HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-27 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
April 27, 2010
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, Selectman Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, and the following list of interested parties: Massimo Fiume, Daniel Pomerleau,
Timothy O'Sullivan, William Cunningham, Connie DeBenedetto, RCASA staff.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into
Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and. that the
Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining,
position of the body and to reconvene in open session at approximately 7:30 p.m. On a roll
call vote,all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried.
The Board of Selectmen reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen Liaison Reports and Comments — Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there is a
fundraiser for Washington Park Improvements from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Christopher's
Restaurant which will be open for dinner that evening.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation - Arbor Day — On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of
Selectmen voted to approve a Proclamation designating April 30, 2010 as Arbor Day in the
Town of Reading by a vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Hearing—Ristorante Pavarotti Liquor License—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager reviewed the proposed change from a Beer and Wine License to an All
Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License. Massimo Fiume, who is the owner, noted that they want the
All Alcohol Liquor License to just serve martinis and potentially some cordials. The Town
Manager raised the issue of whether or not the area where liquor will be served is adequately
separated from the patrons, particularly since it is in the corridor area that accesses the bathroom
for the facility. However, it is also the location where all the waiters are because that is where
service from the kitchen takes place.
Mr. Fiume indicated that white wine is in the refrigerator and the red wine is in locked storage.
The Board felt that there was adequate protection for the service bar as proposed.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 27, 2010—Page 2
There was no public comment.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the
hearing-for an All Alcohol Liquor License applied for by Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a
Ristorante Pavarotti at 601 Main Street,Reading by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the
All Alcohol Liquor License applied for by Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a Ristorante
Pavarotti at 601 Main Street, Reading, for a term expiring December 31, 2010 subject to
the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of .
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject ,to a satisfactory
inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager by a vote of 44-0.
The Board made it very clear to Mr. Fiume that until the liquor license comes back approved by
the ABCC, he is still limited to beer and wine service.
Presentation of Tobacco Products by RCASA Youth Crew — The RCASA Youth Crew
consisting of Daniel Pomerleau, Timothy O'Sullivan, William Cunningham were present and .
accompanied by Connie Debenedetto and RCASA staff.
The Youth Crew presented several different forms of new tobacco products and talked about the
dangers of use of these products. Some of them are more potent than cigarettes. The Youth
Crew talked about the "84" which stands for the 84% of the youth who do not use tobacco
products. The Board thanked the Youth Crew for a very informative presentation.
Approve Water, Sewer, Storm Water Management Rates—The hearing was held at the previous
Selectmen's meeting, and action on the rates was deferred to this evening. The Assistant Town
Manager reviewed the options for rates and use of reserves. The Board ultimately opted. to
utilize reserves on a basis that would have them last for at least five years. They asked that the
Capital Improvements Program for the enterprise systems be reviewed in January of each year so
that they can understand and make decisions on the Capital Improvements Program prior to rate
setting. The Board also asked for the prognosis for.going to monthly bills, and the Town
Manager suggested that this could be scheduled for some time this Summer after staff has had a
chance to examine all of the options and costs related to making such a change.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to set the FY
2011 Water Rate at $8.03 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $24.09
effective with the September 10,2010 billing. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to set the FY
2011 Sewer Rate at $8.44 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $23.32
effective with the September 10,2010 billing. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to set the
Storm Water Rate at $40 per unit (2,552 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly
effective with the September 10,2010 billing. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—April 27, 2010—Page 3
Review Customer Service SurveyResults and Comments — The Town Manager reviewed the
Customer Service Survey results to date and suggestions and comments by staff. The Board
agreed that the log .should be scaled back to something-that is manageable by staff. They
supported the idea of a focus group if it can be done at low cost through donated time.
Continue Review of Annual Town Meeting Warrant - The Board looked at the remainder of the
Articles on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, and'decided not to take any position on any of
the remaining Articles.
On motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the
meeting of April 27,2010 at 10.42 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary