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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 7, 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, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of .interested parties: Matt Casey, Jack 'Russelll, Michele Williams, Tony D'Arezzo, Tim Kutzmark, Lisa Stedman,Kyung Yu. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Reports and Comments— Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended a concert of the Reading Community Singers, and also attended the Memory Tree Celebration on Sunday. He also noted that he had received emails regarding the appraisal process: Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he also attended the Reading Community Singers Concert and it was great. He also noted that today is the 69th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he sent the Town Manager's Evaluation to the Board and asked that it be returned to him by Friday. He also noted that Representative Dwyer has submitted a proposal for a pedestrian signal at Bay State Road and Salem Street. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she asked Recreation to put up a container for dog bags at the entrance of the Town Forest on the gate. She also noted that people need to clean up after their dogs. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters Help Wanted o RMLD CAB Member o Bylaw Committee Member o RIAA—one applicant o COA—one.applicant o ACCCP —changes in membership and Associate membership ® Revaluation Process-Hearings this week including Friday when Town Hall will be open for that purpose only. Undercover Boss experience. Community Development At Selectman Rick Schubert's request, a meeting was held last Tuesday with the property owner at 258 Main Street, Selectman Schubert, two members of the Historical Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 7, 2010-Page 2 Commission, Town Planner Jean Delios and me to determine what options exist for preserving the structure at 258 Main Street while allowing the property owner to use the property for economically viable uses. Public Safety o The Reading Police Department Children's Holiday Party will be held at Austin Prep School on December 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.......in. Pizza, Hot Dogs, Chips and Ice cream will be served. Also, entertaimnent will include a clown show. The Free Masons will also be there doing their Child Identification Program. e The Franklin and Main Streets signal timing has been fixed — Mass Highway will do a study now. Public Works ♦ We have the numbers on our first months of our new rubbish/recycling program. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that wrapping paper is recyclable. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested that the chart be included in the Monthly Reports. ♦ I stand corrected on the Flower Fund which is used for placing flowers on Veterans' graves on Memorial Day. The Town over the past few years has not had to supplement the Flower Fund from the Town budget. Assistant Town Manager's Report - Bob LeLacheur noted that in early October, the Town thought we had everything in to the State for certification. Six weeks later, the State said no and gave a long list of what is needed. There is very poor communication with the State. He spoke with the State and there is no way we will get the preliminary certification in time for the tax classification hearing. Impact notices went out on Friday and residents can go to the website to get preliminary values. The commercial values have increased 15% which.is unusual. About 30% of the people who came in are going to a firll hearing. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificates of Recognition — Girl Scouts Silver Award — A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Certificates of Recognition for the Girl Scouts Silver Award for Kasey Cook, Mary Kate Kelley, Grace Stroman and Sandra Sgroi were approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discusgion/Action Items Highlights — Reading Clergy Association — Tim Kutzmark, Lisa Stedman and Kyung Yu from the Reading Clergy Association were present and gave an overview of all the clergy in Reading. Tim Kutzmark noted that the Clergy Association sponsors the Martin Luther King Celebration, a program at the Reading Memorial High School and a Good Friday Service. Lisa Stedman noted that they are the steward of a mental health fund for counseling which is a little known resource. She also noted that they sponsored a speaker at Starbucks Restaurant on renewal and relaxation over coffee and conversation. It was open to the Town and they are looking forward to doing it again. She further noted that all the churches have other activities going on such as childcare services, creative arts and other organizations are housed in churches. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 7, 2010—Page 3 Kyung Yu noted that the Clergy Association goes to nursing homes to provide service. They are also the sponsoring group for the Food Pantry. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if there were more use and need for food donations, and Mr. Kutzmark noted that there is a healthy need for food and cash donations and also volunteers, Ms. Stedman noted that there is a particular need for paper goods. In closing, Mr. Kutzmark noted that no other towns have the resources that Reading has — it makes a huge difference iii people's lives. Wayfinding Signs — Presentation by EDC— Michelle Williams and Jack Russell from the Economic Development Committee were present. Ms. Williams noted that Ben Yoder and Sheila Clark prepared the presentation but were unable to be present. Michelle Williams reviewed the types of signs as follows: • District Directional Signs— Six are needed and cost $250—$300 each. 0 Parking Lot Signs—the Town Engineer noted that we have to follow State,standards. • Mini Maps—could be located on bollards. • Outbound Directional Signs • Public building signage • Promotional bawler Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked how the'signs will be funded, and Ms. Williams noted that they I are looking for the Town to fund some, and the Economic Development Committee has some fields. ,We could also look for ftinding from businesses if we list them on the signs, The Town Manager, noted that the Town's contribution would be installation of the signs. He also noted that the Downtown Trust needs a work plan. Ms. Williams noted that the EDC will be working on 'getting prices and identifying funding sources. They will work with the Town to finalize the locations; Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested naming districts instead of businesses. Jack Russell noted that West Street is a good place for a directional sign. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that it is better to keep signs general. She also noted that a shelter is needed on Walkers Brook Drive. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there are too many locations for the mini-maps. The Town Manager asked what we call this area of town — Reading Center, Reading Square or Downtown? Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there is a need to determine a master plan. The Town Manager suggested listing the "T," Post Office and parking on directional signs. He will ask the Historical Commission regarding "Reading Center." Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 7, 2010=Page 4 The Town Manager noted that the following items need follow up: • Funding • Verbage • Definition of Areas • Definition of Reading Center • Funding without businesses listed Review Licenses — The Town Manager noted that the Board received a list of the licenses in their packet, and asked that they indicate if they want anyone.to come before them. He noted that both Dye's and Grumpy Doyle's have live entertainment. The consensus of the Board was to issue all the licenses. Review Customer Service Survey Results — The Town Manager noted that there were 20 responses in the quarterly report. He reviewed the results and the ratings were all very high. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that they didn't receive the comments section, and the Town Manager indicated that he will send it out to them. The Town Manager suggested reviewing this two times a year, and he would like to try to capture phone calls, emails, etc. Final 2010 Goals Review — Chairman James Bonazoli noted that it is great to have lofty goals but he doesn't want staff to be overwhelmed. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested that the Health Department be added to #13 under Operations. He noted that #23 is unclear. The Town Manager noted that the Economic Development Committee has taken that on in trying to develop an action/strategy in terms of tax base and land use. Selectman Tafoya noted that the Selectmen need to know where they are going with this before they spend a lot of time on it. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that is an area we have no control over. The Town Manager indicated that he will schedule a presentation in early. 2011. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if we have to do #39 — review of the General Bylaws. The Town Manager noted that it has only been done once and needs to be done every 10 years. They will be looking at organizational, consistency — missing parts, appendix, pieces that don't need to be in the bylaws; i.e., ethics. They will also look at formatting which is six paragraphs deep in some sections. Chairman James Bonazoli referenced the permitting software and asked if we really need 113 forms. He noted that the process is too lengthy in Items #12 and #13., He also noted that the consultant should outline what needs to be done. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that#10 — DPW study needs to be done. She would like a list of priority items. The Town Manager will schedule for a presentation in February. Vice Chairman Anthony also noted that she would like a chart showing the goals under Department Heads—she would like to see how each Department Head is impacted. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 7 2010—Page 5 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she has heard about Healthy Communities but is not sure what is being done. The Town Manager indicated that he will put that on an agenda. The Board then discussed the schedule for budget hearings. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of November 16, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting of December 7, 2010 at 9.25 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0., Respectfully submitted, Secretary