Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-31 Board of Selectmen PacketOFF? £gO'~ Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 '63901NCORQO~PFAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@cLreading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942-9043 MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: January 26, 2012 RE: Agenda - January 31, 2012 6a) Budeets - The three areas that I have in mind for follow up from the budget sessions with the Board are: a) Follow up on the Assessors regarding re-inspection b) Follow up with Conservation regarding request for additional staff hours c) Library and use of Library state aid account I'm meeting with the Board of Assessors on Monday night and have met with the Appraiser and Bob this week. I think we have a reasonable proposal in terms of how to address the issue of any back log on re-inspections that exists as well as how we would re-inspections on an annual nine year cycle going forward. Jean Delios and I are meeting with two representatives from the Conservation Commission on Monday and we will be able to fill the Board in on any results of that discussion at that time. The Board of Selectmen needs to think about how it feels regarding the use of library aid. 6b) The EDC will be in to review their previous year and also to review their proposal for calendar year 2012 use of the downtown improvements and events trust. The DIT information is not in your packet. 6c) Jeff Zager will be in to talk about the Compost Center operations and needs. We may not have any information for your. packet. 6d) We had a previous discussion with residents of Grove Street about parking on Grove Street for people using the Town Forest. We've also had previous discussions with the Board about proposed uses of the former Water Treatment Plant site for active recreation. 6 Staff have met to look at options for creating additional parking spaces for this property not only handling the use by dog walkers, snowshoers, cross country skiers and others, but also to accommodate more active uses for the site. The Engineering Division has included in your packet three options for how this might be done. This is for information to the Board at this time, any direction the Board would like to give, and possible scheduling of a site walk to look at the field with these alternatives. 6e) The Board had instructed us to bring back the three instructional motions, two of which were not approved by Town Meeting because of adjournment for lack of a quorum. Gina Snyder will be in to talk about the rain garden instructional motion, which actually was approved by Town Meeting. Her presentation is included in your packet and she'll probably not go through all of that material. Additionally, Phil Pacino will be in to talk about the instructional motion on how Town Meeting should consider Zoning Bylaw amendments. 6f) See the attached email from Bob LeLacheur about refinancing some of our debt. This is especially attractive because of low interest rates, and we could receive a lump sum payment from the state for the MSBA reimbursement if we are also able to save the state some money. 6g) The Board has two members of the ad hoc Town Accountant Search Committee to appoint, and I'm hoping that they will do that Tuesday night. The School Committee intends to make their appointment on Monday night, and the Finance Committee will make their appointment at their meeting on February 7`h PIH/ps 7 READING POLICE DEPARTMENT zb 15 Union Street - Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Nip Emergency Only: 911 • All Other Calls: (781) 944-1212 • Fax: (781) 944-2893 Web: www.ci.reading.ma.us/police/ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Activitv at Readine Commons/Archstone January 9, 2012 Chief James Cormier Reading Police Department 15 Union Street Reading, MA 01867 Chief Cormier, I have placed together an executive summary in regards to the call history at Reading Commons (formally Archstone) for the time period of January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011. There have been 218 police responses during this time period. So over a two year period we average a call there twice a week, roughly. Here are the specific responses and the number of times the Police Department responded: Larceny from Building - 5 B&E-3 Assault - 2 Larceny from Motor Vehicle - 7 Fire Alarm - 12 Ambulance Calls - 30 Fraud/ID theft - 4 Process serving- 11 (209A), 13 (summons) Assisting other police departments/field interviews - 8 Domestic/Disturbance Family -19 Neighbors Disturbance-19 Malicious/wanton Destruction - 2 MV-Theft/Recovered vehicles - 1 Vandalism Over $250 - 1 Vandalism Under $250 - 1 911 Hang up -4 Miscellaneous - 19 Suspicious MV/person -12 MV Complaints/MV hit and run/Parking - 15 8 yeva'A"t C;~ c-, ( Missing Person - 2 Armed Home Invasion - 1 Harassing Phone Calls - 4 Building Checks- 3 Threats - 2 Alarms Commercial- 18 Respectfully Submitted, Sgt. Detective Mark D. Segalla Criminal Division Commander 2~Z 9 Customer Service Survey Responses: 79 1. What department did you visit? Answered: 77 Skipped: 2 Reading Electric Dept. Engineers Dept of public works PW/REC Water Engineering DPW Engineering DPW Assessors Town Clerk & Engineering DPW public works dpw Water Depot Finance Department Community Srus Public Works water Department of Public Works DPW DPW - Permit Office water Health & Planning Public Works Veteran/Voter Town Clerk DPW Public Works None Water/Recreation DPW Public Works Highway dept Water Elder Services Engineering Public Works Assesors cuRoEoHKvpQDSkMj Public Works Health Dept. engineering . Water Conservation Rebate assessors 10 2G3 DPW Water Building Town Hall Carole Rebates/ Petra Clenent Public Works Water Conservation Assessors Public Works Engineering Water public works Plannig Water/Public Works Inspection Dept. Elder Services DPW Department of Public Works Planning department of public works Police Desk DPW DPW public works Health Reading Department of Public Works Public Works DPW Held in custody Town Clerk Public Works Public Works 2. What was the reason for your visit? Answered: 74 Skipped: 5 payment and acct info Research - Sruvey conservation rebate Rebate On Washer - HE Rain Barrel Plans Water Conservation Rebate plan of land Water Conservation Rebate info Copy of Plot Plan plumbing permit rebate paperwork curiosity Washer Rebate Zc 11 I had a question about coverage of Medicare and Medex for out of United States travel. ask at pantry in september Water Conservation Rebate rebate for new washing machine Water Conservation Rebate appliance rebate Rebate for new toilets rebate on new washing machine Renewal & Plot Plan Water conservation rebate History/Research Water meter replaced and Rusting water pipe replaced Water Conservation Rebate Rebate Rain Barrell Came to my house to verify installation of the water saving Rebate For Washing Machine Water Conservation Home Rebate Help Discuss Haverhill St. Water Main Replacement Water can rebate Get copy of tax bill eEpKixLiDzUtyCFID Water Conservation Rebate apply for permit survey data: bench marks New Appliances History/Research RAIN BARRELS Washing Machine Rebate Copy & Permit Routine Business Change in BC/BS Coverage Rebate Program rebate on washer abutters list request Washing Machine Rebate Easment Rebate for new washer dead tree and branch removal Research/History Energy Rebate Form Roof Permit adopt a family To Deliver Rebate Paper Water Conservation Rebate Research rebate program to buy rain barrels Return Sticker 12 2 GJ Water Conservation Rebate Mercury Water Conservation Rebate Rain Barrel Purchase Phone Contact Rebate wa rra nts Needed Help Information about Water Rebates Water Saver Rebate Program 3. Were you assisted in a timely manner? Answered: 76 Skipped: 3 1 poor (1) 2 fair (1) 3 average (1) 4 good (5); 5 excellent (68) 4. Was the person who assisted you knowledgeable? Answered: 75 Skipped: 4 1 poor (2) 2 fair (0) 3 average (2) 4 good (5) 5 excellent (66) 5. Did you accomplish what you came for? Answered: 73 Skipped: 6 1 poor (1) 2 fair (2) k 3 average (0) %x 4 good (2) 5 excellent (68) F ` 6. Was the person you spoke with professional/courteous? Answered: 75 Skipped: 4 1 poor (2) 2 fair (1) 3 average (0) - 4 good (2) _ 5 excellent (70) 7. Did you leave with a clearer understanding? 13 -2, sluWO kipped:7 2 fair (2) 3 average (0) r- 4 good (3) 5 excellent (66) Y y~ ' 8. Any comments or suggestions on how we can enhance customer service? Answered: 49 Skipped: 30 I have had a problem every time I deal with them. Always rude, always don't know how to explain what is happening to me. Always no patience and poor attitude. This is for years but I have no where to change to. No option for other service. Very disappointed. None. They were great. The person at you garage was outstanding in service. You could expect a high response rate, if the customer didn't have to pay the postage. Very Helpful! Your managers are superb! Person at town hall and the fellow who came out to inspect our new washer were wonderful. No issues at all. Great service! Customer service at any department at Town Hall is always courteous, friendly and excellent as far as I am concerned and needs no improvement. Most recently, I spoke with Carol Roberts who obtained the information I requested and forwarded it to me promptly by e-mail. This is the BEST town i have ever lived in; a happy shock! DPW staff was very professional - especially the individual who came to check the installation. we received our check on less than 2 weeks -BRAVO! All the information was clear and the home visit was quick. your doing great! excellent and professional service Great program with excellent + timely customer service None-Perfect All our services in Reading have been topnotch... Thanks! I did not visit. I applied for rebate. an inspector came to the house,was very pleasant and i received water rebate within a week. very satisfied. Rain Barrel Service Excellent. DPW Water Dept Construction on Memorial Park = Incomplete 'definitely issues about the park. overall brief, courteous, knowledgeable. All interaction, phone & inspection were professional and courteous. no Marie M Ammer LCSW Wanted to compliment the good job that was being done & to find out the completion date. Excellent Service None at this time Kudos! What a neat way of tihnknig about it. Friendly, courteous, and timely service. Tried to get space information over phone earlier in week and didn't receive the same level of service. none perfect Reopen on Fridays. Close on a different day - Monday? I do a lot of my business (as do many others) on Fridays and it ZC 14 irks me that I have to add a second day for town hall business. I also start thinking about weekend activities on Friday and realize I can't get movie tickets because you're closed. Very inconvenient day to be closed. Excellent program, excellent service. Ann was excellent. The Building inspector was tremendous. please remove the sign "wipe your feet" from the front door. Mike was very helpful when i spoke with him via telephone. Went to DPW to get rebate - redirected to town hall. should be clearer where to go for rebate. Very quick response time for initial generation of abutters list. Best town hall that i have ever visited None Always a pleasant experience! Great program. Thank you. Very helpful service from Kim, Maureen Knight, and Abigail McCabe. extremely helpful and timley Excellent VERY VERY helpful! I learned a lot about getting things picked by trash co! employee verifying purchase of HE washing machine was prompt and very courteous. Thanks for making this rebate program available to residents Service was good & so friendly Great Program, All people great! Reading Police are very professional and courteous. Not at all, everything was satisfactory. very pleased with the rebate program ~g Z- 15 STROUT AVE. N W PARK NG AND -RAPE C VPROVEVEN-S cy- STROUT AVE. AERIAL STROUT AVENUE N {.1' VN . 2i r Y Y ter, 3 04 . Syr ~.RORa way M.p by'own vl ReeEng pr m 2008 D ly n p -ly EXISTING CONDITIONS N cn l,1: J f( k^ gk,~a ~f t ~ r mt Lea Hs ~ - A r` ev '3 _ ~ n :ftq~q~++;;~~' ~,t st ~ s~3 k ~a 1..11•,......+++ 1 I[ p q tj 3 N6 DEP . ; 1 - ra au ~ as jawc: f...[s:ST"Oka 8~0~ E NaROV"gEMg 1 RO 10F~ ~nem: CAD ~g GRAPHIC SCA4E ~ ' , man r b [r. t~ l THE ENTRANCE N CP J Y ~ rr ° f }~4,p1 v'" art x ,c.;..~ f XL~. 1 ~ c i ~ / 1 ` ~ ~ Entrance would be modified in the same manner for all. proposed options. • Re-align Grove St. entrance to improve sight distance • Install retaining wall • Standardize signage ADDITIONAL PARKING N J • Parking spaces in gaps between trees • Angled parking • Up to 74 additional parking spaces depending on the design option chosen V N OD TYPICAL STONE PARKING AREA N C0 6" TYPICAL WOOD GUARD RAIL OPTION 1 - COMPLETE LOOP. w O 67- `^V l r Ir t f. .INY lIf%NING DP MAD/IY A%I lUA • f'HOP. PAfL4NG S/IAIl %CRUSNYD SSHNS P >I TD]'AL PoldMlAL ANCldD I'A%lAC SPICdS SHDeN (TD % PYAIFfLI !N lldfDJ H lglP RDADI/Y II/DTffi CRGTdA IP', P.fRAAC 6rALLS SHALS % "Y W. IH TOWN Of READING 'f. IVR RDAD•IY NfDrN3 lP' OR ldSS 8'Y W. DEPARNENf OF PUBLIC WORKS PAAANG Sr.1re SAAfl % vuP. t _W ~r.o.r... Imo.... cAarmc scAxR B. ~ rxaurav xNd rA% an,..H. n,mv ~ °J2 I cc STROUT AVENUE INPROVENENTS - o. oNnHlcAras rROr. rooo culROrurD 1 ~1on m o),t. HDDIDdA3 AS IPP PIUATd I,yrys na~'PROP. PARKING/ TRAFFIC OFT10N 9 a.~ 3 OF 4 OPTION 1 - COMPLETE LOOP W • A ows for 1-way traffic f ow in/out for compost center and future ba fie d • 74 additions parking spaces • Required gating for pump house and compost storage areas as needed • E iminates 4 parkin W'P parking of g spaces within existing OPTION 1 -COMPLETE LOOP PARKING OPTIONS W N 6"% vY ~ " r4. 11 . ` rA °rt vf' ~ r OPTION 2 - COMPLETE LOOP WITH CUT THROUGH 10. '40, t ~~rl'<^ .Rr. t"1 c 4jy 4 tilt FO I^' ,P W W FOTdS: x IHr rTOdMM Or ROIDIIY ARRA ID PROP F-M SILI(.L M CRU D STOHS 9I SOTAL FOTtMrIIL AML[D AAARM SPACdS S (]9 ad vdRlAldD IF ridl.DJ 5. r➢F MADIIIl rIDITDl OASATdR THIN IZ'. PAlidlM sreDrs s.,,,, Hs e'd ld' RDlnrar rlDrRS la• av PARAM STILLS dHlft Bd e'd ID'. 5., IADICIT68 PlHd TRdt e. - Iclrq PMA coon CHIR➢MIL ➢FDMUL➢dR5 AS IP➢%IPRfATd ~ra n } axdw TOWN OF READING DEPARMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AwL. t.A .v~r~R~.i xAir. Ull lx.IDiS ~ OAZ ~ CL STROUT AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS Lw.xm,x PROP. PARKIINiJ TRAFFIC OPTION 7 7 OF 4 r~ OPTION 2 COMPLETE LOOP WITH CUT THROUGH FOR COMPOST CENTER • A ows for 2-way traffic up to Compost site • A ows for vehic es exiting the compost site p to eave site without interference with parking areas • A ows for 64 additions parking spaces • E iminates 4 parking spaces within existing W'P parking of N CREATING THE CONNECTION W C1 • Alternative exit for the Compost µo Center F Fs3A W • Help reduce unnecessary traffic flow • Convenient Y) r +~~d OPTION 3 - 2-WAY TRAFFIC WITH CUL-DE-SAC C3 Q) ls-,~ V a .:tip i~ e , T~~~ r~ ~a ~ r' a, 3~ T z4l ACS `~j' j2. e.. AA~n.~,"" t,wa e. {e2 -1 f ` a _ t, - ~+.%t rr.- ~r ~ Ica; Lei ` t~oa•m it .ti - ~._'t v hm'1S - - 1.ANY -M OP PAMM SI= DL' AOAD/AY AARA lOR PAOP. cANRHDD 3ltlNd rmdw eu A PAAA]M SPAM SM- p e8' TYP.f (lO Dd Td'R/fldD fN PfdLD) s. • INDICITR PING TAtB 70YM OF READING DEPARMENT OF PUBLIC WOItKB I - INDR:ATSS PROP /DOD COIRDAAIL GRAPHIC sC~LF. OR BOOLDSRS A3 AP➢%1PRfITd e~E' I' ~~~~o~ ~~a .a m :,o .w. MR:YH.'IIAIi ~ ~ cs STROUT AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS FOn - .o I a ru. f I •evwm: PROP-PARKING/ TRAFFIC OPTION ] 4 GF 4 OPTION 3 - 2-WAY TRAFFIC WITH CUL-DE-SAC • A ows for 2-way traffic in/out of Strout Ave. Deve-oped area wi necessitate remova of severs trees (primari y pine) and area W J brush. • A ows for 42 parking spaces. • Does not impact any parking spaces within existing W'P parking of PROPOSED AREA FOR CUL-DE-SAC W SPACE FOR RENT W co Y Ya • ~ w i _:y a ~ i v u tKi r 1~ t r ~ { ~ t so tK F - f t rvl; ~ iu ~w ~ _ ~#1w flfltlgp ice, ^di f rT , yl,~ ` ~ ~,:ra.a,.. i' ;z...'«.. ~..c.~? : _.-~::;,.`4'~.-t,~e w~",~',~'` ~~`~,"~°iz y.~k~ r`yx rri•~C.~:r,,,.Yt'''c f,;k=«... .r+^'=""~''.w'.~. d.':. +f~' .a~-. "'qy• N«a• s-,fs`~-,-.",.~"r, ..N.,~„ ^.Z£.a.::* - 3~~s~e'" .~>,w.'.'v>..pxa-<~S.i°$. °+er'z-..'~,5 :?fi n..`~c+-:. y8 H`{<' - F. a. 3,~4Y f: 'ice a . ! .F'. ,.?',L ~S?''R'.", <Y%~ t .yy.53\ . `:.'i5dw ' Rt ~ u;Ma ,°Tsef NEI ~v '~.,r .=.i, V.,... "~i . .fix'-r::;-~• ^i'`~ ::..a+,: ^-39'" tit -<-z _ zJ^„s r. .rcft; sl,fn f~~s S]6 w•~ x<-c+- ~f?"~'d!:La ,,Y },.I6~:» ; s~a~: Y.: <,.,r~w, :.k-gr ~r'.'.Pt,gd„•;ra;- ::J'. r•~': ,,e+~.~ ~,-a;<~~: «x;-ter.,;.. Instructional Motion for Reading Town Meeting 11 -21 -11 Move that the Board of Selectmen be instructed to work with such boards, committees and volunteers as necessary to develop a program to demonstrate the benefits of rain gardens in Reading, including consideration of the installation of a demonstration rain garden on town property; with a report on progress to Annual Town Meeting in spring 2012. Background: Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape that typically include plants and a mulch layer or ground cover. Rain Gardens provide increased groundwater recharge, and pollutant treatment in rain gardens has been attributed to adsorption, decomposition, ion exchange, and volatilization. Rain gardens can be used in residential settings to accept runoff from a roof or other impervious surface. In a commercial setting, bioretention areas are similar to rain gardens, but are often larger, and usually have an engineered design. The Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials, or NEMO, program has offered training on rain garden installation in many municipalities in New England. Town Meeting Articles on the Aquifer Protection District and the Wetlands conservation programs indicate that our community in Reading would benefit from a better understanding of the benefits of recharge to our water resources. A program on rain gardens would not only help with recharging our water resources, it would beautify Reading and provide added stormwater control. (G t 40 grg,,.~~ 'is' 244", 4. i p p ~ S t .1~ A C ~a * zz [ Jf~ " ,x ,~ac x (y 3 W 41 N 'fie,' ~ r.'f _ Y v'~•~ ag . _ ~,'i ii• tom': ~ ~ ~y°-"'~ 8 q' 1 L 5. ss d xr ~ V .r- • Attractive • Landscaped areas shaped to capture runoff • Planted with perennial native plants that do not mind getting "wet feet" N • Built in a shape that allows water to percolate • Amazingly beneficial n~ W r IT" ,"'rte rv Allnj!jneog M ^`r r _ Fay 5 r all :11 rta z .t .s ~r s v,V. J _ q _ f.- a gardens • Enhance the beauty of yards and communities • Provide habitat for birds and butterflies • Help beep water dean by filtering storm water • Help alleviate flooding problems A w; S K yt,, ,~~M° r~ ~ t w 1 LO Step Im: Locate and Prepare the Site • Pick a site for your garden that tends to collect water or where runoff from your driveway or downspout can be diverted into it • Your rain garden should be at least 10 feet away from foundations, underground utilities, and drainfields • You can also calculate the best spot(s) - there's lots of help out there! For Best Results .a J Roof downspout extension directed toward rain harden j Site grading elopes away from house. toward rain garden Fein garden in permeable soil Pe (S'__ 14 2 .v 1 f f _ ~4S,j~ yAx. e n•: w Step Your Design -Select Your Plants! Pe k'*iie~. For best results, native plants suitable for your garden's conditions Select a variety of native flowers, ferns, grasses, shrubs and small trees that will provide color and interest throughout the season Group plants together for the most impact; estimate one small plant per square foot >a Plants also provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies and bees. • There are many Resources for Garden Design and Plants • http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/riverwavs/pdf/raingardenfactsheet.pdf O ti yti .r film f~ r. now- Y~Ai kV Variety of Choices "4 l c Step 3: Prepare your Site ❖ Lay out a rope or garden hose in the shape desired as a ° guide for digging ❖ Create the "saucer" contour of the garden. For best infiltration, the bottom of the garden should be level ❖ Dig the garden; the depth of the depression is generally from 4 to 8" (but sometimes as much as 12") ❖ Introduce sand, gravel, peat, etc, that are needed to give proper drainage ❖ Create a swale to direct water into the garden from a downspout or pavement iy` 1 "rye ♦ ~ 1` ! - FfI, I > ¢ . A) Plante] with ~ - P shrub; tall gmsscs, 'a fern: a , nd "ret nlak J t f @i Dry creek with pebbles, rl'.'J scan . 'i boulders and plants f d Onglnal slope ' t..K 0 Can a alope.create a depim:lon on the uppx zldr u and a berm on the I-,- zlde All opcmns aevrsutdy to Icam sotl<rrlrh ognmc matrer.inflltnuon L_d nud^r the surfer as sIi ovn in option A applles wall c~pckm:. ♦ly. ~ ~ Yti . , 6 a:~`a j_ . YFtl 9~ ~f xi~01~1YU y- She p 4 :Gel Out Your Gloves and Tools! N ➢Amend the soi to a ow the rain garden to both evaporate and s ow y drain rain waters ➢ A roto-ti er or arger equipment may be required ➢ Vo unteers needing tofu fi scout or schoo service projects may be ready and wi ing to assist if you're doing a rain garden for a sc goo , c iurc i, or town bui ding! w V 1 W 6! r y StCILIH 4: AM% At 0. M aintaining Your Rain Garden Rain Gardens are Easy to Maintain but are not Maintenance Free ■ During the first two or three years water and replace plants that did not survive, and/or rearrange plants to wetter or dryer areas if needed. ■ Mulch annually to keep soil moist and allow easy infiltration of rain water 2-3 inches of mulch every spring. Use a natural, un-dyed mulch. ® Weed annually Keep the plant community diverse and attractive, periodically clear dead vegetation and any debris Opportunities Abound! cn -P r Pr ~ ~ xi ASS „ _4 : ~ o ^ %JL ` a Runott to be infiltrated F Ater filtered and pollutants removerfl" ~ L ti S [ M rf ~ r ~ ' DEEP-ROOTED 'JIVE PLANTS ~ ~Tw One of my favorites - center of cu; de sac! t~ Opportunities - Wherever Cars are Parked! CSC cn IOU See a Garden in Mabo%sachusettS, e. g.: m rn Vany Resources, Here's a few! • http:[/www.greenscapes.org/Raingardens • http:[/www.greenscapes.org/Page-567.html • http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.orb/raingarden design/t emplates.htm • http://www.theionahcenter.org/milardogarden.php • http://www.groundwater.org/ta/raingardens.html • http://rainkc.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.search/index.h tm • http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/la/la 005.cfm • http://Iearningstore.uwex.edu/Rain-Gardens-A-How-to- Manual-for-Homeowners-P372C82.aspx 0 http://www.for-wild.org/download/rainclav/rainclav.html cn OD 45` F. Opportunities -Adopt alwal Island Rain G arden?!? Town Meeting Instructional Motion Proposed for November 2011 Move to instruct the Rules Committee to review and make recommendation thereon of the Town Meeting process by which Reading Town Meeting approves or disapproves proposed Zoning Bylaw Articles. Such review should take into consideration whether or not that amendments to the original motion by members of the Town Meeting from the floor of Town Meeting should be allowed. Such amendments should be defined as substance changes to the original motion presented. Substance changes are defined as amendments that change the character and/or intent of the proposed motion. Correction of grammatical and spelling error should not be defined as substance changes. The Rules Committee is requested to report back its conclusions and recommendations on the subject of this instructional motion at the Annual Town Meeting in April 2012. 59 (pGzt5 Policv establishing an ad hoc Town Accountant Screeninq 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 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 1-23-12 61 ~e, DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA Finance - Reading will continue to evaluate revenue sources, cost reduction, regionalization of services, other methods of providing services, and level of services with the goal of maintaining long term fiscal stability of the community while providing a level of service that the community can sustain. 1. Work with the Board of Selectmen to find a replacement to our retiring Town Accountant, and work with staff to provide a smooth transition. 2. Limit reliance on non-recurring revenue including reserves. 3. Develop a plan to draw down the overlay surplus in a sustainable manner to appropriate levels. 4. Apply for outside resources funding to support operating and capital or other one time expenses. 5. Participate in and encourage public/private partnerships that provide in-kind services provide significant cost savings and as such should be expanded to achieve added savings. 6. Begin the process of implementing the following approvals from Town Meeting which will then be placed in the Sale of Real Estate or other stabilization fund to be made available for Capital Improvements, debt service, or unfunded pension liability: a. Sale of land - Pearl Street b. Sale of land - Lothrop Road c. Use/sale of Oakland Road 7. Continue to monitor and advocate as opportunities arise, for the following potential revenue raising activities: a. Additional cell sites b. Advertising via billboards 8. Develop a proposed OPEB funding mechanism including recommendations to begin to modestly fund this long term liability Services - Reading will continue to provide municipal services in as cost effective, efficient, and customer service friendly manner as possible. Where reasonable a self service element to Town services will be available for those who choose to use it. 9. Train employees on the customer service policy; continue to measure customer satisfaction; identify and recommend changes to regulations that do not meet customer service goals, or that will make them easier for customers to understand and use. 10. Review and improve the Town web site. Provide electronic customer interaction with the Town, including a "customer service request" module. Operations - Reading will continue to provide as full a range of municipal services that meet community needs and desires as resources allow. 11. Implement additional technology including: a. Assessors CAMA b. Master Address database c. Mass Communications system d. permits and licenses e. integrated public safety system f. new technology in public meetings (electronic voting; tablets for BCC members) 12. Conduct an operational review of one additional programmatic area in the Community Services Department. 1 ~ 1/30/2012 DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA 13. Apply for funding from the Community Innovation Challenge Grant and/or other sources to enhance the recently created regional public health services program. 14. Expand the Records Management efforts including beginning to provide records as appropriate to the public via the web site. Health and Safety - Reading will continue to focus on strong public health and safety services with a goal of making the community one of the healthiest and safest communities in suburban Boston. 15. Complete evaluation of regionalization of Public Safety Dispatch. 16. Develop and implement a program or programs intended to address issues of substance abuse and related violence in the community 17. Focus Public Health, School, Substance Abuse, and other resources on a Healthy Community model with an initial focus on obesity prevention as one of the major health crises facing our country. Find ways to encourage walking, cycling, and other activities. These efforts may involve many departments, with efforts led by the Health Division. Community Development / Sustainabilitv - Reading has worked to maintain the character of the community, while making planned and deliberate improvements to the Town. Major efforts have been led by the Board of Selectmen, the CPDC, the Economic Development Committee, and the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection. The World Cafe held in 2008 helped inform the above bodies of public opinion on the future of Reading. 18. Continue progress towards meeting and maintaining the level of 10% of housing units (as re-defined by the 2010 federal census) as affordable. This goal may be met through development of the a. Mawn property b. Peter Sanborn Place, c. Johnson Woods Phase 2 (19 affordable); d. additional units in downtown as feasible. e. Working with DHCD on a new approach to preserve affordable units that don't sell in 90 day period through a new deed rider f. Housing' Production Plan - update in 2012 19. Complete South Main Street design guidelines based on "best practices" 20. Implement high priority parking recommendations for downtown: a. improve parking directional signs; b. sharing of private parking spaces; c. identify opportunities to expand parking supply; d. bike routes throughout town 21. Continue sign enforcement efforts to bring all non-conforming signs into compliance 22. Implement new gateway signage - South Main Street (paid for by Reading Woods mitigation) 23. Develop an action plan for re-use and/or redevelopment of the properties behind the RMLD in the area bounded by Ash Street, the RR tracks, and Pond View Drive 24. Continue to work with Town, School, Facilities, and Light Departments to meet Sustainability goals for CO reduction, anti-idling, etc. Consider a regional approach to these efforts, to include the RMLD and some or all of the 4 communities that are served by the RMLD. ~9 1/30/2012 DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA Asset Management - Reading will strive to maintain and improve the current and desired capital assets of the community through long term capital planning in a fiscally prudent manner. Where resources for major projects are not available within available resources, and grants and outside resources are also not available, the community may be asked to support such improvements through additional taxes. 25. Continue established efforts to implement high priority building projects: a. Cemetery Garage b. Library c. DPW vehicle maintenance d. Improvements to operation, safety/security, and aesthetics of DPW site e. Killam School project to include HC access, fire protection, energy, and administrative space improvements. 26. Complete the Haverhill Street water main distribution project, and begin and complete the Howard Street water main distribution project. 27. As part of the community's focus on substance abuse prevention, evaluate the need for and viability of a youth center probably focused on Middle School youth 28. Continue efforts to add to the Town's trail system, including progress to implementing the Ipswich River Greenway; 29. Continue to work towards funding for the West Street project. 30. Implement the design and development of a downtown bandstand. 31. Implement the first phase of the use of one time revenues for capital projects, as it was submitted to the Board of Selectmen and to Town Meeting. Governance, Regulation, and Policv Development - Reading will continue to address major emerging issues through development, modification, improvement, and simplification of bylaws, regulations, and Selectmen's policies. As a general rule, the fewer and simpler the regulations the better. Additionally, Selectmen's policies may be used to memorialize current and proposed administrative practices to provide an historical record and direction for the community in the future. 32. Develop funding and a work plan for comprehensive review and revision of the Zoning Bylaw, taking a piecemeal approach if necessary to address discrete areas such as parking regulations, definitions, and signs as priorities.. 33. Establish a policy on naming of facilities and sites in the community. 34. Make amendments tot the Parks Rules and Regulations to address issues raised and recommended through the ad hoc committee on amplified sound in Parks. 35. Establish a communications policy for the town working off the elements of a past Department head retreat on communications. Specifically include in the policy and subsequent training, policies on the use of social media as part of the Town's efforts to communicate with its residents and others. 36. Complete the review and re-write of the Traffic Rules and Regulations. 37. Develop regulations for posting street numbers on all buildings. 38. Develop a process with various stakeholders to evaluate the demolition delay bylaw with specific reference to: a) how property owners are informed of and may participate in the process of adding properties to the inventory of historically or architecturally significant properties; b) what kind of appeal from the imposition of a demolition delay may be appropriate 3 j ~J 1/30/2012 b DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA 39. Decide on whether the Board of Selectmen will permit remote participation of members of BCC in public meetings pursuant to regulations adopted by the MA Attorney General's office, and if so develop the policies to implement that decision Human Resources/Personnel - The human capital of the community is the major resource that is necessary to achieve the provision of services to the community. This human capital includes employees, officials, members of Boards, Committees and Commissions, and the human capital of the community as a whole. Human capital is to be supported and respected by the Town. 40. Continue B/C/C Chair/Vice Chair training. 41. Complete labor negotiations with the Police Patrol Officer's Association and the Police Superior Officer's Association. 42. Complete the bidding and negotiation and/or implementation of a health insurance program Town employees and retirees effective in FY 2013, with a goal of providing a cost effective comprehensive insurance program that is sustainable by the community. 4 r (O 1/30/2012 Board of Selectmen Meeting December 6, 2011 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Richard Schubert, Student Liaison Avery Stroman, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bob Lynch, Jonathan Pickney, Charlotte Harlan, Betsy Schneider, Joe Ferriori, Bob Soli, and Joe Huggins. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Richard Schubert noted the Board received correspondence regarding who writes the summaries in the Town Meeting Warrant. He also noted that the downtown looks amazing this time of year. Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the Festival of Trees at the Parker Middle School and he spoke at the Memory Tree Event. Public Comment - Reading Municipal Light Board member Bob Soli was present and voiced his concerns about the Light Board's vote to let renewable energy certificates expire. James Bonazoli noted that he will be attending the Light Board's meeting tomorrow night. Also, Charlotte Harlan from the Reading Food Pantry was present to give an update to the Board and community of the needs of residents. Betsy Schneider and Joe Ferriori from the Adopt a Family program were present to explain the Adopt a Family program to the Board and to thank everyone for their participation. Town Manacer's Report - The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters ♦ Apology has been received from Mr. Carp of the Wine Shop. ♦ Due to Election deadlines the Town Clerk's office only at Town Hall will be open on Friday, December 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ♦ Package stores in Massachusetts will be closed December 25 and December 26 ♦ Census forms will be going out the first of the year. Remember to license your dog. ♦ Nomination papers for the Town election are now available in the Town Clerk's office. ♦ Staff and Selectman Anthony met with National Grid representatives regarding the gas main construction. The gas main on Wilson Street and portions of Ide Street will be replaced in January. We will reconstruct the street during the 2012 construction season. ♦ A double pole list from the RMLD is included in your packet this evening. 62 '70 0 Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 6, 2011 - nape 2 Community Services ♦ The Chamber is sponsoring a Holiday Window Display contest from 11/24 - 12/24 and some of the window decorations are awesome. ♦ Walk in Flu Clinics are scheduled for December 13th and 20th Public Safety ♦ Meeting Reading set up by Senator Clark's office on December 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Police Station regarding the HazMat routing. ♦ The Reading Firefighters Association is again doing the Toys for Tots program - collection boxes at Town Hall and a number of other location or drop toys off at the Fire Station on Main Street. Public Works ♦ Dye testing of sewers and drains is ongoing. ♦ Milling and overlay of Lowell Street is done. ♦ Roadway construction of Causeway Road and Hanscom Avenue are done except for loam and seed. ♦ Haverhill Street water- main is stopped for the year. The Town Manager noted that Grumpy Doyle's has requested to be able to serve alcohol after midnight on New Year's Eve. The Board approved it last year and there were no problems. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen extend the time to serve alcohol and food for all restaurants subject to the Town Manager's approval from 12 midnight to 12:30 a.m., while maintaining the requirement that all patrons be off the premises by 1 am on Sunday. January 1, 2012 was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Appreciation for the McGrath Family - The McGrath family was present to receive a certificate of appreciation for their generous donation to the Veterans Flower Fund. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the Certificate of Appreciation thanking the McGrath family for their very generous donation to the Veterans Flower Fund in memory of TJ McGrath was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Approval of Statement of Interest to the MSBA for the Killam Proiect - Facilities Director Joe Huggins was present. Bob LeLacheur noted this statement of interest is for repairs to the Killam School to make it ADA compliant. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that having convened in an open meeting on December 6, 2011, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated December 1, 2011 for the J. Warren Killam Elementary School located at 333 Charles Street, Reading, Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies and 6 3 '7C~.Z Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 6. 2011 - gage 3 the priority categories for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Priority Category 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility. Deficiency: The current windows are a single pane, non-insulated glass and transit panels which are in poor condition offering little protection from air infiltration and allowing water to leak into the space. The building is not handicap accessible and, therefore, not compliant with 521CMR regulations. The building lacks sprinkler protection and is thereby not compliant with MGL c. 148, s. 26G. The goal of the proiect is to replace all windows with high efficiency windows offering better property protection and operability, and to make all necessary improvements to ensure the building is fully compliant with all state and local regulations and requirements, and to provide for a full range of educational programs within the building. The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town of Reading to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Presentation of Glen Meadow Park Master Plan (Barrows School) - Recreation Administrator John Feudo was present. He noted there are parking issues, police activity at that location and that the courts are in disrepair at Glen Meadows at Barrows School. He suggests keeping the tennis courts but moving them closer to Stewart Road to give a buffer with the playground. The plan includes a small retaining wall along the walkway to help with erosion and a guardrail to keep cars from driving down the hill. He noted that the ball field is too wet in the spring and too dry in the summer and he suggests irrigation. A new backstop is also needed. John Feudo noted that there is a vault in the cistern to catch the water but it is not working. Bob Lynch indicated this park is not appropriate for 14 - 15 year olds. John Feudo noted it is a 9 - 10 year old field or younger. Bob Lynch noted that the trees on Shelby Road are washing out and the water runs off down Stewart Road. John Feudo noted that Mike DeBrigard is working on a solution for drainage. Richard Schubert asked if the funding and maintenance plans are increasing and John Feudo indicated that he tries to be conscious about durable equipment and he doesn't expect this to have the same maintenance requirements as the older courts. Richard Schubert asked if a hearing was held and John Feudo indicated there was and about 25 - 30 abutters showed up. The Town Manager recommended that Sturges Park be the next priority. 64 `2a3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 6, 2011 - pa4e 4 Potential Proiects for Parks Donations - The Town Manager noted that Camille Anthony was approached by Dunkin Donuts with a possible donation for recreation purposes of approximately $30,000 this calendar year and might have more next calendar year, but a decision is needed tonight. The four possibilities are a multipurpose court at Birch Meadow at a total of $70,000; a central artery walkway at Birch Meadow at a total of $110,000; lights at Memorial Park skate area at a total of $60,000; or a new entrance at Washington Park at $36,000 - $50,000. Ben Tafoya noted that money was being raised by residents of Washington Park and John Feudo indicated this was to support the master plan and we could solicit other companies or groups also. Richard Schubert asked if there will be a name attached with the project and the Town Manager indicated there would be some recognition, perhaps like what is done with the Adopt an Island program. James Bonazoli suggested using the money for a deck and opening the great room at Mattera Cabin. John Feudo noted it is best to put the money into a master plan. Ben Tafoya noted that Washington Park is highly used and would be the best place to spend the money. James Bonazoli asked Student Liaison Avery Stroman if she had any thoughts and she indicated a multi-use court would be great and would get a lot of use. The consensus of the Board was to go with Washington Park. Progress - Survev on Use of Amplified Sound in Parks - John Feudo noted that as of today 90 people have responded to the survey and the committee is meeting on December 20tH Approval of Earlv Openings; Schedule JK's Market Hearing - The Town Manager noted that five retail stores have early opening. He recommends not doing JK Market tonight because there are still a couple of issues with cleanliness and the fence and the property owner needed a couple of more weeks to finish. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve applications bv: ♦ SammvJo's Bakerv at 2 Haven Street ♦ Dunkin Donuts and West Street Mobil. 4 West Street ♦ Starbucks Coffee, 24 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Starbucks Coffee, 288 Main Street to open at 5:00 a.m., Mondav through Fridav. effective Januarv 1, 2012, and excludine State desienated holidavs. This approval will expire December 31, 2012. The Board of Selectmen finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bvlaws: 65 C" Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 6. 2011 - pane 5 • It is in the interest of the public health, safetv and welfare or that public necessitv or convenience will be served by permitting such operation, and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediatelv abutting neighbors. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of 24 Hour Permit - The Town Manager noted that this is for the Shell Station. He checked with conservation and everything was okay. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen approve the application for 24 hour sales by 87 Walkers Brook Drive, LLC and Leigh Enterprises, Ltd. d/b/a Reading Shell Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. The Board finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bvlaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safetv and welfare, or that public necessitv or convenience will be served by permitting such operation, and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. • The Board determined that in accordance with Section 5.10.5 that no public hearing will be required for this application. The approval of this application is subiect to the following conditions: 1. This approval expires at midnight, December 31, 2012; 2. All signs shall conform to the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Readine; 3. The easoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a dav, seven davs a week; 4. The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station durine all hours that the station is open: 5. The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 6. The operator will prepare and post a list of local towine and repair shops that are open 24 hours a dav for those who need it: 7. Restroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a dav, seven davs a week. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of Licenses: Common Victualler. Entertainment. Automatic Amusement. Lodging House, Class I. II and III. Tax and Liverv - The Town Manager noted there was a list of licenses in the packet that the Selectmen delegated to him to issue. He will be issuing these licenses if the Board doesn't have a problem with them. Richard Schubert asked if the issues with the lodging house have been resolved and the Town Manager indicated it has. Progress on Town Manager's Evaluation - James Bonazoli will send out the forms and Ben Tafoya will compile them. The Town Manager will email the list and memo on goals to Tafoya and Bonazoli. 66 ~ Ct/ ~ Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 6. 2011 - t)aQe 6 Review/Comment on 2012 Calendar - The Town Manager referred the Selectmen to the outline of meeting dates for 2012. It was decided that the budget meetings take place at the Police Station. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to adiourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 67 <-7 Cc. ~ Board of Selectmen Meeting December 20, 2011 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Student Liaisons Avery Stroman and Jordan Coleman, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, Reading Municipal Light Department General Manager Vinnie Cameron and the following list of interested parties: Attorney Brad Latham, Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Camille Anthony introduced Student Liaison Jordan Coleman. Stephen Goldy noted he attended the Police youth Christmas party. Ben Tafoya suggested staging a debt exclusion for the Library or Killam School project. Camille Anthony noted that she and the Town Manager attended a meeting with Katherine Clark and surrounding communities regarding hazardous truck routing. The Mystic Region Emergency Planning will work with the Senator's office. She met with the liquor licensees who were not at the Selectmen's meeting last month. She also met with National Grid and they will be repairing Wilson Street before the Town paves it. Town Manager's Renort - The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Due to Election deadlines the Town Clerk's office only at Town Hall will be open this Friday December 23`d from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. ♦ Reminder - the Town election and the Presidential Primary election will be held on March 6 at the Hawkes Field House at Reading Memorial High School. ♦ Due to the precinct line changes, the location in which the Warrants are posted needs to change as well. Attached is a list of the old location and the new. ♦ Census forms will be going out the first of the year, Remember to license Your doR. ♦ Nomination papers for the Town election are now available in the Town Clerk's office. All Town Meeting members must run for election due to re-precincting. Nomination papers must be returned by January 17, 2012. ♦ A double pole list from. the Reading Municipal Light Department is included in your packet this evening. ♦ There will be a Martin Luther King celebration this coming January 16, 2012. While the Clergy Association will not be able to be a major sponsor this year, the Superintendent of Schools and I agree that this program should continue, so we have agreed to make it happen. Look for an update on this program in the coming weeks. 68 Jo t Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 20, 2011 - imue 2 ♦ As of right now, Package Stores in Massachusetts will be closed December 25tH and December 26tH. There is a bill on the Governor's desk to allow opening on the 26tH Communitv Services ♦ The first of the modular units for the Oaktree development have been delivered to the site and the first units will be stacked probably beginning on Thursday. Public Safetv ♦ We have discovered some minor cracking in the floor of the Main fire station, and the Facilities department has responded and hired a structural engineer. Some remedial work will be needed - but this is not an emergency situation and the building and the apparatus floor are sound. ♦ The Police Department and Middlesex Sherriff's office worked with the Reading School Department to conduct a "lock down" at Reading Memorial High School last Friday. The drill went very smoothly, and no contraband was discovered. Public Works ♦ Construction work is shut down for the season. ♦ The MWRA needs to blast until Thursday night for blow-off connections in the cloverleaf in Reading and in the Stoneham end by North Street. That should be it for blasting. They should also be paving Thursday night and will come back in the Spring for Final Paving. ♦ Reading's annual share of the MWRA water use has declined over the past year by 4.4%. We went from 1 % of the system annual use to .9%. ♦ We are notifying the residents of Old Sanborn Lane and the private portion of County Road that they need to make repairs to their street or we will not be able to plow this year. The needed repairs are relatively minor, but the Town is not allowed by law to repair private ways. Personnel and Appointments Contributorv Retirement Board, the Cultural Council, and the Human Relations Advisorv Committee - Ben Tafoya noted that the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee met and considered three appointments for the Contributory Retirement Board, the Cultural Council, and the Human Relations Advisory Committee. A motion by Schubert seconded by Goldv that the Board of Selectmen accept the report of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee and confirm the followine appointments to the following Boards, Committees and Commissions: ♦ Richard Folev to one position on the Contributorv Retirement Board with a term expirinL- June 30.2014: ♦ Colleen L. O'ShauLhnessv to one position on the Cultural Council with a term exvirint June 30.2014: ♦ Robin I. Decker to one Associate position on the Human Relations Advisorv Committee with a term expirinLy June 30, 2012 The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 69 Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 20, 2011 - pate 3 Discussion/Action Items Approve Lease - Burbank Arena - The Town Manager noted that the Ice Arena Authority asked us to bid early. We received one bid and the lease was viewed by Town Counsel, Brad Latham and our insurance company. It is a 10 year lease with two renewable terms. Attorney Brad Latham noted that the lease is consistent with the lease that has been in place for the past 12 years. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldv that the Board of Selectmen approve the 10 vear lease agreement between the Town of Reading and the Reading Ice Arena Authoritv for the operation and manaizement of the Nelson S. Burbank Ice Arena, at 15 Svmonds Wav effective Februarv 24, 2013, was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Information on Renewable Eneri~v Certificates (REC's) - Reading Municipal Light Department General Manager Vinnie Cameron and RMLD Board members Richard Hahn, Phil Pacino and Bob Soli were present. The Town Manager noted that Bob Soli made a statement at the last Board of Selectmen meeting regarding whether or not to hold the REC's. The Town Manager noted that this is a RMLD action, not a Selectmen's action. Richard Hahn noted that the RMLD added renewable energy to their portfolio and when you buy renewable energy you receive a REC. The issue is whether to keep or renew or sell. He noted that the RMLD doesn't have an obligation to buy REC's but wants to have some. If they sell the REC's, then the rates will increase and they will no longer be renewable. Vinnie Cameron noted that selling REC's can keep the price low. He noted that the RMLD stepped up for the Concord, NH wind project. He also noted that 15 municipalities are selling their REC's. Ben Tafoya asked if this is separate from Green Choice and Richard Hahn indicated Green Choice was the first REC's, but we won't need to buy REC's because there is going to be a different power source. Bob Soli noted that hydro would sell for $500,000 over 2 years and biomass would sell for $5.2 million. Phil Pacino asked, if the REC's are sold, where does the money go and Vinnie Cameron noted that they stay in the fuel charge and could reduce the rate. Phil Pacino indicated he wants to recycle the money and he wasn't sure of the amount. He thought the amount was $500,000, not $6 million. He refers the decision to the CAB. Ben Tafoya noted if there is a way to save the community a significant amount of money, then they should aggressively pursue that route. 70 -7 53 Board of Selectmen Meetinia - December 20. 2011 - bate 4 Camille Anthony asked about double poles and Vinnie Cameron noted there are 103 double poles and Verizon is on 88 of them. He also noted that there are 10 on Franklin Street and that is a live project which will take one month to tfansfer. He also noted that there are signs on poles on West Street and the signs have to be removed before the pole can be removed. JK Market - Renewal of License to Onen Earlv - The Town Manager noted that JK's Market is requesting to open at 5:45 a.m. He sent a letter to abutters and there were two responses. They indicated there are still concerns, but things are better and they have no objection to the renewal. The Town Manager noted that the fence has been reinstalled, the cleanliness is much better and there is no more early trash removal and the trash bins remain closed. A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen approve an application bv_ ♦ JK's Market, 212 Main Street to open at 5:45 a.m., Mondav throueh Fridav, effective Januarv 1, 2012, and excludinu State designated holidavs. This approval will expire December 31, 2012. The Board of Selectmen finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bvlaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare or that public necessitv or convenience will be served by permitting such operation, and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediatelv abuttine neighbors. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Town Manaiaer's Performance Evaluation - Ben Tafoya noted that the reconciliation sheet shows a 4.87 average which was a very good year. Stephen Goldy noted this has been the most successful year with regionalization in the first stages. He also noted that the Community Services Department was cut 10% without affecting customer service issues. Richard Schubert noted that the downtown was the most visible accomplishment and there are still new businesses coming into Town. He also noted that services have not diminished at all. Camille Anthony noted Reading is doing very well and noted the leadership goes down through the ranks. Ben Tafoya indicated the Selectmen appreciate everything everyone does. Report on the Ad Hoc Committee on Amplified Sound in Parks - The Town Manager noted that James Bonazoli is Chairman of the ad hoc committee and they are meeting every other week. The final survey is in the handout and there are 130 responses. A draft policy is being worked on and they will make a report to the Board in January. Camille Anthony asked if other towns have policies on amplified sound and the Town Manager noted they could find no mention of sound policies but he will have John Feudo check with cities and towns. 71 `119 Board of Selectmen Meeting - December 20, 2011 - pate 5 Richard Schubert asked if they clarified the definition of amplified sound and the Town Manager indicated he wasn't sure. Approval of Minutes - A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldv to approve the minutes of November 22, 2011 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldv to approve the Executive Session minutes of November 22, 2011 as written was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Goldv seconded by Tafova to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 72 Board of Selectmen Meeting January 3, 2012 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, and the following list of interested parties: Paul Feely, Michele Sanphy, Andrew Jeremski, Niloo Hennings, Noah Hennings, Jacob Hennings, School Committee members Hal Croft, Chuck Robinson, Chris Caruso; Light Board members Phil Pacino and Bob Soli, Finance Committee members Marsie West, John Arena, Marie Ferrari, Paula Perry and Hal Torman; Patty DeGaravilla, Vinnie Cameron, Erin Calvo-Bocci, John E. Carpenter, Carolyn Whiting, Erica McNamara, Tom Zaya, Donna Dudley, Robyn Parker, Karen Herrick, Mark Cardono, Angela Binda, Roberta Sullivan, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Blodgett, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Virginia Adams. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Ben Tafoya noted he had a brief discussion with Stephen Goldy and staff regarding the Town Accountant hiring process. James Bonazoli noted that the ad hoc Amplified Sound Committee met and agreed on a definition for amplified sound. A public hearing will be held by the subcommittee on their draft policy on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative matters ♦ Reminder - the Town election and the Presidential Primary election will be held on March 6 at the Hawkes Field House at RMHS ♦ Census forms will be going out the first of the year. Remember to license your doe. ♦ Nomination papers for the Town election are now available in the Town Clerk's office. All Town Meeting members must run for election due to re-precincting. Nomination papers must be returned by 1-17-12 ♦ There will be a MLK celebration this coming January 16, 2012 at 10 am in the Performing Arts Center at RMHS. The lobby will open at 9 and food will be available at that time. ♦ Staff has been working on a Community Innovation Grant application for enhancements to the Public Health regional initiative begun in 2011. 1 have created a motion for the Board of Selectmen to support the application and also a letter of support. A motion by Tafova seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve the filiniz of a Community Innovation Grant consistinLi substantially the substance submitted to the Board of Selectmen on 1-3-12, the purpose of which is to enhance the 73 ~G 4 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januarv 3, 2012 - na2e 2 newly created reuional Public Health Administration prouram between Reading. Melrose, and Wakefield was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. ♦ The Town has received an anonymous donation of funds to support trail work, as well as to support tree adoption. ♦ There is a vacancy on the Board of Library Trustees, to be filled by a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the remaining Library Trustees. Communitv Services ♦ The modular units for the Oaktree development are being delivered and are being stacked probably since last week. Public Safety ♦ The Fire Department has been notified that they have been awarded a grant under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. We applied under Firefighter Safety and requested funding for a joint training program for Reading and Wakefield Firefighters. The concept is to bring in an outside training vendor to develop advanced skills in Firefighter Safety, Engine Company and Ladder Company operations. The goal is to enhance skills, develop new skills and to increase the performance of our Firefighters. The grant is for $111,600 and will be spit between Reading and Wakefield. The grant requires a 10% local match. Reading's share will be $5,500. Captain Boisvert was the lead grant writer. Public Works ♦ The MWRA project is done except for final paving in the spring. ♦ We are applying to Longhorn's Steak house for a trails grant for enhancement to the trail entrances in the Town Forest, and for partial funding of the Town Forest Master Plan. ♦ We have received a check from Dunkin Donuts in the amount of $30,000 which will be used to improve the entryway to Washington Park from Washington Street. ♦ We have been informed that the Stoneham Board of Selectmen no longer supports the Northern Intermediate High Water Redundancy Project. (see attached materials) Discussion/Action Items Review OPEB Actuarial Studv with Finance Committee, School Committee and Reading Municipal Light Board - The Finance Committee and School Committee called their meeting to order at 7:26 p.m. Kathleen Riley from the Segal Company was present. She noted they are an employee benefit firm who has done evaluations for several communities. She looked at the average cost of benefits including the trend of benefits and mortality assumption. Ms. Riley noted the Town has $93 million in unfunded liability. The Annual Required Contribution for fiscal year 2011 is $6,560,000. The RMLD has funded $1 million. She noted that if the Town funds $42 million then the amount drops to $63 million due to a change in the discount rate. If the Town sets aside $2 million in a trust then we could do the calculation on a 7.75% discount. 74 G2 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januarv 3, 2012 - cage 3 Camille Anthony noted that the amount of liability has a negative effect on the Town's bond rating. Presentation from Town Manager, RCASA Director, Superintendent of Schools, Police Chief re: Response to Substance Abuse and Violence - The Town Manager noted this is in response to the discussion in the community on substance abuse and violence. RCASA Director Erica McNamara noted that her goal is to convene the stakeholders to develop coordinated strategies to reduce substance abuse. The RCASA has recruited and trained youth leaders; have reached over 900 people last year and helped institute the prescription drug return program. She is in the process of preparing a $125,000 grant application. The Town Manager noted that the grant monies are done by September 2012 so if we don't received additional funding, then we would have to fund this ourselves. Erica McNamara noted that the RCASA works with the schools and PTO's and also does TIPS training. There has been a reduction in drug use in the middle schools and the high school in specific key areas. Camille Anthony asked if the RCASA is reaching out to adults and Erica McNamara noted that the funding requires a focus on youth but the information is available to anyone. Camille Anthony asked for information on which liquor licenses have contacted RCASA. James Bonazoli noted that the Board continues to hold liquor licensees accountable and suggested that RCASA should see if they will help. Donna Dudley noted that the message she received regarding the lock down at the high school was confusing. Chief Cormier noted that no contraband was found but the canines alerted on odors in three different areas. Chief Cormier noted that there has been an increase in population. He also noted that the increase in crimes is related to substance abuse. He is suggesting an increase of one Officer in the Police Department. He noted that RCASA has helped a lot and an additional officer could focus on issues. The Town Manager noted that the new growth figures in the fall will probably require an additional officer also. Richard Schubert asked if $76,000 was for FY13 and Town Manager indicated it was and it was noted that $100,000 would be needed for a full year. Camille Anthony asked what the call rate at Archstone is and Chief Cormier noted that any densely populated area will need additional services. He will get the numbers for her. Marsie West asked if there was any research on how effective we have been on deterring drug use. Chief Cormier noted that they have been successful in deterring drugs in the schools. 75 '7 3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januarv 3, 2012 - nacre 4 John Doherty noted that there is a strong collaboration with Erica McNamara and Police to be proactive and this is unique to Reading. His concern is with the behavioral health of the students regarding anxiety and stress. They have formed a behavioral health task force and they came up with 25 changes. Camille Anthony noted that the kids need a Teen Center and the Town should head down that path. John Doherty noted that there are plenty of activities at the High School level, but not so much for the younger group. Paula Perry asked if there will be increased demands on guidance counselors and John Doherty noted that they will need additional staffing in the high school guidance, but guidance needs to be defined as academic or social. Town Accountant Anpointment Effective April 1, 2012 - A motion by Tafova seconded by Goldv to reappoint Gail LaPointe as Town Accountant with a term expiring June 30, 2012 or until a successor is appointed was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Instructional Motion - Historic Inventorv, - The Town Manager noted that this instructional motion from Town Meeting directs the Historical Commission to draft an appeal process for adding a home to the historic inventory and was sponsored by Erin Calvo Bacci. Camille Anthony asked the definition of historical listed structures. Virginia Adams noted that term is listed in the demolition bylaw. Erin Calvo Bacci noted that when she received her letter all it said was her house is of historic significance and to show up for a certificate and then a hearing. She noted this is a burden to anyone who has been added. She was led to believe it was a done deal and she doesn't want to pay the cost of appealing. She doesn't understand why they would add someone to the list if they don't want to be on it. She noted her property was added as a result of a grant. Richard Schubert asked how often homes get added to the inventory and Mark Cardono indicated not often, the inventory has only been done once. He noted the process is done and a property owner cannot just request to be on or off the list. Camille Anthony asked how many came before the Commission to be removed from the list and Roberta Sullivan indicated only a handful. Stephen Goldy noted that the petitioner wants to change the process and he requests that the Historical Commission work with everyone. Robyn Parker, who indicated she was a new member of the Historical Commission, asked which appeal process.does the petitioner want to change and also noted that any change in the appeal process would be going forward. 76 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januarv 3, 2012 - page 5 Virginia Adams noted that all demo delays are similar because they have to get approval from the state. She noted the list can be based on the whole community or anything older than 50 years. She feels it is easier to work with a list and there is a process for early releases, etc. James Bonazoli agreed there is an appeal process for the demolition delay to the Historic Commission but there is no appeal process to be put on the list and that is what the petitioner is asking for. Mark Cardono indicated the Commission had a sympathetic appeal to the Commission where one person came forward and showed that their property was not appropriate. The property is still on the list but there is no delay for it. Richard Schubert noted there was not an opportunity to communicate whether or not the petitioner wanted to be on the list. He indicated that the Commission needs to change the process of how to get on the list. James Bonazoli noted that a hearing almost always results in a demolition. Roberta Sullivan indicated that it does not because they released property on Ash Street, released Walgreens, and the Pierce Organ Factory out of 16 properties since 1996. Angela Binda noted that the petitioner is actually asking for an opting out process, not an appeal process. Stephen Goldy indicated he wants the Historical Commission to look at an appeal process to submit to Town Meeting. Phil Pacino indicated the Bylaw Committee favors sending groups off to work out a solution. John Carpenter noted there are two separate issues - one when the demolition delay takes effect and the other occurs much earlier when added to the list. He suggested the Commission look at the Cape Cod criteria for getting on the list. They did not have a consultant drive around town putting homes on the list. If the Commission has criteria then the dialogue can begin. Ben Tafoya clarified that what the Board is asking for is what the process should look like in the future for adding to the inventory. He suggests that time be built into the process including timing of mailing of letters. He also wants to know what the process is once the demolition delay process begins. He indicated the Board only wants feedback, not a written Bylaw. Angela Binda noted that the inventory was a year long process of evaluating homes and the criteria was described by the Mass Historical Commission. John Arena noted that truth is in advertising and feels the Commission should re-evaluate the last 100 homes added to the inventory. Marsie West asked if the criteria are listed on the website and Mark Cardono indicated it is not. Virginia Adams noted that each form states the significance of the property. QC' s 77 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januarv 3, 2012 - nacre 6 James Bonazoli noted that the process is flawed and he is asking the Commission to look at the Bylaw to make it more transparent and maybe include the homeowner at a much earlier stage. Mark Cardono indicated they have already met with the petitioners and they need someone in the room who is not objective. Presentation - Bandstand for Town Hall Site - The Town Manager indicated he is seeking the Board of Selectmen's consent and approval to put a bandstand in front of Town Hall, not on the Common. He noted that there used to be a bandstand on the Common and it was moved to Memorial Park. The Downtown is complete and there is more activity there. There is a continuing need for an appropriate venue for music in the community. It would be used for summer concerts, the Fall Street Faire, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Memorial Day, etc. The Town Manager noted that the Reading Rotary would take the lead in fundraising. He is asking for approval by the Board and then he will proceed with survey and design. Virginia Blodgett noted that the Town just spent a lot of money redoing Memorial Park and feels it would be a better location for the bandstand. She feels the Common area is too noisy. She also noted that there was not a picture of the view from the Common. Phil Pacino indicated he is pleased to see this on the agenda. His mother requested that $10,000 be put aside to fund a bandstand. Robyn Parker noted that the Historical Commission wants to be a stakeholder and she would like a list of all stakeholders. She also indicated that the bandstand should be put in Memorial Park. Virginia Adams noted that he Historical Commission wants to be involved in the design and she indicated if it had no roof it would work in front of Town Hall. Stephen Goldy noted that Public Works has to build a stage for the Fall Street Faire and if we had a bandstand in this location it would be used all day. A motion by Goldv seconded by Bonazoli that the Board of Selectmen approve in concept the construction of a Town of Readinu Bandstand as presented by the Town Manager on 1- 3-12, with a condition that the Town Manager submit the final design to the Board of Selectmen for approval was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Review Appointment Process for Member of Librarv Board of Trustees - The Town Manager noted that there is a vacancy on the Library Board and two positions expire in 2012. The vacancy has been posted and two people have taken out papers for the Library Board. The question is whether the Board wants to make a joint appointment to the Board. Ben Tafoya asked if there had been any quorum problems and the Town Manager indicated only with one meeting. 78 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januarv 3, 2012 - pate 7 The consensus of the Board was not to fill the position since the election is in March and they did not want to choose between two people who are running for the position. Review Draft 2012 Town Manai4er's Goals - They requested the goals electronically so they could add their comments. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldv to adiourn the meetinu at 10:42 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 6~ 79 Making Reading Better January 13, 2012 Residents and Businesses Working Together Board of Commissioners Reading Municipal Light Department '230 Ash Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Commissioners: The Reading residents of Making Reading Better strongly encourage you to reconsider the January 5, 2012 decision to retire rather than sell the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) the company has earned through the purchase of green energy. Timely reconsideration is particularly important given the original decision is reportedly binding for 15 years, eliminating the opportunity to correct an error well into the future. In our opinion, the Board of Commissioners was unable to present a compelling case on why RMLD should retain the RFC's. We believe the vote was not in the best interest of the ratepayers and recent public dialogue on the issues suggest there are more residents that share this opinion. We believe these REC's should be sold as soon as possible. And the revenue should be returned to programs that will enhance RMLD's ability to responsibly expand its investment in renewable energy resources to the fullest extent possible or alternatively, the money should be distributed as a refund to the ratepayers, qat gn L The pressure surrounding debates and votes on issues of importance can often lead to mistaken conclusions and counter productive results despite the best intentions of all involved. That may very well be the case in this instance. Regardless, the issue of selling the RFC's is of significant importance to the wellbeing of the community and the Commissioners should revisit their current decision and arrange to sell the. REC's, / (2 Cc: Reading Board of Selectmen q d~ 81_ Respectfully, Page I of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Burns, Greg Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 1:21 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Cormier, Jim Subject: RE: Hazmat Routing Peter, ( C CJ Yesterday I attended a Mystic REPC meeting and we discussed the Boston N:azmat route issue and report. There was interest in opposing the plan and a vote was taken to send a letter to Mass DOT in opposition. I have invited a representative of the Mass Trucking Association to attend our February meeting to discuss the MTA report analyzing Boston's report and they have agreed to attend. I have also invited the Mass Trucking Association to attend our Full Membership Meeting that will be held in May. Greg Chief Gregory J. Burns Reading Fire Department 757 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781.944.3132 (F) 781.942.9114 gwdir&,nu.Qav Please let us know how we are doing -fill out our hi-iEf customer sen ice sacrvE-yat: http_//readinoma- survev.virtualtownhall.net/survev/sid/l dc7dcf24f2ebl 82/ _..11-1111111.1-1- From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 8:38 AM To: Burns, Greg; Cormier, Jim Subject: Hazmat Routing I understand that as follow-up from the meeting in December hosted by Senator Clark, that the Mystic LEPC is going to take the lead on this issue. What will be the process? How will we know that we are making progress? Will this be on the regular agendas? Will there be a subcommittee focused on this? Who is going to keep this on their radar screen? 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 1/18/2012 82 01 b Page 1 of 1 tIc;C~ Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Reid Blute [Reid.Blute@PuIteGroup.com] Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 12:56 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: News Peter; You are correct, none of these violations occurred in Reading. Pulte(.3roup strongly supports the tassaChusetts Attorney General's efforts to ensure the payment of fair and coinplete wages. We fully expect that our contractors will pay their errrfrloyees aceor-chng to all state and local guidelines, and we have such require rents within our vendor aL~reernents. Regards, Reid From: Hechenbleikner, Peter [maiIto: phechenbleikner@ci.read ing.ma.us] Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 12:52 PM To: Reid Blute Subject: News Reid I saw the news about Pulte's subcontractors. Is there anything more that you can tell me. Did any of these violations take place at the Reading site? I am guessing not since the . construction here is so new. 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 prone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web ~A,ww.readinama.oov. email townriianaaert ci.i,eadiria.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at htip- ('readingma-survey..virtualtownhall. _n_et/survey/sid/1 dc7.d..._c_.f24f2eb1821 r } cm a! n c"ied'-JOS,[e O F3i.I.tif ;.y C 4 '!4 'i '~...tv3 t...t.ii..r.. ..i i. ..t -'cge -v the, 8,11 a q- ci v 1/19/2012 83 Page 1 of 3 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 1:43 PM To: Weld, Karl Subject: RE: Bad news regarding Pulte Karl You are aware that none of these violations occurred in Reading, and that it was subcontractors not Pulte who violated the law? Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town HaU Hours effective June 7. 2010: Nlonday, Wednesday and T€ ursdiay: 7:30 a.nn - 5:30 p,m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED phone: 781-942-9043 S ax 781-942-90171 we fww.reqdin ma _ J _ .....v email tcxrrr~ariag..c...i._readi_ng,l~a,s Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at httpI rea_d.ingma-survey. virtu_a.itownh_ll,_net/survey/s d11_dc..7dcf24f2eb_1__.2/ From: Weld, Karl Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 10:52 AM To: Wilson, Jessie; Reading - Economic Development Committee Subject: Bad news regarding Pulte This was sent to me this morning. Wanted to make everyone aware of it if they weren't already. NOT good news at all. http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/01 /19/firms-fined-for-alleged-violations-pulte- sites/N3JeUvsS6G86g2fbviKOYJ/story.html Construction contractors working at Pulte Homes development sites were hit with more than $540,000 in fines and penalties yesterday for allegedly failing to pay dozens of employees. The enforcement action was one of the largest in recent history focusing on the projects of a single home builder. Attorney General Martha Coakley's office said that the laborers at the Pulte sites, many Brazilian immigrants, were not paid regular wages or overtime for several weeks of work by five subcontractors. Back wages totaled more than $190,000. Also, the state's Office of Labor and Workforce Development found that six subcontractors for Pulte failed to pay unemployment taxes and misclassified workers as independent contractors - a maneuver officials said is often used to conceal fraudulent practices. The agency did not name the subcontractors in that action. 1/19/2012 84 Cl CZ Page 2 of 3 Among the nation's largest home builders, Pulte Homes itself was not held liable for the alleged violations because it was not the direct employer of the workers. "In this case, we charged all the companies we could reach," said Joanne Goldstein, secretary of labor and workforce development. "It is frustrating that companies are insulated from liability but get the benefit of the misclassification or wage and hour violations." In a statement yesterday, Pulte Homes' parent company said it supports the state's effort to enforce wage laws. "We fully expect that our contractors will pay their employees according to all state and local guidelines, and have such requirements within our vendor agreements," the statement said. The alleged violations occurred last year in Plymouth, Braintree, Natick, and Northbridge. Investigators said the subcontractors in question framed homes and condominiums for Pulte. "All workers in the Commonwealth deserve to be paid for the wages they have earned, including their overtime," Coakley said yesterday. The investigation was coordinated by the state's Joint Task Force on the Underground Economy and Employee Misclassification, an entity created by the Patrick administration in 2008 to uncover fraudulent employment practices. The fined contractors include: ■ Nunes Brothers Construction and its president, Tiago Aguiar M. Nunes, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y., were ordered to pay 23 workers $99,086.75 and fined $112,500. ■AM Construction Services and its president, Adimar Demoura, 32, of Framingham, were ordered to pay four workers $15,331.50 and fined $22,500. ■ Five Stars Construction and its president, Alexandre Miranda, 40, of Trumbull, Conn., were ordered to pay two workers $30,700 and fined $30,000. ■ Seven Seas Group and its president, Jackson Croscup, 55, of Fall River, were ordered to pay five workers $10,333 and fined $20,075. ■ Two Brothers Construction and its president, Wellington DeLima Borges, 41, of Natick, were ordered to pay six workers $34,751.50 and fined $34,500. Attempts to reach the companies were unsuccessful yesterday. On 01/17/12, Wilson, Jessie<jwilson@ci.reading.ma.us> wrote: Hi All, Please see the attached information in adya6ce of this week's meeting: - Meghan had some chan to the September 21 minutes which are reflected in this attached draft. - Updated Workplan - Building Fagad provement Document - Letter rega ng improvements at73-85 Haven Street - Updat conomic Activity Spreadsheet 1/19/2012 85 q C,/3 Page 1 of 2 L, C 6D -5 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 12:18 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Verizon FiOS Channel announcements I/c Board of Selectmen 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.readinama.aov email town manaaerra)ci.read ino.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readinama-survev.virtualtownhall.net/surv_ev/sid/l dc7dcf24f2ebl821 From: Frere, Mary Louise [mailto:mary.l.frere@verizon.com] Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 10:31 AM Cc: Frere, Mary Louise Subject: Verizon FiOS Channel announcements Dear Municipal Official; The following are channel change notifications that will be sent to our FiOS customers. Thank you for the opportunity to conduct business in your community! Mary L. Frere Franchise Service Manager Verizon Communications 617-743-4119 * This note is to inform you that an agreement for the Tennis Channel (channels 303, 592) content has been reached. The Tennis Channel programming has resumed on January 18, 2012. If you have any questions please contact me. Proqram JJ~ Channel Tennis Channel I SD 303, HD 592 86 q 1/23/2012 Page 2 of 2 "Not available in all packages * On or after March 8, 2012, Bridges TV, located on channel 278, and Funimation located on 262, will be removed from the FiOS TV lineup. * On or after April 25, 2012, The Smithsonian Channel HD (currently located on ch 625) will be moving to channel 634. 1/23/2012 87 Bill to Ban Alcohol Ads on State Property Heads to Ways and Means Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter C I C From: McNamara, Erica Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 11:07 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: Bill to Ban Alcohol Ads on State Property Heads to Ways and Means FYI From: Cory Mashburn [mailto:CMashburn@somervillema.gov] Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 11:02 AM To: Cory Mashburn Subject: Bill to Ban Alcohol Ads on State Property Heads to Ways and Means For Immediate Release January 24, 2012 Contact: Stacy Carruth, Community Health Specialist (617)441.0700 scarruthr healthier-communities.org Bill to Ban Alcohol Ads on State Property Heads to Ways and Means Press Conference on January 26, Outside Park Street T Station Massachusetts ranks among the top ten states for underage drinking, but pending legislation might help the Commonwealth to lose that distinction. One factor that raises the likelihood of underage drinking is exposure to alcohol advertising. Massachusetts can reduce this exposure by passing House Bill 85'1 (HB851) which would prohibit alcohol advertising on state property. Last month marked the first time an act prohibiting alcohol advertising on state property moved forward from initial committee consideration to the Ways and Means Committee. A press conference will be held on January 26, 2012, at 3:30 p.m. at the Park Street T Station to show support of HB851. HB851 has major support as it heads to the Ways and Means Committee. Representative Martin Walsh from Dorchester, the bill's sponsor, called it "an important piece of public policy that protects the health and well-being of young people in Massachusetts." Former Governor Michael Dukakis and his wife Kitty are also proponents, having worked tirelessly to convince the MBTA to ban alcohol ads on the Commonwealth's public transit system. "At a time when we are trying to encourage young people to act wisely and responsibly, my favorite transit system should not be doing the opposite," says former Governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis. In fact, most major US cities have already banned alcohol ads from public transit. Most importantly, the bill has the support of those it will affect most. Giovanni Colon, a junior at Brighton High School, supports the bill, saying, "I am disappointed when I see alcohol advertisements on state property. It's like Massachusetts wants young kids to start drinking." For many, alcohol advertising on state property like the MBTA, places an undue burden on youth in the Greater Boston area. As Giovanni said, "People would never dream of putting alcohol ads on yellow school buses, so why should they be allowed to put them on our school buses?" At least 20,000 youth use the T daily, many of them going to and from school. The bill's opponents argue that prohibiting alcohol advertising would cause a financial burden for state- owned property holders, but this is not an issue of finances - it is a matter of health and welfare for the 1/25/2012 88 Bill to Ban Alcohol Ads on State Property Heads to Ways and Means Page 2 of 2 Commonwealth. The more alcohol advertising kids are exposed to, the more likely they are to drink - a fact that costs the Commonwealth $1.4 billion annually. When it comes to advertising on state property, Representative Walsh's message is clear: "This bill only bans alcohol advertisements for the purpose of making sure we are not sending the wrong message to the people of the Commonwealth." In fact, the T has already said it will not accept alcohol advertising on its website. And there appears to be no shortage of advertisers for the T; one company that coordinates advertising on the MBTA cited a six-month waiting list for advertisers of various products who are interested in station domination campaigns that blanket MBTA stations with a particular brand's advertisements. Please help us provide a healthy environment for our youth by showing your support of HB851. Contact your local legislator and join us at a press conference to show your support and learn more. Cory Mashburn, MCJ Director, Office of Prevention Somerville Health Department 50 Evergreen Avenue Somerville, MA 02145 emashbuni cr .somervillema. Q_ ov Ph: 617.625.6600 ext. 2570 TTY: 617.666.0001 Fax: 617.629.3040 Office Hours: Monday: Off Tuesday: 8:30a-4:30p Wednesday: 8:30a-4:30p Thursday: 8:30a-7:30p Friday: 8:30a-12:30p www.facebook.com/SomervilleCares. www. twitter. corn/ S omC aces This transmission is confidential and intended solely for the person or organization to whom it is addressed. It may contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it. If you believe you received this transmission in error, please notify the sender. Pease eonsiti.r t? 3e enairovn;etit before priattng this e-rnF.11 1/25/2012 0 n Q ~ v Page 1 of 2 Schena, Paula 4 C aas From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:07 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: RMLD Decision to Forfeit Substantial Revenues from Sale of Renewable Energy Certificates Attachments: RECs.doc 11c Board of Selectmen 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_read ingma,gov email townmanerci,read ing.rnau_s Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at Here are the results to track for the new survey Jan - June 2012: httD://readincima-survey_Virtualtownhall. net/results/si_d/c_cc2fO35993bd3co/ From: Donna D [mailto:donnadudley@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:04 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: RMLD Decision to Forfeit Substantial Revenues from Sale of Renewable Energy Certificates Good Morning Town of Reading, North Reading, Wilmington & Lynnfield Representatives, As you know, the RMLD Board of Commissioners recently voted to retire RECs in FY12 with an approximate value of $400,0004500,000. For upcoming fiscal years, our portfolio of RECs could be worth many more millions of dollars. I've attached a document that tries to explain and clarify the issue that is on the table. It is my belief that this complicated issue was not properly vetted with all the towns, businesses and customers served by RMLD. Virtually all of the public discussion took place during December and the early days of January, the middle of holiday season. I believe that a decision of this financial magnitude requires a more overt campaign on the part of the elected Board and appointed Citizens Advisory Board, to reach out to all of its customers to explain the situation, and to have a well advertised period of time to seek public input. I urge you to attend tonight's RMLD meeting being held at the RMLD, 230 Ash Street, starting at 7:30pm. If you cannot make this meeting but would like to make your thoughts known on the issue, please contact the following: selectman@ci.reading. ma. us - Reading Board of Selectmen jfoti@rmld.com - Board contact vcameron@rmld.com - General Director of RMLD 1/25/2012 ' 90 q~ Page 2 of 2 I thank you very much for your attention to this matter. Donna Dudley Reading Citizen 1/25/2012 91 6t ~ 2", As you all, hopefully, are aware, the RMLD Board of Commissioners recently voted to retire, rather than sell, the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) associated with two current long term contracts with renewable energy projects, specifically Swift River and Concord Steam. The financial impact of this decision is that approximately half a million dollars of revenue will be forfeited for FYI 2 and potentially many more millions will be forfeited in the coming fiscal years. Is this okay with you? The differentiation between the generation sources of energy lies with its creation, rather than its consumption. New England has a shared power GRID. Electricity generated from many different sources - nuclear, waste, wood, water, oil, etc. - feeds the grid. Once it's in the grid however, much like a stomach, the energy can no longer be differentiated. What comes out of the grid is a mixture of sorts, of everything that went into it. In other words, once in the block box of the grid, an electron is an electron is an electron. They are all identical. It is the genesis of that electron that differentiates one from the other. What the heck is a REC you ask? One REC is equal to one megawatt of electricity. The REC documents the attributes of that energy, i.e. hydro, biomass, solar, etc. It attests to the "generation" of the energy as being from a renewable source. All RECs in New England are tracked within the NE Generation Information System (GIS). These attributes, or RECs, can be uncoupled and sold in the energy market. And herein lies the conundrum. Still with me? In the state of Massachusetts, investor owned utilities , or public utilities, like NSTAR are required to meet certain Renewable Energy Portfolio standards (RPS). This year the amount was 6% of their energy portfolios. Another important restriction on the investor utilities is that they cannot make any claims to renewable attributes of the energy within their portfolios if they haven't directly retired the RECS. The GIS substantiates the REC attributes that each utility possesses and settles each year to meet compliance. The public utilities, with their annual RPS reporting must also provide the GIS information to substantiate what they've reported. Municipal utilities do not. Municipal electric companies like RMLD, are exempt from compliance and reporting of any RPS. Let me repeat that. Municipal utilities do not have to have, or to report on, any renewable energy in their portfolios. To their credit, RMLD and several other municipal utilities have nevertheless made a decision to voluntary increase the amount of renewable energy contracts in their portfolios which increases the demand for and amount of renewable energy going into the grid. Because public utilities are not subject to RPS compliance, this means that all of their RECs are excess RECs and have a certain monetary value in the energy marketplace. Private utilities like NSTAR are currently meeting their compliance standards for renewable energy by having their own contracts with renewable projects, as well as by purchasing excess RECs from other sources. And this is why RECs have a monetary value. The compliance standards require that NSTAR actually possess and retire RECs to document the renewable energy within its portfolio. If they fall short of that 6%, they can purchase sufficient,decoupled RECs from other sources to bring the portfolio into compliance. If you haven't drowned in acronyms by this point, read on. Only by settling (retiring) RECs within GIS can utilities make any claims to the environmental attributes. Nevertheless, the municipalities of Concord, Wellesley, Taunton & Ipswich are selling their 92 RECs because they do not believe it to be fiscally prudent to forfeit millions of dollars and because the municipal immunity from regulatory reporting provides an economic advantage to their goal of increasing demand for renewable energy by entering into their own contracts with renewable projects. The question for all residents, businesses, and municipalities of Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, Wakefield & Lynnfield is whether or not you'd rather have the environmental claim, or the money. For some, the environmental claim takes precedence over any amount of money. For others, the current economic times dictate that millions of dollars of revenue must trump environmental claims at this time. 93 C? e~