TOWN OF ARLINGTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 8, 2004
7:15 p.m.
Present: Mrs. Mahon, Chair, Mr. Hurd, Vice-chair, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Greeley, and Mrs. Dias.
Also present: Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Maher, and Mrs. Krepelka.
FOR APPROVAL
1. Minutes of Meeting: October 18, 2004
Mrs. Mahon stated that minutes would be posted on the web and in the Library.
Mr. Lyons moved approval. SO VOTED (4-0-1)
Mr. Greeley abstained from vote.
2. Request: Rental of Town Hall for 50th Anniversary of Fidelity House
David Carr, Edward Woods, Frank Tessitore
Mr. Hurd offered thanks to all that helped organize and plan this Fidelity House fundraiser.
Mr. Greeley moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
3. Discussion: Recycling Week, 11/15/04-11/19/04
Gordon Jamieson
Mr. Jamieson reported on the good partnership of the Recycle Committee and the Department of Public Works in making the Town aware of recycling. The Committee
has accomplished publishing promotional brochures, promotional posters, 600 label stickers given out on Town Day, and creating a website: www.arlingtonrecycles.org.
Mr. Jamieson announced that during recycle week on November 15th-19th recycle bins
will be distributed at Town Yard:
Saturday, Nov. 13th 9:00am-12:00p.m.
Monday – Thursday (Nov. 15th – 18th) 4:00pm-7:00pm
Mr. Jamieson reported that Ruth Yannetti (D.P.W.) has a recycle program for old sneakers to be used as sub-flooring in basketball courts etc.
Mr. Greeley moved approval subject to conditions set forth. SO VOTED (5-0)
At this point Mrs. Mahon thanked Mrs. Dias for attending tonight’s meeting and offered condolences on the untimely death of Mrs. Dias’s brother, John Kiely. Mrs. Mahon held a moment of silence.
4. NStar Petition: W.O. #1385701
Massachusetts Avenue to install approximately 33 feet of conduit and to re-roof manhole #22230
(all abutters notified)
Mr. Greeley moved approval subject to conditions set forth. SO VOTED (5-0)
5. NStar Petition: W.O. #1368678
15 Hillside Avenue to install approximately 85 feet of conduit in Hillside Avenue
(all abutters notified)
Mr. Greeley moved approval subject to conditions set forth. SO VOTED (5-0)
6. Verizon Petition: #D043-57
Hillside Avenue-starting at existing pole number 4, on the westerly side of Hillside Ave., place conduit in a north-northwesterly direction, a distance of 51 feet () into private property driveway of the Germaine Lawrence School.
(all abutters notified)
Mr. Greeley moved approval subject to conditions set forth. SO VOTED (5-0)
APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS
7. Appointment: Board of Health
Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick
(term to expire 11/22/07)
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
8. Reappointment: Arlington Cultural Council
Elinore Kagan
(term to expire 11/07)
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
9. Reappointment: Personnel Board
Richard Terry
(term to expire 10/15/07)
Mrs. Dias moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
10. Reappointment: Open Space Committee
David White
(term to expire 10/29/07)
Mr. Greeley moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
Mr. Lyons moved to send the Open Space Committee a letter received from John Maher regarding Selectmen’s limitation as a Board of Survey. Mr. Lyons stated there is misinformation about the Selectmen’s powers and responsibilities concerning development. Property rights of owners to develop are based on zoning laws.
Mrs. Mahon stated there are two proposals before the Board and the hearings will be in the future. SO VOTED (5-0)
11. Reappointment: Board of Youth Services
Donna Dolan
(term to expire 7/30/07)
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
12. Reappointment: Cemetery Commission
Michele Hassler
(term to expire 12/03/07)
Ms. Hassler stated to the Board to be aware that the Cemetary is running out of space, the longest projection is 12 years left of space. The Commission is looking at creative ways to handle space limits, some are:
-possible utilization of closing churches (St Jerome’s mostly) to be used as a
Crematorium.
-possible Symmes Woods be used as cremation sites with path and remains/ashes contained among the trees.
-eminent domain and/or land banks of surrounding cemetery homes. Mr. Lyons responded with a proposal of using CDBG funds to buy properties for Affordable Housing until future cemetery needs are necessary.
The Selectmen agreed a future agenda item regarding this issue is necessary.
Mr. Hurd moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
13. Reappointment: Conservation Commission
Judith Hodges
(term to expire 10/20/07)
Mr. Lyons moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
14. Reappointment: Disabilities Commission
Thomas Boudreau
(term to expire 11/08/07)
Mr. Lyons moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
15. Reappointment: Human Rights Commission
Sheri Baron
(term to expire 11/16/07)
Mr. Greeley moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
LICENSES & PERMITS
16. Request: Contractor/Drain Layer License
Sean Farrell Excavation Inc., 96A Bayview Ave., Quincy
Mr. Lyons moved to table until 11/22/04 SO VOTED (5-0)
17. CITIZENS OPEN FORUM
These matters were presented for consideration of the Board.
Mr. Yves Barill,155 Summer Street, asked for a judgement on his problem presented at an earlier Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Hurd moved to request the Town Manager to report back at the next meeting with a solution. SO VOTED (5-0)
Mr. Glen Koenig, President , Arlington Community Media Inc., which is the non-profit group set to take over the studio and John Leone appeared before the Board regarding the Public Hearing to be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2004. The Public Hearing is the final step of the Town’s needs assessment which is required as part of negotiating with Comcast. Comcast’s 10-year license with Arlington will expire next year and must be re-negotiated.
Mr. Koenig stated how important it is to build a media center for the Town. Mr. Koenig stated the studio could use the funds available to staff people (4 or 5) in the studio after
regular business hours. It would allow the studio to become a full-time media center with Internet Access and other technologies. He urges everyone to attend said hearing and voice his or her opinion in order to help keep Arlington from losing over $3,000,000. of our own money.
Mr. Greeley thanked Mr. Koenig and his committee for all the work they have been doing in this very important service to the Town.
TRAFFIC RULES & ORDERS/OTHER BUSINESS
18. Town Day Committee Wrap-Up
Kathleen Darcy, Chair
Mrs. Mahon thanked the Public Works for their Town Day efforts on Friday night
and Saturday. She apologized for not mentioning Public Works earlier and how important they are as First Responders.
Mr. Dan Warren agreed stating he does consider the Public Works as “First Responders
and the backbone of a lot of Town events”.
Mrs. Darcy reported that Town Day 2004 was a fabulous success. She thanked the Selectmen, Public Works, Police, Fire and Town Day volunteers (both behind the scenes and upfront). She especially thanked Sandra Chamberlain, who was the backbone of the Committee always smiling and responding quickly, and Renee Tsoukalas for her 9 years of working on Town Day, Mrs. Darcy will miss both Committee members. Mrs. Darcy further thanked Cambridge Savings Bank for being a primary sponsor since 2000. She also thanked Comcast, a major sponsor, Armstrong, Mt. Auburn Hospital, and Medford Cooperative Bank, as sponsors, along with the many donors who also supported Town Day. Mrs. Darcy reported a few recommendations for 2005:
-more crafts and children’s activities
-possibly increasing booth spaces (10x10 tents etc.)
-increase in booth fees
-prep/1st meeting for Town Day 2005 will be in January 2005
-needs another co-chair for the Committee and,
-would like a Selectmen to volunteer to be on the Committee.
Mr. Greeley thanked Renee Tsoukalas for her years of contributions, planning and organizing Town Day. The Selectmen thanked Kathleen Darcy for her years of volunteering and for continuing on the Committee next year. Mr. Greeley suggested maybe limiting the number of types of booths or stretch out the area further on Mass. Ave. and would like this to be discussed in January.
Mr. Greeley moved receipt of report. SO VOTED (5-0)
19. Overview: Transportation Advisory Committee
Ed Starr, Chair
Mr. Lyons moved to receive the Transportation Advisory Committee’s report. SO VOTED (5-0)
20. Report: Cedar Ave./Waverley St.
Jeff Maxtutis, Transportation Advisory Committee
Mr. Maxtitus reported the concern is that at Cedar, Waverley, and Park Ave. it is not
clear who has the right away and there is 100’ pavement that walkers have to cross.
The recommendations reported are:
Move existing Cedar stop sign up to Park Ave.
Place stop sign at Waverley coming down the hill.
Cut back vegetation
Suggest crosswalks across the pavement expanse.
Recommendations at Cedar and Renfrew intersection:
Have a stop sign at Renfrew
Replace the one-way sign on Cedar-can’t read it.
Recommendations at Renfrew and Hillside:
Place 2 stop signs on Renfrew-one in each direction.
Mr. Hurd suggested in the future having a time limit on implementation of approved
suggestions.
Mr. Lyons moved implementation of recommendations in report. SO VOTED (5-0)
21. Report: Crosswalk at Norfolk St. and Jason St.
Ed Starr, Chair, Transportation Advisory Committee
Mr. Starr reported the concern is that the crosswalk is unsafe, due to a corner and should be moved for better visibility.
The recommendations reported back:
Move crosswalk 200’ more towards Woodland St.
Move bus stop to opposite the new crosswalk
Two area residents commented on these suggestions:
Mr. Robert McKersie, 197 Jason Street, wants to talk more with the neighbors, is not sure this is a good solution.
Mrs. Ann Murray, 95 Jason Street, states this recommendation does not meet the neighborhood’s needs and would like creative solutions to slowing down traffic. She feels this proposal is not in the best interest of the nineteen (19) school children and siblings that wait at the bus stop. She would like an open dialogue with Transportation Advisory Committee. Mrs. Murray requests traffic calming at Jason and Norfolk Streets.
Mr. Hurd referred Mrs. Murray’s traffic calming request to Transportation Advisory Committee but stated she was mixing many issues and this is a report/recommendation for the crosswalk and bus. This should be taken care of immediately for pedestrian safety.
Mr. Sullivan will check with Public Works to see how soon this can be implemented.
Mr. Lyons moved implementation of recommendations in report. SO VOTED (5-0)
22. Request: Handicap Parking
Joseph Baran, 7 Brookdale Rd.
Mr. Lyons moved approval. SO VOTED (5-0)
Mr. Baran asked how long it would take and if he has to be present for installation?
Mr. Sullivan responded about a week if signs are in stock and he does not need to be
present.
23. Request: Permission to Park One Car On Street @ 35-37 Hilton St.
Nayda Stern
Mrs. Stern’s daughter reported to the Board that they have taken measures to increase
parking at the house and there are no other options. It is a matter of safety that they are
requesting a waiver.
Mr.Lyons moved to refer to the Parking Sub-Committee. SO VOTED (5-0)
Discussion: Parking Forest St./Summer St.
After much discussion, some Selectmen in favor of honoring old parking rules while others if it fits the same criteria as other street waiver requests, they agreed to refer it to the parking sub-committee.
Mr. Lyons moved to refer to the Parking Sub-Committee. SO VOTED (5-0)
25. Discussion: Crosswalk @ Corner Mass. Ave./Library Way
Maryellen Loud, Library Director
Ms. Loud reported the concern is the crosswalk across Mass. Ave. in front of the Library,
it’s unsafe due to cars turning on both sides of the street and cars speeding up to catch the
lights at Mass. Ave. and Pleasant St.
Mr. Greeley moved to refer to Transportation Advisory Committee. SO VOTED (5-0)
26. Request: Payment of Bills
Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum
Mr. Greeley moved approval of payment of bills. SO VOTED (5-0)
27. Discussion: BOS 2005 Meeting Schedule
(from 10/18/04 agenda)
The Selectmen agreed on these future-meeting dates:
December 6, 2004 -Set Tax Rate and Presentation of Budgets by Town Manager
December 20, 2004
January 10th & 24th 2005
February 7th & 28th 2005
March 7th, 14th, 28th 2005
April 4, 2005
28. Report: Meeting with Archdiocesan on Church Properties
Selectman John W. Hurd
Mr. Hurd reported that John Maher’s letter summarized the meeting. The main
objectives were: 1) to get and understand the Church’s timeline, 2) let the Church know that Arlington wants to work with them and be in the loop on decisions, and 3) these are
residential areas and Arlington does not want over-development. Mr. Hurd said it was a good meeting and it was decided Kevin O’Brien would be the contact person. Mr. Hurd stated the Advocate printed misinformation and should have waited for the report of the meeting prior to printing. The closed church properties will be going up for sale on November 15th and there is hope for a cordial and respectful transitions for the neighbors.
Mr. Lyons could not attend the meeting due to a conflict but requested the Town Manager get from Town Counsel a memo regarding zoning on what’s allowed on these properties. Mr. Lyons wants the Town to have a confidential redevelopment plan on what the Town would consider negative and positive development for these properties.
Correspondence Received
Thomas Steele Raising of cable television rates Be Rec’d
RCN
Kristen Garrigus Improving safety Forest St./Park Ave. Ext. intersection Be Rec’d
220 Forest St.
Mr. Greeley moved receipt of correspondence. SO VOTED (5-0)
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Dias announced the MEPA Meeting tomorrow night at 7:30pm-a public hearing on the Tri-Community project.
Mrs. Dias also announced a Tri-Community forum in a week on Tuesday, November 16th.
Mrs. Mahon will have Mrs. Krepelka distribute a 5-page study on Spy Pond and flooding for the meeting.
Mr. Greeley responded to a number of complaints received, due to the hanging of a St. Agnes Bazaar Banner on Town Hall, that the Board has never disallowed a banner request. He further expressed how the Diversity Banner just came down and feels this bazaar banner is also apart of diversity.
Mr. Greeley suggested that while the Selectmen’s Office is looking at updating computers and desks, the hallway and old vault areas should be looked at for updating. He also suggests looking into spatial configurations to the Chambers to offer larger audience space. The Board agreed at looking at update options and get price quotes.
Mr. Hurd stated he was happy to hear The Baby Safe Haven law passed in Massachusetts agreeing with the Boards approval but, unfortunately, not with the Town Meeting’s disapproval.
Mr. Hurd also expressed his concern to Mr. Sullivan with a slow process hiring a new Fire Chief. He disagrees with the Manager’s timeline and use of the Assessment Center. Mrs. Mahon also opposes a long process and spending money. Mr. Sullivan explained that due to the fact it is a civil service appointment it is not a quick process. He advises the best way is by using the Assessment Center and that process would take until late spring.
Mr. Hurd also wants a January Agenda item to be the Housing Corporation. Mr. Hurd wants to make sure Arlington is spending the $75,000. this year.
Mrs. Mahon announced that the AHS Cheerleading Squad will be competing on November 21st and would like to invite them in to the next Selectmen’s Meeting.
Mrs. Mahon cautioned that if the Board accepts two tax rates the computer couldn’t handle it. It is not set up for a two-rate system.
Mr. Lyons expressed that the Board feels completely in the dark regarding the Symmes Hospital redevelopment by the planning department and others. He feels disappointed that there has been no communication and that no one has asked the Board for advice. Mr. Lyons will hold many people responsible if the Symmes project isn’t successful-if the project does not meet the conditions people wanted. Mr. Lyons also reminded that the Board appoints the Symmes Trust Committee.
Mr. Lyons wants to ensure medical services on the hill. Mr. Hurd suggested an executive session meeting regarding items that are rumored that the Board should know about. Especially when changes are being made on decisions voted by the Board. Mr. Hurd would like a meeting set up with the Chairman. Mrs. Mahon reiterated to Mr. Sullivan that the Board wants no surprises.
A true record: Attest:
Marie Krepelka
Board Administrator
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