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2006-01-05 Regular Meeting of Beverly City Council 12:00 Noon January 5, 2006 Roll Call : Councilors Present: John J. Burke, William Coughlin, Timothy Flaherty, Miranda Gooding, Patricia Grimes, Kevin Hobin, Donald Martin, , Maureen Troubetaris, Paul Guanci Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag : Led by Councilor Guanci #1 Inaugural Address Good afternoon. It is my distinct privilege to stand before you today. I feel very humble—and fortunate—to once again be entrusted with the responsibility of moving Beverly forward. It is not lost on me that only one other time in Beverly’s history has someone been privileged to serve a sixth term as Mayor. That fact serves to add even more to my responsibility to do the best job possible over the next two years working with the City Council and the School Committee. Together over the past term we have made significant progress. Two years ago no municipal union had a current contract. Today every municipal union’s contract is current. The health insurance contribution percentage of every city worker has been increased and will soon be double the percentage in effect two years ago. Medicare B for all eligible municipal retirees past and future is now a fact and removes a significant on-going liability from the City of Beverly. The Council’s courage in passing this legislation despite significant opposition is to be commended. Today we have better control of medical costs than at any time in many years. Today our libraries have been recertified and will remain so. Only two years ago the Council’s financial advisor predicted a $4,000,000 budget deficit for the fiscal year which ended last June 30, yet we have managed to stay in the black. Perhaps that is part of the reason so many of us are still here. If we look further back, we can see the progress with the upgraded elementary schools and the three major flooding projects—now successfully accomplished. We can take pleasure from the beautiful Beverly Common and our reinvigorated parks and playgrounds and we look forward to two new playing fields soon to be completed near the Airport. We can take comfort from the homeless shelter which reduces the chances of some poor soul freezing to death in Beverly on a cold winter’s night, something we did to prevent a tragedy not because of one. As you all know, Beverly and other communities operate in an environment where our expenses generally rise more rapidly than our revenues and increasingly put a strangle hold on our ability to provide proper services and infrastructure. Most of you are well aware that the State has pushed much of its recent financial problem back onto the cities and towns by cutting Local Aid, a cut in our case of over $3,000,000. As you may know, Local Aid represents the return by the State to each community’s local government of some of the income taxes paid by individuals and businesses from that community. The resulting financial shortfall problem is not new to us and the real question is what are we going to do about it. Our challenge lies with the future not with the past. There are many thoughtful individuals in our community who believe that some form of an override is necessary to meet our financial needs and who can argue that more available revenue would make the task of running municipal government easier. There is a strong likelihood that this question will make its way onto a special ballot for the entire community to decide in the voting booth. But I must see the Mayor’s job as finding a way to provide needed services and infrastructure without relying on an override and, after ten years of working this problem, I see only one answer and that is continued, appropriate new growth. Just as the redevelopment of the Cummings Center and creation of the industrial park along Sam Fonzo Drive near the Airport have fueled our progress to date, other projects along our waterfront, along Rantoul Street and elsewhere will be brought forward for consideration. For us to do more than tread water, appropriate new growth is essential. Sale and development of surplus parcels near the Airport must proceed. Citizens of Beverly have been open minded toward appropriate development and redevelopment and we must retain that posture. Our needs are clear. The major High School project to be financed through the General Fund is absolutely essential. This very building in which we are gathered today – the Memorial Middle School – needs to be renovated and enlarged as it will be the Middle School of the future. Our need for modern public safety facilities is well known. Hurd Stadium will, before long, need new spectator stands. The steel supporting structure will need replacement and the appropriate seating capacity also needs to be determined. The question of whether that field should be relocated to the High School site should be considered as part of the design process of the High School project. The question of whether the Federal Channel in Beverly Harbor should be reconfigured to generate more revenue for the City from boat slips and increased waterfront activity also needs careful consideration. Property values in Beverly have risen in recent years as more people have come to recognize and appreciate our community’s desirability. Our coastal location, frequent train service to Boston, lower crime rate than many other communities, attractive parks and playgrounds, competent government, and a commitment to good schools and quality education – these speak well of Beverly. Yet our situation is fragile with our costs rising faster than our revenues, a trend which over the longer term is guaranteed to impair our ability to deliver services and improved infrastructure unless we cultivate appropriate new growth. Said differently without the new growth or overrides, there will ultimately be fewer teachers, police officers, firefighters, in short, less of everything and new construction projects will simply not happen for lack of money. Beverly will have the opportunity to consider a number of projects for the reasons mentioned earlier and because on balance our citizens are willing to consider change, because our government is accessible and responsive and because, compared to Boston or Charlestown or Cambridge, our real estate, despite its rapid rise in value, is still relatively inexpensive. Let us hope we make good choices. Let me turn now to some specifics. 1 ?? By early February at the latest I will put before the City Council a request for the balance of the appropriation required to build the new academic wing and refurbish the common spaces at the High School. Passage of this important appropriation is absolutely essential to ensure that Beverly High School retains its accreditation. ?? During this year we will place a strong emphasis on citizen education aimed at increasing recycling for two good reasons. First, it is the right thing to do for the environment. Second, it is the best opportunity to lower our overall trash costs by diverting material from incineration thus avoiding a tipping fee. Recycling represents an opportunity for every citizen to help save our City money, not so much for the value of the material recycled, but because every ton recycled avoids a $72 tipping fee, the cost to have that ton incinerated. ?? As we search for a purchasing agent we will place particular emphasis on stretching our purchasing dollar as far as possible. It is essential that we maximize the value of every dollar spent. ?? The Request for Proposals for a quality restaurant to be located at the site of the former McDonald’s on the waterfront is now complete and will be advertised in January. There is no doubt that prospective investors are showing real interest in our waterfront from Tucks Point right up through the Ventron property. ?? Using an approach similar to that employed in the case of the Edwards School, we will solicit proposals for the sale and redevelopment of the McKay School early in the New Year. The revenues from the sale of the building and the ongoing real estate taxes that will result from private ownership will be an important contribution to the payment of the High School project. Care must be taken not to impair the value of this property by imposing overly restrictive conditions on its sale. ?? The storm drainage project in Wards 3 and 5 affecting North Beverly must move to the construction phase in 2006. ?? We will work in the New Year on our emergency preparedness taking a cue from the misfortunes of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. ?? We will also continue working with the Beverly/Salem Water Supply Board, the City of Salem and the Town of Danvers on the prospect of Danvers joining the Water Supply Board. The Board’s practice of taking water from the Ipswich River during the winter when the supply is abundant is environmentally sound. Expansion of the area under its jurisdiction as well as the possibility of building a new reservoir on land the Board owns in Topsfield deserve full consideration. These initiatives may help avoid punitive rationing of water use by area citizens ?? Another regional initiative, perhaps the most important one facing us at this time, is the combining of the North Shore Technical Vocational High School and the Essex Aggie into one entity and the construction of consolidated facilities. Our Northeast region is the only one in the entire State which does not have appropriate facilities for young people of high school age wishing to pursue vocational training and as a result three out of four applicants to the North Shore Voke are rejected to the detriment of our entire region. Both the students themselves and the businesses which would hire them are hurt. This is an issue which deserves our full attention and frankly the help of the Governor’s office would be most welcome in making this project come true. There are many other initiatives, too numerous to mention, to be undertaken in the new term. Rest assured that my administration will continue to make the tough decisions, made with Beverly’s long term interests in mind and not always popular in the short term. Nine and one-half years ago we made the decision to grant Cummings Properties a tax incentive on the old United Shoe Machinery site. While some have continuously criticized that decision, the fact is that Bill Cummings has invested many tens of millions of dollars more in that property that he otherwise would have, and starting next July and for as long as those buildings stand, Beverly will receive full taxes on the entire value of the site. As you know, these new tax dollars will be essential to paying for our High School project. In the two years ahead my door will continue to be open to everyone and I welcome every person’s ideas. I am determined over this period to use our time well. We have a largely veteran council with the one new member bringing considerable land use knowledge to the table. As a result our government should be productive and I am sure it will be. Before I close let me address two important subjects. First a special plea to all those of you out there in the audience and at home, we need your help. We need additional volunteers. We have over 200 volunteer positions on Boards and Commissions. The work people do because they want to, not because they have to, is what makes a community great. If you can help, please write me at the Mayor’s Office stating your interests and describing your background. To make Beverly better we really do need your help. I urge you to volunteer if at all possible. Second, let me close by reminding you that the Inaugural Ball will be held this Saturday, January 7 at 8:00 th p.m. at the Beverly High School Cafeteria. Tickets are $25.00. All profits will be donated to Beverly High School. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is welcome to attend and we hope to have a real celebration. For further information, please call my wife, Louise at 922-9699 or Maureen Hobin at 922-6498. Thank you all for coming today. The members of the City Council, the School Committee and I look forward to serving you well over the next two years. Rules Suspended for address by Council President Guanci Communications from His Honor the Mayor : 2 Communications from other City Officers and Boards #2 January 3, 2006 Dear Honorable Council, In past years the City Council has appointed one of its members to serve as a liaison to the Beverly School Committee. I respectfully request that this year that number is increased by one. I would like to appoint Timothy Flaherty and Kevin Hobin to serve as joint liaisons to the committee. With the future of Beverly High School at a critical point, concerns rising above the middle school consolidation and budgetary pressures caused by a reduction in state aid, the Council needs to be informed about important actions taken by the School Committee. I would ask Councilors Flaherty and Hobin to provide quarterly reports to the full council detailing important school committee information. Respectfully, Paul M. Guanci, City Council President Appointments approved 9-0 Vote #3 January 3, 2006 Dear Honorable Council: Each term the City Council appoints two representatives to serve as members of the Beverly Harbor Management Authority. I respectfully request that Ward One City Councilor Maureen Troubetaris, continues to serve as one of the appointments. For the second appointment, I recommend Ward Two City Councilor Miranda Gooding. The Waterfront District is located in Ward Two and having the sitting Councilor of that ward on the authority is important. I also request that Councilors Troubetaris and Gooding give semi-annual reports to the Council on ongoing projects brought before the Harbor Management Authority. Appointments approved 9-0 Vote #4 Dear Honorable Council, It gives me great pleasure to formally announce standing committee assignments for the next two years. I want to thank each Councilor of their input and for their understanding. As Council President, this is one of the most difficult decisions that I have to make and I look forward to another productive term. Committee on Finance and Property: Timothy Flaherty-Chairperson William Coughlin Paul Guanci Committee on Legal Affairs: Donald Martin-Chairperson John Burke Maureen Troubetaris Committee on Public Services: Patricia Grimes-Chairperson Kevin Hobin Miranda Gooding Every Councilor will also be expected to be a participating member in the City Council Committee of the Whole. Committee of the Whole will meet when necessary to opening discuss issues that require full council deliberation. Respectfully, Paul M. Guanci, City Council President Appointments approved 9-0 Vote Communications, Applications and Petitions: #5 Petition of National Grid for relocation of a J.O. Pole, #0568 on McKay Street 3 Refer to Public Services #6 Application-Second Class MVDL-Michael’s Auto Body Refer to Legal Affairs #7 Claim-Lisa Pinciaro Receive and Place on File Refer to City Solicitor Reports from Committees : Unfinished Business: Resolutions: Motions and Orders: #8 By Councilor Gooding: Ordered: That all city vehicles including Fire, Police, DPS be stored overnight in their respective garages and that employees from now on commute to their work stations via their own transportation vehicles. Refer to Public Services #9 By Councilor Gooding: Ordered: That national Grid (Mass Electric) install black period lighting on Lothrop St. in place of the aluminum light poles that are currently servicing Lothrop St. This change in lighting would support and enhance the efforts of Rep. Mary Grant in her goal to create and secure Beverly’s position in the National Scenic Byway. Refer to Public Services #10 By Councilor Grimes: Ordered: That the Code of Ordinances, City of Beverly, MA is hereby amended in Section 29-2.42 by adding the following sentence to the end thereof: ADD to Section 42. In the case of private easements that serve as legal frontage for, or provide vehicular access to any lot, minimum yard setbacks required by this Ordinance shall be measured from the side line of the private easement or the property line, whichever is closest to the location of the building. Refer to Legal Affairs #11 By Councilor Burke: Ordered: That a flashing yellow light and speedometer be installed along both sides of McKay Street and that a guardrail be installed along the Northbound side of McKay Street between the entrance to the Cummings parking garage and Matthies Street. Refer to Public Services 4 #12 By Councilor Burke: Amend Ordinance entitled Article IV Junk and Secondhand Dealers Delete in its entirety the present Sec. 12-72 and substitute a new Section 12-72 as follows: “ADD Sec. 12-72 Record to be kept of purchases. Every keeper of a shop in the City for the purchase, sale or bartering of gold, silver, or other valuable second hand items shall keep a permanently bound book in which he shall at the time of purchase of any item enter in the English language a legibly printed and detailed description thereof, and the amount paid there for, the name and residence (by street and number, city or town), telephone number, date of birth and social security number of the person from whom such items are purchased; and the date and hour of the transaction. In addition thereto such shopkeeper shall 1. Require the person selling such articles to provide one form of photo identification issued by a government agency. A copy of such photo identification shall be made and maintained with said book as part of his records. 2. Make and maintain a photograph of all items purchased and keep said photograph with said book as part of his records. 3. Photograph the person selling said items and shall keep said items and shall keep said photograph with said book as part of his records. Said book and the photocopies and photographs required hereby shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Mayor, the City Council or any individual City Councilor, police officers of the City of Beverly or State Police or to any other person authorized by the Mayor or City Council to make such inspection.” And Delete from Sec. 12-74 the words “fourteen (14) days” and substitute therefore the words “thirty (30) days.” And Delete from Sec. 12-77 the works “Lords Day” and substitute therefore the works “Sundays” And Add a new Sec. 12-83 to read as follows: “Sec. 12-83. Required Reporting to Police Department Simultaneously with the entry of information into the permanently bound book required by Sec. 12-72 the Keeper of a shop for the purchase and sale of gold, silver, and second hand items shall photocopy the FAX to the Chief of Police of the City or his designee a copy of such entry. If delivery cannot be made by FGAX for whatever reason, the copy of the above transaction should be hand delivered to the Chief of Police or his designee.” AND Add a new Sec. 12-84 to read as follows: “Sec. 12-84. Penalties. Failure to comply with any requirement of this ordinance shall result in a fine of $100 for the first offense and a fine of $300 for any second or subsequent offense. Meeting adjourned: 1:05 PM Frances A. Macdonald, CMC City Clerk 5