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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-03 Annual Town Meeting MinutesADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING W. S. Parker Jr. High School May 3, 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. Lynn Euzenas of the Old South United Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 42. On motion of Nils L. Nordberg it was voted that the sum of Thirty -Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000.00) be raised by borrowing under the provisions of General Law Chapter 44 and appropriated to the Municipal Space Building Committee for acquiring architectural and engineering services for the purpose of developing plans and specifications for satisfying the Town's municipal space needs through remodeling, reconstructing, modifying, or adding to the Town Hall /Old Library complex located on Lowell Street, said funds to be expended under the direction of the Municipal Space Building Committee, and that the Municipal Space Building Committee be and it hereby is authorized to enter into any and all contracts and agreements necessary therefore and incidental thereto and to do all other acts and things necessary or proper for carrying out the provisions of this vote. 96 voted in the affirmative 8 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required The following Interim Report was presented by Mr. Nordberg in support of this Motion. MUNICIPAL SPACE BUILDING COMMITTEE Interim Report to Town Meeting "As can be observed, the Town is cramped for space and it is probable that in the not too distant future a new building or an annex to our present municipal building will have to be constructed...." A quotation from the Town Report of 1936, as reprinted in the Municipal Space Study of 1983. Clearly, the motion that authorized this, the most recent of many municipal office studies, was not a new idea in response to a new problem. Municipal office space has been a matter of concern for a long time, and our committee consequently has had the benefit of being able to draw from reports of similar studies in 1964, 1979 and 1982 as well as the 1983 study quoted above. We are grateful to the dedicated citizens who labored on these prior committees for the work they did. Our committee has also benefitted from greater guidance from Town Meeting, as exhibited in several actions of recent years by that body. Town Meeting authorized the conversion of the Highland School for use as Reading's new Library, leaving the old library building available for reuse. Town Meeting authorized the sale of the Community Center (Old High School), creating the need to relocate Town offices now in that building. Town Meeting voted against moving the administrative office of the Town from the area of the Town Common to the soon -to -be -empty Pearl Street School. Town Meeting authorized the sale of the land and buildings now occupied by the Department of Public Works, resulting in a review of potential sites for relocating the DPW, and giving the Board of Public Works a cause to consider consolidating its administrative facilities into whatever new building complex is developed to house its operating facilities. These Town Meeting actions, plus the wording of our charter, clearly outline the narrow scope of our study. Looking at our existing Town Hall and old Library, with some ideas for additional space to be constructed on the same site, we will be seeking to develop a layout of administrative units in relationships with one another which will best serve the Town and allow some possible operating cost savings through consolidations or reassignment of space and people. Working largely from data developed by our predecessor committees, refined by additional interviews and discussions through four months of meetings, some basic assumptions have been tabulated as to space available, space required, space to be gained by renovating and space to be gained by new construction. We have also generated some cost estimates and structural concepts. It is not our continued input of town officers, administrators and individuals as we all professionals to be engaged to conceptualize, develop and construct a Reading's Hydra- headed Town Government. work with the new home for 4 J Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1984 The tabulation of estimates of new space to be available in the proposed complex does, however, develop about 16,000 square feet as being compatible with the existing two buildings, the available land at the site, and the availability of parking to support the complex. The office, meeting and storage space requirements of all boards, officers and departments considered likely prospective occupants of the complex was projected by a prior committee at about 24,000 square feet. Clearly not all can be accommodated. This committee, therefore, recommends that the complex to be developed on this site should house the departments as shown in the tabulation of proposed allocation, with the School Department administration remaining at their current location or moving to some space within buildings now under their control, with Civil Defense being accommodated at the new DPW facility, and with the engineering and most of the administrative portion of the Board of Public Works also at the new DPW facility. For the purposes of continuing the development of this plan, the committee is requesting the sum of $35,000 to acquire architectural and engineering services for developing plans and specifications. The committee wishes to acknowledge the interest, help and cooperation of the Reading Town officials and private citizens who were of great help to us in our deliberations. Nils N. Nordberg Gerald A. Fiore Henry A. Higgott Paul E. Landers Stanley M. Nissen Philip Pacino Arthur Polychrones Mary S. Ziegler Chairman Professional Engineer Board of Selectmen School Committee Finance Committee Liaison Board of Public Works ARTICLE 43. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche as amended by Nathan C. White it was voted that the Town Meeting authorize, empower and instruct the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading to sell or convey for a minimum of $50,000.00 and on such terms and conditions as they may consider proper to Thomas L. McManus and Rose M. McManus, the following described property: Beginning at a point 161.76 feet and bearing N. 35 degrees 29' 00" E. from the Northeasterly side line of John Street; THENCE running by land of the Town of Reading N. 35 degrees 29' 00" E. 90.00 feet to a point; THENCE turning and running by said land of the Town of Reading S. 54 degrees 13' 32" E. 175.84 feet to a point; THENCE turning and running by land of Thomas L. and Rose M. McManus S. 63 degrees 09' 48" W. 101.36 feet to a point; THENCE turning and running by said land of Thomas L. and Rose M. McManus N. 54 degrees 13' 32" W. 128.76 feet to the point of beginning. Said parcel of land containing 13,707 square feet. 106 voted in the affirmative 11 voted in the negative ARTICLE 19. On motion of Leslie H. York it was voted to take Article 19 from the table. ARTICLE 19. On motion of Curt E. Nitzsche it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be instructed to employ a full time Dog Officer for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of Article XXII of the By -Laws of the Town of Reading and that the sum of Twenty -One Thousand Dollars ($21,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for that purpose as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salary $ 16,000.00 Expense 5,000.00 21,000.00 ARTICLE 44. On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the Town transfer $40,000.00 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cost of living reimbursement and appropriate to a Special Town Pension Fund all in accordance with the provisions of General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5D. ARTICLE 45. On motion of Russell t. Graham it was voted that Article 45 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 20. On motion of William L. Childress it was voted to take Article 20 from the table. 214 � Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1984 ARTICLE 20. On motion of William L. Childress it was voted that the sum of $2,000.00 be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Conservation Commission to be used for the Town's participation in the State Public Building Water Conservation Program. ARTICLE 16. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take Article 16 from the table. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take line item 9 from the table. ARTICLE 16 (9) On motion of Russell T. Graham it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) be raised from the tax levy and be appropriated to the Reserve Fund. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take line items 17 - 19 from the table. ARTICLE 16 (17 -19) On motion of Robert I. Nordstrand 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. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take line items 21 - 24 from the table. 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). On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take line items 25 - 28 from the table. ARTICLE 16 (25 -28) On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis as amended by Maureen T. O'Brien it ws voted 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 -One Thousand Three Hundred Eleven Dollars ($71,311) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totaling Seventy - Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Eleven Dollars ($78,811) be appropriated to the Treasurer as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $ 66,911.00 Expense (including out of State travel $ 8,900.00 not to exceed (450) Tax Title 3,000.00 78,8 1.00 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 -Five Thousand Six Hundred Fifty -Two Dollars ($25,652) On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take line items 29 - 32 from the table. ARTICLE 16 (29 -32) On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Fifty -Eight Thousand Six Hundred Seventy -Five Dollars ($58,675.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Town Clerk as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation: Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1984 Salaries $ 49,620.00 Expense (including out of State travel $ 5,455.00 not to exceed $250) Word Processor $ 3,600.00 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 Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to take line items 168 - 170 from the table. ARTICLE 16 (168 -170) On motion of Paul E. Landers it was voted that the sum of Seventy -Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty -Six Dollars ($79,136.00) be transferred from the sale of real estate and that the sum of Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000.00) be transferred from the Water Surplus Account and the sum of Fourteen Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty - Five Dollars ($14,935.00) be transferred from Receipts Reserved for Appropriation and that the sum of One Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($190,000.00) be transferred from Free Cash and that the sum of One Million Three Hundred Five Thousand Three Hundred Fifty -Six Dollars ($1,305,356.00) be raised from the tax levy and said sums totalin One Million Six Hundred Fifty -Nine Thousand Four Hundred Twenty -Seven Dollars (1,659,427.00) be appropriated for maturing debt and interest as follows: PRINCIPAL INTEREST Library $ 110,000.00 $ 62,700.00 Water 215,000.00 146, 432.00 Sewer 370,000.00 82,120.00 D.P.W. Misc. 85,000.00 27,735.00 Schools 420,000.00 132,940.00 Sub Total $1,200,000.00 $ 451,927.00 Anticipated Loans $ + 7,500.00 TOTAL $1,659,427.00 ARTICLE 2. On motion of Richard H. Coco it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report presented by Richard H. Coco for the School Committee was accepted as a report of progress. A REPORT ON THE READING SCHOOL SYSTEM May 3, 1984 Town Meeting members and all the townspeople of Reading need and deserve a report on the state of the schools of Reading lest the misunderstandings and misperceptions which came to be offered during the deliberations at this Town Meeting are taken as the true picture of the school system. The members of the Reading School Committee - two of whom are elected each year by the townspeople by the democratic process of popular voting - take seriously their responsibility to both the young people of the Town and to the citizen - taxpayers of the community. "Quality education in the most economical way possible" has been the guiding objective of the efforts of the School Committee in their role as stewards of the Town's educational enterprise. And we believe that this objective continues to be met. On the whole, our students have performed well and are a source of pride to parents and townspeople. This good effort by students, however, is supported by an expenditure outlay per pupil which is the lowest in our Eastern Massachusetts area, and considerably lower than State averages. Through good planning and good use of resources of time and talent, represented by a fine professional staff, the responsibility the School Committee has taken upon itself for both children and the taxpayers is being carried out. Given this assessment of the schools of Reading, the question is: has the school system suffered under the recent budget constraints? If, by hurt, we mean the dropping of major subject offerings, or the reduction of essential programs and service, the answer is no. However, in the spirit of Proposition 2'/i, the Reading School Committees of the past set priorities and made the changes which resulted in genuine savings. We have a school system which, in the best sense of the word, is "lean ". We have belt - tightened so that only the essential remains. 2 �? I' 1) C1 4 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1984 The Reading School Committee has dropped 67 professionals since the 1978 -79 school year - a number in excess of the number which would have been dropped for declining enrollment alone. The Reading School Committee's major device for living within budget constraints of Proposition 2Yz has been the school - closing method. It has been our plan to close a school at the earliest possible date a school can be shut down and its pupils redistricted into other schools which permit economy of loading of classrooms. We move staff around to get the essentials done economically and have, through this process, little in the way of frills or uneconomical arrangements. Many parents have been upset that we would move children from school to school. However, from the School Committee standpoint, school closings lead to the reduction of overhead of administration, and savings in energy and other costs to maintain a building. Closing Woburn Street School, Highland, and now Pearl Street, was accomplished by a difficult assessment of priorities, which was done to reduce costs to the taxpayers. Other examples of how the school system responded to Proposition 2Yz is that some elective courses in our High School were dropped and Special Education program services were cut back. Repair and replacement decisions were postponed. Ever since the taxcap days of the 1970's and since Proposition 2Yz, we have made the choice, and today we live with a repair list the size of which exceeds our ability to manage under existing economic constraints. Under 2Y2 we can't repair everything at once or do all the preventive maintenance which prudence would, under ordinary circumstances, dictate. We need to replace worn out items so that the taxpayer doesn't wind up spending more money repairing a roof, for example, than by replacing it. Has Reading been "hurt" by Proposition 2Y2? Well, we have been bruised, but are not yet disabled, but the process of budget constraints cannot continue. This year, we could anticipate savings from the closing of the Pearl Street School. It was also clear that all other avenues for cutting back the school system were not productive. Repairs are backlogged and low levels of expenditures over the years have given the School Department little in the way of inventories of books, supplies and equipment. Redistricting uses every room - there are no vacant rooms - we are crammed. Pearl Street School is serving 370 pupils at the present time and as we look at our 1984 -85 year we can predict only a drop of 150 pupils at the elementary level from declining enrollments. Clearly, the entire cost of operating the Pearl Street School could not be considered as a total reduction of cost. We still must have additional teachers to educate these students - no matter what school building houses them. Enrollments at the middle schools and the remaining elementary schools will show an increase next fall. Confusion about the total reduction of costs by closing Pearl Street School was the basis of the serious misunderstanding between the Finance Committee and the School Committee. Looking ahead - we have no more schools to close. The declining enrollment phenomenom has nearly run its course.and its greatest effect for the remaining years will be in the secondary schools. Decline cannot be managed as efficiently in a High School, with its complex program and highly diversified physical plant, as it can in elementary schools. The physical plant of the school system is becoming older as each year passes and it becomes more expensive to properly maintain it. In short, two or three more years of level funded budgeting under these conditions will force us to cut additional programs, fire more teachers, and have a physical plant that becomes more shabby each year. To continue to ask the School Committee to make tough and difficult priority decisions will neither give the Town's youth a good education, nor will it preserve the Town's investment in a physical plant valued at approximately $34 million dollars. The Town of Reading must find a way to establish town -wide priorities and to fund programs accordingly. We cannot afford to continue our pattern of deficit budgeting, nor can we wait for "better economic times ". The Reading School Committee is asking for your help. Without it your children will not be attending quality schools. They will not be getting the education they need to compete in our advanced, highly tecnological society. Thank you for your attention! ARTICLE 2. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. 11` 1 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1984 ARTICLE 3. On motion of Stanley M. Nissen it was voted to take Article 3 from the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Stanley M. Nissen it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be directed to place Proposition 2y2 override questions on the November State Ballot as provided by State Law. ARTICLE 3. Stanley M. Nissen moved that the Finance Committee be directed to adopt a zero -based budgeting process based on prioritization of Town services, said process to be used beginning with the budget for Fiscal Year 1986 and continuing thereafter. This Motion was voted in the Negative. ARTICLE 3. William C. Brown moved that a committee of five citizens to be appointed by the Moderator and a liaison from the Finance Committee analyze the financial impact to the Town of Reading that would result from the sale in whole or in part of the Reading Municipal Light Department, said committee shall report its findings and insert an article or articles as they may seem necessary to carry out the purpose of this vote on or before the Subsequent Town Meeting in the Fall of 1985. This Motion was voted in the Negative. table. die. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay Article 3 on the On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned sine Meeting adjourned at 11:03 P. M. 131 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: lAwrence Drew Town Clerk