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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-15 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting February 15, 2011 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 tip by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:05 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, Selectman Stephen. Goldy, Town Manager Peter IIechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Fred Van Magness, Michael Ciaccio, Robert Ciaccio, Tim Houston, Paul Feely, Lynne Johnson, Peter Kramer, Matt Casey and Maly Ann Quinn. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Stephen Goldy noted that he received comments and phone calls regarding snow shoveling and fire hydrants. The Town Manager noted that 100% of the hydrants are cleared out as of today. James Bonazoli noted that he has a meeting tomorrow with Reading United Soccer and Lacrosse. They would like to have lights on the other side of the poles to extend use of the side field. James and Camille Anthony met this week regarding Mattera Cabin. Camille Anthony, Stephen Goldy and he attended the deployment of the Yankee Brigade. The community raised $9000 to give each soldier a sweatshirt. Public Comment—Peter Kramer, 184 Franklin Street, noted that he plowed snow in Reading for 39 years and the Fire Fighters always shoveled the hydrants. He wants to know when and why they stopped. He noted that Wakefield puts every piece of fire equipment out as soon as the storm stops. He noted in Reading the storm ended February 2 and the Town started clearing on February 7 and didn't finish until yesterday. He also noted that the Town needs new hydrant markers too. He indicated this is a public safety factor. Town Manager's Report/Assistant Town Manager_ Report — The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ The Town of Reading hosted the National Guard deployment at Reading Memorial High School Field House today - Tuesday Februaryl5, 2011. The National Guard was truly appreciative of the efforts of the Town, and particularly for the community support for buying sweatshirts for each of the soldiers. The total cost of the sweatshirts was $9,000, and the total amount of money raised to date is $11,335. The surplus will be kept in a fiord by the Town to be used at the request of the National Guard to assist the soldiers as needed for items such as helping to pay for travel for emergency leave. I cannot remember everyone to recognize for their efforts, but they include the.Reading Police, Fire, School, and Public Works Departments, as well as VSO Frank Driscoll and CS AA Maureen Knight, Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2011 —page 2 ♦ Census forms went out to all households towards the end of January. This was done in house this year to save money. In addition to the dog licensing the Town Clerk included information for anyone interested in being a Poll Worker. Please remember to license your dog! ♦ The first of the layoffs and reductions in staff necessary as we transition to the reality of the FY 2012 budget took place last week o the Administrative Secretary in the Town Manager's office was laid off o the Plumbing and Gas and Wiring inspector positions were reduced to 16 hours a week, and as a result both existing inspectors retired and have been replaced with temporary part time inspectors ♦ I have drafted a letter from the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to area businesses asking for contributions to install a bus stop shelter on Walkers Brook Drive in the area of New Crossing Road. Finance • Budgets will be sent to the Finance Committee at the end of this week or early next week and will be posted on the web site. Community Development ♦ Pierce Street Organ Factory redevelopment for residential uses will be.on the CPDC agenda for 2-28-11 ♦ Re-use for offices of the former Mass Bank property next to the Butcher Shop will be on the CPDC agenda for 2-28-11 ♦ The continuation of the Pulte proposal to redevelop the former Addison Wesley Pearson site will be on the CPDC agenda for 2-28-11 ♦ This evening staff held office hours regarding opaque signs for the violators of that section of the sign bylaw. Public Safety • Chief Burns has copied me on material on potential FEMA assistance for past storms this winter. We will apply for any funds that may be available to the Town. Public Works ♦ Snow: • All hydrants cleared as of this Monday • Friday night/Saturday morning clearing of snow banks on major roads — Main, Lowell, Salein, West, parts of Summer; continuing the process on more minor streets • All sidewalk snow blowers are operational.as of this date and are being used for street widening Construction projects ♦ Done for the year: Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur gave an update on the meals tax. The State collects the quarterly payments. It is not up to the restaurant to determine what is owed. The State figures.it out and pays the Town. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2011 —page 3 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition — Reading Co-Operative Bank's 125 Anniversary — Julie Thurlow, President of the Reading Co-Operative Bank was present to receive the certificate. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the proclamation for Reading Co- Operative Bank's 125 Anniversary was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Presentation — School Recycling — Youth Liaison Jimmy Houston gave a presentation to the Board on recycling in the schools. He noted that he has formed a Recycling Club and they meet on Thursdays. They check each room to make sure there are two containers— one for paper and one for bottles. He noted there are more bins than trash barrels in the school. They are working on increasing knowledge and their goal is to eventually reduce the amount of trash. Camille Anthony asked if there was any way to track the recycling and Jimmy Houston noted that the bins are full every week—the club empties them.every Thursday. James Bonazoli noted that the next challenge will be to get the other schools onboard. Joint Meeting with Cemetery Board re; Cemetery Garage — Cemetery Director Bob Keating and Cemetery Board members Janet Baronian, Mary Vincent, Olive Hecht, William Brown, Ronald Stortz and Elise Ciregna were present. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the existing site is over 100 years old and has insufficient room for storage of equipment and has structural deterioration. He noted that he looked at Town owned property and impacts on neighborhoods. James Bonazoli asked about the Oakland Road site and George Zambouras indicated there was too much ledge and it would be very expensive. George Zambouras noted that he and staff looked at the following locations: • Laurel Hill • Forest Glen - would have to cut a new road.through a wooded area and it is completely surrounded by residents • Charles Lawn—the building would displace existing grave sites • Wood End—there is a security issue and it is at the far end of Town of Reading • Audubon Road property • DPW facility The three locations to be considered are: Laurel Hill Cemetery, Forest Glen Cemetery and the Town owned property on Pearl Street at Audubon Road. Camille Anthony asked if the Audubon Road location.could be screened and George Zambouras indicated not ideally due to the change in grade. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2011 -page 4 Bob Keating indicated that Laurel Hill is the best choice and Forest Glen is second choice. He noted that we would save man hours by working out of a cemetery rather than have to travel all the way across town and the administrative files are kept in Town Hall across the street from Laurel Hill. Fred Van Magness, 43 Frariklin Street, indicated he was in favor of building the cemetery garage at the DPW facility instead of paying to build a toilet, office, etc. He doesn't want to see duplication of facilities. Camille Anthony showed interest in looking at the DPW garage immediately so DPW Director Jeff Zager will-be invited in to discuss this. Establishing the Date of the 2011 Fall Street Faire — James Bonazoli noted that feedback from three surveys show that the majority of people are in favor of holding the Fall Street Faire on September 11, 2011 as long as there is a commemoration for 9/11. The Town Manager noted that he received a phone call from a resident who felt very strongly against it. Stephen Goldy noted that if the date is moved one week either way then they are holiday weekends. He also noted that he spoke with the Fire Fighters and they are in favor as along as there is a service for 9/11. A_ motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to select the date of Sunday, September 11, 2011 for the 2011 Fall Street Faire was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing—Traffic Issues; Main Street (Quick Stop) Parking Regulations—The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the parking is very heavy due to Grumpy Doyle's. Police Chief James Cormier noted that there are two 30 minute spots in front of CVS and they, work out fine. There is no problem with enforcement. He noted that there has been a change in business in the area and if the Board grants the regulations then we might hear from Haven Street businesses. Dan Dewar, owner of Quick Stop; the owner of Quiznos and the owner of the Cleaners all submitted petitions in favor of the parking regulations. The resident from 129 Ash Street indicated there is never a parking space available and he is in favor of the regulations. Dennis Frasier from Colonial Manor noted that there are spaces in front of the VFW but they are not striped. The Town Manager noted that once Mass Highway has signed off on the Main Street project then the Town can stripe. Mr. Frasier also noted that he has traffic lights in this driveway facing Ash Street and.he never had that before. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2011 —page 5 Jolzn Hill, 2 Waverly Road, noted there is never a space available when he goes there and is in favor of the regulations. Margarite O'Sullivan noted that she usually gets a spot in the morning, but later in the day there are no spots. She also noted she is very happy with the 30 minute spots in front of CVS. James Bonazoli asked if we could get an additional space in front of the businesses and Chief Cormier indicated there is not enough room for three cars per engineering specifications. Richard Schubert noted that he will not support the changes in regulations because then other businesses will make the same request. He would consider looking at other zones. Camille Anthony noted that it not right for one business to take up every parking space. The spaces are filled from lunchtime through dinnertime. She noted that the Town's parking program is detrimental to these businesses. She said it is not business friendly to have one size fits all. She suggests two 30 minute spots and indicated that will not hurt Grumpy Doyle's business. James Bonazoli noted he is in favor of two spots and suggests in front of 519 and 525. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on parking regulations on Main Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Schubert 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-4b" Parking prohibited during certain hours on'certain streets - 30 minute parking, 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM (Monday through Saturday)" _Main Street northbound - The two on-street parking spots along the curbing adjacent to 505 and 519 Main Street The motion was approved by a vote of 3-1-0-with Schubert opposed. hearing — Policy Establishing a Fall Street Faire Committee — The Secretary read the hearing notice. Stephen Goldy asked if there should be one member of the Board of Selectmen on the Committee. It was decided either one Selectmen or designee should be on the Board. Camille Anthony noted that the expenditure of funds should go through the Selectmen. Jack Russell noted that the fiends are allotted by the Economic Development Committee to run the faire. James Bonazoli noted that tents were bought last year and he's not sure he would have done that. Bob LeLacheur noted the policy was too wordy'and suggested removing some wording. Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15, 2011 —page 6 A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to close the hearing establishing a Fall Street Faire Committee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the policy dated 2-15-11 establishing the Fall Street Faire Committee as amended.was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Preview Annual Town Meeting. Warrant — The Town Manager reviewed the Town Meeting Warrant, Article 15 — Rescind Wetland Regulation Bylaw - Richard Schubert noted that he is in favor of streamlining the Bylaw instead of rescinding it. James Bonazoli noted he sees no benefit in duplicating`what the State requires, but he is in favor of looking at it if need be. Stephen Goldy noted that the Town Manager presented a budget reducing positions and eliminating procedures. It will be hard to doshared services if someone new has to learn our Bylaws. Bill Hecht, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, indicated that no work goes away if the Bylaw is rescinded. He noted that the same due diligence will need to be done. Camille Anthony noted that she was on the Conservation Commission when the Bylaw was passed. She isnot ready to throw out the Bylaw just yet. She has concerns about flooding in homes. Stephen Goldy suggested that someone from the outside could take a look at the Bylaw. Dave Mancuso from "Making Reading Better" (MRB) noted that studies can go on for a long time—quoting "death by study." He indicated MRB is willing to support whatever is in the best interest of the Town. Camille Anthony asked what MRB's mission is and Dave Mancuso noted they look at customer service and how the Town interacts. He also noted that complex, confitsing regulations create stress which makes it difficult to get things done. Bill Hecht noted that preventing someone from doing something never makes anyone happy. James Bonazoli disagreed and said it is all in the approach. Mr. Bonazoli noted that the answer may be no, but they don't have to walk away unhappy. He has talked to many residents who have anxiety over Reading regulations. Article 17—Amending Demolition of Historic Structures Bylaw—Richard Schubert indicated he would like to strike this from the Warrant. He said the cost of this would be loosing historic inventory. Stephen Goldy noted there is a lot of question as to what is on the historic inventory and he is in favor of moving it back to six months. He had friends who couldn't sell their house on Salem Board of Selectmen Meeting—February 15,2011 —page 7 Street because it was on the inventory. This does not wipe out the demolition delay, it will just case the pain. The consensus of the Board was to talk to the Historical Commission. Article 18—Amending Bylaw Regarding Outdoor Speakers—The Town Manager noted that it is a waste of time for the Building Inspector to enforce speakers at restaurants i.e. Bertucci's and Longhorns. He does not recommend amending the portion regarding'gas stations,just the part regarding dining. Richard Schubert noted that would be for restaurants where the sound cannot be, heard in a residential'area. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of January 4, 2011 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the minutes of January 11, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to adjourn the meeting at 10:45. PM was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary