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Home My WebLink About2012-01-24 Board of Selectmen HandoutDRAFT MOTIONS JANUARY 24, 2012 Anthony, Goldy, tea, col-, Schubert Hechenbleikner 3a) Move to close the hearing approving the policy establishing the Town Accountant Search Committee. Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the policy establishing the Town Accountant Search Committee. Move that the Board of Selectmen adjourn the meeting at p.m. 01 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Administrative matters ♦ Potential changes in MBTA service affection Reading. ♦ Town Clerk's office will be open until 8 PM on Wednesday February 15 — this is required for voter registration. ♦ The annual census should be in the mail in about a week. Remember to license your dog. ♦ The Presidential Primary Election and the Town Election will be March 6, 7 am to 8 PM at the Hawkes Field House. You will also be able to license your dog that day. ♦ We have received the large excise tax commitment, so bills will be coming out shortly with a due date on or about March 1 — check the bills for details. ♦ There have been several Cable TV problems over the past couple of weeks, and RCTV informs me that they believe that they have everything fixed. Community Services ♦ Re: Oaktree, they will be done setting the boxes by the end of the day today. They still have work to do from the street by way of breaking down the crane and use of a man lift that will keep them in the street until at least Thursday. Public Safety ♦ 3 men arrested in the 2011 Home Invasion in Reading have pled guilty. The judge sentenced them to 5 years of probation only, with no jail time. This was contrary to the recommendation of the District Attorney and the Reading Police Chief. ♦ The Fire Chief is in the process of putting together the filing for FEMA reimbursement for the Halloween snow storm. In a departure from many past such incidents, the RMLD will also be eligible for reimbursement. Public Works . We have had a downtown sewer main back -up in one local business, caused by another of our businesses. The investigative and corrective work is what you may have been seeing on Main Street in downtown. ♦ As part of our ongoing, comprehensive, town wide recycling efforts /educational process we are considering textile recycling. To date the Town web site has information on what recycling opportunities are now available. . DPW had its first plowing event of the season on Saturday with the approx. 4 inches of snow, and made a decision to scrape everything once. ♦ Once the gas co. is done replacing the main on Wilson they will go to Condor, Pearl Street (to abandon the low pressure main) then to Track Road to replace the main. The work will continue right trough the winter. 1/24/2012 1 0 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, January 24, 2012 The work on Pearl with consist of swapping services over to the high pressure main and a few other excavations to install vales and cross connections. They will not have to dig up the entire length of the roadway. Track Road work will be similar to Wilson. ♦ The rest of the year National Grid will be replacing mains on: Willow — (RR to Lowell) Linden — Lowell to Woburn Glenmore & Winslow Rd Oakland Gould St — to service 30 Haven Project Main — South to Hopkins to service Pulte 1/24/2012 2 0 64 Middlesex Avenue Reading, MA 01867 Phone: (781) 944 -0840 www.readingpl.org Fax: (781) 942 -9113 January 23, 2012 In memory of Ted McIntire Dear Friends: We know that many friends and colleagues of Ted's would like to find a way to honor his commitment to Reading, his work to make Reading a friendly and comfortable community, and to serve as a memento of our affection and regard for this special man whom so many of us will miss. We thought of a gift that many people would enjoy, and that would be visible in Reading for a long time - a bench that we will mark in his memory. We knew that Ted himself liked the idea of giving a public bench as he had very recently done so to honor a family member. We'll match the style of the Town and Library benches and work with Ted's colleagues in Public Works to place it in just the right spot somewhere centrally in town. If you'd like to contribute to a gift in Ted's memory, please make your check payable to the Town of Reading and note "Bench" on it and send it to the Reading Public Library. If you'd like to make a cash donation, you may do so at the Library at any time —just hand it in at one of the desks and please make sure you include your name and address so we can acknowledge your gift. If you'd like us to acknowledge your gift to someone other than Ted's family, please give us the details and we'll be glad to do so. Thank you very much. Please make checks payable to "Town of Reading" and note "Bench ". Page 1 of 3 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Delios, Jean Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 9:41 AM To: rnrchambercom @aol.com Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Knight, Maureen Subject: RE: Bi- Weekly Update 01 -19 -12 Good Morning Irene I received an update on Friday (after the biweekly notes went out) from Oaktree. I provide it below in hopes that this will provide further information. Please feel free to contact me if I can assist further. Best, Jean Jean - Below is an update regarding the progress of the project at 30 Haven St. • All of the concrete decks have been placed. Some minor "fill -in" concrete work remains, but the bulk of the concrete truck traffic is done. • We are nearing completion of the modular box setting operation. As of the end of the day today, 12 boxes remain to be craned into place. As they are of the smaller variety, weather permitting, they should all be done on Monday 1/23/12. Currently however, Monday's weather forecast is questionable. • Breakdown of the Crane is scheduled for Tuesday, 1/24/12 or the day following last box set. • Removal of the rear temporary fence panels and reinstallation of pound and post system is scheduled for Wednesday, weather permitting. This will, thus, return the rear row of parking spaces back for use. • On Haven Street, the set crew has 1 -2 days worth of work with a man lift beyond the day that the crane is broken down . As such, removal of the Haven Street temporary fence panels and re- installation of the pound and post fence is slated for Wednesday /Thursday (1/25 or 1/26/12). Police details will be needed until the man lift is removed from the street. • Replacing of Jersey barriers to occur by Friday the 27th, depending on the progress with the man lift. . Overhead sidewalk protection is planned to be installed on Monday the 1/30/2012. Let me know if you need anything further on this. Thanks. 1/23/2012 At Grumpy Doy1cs's on LIVE TNIUSIC Sponsored by 11011S Citil)( `ednesdalv, January 215th tat p. M. t) f It e a d i it ty., 11A '47 111 . 0 7 2. 12 0 It al GrumpY Doyle's in Reading. 11A.' J—PROCl-, a 1" A111. ETIZERS 70 1p�,Ipy q (3,11""11 B-ASKTS 1, 'Ar B 11' 'S"'I "N SQ X1 L "I"SV/ 1,1, B J.,, R Personal Empowerment Safety Education'#` Come out and h(ave FIA with. us on Sponsored by 11011S Citil)( `ednesdalv, January 215th tat p. M. t) f It e a d i it ty., 11A '47 111 . 0 7 2. 12 0 It al GrumpY Doyle's in Reading. 11A.' J—PROCl-, a 1" EL , 7 7- Pagel of 3 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 9:34 AM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: News Release: Three Men Plead Guilty To Charges In Connection With Reading Home Invasion Copy to Board of Selectmen as TM report Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town Hall Hours effective June 7, 2010: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED phone: 781 - 942 -9043 fax 781 - 942 -9071 web ww, _readinama .aov email townmanagera�}c_i reading_Ma. us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http: / /readingma -su_ rvey virtualtown hall.. n_ et/surveY /.sid /1 dc7dcf24f2eb1.82/ From: O'Brien, Cara (DAA) [mailto:cara.o'brien @state.ma . us] Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 6:16 PM Subject: News Release: Three Men Plead Guilty To Charges In Connection With Reading Home Invasion Good evening- please find the press release that relates to your District. Thank you, Cara O'Brien For Immediate Release Contact: Jessica Venezia Pastore /Cara O'Brien January 19, 2012 781 - 897 -8325 Three Men Plead Guilty To C_ _ harges In_Connection With Reading Home Invasion WOBURN — Three men pleaded guilty to home invasion and armed robbery charges in connection with a 2011 home invasion in Reading, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed 1/23/2012 THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY 15 COMMONWEALTH AVE WOBURN MA 01801 r wxx -d T. Leone, Jr. Tel: 781 - 897 -8325 strict Attorney Fax: 781 - 897 -8326 For Immediate Release Contact: Jessica Venezia Pastore /Cara O'Brien January 19, 2012 781 - 897 -8325 Three Men Plead Guilty To C_ _ harges In_Connection With Reading Home Invasion WOBURN — Three men pleaded guilty to home invasion and armed robbery charges in connection with a 2011 home invasion in Reading, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed 1/23/2012 Page 2 of 3 the public today. Jason Molle, 21, of Stoneham, Garrett Collins, 22, and Matthew Stratton, 20, both of Reading, pleaded guilty today to charges of home invasion, armed robbery, conspiracy, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (2 counts), and assault and battery. The Commonwealth requested that the defendants be sentenced to five to seven years in state prison followed by five years probation with conditions. Middlesex Superior Court Judge Garry Inge sentenced the defendants to two and one half years in the House of Corrections, suspended for 30 months on one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and an additional two and one half years in the House of Corrections on and after, suspended for 30 months on the assault and battery count. On all the additional counts, the defendants were sentenced to 5 years probation to run concurrent with the suspended jail sentence with the conditions that the defendants are ordered to stay away and have no contact with the victim or his family, ordered to remain drug free and subject to random drug screens, ordered to maintain employment or school, ordered to complete 125 hours of community service which must be completed in an education setting or teaching young people about the dangers of drug use, ordered to pay $800 in restitution to the victim, ordered to undergo any mental health or drug treatment as deemed appropriate by a mental health professional or drug evaluation, and ordered to sign any waivers or releases required by probation in order to enforce conditions. "These defendants have now admitted to attacking and threatening the victim with a firearm inside the victim's home before robbing him of a significant amount of money and fleeing the scene. These serious, violent actions remain extremely troubling to law enforcement and the Reading community and, due to their severity, we are disappointed that the Court did not see fit to incarcerate the defendants," District Attorney Leone said. "I commend the work of the Reading Police Department whose investigation lead to the swift arrest and identification of the defendants and who continue to work tirelessly to keep their community safe." According to authorities, on February 7, 2011, at approximately 12:45 pm, Reading police responded to an apartment on Archstone Circle for reports of a home invasion. Upon arrival, police located the victim, a 19- year -old male, who was evidencing an obvious facial injury. The victim informed police that the defendant, Molle, and a second male, Quinlan Junta, who is now deceased, entered his home and brandished a firearm. The defendants then proceeded to assault the victim and stole an undetermined amount of money before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The victim was able to provide a description of the vehicle to police. Shortly after receiving the description, authorities located and arrested Molle, who was the operator and sole occupant in the vehicle, on Summer Avenue and King Street in Reading. Reading Police immediately began an investigation into the home invasion. Police determined that Collins and Stratton were at the victim's apartment and left just minutes before Molle and Junta entered the home. According to authorities, Collins and Stratton sent text messages to Junta informing him on how he could gain access to the victim's apartment and gave him instructions to search the victim's pockets and bag for money. Molle was arraigned on February 8, 2011 in Woburn District Court where Judge Timothy Gailey ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. On February 11, 2011, Judge Gailey ordered the defendant held on $5,000 cash bail with the conditions that if he post bail he must remain on a GPS bracelet with exclusion zones, refrain from the use of drugs, submit to random drug screens, check in with probation, and must stay away and not contact the witnesses in this case. The defendants were indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on March 10, 2011. They were 1/23/2012 Page 3 of 3 arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on May 17, 2011 where Middlesex Superior Court Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered Molle held on $5,000 cash bail with the conditions that if he post bail he was ordered to remain on a GPS bracelet, stay away from all victims and witnesses in the case, must not commit any new crimes, refrain from the use of drugs and alcohol, maintain employment and maintain school. Collins was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail with the same conditions, excluding a GPS bracelet, as well as the additional condition that he must remain in a treatment program. Stratton was ordered held on $1,000 cash bail with the same conditions excluding a GPS bracelet. The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney David Rubin. The victim witness advocate is Lori Riccio. # ## 1/23/2012 D THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS =_- STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133 -1053 January 17, 2012 Joseph Zukowski Verizon Communications Vice President, Government Relations 12S High Street, Oliver Tower, Floor 7 Boston, MA 02110 Mr. Zukowski, We are writing to bring to your attention the concerns of the Town of Reading with regard to the . issue of double poles, We have recently been provided with a list of 93 double poles that have accumulated in Reading over several years. In speaking with local town officials, the level of frustration is high due to the lack of communication between Verizon and the Town of Reading. We respectfully urge you to address the concerns of the Town of Reading in an appropriate time frame to make sure that these aesthetic and safety issues are addressed. For your information, we have enclosed a document provided by the Town of Reading which lists the numerous Verizon owned double poles within the town. Also, the Town of Reading has indicated which double pole removals are considered priority items. For your convenience, we have circled those poles to bring them to the forefront. While we understand the constraints that Verizon crews face and the amount of double poles that must be addressed across the Commonwealth, we strongly urge Verizon to begin addressing this issue in the Town of Reading. We also ask that Verizon open a line of communication with the Town of Reading to inform the town of the status of these removals and any plans moving forward with regards to other double poles in the community. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. CC: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, Town of Reading Camille Anthony, Chairwoman, Reading Board of Selectman Ka'`trine Clark State senator Middlesex and Essex District too U C4 OWN RIVILD Double Pole List in Reading - Updated December - 2011 12020,1115:09 RMLD VERIZON COMCAST FIRE NOTES Potes'ready Poles -7'TtjT1g DONE rurrurnoval Removed STREET DONE DONE DONE i - -'- -' Arcadia Arcadia Aifenue RMLD Removal Say State Road 2 1 Verizon_ Removal 3 Bay State Road 3 1 Verizon Removal Say State Road 4 1• Verizon Removal. Say State Road 5 1 Verizon Removal Say State Road 6 1. Verizon Removal; I Bay State Road, 7 1 Verizon Removal Bay State Road 8 1 Vedzon Removal Bay State Road. Bay �a 10 1 -7 Verizon n Removal a Bay Bay State Road 12 1 Verizon Removal .a Beaver Road is I 1 Verizon Removal 1 Beech Street 4 1 1 Verizon Removal 13 lBriarwood Avenue 5 1 Verizon Removal 14 Eaton Street 16 41 1-- I 26b a 15 Edgemont Street 3 1 1 1 1. RMLD RembvzURlser pipe w1wira to school 1 C) Fairview Avenue 6 1 1 1 1 Verizon Removal Verizon Removal 17 :Franklin 50 1 1-8 Franklin Street Veriz6n Removal-Poles set for FY12 Capital Project �Lq Franklin Street 50 Verizon Removal-Poles•aetforFY12-Capital Project 20 21 Franklin Street 67 i Verizon Removal-Poles set for FY12 Capital Project Franklin Street 68 l Verizon Removal-Poies, set for FY12 Capital Project Verizon Removal -Poles set for FY12 Capita],Project Verizibn Removal-Poles set for FY12 Capital Project 22 Franklin Street —'769-- 23 Franklin Street 70 24 Franklin Street 72 Varliort Removal-Poles get for FY12 Capital Project 25 Franklin Street 73 Verizon Removal -Poles 'set for FY12 Capital Project p ------- 2e Franklin Street Verizon Removal-Poles set for FYI 2 Capital Project 27 Franklin Street 75 1 1 1 -1 Verizon Removal-Poles set for FY12 Capital Project .2a Gleason Road 10 11 • 12 7 54 ...55 Verizon Removal .29 Gleason Road Verizon Removal Verizori Removal Verizon Removal Verizon Removal Verizon Removal Verizon Removal 3o 31 32-RaVerhil 33 Gleason Road H hi Road Street Haverhill Street: Street a �v 1 - 1121612011 15:09 RMLD VERIZON -ONE COMCAST FIRE -ONE NOTES _ — — Pates ready Poles STREET —� Pole # --NE b —, i a • a ' fDYremOYa/ Removed 35 Haverhill Street 58 Verizon Removal 3s Haverhill Street 61 1 s7 Haverhill Street 62 1 __- Verizon Removal M33 Haverhi[i Street . 63 1 1 _ _ Verizon Removal 39 Haverhill Street 64 1 _ ._ Verizori Removal 4o Haverhill Street 65 1 Verizon. Removal 41 Haverhill Street 66 1 verizon Removal 42 Haverhill Street 69 1 1 _ _ Vedzon. Removal 43 Haverhill Street 70 1 1 _ Verizon'Removal a4 Have Street 71 1 r 1 _ _ verizon Removal 45 Haverhill Street 7-2 1 � Verizon Removal 46 Haverhill Street 83 1 1 verizon Removal 47, Haverhill Street 85 1 1 — Verizon Removal as Haverhill Street 86 1- 1 1 Verizon Removal e Haverhill Street 87 1 1 1 Removal 5o Haverhill Street 88 1 1 1 _Verizon - . Verizon Removal 51 Haverhill Street . 91 . 1 1 1 Verizon Removal Haverhill Street 95 1 1 1' —' Verizon Removal 3 Haverhill. Street 96 1 1 1 -V- Verizorr Removal Haverhill Street 97 1 ` 1 r 1 — - Verizon Removal s Haverhill Street 100 1 r 1 1 Verizon Removal _ _ __- 56 Haverhill Street 108 1 1 t 1 Verizon Removal 57 Haverhill Street. 109 1 _ 1 Verizon Removal - 5a Haverhill Street 110 1 1 1 _ Verizon Removal — s9 60 61 Heather Road Hopkins Street 8 27 1 - - _ .— Verllzzon Removal s2 Howard Street 18 1 1 i Verizon Removal __- 69 Howard Street 15 _ 64 _ Kieran Road 7 1 1 l 1 _ _ 1 _ �_ RMLD Removal _ Verizon Removal _F 1 ' Verizon Removal 1 - ^RMLD Removal - — - -- Verizon Removel -Verizon Removal - Needs Outage for RMLD to transfer, Verizon Removal 65 Lawrence Road . 5 1 1 6s ^. Lawrence Road Main Street Oakland Road Qakridge Road Pierce Street utnam` -oad'- 10 1 7 ;,•:' 1 1 ; AM 67 35 �✓lil� os 13 1 3 1- 1 1� _- - sa 7o 71 . qO 3 1?J61ZQ1115:�9 RMLD oorre IVERIZON COMCAST ooxe FIRE oorre NOTES v — poles ready Poles STREET Pole # ooNE forremaval. _ Removed 72 Putnam Road 13 1 - rizon R_em_o_val 73 Richards Road 10 1 Verizon Removal 7a Salem Street 23 1 Verizon Removal 75 Salem Street 27 1 - Verizon Removal _ Salem Street 28 1 Verizon Removal _ Salem Street 30 1 Verizon Removal Salem Street 31- 1 Verizon Removal O60 7Salem Street 32 1 Verizon Removal Salem Street 33 . 1 Verizon Removal Salem Street 35 RMLD Fiber is on/Verizon Removal s Salem Street 42 1_ Verizon Removal s3 Salem Street 43 1 Verizon Removal 84 Salem Street 45 1 Verizon Removal e5 Sandra Lane 6 1 i 1 RMLD Removal 86 South Street , . 1 I. ! 1 Verizon Removal 67 South' Street 10 1 l Verizon Removal _ ea outh Street 41 1 1 VeriZQn Removal as Van Norden Road 1 1 RMLD Removal 90 Van Norden Road 15 1. _ RMLD Removal 91 lWakefield Street 0 4 1 s2 West Street 97 -1 1— _1 1 _ RMLD Removal 1 _ 93 West Street 96 1 r 1 RMLD Removal 94 West Street 83 1 `. 1 1 RMLD Removal 95 West Street 84 J—f T^ 1' 1 RMLD Removal 47 West Street 81 1 _ RMLD Removal w 'West Street 50 1 j 1 1 RMLD Removal sa West Street 35 1 1 RMLD Removal 9s West Street 7 1 1 € Verizon Removal loo West'Street ioi West Street -- -- — - - ,o2 Willard Road - Winter Street �- -_ �- y ^ -T -- -- - - -- - -- -' - -- - -- - - - -- — - -- 103 Imillaw TOTALS 1 91 ; 12 15 88 1 .39 ; 45 134! 17 - 43 0 Grand Total 103 : - 103 84 5 -1 3 GARY S. BRACKETT BRACKETT & LUCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STREET WORCESTER, MA 01609 508 - 799 -9739 FAx 508- 799 -9799 C, o 2012 yt" ?3 ?11, 12* 31 gsbrackett@brackettlucas.com January 18, 2012 Melanson Heath & Company, P.C. 10 New England Business Center Drive, Suite 112 Andover, MA 01810 RE: Town of Reading Fiscal Year 2011 Audit Dear Gentlepeople: Town Accountant, Gail LaPointe, has requested that we provide you with this legal letter in our capacity as Town Counsel to the Town of Reading. This letter is based on our knowledge of matters as to which we have been engaged and to which we have devoted attention on behalf of the Town of Reading in the form of legal consultation or representation. We understand that materiality, for purposes of this letter, includes items involving amounts exceeding $50,000.00 individually or in the aggregate. We offer the following responses to your specific requests: 1. Material Pending or Threatened Litigation (excluding unasserted claims and assessments a. TLT Construction Corp v. Town of Reading Middlesex Superior Court, Civil Action No. 07- 04549D This litigation matter involves a complaint filed by the School Department's general contractor relative to the renovation /construction of the Reading Memorial High School. TLT alleges that the Town owes approximately $4.7 million dollars for work performed under the contract including asbestos removal and change orders. An answer denying that the Town owes TLT the sums it seeks has been filed, various defenses have been raised and a counterclaim has been filed against TLT. These counterclaims include various breaches of contract against TLT and a request for liquidated damages a Melanson Heath & Company, P.C. January 18, 2012 Page 2 ($2,500.00 /day) but not limited HVAC system and and lighting. A for asbestos th set forth. for delays caused by TLT including, to, the installation of a defective the installation of a defective track counterclaim seeking a $284,439.00 credit at was not found on site has also been b. TLT Construction Corp. v. Harleysville Worcester Insurance Company v. Town of Reading, et al. Middlesex Superior Court, Civil Action No. 07- 05072 -1 This litigation matter involves TLT claims against the performance bond of New England Piping (NEP), the HVAC subcontractor. The Town has been named as a third -party defendant by Harleysville which alleges that the Town committed the tort of intentional interference with contractual relations by terminating NEP's contract without cause. 2. Unasserted Claims and Assessments Based upon our review, we are able to confirm the representation of Ms. LaPointe that there are no unasserted claims or assessments that are probable of assertion for the time frame involved. Should we determine, in the course of our duties, that a disclosure of a possible claim and settlement should be made, we will advise Ms. LaPointe and the Board of Selectmen accordingly. 3. Response This response includes matters that existed on June 30, 2011 and during the period from that date to the date of this response. There are no limitations on this response. 4. Other Matters The Town of Reading was indebted to us for legal services and expenses on June 30, 2011 in the amount of $4,687.66 and said 0 Melanson Heath & Company, P.C. January 18, 2012 Page 3 Services and expenses were paid in full by July 19, 2011. Please do not hesitate to contact this office if you require any further information regarding this matter. Ver# truly yours, Ga/ry(,S . Brackett GSB /cam ' cc: Gail LaPointe, Town Accountant Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 0 LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF READING_: NOTICE OF PUBLIC. HE,_RING To the Inhabi #ants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the ` Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Police Community Room, 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts on ;the Ro cy Establishing a Town Accountant Search Corhmittee; Copes of - the proposed doc uments . regarding these top*cs are :available rn the ;'Tovur Manager's .offroe,,.16 Lowell Street, Reading, 'MA, MAW Thurs from, 7 30. am 5 3(# p..m., Tuesfrom 7;30 a m 7:00 p.m and -is attached to the hearing notice' on •the. Web,site at www.eeadingma.gov All. interested,parties "are,-.. I nvited to attend tha;hearing, or may submit their comments kn� writing. or,by emailpnor #0`6 00 p m. on January 24, 2012 to s By order of Peter 1. Hechenbleikner Town Manager. 1/17 3 3 Policy establishing an ad hoc Town Accountant Screening Committee There is hereby created an ad hoc Town Accountant Screening Committee. The Screening Committee shall consist of four (4) members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for terms expiring June 30, 2012 or such earlier date that the committee may have completed its work. The Board of Selectmen shall select the chairman of the Committee. In selecting the membership, the Board of Selectmen shall attempt to fill the membership as follows: ♦ Two members of the Board of Selectmen ♦ One member of the School Committee appointed by the School Committee ♦ One member of the FINCOM appointed by the FINCOM The mission of the Screening Committee is to work with the Human Resources Administrator to generate applications for the position of Town Accountant and provide a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen on the most qualified person(s) for the position. In doing its work, the Screening Committee shall: ♦ Review the job description of the Town Accountant ♦ Review the advertising and recruitment plan for the position ♦ Approve a schedule so that a new Town Accountant can begin work on or about June 15, 2012 ♦ Develop screening criteria for applicants ♦ Screen initial applicants; ♦ Narrow the field to a number that the Screening Committee can reasonably interview ♦ Interview candidates, ♦ Select 1 or 2 finalists to be recommended to the Board of Selectmen, and cause reference checks to be done on the finalists. In conducting its work, the Screening Committee will be bound by all of the rules and regulations of the Town of Reading and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including but not limited to the Open Public Meetings law. The Town Manager will provide staff support to the Screening Committee and the Committee will be considered to be part of the Department of Administration for administrative purposes. Adopted 1 -24 -12 P3,-2-- 4 Draft Ad Town Accountant Town of Reading The Town of Reading (population 24,600, budget $80 million) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Town Accountant. This position is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and works under the general supervision of the Town Manager. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate financial records, preparing the annual financial statements of the Town, performing internal audits of Town and School Departments, and coordinating annual financial software upgrades. The Town Accountant also advises Town and School officials and departments in their day to day financial administration, certifies the accuracy and legality of all financial transactions, and administers the Town's retirement system. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, or finance and a minimum of three years experience (pursuant to the Town charter). Knowledge of GASB is required. Certified Public Accountant is desired. Midpoint of salary range is $92,781. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and three references to the Human Resources Administrator, Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 or by e -mail as a Word document to croberts @ci.reading.ma.us. Resumes reviewed in order of receipt until position is filled. Reading is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F 0, 3a3 Title: Town Accountant Department: Accounting Division: Date: 01 -18 -12 GENERAL PURPOSE E POSITION DESCRIPTION Grade: I FLSA: Exempt Union: Non Location: Town Hall This is a department head level position which performs technical and administrative work in maintaining the financial records of the Town. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Appointed by the Board of Selectmen annually and works under the general supervision of the Town Manager. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervises accounting and retirement support staff. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Determines work procedures and expedites work flow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Responsible for maintaining accurate financial records of the Town and prepares the annual financial statements of the Town. Responsible for internal audits of Town and School Departments. Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision - making. Prepares financial reports and provides financial data as required or requested by Federal, State, or other governmental jurisdictions, investment bankers, and bond rating services, educational and research organizations, auditors and actuaries, citizens and taxpayers. Advises Town and School officials and departments in their day to day financial administration. Certifies the accuracy and legality of all financial transactions. Responsible for coordinating annual financial software upgrade and maintaining user permissions in conjunction with the Technology Division. Responsible for training new employees on the financial software. Responsible for the administration of the Town's retirement system. PERIPHERAL DUTIES Serves as a member of various employee committees. One of five members of the Contributory Retirement Board. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: (A) Graduation from an accredited four -year college or university with a degree in accounting, business management, finance or a closely related field, and (B) Minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience (pursuant to the Town Charter). (C) Certification as "Certified Governmental Accountant" desirable; (D) Certified Public Accountant is desirable. Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (A) Extensive knowledge of accounting and auditing theory, principles, and practices.] (9 (B) Considerable knowledge of governm6ntal accounting and financial reporting standards. (C) Understanding of Commonwealth of Massachusetts' "Uniform Municipal Accounting System" manual and "Public Employee Retirement Administration" (P.E.R.A.) Accounting Manual. (D) Understanding of Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to municipal finance and to retirement. (E) Understanding of applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations pertaining to financial management. (F) Ability to supervise staff. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Per Reading Home Rule Charter, the Town Accountant shall have at least three years of accounting experience before being appointed. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software; accounting, billing /collections, and payroll software, document storage software; telephone; calculator; copy machine. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Prev. Date: 09/26/95 07/01/99 05/17/05 Town Accountant 2 Z 3 OL/ Page 1 of 3 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 10:00 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; Schena, Paula Subject: FW: comments for tonight Importance: High Paula — please print for this evening. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town Hall Hours effective June 7, 2010: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED phone: 781 -942 -9043 fax 781- 942 -9071 web www.readingMq.gov email town anager @ci._ read ing. ma. _u_s Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http: / /rea_dinn ma -sur ey.virtualtownhalLnet /survey! /sid /l dc7dcf24f2ebl82/ From: Bill Hecht [mailto:billhechtsr @verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 9:47 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: james.maughan @ch2m.com Subject: comments for tonight Importance: High Peter, Please share this with the Selectmen. Jamie, who is vice Chair of the Commission, and I have discussed the following in depth and we believe it is an accurate view of what we see on Conservation issues. Jamie and I will be there tonight to present the following report and suggestions. See you tonight. Current state of the Commission 1. Chuck is doing a good job. There are two areas, the history of projects in town and knowledge of the town geography and wetlands, which are not part of Chuck's background. The second can and will be learned, but the former is just missing. Because his time is limited to 20 hour /week, some things are not being done. Others have been give to the Commission to execute. 1/24/2012 Page 2 of 3 Things undone: no support for the Ad -Hoc Committee in it's tasks Things deeded to the Commission: Site visits, including verification of wetland boundaries on all but trivial projects; Inspections of Minor Projects; final site inspections prior to the issuance of a COC. 2. Fortunately none of the three current major projects; Reading woods /Puilte Homes; Johnson Woods; or Haven St have much in the way of wetland issues, so Chuck has not needed to spend much time on these three. 3. Both the Hunt Park issues and the two Forest St. properties have not become complex to day. They are both being handled by Commission members or the Commission as a whole. 4. We are concerned about the lack of consistency since Chuck does not get to see most sites unless they are deemed major. 5.Follow up work on work sites is more sporadic, again due to time constraints. 6. So far we have not stopped projects nor failed to get the needed legally required work done within the mandated time windows. 7. We have had no new grants to apply for,which is good from a time standpoint, but bad from a funding standpoint. 8. We are re- writing the Regulations but have limited support from Chuck. 9. Due to scheduling and time Chuck cannot participate in any staff project reviews, which could present a problem if there are Conservation issues with a proposed project. 10. Due to the winter season,permit flow has slowed. this enables us to spend a good deal of time on the regulation re- writing. 11. Due to Chuck's limited time, it is not always possible to produce Draft Orders of Conditions and review them with applicants during the meetings.This results in delays in issuing permits and can result in misunderstandings with the orders,which could cause violations, resource damage and large demands on administrators and commissioners time down the road. We have found in the past that a clearly understood and accepted (even if not in total agreement) Order is the best way to providing happy citizens and a good result. We are in danger of jeopardizing the process. Given the above we recommend the following We would like to see Chuck supported for 6 -10 more hours per week. Some of our concerns are noted above but there are some additional ones listed below; a. What will spring permit volume bring? b. Are we providing adequate service to our fellow towns people when issues must wait for the Commission to see as site and recommend action on an issue? c. the good news, Reading seems to have developed a positive view about development, the bad will out inability to respond quickly and in a cooperative manner hamper development? d. The risk to the Town of limited site inspections by our professional administrator, given his time window,rises with project complexity and wetlands involvement> e. We want to pass and implement simplifying and enhancing changes to the Wetlands Regulations in a timely manner. Staff Research on issues and questions would greatly expedite the process. f. It is unreasonable to have the Conservation Administrator unable;e to join staff reviews of proposed projects due to time limitations. Bill Hecht and Jamie Maughan V 1/24/2012