Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mrs. Bailey and Town Administrator Greg Balukonis.
1. 7:30 PM – NORTH READING READS 2006
Library Director Ms. Helena Minton was present to introduce the 2006 North Reading Reads book selection, In Revere, In Those Days by Roland Merullo. The author will be visiting North Reading on April 26, 2006. Ms. Minton described the program and distributed copies of the book to the board.
2. DISCUSS BERRY CENTER SITE
Planning Administrator Ms. Heidi Griffin made a presentation entitled Rezoning the J. T. Berry Center as a 40R Overlay District. During her presentation, Ms. Griffin compared 40B versus 40R developments and the benefits to the town to re-zone the site as 40R.
Ms. Griffin indicated that she is already working on developing the 40R overlay district and that the developer would withdraw the 40B application if the 40R overlay district is approved at town meeting. The 40R overlay district would generate revenue for the town and would also bring the town very close to fulfilling its affordable housing requirement. Mr. O’Leary stated that re-zoning the site would have minimal impact on surrounding neighborhoods and that he is in support of re-zoning the site to 40R.
Mrs. Bailey suggested that community outreach in addition to public hearings would be required to educate residents and gain support for the overlay.
3. MINUTES: NOVEMBER 7, 9 AND 21, 2005 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 7, 2005 REGULAR MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: Mr. Veno requested an amendment be made to the minutes as follows: Strike the sentence on page 4, under heading #9, third paragraph, second sentence which reads “Mr. Veno stated that he had some concerns and was not entirely comfortable with allowing a second cable provider into town.”
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 7, 2005 REGULAR MINUTES AS AMENDED.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTGED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 7, 2005 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 9, 2005 REGULAR MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 9, 2005 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 21, 2005 REGULAR MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 21, 2005 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was requested.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Greg Scher of 40 Swan Pond Road and Mr. Greg Brown of James Millen Road spoke out against the proposed cellular antennas on the Swan Pond water tower. Mr. Mauceri indicated that the board will take their comments under advisement. Mr. Mauceri further indicated that the board is still waiting on a report from the radiation professional recently hired by the town to assess the situation.
6. BOARD AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPOINTMENTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR.O’LEARY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
MARTIN WEISS, 26 CLEEK COURT
TIMOTHY ALLEN, 6 TARBOX LANE
STEPHEN DICICCO, 10 MARBLEHEAD STREET
WILLIAM REED, 17 GRANDVIEW ROAD
JONATHAN CODY, 57 SPRUCE ROAD
SECONDED BY: MRS. BAILEY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: MR. WEISS AND MR. ALLEN
MR. DARDENO: MR. WEISS AND MR. ALLEN and MR. REED
MRS. BAILEY: MR. WEISS AND MR. ALLEN
MR. O’LEARY: MR. WEISS AND MR. ALLEN
MR. VENO: MR. ALLEN
HILLVIEW COMMISSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT / REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS TO THE HILLVIEW COMMISSION FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
CHARLES CARUCCI, 3 CHESTER ROAD
HENRY PURNELL, 8 JUNCTION ROAD
JOHN COLLINS, 23 TOWNER HILL ROAD
KAY SALEM, 113 CENTRAL STREET
FRANCIS HACHEY, 7 WYOMING AVE
JOSEPH GIGANTE, 7 WILLARD ROAD
JOHN MAGZAAU, JR., 4 DEER RUN DRIVE
JOHN SILVESTRO, 35 LINWOOD AVENUE
JOHN SPENCER, 335 HAVERHILL STREET
EDGAR CARTER, 46 SPRUCE ROAD
PAUL DORSEY, 18 MAGNOLIA ROAD
SECONED BY: MRS. BAILEY
Discussion: Mr. O’Leary stated that he recommends Mr. Carucci, Mr. Purnell and Mr. Collins for re-appointment to the Hillview Commission. Mr. Dardeno suggested that the board may someday want to examine the possibility of term limitations for this commission because of the number of interested residents wishing to serve.
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: MR. CARUCCI, MR. PURNELL, MR. COLLINS
MR. DARDENO: MR. CARUCCI, MR. PURNELL, MR. COLLINS
MRS. BAILEY: MR. CARUCCI, MR. PURNELL, MR. COLLINS
MR. O’LEARY: MR. CARUCCI, MR. PURNELL, MR. COLLINS
MR. VENO: MR. CARUCCI, MR. PURNELL, MR. COLLINS
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBER TO THE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
M. SHEPARD SPEAR, 41 LAKESIDE BLVD.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: AYE
TAXATION AID COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBER TO THE TAXATION AID COMMITTEE FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
THOMAS O’HARE, 34 LINDOR ROAD
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: AYE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS MEMBER TO THE TAXATION AID COMMITTEE FOR AN INDEFINITE TERM:
ELIZABETH CRAVEIRO (AS TREASURER/COLLECTOR)
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: AYE
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY TRUSTEES FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
DEBBIE FIRICANO, 6 LANTERN LANE
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MR. VENO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: AYE
BOARD OF APPEALS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MRS. BAILEY MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2008:
DICK OEST, 44 CHESTNUT STREET
JENNIFER PLATT, 8 HIDDEN POND LANE
ANDREW RALPH MARTIGNETTI, 15 LEE ROAD
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: Mrs. Bailey stated that she recommends Jennifer Platt and reviewed her qualifications. Ms. Platt was present and expressed her interest in serving on the Board of Appeals.
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: JENNIFER PLATT
MR. O’LEARY: JENNIFER PLATT
MR. DARDENO: JENNIFER PLATT
MR. VENO: JENNIFER PLATT
MRS. BAILEY: JENNIFER PLATT
7. LICENSE RENEWALS
COMMON VICTUALLER
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:
B & D GOLF ENTERPRISES, INC. (HILLVIEW)
CAPTAIN PIZZA
HOLIE DONUT VII LLC D/B/A DUNKIN DONUTS
NO READ MAIN, INC. D/B/A DUNKIN DOUNUTS
HORSESHOE CAFÉ, INC. D/B/A HORSESHOE LOUNGE
MIIT, INC. D/B/A SUBWAY
NORTH READING PICCADILLY PUB RESTAURANT
RYER’S STORE
S & M SUBWAY OF NORTH READING, INC.
SUNRISE BAGEL
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
CLASS II
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING CLASS II LICENSE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:
P & T AUTO
SECONDED BY: MRS. BAILEY
VOTED: 4-0-1
Mr. O’Leary abstained due to family involvement
SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:
B & D GOLF ENTERPRISES, INC. (HILLVIEW)
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
PACKAGE STORE/WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING PACKAGE STORE/WINE AND MALT BEVERAGE LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:
RYER’S STORE
TEDESCHI FOOD SHOPS
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
PACKAGE STORE / ALL ALCOHOL
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING PACKAGE STORE / ALL ALCOHOL LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:
EAST GATE LIQUORS
KIPPY’S LIQUORS
SECONED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
COMMON VICTUALLER / ALL ALCOHOL
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RENEW THE FOLLOWING COMMON VICTUALLER / ALL ALCOHOL LICENSES TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2006 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS:
B & D GOLF ENTERPRISES, INC. (HILLVIEW)
HORSESHOE CAFÉ, INC. D/B/A HORSESHOE LOUNGE
NORTH READING PICCADILLY PUB RESTAURANT
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
8. DISCUSSION OF TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S GOALS
Mr. Balukonis reviewed with the board his memo entitled Town Administrator Goals, Calendar Year 2006. The board discussed the goals outlined in the memo which include: Financial Policies and Procedures, Employee IT Training Program, Continue Development of Town Website, Police Station Construction Project, JT Berry Center Project, Labor Relations and Contracts, Capital Infrastructure Planning, FY07 Operating Budget, Personnel and Communications. The following ongoing and long-term goals were also discussed: Community Relations, Cost Savings, Technology and Policies and Procedures.
Mrs. Bailey stated that she felt that the goals were appropriate. At Mr. Dardeno’s request, Mr. Balukonis will put together a timeline for these goals to present at an upcoming board meeting.
9. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board of a change in the MGL Chapter 148A which will take effect January 1, 2006. The enforcement of certain state building and fire code violations will rest with local officials. He further explained that the statute grants municipalities the authority to issue written tickets and fines for code violations and permits a local appeal process. Fines range between $100 for a first offense and $1,000 for a third and subsequent offense. Mr. Balukonis indicated that town officials have attended training sessions to learn how to enforce the law and that a municipal hearings officers must be designated to hear any
appeals.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that the town’s new website now accepts payment of real estate taxes and other bills on-line and that property assessment records are now available on-line. Mr. Mauceri stated that he was surprised to learn recently how few residents know about the new website and suggested that the town needed to somehow get the word out.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that the fire department had received several pieces of equipment as part of the Homeland Security Grant program. The equipment includes a portable light tower, portable 6kw generator and portable water pump, the total cost of which is in excess of $10,000.
§ Mr. Balukonis referred to the draft of the financial management policy which was recently put out by the Finance Committee. The policy addresses capital acquisitions, debt management and financing and maintenance of town reserves.
§ Mr. Balukonis indicated that he and the Finance Director have completed budget review meetings with department heads on their preliminary FY07 submittals. Mr. Balukonis is in the process of compiling a budget recommendation for review by the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee in the upcoming weeks.
§ Mr. Balukonis reviewed with the board the options with assessment centers in regards to hiring a new Fire Chief. The board discussed the options. Mr. Balukonis will look into the costs associated with hiring a consulting firm to run the assessment center and will speak with area towns regarding their recent experience with the process. Mr. Mauceri asked Mr. Balukonis to gather the remaining facts and make a recommendation to the board.
10. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. O’Leary
§ MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ESTABLISH A SHOW CAUSE HEARING FOR KIPPY’S LIQUOR STORE ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2006, TO DETERMINE IF THE BOARD SHOULD TAKE ANY ACTION REGARDING THEIR LIQUOR LICENSE IN RESPONSE TO CHIEF PURNELL’S MEMO DATED NOVEMBER 30, 2005 REGARDING A VIOLATION AT THAT STORE.
SECONDED BY: MR. VENO
VOTGED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
§ Mr. O’Leary informed the board that he was in receipt of a letter from a resident of Parsonage Lane regarding that neighborhood’s concern over the acquisition of a piece of property in that neighborhood by Trinity Church. The residents are concerned over the church’s intentions for the property. Mr. O’Leary further stated that this neighborhood has already been substantially impacted by a nearby 40B development. Mr. Mauceri asked Mr. Balukonis to contact church officials and ask them to attend an upcoming meeting to discuss their intentions with the property in question.
Mrs. Bailey
§ Mrs. Bailey indicated that she will be attending a meeting on December 6, 2005 with the ESBC and Housing Authority where they will be discussing additional parking spaces at the Batchelder School.
§ Mrs. Bailey gave her compliments to members of the Police Department with regards to their handling of the recent tragedy on Country Club Road.
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno had nothing to report this evening.
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno mentioned that he was excited about the ability to now pay bills on the town’s website.
§ Mr. Dardeno indicated that he will be attending a meeting on Monday, December 12, 2005 with Verizon and the Cable Committee.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri expressed his concern over the parking situation at the new Batchelder School and stated that it is essential that the committees work together to provide adequate parking at the school.
§ Mr. Mauceri informed the board that construction trailers for the police station project will soon be placed on adjacent property at the Jared McLane House.
ADJOURN (10:10 PM)
I MR. VENO MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
Date: December 19, 2005 Signed: Joseph Veno, Clerk
| 
