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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-03-14 Annual Town Meeting MinutesADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 2 )- Reading Memorial High School Auditorium March 14, 1974 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. Adrian R. Keeton of the Church of the Nazarene. '- ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Seventy -Eight Thousand Four Hundred Forty -Five Dollars ($278,445.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Protection of Persons and Property as follows, each item being considered as a sep- arate appropriation: ✓Police Department Maintenance $ 47,500.00 /police Department Traffic Control Schools 42,900.00 - ?olice Department Traffic Light Maintenance 5,000.00 _;Fire Department Maintenance (including travel outside state rnttnexceed $200.00) 37,000.00 Yire Alarm Salaries 7,000.00 Fire Alarm Expense 4,100.00 ,Forestry Department Salaries 55,356.00 .Forestry Department Tree Removal Inc. Labor 1,000.00 Forestry Department Expense 11,500.00 .Hydrant Rental 26,240.00 -Drinking Fountain Operation 100.00 Inspector of Buildings Salaries 14,272.00 .-Inspector of Buildings Expense 1,000.00 Sealer of Weights & Measures Salary 1,331.00 .Sealer of Weights & Measures Expense 350.00 -Dog Officer.Salary 11,146.00 ,Dog Officer Expense 6,250.00 ..Inspector of Wires Salary 4,200.00 r1 ✓Inspector of Wires Expense 800.00 /Civil Defense Maintenance & Salary 1,400.00 " $278,445.00 On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., it was voted to lay Article 4 on the table. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by George A. Theophanis, Chairman of the Town Government Study Committee, which was accepted as a report of progress: INTERIM REPORT OF THE TOWN GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE Status The Town Government Study Committee is presently in the third and final phase of its study as described in the interim report of Septem- ber 24th, 1973. This phase includes the formulation of a reference set of governmental, citizen and legal reaction. This will be followed by the development of a plan for implementation of the reforms and the writ- ing of a final report containing all our recommendations. We feel that these recommendations should be forthcoming in the Fall of this year. These recommendations may consist of By -Law changes, amendments to the Special Acts or even a recommendation for the election of a Charter Com- mission. Since our last report, we have had numerous meetings dealing init- v with itiPntifinatinn of mainr nrnhlom nrcac anA l = +- cr with +-hn IL Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 Since our study began, the scope of our effort has become more and more clearly defined. We have chosen to take a rather broad view of our mission, not unlike that of a Charter Commission. As such, our methods lie mostly in obtaining general views and opinions from a broad segment of the community, including active and past government officials, and becoming as learned as possible in the organizational and political as- pects of municipal government. We have been fortunate to have had the operations study conducted simultaneously with our study. The consult- ant has spent many hours investigating the day -to -day operations of the various departments, and has compiled the results, pointing out strengths and weaknesses in the system. This freed us to consider what might be the optimum form of government to cope with the type of weaknesses dis- covered, rather than attempt to solve individual problems. Major Problem Areas Our last interim report contained certain preliminary observations that have since becomgblearly defined and better substantiated. Among these observations, three major problem areas have emerged. First is apathy on the part of the voting public and the Town Meeting body. We will not dwell on the adverse effects of such apathy on our present form of government, since we have already made our opinion clear in the last interim report. We will, however, share with you some of the evi- dence that further substantiates our initial observations. Figure 1 is a thirty -year voting trend illustrating the voter turn- out. It shows a rather random array of ups and downs, with the last seven years being consistently below the mean. The significance of this is clearly brought home when one compares this trend with Figure 2, which is a graph of the rate of contested Town Meeting seats to the total seats up for election. Except for the last eight years, in only one year (1956) is there a co- incidental dip in both curves. Over the past eight years (excluding this last election) both curves have taken a downward turn. This convinces us the recent downturn in these indi- cators is not within the randomness of these curves, but is true indi- cation of growing apathy in the Reading political process. Apathy in the Town Meeting body is strongly evidenced by the lack of communication between the Town Meeting members and the administra- tive branches of the government. Whether apathy is a result of this, or poor communications is a result of apathy, is a moot point. The fact is, relatively few Town Meeting members are informed on the is- sues upon which they are voting. Very few members attend administra- tive board or committee meetings, Finance Committee meetings, or in any other way attempt to participate in the legislative process, other than to attend Town Meetings. The record on this latter is rather good as Figure 3 shows. This is a graph of the Town Meeting attendance records, and shows, if anything, a slight upturn to a respectable percentage. There is a question as to how many of these members remain for the en- tire session. However, the statistics tend to encourage us in our position, expressed in the last interim report, "our hope and aim" is to preserve the Town Meeting system. The second major problem area we have identified is the lack of central administrative authority and co- ordination among the various operational arms of the government. This is evidenced in part by cer- tain administrative weaknesses, pointed out by the operations study consultant and other town officials and ex- officials. It is also clearly evidenced by the difficulty citizens experience in attempting to communicate with the government. It is not rare for citizens to be unable to locate a sole source of authority to handle a particular problem. The third basic problem area is the lack of co- ordinated planning. This is traceable to the fragmented nature of the policy making arm of the government. We are living in a time in which planning, particularly regional planning, is increasingly dominating our lives. We feel it is ,,,,� Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 27 the dedication of its elected officials. The changes we are proposing should in no way be taken as reflection on the performance of any in- dividual. The aim is to give these individuals more effective tools. Reference Governmental Reforms We have chosen to take the approach of establishing, at this time, a reference governmental reform package as a point of departure for em- bodying specific recommendations by government officials and other in- dividuals. The philosophy contained in this package attempts to answer to the three major problem areas previously described. It also attempts to embrace the basic democratic principles adhered to so strenuously in Massachusetts municipal government throughout history. The method of implementation of these reforms was not a strong consideration during their establishment. However, implementation will become a stronger concern as the reform package is modified and improved. We are propos- ing a Town Administrator form of government, as is evident from Figure 4. This is a step beyond our present executive secretary but falls short of establishing a full administrative authority, typified by a Town Manager. The primary difference is in who has the appointment authority. We pro- pose the Selectmen make the appointments of the department heads upon �he recommendation of the Town Administrator. We propose one caveat to ensure the Town Administrator has sufficient responsibility for the ac- tions of his departments. That is, the Selectmen may not make any ap- pointments not recommended by the Town Administrator. This merely forma- lizes what is customary practice in a Town Admininstrator system. The Town Administrator appoints his staff. This staff will be the chief agent of co- ordination the .administrator will have. It can take on any form the Town Administrator desires, from full -time employees to con- tracted services of consultants. A major feature of our proposal is the consolidation of the various operating arms into seven major departments. This is more than under the usual Town Manager or Administrator system for several reasons. We did not wish to provide second level administrators in areas between which there were not complex relations. We wanted each department to have an identity of its own with a clear logical mission. In addition to the seven departments, the Town Administrator has the Town Clerk reporting to him. The Town Clerk functions somewhat independently; his duties are largely statutory, and so should not be combined with any other department. Much of tho`rationale behind this arrangement of major departments lies in the general laws. However, we will point out certain highlights of the structure. By combining the various human services into one de- partment we are creating a strong voice within the administration for the various minority groups now represented and administered to by offi- cers having little individual influence. Establishing this department will create a vehicle for administrating many of the types of programs that may be funded through Federal Special Revenue Sharing. We are recommending a consolidated financial services department to more effectively and more economically establish proper fiscal controls over our financial operations. This department is similar to the con- troller's office in industry, and is externally checked by a Selectmen appointed auditor. Legislative checks on this body alreadl exist in Arti- cle III of. the Town By -Laws, which also provide for a citizen's check. A full time inspection department is recommended to comply with new state laws. We are proposing to consolidate measurements with this department to take advantage of the existing administrative structure. We are also recommending a department of parks be created to co- ordinate the servicing of the various public lands. This operation will be closely co- ordinated with the public works department by a single ad- ministrator. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 This much of our reform package is designed to answer to the pro- blems of administrative weakness and deficiency in responsiveness to the citizens. It will also aid in developing policy planning. Another major feature of the proposed structure is elimination from the ballot of many of the elected boards and offices. This is pro- posed for three major reasons: First, we must face up to the existence of apathy. If it cannot be dispelled, and we can hope for only slight progress in this area, then we must fashion our government to function despite it. Second, the sort of policy planning required today can only be accomplished by centralizing the elected executive branch of the government. Third, in order for the Town Administrator to function, he must not be beholden to a multiple executive authority. It is plain to see that our recommendations result in a government which has not shrunk, but has only become more centralized. The tra- ditional controls on the administrative organization are supplied through mandatory appointments by the Selectmen. Other advisory boards and committees may be appointed by the Selectmen to provide ample par- ticipation by the townspeople in the policy planning and decision mak- ing process. One must not be misled by the formal structure into en- visioning complex lines of communication between departments and cog- nizant boards. Natural lines of communication will develop probably in much the same way they exist now, while the formal lines will be utilized in cases of dispute or needed co- ordination. The role of the boards in the "must appoint" category is to formulate policy for the administrative organization over which they have cogniz- ance and to advise the Selectmen on any co- ordination policy involving these organizations. The role of the "may appoints" committees is for the most part advisory to the Selectmen. With this greatly increased scope of authority and responsibility, we feel that the number of Selectmen should be increased to five. This will provide safeguards and additional members to help carry the added load. It is important to note that the type of load the Selectmen will carry will be somewhat different than it is today. Many of the day -to- day activities will now be handled by the Town Administrator (eg. re- sponding to individual citizens needs). They will thus be free to form- ulate and co- ordinate policy for all of the government for which they are responsible. Those executive functions not under the direct control of the Sel- ectmen are the Housing Authority, Regional School Representative, School Committee and the Municipal Light Board. The first three must be elected by State law. As for the M.L.B. we feel that since it services towns in addition to Reading and owns facilities outside of Reading, it should con- tinue to enjoy its present independent position. The Town Administrator structure we propose does not rule out consolidation of some of the acti- vities of these other functions with those of the rest of the town. In fact, this structure is highly suited to incorporating such activities as building maintenance, purchasing, etc., should it be desirable in the future. The next major feature of our reform package is the restructuring of the Town Meeting as a true legislative body. We feel this is import- ant because in formalizing the government it becomes necessary to pro- vide the traditional democratic safeguards, namely, checks and balances and separation of powers. This means that the Town Meeting must be div- orced from the executive branch, must properly exercise its power of the purse, must legislate in a knowledgeable manner_ must debate the P_XPCU- Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 29 *A Planning and Development Committee made up of Town Meet- ing members will advise Town Meeting on all Warrant arti- cles relating to zoning, subdivision, land acquisition or other land use in much the same manner that the Finance Com- mittee advises on fiscal matters, and will have investigatory powers. • Similarly, a By -Law Committee will advise Town Meeting on all warrant articles proposing to change the By -Laws. • The Three advisory committees must submit written reports to the Moderator on all investigations they conduct. • The Finance Committee will receive five -year capital plans arranged in priority order from the Selectmen, the School Committee, Housing Authority and Municipal Light Board, mesh them in an overall priority order, and present the package to the Town Meeting as the capital budget plan. Once Town Meeting adopts the plan, no capital appropriations can be made unless they conform to the plan or the plan is amended. • There will be two regularly scheduled Town Meetings, one in early May, and the other in late November. The Budget will be considered at the May meeting. • The Moderator will be elected by the Town Meeting membership. • There will be no ex- officio members of Town Meeting. • Government officials who are not Town Meeting members will be permitted to make motions representing the majority posi- tion of their board on articles placed in the warrant by their boards. • The debate restriction that limits a Town Meeting member from speaking a second time on an article will be abolished. • The Selectmen will deliver an annual "State -of- the - Town" address to the Town Meeting. Most of these reforms are accepted principles in other legislative bodies throughout the nation. The mandatory precinct meetings, with their chief function of electing their chairmen, who will have appoint- ment powers, will encourage attendance by the Town Meeting members at Town Meetings. They will thus become an excellent forum for the town officials and others to inform the members in matters relating to the articles in the warrant before the actual convening of Town Meeting, and will provide opportunity for caucuses. The Finance Committee will become an arm of the Town Meeting,.from which it presently derives its power, and will be joined by two other standing committees. Thus, all aspects of government will be open to scrutiny throughout the year, and the Town Meeting members will have well informed opinions to guide them in their actions. There will be no ex- officio members of Town Meeting, thus offering all precincts equal representation, and fully separating the legisla- tive and executive branches. Provisions are made so that no board can be blocked from presenting motions on their articles in the event that none are elected Town Meeting members. Meaningful debate will be stimulated by eliminating the debate limit- ing rule, by presenting the capital budget plan to the membership for de- bate and ratification, and by having the Selectmen spell out their poli- cies and the current state -of- the -town with respect to these policies. Two regularly scheduled meetings will reduce the number of articles detracting from the budget at the annual meeting, and will allow ade- quate planning for both administrative personnel and Town Meeting mem- bers. The members will elect their own Moderator as is common in most t; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 TOWN GOVERNMENT TIME TABLE February 15 Budgets in to Fin. Com. Third Monday in March Warrant articles in to Selectmen Second Monday preceeding first Monday in May (mid April) Second Wednesday preceeding first Monday in May 11 -20 days before first Monday in May 1 -10 days before first Monday in May Last Monday in April First Monday in May July 1 July 10 Third Monday in September Last Monday in October Town elections Notice of Annual Town Meeting Notice of Precinct Meetings Precinct Meetings Recommendations from the Fin,Cim. and By -Laws Com. Annual Town Meeting Fin. Com. P. &D. Com., By -Law Com. terms expire Fin. Com., P. &D. Com., By- Laws Com. meetings to elect officers Subsequent warrant articles in to Selectmen Notice of subsequent Town Meeting First Monday in November Recommendations from Fin. Com., P. &D. Com. and By -Law Com. Second Monday in November Subsequent Town Meeting For Special Town Meetings and Precinct Meetings: 7 days before Town Meeting Notice 4 days before Town Meeting 5 days before Precinct Meeting Recommendations by Fin. Com., P. &D. Com. and By -Laws Com. Notice It is apparent, on studying the government structure diagram, the administrative reforms we are proposing require an investment on the part of the taxpayer. We feel it is essential that the Town Adminis- trator's salary be made adequate so the best and most experienced tal- ent will be attracted to the job. The second level administrative positions in most cases already exist, or can be drawn from existing positions within the department, with appropriate salary increases to compensate for the additional administrative duties. It is to be expected that the administrative staff will also entail some additional expense in the area of salaries and or consultant fees. We expect to better define these additional costs as our study pro- gresses. We also hope to identify areas in which off - setting savings will' accrue. Consolidation in the financial services and public lands areas might provide opportunities for cost savings. Further cost savings will be realized from the more extensive use of federal, state and regional funds that the new structure will allow. Considerable money of this sort has already been lost by Reading because of its lack of knowledge- able central administration. Some relief from this problem should be forthcoming from Reading's recent establishment of a full -time executive secretary position. We cannot promise the tax rate will become lower un- der the reformed government. However, we feel a more effective use of PRO �z H O° H 0 H a to W HO �z t� AAH WW w H 00 UH O� z OA H� QW Nz w� P4 H �i W rH V) W L M ya � O O� U 0 0 0 0 %-d 1-1 � .- -- - - O O` 00 r- .o itl n4 M N r+ t �d a� a a a� V ,D .o 00 10 Ln Ln N Ln O Ln 00 N �A 1 L- O U W U O cn fH td E Cr 80' P-4 Ln Q >.4 OR H. �zz z�o J O V U to vt J W 2U N / L O � = Q � CI1 W J rtj 1-- L' z N <C 3 >� 0 � i . 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Z S � - �) U �.a a. o - �r E- •n LLAI t Wl L LUJ a 3 < O :z- O V Q v -+ O j- v 4 b 2 I / I CA �•• ~, /� Ir Q o v 0� Z 0 2 Q- —�- -• - -- to — 10 O W Ml t) N Q Q `l < V C Z7 E-- L S � - �) U �.a a. o - �r E- •n � t Wl L LUJ a 3 < O :z- O V Q v -+ O j- v 4 b 2 S � - 7 J_ ►4 U cu z H Q w x z H Q z w x H 0 z H H 0 H w x ID rH W O f� 1 Q ag N o� N O r. .4 :- O O O O Cl O �a a� N N N O N 00 �D N 0 00 N O tf1 00 W d' d' N Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 31 REMARKS The Selectmen are proposing under Article 2 of this warrant that the town's voting precincts be realigned and increased in number to eight. The Committee wholeheartedly supports this proposal. It is in fact, most desirable in relation to our proposed reform package, since the number of members of several committees depends on the num- ber of precincts. Our - idies also indicate Town Meeting-will function as a better representative body with more precincts, in whicil there are fewer, therefore more visible representatives. We support the principle, the voting precincts be aligned to reflect the demographic makeup of the town. Precincts will then acquire the flavor of neighbor- hood betterment committees. They will act as more cohesive bodies to articulate their special interests at Town Meeting. Our Committee acknowledges the invaluable services provided by Misses Linda Hamel and Ann Barrett in compiling and analyzing the political trend statistics. These two Reading High School students have spent many hours in the Town Clerk's office, the library, the Reading Chron- icle office and at our meetings. They should be commended for the quality and persistence of their effort. The Committee would also like to acknowledge the co- operation of Mrs. Joyce Miller and the Library Trustees as well as Mrs. Nancy Ander- son and the Conservation Commission in providing warm space for our meetings during the fuel crisis. We would again like to render our appreciation to the Reading Chron- icle and its editor Bruce Morang for making space available to us to ex- press our views and to obtain citizen response. As a final word, we would like to reiterate that the reforms we have proposed are merely a starting point. A proper, ultimate formulation of the reform package can best be arrived at through response to our ideas as expressed here. All of our meetings are open. All of our members are available for personal contact. We hope response will come during the early stages of our remaining study period. George A. Theophanis, Chairman Corliss T. VanHorn Sandra E. Gray Theo M. Johnson Donald R. Walker Jack Q Cairl Town Government Study Committee (Figure 1, 2, 3, 4, mentioned in report are on separate sheets) ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Joyce K. Miller, Chairman of the Reading Bicentennial Commission, which was accepted as a report of progress: REPORT OF PROGRESS - READING BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION The Reading Bicentennial Commission was authorized under Article 30 of the Town Meeting, March 1972. The first members were appointed in early spring 1973, with Joyce K. Miller as chairman pro -tem. Several preliminary meetings were held, and on June 21 the Commission formally organized, electing Joyce K. Miller as Chairman and Eleanor C. Bishop as Secretary. Recognizing the importance of community participation and coordin- ated activities, the Commission requested interested local organizations to appoint liason representatives for Bicentennial activities. Over twenty -five groups have appointed such representatives, and two "open meetings" have been well attended. We have applied to the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission for designation as a Bicentennial Community, and have endorsed their themes of Heritage, Festival, and Horizon and adopted their slogan of "A Heritage to preserve; a future to mold ". Many projects have been considered and the following officially en- dorsed at this time: 1. Complete the necessary basic repairs to the Parker Tavern. 2. Establish a local Heritage Trail by identifying and mark- ing local historic sites and houses of the Revolutionary period. A small brochure will be made available to the public. 3. Sponsor a new edition of Reading's Colonial Rooftrees. Mrs. Eleanor C. Bishop has agreed to update the original 1944 edition. Arrangements are incomplete but it is planned to have it available to the public in an inexpen- sive format. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 4. A Festival or focal point with public participation on the weekend of May 29, 1976. Activities will de- pend very largely on efforts of local groups. Numer- ous organizations have indicated their interest in conducting or assisting with functions for that occa- sion. Suggestions and commitments are welcome. Numerous other projects are being considered. We are pleased that the League of Women Voters has agreed to prepare a revised edi- tion of The Story of Reading Government written by Victor E. Pitkin, 1940. Few copies of the original remain and an up -to -date edition would be most useful. The Library, with the cooperation of the Reading Chron- icle, is undertaking to assemble and frame copies of all known maps of Reading. It is hoped other organizations and institutions will develop suitable projects. Federal funds in a limited quantity are being distributed through the State Bicentennial Commission to local communities on a matching basis. Last year the Reading Antiquarian Society raised over $6,000.00 for repairs to the Parker Tavern. The Commission's recent public re- quest for donations has brought in $1,085.00. Accordingly we have ap- plied to the state for $6,000.00 for repairs to the Tavern and $750.00 as one -half the cost of establishing a Heritage Trail. I had hoped to know by March 1, whether these funds would be available, but awards will not be announced until April 1. At the appropriate time we will move Indefinite Postponement of Article 25, for it is impossible to determine at this time how much - if any - funds we will need. We may return at a later meeting to ask for your support. This report has not included any reference to a permanent memorial or project under the heading of "Horizon" or "A Future to Mold ". The Commission has not yet adopted a project along these lines, but is en- couraging other Departments, Committees, and organizations to explore the possibility of developing parks, picnic areas, hike trails or sim- ilar facilities. It is a good time to consider the heritage we are leaving for future generations. The Commission is deeply grateful for the interest and generous contributions of Reading citizens. How many projects are successfully completed will depend largely upon efforts of small groups - not upon a "Package" handled by a Commission. The response to date makes us confident that Reading can produce a program fulfilling the requirement of a "A Heritage to preserve; a future to mold ". On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted to take Article 4 from the table. �-_-/, ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the sum of Three Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($360,000.00) be transferred from Federal Revenue Sharing Fund (P.L. 92 -512) and that the sum of Two Hundred Twenty -Nine Thousand One Hundred Fifty -Eight Dollars ($229,158.00) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Five Hundred Eight -Nine Thousand One Hundred Fifty -Eight Dollars ($589,158.00) be appropriated for Police Department Salaries, and the Town`Accountant be and he hereby is authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote. \� ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the sum of Three Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($360,000.00) be trans- ferred from Federal Revenue Sharing Fund (P.L. 92 -512) and that the sum of Three Hundred Forty Thousand Fifty -Four Dollars ($340,054.00) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Seven Hundred Thousand Fifty -Four Dollars ($700,054.00) be appropriated for Fire De- partment Salaries and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is author- ized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote. ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Five Hundred Twenty -Eight Dollars ($101,528.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Health and Sanitation as follows, each item being considered a ;separate ap- propriation: Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 14, 1974 3 ,Board of Health Salaries hoard of Health Expense ,Health Agent Salary -Plumbing Inspector Salary & Expense Animal Inspector Salary & Expense 'Gas Inspector Salary & Expense Care of Contagious Diseases Fluoridation Mosquito Control "Child Welfare Mental Health 735 Program $ 7,594,00 1,550.00 13,900.00 1,600.00 550.00 600.00 7,500.00 3,700.00 7,300.00 2,270.00 28,964.00 26,000.00 ,/$101,528.00 _-ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty -Nine Dollars ($101,389.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Vet- erans' Benefits as follows, each item being considered a separate ap- propriation: /Administrative Salaries $ 14,889.00 administrative Expense 1,500.00 eterans' Aid 85,000.00 /$101,389.00 On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Saturday, March 16, 1974, at 9:00 A. M., to meet in Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 P. M. 179 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium March 16, 1974 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 9:00 A. M. The invocation was given by Rev. Paul E. Barnes of the First Con- gregational Church. ARTICLE 4. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr., as amended by Richard J gden, it was voted that the sum of Six Million Three Hundred Eighty - Three Thousand Five Hundred Fifty -Eight Dollars ($6 383 558.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the Sch��Department, and that the expenditure of Fifty -Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty - Six Dollars ($59,736.00) received or to be received under Public Law #874, and that the sum of Sixty -One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty -Four Dollars ($61,684.00), received or to be received from Chapter 506 METCO Funds, so- called, and that said sumWtotalling Six Million Five Hundred and Four Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy -Eight Dollars ($6,504,978.00) be authorized and appropriated as follows: -- / $6,383,558.00 General Salaries Less: Chapter 506 Fund $5,349,885.00 26,900.00 1,,45,322,985.00 Maintenance (including travel out of State not to ex- ceed $3,475.00) 1,078,314.00 Less: Public Law #874 $59,736.00 Chapter 506 Fund 34,,784.00 94,520.00 X983,794.00 Cafeterias X44,929.00 Athletics -/21,000.00 Adult Education 10,850.00 / $6,383,558.00