 1.25 spaces per unit, the maximum
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) was reduced from 3.4 to. 2.8 for mixed use and to 2.4 for
residential only use. After discussion, the Board appointed Selectmen Richard Schubert
and Camille Anthony to give the official Selectmen's overview and introduction at
Special Town Meeting. Chairman Ben Tafoya prefers to make comments as needed.
Selectman Stephen Goldy asked what rate the Town pays for legal fees, and the Town
Manager stated that it was $135/hour which is very competitive. Selectman Goldy also
asked about cell phone towers being discussed at the Meadow Brook Golf Club driving
range, and if the Town had any locations to offer for this possible source of revenue. He
also noted the new electronic billboard on Rte. 93 South in Stoneham, and wondered if
we have any locations for a similar billboard in Reading.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the State Department of Health had a good flu
program spot being run on RCTV for anyone who needed information. She also
mentioned that the Town's Department of Health could provide updated information as it
became available.
Vice Chairman James Bonazoli mentioned a meeting with Selectman Camille Anthony
and the Town Manager concerning the Mattera Cabin. Approximately $15,000 in funds
are needed to make some short-term repairs. The Board asked that this process be
formalized into a memo for the public.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 24, 2009—Page2
Chairman Ben Tafoya reminded the Board about the Town Manager evaluation process
scheduled to be completed on December 15th. Selectmen Camille Anthony and Stephen
Goldy are also going to evaluate Town Counsel. Chairman Tafoya brought up the letter
from Wine Nation concerning a request to be heard on December 15th. He asked for a
legal opinion about noticing the meeting properly. Selectman Richard Schubert agreed to
talk to Wine Nation, and requested that the other applicant for the remaining liquor
license be invited in, pending legal advice. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that
Wine Nation was requesting an `information only' meeting. Selectman Camille Anthony
stated that while the size of the proposed store was an issue, the denial was based upon
the lack of community need.
Public Comment — Michele Benson and Gina Snyder outlined an upcoming Energy
Savings Workshop from 1:00 — 3:00 pm on December 5th at the Library, sponsored by
the MMA.
Resident Bill Brown mentioned that Shawsheen Tech and the Sheriff's Department may
have labor available to help on the Matera Cabin if Northeast Vocational does not.
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
• The all night parking ban is now in effect.
• The last day of operation of the Compost Center this Fall is Monday, November
3011'
• Verizon is in the process of removing 40 double poles in four locations that we
have given them as high priorities. I would like to recognize the efforts of
Representative Brad Jones in getting Verizon to take action on this issue.
• RPL Children's Library—Books for holiday distribution at the Food Pantry.
• Operation last call—Holiday enforcement by the ABCC.
• Coats for Kids
• Toys for Tots—Collection boxes in a number of locations including Town Hall.
• Special Town Meeting,November 3011,
Dates and Events
Tree Lighting—November 29th
Shop the Block—December 3rd evening
Weatherization Seminar—December 5th
Garden Club's "Memory Tree"—December 6th at 4:00 p.m. at the Library
Reading Festival of Trees is on December 5th and 6th. The concert is on Sunday,
December 6th
Special Primary Election—December 8th
Special Election— Senate seat—January 19th
Discussion/Action Items
Economic Development Committee Update to Board of Selectmen — Meaghan Young
Tafoya and Sheila Clark gave an update of the activities of this Committee, including:
• Business Recruitment and Retention
Board of Selectmen Meetings November 24, 2009—Page 3
• Economic Vitality
• Communication Pathways
• Identifying Needs and Closing"Gaps"
• Creating New Possibilities
Hearing - Tax Classification — Board of Assessors Chairman Bob Nordstrand and Vice
Chairman Ralph Colorusso and the Assistant Town Manager updated the Selectmen on
the most recent assessed values in the Town, and reminded them at this hearing that they
have four questions to answer:
1. Vote of an open space discount
2. Vote of a residential exemption
3. Vote of a small commercial exemption
4. Vote of a residential factor
Public Comment - John Douglas of the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce
opposes splitting the tax rate which would shift a tax burden from residential to
commercial properties because.the recently renovated Downtown area needs to grow.
Mike Giacalone pointed out that the maximum split would be 150%. Bill Crowley of the
Chamber of Commerce asked about the proposed 40R zoning where there would be a
split of residential and commercial. Bob Nordstrand explained that the residential and
commercial components of each property would be valued and taxed distinctly.
Karen Herrick of 9 Dividence Road spoke in favor of splitting the tax rate. Ken Rosetti of
2 Haven Street opposed the split, arguing that increased costs would be passed along to
consumers and charitable giving by local businesses would be reduced. Finance
Committee Chairman George Hines opposes splitting the tax rate. John Murphy of the
Reading Co-Operative Bank stated that the timing to split the tax rate would be very poor
for businesses. Resident Sheila Smith spoke out against splitting the rate stating that the
Downtown was not `finished' until buildings were fully occupied. The Town Manager
pointed out a letter from resident Anthony Bastiani in favor of splitting the tax rate. Mike
Giacalone stated that to be clear, it was not a matter of economic timing - he thought the
rate should never be split.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close
the public hearing on the Tax Classification by a vote of 5-0-0.
Chairman Ben Tafoya pointed out that residential property is assessed easily at market
value because this was usually very close to the resale value, since the fundamental use of
the property as a home did not change. For commercial property, the values relied more
heavily on what stream of income, was produced since the number of sales are often low
in Reading. He mentioned that market value was a smaller factor in valuation, and that
the resale value could be significantly different if the use of the property changed. He
proposed splitting the tax rate to 110%.
Selectman Richard Schubert agreed with many of Chairman Tafoya's comments but
spoke in favor of a uniform 1.0 tax rate for a variety of reasons including economic
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 24, 2009—Page 4
development. Selectman Stephen Goldy'also agreed with a uniform rate. Vice Chairman
James Bonazoli also favored a uniform rate, and hoped that the economy would be strong
enough in the future that he would be able to then favor splitting the tax rate. Selectman
Camille Anthony also favored the uniform rate.
Open Space Discount—Not relevant as no property is classified this way in Reading.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to not
grant an open space discount for the Fiscal Year 2010. The motion was approved by
a vote of 5-0-0.
Residential Exemption — Shifting some of the tax burden from lower valued homes to
higher valued homes.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to not
adopt a residential exemption for the Fiscal Year 2010. The motion was approved by
a vote of 5-0-0.
Residential Factor — Shifting some of the tax burden from residential to
commercial/industrial properties.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to
adopt a residential factor of 1.0 for the Fiscal Year 2010. The motion was approved
by a vote of 4-1-0 (Tafoya opposed).
Commercial Exemption— Shifting some of the tax burden from lower valued commercial
property to higher valued commercial property.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to not
urant a commercial exemption for the Fiscal Year 2010. The motion was approved
by a vote of 5-0-0.
Selectman Richard Schubert left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Hearing — All Alcohol Liquor License for O'Yes — The Town Manager noted that the
Police Department had some questions on the O'Yes application, and now had some new
information provided by the applicant tonight which they would need to review. In
addition, the Health Department would need to review the proposed plans which included
105 seats. Selectman Camille Anthony directed the applicant to work with the Town
Manager as needed to complete the application.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to
continue the public hearing to December 15, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 24,2009—Page S
Hearing — Policy on Sidewalk Snow Plowing — The Selectmen reviewed the plan dated
October 26, 2009, and agreed that it would be implemented for the upcoming Winter.
Selectman Camille Anthony requested feedback after the season concludes next Spring.
On motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close
the public hearing by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy, the Board of Selectmen voted to
approve the Policy on Sidewalk Snow Plowing dated October 26, 2009 by a vote of
4-0-0.
Hearing — Policy Establishing an Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee — The
Selectmen reviewed the new policy. Finance Committee Chairman George Hines spoke
in favor as the designee from that Board. A suggestion was made to amend 7. to read
`Report to the appropriate Boards and Committees and get feedback at key milestones in
this process, including prior to the development of the final report.'
On motion by Goldy seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to close
the public hearing by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to
approve the policy establishing the Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee (as
amended)dated 11/24/09 by a vote of-4-0-0.
Personnel& Appointments
RCTV Board—The Board of Selectmen reviewed the credentials of John Cogswell as an
applicant for a vacancy on the RCTV Board of Directors.
On motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint
John Cogswell to fill a vacancy on the RCTV Board of Directors with a term
expiring June 30, 2012 by a vote of 4-0-0.
Review Liquor License Renewals - The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Police
Department's notes about the applicants. They requested that a representative of the
Reading Veteran's Association be present at their next meeting to describe the seven
noise complaints. They also requested that all Police reports be clear on the party that
called in the complaint. A question arose about what role the Reading Coalition Against
Substance Abuse should play in the liquor license renewal process. Selectman Camille
Anthony asked what best management practices should be used in this situation.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy, the Board of Selectmen vote to approve
the Minutes dated October 27, 2009 by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting_November 24.2009—Page 6
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy, the Board of Selectmen voted to
approve the Minutes dated November 3,2009 by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to
adjourn the meetinIZ of November 24, 2009 at 10:40 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary