TOWN OF ARLINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Monday, January 27, 2003
7:15 p.m.
Present: Mrs. Dias, Chairman, Mr. Hurd, Vice Chair, Mr. Lyons and Mrs. Mahon
Also Present: Mrs. Galkowski, Mr. Maher, and Mrs. Krepelka
1. FY 2004 Budget Presentation
Nancy T. Galkowski, Acting Town Manager
Mrs. Dias proposed waiting until the next meeting after the Selectmen have had an opportunity to read the Budget before voting on Acting Town Manager Galkowski’s proposal. At that time both the Selectmen's Budget and Election Budget will be ready for review.
2. Verizon Petition – Plan D02-86
For proposed conduit on Water St. to provide telecommunications service to the new development there.
Verizon representative Holly DeNetto reported that Michael Collins was notified concerning the need for a grounding location from pole 7 to pole 30 (the builder has already placed the conduit).
Mr. Lyons moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
3. NStar Petition – W.O. #1237996
Russell Place @ Water Street
Necessary to provide electric service for the 30 Water St. LLC Project at Russell Place
NStar representative Carol McManus reported that 28 feet of conduit going underground
needs to be placed in order to service the new townhouses.
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS
4. Appointment - New Election Worker
Maureen Mahoney, 995 Mass. Ave. #406, Pct.17, U
Susan Chevoor Chin, 42 Eustis St., Pct. 12, U
Stella A. Tonry, 345 Park Ave., Pct. 16, U
Janet I. Clarke, 25 Walnut Terr., Pct. 14, U
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
5. Reappointment – Conservation Commission
David White
Mr. White expressed his desire to work for the Commission.
Mrs. Mahon moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
6. For Discussion: Double Poles, Peter Bowman, Verizon
Mr. Bowman reported there was a new data base system in place and that by mid-
February upgrades will be made. He pointed out that the number of double poles, about
180, is a higher number than originally reported. Due to the frozen ground, transfer work
is being done in preparation of pole removal. The goal is removal of 10 poles per month.
Mr. Hurd stated, although, he is happy to hear about the progress of the new system, the
Selectmen want to see progress on pole removal.
Mrs. Mahon stated that the Selectmen would like Arlington to be at the top of the list
regarding pilot on line pole removal program.
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
LICENSES & PERMITS
7. Contractor/Drain Layer Renewals
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
8. Request to Hang Banner over Pleasant St. @ Mass. Ave., 5/12/03
Bishop School PTO for Bishop Bear Fair on 5/17/03
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0)
9. Request for One Day All Alcohol License, 3/15/03
Arlington Catholic, Annual Quiz Night Fundraiser
Mr. Lyons moved approval.
SO VOTED (4-0)
10. For Discussion: Livery Regulations
John F. Maher, Town Counsel
Mr. Maher reported that in the past the Board was concerned with new business
undercutting present business. Mr. King’s intended business would be focused
towards a higher end customer or business with 16 hours notice at a fee of no less
than $55 to $60 for a ride to Logan. This is a higher rate than taxi service. Mr. Maher
said the Board needs to approve, disapprove, or put back to a moratorium.
Mr. Lyons moved approval to initiate a process to get all questions answered and to
proceed with making the rules and regulations the same for all livery licenses.
SO VOTED (4-0)
11. CITIZENS' OPEN FORUM
The following matters were presented for consideration of the Board:
Mr. Belskis, 196 Wollaston Avenue, asked that the Redevelopment Board return the Duxbury inquiry regarding Chapter 40B to the Planning Board.
Mrs. Dias stated that the Board would return the inquiry.
Harry McCabe, 92 Madison Avenue requested that the Board give the public a budget copy prior to the meeting on the 6th. Mr. Lyons explained that the process would start with the Selectmen debating the budget on the 6th; vote on the 10th; and copies available
on the 11th to be available for the public.
Rhonda Feinbaum asked the Board for a timetable on the override to publicize and have a
vote in place. Mr. Lyons said the vote would be by July 1, 2003.
Amanda Formica, a Freshman at Arlington High School requested the Board to support an override for the schools. Mrs. Dias stated that the process will be beginning and to follow along to see how dealing with the budget reductions will happen.
Annie LaCourt (Town Meeting Member) wants an override to support the schools and
reminds the shortness of time to start an override campaign.
TRAFFIC RULES & ORDERS/OTHER BUSINESS
12. For Discussion: Feasibility Study/Alewife Army Corps of Engineers Project
John F. Maher, Town Counsel
Nathaniel Stevens explained that the purpose of the project is to restore fish habitat which
would alleviate flooding in East Arlington. Cory Beckwith reported it is rumored that
the MDC might be willing to be a signatory to the contracts with the Army Corps for the
Alewife section of the studies.
Mrs. Dias said she supported this worthwhile project but with no money promised and asked for future meeting updates.
Correspondence Received
Cara Metz Mystic River Reservation parkway, Arlington/Medford/ Be Rec’d
Mass. Historical Winchester
Commission
Norton Board Comprehensive Permit Developments-Revisions to Be Rec’d
of Selectmen G.L. c. 40B, §§20-23
Mr. Lyons suggested the Norton Board letter be submitted to the Planning Department for review.
Carolyn Simmons Letter of resignation on Symmes Advisory Committee Be Rec’d
The Board accepted Mrs. Simmons letter of resignation and thanked Mrs. Simmons for her contributions and many years of service to the Town in all her different roles.
Nancy T. Galkowski Plowing of Bikeway during winter months Be Rec’d
Acting Town Manager
Mr. Lyons also supports the Acting Manager’s recommendation to not plow the bike path.
He feels the residents did not want it to be plowed originally, and it should not be changed without a major public hearing. hearing.
Mrs. Mahon does not support the bike path recommendation. She would like the plowing to continue up to Lake St. for commuters to use to Alewife.
Mr. Hurd supports Mrs. Mahon’s idea of plowing up to Lake St. for commuters.
Frederick Laskey Amendment FY03 Current Expense Budget Be Rec’
MWRA
Alan McClennen, Jr. Sign compliance for renewal of common victualler licenses Be Rec’d
Dir., Planning &
Comm. Development
Kevin O’Brien, Ass’t. Dir.
Joey Glushko, Planner
Cindy Starks Concerns regarding Arlington public schools Be Rec’d
1 Monadnock Rd.
Mrs. Mahon moved approval to receive correspondence.
NEW BUSINESS
Acting Manager Galkowski informed the Board that the NESWC contract is due to expire in September 2005 and that there are options available for future solid waste disposal. She recommends going forward with a 5-year contract with Wheelabrator North Andover.
Mrs. Mahon asked for a status on the Regent Theatre regarding fire code compliance at a future meeting.
Mrs. Mahon reported the lights out problem near Pleasant St. at Alewife have been temporarily fixed until better weather. She thanked the Highway Dept., Senator Havern, and George Laite.
Mrs. Mahon also suggests during the budget planning not to cause employee hysteria on layoffs and that the Board priorities should be communicated to the Acting Town Manager. She also reported receiving twenty-two e-mails in support of the override.
Mr. Hurd requested a future report from Acting Town Manager Galkowski on how well the new Town Hall hours are going after the year and a half trial.
Mr. Hurd made a motion to ask the MDC to move the proposed bike path from the Arlington side over to the Somerville side where there is more room.
Mrs. Mahon moved approval SO VOTED (4-0)
Mr. Lyons expressed his disappointment in not having the budget report prior to reading some green materials by a task force about revenue assumptions he does not agree with. He cautions everyone to be calm in the process and wait to see the real figure. He said 80% of towns/cities are experiencing significant deficits. There needs to be a global response from the President. The Board needs to have a mature discussion after they get the budgets.
Mrs. Dias acknowledges a lot of concerns around the school budgets due to proposed budget cuts.
Mr. Lyons moved to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. SO-VOTED (4-0)
A true record: Attest:
Marie A. Krepelka
Board Administrator
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