Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-30 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting November 30, 2010 -For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in u)hich the items appeared on the agenda_for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item u,as 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, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Police Business Manager Andrew Scribner, Town Engineer George Zambouras, Safety Officer Justin Martel, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Dan Dewar, Sean Whalen, William Boatwright, Bob Nordstrand, Fred McGrane, Lois Bell, Ernie Bay. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Stephen Goldy wished the Reading Memorial High School football team good luck. He noted that he, the Town Manager and Chairman James Bonazoli attended the Senior Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by State Representative Brad Jones. He will be at the Senior Center for lunch on December 9th, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she attended a meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners last week, and also attended the Library presentation/discussion. She requested that the recycling information be put on cable. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Municipal Building Committee is meeting again this Thursday and they are working on their presentation. Selectman Ben Tafgya attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony. He noted that Shop the Block is this Thursday, and he watched the CPDC meeting on television last night but there was a video problem. He also noted that CPDC mentioned something about a meeting with the Board of Selectmen regarding parking on South Main Street. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony. He asked if the Town could replace the overflowing trash container with a big belly. He also noted that he and Vice Chairman Camille Anthony will be meeting with Jol-m Feudo. He requested the final numbers from the Compost Center. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters ♦ Help Wanted o RMLD CAB Member o FINCOM Member- Appointment Committee is meeting on Monday Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 30, 2010 Page 2 f o Bylaw Committee Member o RIAA - one applicant o. COA - one applicant o ACCCP - Changes in membership and Associate membership ♦ The Board of Selectmen has issued a number of Special Permits for early retail sales, and one Special Permit for 24 hour operation. The staff review indicates no problems with these sites, and based on the Board of Selectmen direction, we will go ahead and issue the licenses. ♦ The Garden Club Holiday Memory Tree Lighting is on December 5th. o Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce for organizing a very successfiil tree lighting program again this year, and special thanks to the DPW, Police and Fire Departments for installing lights and garlands, and contributing to the success of the event. 0 It might be a good time to fiend raise for more LED Lights While the Holiday spirit moves us. We have only 120 LED strands of the 600 strands we use for the trees. We have no incandescent replacement bulbs. We will need a minimum of 140 strands for next season. We receive 40 strands from RMLD which'leaves us 100 short. The strands are about $10.00 each. We will need a minimum of $1,000, and ideally would have $5,000 to replace all of the incandescent lights ASAP. 0 The Town has been approved for participation in the�Green Repair Program for replacement of windows at the Killam and Birch Meadow Schools, and for roof replacement at Killam School. The MSBA will pay for 47.21 % of eligible costs ♦ World AIDS Day is recognized on December 1, 2010, Community Development ♦ Shop the Block is this Thursday evening December 2nd in Downtown Reading, Public Safety ♦ The Reading Police Department Children's Holiday Party will be held at the Austin Prep School on December 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. -Pizza, Hot Dogs, Chips and Ice Cream will be served. Also, entertainment will include a clown show. The Free Masons will also be there doing their Child Identification Program. ♦ 4 LOKO, a drink that is marketed to youth and which is a combination of high levels of caffeine and alcohol, has been removed from MA stores by the ABCC. I understand that the drink is going to be reformulated to reduce/eliminate the caffeine. Public Works 0 Curbside Leaf Collection will be completed the end of this week - December 3rd is the last day. There will be two Spring collections on dates to be announced. Dates and Events Shop the Block- December 2nd Garden Club Holiday Memory Tree Lighting-December 5th, 4:00 p.m., Library. The Assistant Town Manager noted that Assessor Bob Nordstrand is present and would like to say a few words. Bob Nordstrand noted that they are making very slow progress with the representatives at the State level. They had a telephone conference call scheduled with the representative and'his superior but they cancelled it. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 30, 2010-Page 3 Bill Boatwright noted that the State Representative called and said that he had a couple of things to do and will try to get a preliminary certification but they didn't get that today. Bob Nordstrand noted that if we don't get the preliminary approval, then they will send out estimated bilis. He also noted there are a lot of changes in the commercial group. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested an electronic copy of last years' presentation. Discussion/Action Items Library Board Presentation re: Building Project—This will be rescheduled for a later date. Mass Communication Program — Police Chief James Cormier and Police Business Manager Andrew Scribner were present. Andrew Scribner noted that the current Reverse 911 System can only send out 480 one minute calls per hour. A committee was formed to look at and evaluate 13 vendors and selected four for demonstrations. The criteria included the ability to call 1000's of landline and cell phones in minutes, email and text message alert and two way communication. The committee chose `Everbridge. The Everbridge system can send out emergency or community notices. It can create groups to target recipients, geo code by street/neighborhood, there is an opt-in process, and they host the service. The implementation began in November 2010. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if we went with regional dispatch, would this be affected. Andrew Scribner noted that it could be worked out. The Town Manager noted that we will need a set of policies and procedures in place for this system. Parking Traffic and Transportation Issues: Grade Crossing Protection Installation — Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the Town had to do improvements to maintain the quiet zone. We installed mountable barriers along 100 feet of each side of the crossing. He also noted that Willow Street is tight because residents need to get in and out of their driveways. Heavy Vehicle Exclusion — Franklin Street— Safety Officer Justin Martel noted that this was in response to a resident complaint, and North Reading had a similar problem. A heavy vehicle exclusion is not possible at this time. 5% of the traffic has to be 2 tons or more — our counters don't go by weight but it works out to approximately 2.2% of the traffic being 2 tons or more. There is a problem with speeding on the roadway. Speed Study — Brook Street - The Safety Officer noted that he had received complaints regarding speeding on Brook Street. He did a study and 91% of the vehicles were going 30,mph or slower. He doesn't see any problem on Brook Street but will put the counters on Ash Street. Hopkins Street Signal Update — The Town Engineer noted that we were originally told that this meets the warrants for a signal but didn't meet the hazardous conditions but now it does. We are waiting for the State safety review and funding. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 30, 2010—Page 4 Franklin and Main Streets Updates — The Town Engineer noted that the central planning' staff reviewed this. Mass Highway found discrepancies so they are going back and doing an audit and will get new recommendations. This is a high hazard area. 30 Minute Parking on Main Street — Quick Stop et. al. — The Town Manager noted that Quick Stop is requesting 30 minute parking. The Safety Officer noted that Dan Dewar of 519 Main Street contacted him because Grumpy Doyle's customers are parking in front of his store. The north side of Main Street has two spaces in front of Quick Stop and two spaces in front of the cleaners. The south side of Main Street has five 2 hour spots. Mr. Dewar noted that the back parking lot is utilized by Quiznos and the residents upstairs. His customer's comments are it is too hard to get out. The Safety Officer noted that there are three options: a. Wait and do nothing for six months. Grumpy Doyle's is new and business should slow down some after six months. b. Post signs to direct customers to off-street parking. C, The Town can restrict the spots — 30 minute parking, 9:00— 9:00, Monday through Saturday. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he wasn't crazy about restrictions at CVS, and he won't go for this because it won't be enforced. Mr. Dewar noted that he has noticed a loss of revenue since Grumpy Doyle's opened. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he is not interested in 30 minute parking. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she has no problem with 30 minute parking. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked Mr. Dewar what times he has noticed a loss of revenue, and Mr. Dewar noted that it was at lunch and supper time. Chairman James Bonazoli directed the Town Manager to schedule a hearing for two spaces. Selectman Richard Schubert requested that Engineering look to see if they can get one more parking space on the north side of Main Street. Mr. Dewar noted that his neighbor asked to have the two spots in front of the cleaners as 30 minute parking also. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that we will not do more than two spaces. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he would like to see a plan for Mr. Dewar's parking in the rear. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 30, 2010—Page 5 Harrison Street Speed Limit = The Town Manager noted that he has received complaints regarding speeding because it is a commuter cut through. The 'Safety Officer noted that if the speed limit is not posted, then the speed limit is 30 mph. Mass Highway and the Registry of Motor Vehicles get involved in changing the speed limit, and it takes about one year to get approval. There have been no accidents on that street. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the State takes usage into consideration because there is a park there, and the Safety Officer indicated that they do but it won't make any difference. Chief Cormier noted that the street is '/4 mile long and the State won't look at anything under '/Z mile. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if there are any traffic calming measures that can be taken, and the Safety Officer noted that he will put the speed trailer there and do enforcement. Sean Whalen of 18 Harrison Street noted that three animals have been hit due to speed, and he is looking for prevention. There are new families moving in, and the morning and evening rush hours are the worst. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony suggested putting in a crosswalk, and the Town Engineer noted that we can't because we would have to put in a handicap ramp and there are no sidewalks. Pedestrian Actuated Crosswalk Signal — Salem Street and Bay State Road — Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there are 74 residents now at Peter Sanborn Place and they are putting on an addition. They are seniors with disabilities who frequent Dunkin' Donuts and Cumberland Farms. The Town Engineer noted that the criteria is to have 200 crossings in one hour to warrant a . signal. He also noted that an amber flashing sign, motion sensor and warning system can be used. The cost for a signal is$40,000-$60,000. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he wants a fiill signal with the motion detector, and will enlist the help of Representative Dwyer. Parking Restrictions on Grove Street at Strout Avenue — The Safety Officer noted that the issue is that people are parking too close to the intersection. We could make Strout Avenue a public way and put the restriction in place. Another solution would be to put a boulder and/or signs there. Safe Routes.to School —The Town Engineer noted for the safe routes to school, we will readjust the curbing and sidewalk at the intersection of Temple Street, On Washington Street — from Woburn to Prescott Streets — there will be a sidewalk on one site. There is one permanent easement at Washington and Woburn Streets and that will need Town Meeting approval. He also-noted that the residents are entitled to be. compensated for easements, and we will also install a new sidewalk on Sunnyside Avenue. Board of Selectmen Meeting—November 30, 2010—Page 6 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if any trees need to be cut down, and the Town Engineer indicated that there are none. The Board directed the Town Manager to put this on an agenda as soon as possible along with parking on Temple Street. Washington Street Parking—The Town Manager noted that Washington Street is 22 feet wide on one end and 21 feet wide on the other. We need 28 feet for parking on both sides. Safe Routes will be adding sidewalks also. He noted that we had talked about parking on one side previously and the residents didn't want it. Lois Bell of 35 Washington Street noted that the commuters need a section to park. Six cars started parking on Washington Street when the leased spaces went into effect. She checked the parking spaces at the Depot and there were 30 empty leased spaces for a total of 75 empty spaces including the MBTA parking lot. She also noted that the neighborhood has been taken over as a public parking lot, and that taking a left onto Woburn Street is dangerous. A resident from 52 Washington Street noted that there are three properties for sale near the Depot — 8 Arlington Street, 113 Washington Street and 76 Washington Street. She suggested that the Town purchase one of these properties and turn it into a parking lot. The Town Manager noted that Oak Tree will need the leased spaces. Chief Jim Cormier noted that 25 of the.spaces are leased and 16 are available. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested making the 16 spaces available for parking. Chief Cormier suggested bagging the signs and say"resident parking only". Chairman James Bonazoli.suggested making Washington Street one way. Theresident from 52 Washington Street suggested marking it one way going the opposite way onto Woburn Street. Ernie Bay of 134 Washington Street suggested notifying parkers of alternative spots. Intersection of Woburn and Main Street (do not block intersection/move up to stop line)— Safety Officer Justin Martel noted that this problem is not excessive — it happens mostly at rush hour. There is already signage and paint marks. He also noted that if the vehicle does not trigger the light, then it cycles. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he is not a fan of more signs. Temple Street Parking_Regulations — The Town Manager noted that the Temple Street parking regulations are not in the regulations so we need to schedule a hearing. Board of Selectmen Meeting_November 30, 2010—Page 7 Senior Center Parking Lot — Rental of Spaces — Chief Cormier noted that only two of the 14 spaces are being leased but a business owner has mentioned leasing a large portion of those spaces. He asked if there is any flexibility in the cost for buying multiple stickers. The business owner wants $6000 worth of spaces and wants to get the most for his money. The Town Manager asked how much latitude the Town has in marketing the spaces. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board's goal is to get cars off the streets. The consensus of the Board was to market to get-cars off the streets—bulk buying is okay. They directed the Police Chief to work with.the Town Manager. Chief Cormier informed the Board that the State I is replacing bridge decks over 12 weekends on Route 93 in the Spring. They will be prefab bridge decks and this work could have an affect on traffic in Reading. Approval of Minutes On motion by Tafoya seconded by Gold- . the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Minutes of November 9,2010 by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by GoIdy to adjourn the meeting of November 30, 2010 at 10:51 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully Secretary