Listen to this articleReading, MA — Carl McFadden, Select Board representative to the Burbank Ice Arena Authority, shared an update with the board regarding the thirty-first year of operations at the arena. McFadden reported that the arena authority has returned over $3.5 million to the town in those 31 years and that the building is completely paid off. He noted that the Town of Belmont is looking to build a similar facility and is looking at a cost of over $31 millions to do the project.
McFadden shared that the major project of the year was the replacement of the ice arena roof at a cost of $284,000, which was $41,000 below estimates. The new roof has a fifty-year warranty for labor and a twenty-year warranty for materials.
McFadden noted that this is important to note due to the fact that the contractor would not have given a warranty for the new roof if solar panels had been installed on it. He also indicated that solar panels would have added an additional $125,000 to the cost for the roof which would have meant that they would not pay for themselves for over 25 years. Additionally, the panels would have created a snow removal issue.
McFadden confirmed that the rink is filled to capacity and that 80 to 85 percent of the usage is by Reading-based organizations. He also asked the Select Board to consider using any profits given to the town from the arena for enhancing recreation opportunities in town.
McFadden indicated that the Ice Arena Authority board would be open to amending its lease for possible future projects such as a senior or community center or pickleball courts, provided that any expansion on the site does not include a second ice rink. He also stated that during large hockey games and other events, parking overflows what is currently available and that any scenario that uses the rear parking lot for another purpose, needs to be accompanied with an increase of parking at another location.
“We can’t give up fifty parking spots and not get fifty spots back,” McFadden clarified.
McFadden suggested that a couple of representatives of each of the boards get together to determine what would be acceptable to both boards. Select Board chair Carlo Bacci indicated that he is in favor of the idea. McFadden concluded by sharing his belief that whatever happens on the rest of the site should include youth sports. “You will get a better buy-in,” he stated.
The Select Board voted 5-0 to waive attorney client privilege and release the contents of a memo from Town Counsel Ivria Fried on July 5 relative to the Killam School Building Committee. The board voted 5-0 to amend parking regulations to prohibit parking on the north side of Grove Street from 374 Grove Street to Strout Avenue. This is the area adjacent to the new Town Forest parking area on Grove Street. The board also voted 5-0 to place a new stop sign at the intersection of Grove Street and Franklin Street where there are currently stop signs in only two of the three directions in the intersection.
Traffic and Safety Officer Michael Scouten also asked the board if it would be in favor of allowing students at Austin Preparatory School to park in an underutilized town-owned parking lot on Vine Street. Scouten shared that the school would provide a shuttle bus to get the students to the school. The goal of this plan is to prevent students from parking on the street in Arcadia Avenue during the school day. The parking lot is set aside for all-day parking for employees with a parking pass, but Select Board member Christopher Haley affirmed that the area is “a ghost town.” Select Board member Karen Herrick expressed concern over possible lost revenue from the parking passes, but agreed with other board members that a one-year agreement could be acceptable. No vote was taken and the matter will be taken up again at a future meeting when there are more details.
The board had a short discussion regarding its policies and its code of ethics, with several members agreeing that this is an area of concern for them. “People look to us and it’s here [in the policies] that we will lead by example at all times to build trust.” Select Board member Mark Dockser stated. “We are the leaders of the community in a lot of ways, it’s on us to demonstrate that.”
Bacci agreed, sharing, “Being on time, being present is a big [way of showing respect] for me.” Haley also indicated that he would like to see a method for accountability. “Nothing will change if there is no penalty for violating what is here,” Haley said.
The board is planning a retreat day to review and revise its policies and code of ethics, possibly in August. Dockser suggested that members come prepared with a list of “I will” statements for that meeting.
The Select Board adjourned at 10:08 pm.
