HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-16 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 16,1010
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 was Chairman. James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille
Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner,
Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Matt Casey, Paul Feely,
Arthur Katz, Fred Van Magness, Karl Weld, Carl McFadden, Senator-Elect Catherine Clark.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Board
will be discussing traffic in a couple of weeks, and he would like to add a pedestrian actuated
stop signal on Salem Street at the end of Bay State Road. He also noted that there is a problem
with traffic not pulling forward on Woburn Street at Salem Street, and the Harrison Street
residents want a speed reduction so he will speak with Representative Dwyer regarding this
issue. He also requested that residents be courteous to the neighbors when they go to the
Compost Center.
Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there was an accident at Hopkins and Main Street. He also
noted that Fuddruckers held a fundraiser for the Drama Club, and he thanked staff and Town
Meeting Members for a successful Town Meeting.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the lights are not synchronized going south on Main
Street causing the cars to block Salem Street. She also noted that when a car comes out of
Woburn Street to go north, it blocks the traffic.
Chairman James Bonazoli thanked Veterans' Agent Frank Driscoll for the Veterans' Day event.
He also thanked the Town Manager and the Town Engineer for the site visit last Saturday. He
noted that the paving program needs a closer look, and also noted that the Economic
Development Summit went very well.
Public Comment — Senator-Elect Catherine Clark was present to introduce herself to the
community.
Carl McFadden noted that he was approached 10 years ago by Bill Brown and the Town
Manager to help out the Veterans' Fund. The interest is now at 0% and the 10 year anniversary
is coming up. The Town Manager noted that the income from that fund has not covered flowers
so the Town has supplemented the fund for the past couple of years. Mr. McFadden requested
that the Town give back to the Veterans,and suggested that part of the Fall Street Faire Funds go
towards.the flowers for the Veterans' graves.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 16, 2010—Page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
Administrative Matters
• Help Wanted - RMLD CAB Member, FINCOM Member, Bylaw Committee Member
and RIAA.
• The Board of Selectmen has issued a number of special Permits for early retail sales, and
one special permit for 24 hour operation. Does the Board of Selectmen want to conduct
public hearings on any or all of these renewals? This is discretionary with the Board of
Selectmen.
• The holiday Memory Tree lighting is on. December 5th, and the Garden Club has
requested a representative of the Board of Selectmen to attend and speak. Selectman Ben
Tafoya will speak at the event.
• The Town has prevailed at the Appeals Court level in a matter involving a Civil Service
case.
• A number of Executive Session Minutes have been released per the Board of Selectmen's
policy because there is no longer a need to keep the matters of those sessions
confidential. The minutes will be posted on the website shortly.
• You have in your packet of information this evening a "Disclosure of Appearance of
Conflict of Interest" form from Bryan Walsh, a member of the Finance Committee who is
also asking to be appointed to the Parker Middle School Council. There is no action
required by the Board of Selectmen.
• The Board of Selectmen is asked by the ABCC to sign off on a certification of population
which is 24,139 as of July 1, 2010 according to the latest Town Census.
Community Development
• The Wine Bunker is open.
• The Town's Annual Veterans' Day Observance was a great success.
Public Safety
• The Fire Chiefs of MA Association has requested assistance in asking the Governor to
approve changes that would require continuation of the practice of ambulance billing
directly to the insurance companies. BC/BS has decided to change the practice and .
reimburse patients directly, rather than reimbursing the provider.
• RCASA has sent out a Press Release about 4 LOKO, a drink that is marketed to youth
and which is a combination of high levels of caffeine and alcohol
• The overnight on-street parking ban is in effect until April 9th.
Public Works
• Recycling and Rubbish- Regular enforcement started the week of November 1 st.
• Curbside Leaf Collection will be conducted the weeks of November 15th and November
29th, and two Spring collection dates to be announced.
• Design of a project to resurface Main Street is underway. I would not expect work to be
done immediately. Selectman Ben Tafoya pointed out the need to coordinate the MWRA
water line project which would extend'from the Town line to Hopkins Street with this
effort.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 16, 2010—Page 3
Construction Projects in progress or to be done this year:
Road Improvements
• Harrison Street-'DONE
• Arlington Street- DONE
• Haverhill Street-DONE
• Marla Lane -DONE
Park Improvements
• Memorial Park Tree Planting is complete.
Dates and Events
• Senior Thanksgiving Dinner-November 20th
• Tree Lighting -November 28th
• Shop the Block-December 2nd
• . Garden Club Holiday Memory Tree Lighting-December 5th, 4:00 p.m., Library
The Town Manager noted that it is time to renew the early opening and 24 hour permits, and
asked if the Board wanted to hold'a hearing. The consensus of the Board was not to hold a
hearing.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Certificate of Recognition — Reading Co-Operative Bank Celebrating 125`h Anniversary
Reading. This was rescheduled to a date uncertain.
Personnel and Appointments
The Town Manager requested that the Selectmen appoint Jean Delios as an alternate on the
MAPC.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to appoint Jean Delios as the alternate on the
Metropolitan Area Planninjz Council with a term expiring June 30,2011 was approved by a
vote of 4-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Approve Liquor Licenses — The Town Manager noted that the licenses have been reviewed by
Police, Health, Building and the Tax Collector, and all fees and taxes will be paid before a
license is issued.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor
Licenses for
♦ Reading Overseas Veterans,Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street
♦ Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading, Mass. d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292
Grove Street
♦ Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street
♦ Reading Veterans' Association,Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62,37Ash Street
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 16, 2010—Page 4
for a term expiring December 31, 2011 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws,
Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town
Manager. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor
Licenses for
♦ Busa's Reading Liquors,Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street
♦ Athens Liquors,Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street
♦ Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag, Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors, 150 Main Street
♦ Jahnavi Riya Wine Shop,Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street
♦ Peter J. Donovan d/b/a The Wine Bunker, 128 Market Place Shopping Center, One
General Way ^
for a term expiring December 31, 2011 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. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor
Licenses for:
♦ _Mandarin Reading, Inc. d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant,296 Salem Street
♦ Mecom,Inc. d/b/a Caf6 Capri,355 Main Street
♦ CAC Foods,Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street
♦ Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive
♦ Mac Acquisition of Delaware d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook
Drive
♦ The Boland Group III, LLCd/b/a Fuddruckers,50 Walkers Brook Drive
♦ Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook
Drive
♦ RARE Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers
Brook Drive
♦ Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti,601 Main Street
♦ Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyle's, 530 Main Street
♦ KOK, Inc. d/b/a Oyes, 26 Walkers Brook Drive
♦ Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Sam's Bistro, 107 Main Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2011 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. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 16, 2010—Page 5
A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor Licenses
for
• .Palatat Pattenesuan d/b/a Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street
for a term expiring December 31, 2011 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. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Hearing Amending Fees—The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager reviewed the proposed fee amendments. He noted that the Police are
proposing charging residents $25.00 for fingerprinting for non-Police matters — they do not
fingerprint non-residents.
Community Services proposes a blanket fee .for big commercial sites with onsite electricians.
The purpose is to keep fees up to date with costs and what is going on in surrounding
communities.
Fred Van Magness asked if the Selectmen discussed separating the Compost Center fee from the
Depot parking fee, and Chairman James Bonazoli indicated that they have discussed this and
there would be a cost to split the two. Mr. Van Magness noted that if you pay $25.00 for a
sticker, you can park at the Depot for 200 days at a cost of$.15/day. He is not in favor of a 40%
increase in the fee unless the hours at the Compost Center are. increased 40%. He suggested
increasing the fire inspection fee to $50.00.
Karl Weld of 60 Highland.Street indicated that he is opposed to fee increases. He feels that the
Board should look at non-fee, non-tax revenue such as billboards and windmill farms. He noted
that Medford received $500,000 up front and $50,000/year for the billboards. He asked if we
had to pay DPW workers overtime to work at the Compost Center, and Chairman James
Bonazoli noted that most of the time we use Senior Tax Workers. Mr. Weld noted that we
should not increase the fee to the Compost Center because there has been a drop off in volume
there since curbside pickup began.
Chairman James Bonazoli noted that $0.1.5/day for parking at the Depot is a huge benefit to
residents.
Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he was not in favor of this fee increase for the sticker. He
suggested increasing the proposed #1 fees, and he is not interested in charging a fee to residents
for fingerprinting.
Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested removing#4 the Depot sticker.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to close the hearinjj on amending fees was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Board of Selectmen Meeting-November 16, 2010—Page 6
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the amendments to the fees as follows
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Department Item Description Current Fee Proposed Fee
Fire 1 Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms
Single family $15 $25
Two family $20 $50
Six or fewer residential units $10 per unit $150
Seven or more residential units $10 per unit $500
Fire 2 Oil Burner installations $15 $25
Propane $20 $25
Combustible storage $15 $25
Town Clerk Renew underground storage tanks $12.50 $25
Town Clerk 3' Copies of Zoning By-Laws (175 pgs) $15 $30
Copies of Town Bylaws (96 pgs) $10 $20
Copies of Town Charter(41 pgs) $6 $10
Police 5 Fingerprinting (non-resident) None $25
Finance 6 Lien Certificates - SF home $25 $50
(doing 25-50/wk, mtg refi's)
Public Works 7 Water/Sewer- Charge for final bill None $25
Public Works 8 Sprinkler per head charges $0.25/6 mos. $0
Annual blanket fee for commercial
With on staff electricians—to apply
only to routine maintenance and not
Comm. Svcs. 9 to new construction or renovation None $300
Comm. Svcs. 10 Re-inspection Fees - Building permits None $30
2011 Draft Goals —The Town Manager noted that there are 41 items included in the goals. He
noted that we need to determine where we are with advertising on billboards. This could have an
impact on abutters so due process needs to be done. The Board directed the Town Manager to
put this on an agenda as soon as possible.
Selectman Ben Tafoya requested starting operational reviews regarding permitting and
inspections. He suggested starting with Health and then the Building Department next year.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 16 2010—Page 7
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony referenced the DPW Study and noted that the Board needs to
talk about vehicle maintenance — outsource or regionalization. The Board directed the Town
Manager to put this on the December 14th agenda.
The Town Manager noted that he needs comments on the goals by November 29th.
Update — Double Utilily Poles — Karl Weld noted that there is a double pole at the end of his
driveway—it was cut two or three weeks ago. He feels that it is a safety issue.
Fred Van Magness noted that there are a lot of poles on Franklin Street right on the edge of the
road.
The Town Manager noted that double poles are hard to get eliminated. Most of them exist
because Verizon has not been moved off. There were 127 double poles in Reading last year,
now there are 41. He is pleased with the progress.
Review Status of Special Municipal Employees — The Town Manager reviewed the list of
Special Municipal Employees. He noted that the Conservation Commission Associate is no
longer an issue, and the custodian is no longer an issue. The Community Outreach Worker is not
an issue because the person resigned, and Town Meeting Members are not an issue.because the
Charter Commission no longer exists.
The consensus of the Board was to remove the Special Employees from the list if they no longer
need that status.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Anthonyseconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of September 15, 2010
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova to approve the Minutes of October 26, 2010 was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova to approve the Minutes of October 27, 2010 was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldy to approve the Executive Session Minutes of
September 21, 2010, as written, was approved on a roll call vote with all four members
voting in the affirmative.
_A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of November 16, 2010 at
9.30 p.m.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Respectfully subm' d,
Secretary