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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting August 10,2010 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 James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen.Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Planner Jean Delios, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Patricia Dababneh, Matt Casey, Sheila Clarke, George Rio, Attorney Chris Latham, Bill Crowley, Michele Williams, Mike Donahue, Michael Palmer, Anthony Cavallo, George Perry, Mike deBrigard, Tom Gardiner, Patrice Todisco. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments— Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that CPDC approved the site plan review waiver for SammyJo's Bakery on 2 Haven Street. Selectman Stephen Goldy attended a meeting with Reading United Soccer and Reading Lacrosse regarding field space issues. Both teams have committed to working together. Selectman Goldy noted that he will be at the Senior Center on Thursday at noontime. Vice.Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the flagpole at Washington Park is rusty and there is a dead wreath on it. She also noted that she received an e-mail from a resident wanting to know When the sidewalks on Sunnyside Avenue will be on the Agenda. The Town Manager noted that when the surveyors submit their report, it will be put on the Agenda. Vice Chairman Anthony stated that she and Selectman Stephen Goldy are working on the Town Counsel evaluation. She indicated that field use is an ongoing problem, and requested a list of who is using the fields and what fees are being paid. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Selectmen requested alternative revenue generation, and suggested putting this on a Workshop Meeting Agenda. He also noted that North Reading is on a water emergency for lack of water, and he asks residents to follow water conservation measures. He, stated that he and Vice Chairman Camille Anthony will meet in September regarding the Mattera Cabin, and he also requested that the Town Counsel evaluation be put on the October 5th Agenda. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the first Financial Forum is September 15th, and the Finance Committee has asked that everyone come prepared. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he.has reached out to Clear Channel, and he wants to set up a meeting with them. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page 2 Public Comment—Bill Brown noted that he researched the flagpole at Washington Park, and it is unknown who put it there. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Washington Park Committee recommended moving the flagpole. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Volunteers are stili needed—ZBA, CPDC, Conservation Commission. ♦ The signs advertising liquor at the Reading Depot have been removed. ♦ HGTV's, My First Place, which follows a set of first-time buyers and their realtor along with the search for the perfect home filmed in Reading on August 5th at a realtor's office. ♦ August 31st — The Board of Selectmen is invited to tour Killam and Birch Meadow Schools with the School Committee prior to the first day of school - 6:30. ♦ Information regarding permitting of fields is included in your packet — Follow up on a citizen complaint. ♦ The Town has received an award for support of the Americans with Disabilities Act implementation. ♦ In your packet this evening is a letter and Home Rule petition by the City of Lowell regarding health insurance pian design. Do you want to consider a similar Home Rule petition for Reading? Community Development ♦ Calareso's is under contract to purchase the Tambone properties on South Main Street, and move their business there. They have filed preliminary paperwork, and the staff held an expedited DRT review. ♦ Expansion of Peter Sanborn Place—Town comment to MassHousing has been submitted. ♦ Salon at.One Haven is moving into the former Carlson Real Estate Building at 55 Haven Street. Public Safety ♦ To register for RAD Classes beginning in October or for more information about this course,please call the Reading Police Department RAD line at 781-942-6752. ♦ The Suggested Routes to School Program for sidewalk and curb installation - Surveyors have been at work. We have done community outreach to let abutters know what is proposed — on Washington Street between Woburn and Prescott Streets, and Sunnyside Avenue from Prescott Street to Fairview Avenue. The curb work at Temple and Woburn Streets is already being constructed as part of the Town's Temple Street project. Public Works Construction Proiects in progress or to be done this year: ♦ Road Improvements—Temple and Harrison Streets are under construction. Base course is on Temple Street, grading was done today on Harrison Street, and base will be installed on Wednesday. ♦ Curb and Sidewalk— Contractor is in today - Bancroft at Woburn Streets —HC access, Washington Park-frontage on Washington Street, small piece of curb on Morgan Park Drive related to drainage, Rotary Square—for bike rack area. . ♦ Memorial Park- Good progress. ♦ Killam School Playground—Construction in mid-August. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page 3 ♦ Killam School Parking Lot-Improvements are under construction. ♦ Barrows Site Master Plan -Process will begin in the Summer after recreation staff have completed the JEMP and gotten Summer activities started. ♦ Sewer Construction—Sewer main construction is complete. Dates and Events: e Board of Selectmen invited to School Committee Meeting/Tour- August 31 st. ♦ Fall Street Faire September 12th ♦ Primary Election— September 14th ♦ Financial Forum—September 15th e RCASA Annual Meeting — September 30th — 7:00 p.m. — Joint posted meeting with RCASA, School Committee and Board of Health Discussion/Action Items Hearing—Parking Regulations • Hopkins Street: No Parking on the north side of Hopkins Street from Main Street to east of Cedar Street; No parking south side of Hopkins Street between the driveways of 113 and 119 Hopkins Street—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Sam's Bistro opened in early July and parking has been a concern on Hopkins Street. Police Chief Jim Cormier established no parking on the north side until the Selectmen could have a hearing and include no parking on the south side between the driveways at 113 and 119 Hopkins Street. Mike Donahue of 119 Hopkins Street indicated that there is no room or open space to. make parking lots in that area. He also noted that if he has guests for dinner, they would have to park on Summer Street. Chairman James Bonazoli asked about the turnover rate, and Mr. Donahue noted that it was employees parking there most of the night. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if anything is being done about employee parking. Michael Palmer, owner of Sam's Bistro, indicated that he told the employees not to park in front of 113 or 119 Hopkins Street and to park in the parking lot. He cannot control where they park. Town Planner Jean Delios noted that the plan approved by CPDC was for 10 spaces for employees and 38 spaces for customers. They also discussed employee parking at Meineke. Attorney Chris Latham noted that Meineke came forward after the CPDC meetings and Sam's Bistro is in compliance. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that shared parking is a flawed idea because of timing—it's not going to work. Patricia Dababneh of 113 Hopkins Street noted that there is plenty of space in the parking lot when the employees arrive — they are parking in the street well before the overload. She suggests two hour parking for the opposite side of the street. A resident from 39 Bear Hill Road noted that the cars are lined up to Cedar Street when the lot is empty. Car doors are slamming and engines are starting up late at night. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page 4 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked Police Chief Jim Cormier for his thoughts. Chief Cormier noted that the intent is for 10 employees to be parking in the parking lot. Some people choose to park on the street so their cars don't get damaged, and we can't pick and choose who is going to use it. The two hour parking would still impact the residents. The regulations in affect now were for public safety reasons to make room for fire apparatus to get down the street, and no parking on the north side of Hopkins Street is so that emergency apparatus can exit onto Hopkins Street. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked the Police Chief if he looked at the proposed restriction on the south side, and Chief Cormier indicated that he agrees with the restriction because it opens up the sight line for both driveways. Chairman James Bonazoli. suggested that Mr. Palmer get employee parking signs and put them on his lot because if the situation doesn't change, then we will all be back here for more regulations. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony requested that the Town Planner go back to CPDC and find out their intent of the parking. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on parldng regulations on Hopkins Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Appendix A-1 (No Parking Any Time) the followinLn APPENDIX A-1 5.3 PARKING PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS No Parking Any Time Street Location Hopkins Street Northerly side from Main Street easterly ending at#2 Cedar Street Hopkins Street Southerly side between the driveways for 113 and 119 Hopkins Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Employee/Merchant Parking—Four Spaces in the "Upper" Parking Lot—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is a result of discussion with businesses and staff observation. The intent is to create four spaces for employee parking or two hour parking. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the 30 minute parking on Lowell Street was previously opposed, and malting 30 minute parking in the back parking lot would be less of an aesthetic issue. Board of Selectmen Meeting-August 10, 2010—Page 5 Chairman James Bonazoli asked who else has a back door entrance aside from CVS, and the Town Manager noted that the businesses who have issues are the ones that are open in the evening. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if there is stili employee parking behind the Senior Center, and Chief Cormier noted that only one of the 13 ispaces are leased. Vice Chairman Anthony noted that she is opposed to this, and she would rather get the employee cars out from behind CVS. George Rio, member of the Economic Development Committee, noted that employee parking in the back lot goes against everything we've done in the past. He also noted that there is 20,000 square feet of office space not being utilized yet. Chief Cormier noted that the Atlantic lot is not fully utilized, and suggested exploring options to expand the blue zone. He also noted that there are 16 spots at the Depot that are not being used. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to close the hearing for Two Hour Parking or All Day Parking with Employee Permit for four designated parldng spaces along the westerly lot line of the "upper parking lot" which is in the block bounded by Main Street, Haven Street, Sanborn Street and Woburn Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 'bv adding to Appendix.A-4 the following: APPENDIX A-4 TWO HOUR PARKING OR ALL DAY PARKING WITH EMPLOYEE PERMIT DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) Street Location "Upper parking lot" which is located in the The four designated parking spots block bounded by Main Street, Haven Street, along the fenced edge of the westerly lot Sanborn Street and Woburn Street line failed by a vote of 0-4-0. 30 Minutes Parking—Four Spaces on Lowell Street Parking Lot in front of CVS —The Secretary read the hearing notice. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she is in favor of 30 minute parking because one business is taking up all the spaces in Downtown. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page 6 Bill Crowley, President of the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce, noted that an overwhelming majority of the businesses want a time limit. They need open spots to do quick shopping. He also noted that he did not hear of any issues for needing employee parking. The owner of the Wine Shop indicated that 30 minute panting and employee parking would help her business. Bill Brown noted that there are a lot of spaces available at the Knights of Columbus since the Co- Operative Bank built their own parking lot. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to close the hearing for an amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding a new Section 5.4.1.b to Article 5 which permits 30 minute parking from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, in the locations listed in Appendix A-4b was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding a new Section 5.4.1.b to Article 5 which reads as follows: 30 Minute Parking: No person shall park a vehicle between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for more than 30 minutes on any one of the streets or parts of streets or parking lots listed in Appendix A-4b. and by adding: APPENDIX A-4b 5.4.1.b PARKING PROHIBITED DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS 30 Minute Parldng, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.(Monday through Saturday) Street Location Lowell Street parking lot adiacent to 650 The four most southeasterly parking Main Street spots facing Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Follow Up — Fall Street Faire Special License for Tailgate Party and Venetian Moon — Sheila Clarke noted that last year they did an Oktoberfest at the Fall Street Faire, and this year they want to do a Patriot Tailgate in the Municipal Parking Lot. It will include a band playing and the Firefighters selling their chili. People with young children will want to be able to attend, and the age limit will be 11 years or younger. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he heard input from the Executive Director Erica McNamara of the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse and the Police Chief, and they have no issues with it. They noted that you can take your family into any establishment and have dinner and a beer. This is not the main focus of the Faire so they have no problem with it. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page 7 The consensus of the Board was that they were in favor of the PatriotTailgate. Anthony Cavallo, owner of the Venetian Moon Restaurant, was present. He noted that.they are requesting outdoor dining with beer and wine in an enclosed area of the parking lot. There will be 60-80 seats outside. Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the area will be blocked off, and Mr. Cavallo indicated that it will be barricaded as the Police Chief designates. The tent will be 20' x 40' and it will not impede foot traffic. The consensus of the Board was that they were in favor of the Venetian Moon outdoor dining. Presentation on Way Finding Program—Town Planner Jean Delios noted that the Town received a grant to do a way finding project and hired Ann Barton of Lowell. Way finding is a unified system of signage and markers around the Town to enhance vehicular and pedestrian access. The report suggests highlighting Reading Center. Forms of way finding include mini maps for pedestrians, information kiosks, depot shelters, signs for public buildings and parking. The cost of vehicular signs is $9,800, and the cost of pedestrian signs is $25,000. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to decide which signs they want, and the Economic Development Committee will develop the plan for funding through the trust fund. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that way finding signs are needed for the High School and parking. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the most frequently asked questions are where the fields are. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he would like the Mattera Cabin and Town Forest added to the list. Sheila Clarke noted that the CPDC had concerns with sign clutter. She also noted that the Downtown Trust Fund can begin the funding of the program. Draft Regulations re: "A-Frame Signs" — The Town Manager noted that the Zoning Bylaw was amended to permit use of portable sandwich signs so regulations need to be created. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked if the local businesses have seen these regulations yet, and the Town Planner indicated that they have not. Selectman Goldy suggested that it be sent out now. The Town Manager noted that if the draft is in a form that the Selectmen are comfortable with, then they will send'it out to the Chamber of Commerce. He also noted that the idea is to issue permits for the year. Town Forest Stewardship Plan — George Perry, Mike DeBrigard, Tom Gardiner and Patrice Todisco of the Town Forest Committee were present. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page 8 The Town Manager noted that the Town received a grant to do a Town Forest Stewardship Plan. Town Planner Jean Delios noted that an inventory was done, boundaries were looked. at, and input was received from groups. The strengths are that the Town Forest is in good health, and it is a pristine setting for environmental education. The threats are non-native invasive plants. Implementation of recommendations is the next step. George Perry thanked the Town Planner for her work on the project. He noted that thinning needs to be done and the question is how and when. The Town Manager recommended that the Town Forest.Committee take the time to digest the report and come back to the Selectmen with priorities. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony requested a schedule of activities of what projects will be done. Follow Up on Sign Enforcement — The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen requested a spreadsheet showing the violations. The Town Planner noted that there are 56 violations — down from 89 — of which 31 are not opaque compliance. She,is trying to get the costs for malting the signs opaque and it can start at approximately $15.00 sq. ft. She noted that the solution is to go back to the original sign maker and put a film over it. The goal is to have the lights shine through just the letters. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that these are long-standing regulations and some have had 17 years to come into compliance and, in the meantime, others were allowed to go up out of compliance. The Town Manager noted that the signs were all approved as opaque signs. Unfortunately, it was not known that they weren't opaque until they were installed. Sheila Clarke noted that a lot of business owners don't know what opaque is, and she suggests that the signs be inspected as soon as they are installed. ' Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there needs to be a way to hold sign companies accountable. The Town Planner noted that Belmont accepts $20.00 deposit as surety that the sign will be manufactured and installed as specified on the permit. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the plastic hydrant is a prohibitive sign for one business,.and because Louisa's Pizza says Louisa twice, it is considered two signs. Ms. Clarke noted that any graphic that defines what the business is, is considered a sign. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that we cannot count on volunteers from the Economic Development Committee to reach out to businesses—some of these violations are very complex. He would like to see details as to how every violation is being handled to make sure that everyone is being treated fairly. The Town Manager noted that he will e-mail a draft letter to the Selectmen for their comments, and then the letters will be sent out to the businesses in batches of 10/week. Board of Selectmen Meeting—August 10, 2010—Page Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya .to approve the Minutes of July 13, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded- by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of July 27, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and Approval of Minutes and that the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the..body, not to reconvene in Open Session was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Sec ry