Published in the October 29, edition

By BOB TUROSZ

NORTH READING – The Selectmen voted unanimously to modify the existing fuel storage license held by Enterprise Petroleum, 144 Main St., to allow for the storage of 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

The business involved is the former Best Gas Co. located near the intersection of Route 28 and Lowell Road. Owner Peter Piantedosi explained the request, saying there have been three 10,000 gasoline fuel storage tanks located there since 1995 and the request is to revamp one of the tanks to accommodate diesel fuel. The original license is for gasoline and needs to be changed to a petroleum fuel license, according to Piantedosi.

New pumps have already been installed with the capability of dispensing diesel, Piantedosi said. “We’re trying to provide better service and make the place look a little better,” he said.

Magnolia Road

Following up on action taken by Town Meeting on Oct. 5, the board voted unanimously to authorize Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto to file special legislation to remove 11 Magnolia Rd. from the protection of state law Article 97, meaning that it is no longer park land.

Gilleberto noted the motion would exempt the transaction from the requirements of state law Chapter 30B and allow the town to enter into direct negotiations with the abutter. Gilleberto said he’s spoken with State Rep. Brad Jones who will do his best to fast track the legislation in the House.

The board also voted that the land is no longer required for park or other public purposes and acknowledged Town Meeting’s recent vote to transfer care, custody and control to the Selectmen for general municipal purposes and for the purpose of conveyance.

TA Report

Gilleberto announced the appointment of Julie Spurr Knight as the town’s new building superintendent, replacing John Welsh who retired several months ago. Knight is a familiar face around town and comes from the school department, where she previously served as the head custodian at North Reading High School. Knight will report to the Public Works Director.

The town was awarded a 2014 water fluoridation quality award.

Gilleberto was disappointed to report that North Reading’s application for a Drug Free Community Grant was turned down by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. “This year’s grant round was competitive, unfortunately the town was not selected for funding.” The Community Impact Team will now look at other ways to address youth substance abuse here in town, Gilleberto added.

Secretary Ash visit

Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash visited town last Friday and met with Gilleberto and all of the Selectmen, who described the meeting as very productive.

“He certainly struck me as being a very good listener,” said Stephen O’Leary. On Oct. 19, board members and Gilleberto trekked to Boston for a 7:30 a.m. conference at the State Transportation Building entitled, “The Commonwealth is Open for Business.”

Selectman Michael Prisco said the open house was directed by the governor to address the theme of making use of under utilized or ignored state assets. “These assets have value and if they sit empty, they have no value,” Prisco stated. Presenting them for use makes them valuable, Prisco said.

About 300 people attended and Mauceri concurred the conference was very useful and productive.