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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-04-09 Annual Town Meeting MinutesADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING FIRST BUSINESS SESSION Reading Memorial High School April 9, 1984 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 the Rev. David W. Reid of the First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, when on motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant except the Officer's Return which was then read by the Town Clerk. ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Russell T. Graham for the Finance Committee. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that this report be accepted as a report of progress. Mr. Moderator: Let us begin Town Meeting with an update as to our financial condition. In this evening's handout, and on the screen we show our needs for FY 1985 which bring us to the amount allowable to be raised under the restraints of proposition 2Y2. (refer to & review screen presentation.) As you can see, despite an increase of over $400,000.00 in State aid and an increase over last year of $200,000.00 from the Municipal Light Dept. we must go to the stabilization fund in order to provide essential services to the Town. Negotiations, as of this moment, go on. Salaries in the FY85 budget are thus at the same level as FY84. The Finance Committee will request under the reserve fund an additional $330,000.00 to cover expenses when negotiations are complete. The budget as presented to you allows for a 2Y2% increase. If Town Meeting approves the budget advised by the Finance Committee, then any increases above 2Y2% must come from either a reduction in expenses and /or a reduction in personnel. The budget as presented to you calls for $306,000.00 to be expended from the stabilization fund. Since we are at the limits of proposition 2Y2, any amount over the amount advised by the Finance Committee must come from further depletion of the stabilization account. The Finance Committee cautions Town Meeting that if the stabilization fund were to be depleted in FY85, the outlook for FY 86 would be extremely bleak. The figures on the screen show the status of the stabilization fund. We will have on July 1st $642,000.00. We are advising expending $306,000.00 leaving available $336,000.00 for the next fiscal year on which interest would accrue of $48,600 leaving $384,600.00 for use in FY86. The amount of $384,600.00 is an extremely low amount to have for the next fiscal year. The Town has seen extraordinary increases in pensions and group insurance as well as being extremely salary intensive. Of the total anticipated Town controlled appropriations of $25,113,743, $16,258,153.00 represents salary and fringe benefits. 65% of our appropriations are thus salary related. A minimal increase in any or all of these salary related items in FY86 would eliminate the remainder of the stabilization fund. That remaining amount in the stabilization account is 2.4% of the salary related amount. In this year alone fringe related expense rose by 21 %. In light of the likelihood of negotiated contracts having a 2 year effect, it would make sense to retain this amount in the stabilization fund for the next fiscal year. It has been our course of action to base our advice to the Town through the rough years of prop 2Y2 on the assumption of an expansion of the tax base through industrial development. It is with great regret that we see that issue so severely clouded by the events of the past few months. Those of us who spend an inordinate amount of our time looking at the financial picture of our Town are frightened. We are frightened by the outlook for the Town for if our expenses increase at the rate dramatically pictured on the back of the Fincom Report while our revenues are restricted to a 2Y2% increase, it does not take much stretch of the intellect to realize that the quality of life enjoyed by Reading will rapidly deteriorate. For Reading did not become the unique community we love because of a magic touch from some celestial being. (Although that may have helped.) It is that special place because this body Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 has had the wisdom and the economic means to support the Town government which provides the services that make Reading what it is. That economic means is now severely restricted by law and we face the challenge of continuing to provide that service under these revised conditions. The only avenue available to the Town for providing that means is the expansion of the tax base. Without an expansion of that tax base and with the continuance of proposition 2S4 and with our expenses continuing to spiral upwards (all of which are reasonable assumptions) let there be no mistake on the part of any citizen of Reading. The quality of life in this Town will begin a very rapid deterioration. The Fire Chief cannot respond to emergencies, the Police Chief cannot insure safety, the Board of Public Works cannot maintain physical assets and Dr. Wells cannot manage the education of our chiMren unless they have the dollars available to do so. It is a plain practical simple and undeniable fact of life which we cannot ignore and which will not disappear. We have perhaps another year of the stabilization fund left. We must begin now to devise the strategy to get us through the lean years to come. As I mentioned in the fall, in the final analysis it is you "the members of Town Meeting" who will determine that strategy. Study committees, Blue Ribbon committees, Ad Hoc committees may come and may go with frightening frequency, but when all is said and done the final decision, the final determination of priority is yours. Under these economic conditions, which we now encounter, it will not be an easy role to assume for hard and unpopular decisions will have to be made. The essence of how our Town is governed must be re- emphasized, that is government by Town Meeting. The tail does not wag the dog, the dog wags the tail. Boards and Committees do not and should not present absolutes as if they were 'fait accompli' to Town Meeting for response. Rather, Town Meeting must present priorities, guidelines and direction to the Boards and Committees and Town Meeting has every right to expect those directions to be carried out and maintains the power of the purse to emphasize that authority. In the fragmented form of Town government we now live with it is virtually impossible and unrealistic to expect individual Boards understandably loyal to their own interests to conduct themselves with a total awareness of the needs of the Town as a whole. That perspective, under such fragmentation is best exercised by you, the representative of the people as a whole. Because of these economic restraints, because of the crying need for prioritization of efforts and dollars, because of the bleak forecast of our economic future it becomes imperative that Town Meeting fully assume the leadership role and authority that our form of government calls for. It is only such a re- emphasis of your authority judiciously applied that will allow us to maintain the quality of life in Reading under the restraints now imposed on us. It remains the belief of your Finance Committee that working together with firm direction from Town Meeting and with the expansion of our tax base, the Town of Reading can maintain its unique quality of life. It will not be an easy road but for those of us who love our community, it is a pursuit well worth all of our effort. Our financial condition now demands it. Thank you Mr. Moderator. ARTICLE 2. The following "State of the Town" report presented by Maureen T. O'Brien was accepted as a report of progress. STATUS REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1984 BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN In fulfillment of the requirements of the Town By -Laws the Board of Selectmen is pleased to submit the following report on the State of the Town. Unlike the Annual Reports of Boards and Committees this Status Report is meant to provide an overview of the Town, detailing both the positive and negative aspects which have, are or must be addressed. It is neither a report of what has been accomplished nor a projection of what needs to be done but rather, is a view of the Town as it is today. Let us begin by reviewing each of the Town Governmental functions and highlight those areas which can or have been significantly impacted enough to effect a change in their circumstances. Annual Town Meeting General Govennment Services April 9, 1984 This past month, Reading proudly opened the new library facility at the site of the former Highland School. This event marked the end of a 30 year effort by many tenacious and dedicated proponents of a new library. They deserve the heartfelt gratitude of the Town's people for perservering and for a job well done. On a less positive note, Town government offices located in the Town Hall and Community Center have for years been coping with trying to adequately serve the Reading community in over - crowded and inconvenient working conditions. However, the electrical system in Town Hall is being repaired and the telephone system is being reviewed to correct deficiencies in both areas. Last Fall, Town Meeting both rejected the recommendations of its Space Committee and established yet another committee. Its recommendations on how best to utilize the vacant library building and Town Hall complex will be offered for action to this Town Meeting. Do we dare hope for an answer to our space questions or has this issue become such a perennial favorite that if resolved, would be sorely missed? Voter apathy continues to dismay those associated with the election process, in spite of efforts by the League of Women Voters and the Reading Chronicle to get out the vote and the increased visibility of the candidates on Cable T.V. It is ironic, that this past month the National primary elections drew five times as many Reading voters to the polls as did the local elections even though the everyday life of the Reading citizen is affected in very tangible ways by those elected locally. None of us can become complacent about this problem. Our vote is the preventative medicine for good government. Neglect it and disease will most assuredly follow. On a more positive note the cultural climate of the Town has been enhanced by the efforts of the Reading Arts Council. Armed with funds from the State Arts Lottery, this committee has worked hard to increase public awareness of the Town's rich cultural environment. The Reading problem commonly known as the Woburn Odor, is slowly working toward resolution with the cooperative effort of the Stauffer Chemical Company. Reading's Hazardous Waste Committee, well known for its talent and dedication, has been active in providing input and support to the D.E.Q.E. and E.P.A. in developing the engineering plans for the clean -up. These plans are in the final stage of development. It is expected that both the State and Federal Superfunds will be tapped in the eventual clean -up of this site. The Hazardous Waste Committee is also working with local merchants in documenting the presence and disposal of materials considered hazardous under new regulations. Housing for the elderly and low and moderate income families continues to be a problem without easy solutions. The Reading Housing Authority has submitted applications to the State for funds to rehabilitate existing housing stock for family housing. The picture has been made somewhat brighter this year for those who are now living in Sanborn Place, the newest elderly housing complex off Bay State Road. The new Accessory Apartment By- Law, coupled with the Section 8 Housing and the Fuel Assistance programs have provided relief to some but certainly not all of Reading's needy. Public Services The Board of Public Works is grappling with two major issues - potential relocation of its public works facility which will be aired at length at this Town Meeting and the completion of the Town's new water treatment plant. Both of these are receiving the able scrutiny of the Town's new Public Works Superintendent Anthony Fletcher who succeeded E. Roger Louanis after his untimely death. Roger will be missed both personally and professionally for a long time to come. Public Safety The Reading Police Department has had and will experience over the next year a number of changes of its personnel through retirements, new hires and promotions. This has been accomplished while still maintaining its historically high degree of police protection. Crime statistics for this community continue to be favorable when compared to surrounding Towns. More effective and on -going training programs for police personnel is being emphasized. The physical plant of the station itself will require air conditioning for its new communication facility and a generator for emergency power, both of which will be addressed by this body. The Reading Fire Department continues to provide excellent fire protection services. More emphasis is being given to prevention and inspection of business facilities. These Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 factors have allowed for a excellent Fire rating for the Town giving homeowners favorable insurance rates. With this Town Meeting's favorable vote, the Weak Chief Law will become effective for the Fire Department. The Central Fire Station Floor in danger of collapse four years ago was provided a temporary repair because it was hoped that a new building would be built within five years. The situation in this building is of serious enough concern that the Board of Selectmen are unanimous in seeking Town Meeting's assistance in remedying this situation. A Public Safety Committee, established to review safety programs in the Town, has offered its final report to the Board of Selectmen. It would appear that much is being offered to school children in grades one through eight by the Police, Fire and School Departments. The Board of Selectmen is considering, though, whether pre- schoolers and adults would benefit from an increased safety awareness program and how best to coordinate this effort. General Services and Environment With the retirement of the Reading agent, veterans services for this town have been reorganized with the town of Wilmington into a regional program. The Wilmington agent and the Reading Town Treasurer will continue to provide the same services to the veterans of both Towns at a substantially reduced cost to Reading. Finances One of the most important aspects of the State of the Town is its financial health. In the past Reading has been fortunate over the years in being able to provide a very decent standard of government services with a reasonable level of expenditure. However, four years ago the State of Massachusetts voted in the tax limiting statute commonly known as Proposition 2'/z. The voters of Reading overwhelmingly supported this measure. The next year, Town Meeting voted to establish a stabilization fund, with the monies provided through a one time tax windfall from the State rather than to use these funds to reduce taxes at that time. This step was taken as a means of providing sound financial planning for the future. These two votes both with large majorities were a statement that the citizens of Reading wanted to retain the level of services they'd come to appreciate and would be willing to pay a modest level to taxes to retain those services. Today, that statement is being tested. Even if this Town Meeting votes as the Finance Committee recommends and even if labor negotiations produce a setlement within reason, a major portion of the stabilization fund will have been expended, leaving the Town little, if any resources to absorb future increases in insurance, retirement, salaries and the normal impact of inflation on Town Department budget overall. It should be noted that Retirement and Medical insurance alone in FY 1984 increased more than one half million dollars or 23% over the amount expended in FY 1983. Needless to say increases such as these cannot long be absorbed within the framework of Propsition 2yz without seriously affecting services and the level of manpower. As it is, the Town's financial picture will have become inflexible by this year's end unless added revenues have been found. During the time of this Town Meeting, you, its members, will be asked to address the rescission of previous Town Meeting votes on the sale of the John Street land to TASC. Those votes will affect the Town's future in two ways: its ability to provide for its citizens in the future and more importantly, the credibility of this Town Meeting body. What intelligent developer after researching the history of TASC, wouyld invest its predevelopment resources in a Town where its word or vote could not be trusted? Negotiations on the sale of this land are in progress, representatives of TASC and the Board of Selectmen are cautiously working toward an agreement. However, a purchase and sale agreement will not be signed before the April 23, 1984 Special Town Meeting has spoken. In the meantime, it is important that those involved in this issue speak with level heads, controlled hearts and clear voices. It is imperative that facts are facts, numbers are correct and statistics don't lie. The outcome of these deliberations and votes will have major implications for many years to come. In conclusion, while we cannot afford to be complacent we need not be pessimistic. There are problems but there is also every reason to believe that equitable solutions can be found. Reding is a resourceful Town. One caution, though must be taken. We must not allow ourselves the luxury of becoming divided over issues but instead recognize that none of us are perfect or expert at everything. We are all ordinary people, friends and neighbors seeking a common goal which is to continue for another year by our collective efforts a 350 year tradition of good government. Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 ARTICLE 2. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien, the following report presented by Daniel A. Ensminger for the Industrial Development Commission was accepted as a report of progress. REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO TOWN MEETING April 9, 1984 The Industrial Development Commission has the responsibility of investigating the potential for commercial use or re -use of town -owned land. The charter that has evolved for the IDC has three principal elements: 1. Review and evaluate parcels of town land that are potential industrial /commercial sites. 2. Review and evaluate proposals received by the town of Reading for reuse or development of town owned property for industrial /commercial usage. 3. Perform any duties requested by the Board of Selectmen consistent with the above. The major effort of the Commission since our beginnings in 1980 has centered on the study of the landfill. Because of its extreme importance to the town and a certain amount of timeliness involved in the topic, I would like to spend a little time this evening elaborating on the Commission's progress and findings to date. In 1981, the IDC developed a plan for reviewing the potential value and development possibilities of the dump. The plan called for careful study and review of all information available both locally and at the State and Federal levels. This included a review of the report that was completed for the town of Reading in 1975 by the Sasaki Associates, which dealt with the dump site and several other concerns of the town at that time. The Commission also met with or communicated with the State Department of Commerce, the DEQE, the Massachusetts Area Planning Council, and other relevant agencies. Additionally, communications were sent to all town boards and committees that might have some interest in the development of this land. Where requested, meetings or conversations were held with those boards or committees. As a result of hese meeting, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council agreed to perform a 200 -hour research study to explore development feasibility at the dump site. The MAPC issued their report in February 1982, covering such topics as alternative uses of the land, possible problems with methane, potential difficulties in development, and other information that would be useful. The MAPC study was limited to research and did not include any engineering probes, coring, and so forth, at the site. It did, however, lay out a timetable and plan for researching the landfill's re- development potential. With this study in hand, the IDC appeared before Town Meeting in Spring 1982 and sought and received funding for further exploration of the landfill. Whitman & Howard, Inc., an engineering firm specializing in the analysis of groundwater contamination and building foundation requirements, was hired to perform extensive geohydrological studies on the landfill and vicinity. Their findings, reported in the Fall of 1983, indicated the presence of methane and poor soil conditions for foundations, but essentially ruled out any problem due to pollution of surrounding surface and groundwaters by the landfill. Methane and foundation considerations are problems which have not prevented the successful development of other landfills in the past. One example of a landfill developed successfully by the private sector is the Wellington Circle complex in Malden. In terms of our landfill's immediate future, here is what we know: All commercial dumping will stop as of the end of June, 1984, according to the BPW's timetable. A permanent closure of the landfill will then be put into effect, per state DEQE requirements, upon approval of the plan by the DEQE. A one -year monitoring period is required by the state to make sure that no water is entering the landfill, but no specific control beyond that point is legally mandated. An additional consideration is liability under the new Massachusetts Superfund Law. While the implications of this law on landfill re -use are currently under study, it is the opinion of Whitman & Howard personnel that unless a wide - scale release of oil, gasoline, or toxic substance is discovered at the landfill, the Superfund legislation does not pose a barrier to landfill re -use. While we have not probed every square foot of the landfill, all present indications are that no such widespread contamination exists. In summary, although future study is needed, we can state our belief, as a commission, that the John Street landfill should be suitable for commercial or industrial development in the near future. The Commission will continue its efforts to fully explore the development potential of the landfill and the implication of that development. Furthermore, we will keep the Selectmen and Town Meeting informed of our progress so that any decision regarding this property will be made from an informed position. Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 I want to reiterate, in closing, that the Industrial Development Commission's purpose is to provide direction for future development of town -ownrd land in order to assure that additional revenue sources are available to the Town. Given the bleak financial picture painted by the Finance Committee, this is an extremely timely issue. To paraphrase Mr. Nordstrand's comments at last fall's Town Meeting, Reading is poised for substantial economic growth through redevelopment of the entire John Street area. This economic potential should be, and probably is, the envy of many surrounding towns. It's time we all got on with this important task. Daniel A. Ensminger Chairman ARTICLE 2. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table. ARTICLE 4. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler it was voted that Article 4 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 5. Maureen T. O'Brien moved that the Town vote to amend Article I, Section 2 and 4 of the General By -Laws of the Town by deleting the time of 117:30 P.M." wherever it appears and substituting therefor 118:00 P.M." so that Sections 2 and 4 shall read as follows: "Section 2. All business of the Annual Town Meeting, except the election of such officers and the determination of such matters as required by law to be elected or determined by ballot, shall be considered at an adjournment of such meeting to be held at 8:00 P.M. on the second Monday in April except if this day shall fall on a legal holiday, in which case the meeting shall be held on the following day, or at a further adjournment thereof. A subsequent Town Meeting shall be held on the second Monday in November to consider and act on all business as may properly come before it, except the adoption of the annual operating budget, except if this day shall fall on a legal holiday, in which case the meeting shall be held on the following day." "Section 4. Adjourned sessions of every Annual Town Meeting, after the first adjourned session provided for in Section 2 of this Article, and all sessions of every subsequent Town Meeting, shall be held on the following Thursday at 8:00 P.M. and then on the following Monday at 8:00 P.M. and on consecutive Mondays and Thursdays unless a resolution to adjourn to another time is adopted by a majority vote of the Town Meeting Members present and voting." This Article was voted in the Negative. 52 voted in the affirmative, 91 voted in the negative. ARTICLE 6. Ellen C. Childress moved that the Town add to its By -Laws under Article XXI the following as being Section 7. As used in this section, "smoking" means the lighting of or the having in one's possession of any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other tobacco product. As used in this section, "restaurant" means a restaurant with a seating capacity of twenty -five (25) or more persons. No person shall smoke in any restaurant except in specifically designated smoking areas. This prohibition does not apply to areas used for a private social function and such seating areas used for a private social function shall not be counted for the purpose of calculating percentages of seats in the remainder of the restaurant. Smoking areas may be designated by the proprietors or other person in charge of a restaurant, except in places in which smoking is prohibited by the fire marshal or by other law or regulation. (Smoking areas designated so shall comprise no more than seventy -five (75) percent of the seating capacity of the restaurant.) Where smoking areas are designated, existing physical barriers and ventilation systems shall be used to minimize the toxic effect of smoke on persons in adjacent no- smoking areas. In the case of restaurants consisting of a single room, the provisions of this section shall be considered met if one side of the room is reserved and posted as a no- smoking area, (provided that the no- smoking area comprises no less than twenty -five (25) per cent of the seating capacity of the restaurant.) The proprietor or other person in charge of a restaurant shall make reasonable efforts to prevent smoking in the no- smoking areas of the restaurant by (a) posting appropriate signs; (b) arranging seating to provide a smoke -free area; (c) asking smokers to refrain from smoking in the no- smoking area upon request of a client, patron or employee suffering discomfort from the smoke. Any person who smokes in a no- smoking area shall be subject to a fine of not less than ten (10) nor more than thirty (30) dollars for each offense. The Board of Health or any person(s) aggrieved by the willful failure of the proprietor or other person in charge of a restaurant to comply with any provision of this section may apply for injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of this section in any court of competent jurisdiction. �)C) C) Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 The Board of Health may adopt rules and regulations it determines necessary and reasonable to implement and enforce the provisions of this By -Law. Any rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Board of Health under this Section shall be published at least once in a newspaper, if any, published in the Town, otherwise in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the Town. Nothing in this section shall make lawful smoking in any area in which smoking is or hereafter may be prohibited by law. If any provision of this section is declared invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions shall not be affected thereby. This motion was voted in the Negative. ARTICLE 7. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of General Laws Chapter 48, Section 42A relating to the establishment of a Fire Department under the direction of the Selectmen, which acceptance pursuant to Chapter 362 of the Acts of 1983 will be deemed to rescind the Town's 1929 acceptance of General Laws Chapter 48, Section 42. 75 voted in the affirmative 52 voted in the negative ARTICLE 8. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted that the vote passed under Article 4 at a Special Town Meeting held on June 23, 1966 be amended by striking the following: "all veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States in time of war or insurrection and who have been honorably discharged from such service." and substituting the following: "all persons who died while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and veterans who had served in active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have been honorable discharged." so that said vote shall read as follows: "VOTED that the Cemetery Trustees be, and they hereby are, authorized and empowered to provide an additional plot of ground in the Charles Street Cemetery as they may determine is suitable for burial of all persons who died while on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and veterans who had served in active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have been honorably discharged, the custody of such plot to be in the Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves, and that the control of the plot set aside, in conformance with the vote under Article 6 in the Special Town Meeting of November 30, 1936, be transferred from Reading Post 62 of the American Legion to the Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves." ARTICLE 9. On motion of Bayard R. Lincoln it was voted that the Town amend "Schedule B - Classification Plan" of the Personnel By -Laws by adding to Grade 6, a position title of: "Fire Department Dispatcher" ARTICLE 10.On motion of Bayard R. Lincoln it was voted that Article 10 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 11. Douglass L. Barker moved to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court for a special act authorizing the Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading, or its designated representative or representatives, to act as "Employer" or "Public Employer" and represent the Town for all purposes of collective bargaining under G.L.C. 150E, or otherwise, with all employees and /or bargaining units under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Board of Public Works and /or the Board of Cemetery Trustees notwithstanding any provision of G.L.C. 150E, any other general or special law or any provision of the general By -Laws of the Town of Reading to the contrary. This motion was voted in the Negative. ARTICLE 12. On motion of Russell T. Graham it was voted that the Capital Outlay Plan as provided for under Article III, Section II of the By -Laws of the Town as adopted at the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 1983 be amended as follows: FY 85 REDUCE TO as follows: Public Works Roadway Reconstruction 219.0 Storm Drain Construction 155.0 Equipment Replacement 95.5 Parks and Playgrounds 25.9 Police Department Generator 15.0 Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 " Fire Department Foam Bank Replacement 4.8 FY 85 INCREASE TO as follows: Public Works Street Betterment 38.3 FY: 85 ADD as follows: Public Works Sewer System Reconstruction 50.7 Police Department Radio Equipment 16.0 Air Conditioner 1.6 FY 85 DELETE as follows: Public works Sidewalk Reconstruction 21.0 Sidewalk Construction 15.0 Police Department Traffic Lights 250.0 Fire Department Fire Station 50.0 ARTICLE 13: On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the Town authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning July 1, 1984, in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with the General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17. ARTICLE 14. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler it was voted that Article 14 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 15. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted that Article 15 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 16 (1 - 8) On Motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Fifty -Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy -One Dollars ($158,871) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Board of Selectmen as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $96,756.00 Expense (including out of State travel $ 7,590.00 not to exceed $300) Miscellaneous $54,525.00 Special Commitees $ 300 Town Report $ 3,400 Telephone $ 33,825 MemorialDay Observance $ 1,500 Duplicating Costs $ 13,500 Fuel Assistance $ 2,000 ARTICLE 16 (9) On motion of Russell T. Graham it was voted to lay line item 9, on the table. ARTICLE 16 (10) On motion of Mary S. Ziegler it was voted that the sum of Fifty - Two Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($52,800.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to Election and Registration Expense. ARTICLE 16 (11) On motion of Mary S. Ziegler it was voted that the sum of One Thousand One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,150.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Board of Registrars. ARTICLE 16 (12 -14) On motion of Russell T. Graham it ws voted that the sum of Twenty -Seven Thousand Two Hundred Seventy -Eight Dollars ($27,278) be raised from the tax rl -) A Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 levy and appropriated to the Finance Committee as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 1,928.00 Expense $ 350.00 C.P.A. Audit $ 25,000.00 ARTICLE 16 (15 -16) On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Fifty -Four Thousand Two Hundred Seven Dollars ($54,207) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Town Accountant as follows; each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 52,857.00 Expense (including out of State travel $ 1,350.00 not to exceed $200) ARTICLE 16 (17 -20) On motion of John H. Russell as amended by George J. Shannon it was voted that the sum of Eighty -Three Thousand Five Hundred Eighty -Two Dollars ($83,582) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Board of Assessors as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Assessors Salaries $ 8,620.00 Appraisor & Clerical $ 69,262.00 Expense $ 5,700.00 and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts the Assessors' salaries are hereby set effective July 1, 1984 totalling Eight Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars ($8,620) to be divided as they choose. ARTICLE 16 (21 -24) On motion of C. Dewey Smith it was voted that the sum of Eighty Five Thousand Three Hundred Thirty -Five Dollars ($85,335) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Tax Collector as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Tax Collector's Salary $ 10,775.00 Clerical Salaries $ 59,185.00 Expense $ 10,375.00 Collection of Back Taxes $ 5,000.00 and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts the Tax Collector's salary is hereby set effective July 1, 1984 at Ten Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy -Five Dollars ($10,775). ARTICLE 16 (25 -28) Elizabeth W. Klepeis moved that the sum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500) be transferred from the Municipal Light Department's Maintenance and Operations Account to the Treasurer's Salary Account, and that the sum of Seventy -Two Thousand Six Hundred Nine Dollars ($72,609) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totaling Eighty Thousand One Hundred Nine Dollars ($80,109) be appropriated to the Treasurer as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 68,209.00 Expense (including out of State travel $ 8,900.00 not to exceed (450) Tax Title $ 3,000.00 and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts the Treasurer's salary is hereby set effective July 1, 1984 at Twenty -Six Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Dollars ($26,950). On motion of Gail F. Wood it was voted to lay line items 25 - 28 on the table. ARTICLE 16 (29 -32) Maureen T. O'Brien moved that the sum of Sixty -Two Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($62,900.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Town Clerk as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 53,845.00 Expense (including out of State travel $ 5,455.00 not to exceed $250) Word Processor $ 3,600.00 Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1984 and in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 108 of the General Laws of Massachusetts the Town Clerk's salary is hereby set effective July 1, 1984 at Ten Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy -Five Dollars ($10,775). On motion of Paul E. Landers it was voted to lay line items 29 - 32 on the table. ARTICLE 16 (21 -24) On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted unanimously to reconsider line items 21 - 24. ARTICLE 16 (21 -24) On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay line items 21 - 24 on the table. ARTICLE 16 (33 -35A) On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Four Hundred Fifty -Four Dollars ($2,454) be transferred from legal fees and that the sum of Thirty -Six Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty -Six Dollars ($36,836) be transferred from the Municipal Light Departments Operation and Maintenance Account and that the sum of Ten Thousand Three Hundred Forty Dollars ($10,340) be transferred from the Municipal Water Operation and Maintenance Account and that the sum of Six Thousand One Hundred Thirty -Nine Dollars ($6,139) be transferred from the Municipal Sewer Operations and Maintenance Account, and that the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) be transferred from Article 31 ATM 1982, and that the sum of Two Hundred Forty -Two Thousand One Hundred Forty -One Dollars ($242,141) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Three Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Ten Dollars ($307,910) be appropriated to the Law Committee as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Legal Services - Town Counsel Fees $ 75,000.00 Legal Services - Special Fees $ 39,300.00 Labor Counsel $15,000.00 Assessors $10,000.00 Workman's Compensation $14,300.00 Legal Services - Expense $ 7,500.00 Workman's Compensation $ 186,110.00 On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 12th, 1984, in the Reading Memorial High School auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:40 P. M. 162 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: /La ren rew To Clerk