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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-04-25 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting Minutes131 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 1983 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, John W. Faria, at 7:30 P. M., there being a quorum present. The invocation was given by Fr. James Flynn of Austin Preparatory School, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 2. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report of the Highland School Building Committee, presented by Marvin M. Rosenthal, was, on motion of John H. Russell, accepted as a report of progress. HIGHLAND SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Report of Progress April, 1983 We'd like to begin our report by saying "thank you." When we came before Town Meeting last June with preliminary plans to convert the Highland School building into new quarters for the Reading Public Library, your response was nothing short of awesome. We appreciate your confidence in this project and continue to feel that the $990,000 appropriation will turn out to be one of the best investments the Town has made. When our terms expired at the end of June, all members of the building committee sought reappointment. The same officers were retained, and for this phase of our activity we elected a Treasurer, Jack Zorabedian. Jack is well qualified to keep track of all expenditures and work closely with the Town Treasurer and Town Accountant. Incidentally, all our meetings are open to the public. In July we signed a continuation of our contract with architect Mark Mitchell of Cambridge and moved into the design- development stage of the project. We experienced no major unexpected difficulties, but there were enough revisions and decisions to keep us busy on the plans well into the fall. We focused on minimizing the threat of change- orders once the job got underway. A tightly prescribed budget magnifies the importance of each minor decision. When we learned, for example, that the price of structural steel was rising, or that newly enacted code - compliance regulations would affect our estimates, we had to look carefully for areas in which costs could be reduced to counterbalance these figures. We're happy to say that this was accomplished. In December, when final plans and specifications were ready, Mr. Mitchell suggested that we seek bids on a four -part basis: the main construction work plus three defined alternatives. This strategy would virtually ensure that the major school -to- library conversion could proceed on schedule. Alternatives one and two included cosmetic enhancements and some finish work in the administrative areas, nothing in either case that would impede the smooth function or public- service component of the library. Alternative three was air - conditioning. This feature was not included in our original proposal, but the design of the heating system suggested that incorporating air- conditioning at the time of installation would be dramatically less expensive than attempting to add it at a later date. Further, we realized that Highland's excellent southern orientation, which will take full advantage of passive solar energy in the cooler months, might cause some trouble in July and August. Clearly, if the budget would bear it, we would choose to air - condition now. With all decisions made, we began the lengthy bidding process in January. The response was impressive. A total of 61 subcontractors' bids were opened and read on February 23, and on March 2 the bids of 20 prequalified general contractors were likewise opened and read publicly. Both meetings were well attended. A few days later the general contract, including all three alternatives, was awarded to the low bidder, Rene C. Lamarre Co., Inc., of Salem, Massachusetts. Lamarre's crew began work at the site on April 4. We are pleased to report that Tom Galvin of Reading, Clerk of the Works for the Police Station remodeling and expansion, has agreed to serve again in that capacity at Highland. Mr. Galvin's professional credentials and history of service to the Town are impressive, and we're delighted to have him aboard. 17 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 25, 1983 Our 1982 presentation specified three contracts that would be put out to bid separately: the elevator, the book stacks, and carpeting. We did in fact invite separate bids on the elevator, but subsequently voted to incorporate this into the general contract. The elevator, it turns out, is a key element in the construction process, and interaction between the general contractor and the elevator contractor is critical. Book stacks and carpeting will go out to bid soon, and we anticipate no problem expediting these items ourselves. You may recall that a while back we were disappointed to learn that the conversion might take as long as ten months to complete. This would have altered our schedule of events rather drastically. Recently, however, Mr. Lamarre expressed confidence that, barring any unforeseen crisis, he will complete the work in less than that time. So once again we're optimistic about the possibility of a 1983 opening. This is where we stand today. There are just three other points that deserve brief mention. One is the fact that in any restricted budget, the individual figures are variable. That is to say, some of the costs at Highland will exceed our original projections, but just as surely some will come in under estimate. The important thing to remember is that this remains a $990,000 project, and we wish to emphasize that fact. Another point is that Reading has been a real pioneer among cities and towns pursuing a major construction project under the complex legislation that resulted from the Ward Commission findings in 1980. Compliance with these provisions, which are scattered throughout the General Laws of the Commonwealth, has been time - consuming and sometimes very frustrating. There were few precedents to follow, and often the folks on Beacon Hill were more confused about procedures than we were. We hope that Reading's trail - blazing will benefit those communities that undertake building programs in the future. Point three has to do with the prevailing -wage controversy. Although this issue no longer has bearing on the Highland project, it did come into play earlier, and this is what happened: In September, we were approached by representatives of Associated Builders and Contractors, an open -shop contractors' association. They suggested that we join with them and become a test case in attempting to overturn the allegedly antiquated provisions of Chapter 149, sections 26 -28. This law requires that all municipal construction contracts be awarded at prevailing -wage rates, whether or not they are performed by union firms. We considered ABC's proposal very carefully, because the possibility of substantial savings was not easy to dismiss. But after a number of exchanges with Town Counsel and a review by the Law Committee, there remained unanswered questions as to exactly how much at risk such action might place the project and the Town itself. Perceiving our concern for these factors as a lack of commitment, Associated Builders and Contractors publicly withdrew its offer in November, before we could bring the matter to an informed final vote. In concluding this report, we must observe that the role of a building committee on a public project is supervisory in nature; we set forth the guidelines and act as the watchdogs. What is actually accomplished depends on those who are following through -- in other words, the paid personnel. We've been very fortunate in this respect. Our architect has continued to demonstrate sensitivity to the practical needs of a modern library, the integrity of an historic building, and — most important -- to the realistic limitations of a budget that simply cannot expand, no matter what. And Library Director Barbara Nelson has asumed the day -to -day vigilance of the building program with such enthusiasm, energy, and professional skill that our work has been minimal. Barbara has fielded all the questions and overlooked no detail, right down to the critical placement of every light switch. We think people should be aware of this, because she's also efficiently running a busy library, implementing a new computer system, and mapping out all kinds of programs and services for the future. At Fall Town Meeting, we hope to deliver our Report of Progress in the form of an invitation to the official opening of Reading's new library on Middlesex Avenue. And if this event should occur at an earlier date, you'll be the first to know. Thanks again! HIGHLAND SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Marvin M. Rosenthal, Chairman ASSOCIATES Elia Dangelmaier, Vice - Chairman Virginia Adams Carol Beckwith, Secretary Paul Fermano John Zorabedian, Jr., Treasurer Barbara Nelson Sharon Ofenstein Cherrie Dubois Wayne Lewis William Fowler Beverly Seavey Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 25, 1983 ARTICLE 2. On motion of Johp H, f6assQ it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 18. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 18 from the table. ARTICLE 18. John H. Russell moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a long term lease and /or sell the Reading Railroad Depot and its land consisting of 3.04 acres either in whole or in part, upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen feels is in the best interest of the Town excepting that in the event of a sale the Town set a minimum sales price of Eighty -five Thousand Dollars ($85,000). Said land is described as parcel 1 in deed recorded in the Middlesex South Deeds Book 9713, Page 551, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point on the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street, said point being N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 456.56 feet from the Northerly intersection of the Northerly sideline of Washington Street and the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street; Thence N 30 degrees 45' 24" E a distance of 34.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 56.00 feet to a point; Thence N 30 degrees 45' 24" E a distance of 2.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 16.00 feet to a point; Thence S 30 degrees 45' 24" W a distance of 2.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 31.00 feet to a point; Thence S 30 degrees 45' 24" W a distance of 34.00 feet to a point, said point being on the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street; Thence S 59 degrees 14' 46" E a distance of 103.00 feet along the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street to a point, said point being the point of beginning of this description. Intending to describe a parcel of land having 103.00± feet of frontage and containing 39534± square feet. On motion of Gail F. Wood it was voted that Article 18 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 19. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 19 from the table. ARTICLE 19. John H. Russell moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to file or cause to be filed with the General Court a petition for Special Legislation which would authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a long -term lease for the Reading Railroad Depot and its land consisting of 3.04 acres, either in whole or in part, for a lease - term in excess of ten (10) years, notwithstanding the provisions of General Laws Chapter 40, Section 3 or any other General or Special Law to the contrary. Said land described as follows: Beginning at a point on the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street, said point being N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 456.56 feet from the Northerly intersection of the Northerly sideline of Washington Street and the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street; Thence N 30 degrees 45' 24" E a distance of 34.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 56.00 feet to a point; Thence N 30 degrees 45' 24" E a distance of 2.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 16.00 feet to a point; Thence S 30 degrees 45' 24" W a distance of 2.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 31.00 feet to a point; Thence S 30 degrees 45' 24" W a distance of 34.00 feet to a point, said point being on the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street; Thence S 59 degrees 14' 46" E a distance of 103.00 feet along the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street to a point, said point being the point of beginning of this description. Intending to describe a parcel of land having 103.00± feet of frontage and containing 3,534+ square feet. This Article, as amended by James J. Sulliven, Jr., was voted in the negative. 53 voted in the affirmative 68 voted in the negative ARTICLE 32. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 32 from the table and take it up in advance. I ")4 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 25, 1983 ARTICLE 32. William C. Brown moved that the Board of Selectmen be and hereby are authorized and instructed to sell at public auction land and building now or formerly known as Reading Railroad Depot hereafter described, said auction to be held on or before June 30, 1984. No minimum bid shall be required and that the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) be raised and appropriated to carry out the purpose of this motion. Beginning at a point on the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street, said point being N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 456.56 feet from the Northerly intersection of the Northerly sideline of Washington Street and the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street; Thence N 30 degrees 45' 24" E a distance of 34.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 56.00 feet to a point; Thence N 30 degrees 45' 24" E a distance of 2.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 16.00 feet to a point; Thence S 30 degrees 45' 24" W a distance of 2.00 feet to a point; Thence N 59 degrees 14' 46" W a distance of 31.00 feet to a point; Thence S 30 degrees 45' 24" W a distance of 34.00 feet to a point, said point being on the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street; Thence S 59 degrees 14' 46" E a distance of 103.00 feet along the Northeasterly sideline of Lincoln Street to a point, said point being the point of beginning of this description. Intending to describe a parcel of land having 103.00± feet of frontage and containing 3,534+ square feet. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that Article 32 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 32. Maureen T. O'Brien moved for reconsideration of Article 32. On motion of Nils L. Nordberg it was voted that Maureen T. O'Brien's motion for reconsideration of Article 32 be laid on the table. ARTICLE 22. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 22 from the table. ARTICLE 22. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that Article 22 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 27. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 27 from the table. ARTICLE 27. On motion of John H. Russell, as amended by Mary S. Ziegler, it was voted that the Town establish a system of parking fees for those cars parked on Town owned land bordered by High St., Lincoln St., Washington St. and including Lot 51 shown on the Assessor's plans on Plat 63 commonly known as the Depot Parking Lot and for cars parked on High St., Lincoln St., Washington St., Chute St., Woburn St., and Prescott St. between Washington and Chute Streets, and that the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for materials necessary to implement these fees. ARTICLE 37. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to take Article 37 from the table. ARTICLE 37. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted that the Town amend the Town's Zoning By -laws by renumbering the present Section 2.2.12. as Section 2.2.12.1. and inserting the following definition as Section 2.2.12.2." 2.2.12.2. FLOOR AREA, NET: Shall be the actual occupied area not including hallways, stairs, mechanical spaces and not including the thickness of exterior or interior walls. 97 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative ARTICLE 38. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to take Article 38 from the table. ARTICLE 38. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted that the Town amend the Town's Zoning By -laws by inserting in Section 4.2.2., Table of Uses, the following as the first line under ACCESSORY USES: Adjourned Annual Town Meeting RESIDENCE 5 -10 A -40 A -80 BUS S -20 A 5 -40 April 25, 1983 BUS BUS IND B C Accessory Apartment SPA SPA NO SPA No No No 98 Voted in the affirmative 3 voted in the negative ARTICLE 40. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted to take Article 40 from the table. ARTICLE 40. On motion of Maureen Rich it was voted that the Town amend the Town's Zoning By -laws by adding the words "or accessory apartment," in the Table of Section 6.1.1.3. following the words, "each room offered for rent" so that the off - street parking requirement for a One Family detached house shall read: Principal Use Minimum Number of Off- Minimum Number of Street Parking Spaces Off - Street Loading Required and Unloading Spaces Required One family Two spaces plus one space None detached for each room offered for house rent or accessory apartment, and in the event that the said house is lawfully used for the business or profession of the occupant, one additional space for each two rooms used for said business or profession 93 voted in the affirmative 4 voted in the negative ARTICLE 43. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted to take Article 43 from the table. ARTICLE 43. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted that the Town amend the Town of Reading General By -laws, Article XXXII, Section 4, Paragraph 1, by adding the following wording at the end of said paragraph: ", except a project review charge shall be imposed according to the following schedule: a) Wetlands By -Law Hearing - $25.00 (i.e. dwelling, tennis court, swimming pool, bridge, etc.) b) Multiple dwelling units - $25.00 per dwelling unit c) Commercial and industrial projects - $25.00 plus $5.00 per $10,000 of established general construction cost over $100,000.00 d) Town projects are exempt from review charges." ARTICLE 51. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that Article 51 be taken up out of order. ARTICLE 51. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($5,900) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for members of the Fire Department. ARTICLE 52. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that Article 52 be taken up out of order. ARTICLE 52. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of protective clothing for members of the Auxiliary Fire Service. 10'' Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 25, 1983 ARTICLE 53. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that Article 53 be taken up out of order. ARTICLE 53. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that Article 53 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 54. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 54 be taken up out of order. ARTICLE 54. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred Seventy -Five Dollars ($15,375) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Police and Fire Indemnification. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 28, 1983, in the Reading Memorial High School. Meeting adjourned at 10:25 P. M. 139 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk