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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-11 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting May 11,2010 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 7:09 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben, Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, RCTV Director Phil Rushworth, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Barry Berman, Sgt. Peter Garchinsky, Marcel Dubois, Ted Smethurst, Bruce Cooper, Dermoit Bulger, Philip Wynne, Recreation Committee Chairman Bernie Winne and Joshua Eaton Principal Patty deGaraviila. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he did not have any visitors at Office Hours this evening. He attended the CPDC hearing last night regarding Oak Tree. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Census Takers are going door to door. He met with representatives from the Clergy Association, and noted that someone needs to send, them something in writing regarding snow plowing. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the Board will act on the petition for the Special Election tonight. The Town Manager noted that the Board needs to act on the petition within 10 days of receipt to set an Election date within 30 days. Selectman Stephen Goldy requested that the Town Manager look into having a "stop here on red" sign on Woburn Street at the Venetian Moon Restaurant. He noted that he received a call from Andover and they are interested in regionalization for inspections. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters ♦ Special Election re: Meals Tax ♦ Election for Voke School ♦ Sharps Collection e RCASA has distributed to all liquor establishments in Reading a list of dates of local proms and graduations in order.to increase vigilaince of these establishments. ♦ Memorial Day Celebration ♦ Draft letter re: legislation Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 11, 2010—Page 2 Community Development ♦ Reading Fall Street Faire ♦ Notices to businesses on non-conforming signs ♦ Update re: Mattera Cabin Public Works ♦ Street sweeping completed. ♦ Restoration of Annual Water Main Flushing Program June I st. ♦ Household Hazardous Waste Collection - Reading on May 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., DPW Garage— Reading and Wakefield residents only. There is also a Fall collection in Wakefield. ♦ Response to Water Emergency—May I st through May 4th. ♦ Tennis Court Ribbon Cutting Construction Projects in progress or to be done this year(between now and June 30, 2010): ♦ Done except for loam and seed- School Street, Lincoln Street, Sandra Lane, South Street —Main to Hopkins Scotland Road. Working to get our contractor back in to complete. If unsuccessful, we may need to go to the second lowest bidder and take the bond of the lowest bidder. 4 Paving to occur in mid to late Spring - Bear Hill Road, North Street, Pinevale Avenue, Juniper Circle. Structures have been lowered. Contractor is due in tomorrow, May 11th starting on Juniper Circle. ♦ Micro-Chip Seal — Mid to late Spring - Hopkins Street (Main to Wakefield Town Line), and two to three other streets. ♦ Skim coating of local streets - Lewis ♦ Fishing Pier—Lobs Pound Mill—The contractor for the fishing platform has installed the additional parking spaces and has poured the concrete pad for the bench near the river. He has not been on site for several weeks — probably waiting for the meadow near the river to get dry enough to install the walkway and Platform and guard rail. He started just after the March floods,when the meadow was under water. ♦ Trail Construction — Bare Meadow — The Trails Committee installed the first section of the boardwalk, in April and liked the concrete piers. We ordered enough for the rest of the boardwalk and a short section near Haverhill Street that is also wet. The route was staked out last weekend, and there will be additional work days on May 8th and 15th — hopefully, hopefully, ending with completion of the boardwalks. Other trail hardening was done last Fall With application of stone aggregate in soft areas. We also need to install sign boards, blazes and directional information, and plant the meadow where it is eroding—to be done in June. Grant period ends June 30th, and we hope to meet that deadline. ♦ Memorial Park - Basketball and tennis courts demolished, and work underway for new tennis court. One drain line installed from Harrison Street to manhole between the two ponds so ponds can be reconfigured,— old drain line is in the way and will be removed. Top soil has been stripped from the lawn above the ponds where they are to be expanded. Top soil is being stripped from the floors of the ponds and stockpiled separately. The north pond has been wet for the last few days which may be limited progress there. I have not seen the south pond since it was stripped so do not know whether water is also present there.. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 11, 2010—Page 3 Washington Park Play rg ound - Washington Park Playground is slated to be installed between the middle and end of June. The playground info is on the Recreation Website and you can also view drawings of the proposed. The neighbors of the park through Friends of Reading Recreation continue to work on fundraising for site amenities such as benches, picnic tables, etc. There is a brick campaign going on as well as a fundraiser at Fuddruckers next Thursday night, May 13th ♦ Killam School Play rg ound - Killam Elementary School Playground will go out for RFP in mid-May. We expect to have a contract awarded by late June/early July and installation before the start of school. The Killam PTO has asked for an RFP to include a community supervised install with an add alt for vendor installation as they are considering a community build. The PTO has raised over $12K thus far, and will use the funding to supplement Town Funding. ♦ Master Plan for Joshua Eaton Plgy rg ound - The Joshua Eaton Master plan is in the final stages. The Recreation Committee held a public hearing on April 15th. The plan will be before the BOS for a joint discussion with the Recreation Committee on May 11th and a final public hearing will be needed by the BOS to approve the plan. The written component of the plan is also virtually completed but any changes will need to be noted in that report. Expected time of completion- late May/early June. ♦ Barrows Site Master Plan - Process will begin in the Summer after Recreation staff have completed the JEMP and have gotten Summer activities started. Dates and Events: ♦ Friends and Family Day (aka Town Day), June 19th ♦ Fall Street Faire, September 12th Assistant Town Manager's Report The Assistant Town Manager noted that starting next Monday, it will cost $50.00 more to license a dog. He also noted that the cost for a Special Election is $18,000, and the Town Manager will request a reserve fund transfer for the Election. Barry Berman of 54 Longview Road noted that the Town is required to hold a Special Election for the cost of$18,000 and 20% of the voters have to vote in order for it to be legitimate. He asked if there is less than 20% voting, does the Town Meeting vote still stand. The Town Manager noted that it does stili stand but does not go into effect until October. He also noted that once it is implemented, it cannot be rescinded for three years. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Appreciation — Tom Darrin — A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Certificate of Appreciation for Tom Darrin was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Proclamation—Police Week Sgt. Peter Garchinsky was present to receive the Proclamation on behalf of the Police Department. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to proclaim the week of May 9—May 15, 2010 as Police Week in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 11, 2010—Page4 Discussion/Action Items Highlights — RCTV — RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth and Board Members Marcel Dubois, Ted Smethurst and Bruce Cooper were present. Phil Rushworth distributed the RCTV Annual Report and reviewed the programs that are.being offered. He noted that they are having an Open House on May 26th at their new studio on Main Street. Hearing—Grumpy Doyle's Liquor License—The Secretary read the hearing notice. Dermoit Bulger and Philip Wynne were present representing Grumpy Doyle's. The Town Manager noted that this is a transfer of a liquor license. The assignment of lease and updated floor plan are in tonight's handout. The Police.report is also included. The outdoor dining is on private property. Mr. Bulger noted that this is an Irish theme club. They are investing $250,000 in renovations. They have a 60-40 ratio of food to alcohol. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if they are familiar with the TIPS policy and if they are aware of our closing hours. Mr. Bulger indicated that they are aware of these items. , Selectman Schubert also asked about the time frame, and Mr. Bulger noted that they are looking at August 1 st for an opening date. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked about a stage for the band, and Mr. Bulger noted that there will be no stage and no drums — the music will be very low key. Vice Chairman Bonazoli also asked about parking, and Mr. Bulger noted there is parking for 24 in the lot, plus parking for employees in,the back. He also noted that they.are looking at overflow parking at Bill Crowley's location in the evening. The Town Manager asked about access to the outdoor dining, and Mr. Bulger noted that access will be only from the inside. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on the application for the transfer of an All Alcohol Liquor License for Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyle's at 530 Main Street,Reading, by a vote of 4-0-0. On motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli,the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the transfer of an All Alcohol Liquor License applied for by Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyle's at 530 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 4-0-0. Hearing—Outdoor Dining—Policy Amendment—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the biggest concern is #9 regarding no alcohol outside unless customer orders and is served food from the menu. He noted the way that reads means a person cannot have a drink while they are waiting for their food. He also noted that the Boston Licensing Authority requires that alcohol. is to be served at their establishments only in conjunction with food. The patios and outdoor dining areas also have to be staffed at all times. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 11, 2010—Page 5 The consensus of the Board was to remove the wording "and is served food" from #9. Regarding the approval process,the consensus of the Board was that a plan would be sufficient. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on amendments to the outdoor dining policy was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the amendments to Section 3.10 of the Board of Selectmen Policies — Licenses for Utilizing Public Sidewalks for Outdoor Dining, as amended,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Joshua Eaton Master Plan — Jointly with the Recreation Committee — Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Recreation Committee Chairman Bernie Winne and Joshua Eaton Principal Patty deGaravilla were present. John Feudo noted that the Recreation Committee held a public hearing and 30 neighbors were present. He reviewed the Masten Plan which included a large box playground next to the basketball court, the baseball fields stay where they are, the area will be made handicap accessible, and they are also proposing a batting cage which the neighbors did not like. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli suggested allowing only wooden bats in the batting cages because they are not as noisy as the metal bats which is probably what the neighbors complain about. The Town Manager noted that the abutting land is wetlands and utilized by kids going to school. He suggested that the Town should consider buying the land. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the parking has any negative affect on the way the area is being used now. Patty deGaravilla noted that it does not-the large playground will be the big attraction and there is still a good four square area. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there is any additional fencing. John Feudo noted that there is fencing around the outside perimeter of the parking lot and a containment fence dividing the play area from the basketball area. c Selectman Richard Schubert also asked if putting an extension off the backstop would answer the batting cage issue. John Feudo noted that it would be more of a nuisance with the kids hanging off of it.. Bernie Winne noted that when you put netting on the backstop, the diamond can't be used at the same time. The Town Manager noted that there is only funding for the playground at this time, and asked if the Selectmen want to hold a hearing. The consensus of the Board was to hold a hearing on the master plan. Comments re: Oak Tree 40R Development— Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended the CPDC Meeting. Some people did not get notification of the meeting and there was some frustration that there were no answers to a lot of questions that should be known by now. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 11, 2010—Page_.6 Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that if people have an interest in this project, then it is there responsibility to pay, special attention to the CPDC agendas. The information is out there, and people need-to pay attention. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that this is the first application for a 40R district in Reading and CPDC needs more information. The Town Manager noted that the Town has to identify issues that need to be addressed. The developer needs to respond to issues. By the end of the month, all parties will have asked for details. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that this is a new process and it can be confusing. He also noted that CPDC might need guidance from Town Counsel. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Selectmen need to monitor the process. If CPDC needs information, they should get it from the developer. Chairman Tafoya also noted that he liked the bump out. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the fagade details have less articulation in the back. He would like to see more of a front fagade in the back instead of a flat wall. The Town Manager noted that the Town will be looking at a package store license for the store location and it could be considered for Town Meeting action. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that it would be better to start that process sooner rather than later. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the developer has changed from condo's to rentals, and Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Selectmen have no say over that. The Town Manager reviewed the Selectmen's comments as follows: • The number of parking spaces and layout is fine. • The bump.out is fine. • The Board is skeptical about the one way-traffic flow is more important than pedestrian* flow. • There is a need for Housing Trust Funds. • The Town will apply for an additional All Alcohol Package Store License. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that DPW should speak up regarding the trees in the parking lot. Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested that they put trees elsewhere in Town. Review Progress on Goals — The Town Manager reviewed progress to date on CY 2010 goals. The Board of Selectmen liked the reporting forms. Under Goal 18, the Board of Selectmen suggested that we set up a meeting with Pearson to include a couple of members of the Board of Selectmen, CPDC, and the EDC to talk with Pearson about their plans for marketing the property. The Board of Selectmen felt that a part of the issue in the property being stagnant is the asking price. Board of Selectmen Meeting—May 11 2010 Page 7 Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of April 13, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of_April 27, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of May 3, 2010 was a0proved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded b Gold to approve the Executive Session Minutes of April 27, 2010, as written, was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert;the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the meeting of May 11, 2010 at 10.10 p.m. by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Sectetary