MINUTES
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SEPTEMBER 27, 2004
REGULAR SESSION
Call to Order
The Board of Selectmen convened in regular session at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room of Town Hall. Selectman Mahoney and Selectman Brownsberger were present. Selectman Solomon was absent, because he is convalescing following elective hip replacement surgery.
Questions from Town Residents
Fred Paulsen, chairman of the Uplands Advisory Committee appeared before the Board to express concern over the lack of Town notice and participation in a site visit in connection with MassDevelopment’s review of a 40B project eligibility application. Mr. Kleckner noted that he communicated this request both in writing and verbally and is disappointed to have learned that there was a site visit conducted by MassDevelopment. He recommended the Town communicate to MassDevelopment and the Town’s legislative delegation this failure of MassDevelopment to act in good faith by conducting a site visit without the Town having an ability to participate in that site visit. He also suggested requesting a second site visit be conducted with the Town present. The Board agreed to these recommendations.
Mr. Paulsen also noted new information related to flood plain information and recommended that the Town go back to the MEPA office and indicate that if the study is to be relevant for the Town’s review, then the environmental studies should be done now by O’Neill Properties. The Board supported communicating this request to MEPA and the MassDevelopment.
The members of the Belmont Dog Owners Association appeared before the Board to request permission to use the former Kendall School site for a dog Halloween party. The Board indicated its support for this request.
Action by Appointment
Introduction of Newly Promoted Police Officers
The Chief of Police introduced to the Board newly promoted police officers: Lieutenant Christopher Donahue, Sergeant Janice Sparks, and Sergeant James MacIsaac.
The Board moved: to authorize these appointments.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Zeff Photo re: Design of Parking on Brighton Street
The Board considered a request of the property owner and business owner at 11 Brighton Street (Zeff Photo Supply) to modify the design of the sidewalk in connection with the road reconstruction project in order to accommodate continued parking in front of that building.
Mr. Clancy, Acting Director of Community Development, noted that the building that supports this business is only 15 feet from the Town’s right of way, which is not a sufficient depth for parking. He noted that should the Town desire, it could allow the owner to have 5 ft. of the Town’s right of way in order to continue parking. He also noted the Town could place parallel parking along Brighton Street.
Mr. Gordenstein expressed his desire to use 5 ft of the Town’s right of way to continue the parking at his business.
Mrs. Mahoney expressed her desire to be supportive of businesses and do what the Town can do.
Mr. Brownsberger expressed his support for the parallel parking option due to safety concerns for pedestrians.
The Chief of Police also noted his support for the parallel parking option from a pedestrian and traffic safety perspective.
The Board moved: to delegate to the Town Administrator the final decision relative to this issue.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Adam Tocci re: Installation of Traffic Calming Measures on Trapelo Road
The Board of Selectmen met with Adam Tocci regarding his concern for the proposed bump-outs along Trapelo Road at Willow and Poplar Streets. He encouraged the Board to delay installation of these bump-outs until the entire plan for the redesign of Trapelo Road has been developed.
A few local business owners expressed concern about not hearing about these bumpouts until today.
Vice-President of the Butler PTA, Trey Klein, voiced his support for the installation of these two additional bumpouts.
Mr. Brownsberger noted his priority for making Trapelo Road a safer street.
Mrs. Mahoney asked Adam to meet with the Acting Director of Community Development and other local businesses to see whether the design of these bumpouts can be more accommodating to the issues of local businesses.
Sewer & Stormwater Committee re: Update of Activities
Sewer and Stormwater Committee member Ralph Jones presented proposed amendments to his committee’s charge. He outlined a proposed scope of work for this committee.
The Board moved: to approve the amendments to the Sewer and Stormwater Committee charge.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Discussion of FY 2006 Town Budget Needs
The Town Administrator along with department managers from the general government and human services departments presented their budget needs for FY 2006 in connection with the “Building a Foundation for Excellence” initiative.
Mr. Brownsberger commended the Town Administrator for his leadership and the Town department heads’ work on this information. He indicated his support for the process of discussing budget needs right now. However, he expressed caution for the Board of Selectmen making a decision relative to an override until the newest member of the Board can fully understand the Town-wide budget process and issues.
Action by Consent
Application for Licenses and Permit – Original
Used Car Dealer License – Class II
Domenic J. Basile Jr. and Frank Basile, dba Waverley Auto Exchange, 134 Waverley Street
The Board moved: to approve the Class II license application for Domenic J. Basile Jr. and Frank Basile, dba Waverley Auto Exchange, 134 Waverley Street.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Common Victualler
Rohbaj Enterprise, Inc, dba Kashish, 61 Leonard Street
The Board moved: to approve the common victualler license application by Rohbaj Enterprise Inc, dba Kashish, 61 Leonard Street.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Application for Licenses and Permit – Renewal
Extended Hours Permit
Belmont Pizza, 388 Trapelo Road
The Board moved: to approve the renewal of the extended hours permit for Belmont Pizza, 388 Trapelo Road.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Approval of Minutes (08/30/04 and 09/13/04)
The Board moved: to approve all the minutes of the Board of Selectmen for August 30 and September 13, 2004.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from Acting Director of Community Development re: Approval of Contract Change Order
The Board moved: to approve the change order for the Town’s Roadway Rehabilitation contract #203-55 totaling $352,189.67.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from Health Director re: Reserve Fund Transfer Request
The Board moved: to approve the referral of the Health Director’s Reserve Fund transfer request to the Warrant Committee.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from Town Accountant re: Request to Fill Staff Accountant Vacancy
The Board moved: to approve the Town Accountant’s request to fill a staff accountant vacancy.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from Fire Chief re: Request to Fill Firefighter Vacancy and Authorization for Promotion
The Board moved: to approve the Fire Chief’s request to fill a firefighter vacancy and to promote a firefighter to lieutenant.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from Chief of Police re: Request to Fill School Crossing Guard Vacancies
The Board moved: to approve the Police Chief’s recommendation to fill school crossing guard vacancies.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from MA Department of Revenue re: Approval of One-Time Municipal Relief Funds
The Board moved: to sign acceptance letter of one-time municipal state aid in the amount of $132,654.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Correspondence from Committees and Commissions Coordinator re: Appointments to Community Media Center Board of Conveners and Cable Access Committee
The Board moved: to appoint Edward Yee to the Cable Access Committee and Jeffrey Bairstow and Maryann Scali to the Community Media Center Board of Conveners.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Correspondence re: Crosswalk at Pleasant and Munroe Streets
The Board moved: to approve the recommendation of Acting Director of Community Development and Chief of Police to install new signs at the crosswalk at Pleasant and Munroe Streets.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Proclamation re: United Nations Day
The Board moved: to proclaim October 24, 2004 as United Nations Day in the Town of Belmont.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Action by Writing
Memorandum from Library Trustees re: Library Steps
The Board of Selectmen reviewed and discussed various recommendations made by the Board of Library Trustees as documented in the Library Director’s memorandum dated September 23, 2004 in relation to two separate issues: the Memorial Library steps and the uneven pavement on the front walkways.
The Board moved: to request the Town Administrator to identify funds in an appropriate budget to implement the $6,400 solution; and further to determine whether there are funds available to support the pavement repair.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Letter from Belmont Against Racism re: Appointment to Human Rights Commission
The Board of Selectmen reviewed and discussed a written request from Belmont Against Racism to appoint one of their members on the Human Rights Commission.
The Board moved: to refer this letter to Selectman Solomon to review and respond to.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Memorandum from Public Works Director re: Temporary Use of Former Kendall School Site for Parking
The Board of Selectmen reviewed and discussed a resident’s request to use temporarily the grassy area at the former Kendall School site for parking.
The Board moved: to take this matter under advisement and to consider this issue if a number of residents in the area is supportive of this concept.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Correspondence from Acting Community Development Director re: Approval of Pavement Management Contract
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the recommendation of Acting Director of Community Development to award various contracts for the maintenance of Common Street and to execute the Pavement Management contract.
The Board moved: to award the Common Street maintenance contract to low bidder D & R General Contracting, Inc.; and further that the Pavement Management contract be executed.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Other
The Board discussed recent letters it received from Oxford Avenue residents requesting the Board to reconsider its decision to restrict access to Oxford Avenue from Belmont Street during evening rush hour (4 – 7 p.m.).
Mr. Brownsberger supported the idea of allowing access to residents of the street.
The Board asked the Chief of Police and the Traffic Advisory Committee to work together to address the concerns raised by the residents.
The Board agreed to place the issue of the Treasurer position being an appointed position on its agenda in October.
Mr. Brownsberger requested a discussion of the Purecoat issues and how they should be addressed by various entities in the Town.
Mr. Kleckner requested the Board sign a collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the Joint Public Safety Dispatchers.
The Board moved: to execute the final collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the Joint Public Safety union.
The motion passed unanimously (2-0).
Mr. Kleckner notified the Board of the Town’s acquisition of the land from McLean for the citing of the Town’s public safety communications tower.
The Board acknowledged the work of Ellen O’Brien Cushman and thanked her for successfully bringing about this progress.
The Board adjourned their regular session at 10:40 p.m.
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Melvin A. Kleckner, Town Administrator
Clerk, Board of Selectmen
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