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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-04-21 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting MinutesADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 21, 1983 The meeting was called together by the Moderator, Lawrence Drew, at 7:30 P.M., there being a quorum present. The invocation was given by the Rev. C. Barry Wood of the Old South United Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 10. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the Town amend "Schedule B - Compensation Plan" of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town by deleting the existing pay ranges and substituting the following: GRADE Effective July 1, 1983 MIN. X PT. MID. MAX. 1 144 153 162 180 2 159 171 183 206 3 183 197 210 237 4 206 223 240 273 5 232 253 273 314 6 260 285 310 359 7 293 324 355 416 8 330 367 403 476 9 370 414 459 547 10 418 472 525 632 11 472 536 599 726 12 529 606 682 835 ARTICLE 11. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to amend Section 4 of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town, "Administration of Compensation Plan" sub- section 6, "Merit Salary Reviews," by deleting in its entirety the following: 6. Merit Salary Reviews A. All Town employees shall be reviewed for compensation purposes, based on merit, at least annually. B. Merit Salary Increases, except as provided in 4 -B and 5 -B above, shall be granted by Merit Ratings according to the information as shown in Schedule B. C. Merit increases, (as governed by 6 -B above), subsequent to the initial six month for nonexempt and twelve month for exempt employees shall be awarded at the start of each fiscal year, concurrently with any adjustment which may be recommended by the Personnel Board and approved by Town Meeting. Personnel with 12 months or more seniority should receive increases, if granted, at the beginning of the Fiscal Year. Personnel with less than six months seniority should receive increases, if granted, on their six month service date, if retained. Personnel with more than six months, but less than one year seniority, should receive increases, if granted, on their one year service date. No employee shall be granted a further merit increase in any fiscal year. ARTICLE 12. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to amend Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town, "Schedule B- Compensation Plan" by deleting in its entirety the following: Merit Rating Superior Good Acceptable Less than Acceptable Merit Salary Increase Up to 10% Up to 7.5% Up to 5% 0% Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 21, 1983 Definitions: SUPERIOR: Performance that exceeds requirements and the member takes on responsibilities greater than the content described for that job or other jobs in that grade. The top 5% of the range is reserved for SUPERIOR contribution. GOOD: Performance that exceeds requirements or performance that meets requirements and the member takes on responsibilities greater than the content described for that job or other jobs in that grade. A good performer may receive up to 95% of the maxium rate. ACCEPTABLE: Performance that meets requirements: or performance that exceeds requirements, although the job responsibilities are less than the content described for that job or other jobs in that grade. An acceptable performer may receive up to 95% of maximum rate. ARTICLE 13. On motion of John H. Russell, as amended by Stephen G. Viegas, it was voted to amend Section 4 of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town "Administration of Compensation Plan," sub- section 4, "Mandatory Reviews - Non - Exempt Employees" Paragraph C. by deleting in its entirety the following: C. All salary increases performance under Schedule B whic h prior approval of the Personnel Board, and substituting in its place: in excess of that recommended for "Good" are proposed under this section are subject to C. All salary increases in excess of 5% which are proper under this section are subject to prior approval of the Personnel Board. All such increases shall be effective on the date of the review. There will be no retroactive increases, except under unusual circumstances which must be approved by the Personnel Board. ARTICLE 14. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to amend Section 4 of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town, Section 4, Classification and Compensation Plan, sub- section 5, Paragraph B, by deleting in its entirety the following: B. All new, exempt salaried employees must be reviewed for compensation purposes no more than twelve months after date of hire. If an employee is retained, based on his performance review (Para. 5 -A), such employee must be granted a salary increase of no less than 5 %. Subsequent reviews shall be subject to Section 6, Merit Salary Reviews. and substituting in its place: B. All new exempt employees must be reviewed for compensation purposes no sooner than ten months and no later than twelve months after date of hire. If an employee is retained, based on his performance review (para. 5 -A) such employee must be granted a salary increase of no less than 5 %. ARTICLE 15. On motion of John H. Russell, as amended by Donald A. Dewey, it was voted to amend Section 4 of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town "Administration of Compensation Plan," sub - section 5, "Mandatory Reviews - Exempt" Paragraph C. by deleting in its entirety the following: C. All salary increases performance under Schedule B whic h prior approval of the Personnel Board, and substituting in its place: in excess of that recommended for "Good" are proposed under this section are subject to C. All salary increases in excess of 5% which are proper under this section are subject to prior approval of the Personnel Board. All such increases shall be effective on the date of the review. There will be no retroactive increases, except under unusual circumstances which must be approved by the Personnel Board. ARTICLE 16. On motion of Paul A. Dustin it was voted that Arti #cle 16 be indefinitely postponed. Igo �'`' Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 21, 1983 ARTICLE 17. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the Town amend Schedule A - Classification Plan of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town by adding to Grade 6 the title "Administrative Secretary - Fire Department." ARTICLE 2. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report, presented by Kenneth G. Messina for the Planning Board, was accepted as a report of progress. PLANNING BOARD REPORT 1983 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 The Planning Board has given first priority during the past year to the housing problems that face this community. After careful consideration to many housing alternatives, the Planning Board felt that the best interests of this Town would be served by adopting an "accessory apartment" zoning by -law. The Board researched accessory apartment by -laws, their impacts on the character and municipal services of the communities that had adopted such a by -law, and the results of such a by -law on alleviating the housing problems within that community. It was apparent to the Board that the accessory apartment by -law answered many of the needs this Town has: a larger proportion of the population over the age of 55; the financial burden of the home on these individuals; the need for additional housing that was affordable for the younger age bracket. The population figures showed that for the 1970 -1980 period studied by the Federal census, Reading was adding smaller families and larger homes reulting in a mismatch of housing needs and available housing stock. Rental apartments declined substantially in numbers during he same period due to condominium conversions. Executive Order #215 requires that Towns throughout the Commonwealth institute housing policies that will make housing for all income levels, including elderly and handicapped as well as families, available within their community. After last Summer's withholding of State funds, the Board signed documents along with the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority, stating that the Town would find solutions for providing affordable housing opportunities within the Town. Governor Dukakis' Administration has stated its intent to require that all communities comply with this order and, if the community does not take action, it is the State's intent to direct and administer such action. The Board felt that this Town should have the right to direct what action and form this should take for the community and so studied and compared many housing alternatives which would be compatible with the services provided by the Town, the increase such a demand would have on these services and the impact such changes would have on the community. It was the Board's unanimous opinion that the best solution for this Town would be the accessory apartment. Pursuant to Sections 5 and 11, Chapter 40A, Massachusetts General Laws, the Planning Board duly advertised and posted notice of a public hearing on Articles 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40, which was held on March 14, 1983, commencing at 7:30 P.M. The Planning Board outlined the reasons for these proposals, which included: - Population studies which show changes in the size and make -up of family units, such as single parents, older couples, widows and widowers. These no longer fit the typical suburban single- family homes; - Substantial losses of rental apartments to condominium conversions; - State directives which require towns to move toward providing affordable housing in order to qualify for all types of State funds; - Assurance of orderly growth without adverse effects on the character of the Town or its municipal services. The Board also cited the following benefits to the Town with adoption of this By -law: - Will give control to the Town as to where and how to meet State, Federal and local needs for housing; - Is the most efficient and least costly way to meet housing needs for the Town; - Affords opportunity for elderly to stay in their homes by providing additional income and security; and allows younger people an opportunity to find affordable housing within the Town; - In assessing the impact on the Town, accessory apartments have proven to be the best alternative in maintaining the character and appearance of towns that have already adopted such a by -law. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 21, 1983 Citizens were given an opportunity to express their view. Among the concerns were: Is this just a way to make illegal apartments legal? We don't need State funds anyway so let the State hold back their money. The Town should stay the way it is and not have to be forced into allowing such housing. The Town should say "NO ". If the Town does not want to answer the housing requirement, the State will and a neighborhood resident of Bay State Road cited Horizon Homes as the kind of alternative to meet the family housing need that the State would demand. Does the Town want that kind of development or should the burden be spread out over the Town and not have such a "project" area? After all present were given an opportunity to speak, the Chairman asked for a sense of the meeting. There were 42 people present and there were: 17 - in favor of Articles 36 -40 11 - opposed 14 - abstentions The Planning Board reconvened in their office and upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously voted to recommend passage of Articles 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 on the 1983 Annual Town Meeting Warrant to Town Meeting. The Board felt that these proposed by -laws would be the best answer to meet the Town's housing problems. Therefore, the Planning Board unanimously recommends Articles 36 - 40 for passage by Town Meeting. Respectfully submitted, READING PLANNING BOARD Kenneth G. Messina, Chairman Barry J. Mitchel, Clerk Maureen Rich John W. Shaw Charles Arthur, Jr. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 39. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to take Article 39 from the table and take it up in advance. ARTICLE 39. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted that the Town amend the Town's Zoning By -laws by inserting a new paragraph as Section 4.3.2.8. to read as follows: 4.3.2.8. PURPOSE: The Purpose of allowing accessory apartments within the Town is to encourage the alteration and /or construction of a limited number of housing units which will increase the availability of rental units within the Town, will help to meet local housing needs without causing significantly adverse effects on the character and municipal services of the community and will ensure compliance with State and local planning standards and policies concerned with land use, building design and the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the inhabitants of the Town. RESTRICTIONS: The Special Permit Granting Authority may grant a Special Permit for an accessory apartment, if, as a minimum, the following conditions are met: a) The dwelling in which the accessory apartment is to be located was legally occupied prior to August 1, 1982; b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3.2.6. of these By -laws, the accessory apartment shall occupy no more than one -third (1/3) of the gross floor area of the one family dwelling of which it is part, exclusive of any garage, unfinished basement, shed or other accessory use structure attached to or part of such one family dwelling (as of August 1, 1982) and shall contain as a minimum at least four hundred (400) square feet of net floor area and as a maximum not more than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet of net floor area. Building density shall be limited so that the ratio of gross floor area to total land area shall not exceed 1:5; c) At least one of the owners of the one family dwelling in which the accessory apartment is located resides in the accessory apartment or principal one family dwelling, except for bona fide temporary absences, during which absence period a third party may not occupy the owner's unit, unless and until notification of the change of occupancy is submitted to the Board of Appeals; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 21, 1983 d) The accessory apartment and any and all other modifications to the principal one family dwelling shall be designed so that the appearance of the building remains that of a one family dwelling. Any new entries shall be located on the side or in the rear of the building and any additions for access and /or egress shall not increase the gross floor area (as described in paragraph b above) of the original house by more than ten per cent (10 %) and shall not increase the building density beyond that allowed in paragraph b above. Any other changes in the building shall comply in all respects with the applicable provisions of the Zoning By -laws; e) All motor vehicles owned or maintained by occupants of the building in which the accessory apartment is located shall be parked off the street and the location and appearance of all additional off - street parking shall not adversely affect the adjoining properties in the neighborhood or the single- family appearance of the neighborhood in general and will cause no change to the front yard parking area, if any, as it existed on August 1, 1982; f) There shall be no other apartment on the lot on which the accessory apartment is to be located; g) The accessory apartment shall meet all building code requirements and shall have properly installed and maintained fire safety devices for the protection of all occupants in the entire dwelling; h) Special Permits for accessory apartments can be issued by the Board of Appeals up to a limit of ten per cent (10 %) of all one family dwellings in the Town, excluding those which already qualify under Section 4.3.1.1. of these By -laws for conversion to two family use; i) Any other conditions, safeguards and limitations on time or use as may be imposed by the Board of Appeals according to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 9 or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. PROCESS: An owner or owners of a one family dwelling may make application to the Board of Appeals for a Special Permit for the alteration and /or construction and occupancy of an accessory apartment in a one family dwelling in compliance with all of the above - listed restrictions. The Board of Appeals will then post notice of this public hearing in accordance with Chapter 40A, Massachusetts General Laws. The Special Permit for said accessory apartment will be limited to the original applicant(s) but shall be transferred with ownership upon the successful inspection of the property which verifies that all conditions of the requirements for an accessory apartment are being met and upon recertification that the new owner(s) of the dwelling plan(s) to maintain residence in either the accessory apartment or the principal residence. If the terms and /or conditions of the Special Permit for an accessory apartment are not being complied with, such Special Permit can and will be revoked in accordance with standard enforcement procedures, or if all conditions are not met within one year of issuance of the Special Permit, the Special Permit will be null and void. 88 voted in the affirmative 29 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 36. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to take Article 36 from the table. ARTICLE 36. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted that the Town amend the Town's Zoning By -laws by adding the following paragraph as Section 2.2.1.1.: 2.2.1.1 ACCESSORY APARTMENT: A self - contained housing unit consisting of one or more rooms with separate kitchen and bathroom facilities incorporated within an existing building that was originally designed as a one family dwelling. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, April 25, 1983, in the Reading Memorial High School. Meeting adjourned at 10:40 P.M. 135 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk