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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-05-01 Annual Town Meeting MinutesL4/y COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading By virtue of this Warrant, I, on April 19, 1978, notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1. Convenient Food Mart, 1349 Main Street Old Hose House, 1249 Main Street St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street Precinct 2. Reading Police Station, 67 Pleasant Street First National Store, 275 Salem Street Anton Cleaners, 47 Harnden Street Precinct 3. Friendly Variety Store, 245 Washington Street Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street Wayside Bazaar, 107 Main Street Precinct 4. Hanson's Service Station, 4 West Street Dragon Corner Store, 206 West Street Spence Farm Market Gardens, 40 West Street Precinct 5. Community Center, 52 Sanborn Street B & M Railroad Station, High Street Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 6. Fire Station, 267 Woburn Street Housing for the Elderly, 1 Frank D. Tanner Drive Alice M. Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue Precinct 7. Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street Weston's Greenhouses, 9 Auburn Street Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street Precinct 8. Meadowbrook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road Arthur W. Coolidge Jr. High School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive the date of posting being not less than fourteen days prior to May 4, 1978, the date set for the meeting in this Warrant. I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in the issue of April 19, 1978, the same being more than fourteen days prior to the date of said meeting. Sally M. Hoyt A true cot7J Constable of Reading Attest Lawrence Drew, Town ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Clerk Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 1, 1978 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by the Rev. P. Dale Neufer of the Old South United Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The oath of office was administered to the newly elected Town Meeting members by the Moderator. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, when on motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant except the Officer's Return, which was then read by the Town Clerk. Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Frank A. Smith, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen: State of the Town In accordance with the Town By -Laws the following report is submitted by the Board of Selectmen on the State of the Town. The so called State of the Town is like the balance sheet of a large corporation; that is, it is a snapshot or picture of conditions as they are at one point in time. To the degree that the picture shows an image of where we planned to be we have done our jobs well. To the degree that it shows short- comings it presents a challenge and an opportunity to do better. One important element in the State of a Town is its financial condition. The financial condition of a municipality is best determined by its capacity to raise tax money for services provided by govermmnet. The unit of measure is the tax rate. In fiscal year 1978 Reading's tax rate increased $4.00, from $40.40 to $44.40; an increase of nearly 10 %. In dollars this reflected a requirement to raise nearly $1,300,000 more in Fiscal year 1978 than had been raised in Fiscal year 1977. It is well to look at where the significant requirements for the additional $1,300,000 came from. These are: -- State and County assessments $ 91,000 -- General Town Government 33,000 -- Protection of Persons & Property 226,000 -- General Services 54,000 -- Education 592,000 -- Public Works 271,000 Funds to pay this increased amount were obtained from 4 principle sources: -- Cherry Sheet Receipts increased $181,000 -- Property Valuation increased ($4,119,000) 183,000 -- Local Receipts (decrease) (158,000) -- Property Tax increase 1,116,000 If that is what we planned to happen we have done our jobs well. if not, we are faced now with a challenge and an opportunity to do better. In other financial matters, the Board of Selectmen through the efforts of their Executive Secretary have been able to attract $900,000 in Federal funds to the Town to supplement Town monies. The more significant amounts are: -- Police Station addition (grant from the Economic Development Administration) $290,000 -- Reading Youth Office (for use in Youth Counseling, Youth Crisis Intervention, Youth Court Advocacy, Chapter 766 Counseling, the Rent -a -Kid program, the Youth Employment Program, Neighborhood Youth Corps (S.P.E.D.Y.), Title 1 Work /Study Program, and College Work /Study Program) $ 80,000 -- CETA program for coordination and enhancement of human services, $55,000 -- CETA program for renovation and upgrading of municipal buildings and grounds, $112,000 -- CETA program for renewal, restoration and enhancement of outdoor recreational facilities, $71,000 -- CETA program for microfilming of vital Town records, $65,000 -- Replacement of lead water pipes, $100,000 -- Section 8 Housing, $32,000 During Fiscal Year 1978 Town Government has made significant strides in planning: The Annual Town Meeting in May 1977 voted to approve the position of Town Planner within the Planning Board. Significant progress has been made during the c Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 year as the result of an energetic Planning Board, and, in some instances, despite a short fall in needed information inputs. The Finance Committee developed and presented to the Fall Special Town Meeting a Capital Outlay Plan for the fiscal year 1979 through 1983. This plan has the effect of establishing a priority sequence for capital expenditures, and, more importantly, attempts to achieve stability in the tax rate related to capital expenditures. I would like to take a few minutes now to address some matters related to Public Safety and Service: Reading continues to be plagued with too many automobile accidents. In an effort to reduce this problem the Board of Selectmen has reduced speed limits on Lowell and Salem Streets, and has requested the State Department of Public Works to reduce the speed on Main Street. "Strict Enforcement" signs have been posted at each major street entry into Reading and speed enforcement has been increased. Late in 1977 the MBTA announced a curtailment of service between Reading and the North Reading and Wilmington town lines. The Town was able to secure an injunction to prevent this curtailment and a three month test period is now in process. The numbers of passengers during this period will determine the ultimate disposition of this bus service. The Town presently has a restraining order in effect against the contractor who is developing the Woburn Industrial Park from which has emanated the so called "Woburn Odor" for the past several years. The School Committee continues to cope with the declining enrollments in the elementary grades. During this year the Prospect Street School has been closed, and additional classroom closings are forecast for the coming year. Using the planning money voted at the 1977 Annual Town Meeting, the Board of Library Trustees has developed their plans for construction of a new library on the Community Center site. Disposition of this matter is a subject for this annual Town Meeting. The Cedar Glen Elderly Housing Complex to be located on North Main Street has moved forward in a planning phase. The establishment of requirements and conditions related to this development represents a truly outstanding demonstra- tion of coordination and cooperation among Town boards and citizens of the Town. The Board of Public Works is faced with two problems of significance to the Town. One is related to the availability of a sufficient water supply and pressure through the year 2000. The other relates to the overflowing of raw sewerage in certain areas of the Town. Both of these problems are being actively addressed at this time. In a lighter vein, despite all our financial woes the Town was able to get back on its feet in February, as a result of the driving restrictions necessitated by the "Blizzard of '78 ". The experience of walking around Town was enjoyed by many, leading to recommendations that we voluntarily repeat the process on another summer weekend. Police, Fire and Civil Defense agencies, as well as many volunteer citizens responded in an admirable manner during this emergency. As a result Reading was spared from any serious consequences. As of the date of this report all formal bargaining units of the Town, with the exception of the Fire Department, have settled or are very close to settlement of their labor contracts for the coming year. All contracts are for a two year period. L . The past Town election showed a marked improvement in voter turnout compared with the number voting one year ago. 31% came out to vote compared with the 140 in 1976. A good deal of credit must go to The League of Women Voters and the Junior Chamber of Commerce for their "get out the vote" campaign. The Reading Chronicle also contributed significantly with special features and the annual pre - election edition. A special word of recognition and thanks should to to the American Heritage Clubs at Parker and Coolidge Junior High Schools. These eighth graders worked hard also to encourage the voters to go to the polls. It is hard to imagine any voter not voting after reading their letters in the pre - election edition of The Chronicle. 26 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 Despite all this, and recognizing that the voter turnout was more than double that of a year ago, 69% of our registered voters still did not vote. While noting the progress made in one year the Board of Selectmen remind you that we still have a long way to go to reach a point of responsibility. We hope that everyone's efforts will be renewed next year and a further significant improvement will be realized. One final item I would like to discuss is the proposed reorganization of the executive branch of Reading's Town Government. The Board of Selectmen last week voted to consider a reorganization which will centralize many present independent operations under the Board of Selectmen. The matter will be referred to the By Law Committee for their action within the next couple of weeks. We believe that obtaining effective and economical Town government can be achieved only if presently independent offices and boards are united under one department with policy and budgetary responsibility. The people of the Town and the Town Meeting could then look to one elected board for the determination of priorities and control of expenditures within the executive offices. The Board of Selectmen believe that there are opportunities in such a reorganization to better serve the citizens of Reading, and to achieve economies of operation. The Board of Selectmen believe that this proposed reorganization needs to be examined and discussed on its merits. Vested interests in the present method of operation must be put aside for the consideration of a better form of Town government. There is ample evidence available of duplications of services or lack of coordination of services by various departments and committees which cannot be corrected or controlled because there is no one central executive authority to which they must all report, and which can be held responsible. The Board of Selectmen urge that the proposal to reorganize Town government be aggressively and expeditiously pursued so that proposals may be brought before this body for deliberation and action. We again point out that the substance of this proposal is reorganization for better government, and not the people and personalities of people presently involved. This report of The State of the Town of Reading is respectfully submitted to the Town Meeting by the Board of Selectmen with the thought of Charles Kettering, who once wrote: "...nothing of consequence was ever built unless some man dreamed that it should be, some man believed that it could be, and some man willed that it must be." This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Charles W. Hewitt, Chairman of the Finance Committee: SUPPLEMENT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1979 CORRECTTONS p. 15 TAX RATE CALCULATIONS TOTAL TO BE RAISED: ESTIMATED STATE & COUNTY ASSESSMENTS TOTAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND ESTIMATES Deductions to compute estimated tax rate: Estimated receipts and available funds Transfers and surplus revenue Net amount to be raised by taxation Total Valuation TAX RATE (per thousand) $17,617,203 1:.664,580 19,281,783 5,602,653 885,644 $ 6,488,297 12,793,486 285,300,000 44.84 �7 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 p. 17 ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS Public Service Enterprises FY 1979 Water 765,900 Sub -Total (Local Receipts) 2,950,011 Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 5,602,653 TRANSFERS FROM AVAILABLE FUNDS TO: Replace present lines with the following: County Dog Licenses to Library Expense 2,640 Surplus Revenue to Contributory Retirement 246,981 Municipal Light Board to Treasurer's Salaries 4,714 Street Betterments to Street Betterments 6,281 Street Betterments to Parks and Playgrounds Construction 7,623 Add the following new lines: School Sites and Recreation Areas Study Committees Expense to Parks and Playgrounds Construction 72 School and Recreation Site Study to Parks and Playgrounds Construction 1,000 School and Recreation Site Land Purchase to Parks and Playgrounds Construction 661 Automatic Gate Installation to Building Maintenance 343 School Zone Haverhill Street to Building Maintenance 2,500 Nike Site -Bear Hill to Building Maintenance 1,500 Depot Museum Fund to Building Maintenance 8 Teachers Retirement to Non - Contriubtory Retirement 1,289 Damage Claims to Law Committee 2,590 Industrial Commission to Planning Board 859 Automatic Garage Doors to Police Department Expense 381 Fire Alarm Repeater to Fire Department Expense 4,219 Municipal Bathhouse & Equipment to Swimming Pool Repairs 1,479 Swimming Pool Filtration System to Swimming Pool Repairs 880 p. 18 ARTICLE 8 Indefinitely Postponed ARTICLE 9 Indefinitely Postponed ARTICLE 10 Do Not Recommend - Vote: 7:2 Fin.Comm. Fin.Comm. Recommendation Vote p. 19 Line 8 Town Accountant - Salary $ 34,910 5:3:1 Town Accountant - Total 36,885 Line 10 Treasurer's Salary 10,240 5:4 Treasurer's Total Salary 41,310 Treasurer's Total 50,554 Line 13 Tax Collector's Salary 7,800 5:4 Total Salary 42,083 Tax Collector's Total 60,213 Line 17 Town Clerk's Salary 7,800 5:4 Total Salary 30,311 Town Clerk's Total 38,261 Line 21 Assessor's Salary 6,215 5:4 Total Salary 52,808 Assessor's Total 67,008 p.20 General Government - Subtotal 598,547 General Government - TOTAL 598,897 p. 21 Line 74 Conservation Land Development 7,000 7:2 Special Articles Subtotal 100,685 PROTECTION - TOTAL 2,179,432 .­�Q Z­_, Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 p. 22 Line 87 Veterans Benefits - Salary 19,233 9:0 Veterans Benefits - Total 81,197 Line 92 Cemeteries - Expense 10,885 13:0 Cemeteries - Total 128,285 General Services - Subtotal 691,305 p. 23 Line 110 Relocation of Town Departments 30,000 7:1:1 Line 112 Swimming Pool Repairs 2,359 10:0 General Services Special Articles - Subtotal 2,013,359 -TOTAL 2,704,664 Line 142 Forestry Expense 12,940 p. 24 Subtotal - DPW Expense 489,160 Line 155 Landfill & Recycling - Salaries 25,300 9:1 Line 156 Landfill & Recycling - Expnese 17,500 6:5 Subtotal - Rubbish Salaries 29,260 Subtotal - Rubbish Expense 217,480 Public Works - Subtotal 2,346,977 Line 159 Street Acceptances 30,680 12:0 SPECIAL ARTICLES - SUBTOTAL 596,370 PUBLIC WORKS - TOTAL 2,943,347 Line 171A Unemployment Compensation 60,000 10:0 Subtotal 1,338,033 p. 25 UNCLASSIFIED TOTAL 3,053,627 Total Raised by Town Meeting 20,015,767 TOTAL TO BE RAISED 20,092,203 NET RAISED FROM CURRENT INCOME 17,617,203 p. 26 ARTICLE 21 - Indefinitely Postponed ARTICLE 22 - Recommend 30,000 7:1:1 p. 27 ARTICLE 24 - Recommend 9:0 ARTICLE 26 - Indefinitely Postponed ARTICLE 31 - Recommend 30,680 12:0 p. 28 ARTICLE 34 - No Action 11:0 ARTICLE 36 - Recommend 2,359 10:0 p. 29 ARTICLE 37 - Recommend 10:0 ARTICLE 39 - Recommend 7,000 7:2 ARTICLE 40 - Indefinitely Postponed p. 30 ARTICLE 41 - Recommend 6:2 The Supplement to the Finance Committee Report shows a tax rate projection of $44.84, an increase of 44 cents over the FY 1978 tax rate of $44.40. I want to caution Town Meeting about this projection, because it does not include several major items which are yet to be determined. The rate shown here is simply the projected tax rate based on the figures in the report. The report contains no provision for pay increases. Labor negotiations are in the final stages. The Finance Committee will update the report as soon as the new agreements are ratified. Second, the report is based on last year's Cherry Sheet. The State has not issued an estimated Cherry Sheet this year. Expectations are that the Town will get a substantial increase in State aid. 2 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 Third, the report does not include the impact of the requested appropriations for repairs to the concrete at the High School and for interest on funds borrowed in anticipation of bond sales. Given the information currently available about each of these items, I would estimate the tax rate to be around $47.25, or an increase of $2.85 (6.40) over the current rate. This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Sumner H. Weston, Chairman of the Public Safety Review Committee: REPORT OF PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED UNDER ARTICLE #2 OF THE SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING, NOVEMBER 14, 1977 The Committee was appointed on 12/23/77, but not fully staffed until 2/1/78. Since that date, we have toured the two fire stations inspecting apparatus, equipment and buildings. We have had consultations with Chief Pratt, Deputy Chief Cail, and have obtained lists of apparatus from Wilmington, Lynnfield, Stoneham, North Reading and Wakefield. We have reviewed the NFPH guidelines for evaluating a fire department. We have consulted with a Deputy Fire Chief from Burlington, who is an instructor at the State Fire Academy at Stow, and we have analyzed past records of the Reading Fire Department. FINDINGS BUILDINGS The Center Station, circa 1883, which originally housed the Fire and Police Departments and Town offices appears to need massive repairs. We, therefore, whole heartedly support the Fin Com capital budget plan for replacing the Center Station. We feel any new station should be built to anticipate new technology, apparatus of larger dimensions and response times to all locations. Station #2 on Woburn Street is in good repair, but although built in 1956, the apparatus floor is not high enough to safely house our present ladder truck. Also, the doors are not wide enough or high enough for all modern apparatus. APPARATUS See Tables #1, #2 and #2. STAFF The Reading Fire Department has an authorized staff or 55 men. As of April 26 the actual staff was 51, with four (4) vacancies. Vacations and sick time are influencing factors which reduce the actual firefighting staff. During the calendar year of 1977, the Reading Fire Depart- ment averaged eight (8) sick days per man and 181 weeks of vacations. This equates to four (4) firefighters, resulting in a net available firefighting force of forty -seven (47) men. A positive factor is the presence of an active auxiliary force of twenty -two (22) men. After reviewing three (3) sources, we believe the present available staff of fifty -one (51) is sufficient to provide effective protection for the Town. We suggest job reassignments would further maximize the effectiveness, specifically: 1. The hiring of civilian dispatchers. 2. Consideration of the 911 emergency phone system. 3. Centralized vehicle maintenance. TRAINING All permanent personnel should complete the State Fire Fighting Academy at Stow at the earliest available time. We should utilize the Civil Defense Training Center in Topsfield, and State Police arson training courses should be studied for their application to Reading. A schedule of training should be formally established and followed. This includes the maintenance of training records on each fire - fighter. A regular on- the -job physical training program should be eatablished with annual testing and reporting. 30 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 Reimbursements and /or other incentives should be available for successful completion of work related studies. In the case of Emergency Medical Technicians, this should include maintaining active status. C'nNrT,Ti�qTnhTC It is this Committee's conclusion that the Fire Department's capability to respond is suspect. First call response is acceptable. However, second response is highly unreliable with extreme dependence on mutual aid and borrowing equipment from other towns while ours is being repaired. The Lynnfield fire of April 22 and the Lowell fire of April 23 emphasize this condition. Natural disasters and thunderstorms striking two or more towns including Aft Reading creates unacceptable response time to Reading calls. The Fire Department suffers from under - funding apparatus requirements since 1965 in an apparent effort to minimize the tax rate increase. However, under - financing results in quicker replacement, higher maintenance costs and more down time. Reading's unique position with regard to Interstate 93, 128 and 28 with their demonstrated hazards as well as the advent of self service gasoline stations makes foam capability a high priority. Reading should have sufficient foan capabilities to handle major chemical and petroleum conflagrations. When such an event occurs at night, foam apparatus from Bedford and Logan can reach Reading in 15 minutes, too late to save lives. In the daytime, resulting traffic jams increases the time to one -half hour or more. Chief Pratt is attempting to secure state and federal aid to meet this need. This completes our study of the Fire Department. We expect to have articles supporting our conclusions at the November Subsequent Town Meeting. At the same time, we will present our findings and conclusions on the Reading Police Department. Respectfully submitted James McTeague Timothy Pressey John Rafferty Donald Sweet Sumner H. Weston, Chairman TABLE I OPTIMUM EQUIPMENT * Normally manned by Auxiliary and Permanent men on call back ** Duties to be assumed by Light Department TABLE II FIRE DEPARTMENT MOTOR VEHICLES FISCAL YEAR SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT PLANT (ALL FIGURES ARE ESTIMATED TO REFLECT INFLATION) VEHICLE DESCRIPTION 1st LINE RESERVE Pumper (100 gal. /min.) 3 2* Ladder (Straight Truck) 1 0 Rescue 1 0 Lighting Truck & Pump 1 0 Pick up Truck (Utility Truck) 1 0 Chief's Car 1 0 Deputy Chief's Car 1 0 Fire Alarm Truck 1 ** 0 Ambulance 1 1* * Normally manned by Auxiliary and Permanent men on call back ** Duties to be assumed by Light Department TABLE II FIRE DEPARTMENT MOTOR VEHICLES FISCAL YEAR SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT PLANT (ALL FIGURES ARE ESTIMATED TO REFLECT INFLATION) VEHICLE DESCRIPTION FY 79 FY 80 FY 81 FY 82 FY 83 FY 84 FY 85 FY 86 FY 87 FY 88 FY 89 and YEAR Car #1 Chief -Ford '75 6,500 9,000 Car #2 Dep.Chief -Chev 172 5,500 8,300 Car #4 Ambulance -Ford Mod '76 40,000 Car #Z Ambulance 30,0002 Car #7 Pick Up 1/2 ton Chev '72 5,000 7,700 Eng #1 Ford /Maxim 173 (1000 GPM) 13,0003 100,000 Eng #2 AM LaFrance'57 (1000GPM) 80,000 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 31. FY 79 FY 80 FY 81 FY 82 FY 83 FY 84 FY 85 FY 86 FY 87 FY 88 FY 89 Eng #3 Seagrave '61 (1000 GPM) 5005 Eng #4 Chev '52 (400 GPM) Eng #5 Ford /Young'69 (750 GPM) Eng #6 (1000 GPM) Lad #1 AM LaFrance'65 (85 foot) F.A. Fire Alarm Tk. Inter '75 Res 41 Rescue Dodge 80,0004 140,0006 MUM Light Department to Assume Duties 50,000 '58 5005 Totals $ 91,500 123,000 140,000 6,500 85,000 -- 90,000 56,000 -- 100,000 59,000 Notes: 1. Replacement plan predicated on purchasing top grade equipment and providing similar maintenance procedures. 2. Supporting information for maintaining a second ambulance must be presented at that time. 3. Replacement of motor with a diesel motor will extend life of apparatus until 1988. 4. Retain present engine #5 and assign to auxiliary fire service. 5. For sheet metal repairs and painting by Northeast Regional Vocational School or other appropriate repair facility. 6. Flexibility and /or manpower economics to result. TABLE III Optimum Replacement Schedule in Years Type of Equipment Replacement Pumps 20 years Ladders 20 years Ambulance 10 years Pick up Trucks 7 years Chief's cars 7 years This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Malcolm E. Reed, Chairman of the Treasurer's Study Committe: 1. The Motion: During the subsequent town meeting of November 17, 1977 under Article 21 on a motion of Joyce K. Miller it was voted to instruct the Moderator to appoint a committee for the purpose of studying and reviewing the Office of Treasurer in the Town of Reading, its duties and functions and (to) present its findings and recommendations at the next annual or regular fall town meeting. The said committee is to consist of five (5) town meeting members with at least one (1) member from the Personnel Board. 2. The Committee: The Committee appointed by the Moderator consisted of the following: Carol A. Anderson, Secretary Vincent C. Connors Bayard R. Lincoln, Personnel Board Member Catherine A. Quimby Malcolm E. Reed, Chairman 3. The Committee's Interpretation of the Assignment: The Treasurer's Study Committee interpreted the town meeting motion to study and review the operation of the Treasurer's office and to make recommendations on the following issues: a. Should the Treasurer be elected or appointed? b. Should it be a full or part -time position? C. Should an assistant treasurer's position be established and, if so, should it be a full or part -time position? 4. State Statutes: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has enacted a number of statutes which define the responsibilities of treasurers and assistant treasurers and delineate the procedure for appointing a temporary treasurer. The statutes are quite specific in their requirements for bonding for these offices, but nowhere within the statutes did we find any mention of what qualifications the holders of these positions must or should have. 32 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 a. Treasurer's Responsibilities Although the Statutes which touch upon various aspects of the Treasurers' duties and responsibilities are scattered through several chapters, the principal reference is in Chapter 41, section 35. This section states that the Treasurer "shall receive and take charge of all money belonging to the Town, and pay over and account for the same according to the order of the Town or of its authorized officers "... "no other person shall pay any bill of any department." He "shall annually render a true account of all his receipts and disbursements and a report of his official acts." Case notes following this section refer to the Lowell vs. Stiles case which indicated that the treasurer is "not required to put out the money of the city at interest," In other words the treasurer is not required by law to invest the money to obtain interest on any balance the town may have. b. Assistant Treasurers' Responsibilities Chapter 41 section 39B states that "The treasurer of a ... town may in writing appoint, with the approval of the... selectmen thereof, an assistant treasurer who may be an employee of the treasurer's department." "Unless a temporary treasurer is appointed in accordance with law, the assistant treasurer may in the absence of the treasurer, perform his duties and when performing such duties shall have the powers and be subject to the requirements and penalties applicable to him." C. Temporary Treasurer Chapter 41 section 40 states that "if the office of town treasurer in a town having but one is vacant or if any officer, because of disability or absence, is unable to perform his duties, the Selectmen may in writing signed by them or by a majority of them,...appoint a temporary officer to hold such office and exercise the powers and perform the duties thereof until another is duly elected or appointed and has qualified according to law or the officer who was disabled or absent resumes his duties." d. Bonding Each of these three positions, treasurer, assistant treasurer and temporary treasurer is required to "give bond" annually for the faithful performance of his duties 5. Criteria for Determining Our Recommendations: a. Election Versus Appointment of the Treasurer The principal factors in this regard are the responsiveness generally attributable to an elected person as compared to the selectivity possible by the establishment of qualifications for the candidate if he is appointed.. We believe that there is a considerable amount of prestige associated with the winning of a town wide election which tends to make an elected treasurer sensitive to the needs of his electorate. It is our opinion that in several instances in recent times, elected town officers have contributed voluntaily much more time than could reasonably be expected of them if their services were measured only by the amounts of their salaries. On the other hand we will shortly discuss some of the changes in scope of the operations of the Reading treasurer's office which have required the treasurer to have education, training, experience and good judgement in financial matters. There appears to be no way that minimum standards or qualifications can be required of treasurer candidates for the elective process. Although it is not required by law, money management has emerged as a principal concern of the treasurer. Because the proper investment and borrowing of money can affect hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, this aspect of the treasurer's job has become of significant interest to taxpayers. We believe that the necessity for professional qualifications of the treasurer outweighs the arguments for the election of the treasurer and therefore we recommend that the treasurer be appointed rather than elected as now is the case. b. Full versus Part -time Treasurer Our present treasurer reports that he works a 30 to 40 hour week, essentially full time. He also says he spends over 20 hours per week doing clerical work. Although it may not be desirable or practical to eliminate all clerical work from the treasurer's job, we believe this is currently an excessive amount of time being spent on clerical work. These same figures indicate that about ten to twenty hours per week are being spent on the non - clerical aspects of the treasurer's responsibilities. Thus by eliminating excessive clerical work from the treasurer's work day, his job can still be considered a part -time position. "0 X70, Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 The treasurer should be a mature individual capable of communicating comfortably with the public, his staff, bankers, lawyers, federal and state tax workers, other town employees and elected officers. He should have extensive experience and training in all aspects of money management including record keeping systems (accounting), banking in all its varied aspects, bonding, borrowing and a thorough familiarity with tax law as it relates to town fiscal operations. A person with these qualifications seeking full time employment would in our opinion command a salary far greater than we have been accustomed to paying for this position. so long as we are able to find qualified competent people who for their own reasons wish to work only part time, we believe we will be able to hire them at less cost than full time employees. C. Combining of the Treasurer's and Collector's Jobs According to our present collector, his responsibilities require him to work an average of 17 hours per week with any one week running anywhere from five hours to well over 40 hours during the real estate tax payment time. To combine the treasurer's and collector's positions would therefore appear to make the equivalent of one full time job on the average. The assignment of these responsibilities to one individual person would reduce somewhat the space required for duplicate files and desk space for one person. However, the nature of the work of the collector is somewhat different from that of the treasurer. The collector's job consists mainly of supervising the clerical staff and in dealing with the public in regard to various tax collection matters. For the present time we recommend keeping the collector's position separate so that one person has the individual responsibility for collections. One argument for maintaining separation is that in a combined treasurer - collector position, the priorities for the treasurer's responsibilities might tend to take precedence over those of the collector and thus the performance of the collector's office might suffer. 6. The Case for Having an Assistant Treasurer: With our present organizational arrangement it is not possible for the town to function legally and normally in the absence of the treasurer. He is by law required to sign all checks including payroll checks and to receive and account for all income. Therefore, he cannot reasonably be allowed to get sick, have an accident or take a vacation. Neither does it seem reasonable to us to wait for an emergency to happen and then to have the selectmen appoint a temporary treasurer. The treasurer who takes his job seriously will want to have a person available for any emergency, a person who he knows is already familiar with the requirements of the job and who will maintain a continuity of policy and philosophy in the way the work is carried out. Since there appears to be need at this time for additional help in the treasurer's office, we recommend hiring a part -time assistant treasurer. We already are using a part -time person occasionally in addition to the three full time staff. The state statutes make provision for the position. Town meeting has authorized funds for the position. It seems advisable to forestall any emergency condition and to provide the needed additional assistance by hiring a part time assistant treasurer without further delay. In our opinion it is more important that we maintain the flexibility of having separate positions which allows each person to put in time on the job when it is required. obtain and hold Secondly, qualified we believe it is possible, at least at this time to people for these positions at less total cost to the 7. Changes in town than would be possible with a single full -time treasurer - collector. 6. The Case for Having an Assistant Treasurer: With our present organizational arrangement it is not possible for the town to function legally and normally in the absence of the treasurer. He is by law required to sign all checks including payroll checks and to receive and account for all income. Therefore, he cannot reasonably be allowed to get sick, have an accident or take a vacation. Neither does it seem reasonable to us to wait for an emergency to happen and then to have the selectmen appoint a temporary treasurer. The treasurer who takes his job seriously will want to have a person available for any emergency, a person who he knows is already familiar with the requirements of the job and who will maintain a continuity of policy and philosophy in the way the work is carried out. Since there appears to be need at this time for additional help in the treasurer's office, we recommend hiring a part -time assistant treasurer. We already are using a part -time person occasionally in addition to the three full time staff. The state statutes make provision for the position. Town meeting has authorized funds for the position. It seems advisable to forestall any emergency condition and to provide the needed additional assistance by hiring a part time assistant treasurer without further delay. About three years ago the town put two Burroughs mini - computer systems into operation. One of the mini - computers is at the Town Hall and is used by the treasurer's office to prepare the payroll checks for all town employees including the Board of Public Works, policemen, firemen, school teachers, other school department employees and retirees. For the first time ever, town employees were given payroll checks with stubs showing itemized deductions. If the operations of the treasurer's financial reporting procedures office became more involved because of required by the Commonwealth or the additional Securities Exchange Commission in regard to bond issues, for instance, then the assistant treasurer's position could become full -time. 7. Changes in the Operations of the Treasurer's Office in Recent Years: About three years ago the town put two Burroughs mini - computer systems into operation. One of the mini - computers is at the Town Hall and is used by the treasurer's office to prepare the payroll checks for all town employees including the Board of Public Works, policemen, firemen, school teachers, other school department employees and retirees. For the first time ever, town employees were given payroll checks with stubs showing itemized deductions. 34 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 Cost figures show that considerable amounts of money have been saved by doing payrolls "in- house" rather than by contracting them to outside organizations. Although not required by law, the town's money management activities now save us approximately a quarter of a million dollars annually. This program was initiated by Jim Boyd. Activity in government programs has increased dramatically in the past several years. Federal revenue sharing alone is reported to have returned over two million dollars since 1972. Major categories of programs include anti - recession funds, community development, HUD Section 8 Housing, and federal and state sewer program reimbursements. The treasurer's office manages the entire Municipal Light Department's investment program and its pension trust funds. All of these programs require paperwork by the treasurer's office. Municipal bonding requires the issuance of extensive, detailed financial statements of the town's financial condition so that the treasurer must spend many hours in preparing each of the prospectuses. In 1977 the treasurer's office issued 39,342 payroll checks and 13,362 accounts payable checks. The treasurer reported that cash flow for this year totaled almost $173,000,000. The projected cost for this work is salaries of $38,900 and office expense of $16,190. 8. Summary of Previous Studies: Periodically town government has initiated town government studies which have included the management of the town's fiscal affairs. In 1949 a Town Meeting Committee recommended the Town Manager form of government. This structure would have had the treasurer appointed by the manager. In 1972 -1974 the Town Government Study Committee recommended the Town Administrator form of government. This arrangement would have included a "Financial Services Division" with an accountant, collector, treasurer, appraisers and electronic data processing equipment. In 1974 in a Management Improvement Program report prepared by Peat Marwick and Mitchell, the recommendation was made to consolidate the positions of treasurer and collector. In 1976 the Charter Commission proposed that the selectmen appoint the treasurer, collector and town accountant. In 1977 Haskins and Sels, in a management letter, recommended that separate employees in the treasurer's office be assigned to cash receipt and cash disbursement, thereby tending to require an additional employee. 9. Evaluation of the Functioning of the Treasurer's Office: Whereas this committee is not made up of professional accountants or financial managers, we made no attempt to appraise the technical effectiveness of the systems used by the treasurer's office. The Finance Committee has initiated independent professional auditing of the effectiveness of the town's collection and disbursement procedures. The only area in which we would expect to see some additional activity, especially if an assistant treasurer is employed, is in the area of tax title foreclosure. According to the collector 144 cases of money owed the town in taxes have been turned over to the treasurer for legal action since 1974. The treasurer reports that 100 of these cases are still unresolved. Although the treasurer says he probably spends approximately 80 hours per year on tax title matters, there have been no foreclosure cases taken to court since approximately 1965. 10. Summary of Statistics of Surrounding Towns' Treasurers Offices: Please see separate tabulation. 11. Conculsions and Recommendations: 1. We recommend that the part -time treasurer's position be appointed rather than elected. 2. We recommend that the treasurer be review and appointed annually by a Treasurer's Selection Committee, the appointment to be effective on July first of each year. The Selection Committee should consist of the three Selectmen, the Moderator and the chairman of the Finance Committee in office on May first of that year. �� n G1 zaIz o o 0 0 0 3ad0 O r- Ln o o ^ O H O ON ra O O N O H P4 H w c*1 r w 1 w N N ^ .O ^ co •• cn N r I N N r-i N N O >4 to cd O U q - a JJ IJ 4-1 tU 1^ cd O 1 O E-4 1A W w d d) cd .. I A 00 00 U z 040w C) 00.0t� O N C C u O O O O 00 P4 a 9 a H >+ .O O 0 U N n I O }+ >+ 'r+ 'r+ 'rq cn C) p rr w o w d cn P4 cn A :j rH r- 1 0 .a Pa Q U) iJ w 1.0 0 1 P. r4 M U 1-7 P4 d W H O w ^ r-1 Cn ^ •• U) C w ^ C cA Z U g W W O En crl UW 00 1 1 N b N O O O Nrt O co a d d w 04 d -4 to u O � 1-1 to tO o o r- 41 u z >+ 04 E-+ r7 C CS p O U >> cd U O >u + U p� A I a z z a w d V Qj 1 cn 1 O 1 w - a P4 ad >+ P4 d a1 1 .. o o e0 O P4 N q W w W N 0 14 >. O ts0 N O= k t~ P4 ad U >+ -T O O O a /> p O O O I N rt P4 0 cn A a H M o o V a -ri 00 o s~ co W P,' bd W to W ^ ^ 't7 ( ^ - -r4 O o CO >+ U P4 44, W cn rn O Ln aJ u cd m .o cn " d) zdW d WOdcr) C14 N N >+ 41 dl N 'T >%O U a MA x 44 P4 ►-a o cd cd U q A U H z aA z cn N r� IT ri r-i cn 1J H P4 .t r-i n .,-N ON cn 00 cd O P4 d O 00 r-i (a .-i e-% N Ln '0 N -T .O t\ P4 H A W w w ^ (13 ^ r-i w w V. F+ w w t\ 1 d 04 W P4 U >+ N C14 r1 G) ri ri Ln n u CO -17 O. 1 O 07 H ? a H N ON is O O c*) 01 r-1 N .0 cn r-i M r] W H cn P4 H .O N H .7 U O to to >-4 o UP4 P4 ca ^ ^ v w Uw0d cn .7 ri rn� ul C � P4 W P4 c-1 N r-1 r-i cal r-i ctl w x r-I En td 0) H.aW o C:4J0 N O to H N u N Pk It C) � r-1 an d V r1 0 C C W H H O ri is >> H r-'i r♦ 41 r-I O O O q P4 P4 0 to w $4 r-i -H p X z z z Q.' W a C7bUri H b r1 CO P P+ 0 x Ch -Hb0H z U w .-i cn r-1 U d w V Q rti " ;F,- cn H aW R- E-1 w v >4 a1 a1 0 -H a1 A H O cn G cn s ="I a a • w P-1 P z rA 0 r-i o z PCC. a :4 r4 1% 1-1 z U W r1 0 0 A Pcc.. g .: w to •-1 a .P4 W H w (n P4 z to P4 O O O m CO) O w O H w d cn a z z z 0) to to to 04 x d to >+ >4 >+ r 'r1 H d u w r{ P4 A H...... .. �.. P4 a a1 W o � tJ 04 O H co w to to P to U O O a1 d O O N W H cn 0 W z z >+ >+ z z >+ 0 dda oU) H U a1 u 4J L �4 a P4 P4 x $4 r-1 ri .-1 la ri r-i w o P+ N a w w w a a+ W 44 10 0 t%1 N q b V W O W H d 13 i.c al >+ tU iJ JJ ul P4 H H z O 0 iJ >, 41 t~ C `n O a H U Pd H U r1 rl u l u ri -ri O K N H W O O C) O O tU cn G) O O ^ d cn a a •-+ a a V a ° WP4w W W w w 4 d d d 6 H 1r HC 'v o to 0 19 r-i JJ tJ r-1 eo d o0 o to oo m u r .0 -ri a 4) .� ,a W .rr r1 cU w *+ .0 H C), z 10 a 41 v 0 eu 13 u 3 to Ir.. H to o x m r'+ V 0 cD >. O 4) aJ td , a1 _-+ Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 C) i_;- 3. We recommend that the treasurer submit in writing the name of his coice for the part time position of assistant treasurer to the selectmen for their approval according to the procedures prescribed by law. 4. We recommend that the treasurer and collector positions continue as separate, part -time positions at this time. We also recommend that at such time as it is not possible to attract qualified part -time employees to these positions at salaries equivalent to the present salaries, that serious considera- tion be given to combining the offices and to the hiring of a single, full -time treasurer - collector. 5. We further recommend that this Treasurer's Study Committee be allowed to remain in existence until we have had the opportunity to convey our recommendations to the By -Law Committee for the purpose of implementing our recommendations as articles in a town warrant for consideration by town meeting. This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Maureen T. O'Brien, Chairman of the Planning Board: Annual Report of the Planning Board March 24, 1978 At the Annual Town Meeting in May of 1977 the position of Planner was established and funded. On August 1, 1977 the Planning Board filled that position and an on -going planning function was initiated in the Town of Reading. As was reported in the Progress Report at the November 1977 Town Meeting, the Planning Board, consistant with Mr. Walker's motion, coordinated its work program with other Town departments, committees and boards. Based upon input received from these agencies, the efforts of the Planning Board were concentrated on the following areas: 1) Basic Inventories, including Land Use 2) Area Study of Reading Center WA 3) Area Study of South Main Street 4) Community Facilities 5) Zoning The Planning Office has made substantial progress in all of these areas. The following paragraphs list the accomplishments to date. A. Base Maps: Updated town street and lot maps have been prepared at a 400 ft. scale. In its work, the Planning Office has built upon material provided by the Dept. of Public Works and the Assessor's office, so as to avoid duplication of effort. These maps provide the basis for graphic recording of data and proposals for any future town wide studies, and are available to other town agencies for their use. B. Population Characteristics: A report using data from the U.S. Census covering number, age, migration and family size, and an analysis of selected population characteristics, has been completed. C. Housing Characteristics: A report covering number, type, age, cost and condition of housing and an analysis of selected characteristics will be completed by the end of the fiscal year. D. Land Use: A detailed collection and compilation of data on current land use has been completed for Reading Center and is in progress in the South Main Street area, with completion expected by the end of the fiscal year. E. Public Ownership: A public land inventory including location and size of public sites has been completed. This inventory is intended to be a comprehensive current listing of publicly owned real estate in or by the Town. It includes all Town owned land, which represents the Town's major capital assets, and will serve as the basis for future land management and planning decisions. The above is a summary of this years work on basic inventories. The inventories are the raw material which the Board needs to provide an on -going planning function for the Town. We are seeking to develop policies, programs 36 Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 and criteria against which Town Meeting can evaluate future construction, and other proposals. To date, the primary example of planning which the Board has initiated is a focused study of Reading Square -Haven St. or Reading Center. At this time, the problems and potentials of the area have been identified and data recorded and analyzed on the following maps: (a) Existing Building Use, to portray existing use distributions. (b) Business and Service Uses, to portray the detailed nature of these existing uses. (c) Existing Zoning Districts, to provide a two dimensional comparison between use and regulation in the area. (d) Non Residential Floor Area, to illustrate in three dimensions the existing and potential within the area. (e) Vehicular Facilities, showing location of loading access, parking, crosswalks and bus stops. (f) Parking Supply & Demand, to show existing, current and potential demand for parking space. We wish to expand participation in decision making and to encourage fuller understanding of the issues. Consistant with this, the Planning Board in April is prepared to begin presenting some of this material to town agencies and to the public at large. This, we feel, will make possible the timely submission of completed plans for approval by Town Meeting. An area study of South Main Street, similar to the work done on Reading Center, has been started and by the end of the fiscal year should also be at a stage where identification and evaluation of alternative solutions can be initiated. The Planning Board has been engaged in an on -going Municipal Space Study, which is to consider the Town's long range space needs. Reevaluation of personnel projections for each department will be completed this year and recommendations for future space will be forthcoming shortly thereafter. The Special Town Meeting of March 1978 adopted a completely recodified Zoning By -law which incorporated the mandated changes of Chapter 808. Also accepted were 19 of 21 proposed amendments to that By -law. The Planner assisted the Board by critiquing the work accomplished and coordinating the views of the Town agencies involved with those of the Board and the consultant. He also arranged the reference sections in the By -law and did the preparations and presentations for the Hearings and Town Meeting. His efforts were invaluable in producing a well written By -law which was the culmination of a whole year's work. Although the subject matter was at times complex, confusing and tedious, the Zoning By -law recodification adopted by Town Meeting has given the Planning Board a product we can work with and are proud of. We feel there is still much to be done in the future, however, to provide the Town with an up to date set of zoning regulations which address all of the Town's development problems. The Planning Board and its Planner have been participating in on -going studies and evaluations of periodic proposals relative to the B & M lines, and water supply and drainage and will continue to give appropriate unput where needed. The Board has also offered reports and recommendations at four Board of Appeals hearings, and plans are underway, as of this writing, to begin formal considera- tion, under Chapter 121A, General Laws, of construction of the Cedar Glen Project for Housing for the Elderly on North Main Street. The Planning Board did apply to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Community Affairs for assistance in completing the Work Program. Although these applications were denied, the work has continued at a somewhat slower pace. Grantsmanship is an area which the Planning Board has continually monitored and for which it, in its capacity as a resource center, has made available assistance to Town agencies when we felt we had information or expertise to offer. Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 The Planning Board has had a very busy and productive year. It is most gratifying to realize how much has been done yet still sobering to know how much is left to do. Reading Planning Board Maureen T. O'Brien, Chairman This report was accepted as a report of progress. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to take up Article 13 in advance of its order. 37 ARTICLE 13. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum of Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the care and lighting of the Old South Clock. 4/ ARTICLE 4. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the Town amend "Section 7" of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town, as follows: - By adding under "(A) Sick Leave" to the list of excluded Department Heads and Chief Executive Officers the Title "Town Accountant." ARTICLE 5. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the Town amend the Classification Plan of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town as follows: By Re- classifying Principal Clerk (Grade 4) to the Board of Contributory Retirement to Administrative Assistant, (Grade 6). ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Classification Plan of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town, or take any action with respect theretp: By re- classifying Conservation Assistant (Grade 5) to new Job Title of Conservation Administrator (Grade 7). On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to lay Article 6 on the table. ARTICLE 7. On motion of John C. Newman it was voted that the Town amend the Classification Plan of Article XXIV of the By -Laws of the Town as follows: By re- classifying Principal Clerk (Grade 4) to Town Accountant, to Administrative Assistant, (Grade 6). ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to establish the position of local inspector to serve as an assistant under the Building Inspector and to see what sum the Town will vote to raise from the tax levy, or by transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate to fund the salary thereof, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that Article 8 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to establish a clerical position under the Planning Board, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 9 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to establish the position of a Youth Director to serve at the will of the Board of Selectmen and to see what sum the Town will vote to raise from the tax levy, or by transfer from available funds, or otherwise and appropriate to fund the salary therefor, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to lay Article 10 on the table. Annual Town Meeting May 1, 1978 ARTICLE 11. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that the Town establish the position of a Senior Clerk to serve under the Board of Selectmen._ ARTICLE 12. To determine how much money the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to postpone this article until 8:00 P.M. on May 8, 1978. ARTICLE 14. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum of Eight Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($8,400) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for the Police Department. "I ARTICLE 15. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty -five Dollars ($4,785.) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for the Fire Department. ARTICLE 16. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of protective clothing for the Auxiliary Fire Service. ARTICLE 17. James J. Sullivan, Jr. moved that the sum of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of a new pumper vehicle for the Fire Department. On motion of Thomas J. Ryan it was voted to adjourn this meeting until Thursday night, May 4, 1978, immediately following the Special Town Meeting scheduled for 8:00 P.M. on that dater to meet in the Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:55 P. M. 177 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium May 4, 1978 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P.M. The invocation was given by the Rev. Willard C. Arnold, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Warrant wapsaq & &Il the Town Clerk when on motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant, except the Officer's Return wnicn was then read by the Town Clerk. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Mr. Winthrop P. Frazier. ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by Charles W. Hewitt, Chairman of the Finance Committee: Supplement to the Report of the Finance Committee Special Town Meeting, May 4, 1978 Article 3 - Recommend $119,010 7:1:1 This article will be funded by raising $68,755 on the tax levy and transferring $50,255 from available funds. Article 4 - Recommend 8:0 No funds will be raised under this article. This report was accepted as a report of progress.