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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-11-13 Subsequent Town Meeting Minutes266 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 1984 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, John W. Faria, at 7:30 P.M., there being a quorum present. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Lawrence Drew, 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. The Invocation was given by the Rev. Callahan of Austin Preparatory School, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 1. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to permit Betsy Ray Fuller to present the following report of the Personnel Board, in response to motion under Article 2 by Gail F. Wood on June 25, 1984.. PLACEMENT OF INDEPENDENT EMPLOYEES IN WAGE RANGE Place in Wage Range 2 1 1 4 Grade 70-80% 1 1 2 1 5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total % Min - 10% 3 1 1 Total 1 6 12.5) 10 -20% 5 1 1 7 14.6)50% 20 -30% 1 1 2 1 2 7 " ) 30- 40% 1 1 1 1 4 8.3 ) 40 -50% 1 1 1 2 5 10.4)16.7% 50 -60% 1 1 1 3 6.3) 60- 70% 2 1 1 4 8.3 ) 70-80% 1 1 2 1 5 10.4 )33.3% 80 -90% 2 1 1 2 6 12.5) 90 - Max 1 1 2.1 ) Total 8 2 1 9 8 3 6 3 4 4 48 On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted that this report be accepted as a final report. ARTICLE 1. The following report, presented by Douglass L. Barker for the Board of Public Works, was accepted as a report of progress. BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT TO SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING November 13, 1984 Water Treatment Plant The Louanis Water Treatment Plant was dedicated on October 20, 1984 and is now operating in accordance with design criteria and is producing an excellent quality water. The Board and the Department have spent a great deal of time and effort to resolve the many complex problems associated with the techniques of water treatment. For example, the lime system is, by nature, a complex and difficult system to operate and to balance. We do, however, feel we have now mastered its idiosyncrasies. Many residents are concerned about high "salt" or sodium levels normally present in Reading water. Due to the extremely high natural levels of sodium, Reading cannot meet State standards of 20 mg /1. Recent tests indicate that 60/80 parts per million sodium levels are now the norm. This represents a reduction, however, of approximately 50% over norms recorded in the recent past. We are pleased to report that although final completion of the updated plant took longer than expected, final project costs are within the $2,250,000.00 appropriated by Town Meeting. We are now beginning the next phase of the improvement project which will be the overhall of the plant's 23 year old filter beds which need immediate attention. We will be working on this area as well as other older components of the original plant as part of our ongoing plan to improve and to maintain a high quality product desired as part of the normal operation of the facility. Subsequent Town Meeting November 13, 1984 Water Supply As many of you are aware, development of the land in North Reading is a potential threat to our primary source of water supply. During the summer, the Board, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Hazardous Waste Committee and others have been at work to insure that the Town is protected from this potential threat. The Board, acting as the Town's Water Commissioners, has hired the well -known firm of Metcalf & Eddy to assist the Town in this matter and to prepare an Aquifer Protection Plan. As of this time the State's Department of Environmental Quality Engineering has ordered the developer to submit a full Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed project to insure that concerns /or the water supply are fully addressed and that Reading's well fields are protected from pollution and contamination. Be assured that this Board and other involved Town Boards and Committees will carefully and diligently monitor this and other related projects. Furthermore, the Town is working with DEQE to certify a new source well and is reactivating a well at Revay Meadow which will, when added to current supply, give the Town better quality and more ample raw water supplies. We reiterate, however, that test results taken continuously, of our present water supplies indicate no pollutants and no serious problems. Evaluations During the 1984 Annual Town Meeting there was some discussion that a total evaluation of the Board of Public Works should be undertaken. The Board and Department have, as the result of the pending new facility construction, undertaken an in -house complete review of ourselves and our operations. This evaluation, done by outside consultants, would have cost in the neighborhood of $24,000 based on a quote submitted to the Board, when this alternative was under consideration. The review, undertaken when a new, objective and experienced Superintendent was taking command has resulted in many improvements in our operations - among them are: - more planning and policy making by the Board - better scheduling (Construction 4/15 - 9/15) - tightening up of senior staff interaction /coordination - streamlining and clearer definition of department functions (execution) - implementation of safety policies - contractors vs. in -house trade offs - we believe that contracted services have reached the optimum level vs. having personnel able to respond to emergencies. - improved follow up on requests for service or information - evaluation of operating the Water Treatment Plant as a contract operation Each function of the Department was reviewed by defining its current responsibilities, its cost effectiveness, and its problems especially those demanding immediate attention. Personnel staffing was also examined Department by Department. In the administrative area, for example, all personnel have been cross - trained to provide coverage during vacations, illnesses, or water billing periods which require intensive and sustained investment of personnel. Throughout the department, we are working to improve the integration of computer applications to improve efficiencies. The attached graph clearly depicts a decrease in overall BPW personnel of 27% during the years 1975 through 1984. This decrease has taken place in spite of a 500% increase in personnel at the Water Treatment Plant and a 17% increase in Parks and Recreation. The Water Treatment Plant personnel increase is due to required treatment processes dictated by regulations and the need to insure a high quality drinking water. A small increase in Park and Recreation personnel was required when the Board of Public Works assumed the responsibility for the maintenance of recreational facilities from schools and the Recreation Committee. During the years that the Board of Public Works declined in size, the Town's population increased by more than 1000 people, many miles of new roads, sewers, and water lines were WA constructed, hundreds of catch basins were added and seven sewage pump stations were constructed to meet the demands of the community. During this period, the water /sewer division and highway maintenance division were reduced 27% and 28% respectively. The level of service rendered to the community by Public Works has not been reduced; in fact, its services have significantly increased. The Board of Public Works has taken advantage of multi - purpose equipment, private contracting, when cost effective, and modern technology to effect cost savings in personnel and will continue to explore those cost savings available to the Town. We are confident that your Public Works Department is operating efficiently and in a cost - effective manner. Subsequent Town Meeting Inhn CtrPPt November 13, 1984 During the Summer, the Board and Department have been working very hard to develop plans and specifications for the new John Street Facility. Public review sessions were held on August 20 and September 24, 1984 to gather comment and to assess impact. Landfill relocation commenced as scheduled on October 1, 1984, and will be completed on or about December 1, 1984. At present our architect, C. E. Maguire, is preparing bids and specifications for the project. We plan to hold another public review session prior to a Special Town Meeting being planned for January or February. As agreed at a meeting last week, bids will not be advertised until Town Meeting approves the design and provides funding authorization. As of now, design project costs are in line with those presented at the Annual Town Meeting, but until bids are received, we cannot quote firm costs. Two other items of note are: 1. The project bid specifications will be drawn on a base plus alternate basis to provide Town Meeting options as it identifies specific costs; and 2. We have added 480 square feet of space for the Civil Defense function at the request of the Board of Selectmen and are hopeful of a grant to pay for all or part of this additional cost. On this Warrant are articles for relocating the drainage ditch and for constructing the sewer extension to the site on John Street. These funds are requested at this time to take advantage of the winter conditions to excavate and to keep the project timetable for vacating the present site on schedule. Additional discussion will be given when these warrant articles are discussed. As always, the Board and Department welcome your questions, input and comments. Respectfully submitted, Douglass L. Barker, Chairman Barry E. Hampson, Secretary Gail F. Wood Arthur Polychrones Robert P. Griffin A. V. Fletcher, P. E., Superintendent ARTICLE 1. The following report, presented by Russell T. Graham for the Finance Committee, was accepted as a report of progress. Mr. Moderator: The Finance Committee has issued its recommended guidelines for FY 86 to Town Boards and Departments. In doing so we have taken our first hard look at fiscal year 1986 and prior to addressing the questions of this Fall Town Meeting it might benefit us to look at that problem. We hasten to caution Town Meeting as we did departments in our all boards meetings that it is difficult at best to project in November what our condition will be next July 1st. The unknowns outweigh the knowns and any such projections must of necessity be based on numerous assumptions. We have assumed that pension costs will increase by $200,000 and that Health Insurance will increase by $100,000. Based on our past few years experience, we believe those to be reasonable assumptions. The Town Treasurer has worked out that debt service will decrease by $106,300.00 and interest costs will decrease by $174,000.00. Thus, before addressing operational budgets we would have $25,281,984 to maintain the status quo. We have further assumed that other appropriations (State, County, Overlay, etc.) will neither decrease or increase, and that receipts and revenues will also remain the same. The net result is that prior to any increase in costs the Town to remain the same would have to raise $15,448,479. Under the restraints of Prop. 2Y2 we would be allowed to raise $15,540,625.00. Prop 2yz would therefore allow us the difference of $92,146.00. As a note of interest, $74,000.00 (or 80 %) of this amount is a direct result of the tax bills going out in a timely manner, thus reducing our interest expense since we did not have to borrow in anticipation. Those tax bills went out in a timely manner as a direct result of cooperation and communication and direction within Town Hall. Cooperation, communication and direction are all hallmarks of good management - one can only ponder how many more dollars could be saved with the proper management structure in place. One of the articles within this warrant gives us pause to so ponder. _ i D'47}ti'�..pr.�est O O i m co N co co ti d ti -O M f- CD N N �. C', N N N .._ 34 Us Ul N O N O is F- w Q J O Z 3 W IL Y _Z Z a C7 a O IL _ i D'47}ti'�..pr.�est O O i m co N co co ti d ti O m ti m N O O r co O r C7 co 0) V_ N co O r -r co O r O CO m r m r m h W V_ ti r co ti r ®j Subsequent Town Meeting November 13, 1984 The FinCom has, in addition to this $92,146.00 available, assumed the use of the stabilization fund for $400,000.00 and further assumed additional State aid over last year to the tune of $250,000.00. As a result of this, we are able to increase our last years expenditures by $742,146.00. Having ascertained the amount we assume available to us the FinCom then debated long and hard as to how we would advise it be expended. In line with our prior decision to vary guidelines the FinCom arrived at the decision that education and public safety must of necessity be priorities of the Town. We asked each Board and Department to bring to our attention any unusual circumstance which might call for the need for additional funding in FY 86. We received little response. The most articulate and unquestioned response was that of the School Committee which referred to its need to replace the Coolidge Middle School roof in the amount of $200,000.00. As a result of that need, the FinCom guidelines were issued. 4.5% education; 2.5% police /fire; 1.6% all other After the roof of $200,000.00 the School Department would have approximately 2'/i% available for its remaining expenditures. We again caution that much remains unanswered, particularly the amount of increased State aid which the Governor has again promised to reveal prior to Town Meetings. The fiscal problem questions are: 1) What will be our increase in State aid? 2) Will our receipts on revenue and our assessments remain the same? 3) How much will we spend on the building projects facing the Town? 4) Last but not least, we face once again - what will be the results of labor negotiations? In regards to the building projects, the BPW and the Town Hall /Library complex, the FinCom has advised another guideline. That is the cost of these projects in total should not exceed the proceeds available from the sale of capital assets of the Town. We believe that these building projects should be bonded, and the cost of carrying that bond will be supported by the income earned from the Treasurer's investment of the dollars made from the Town Meeting directed sale of the BPW land, the Community Center, the Depot and the McManus land. The intent of that guideline is to insure that the operation of the Town go on funded in part by the growth expected from new construction and that such funds are not eaten up in capital expenditure. On last Tuesday the voters of Reading overwhelming reinforced the message first given to local government in 1980. That they will not come up with an unlimited amount of money to fund the Town of Reading but expect it to run on a limited amount of dollars with the maximum being set by the voters. To debate the rightness or wrongness of that stand, while philosophically fascinating, is realistically non - productive. The decision has been made for us by those whose town it is. The challenge before all of us in this body is how to maximize the services within the given restraints. We have two choices in meeting that challenge - we can whine and wring our hands in frustration and curse the darkness, but that will little serve the needs of our community or we can decide to plan and direct our fiscal future as best we can under the restraints of a 2yz levy. Ths Town Meeting has already taken that constructive roll and hopefully will continue to do so. The Finance Committee has each year advised a portion of the stabilization fund be used to insure those continuing services while at the same time urging the pursuit of limited industrial expansion to replace those stabilization funds when depleted. Town Meeting has followed that thinking and we shall soon hopefully reap the benefits. In FY 86, the stabilization fund will be depleted and if all proceeds on schedule in FY 87, the first year without the stabilization fund, the first building of TASC will be in place at a cost to them of $10,000,000.00 and an annual benefit to us of over $230,000.00. In that same year, debt service will decrease by over $200,000.00 allowing to the Town the same kinds of dollars as the stabilization fund will have previously afforded us. Those dollars however will be desperately needed to fund the operational budgets of the Town just as the stabilization fund dollars were so needed and must not be used up in extraordinary capital projects. One of the results of the voters firm direction on Prop 2yz is that no longer will Town projects be planned first and financed later, but rather, like all of us in our home and personal lives, as in our business lives, the first and primary question must be "How much money do we have to work with ?" and from the answer to that question will develop the scope and magnitude of any project. `r, 0 Subsequent Town Meeting November 13, 1984 Over the next five to ten years it has been projected that one million dollars in taxes can be generated as a result of Town Meeting's decision on TASC and the resulting industrial expansion on John Street. Let us remain committed to the fiscal strategy plan which will allow those funds to keep the services of Reading relatively intact. The guidelines as we have issued them leave no room for luxury, or even in some cases, necessities, but do represent a small attempt to begin to prioritize and to plan. Without those two essentials, prioritizing and planning, the restraints of Proposition 2'/z will harm irreparably this community. With those essentials we will have committed ourselves to doing the best that is possible withinthe restraining direction of those who provide the money we spend and who are the Town of Reading. Thank you Mr. Moderator. ARTICLE 1. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay Article 1 on the table. ARTICLE 2. On motion of William C. Brown it was voted that the Board of Selectmen give a progress report on the sale of the Depot and the Community Center before the Subsequent Meeting ends, if possible. ARTICLE 2. On motion of William C. Brown it was voted that the School Committee insert an article or articles in the next special or annual Town Meeting turning over control of all lands within their control on the easterly side of Oakland Road to the Board of Selectm en. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Russell T. Graham it was voted that the Capital Outlay plan as provided for under Article III Section 11 of the By -Laws of the Town as adopted at the Subsequent Town Meeting of November, 1983, and as amended at the Town Meeting of April 1984 be amended as follows: FY 85 ADD AS FOLLOWS: POLICE DEPT. Radar Guns 2.2 MUNICIPAL SPACE BUILDING COMMITTEE Architectural 80.0 FY 85 DELETE AS FOLLOWS: CONSERVATION Acquire Water Resource Lands 20.0 Land Management 4.0 SCHOOLS Roof Replacement 195.0 Central Office Relocation 100.0 Energy Related Projects 25.0 Vehicle Replacement 9.0 Athletic Storage Building 10.0 FY 85 INCREASE TO AS FOLLOWS: COUNCIL ON AGING Van 18.0 FY 85 REDUCE TO AS FOLLOWS: RECREATION Pool 8.0 SCHOOLS Remodeling for Declining Enrollment 55.0 ARTICLE 4. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that Article 4 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 5. On motionm of John H. Russell it was voted that Article 5 be indefinitely postponed. ;.7 Sub §equent Town Meeting November 13, 1984 ARTICLE 6. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($2,200) be transferred from the Overlay Reserve Fund and appropriated to the Police Department for the purchase of two radar guns. ARTICLE 7. On motion of John H. Russell it was voted that Article 7 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 8. On motion of Douglass L. Barker it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Forty -Four Thousand Dollars ($144,000.00) be raised by borrowing and appropriated for the purpose of construction, reconstructing and relocating drainage facilities at the proposed Public Works John Street facility, such sums to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. 102 voted in the affirmative 9 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 9. On motion of Douglass L. Barker it was voted that the sum of Thirty - Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000.00) be raised by borrowing and appropriated for the purpose of constructing and reconstructing sewage facilities at the proposed Public Works John Street facility, such sums to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. 107 voted in the affirmative 1 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 10. On motion of Barry E. Hampson as amended by Barry J. Mitchel it was voted that the sum of Fifty -Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Eight Dollars ($54,708.00) be transferred from available funds plus interest earned thereon if any, as maybe provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts appropriated for the purpose of improving, constructing and reconstructing Town public ways in accordance with Chapter 234 of the Acts of 1984, such sums to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works in such locations as the Board of Public Works may deem advisable. ARTICLE 11. On motion of Robert P. Griffin it was voted that the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), interest from the appropriation under Article 11 of the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 8, 1982, be appropriated for the purpose of designing, constructing and reconstruction of transportation improvements to portions of the Reading central business district in accordance with Chapter 732 of the Acts of 1981, such sums to be spent under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 12. On motion of Barry E. Hampson it was voted that the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) be transferred from available funds and appropriated for the purpose of constructing and reconstructing drainage facilities on the westerly side of Main Street - Route 28, vicinity of house numbers 896, 900 and 908, in accordance with State Expenditure Account Activity No. 6033 -8027 and a Memorandum of Agreement No. 4676 dated October 22, 1984, such sums to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 13. On motion of Robert P. Griffin it was voted that the sum of Twenty - Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be transferred from Water Surplus Account and appropriated for the purpose of groundwater and water supply watershed protection, such sums to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works and on such locations as the Board of Public Works may deem advisable. ARTICLE 14. Gail F. Wood moved that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen on behalf of the Town to convey or abandon upon such terms and conditions as they may determine a parcel of land known as Old Pearl Street, or any portion thereof, including all rights and easements therein as shown on Town of Reading assessors plats 115, 130 and 131 and being bounded by plat 115 lot 36, plat 115 lot 40, plat 130 lot 70, plat 130 lot 69, plat 130 lot 62, plat 131 lot 1 and plat 131 lot 2 and the sum of $1.00 be the minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance or abandonment. On motion of Sumner H. Weston it was voted that Article 14 be indefinitely postponed. Timothy B. Pressey moved to reconsider the vote to indefinitely postpone Article 14. The motion for reconsideration was voted in the NEGATIVE. ARTICLE 15. On motion of Arthur Polychrones it was voted to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the land, or any portions thereof as shown on Town of Reading, Board of Assessors plat 209, lot 1, which constitutes a portion of what is commonly known as the Town of Reading Laurel Hill Cemetery War Memorial, from various officials and Boards of the Town of Reading to the Board of Cemetery Trustees. 100 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative �7� Subsequent Town Meeting November 13, 1984 ARTICLE 16. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted that Article 16 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLES 17 and 18. On motion of Nils L. Nordberg it was voted that Articles 17 and 18 be postponed until the first items of business to be conducted on November 15, 1984. ARTICLE 19. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to lease purchase a telephone system for the Town together with all the necessary equipment and service therefor, and that the sum of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) be transferred from the Overlay Reserve Fund and appropriated for said lease purchase. 93 voted in the affirmative 2 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required 103 present at this time ARTICLE 20. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 20 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 21. On motion of John L. Fallon, Jr. it was voted that the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) be transferred from the Overlay Reserve and appropriated to the Recreation Committee for the repairs and improvements of the Municipal swimming pool. Said sum to be expended under the direction of the Recreation Committee. ARTICLE 22. On motion of Mary S. Ziegler as amended by William C. Brown it was voted that the Town authorize the Council on Aging to sell or exchange or dispose of upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, one van used to transport the elderly, and that the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000) be transferred from the Overlay Reserve Fund and combined with grants and gifts to the Council on Aging totalling Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) and that the total of said grants, gifts and transfer totalling Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($18,000) be appropriated for the purchase of a new van. ARTICLE 23. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the Board of Selectmen and /or the Commissioners of Trust Funds are authorized to take all steps necessary, including petitioning the relevant court and /or any other agency of federal or state government having jurisdiction thereof, to modify the terms of the Anne S. Grouard Trust Fund, the Stephen S. Foster Trust Fund and the Gilman Parker Trust Fund, whether known by those or any other names, and any other trust funds which may be a part of what is collectively known as the Hospital Trust Funds in the Town of Reading, so that the annual income derived therefrom may be available and be drawn upon for defraying the expenses of needy citizens of the Town for the provision of in -home health care, for transportation to hospitals, or other approved medical centers or facilities or for the provision of such other medically- related services as may be authorized by the Commissioners of Trust Funds, notwithstanding the provisions of the wills of Gilman L. Parker, George H. Grouard and Stephen S. Foster to the contrary or notwithstanding the provisions of any other will, trust, or other document establishing the aforesaid trusts or conveying funds to the Town of Reading to be held in trust for establishing a hospital in the Town of Reading; and that the Board of Selectmen and /or the Commissioners of Trust Funds are authorized to take all steps necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this vote. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, November 15th, 1984, in the Reading Memorial High School auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 P. M. 126 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: I,/awrence Drew Town Clerk