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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-08-22 Board of Selectmen Minutes ROUGH DRAFT MEETING NOTES 8/22/83 Mr. Russell opend the meeting commenting on the recent death of Roger Louanis, Superintendent of Public Works, saying that he was a dedicated public servant, a sensitive neighbor and a good friend, and asked for a moment of silence in memory of him. Mr. Rosenthal moved that a Certificate of Appreciation be issued posthumously to Mr. Louanis. The motion passed 3 - 0. Chief Redfern presented Donald Wood and Kenneth Campbell, the two firefighters being promoted to Lieutenant effective August 27th, and they were sworn in and badges issued by Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell read a Proclamation submitted by Barbara Spear of the -D. A. R. in recognition of the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783 and pro- claiming that date Peace and Independence Day in Reading. Mr. Dustin moved and the Board voted in favor 3 - 0. Mr. Russell gave an update on the USA Newstand issue indicating that our Town Clerk had sent them a copy of our By-Laws. The Selectmen had received notice indicating several private locations within the Town where they would be located. Reading was then inundated with approximately 15 stands located on public°ways, some chained to light poles. The Light Dept. removed these units, and they were in the custody of the Police Dept. The Company has been requested to pick them up and remove all units until proper procedures, permits in accordance with our By-Laws were followed. The matter has been referred to the Board of Public Works as public ways are under their jurisdiction, and a meeting is being arranged. The Board then interviewed. Walter Pirrello and Robert Russello regarding their application for a Class II Motor Vehicle License to sell used cars at 374 Main Street, a location where Mr. Pirrello has a swimming pool business. He indi- cated that this was not lucrative enough, and not the highest and best possible use of the land, and he wished to enter a permanent partnership with Mr. Russello, a relative with many years experience in this business. Proposed plans for the location were presented to the Board. Mr. Russell indicated that because of recent notification from the Dept. of Revenue regarding new laws effective 7/1/83 it would be necessary for them to sign an attestation clause stating that they were in compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth relating to taxes in order for the license to be issued. Mr. Pirrello and Mr. Russello agreed to and did sign this statement. Mr. Dustin moved to grant the Class II license to Walt Sonny's Village Auto Sales. The motion was approved 3 - 0. Mr. Russell requested that Mr. Agnew supply the information as requested by the Dept. of Revenue in compliance with the new law. -2- The Board then met with Frances Wye to discuss the parking restrictions in the Town parking lot No. 1 which is used by the patrons of her beauty salon. She stated that she represented other merchants and renters in the area who did not have enough time to service their patients and clients within the 2 hour limit currently imposed. The constant ticketing was affecting her business seriously, and she asked the Board if a 4 hour limit could be considered, or a sticker system put into use. After some discussion it was decided that the Police Dept. would be asked for recommendations, and the subject would be discussed again at the next scheduled meeting on September 6th. The Board decided that the warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting would be closed on September 26th at 7:00 P.M. at a meeting posted at the High School before the convening of the Special Town Meeting on that date. The Selectmen signed the deed for the sale of land to Mr. Bamberg, having voted this action at a previous meeting. A discussion then began with Mr. Don Farnham, Chairman, Cable TV Committee and Ms. Eileen Boyd, Assistant Manager, Continental Cablevision. Mr. Farnham stated that a report with recommendations would be forthcoming on the experimental meter reading project being conducted. He reminded the Board that two issues his com- mittee had brought to their attention in June had not been resolved: one on the Emergency Notification System that Mr. Agnew and Bob Mallion were to work on; and another regarding a decision on the drop at the Senior Citizen Center. After some discussion the Board voted to authorize the cable drop at the Center. Ms. Lloyd reported on some new programming they were planning such as an oil painting class, special for divorced and separated women, covering the first football game, and doing one Board meeting per month. Discussion then began on the possibility of renegotiatkg all or part of our contracts with the objective of. getting a full- time Program Director which the Cable TV Committee felt we definitely need at this time. Mr. Farnham indicated that Continental had some areas of concern over terms of their contracts and were willing to discuss the matter. After a lengthy discussion regarding the advisability of this action at this time, and when the matter should be discussed in Executive Session, Mr. Rosenthal moved that with the assistance of the Cable TV Committee the Board enter into a dialogue with Continental. Mrs. O'Brien seconded and amended the motion to include that the procedure for the meeting would be based on the advise of Town Counsel. The motion passed on a 3 - l vote with Mr. Russell voting against. The Board voted and approved the one day all alcoholic licenses for St. Athanasius Church on 10/15, North Reading Skating Association at Austin Prep on 10/15, and Reading Masonic Btnilding Association on 8/28, all pending a ruling from Town .Counsel on the Dept. of Revenue tax clause. Mr. Russell acknowledged a letter from the Dept. of Revenue indicating approval of the Board of Assessors valuation plan, and the Mass Arts Lottery Council stating that our Arts Council application has been approved. He acknowledged a letter from the B.P.W. informing the Selectmen they had voted not to allow Motorola to place an antenna on the Auburn Street water tank. The request from the Mass. Migrant Education Program for space to rent or lease was referred to the Space Study Committee. -3- In response to. the letter from Carl Amon the Board decided to meet with him and the Commissioners of Trust Funds on September 19th. Regarding the letter from the B. P. W. on the John Street land status the Board decided that a special meeting would be held on September 15th to discuss just this issue with the Conservation Commission, Industrial Development Commission, Public Works, and Hazardous Waste Committee invited to attend. The cover letter to the Hazardous Waste Committees report on the General Tire and Rubber Company to Mr. Chalpin of DEQE was acknowledged, and also a letter from General Tire to the M.D.C. regarding the plant shutdown. In acknowledging the notice from the Civil Service Commission regarding a hearing to investigate the residents' status preference complaint by Michael Wheeler on the recent appointment to the Police Dept. , Mr. Russell stated that Mr. Malloy from Tyler & Reynolds, Chief Marchand and Mr. Rosenthal would attend on August 31st at 10:30 A.M. Mr. Russell acknowledged the requested proposal from Vanasse/Hangen on the Main and South Street project. Having heard from Conservation, D.P.W. , and the Recreation Committee on the land offer on Plat 66, Lot 50, and none being interested with the ten year restriction, Mr. Russell directed that Mr. Agnew inform Mr. William Hughes in writing that there is no interest with this restriction, but a gift would be considered. The Board acknowledged receiving a letter from Senator Brennan on the delay on the Pumping Station. Mrs. O'Brien gave a brief summary of the odor testing situation and reports from Stouffer she was expecting for review, and suggested that money might be appropriately paid from the Woburn Odor Fund to hire a consultant on be- half of the Town. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 P.M. Members Present: J. Russell, M. Rosenthal. P. Dustin (Mrs. O'Brien arrived at 8:45) I