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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-05 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting October 5,2010 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 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Richard Schubert (arrived at 7:30 p.m.), Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai, Facilities Director Joe Huggins, Student Representative Jimmy Houston, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Matt Casey, Steve Chapman, Joe Curto, Mr. Cameron, Fred Livingston, David Michaud, Vicky Yablonsky, George Hines. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony welcomed the Board's new Student Representative Jimmy Houston. Mr. Houston indicated..that he was 15 years old, a sophomore at the High School and a member of the Drama Club, wrestling team, marching band, Boy Scouts and various other activities. Selectman Stephen Goldy thanked everyone for another successful Fall Street Faire. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the funds from the Fall Street Faire go to the Downtown betterment. She also noted that she attended a meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners,the Audit Committee and the RCASA Annual Meeting. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Fall Quarterly issue of Your Community Connection is available electronically beginning October 1 st on the Town web site. The first 24 pages of the Fall 2010 Your Community Connection that covers all news and events till October 6th only is displayed. The remainder of the issue will be distributed by the middle of this week, due to a computer crash. ® Free Cash has-been certified. ♦ Local option meals tax is in effect. From the MADOR "Our audit team is still working on the establishments in Reading. You can refer them to DOR Customer Service at 617- 887-MDOR or me at 617-626-2386. I also forwarded this information to phechembleilcnernci.readin .ma.us and indicated it could be shared with establishments in your community. I hope this information sheet is helpful for you to share with establishments. It is very similar to the letter that will be going to the establishments registered as tax type meals and rooms in the DOR databases." Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010—Page 2 ♦ There are a number of ballot questions on the November 2nd ballot including Question 3 which would reduce the sales tax to 3%. 'The impact of this question would be to reduce State revenues an estimated $1 billion in the second half of this-fiscal year (starting January 1, 2011) and would reduce revenues an estimated $2.5 billion in FY 2012. If these reductions were done evenly across the board for State discretionary budget accounts, the estimated reduction to the Town of Reading would be almost $1.5 million in FY 2012 in addition to any other reductions that may be required to balance the State Budget. Community Development ♦ The latest business to open in Reading is Sammy Jo's Italian Bakery and Cafe at 2 Haven Street. Welcome to this new Downtown business. Public Works o Recycling and rubbish changes the week of October 4th. Detailed information is on the front page of the web site and a flyer has been mailed to the entire community. We are in a period of education and "soft enforcement." October 2010 ® street sign LotterOctoberStreet sign lottery. ♦ The Town Manager noted that due to a typo, the Board needs to revote the minimum amounts of the water, sewer and stormwater management rates. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to set the FY 2011 Water Rate at $8.03 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $16.06 (replaces $24.09) effective with the September 10, 2010 billing was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to set the FY 2011 Sewer Rate at$8.44 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $16.88 (replaces $23.32) effective with the September 10,2010 billing was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to set the FY 2011 Stormwater Rate at $40 per unit (3,210 square feet) (replaces 2,552 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the September 10, 2010 billing was approved by a vote of 3- 0-0. ♦ Reading Youth Baseball has requested approval to do work on one of the Joshua Eaton fields, and on the new"tennis court" field at Birch Meadow. The cost is over$10,000 for each project and, therefore, subject to Board of Selectmen approval. They would like to get this work done now while weather permits. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the improvements to the Joshua Eaton Field and the Birch Meadow Little League Field was approved by a vote of 3- 0-0. ♦ The Town Manager noted that the Warrant for the November Election needs to be closed. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010—Page 3 A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to close the Warrant for the Election to take place on November 2, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road, Reading;Massachusetts was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee is meeting on October 13th and the next Financial Forum regarding expenses is October 27th. Construction Proiects in progress or to be done this year: ♦ Road Improvements • Harrison Street - Base course and curbing are complete: Stormceptors have been delivered, Highway Division to install next week. Roadway work to resume the beginning of October along with other streets below. • Arlington Street (Woburn Street to Prescott Street), Haverhill Street - (Wakefield Street to Timberneck Drive), Marla Lane - (Forest Street to Spruce Road) - Work to start beginning of October and should be'completed by end of October. • Highway Division project — Smith, Manning, Lewis and County (between.Lewis and Howard) have been completed. ♦ Memorial Park - Project nearly complete. All areas loamed and seeded, trees to be installed in October, benches to be installed when delivered. Dates and Events: ♦ October 7, 2010 - The Annual Police Department Senior Ham and.Bean Dinner will be on Thursday at the Senior Center. ♦ October 23, 10:00 to 2:00—Fire Department Open House o October 23, 10:00 a.m. —Ribbon Cutting—Memorial Park o State Election—November 2nd ♦ Subsequent Town Meeting-November 8th Discussion/Action Items Highlights - School Department re: Performance Contracting — Facilities Director Joe Huggins and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai were present. Mary DeLai noted that Town Meeting approved funds for performance contracting. Everything is on time and 85% of the budget has been expended. Rebates from the gas company and the Light Department have been guaranteed. Stimulus package funding paid for two boilers and that was $150,000. Joe Huggins reviewed the energy conservation measures that have been taken including: lighting improvements, lighting controls, water conservation, energy management systems, weatherization, LED traffic signals, solar domestic hot water at the Police Station and the two fire stations, solar air pre-heat at the High School and Coolidge Middle School, heating system upgrades at other schools and a new chiller at Town Hall. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he and Chairman James Bonazoli toured Killam and were very impressed with the work that has been done. It was suggested that an update be given to Town Meeting. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010—Page 4 Quarterly Review with Town Accountant - Town Accountant Gail Lapointe was present to update the Board of Selectmen. She noted that free cash has been certified at $4,553,000. Health insurance premiums were lower and $75,000 in rubbish was unspent. Revenues were also level funded. She also noted that we have a new member named Tom Clough on the Retirement.Board, and she is working on the personnel portion of Munis. Hearing—Causeway Road Betterment-The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the first part of the road is a public way. There is a large drainage problem. The neighbors are requesting it be made a public way. The Selectmen will need to recommend the betterments to Town Meeting. Vice Chairman.Camille Anthony asked why it isn't a public way already, and Town Engineer George Zambouras noted the Board of Survey established the lay of the. road and then the roadway was built. It now needs Selectmen and Town Meeting approval to become a public way. The Town Engineer noted that the Town's portion to improve the roadway will cost $47,500. Granite curbing will be installed in the private portion, and the sidewalks are on the left side and then continue around to the other side. The total cost of both private and public is $356,000. There are,three utility poles that will need to be relocated. There are seven abutters in favor, two opposed and three noncommittal. Two residents are opposed because the new road comes within 15 feet of their property. The alternate would be to shift the road to the right of way, and eliminate the sidewalk on the other side of the street. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked why we just don't do alternate 2, and the Town Manager indicated because it is more complex,there are more trees to take, etc'. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that granite curb is a standard but we can't require it. The Town Manager noted that it is a subdivision standard. Steve Chapman of 66 Causeway Road noted that he appreciates the work that has been done. The subdivision was built in 1960 to Town standards, it was just never accepted. He's been dealing with ponding issues for years. There should be full participation to cover the costs including the State and the Town. He also noted that $12,000/household equals $600/year for 20 years but the revised cost is approximately $20,000/household. He noted that granite curb is $53,000 and is out of character with the street. He stated that Benton Circle does not have granite curbing yet they are being forced to put in granite curbing but the Town and Light Department does not have to. He suggested that the Light Department move the poles at no cost. The Town Manager noted that the Light Department has agreed to pick up the costs of relocating the poles. Mr. Chapman indicated that the water coming from the Town portion of the road is causing the water damage. He stated that the betterment would be a hardship for some homeowners, and suggested going to the east to save a couple of trees. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010-Page 5 Joe Curto of 81 Causeway Road noted that Mr. Chapman does not represent him. Mr. Curto moved in 50 years ago and he insists that the road was accepted then. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the vote never went to Town Meeting to be accepted, and Mr. Curto indicated that he was told it was an accepted street. He noted that the Light Department has damaged the majority of the road and only 19% of the road is owned by private owners. He feels that the Town should restore the damage. The Town Manager noted that the Town's assessment is $27,000 and the RMLD is$70,000. The Town Engineer noted if you remove the cost of relocating poles, then the total is $272,000 and if you remove the cost of granite, the total is then $212,000. Mr. Cameron of 31 Causeway Road indicated that he is in favor of the revised plan. He noted that when water collects in front of his property, he pumps and that uses electricity. He also noted that the trucks coming down the street are huge trucks carrying generators constantly. Fred Livingstone of 52 Causeway Road noted that he moved there in 1962 and has been dealing with ponding issues. He also noted that the Light Department has fully destroyed that portion of the road,and he is in favor of the project. Mr. Chapman asked Mr. Livingstone if he is still in favor if his property is being taken, and Mr. Livingstone indicated that he is but would want to see the plan first. The residents at 33 Causeway Road and 53 Causeway Road indicated that they are in favor of Option 2. The resident at 73 Causeway Road noted that Light Department trucks are now parking in the woods and destroying it. The Town Manager noted that the Town plans to put barriers to keep people out. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Town did not do curbing on Middlesex Road and it- is falling apart. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the Town's section is going to have curbing, and the Town Manager indicated that it will not have curbing, it will have guardrails. Vice Chairman Anthony noted that if the residents have to put curbing, then the Town has to do curbing. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town doesn't have any money, and Vice Chairman Anthony indicated that neither do the residents. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked what is best — curbs or-no curbs. The Town Engineer noted that curbs are the best so Vice Chairman Anthony noted that the public portion should also have curbs. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on the Causeway Road betterment was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010—Page 6 Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested continuing the hearing until the next meeting on October 26th so he'll have a chance to work on a solution. Hearing—A-Frame Sign Regulations—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that Town Meeting approved the Sign Bylaw including A-Frame signs, so the Selectmen need regulations approving A-Frame Signs. The regulations were sent to all the businesses and the Chamber of Commerce, and we received two comments back regarding the cost and setbacks. Some businesses feel that the cost is prohibitive so he changed it to an initial cost to $50.00, and then$25.00 after that for the annual renewal. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked about #7 regarding sign and locations for businesses like Be Gifted. The Town Manager noted that there is an exception if it is out of the way location; i.e., an alleyway. A motion by Schubert seconded by GO& to close the hearing on the A-Frame Sign Regulations was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the A-Frame Sign Regulations, as presented on October 5, 2010,was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing — Amendment to Recycling and Rubbish Rules and Regulations — The Town Manager noted that the proposed modifications require recycling. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he disagrees with the enforcement because his recycling gets picked up at 7:30 a.m. and the rubbish doesn't get picked up until later. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing amending the Recycling and Rubbish Rules and Regulations was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A_motion_by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the amendments to Section 4.6 of the Board of Selectmen Policies - Solid Waste Recycling, Collection and Disposal Rules and Regulations, as presented,was approved by a vote of 44=0. Hearing—Liquor License Fees—2011 —'2013 —The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to establish the fees for 2011. The current fees are a little high but other communities are all over the place. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that they were asked to look at increasing fees at the last Financial Forum. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Town will be installing permits and licensing systems that will cost money. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he didn't see any reason to change the fees. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010—Page 7 A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to close the hearing establishing liquor license fees for 2011 through 2013 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Schubert moved and Goldy seconded to.approve the liquor license fees for 2011 through 2013 as follows: Liquor Fee Survey 2010 All Alcohol Wine/Malt Package Store Clubs Restaurant Restaurant Proposed 2011 $3,600 $2,600 $2,400 $1,200 Proposed 2012 $3,700 $2,700 $2,500 $1,300 Proposed 2013 $3,800 $2,800 $2,600 $1,400- The 1,400The motion failed by a vote of 2-2-0. Tafoya moved and Goldy seconded to approve the liquor license fees for 2011 through 2013 as follows: Liquor Fee Survey 2010 All Alcohol Wine/Malt Package Store Clubs Restaurant Restaurant Proposed 2011 $3,500 $2,500 $2,3.00 $1,100 Proposed 2012 $3,600 $2,600 $2,400 $1,200 Proposed 2013 $3,700 $2,700 $2,500 $1,300 The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Update — Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee — Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee Chairman David Michaud and members Vicky Yablonsky and George Hines were present. David Michaud noted that the Committee has been meeting regularly. They have met with staff, conducted site visits, compiled date which shows that maintenance is meeting expectations with minor areas of improvement, the Capital Improvements Plan addresses most maintenance and/or replacement requirements. Both Chiefs are happy with their buildings. The Town is pursuing grants for school roods, doors and windows. The Senior Center needs improvement to the drainage and a kitchen update. The northern portion of the Oakland Road property is a good site for a cell tower. They also heard a presentation from a private developer looking to build a sports facility/with a possible daycare. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Committee has been collecting data to get a sense of where we are with facilities. Board of Selectmen.Meeting—October 5, 2010 Page 8 Selectman Ben Tafoya thanked the committee for its work and asked that they focus on the Cemetery Garage, Library, DPW Garage and Oakland Road properties. He asked that the recommendations be prioritized. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if any Department Heads talked about program changes that might affect .their needs. Mr. Michaud noted that Selectman Richard Schubert asked that question of the Department Heads, and they will go back and revisit that issue before they finalize their recommendations. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Capital Improvements Plan was done a year ago and is mostly energy items so Joe Huggins is working in revamping that. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that she would like to know the status of the buildings, any issues, funding and how the building is meeting the needs of personnel and programs currently and in the future. It was decided that a report would be given to Town Meeting. Progress Report on Goals — The Town Manager briefly reviewed the goals, and asked the Selectmen to read through them and address any issues in their next liaison reports. Review Customer Service Survey Results —The Town Manager noted that the latest report was on Pages 60-62 of the packet. He suggests reviewing this every six months. Review Town Counsel — Vice Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectman Stephen Goldy updated the Board.on Town Counsel's review, and noted than all comments were on the positive side except one Conservation Commission member mentioned that sometimes feedback is slow. The Town Manager suggested that the subcommittee meet with Brackett & Lucas and review the results. Confirm Board of Selectmen Position on Bottle Deposit Law — The Town Manager noted that there was a draft letter in the packet regarding supporting a bottle deposit. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to the Town's State legislative delegation in support of amending the "bottle bill" to charge deposits for water, sport drink, juice and other bottles and containers was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Approve Church Snow Plowing Agreements — The Town Manager noted the there is one agreement in place with the First Baptist Church of Reading, and asked the Board if they want him to sign the agreements. The consensus of the Board was for the Town Manager to execute the agreements. Board of Selectmen Meeting—October 5, 2010—Page 9 Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of September 18, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of September 21, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to adiourn the meeting of October 5, 2010 at 10:45 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary