Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
2013-09-24 Board of Selectmen Packet - Part 2
O� OF RFgO' yc y Office of the Town Manager �0 16 Lowell Street ,6�Br two '0pP� Reading, MA 01867 To: Board of Selectmen From: Bob Lel-acheur Date: September 21, 2013 RE: Monday 9/23 BOS packet 1. Background information on Veteran's Chair. 2. Paint & Sip update 3. Goals update 781 - 942 -9043 townmanaeer @ci.readine.ma.us www.readingma.gov /town- manaiter 4. Vacant properties updates 5. General news — June 2013 election reimbursement; new RNR Chamber Executive Director; DRAFT Minutes from 9/17 VASC meeting. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. TAB Massachusetts Chapter 1 Dear Veterans Service Officer: By way of introduction, I am Joe D'Entremont, the President of Rolling Thunder®, Inc., Massachusetts Chapter 1. As you may know, Rolling Thunder is a national non - profit organization whose main focus is to spread awareness for our POW/MIAs and their families. Through your tireless work, you help many Veterans and their families during the year, whereas the POW's and MIA's have yet to receive any benefits for themselves or their families. We need to recognize these Soldiers and reach out to their families so they know we have not forgotten them. We need to HONOR these Soldiers with a place of their own. Please review the enclosed material and feel free to contact me about creating and dedicating your own POWARA Chair in your town as a symbol of Honor and Respect. We have been contacting VSO leaders in the Commonwealth because that is where it all begins for our Soldiers and their families. Gillette Stadium, The Lowell Spinners and the Towns of Hingham, Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield and Westwood have all put in these places of Honor or plan to do so in the near future. Whether it be at your local Town Hall or school sports stadium, let us Honor these Men and Women who have yet to return Home. Thank you very much for your support! I look forward to hearing from you. Joe D'Entremont President Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Massachusetts Chapter 1 P.O. Box 300607 Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130 identrem@plant.mit.edu 617 -522 -0324 qcA." Rolling Thunder®, Inc. g T444t Massachusetts, Chapter I i%*. VIM Our Mission The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize the POW -MIA issue: To educate the public that many American Prisoners of War were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future Veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners of War - Missing In Action. We are also committed to helping American Veterans from all wars. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a non - profit organization and everyone donates his or her time because they believe in the POW/MIA Issue. Joe D'Entremont President, Rolling Thunder®, Inc Massachusetts Chapter 1 PO BOX 300607 Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130 jdentrem@plant.mit.edu 617 -522 -0324 q aZ KEVIN CULLEN Leaving an empty seat in tribute to POWs and MlAs By Kevin Cullen I GLOBE COLUMNIST NOVEMBER o6, 2012 On this, the most partisan day of the year, here's an idea we can all get behind. A few years ago, Joe D'Entremont saw an empty seat at a racetrack in Bristol, Tenn. It was left empty on purpose, a symbolic way to remember the 92,000 American service members who since World War I went missing in action or were prisoners of war who didn't make it home. D'Entremont — president of the Massachusetts chapter of Rolling Thunder, a group dedicated to making the government accountable for POWs and MIAs, looked at the empty seat in Tennessee and said, "Why not here ?" But you have to walk before you can run. D'Entremont noticed that the color guard that marched onto the field at Gillette Stadium during Patriots games didn't include a POW /MIA flag. So he called up the Patriots and offered them a flag, and they readily agreed. That flag is out there at every game now. The Red Sox started flying a POW /MIA flag at Fenway Park. It took a little longer to get one up at TD Garden, where the Bruins and Celtics play, but eventually goodwill prevailed. If you look around, there are POW /MIA flags at a lot of public events now. Thank you, Rolling1hunder. Still, D'Entremont kept thinking about that empty seat in Tennessee, so he went back to the sports teams and asked them to give up a seat. 40-5 The Lowell Spinners, the minor league baseball team, were the first to sign on. In June, they dedicated a single black chair in Section 104 of LeLacheur Park that will remain empty forever. D'Entremont was grateful, but he went looking for a bigger venue. On Friday, the Patriots will unveil a seat that will be kept empty at Gillette on Sunday, Veterans Day, and every day after that. There's more. D'Entremont's buddy, Dennis Moschella, president of Veterans Assisting Veterans, got talking last summer to John MacDonald, the vice president of corporate strategy for Lupoli Cos., about the idea of putting up POW /MIA tables in restaurants. MacDonald is an Air Force veteran, and he turned to his boss, Sal Lupoli, and in no time at all, Lupoli said, "Let's do it." "Joe D'Entremont told us he's had trouble persuading restaurants to do this," MacDonald said. "Sal jumped in with both feet." A couple of weeks ago, they unveiled a table with an empty seat at Salvatore's, Lupoli's restaurant in Lawrence, and goo people showed up. Lupoli wants to leave an empty seat in each of his five restaurants and his 40 pizza shops. Eventually it will get done. And if you don't think it will happen in all those locations, you don't know Sal Lupoli. D'Entremont is hoping for momentum. What the Patriots are doing this week sets an example for the Red Sox and the people who run the Garden. Sal Lupoli has set the bar for restaurants. D'Entremont is a Jamaica Plain guy, and when he went to his local, the venerable Doyle's Cafe, Gerry Burke Jr. agreed to keep an empty table throughout the Veterans Day weekend. What if every bar in Boston, in Massachusetts, in New England'left an empty seat or table? From that empty seat at the racetrack in Tennessee, Joe D'Entremont is trying to think beyond stadiums and restaurants and bars. He's thinking all sorts of public places, places where people go and people talk, where parents talk to their kids. Parks. Schools. Beaches. "Think about the conversations," D'Entremont said. "I'd bet that most Americans wouldn't have any idea that 92,000 service members were POWs or MIAs whomever made it home from the wars of the last century. Think about parents talking to their kids about the empty seat. Guys were left behind. They can't speak for themselves, so -we have to speak for them." Kevin Cullen is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at culleneglobe.com. Follow him on Twitter PGlobeCullen. (4 a" � 0� OF I? tiC y Office of the Town Manager 781 - 942 -9043 b 16 Lowell Street townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us ,6J9 fNCORp�pP� Reading, MA 01867 www.readingma.gov /town - manager To: Board of Selectmen From: Bob LeLacheur Date: September 20, 2013 RE: Paint & Sip update As you recall, Judy Barolak has been in front of the Board over the summer inquiring what the terms would be in order to open a so- called 'paint & sip' business in town. You have heard Town Counsel's view that if you were to allow this activity and not require food service, you should adopt a new Policy with carefully crafted language because of the possible precedent- setting nature. Ms. Barolak has been very understanding and she has had several discussions with both me and with Town Counsel along the way. At your meeting on August 20th the Board requested that I survey the state to determine how other communities are dealing with this issue — a new one just this year in the area for most communities — and report back in late September. In canvassing other communities in the Commonwealth I found a wide range of answers. Many, such as Lexington, Northborough and Andover allow only bring - your -own alcohol (BYOB); activities in the Peabody /Danvers area focus on restaurants that have liquor licenses; Sturbridge has a bar that has a BYOF (bring your own food) policy; Salem issued a (rare) seasonal liquor license to an art studio; other communities have a sort of travelling paint & sip concept, often at private functions which would not require a liquor license. Conclusion: there is really no standard community response to this situation in the Commonwealth. In speaking to Ms. Barolak last week, she expressed an interest in attending the Selectmen's meeting on September 24th so I added an agenda item at approximately 8:30pm. She is not interested in sharing the facilities with an existing Reading establishment that has a liquor license (such as a restaurant's function room). She would prefer to serve alcohol with pre - packaged snacks but is willing to serve food if the Board ultimately requires that. If instead the Board would like a new liquor policy written, I will work with Town Counsel and produce a draft version for your next meeting in early October. q0 Robert LeLacheur Asked the Following On 8/29/2013 8:34:05 AM: Title: Paint & Sip liquor concept Has anyone encountered this type of request lately? In Reading we have a strict food service requirement with our liquor licenses, and this paint & sip trend is at odds with that policy. All thoughts & feedback welcome, thanks in advance! Bob Lel-acheur Town Manager Reading, MA 781 - 942 -9043 townmanaeer @ci.reading.ma.us :.•, This has come up a few times in the past 12 -18 months in Northborough, and I believe one of the establishments that contacted our office was a "paint your own pottery" establishment. What we ultimately determined was that if the establishment is not selling the liquor, they don't fall under any of the ABCC licensing regs, and it is essentially unregulated. Our BYOB policy only addresses food establishments. We did advise the establishment to look into liquor liability insurance though. Good luck! Kim Kimberly Foster Assistant Town Administrator Town of Northborough 63 Main Street Northborough, MA 01532 508 - 393 -5041 Bob, we have also had an inquiry of this type and will allow it as it would be a bring your own bottle type of establishment. Carl Valente Town Manager Lexington, MA ��2,- ,amt ano sip: rams oars taxe orr in Newton, 5outnuoston ksnae sno... nttp:u www. oizjoumais .cormBostoniblogibottom_lineiLUi im/paint- Maureen McCarthy, Special to the Journal When veteran painter Jennifer Clement tried to find a way to expand the audience for her art and her art classes, drawing up a "paint- and -sip" business quickly came to mind. In October Vion unched The Artist Bar — �eewksbu usiness that she bills as rnt- and -sip" party. She sets up s op at venues such as restaura alls, and corpor ate events in which participants can grab a drink or two while learning how to paint. Read more: Paint - and -sip at PaintBar in Newton (slide show). "I love the fact that people are sipping wine," Clement said. "I'm about (customers) having fun and building confidence and I think the cocktails add to the loosening up and carefree, attitude." In recent decades, the art bar movement solidified in the southern states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, and eventually expanded to urban cities such as Chicago, Seattle and Raleigh. But the trend has only r d arrived in #) 26th e B The Paint Bar opened for business i on in 20-1 ,and the Boston- ed Urban Art Bar, DOTArtBar in orches er nd The Artist Bar all opened last fall. "This (business) has exceeded our expectations," said Jill Kerner Schon, owner of The Paint Bar. Read more: Art bars' brush with success (premium content). Industries: Retailing & Restaurants < Older posts Newer posts > We Recommend of 3 Melissa Mack out at WBZ -N Robert Kraft's dispute with his youngest son shows that some family fractur... by Taboola Y J onni1)n11 1•nn PTA Just rain OrCesier, NIA - Arts do t✓ntertalnment I Facebook rage I of t l Email or Phone Password Log In Keep me logged in Forgot your password' Just Paint is on Facebook. To connect with Just Paint, sign up for Facebook today. P" Just Paint 997 likes , 173 talking about this 667 were here Arts & Entertainment husetts 386 West Boylston St, Worcester, Massachusetts 0160697 (508) 277 -6986 Aorcester " rramwghi t About Photos Likes Map Events Highlights 3ust Paint 15 hours ago Painting, food, and drinks ... oh my! (9 photos) Just Paint at Livia's Dish, A Unique Dining Experience —Tag & Brag — at Livia's Dish, A Unique Dining Experience. Recommendations See All Trish Rivers ' so much fun!!Il a great place fora date night... z about 2 months ago Kristina D. Found my new hobby! Love love love this pla... 1 - about a month ago Alyssa Chakiris Acker does acrylic paint do well in steam because I want to put m... z 3 about S months ago WAL Beelz Botwin is went for a friends bday party a couple weeks... z , about a months ago See More Likes Christina's Cafe Restaurant/Cate The Lows Deal Local Business Cricket's Eye Art Studio Painter Artistic Services httDs://www.facebook.com/nages/Just-Paint/426645274013645 See All Like Like Like lm 9/20/2013 Faint While You Sip - Entertainment - Danvers, MA Patch �&)y Page 2 of 4 11$4 � s The schedule will be July 23 (5:30 p.m.) at Cafe Bistro at Nordstrom, July 30 (6:30 p.m.) at Burtons Grill, Aug. 1 (6:30 p.m.) at Scosso Ristorante & u . 6 (6:30 p.m.) at Joe's American Bar & Grill. The cost is $35 per person. From the Web 10 flushable facts about the toilet Angie's List More from Patch What the Bible Says Make $1000's Per Day About Money (Shocking) with Penny Stocks? Moneynews Invests.com More from the Web • Peeping Tom, Leaf Blowing in Wee Hours and Shoplifters Grab... • Elderly Female Drives Down Rail Trail, Gets Stuck in Woods and ... • Economist: Prepare for Massive Wealth Destruction (... (Newsmax) by Taboola by Taboola • Billionaire Tells Americans to Prepare For "Finan... ( Moneynews) • Police Nab Danvers Man for Armed Robbery • Surprising Abraham Lincoln Descendants Disc... • Danvers Man Charged With OUI and a Collapsed (Ancestry.com) Road • Top 10 Athletes Turned Actors of All Time (Rant Sports) From Swallow Fatts Patch Manny's 10 Favorite Food Jokes Make your belly ache with these sweet jokes. 1 Comments Leave a comment httn: / /danvers.natch.com /grouns /arts- and- entertainmentln /naint - while -vou -sin + Leave a Comment Post comment 9/20/2013 )iusn it vtt raitit a yip tar - -)tururiuge town, ivtH Ye P nup: //www.ye ip. com/ Dizi orusn- it -ori- paint -ano -sip- oar- sturvnage -town Hey there! We've updated our Privacy Policy — you can check out the new version here. Brush It Off Paint & Sip Bar 00000 3 reviews Categor - Ilene 5 ain St t rbridge Town, MA 518 (774) - 444 brush-it-off . com Hours: Price Range: SSSS Good for Kids: No Tue -Fri 6:30 pm - 10 pm Accepts Credit Cards: Yes By Appointment Only: Yes Sat 1 pm - 10 pm Sun 1 pm - 4 pm parking: Private Lot 3 reviews for Brush It Off Paint & Sip Bar � u 1 S" St Annes SM, H seme(ery 10 M,yrn .oza' :iWntrE rretd.� d f t}r � Map date WM 3 Google 3 reviews in English Azar �yL NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA QQ© ©Q 8!19/2013 Attended a bachelorette party at this location and can absolutely say: YES! (to the canva 1 V I'd mark this down as a "pricey" evening. The fee for the canvas, paint (and necessary smock), and instruction is $35. If you want to do as the sign says and "Sip ", then you're looking at another bill entirely. Beer, wine, and some bottle mixed drinks (Mike's Hard Lemonade / Twisted Tea) are available for purchase as no outside beverages are allowed (due to MA State Law: no outside beverages permitted in places which have a liquor license). Wine is sold by the glass or by the bottle. and I can confirm that the Twisted Tea that I invested in was $5.75 ". With canvas (16 "x20 ") in- easel, we set to it! Our instructor (Andrea) was fantastic) She lead us step -by -step through the "Cherry Tree /Blossom" painting with encouraging suggestions and feedback (I had my own approach to it and she was totally supportive of individuality). We were able (and encouraged) to take breaks and chat and move around! Our party brought a huuuge spread of food which was set up over two tables, and I'm pretty sure it's unanimous that it was a great night. Lots of laughs, and lots of great compositions (I actually 'liked' my final product!). Brush it Off has several painting options to choose from (classics, cubism, landscape, and even the ridiculous flamingo or beer - theme). While I'm pretty sure you can book same -day, I'd recommend completing your reservation (online! So easyl) ahead of time, especially if there is a certain night/composition you prefer or if you have a large party. Prepare to arrive early (as a courtesy...and also, the space is a little difficult to locate in the building), and don't wear clothes that you don't mind being stained (just in case 'wink'). I'd recommend a sheet to put down in your car for the canvas, but it will likely have plenty of time to air -dry while you're enjoying a night out with friends (...and wine). Listed in: The Yelp 100 Challengel N LeA K Wrentham, MA 00000 612312013 An absolutely wonderful experience! I found out about this through Yelp a few hours before a class was scheduled to start. I signed up and paid online with my debit card and when I arrived, I just needed to give my name to sign in. We were given all of the materials that we needed to paint, including the brushes, canvas, and smock - all included for $35 with the 3 -hour class, what a deal!! - and there was never any confusion at all about what we needed to do. Instructor was very accessible and you could flag her down if necessary. Although it is advertised as a bar and many bought drinks, I'd recommend taking a painting Gass even if you don't plan on drinking. (Plus, you could get lucky and witness the start of a bachelorette parry on a Saturday evening - innocent viewing was so, so entertaining.) I saw a few mother - teenage daughter pairs in attendance. It was a very social experience, breaks between the painting, a great way to spend a night catching up with a friend! This would be a fantastic first date destination if you're the artsy type (and know enough about your date to know that you could tolerate them for up to 3 hours). Sanora S Westfield, MA Y 6 of? 9/7nnn11 1.46 PM A place to sip ana paint » business » ntemNews.com, Salem, MA A place to sip and paint (/' ` 1 Wicked Art Bar studio makes art accessible BY ETHAN FORMANSTAFF WRITER rage D of i BEVERLY — You can't blame someone who works with entrepreneurs all day for wanting to start a creative new business. Renee Gannon, the director of marketing for the Enterprise Center at Salem State University, and her friend, Alexandra Terista of Danvers, are co- founders of Wicked Art Bar, where patrons can enjoy a glass of wine while learning how to paint. "It's part technique and part fun," Gannon said of the painting sessions, which do not require any art skills to participate. For $35, an instructor will guide you through a two- and -a- half -hour painting session. Everyone paints the same image, and all materials are included. The sessions are held at Wicked Art Bar or at a partner venue on the North Shore. The business opened earlier this month on the ground floor of the Studios at Porter Mill, at 95 Rantoul St. Nearly 50 artists have studios there, and their work is on display at a gallery next door to the art bar. Gannon said the neighborhood appears to be on the rise with a new commuter rail parking garage being built across the street and a large apartment building under construction right outside Wicked Art Bar's windows. "We met a lot of the neighbors. People have stopped in and said they are excited we are here, `We can't wait to try it out, "' Gannon said. Wicked Art Bar looks more like an art school than a bar, with stools and easels lining the space. A bar lines the wall as you walk in. On July 11, the establishment won a seasonal beer and wine license from the city, the first such seasonal licei issued to a business in six years, Gannon said. The license still needs state approval, and Gannon hopes to be fully up and running by September .kl In the meantime, t e art ar is using space at other establishments on the North Shore to host paint- and -sip events. The first one, which was sold out, took place at the Village Tavern in Salem. They have also hosted a bachelorette party and a regular class session, which drew about a dozen paint- and- sippers. Kids' parties, with no alcohol served, can also be booked at Wicked Art Bar. Gannon, who lives in Lynn, graduated from Beverly High in 2001 and met Terista while at the University of New Hampshire, where both played on the women's rugby team. Gannon was studying zoology, and Terista was studying biology. "We both kind of loved to do art as a passion," Gannon said. "I've just always been a creative person; my parents were very encouraging of creativity." After graduating in 2004, Terista enlisted in the Navy and earned a commission as a surface warfare officer, a job that took her all over the world. She came back to the North Shore last year. Gannon's previous work experience has taken her from Boston to Los Angeles and back to the North Shore. But it was her position as website editor for a start-up frozen baby food company that steered her toward a career in marketing and graphic design. f a0 httn- / /www.salemnews.com/ business /x2082577343 /A- nlace -to -sin- and - naint 9/20/2013 A place to sip and paint)) Business » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA Page 6 of 15 "That kind of set me off on my creative path, and I found I had a knack for it, too," Gannon said. She said she liked being around startups and found she had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2007, she started Lesbiatopia, a lesbian- interest blog, which a year later was nominated for the best GLBT Weblog Award. Gannon moved back to New England in 2010 and after a stint working in social media marketing for a new restaurant concept by Uno Chicago Grill, she landed the director of marketing job at the Enterprise Center. Gannon works full time for the nonprofit small- business incubator and is also vice president of Young Entrepreneurs of the North Shore, a nonprofit she helped launch. Terista, now in the Navy Reserves, moved back to Danvers last year, and the two began mulling ideas for their own business. Terista wound up at a sip- and -paint studio in South Boston, and they decided to open one on the North Shore. "We just put a business plan together, approached banks for funding," said Gannon, who said the business is now self - funded. "I think all the entrepreneurial spirit took hold," said Christine Sullivan, the CEO of the Enterprise Center. "It's wonderful. What gives me great pleasure in life is to see people grow, and I see it in the entrepreneurs at the center." Sullivan said Gannon "caught the entrepreneurial bug." "I think the art bar is a wonderful idea and I want to go myself," Sullivan said. About Wicked Art Bar's bar The bar in Wicked Art Bar has a wicked story behind it. Using all reclaimed materials to stick with the aesthetic of the building, it was created by friend Tim Thurrott, a craftsman who lives in Lynn, Gannon said in an email. "( Thurrott) used 200 - year -old barn beams in the construction of the main part of the bar. A few of the steel hooks (for hanging a bag on) came from an old mechanic shop in Salem (Mass.). Some of the other metal accents came from a lobster warehouse in Revere. The reclaimed butcher block top were once student desks at Harvard University, and the main beam framing was once part of wood frames used for shipping sections of bridges and other industrial steel and concrete structures." Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978 - 338 -2673, by email at eforman @salemnews.com or on Twitter at @DanverSalemNews. M "Text OnlvJ Photo Reprints HLlSiness • Business Briefcase People Phyllis Vray, owner of Sew Creative and Creative Yarns in Beverly, has been inducted into Worldwide Who's Who for business management. Vray's two stores offer sewing products and classes, textiles and retail services. Vray maintains profession • North Shore Business calendar Thursday, Sept. 19 Why People Still Matter in an Online World, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Enterprise Center, Salem State University, 121 Loring Ave., Salem. It's easier than ever for consumers to be highly educated about a business's products and services, httn- / /www calemnewccnm/hucinecc /x2(1R2 57714 1 /A- n1acP- tn- cin- anri -naint o� OF RFgoi tic Office of the Town Manager 781 - 942 79043 b �0 16 Lowell Street townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us 6�9fNCORQO�P Reading, MA 01867 www.readingma.gov /town - manager To: Board of Selectmen From: Bob Lel-acheur Date: September 21, 2013 RE: Goals update Attached is a 3 -page spreadsheet summary of the progress made on the 31 Goals established by the Board on July 9, 2013. Also attached is the 4 -page list of these Goals. Due to the heavy BOS agenda on September 24`h I don't expect time for a detailed discussion, but if the Board could review this update and prepare a list of questions or comments in the next few weeks, that would be helpful. On December 10, 2013 we will have much more time on the BOS agenda to have a thorough discussion on all of the Goals. I think three annual updates in March, July and December (scheduled to avoid Town Meetings) seem adequate going forward, but I am interested in BOS feedback on that proposed schedule as well. Status of Goals 9/23/2013 Type No. Name Leadl Status Notes Administration 1 Dept Structure BL 100% Plan complete - public rollout BOS (Sept &Oct), FINCOM(Oct) & Town Meeting(Nov) 2 Prof. Development GB 75% individual department request are being compiled 3 Task Lists GB 25% individual department lists are being compiled 4 BOS /DH Retreat RU see notes Waiting for November Town Meeting re- organization 5 B /C /C Communication BL 75% Regular meetings scheduled with BOS & liaisons for MAPC, RIAA, CAB & RCTV. Joint B meetings with RHA (9/10); EDC (9/10); SC & RCASA (9/26); BOA (10/22). Beta testing ongoing - some BCCs building web pages. Conflict of Interest, Open Meeting Law & Ethics Summary to employees & volunteers for online participation late Sept. 6 Labor Negotiations BL 10% Internal staff strategy meetings already planned in October; expect to contact Town unions in November; one health ins. meeting held w/ unions in Sept. First BOS executive session likely February '14 and then in late fiscal FY14. Regulation & Policy Development 7 Zoning Bylaw JD 25% Phase I (complete) results in 4 Articles for November Town Meeting; Phase II (Consultant selected, contract pending) on budget and on schedule for November'14 Town Meeting. Zoning Advisory Committee formed by BOS, first meeting 9/30. s Traffic Rules & Regs JC 95% The BOS has approved the TR &R. One more BOS meeting in Oct planned to tidy up some issues. There will always be changes needed going forward. 9 Oakland Rd. Zoning JD see notes This is on hold due to deliberation with the School Department Services 10 Customer Service BL 25% Ongoing 'old website' feedback; designing new methods with new website. 11 Library RU see notes Federal grant 8k awarded for advance training in October 12 Exterior Communication BL see notes Waiting for November Town Meeting re- organization Operations 13 L &P Systems JD 95% Last 5% is the on -line function, delayed due to website changes 14 Records Mgmt BL 50% Available on new website but not yet 'announced' as content is still being built; mulling regional efforts with several smaller communities 15 Regionalization BL 50% Housing Services Coordinator proposed in re- organization; meeting scheduled with neighboring community to discuss Recreation; Assesors to renew exisiting arrangment with Wakefield for one year as MA DOR suggests MGL chnages for regionalizing assessing is forthcoming T16 Veteran's Services BL 25% Meeting scheduled - two options (Wilmington & Melrose /Saugus/Wakefield). The latter group requested we hold off until October 1 st to pursue joining. S M O N M N T m O 0 4- O N 7 r t4 q,3 'Q 0 0 o N o c LL U o o c p (0 m o + 3 C y C O O L M cn U; M O N M N am T m ,O V W O N 3 w f6 w N q, q N L Y p N O O- N N U O O (n U Q) Y N t L 0 L O O N `. 1 m p V1 L 01 O L 0 O a) = r 2 "p (d ` U .— N p> Q 'p C o —. C L L O _ �p �`—� o _0 Z a d 0 o .j c ci p o oa) o . o o 0 Z O a) Q ) Q Z C� b (n u O fn LL 06 Q U N U 0 O a) 0 L Q X O a) �p E O a) N -o o O C >, 3 O C C) °� 0 �_ C C O D _ C -O O N O a) a) LO U L N p a) �' m N Q v) m L 1 a a) > 3 m L ` °' N a) C E U E N p �. vi N X o a) a) U a C �� C g a) 3 C) C io a) a) 3 U (n C (n fn . X E �, U O W W M� > Q a) E �_ > Q) V) U C C) U cn Z C a)i E 3 .� a) ' Q .§ U) 0 (6 C Q O N O U- m 4) u, — a 'U O� U Q C N > O m E O 6 �_ cn N y O �C -O Q p Z c� ; o o U �0 Q L N c- o N 0� co E �n `� (D � 2 U D N Q L O Z (L V a) L O O o) O S- C U C O m ( 6 Q E a) a) a) u .— m N ca a) -O V1 O O_ m X a) U C U O V L O C a) O � C cn C a E 'p O C a) M L N M M p a) Q- U (n C `�' C m C) N (n'� O (n U 0) 'Fn N N to 0 Q a) N (6 4 C p N C 7 p -° p " a) a C) a)� Q y U m _� a) -6 X C m L a) E L m a- d C a) E L- W> a) to a) v) L p -a m a) _� -_ Z a) 7 a) > m a) U C a) E E_a a) o � O U) cn �. .a? o CL o U o L o p 0 o— o Q a �— o Q E aa)) Q Q> V) I. m YO > a p X L ui cn (n a) (0 J Z' c f0 O Q upi E (6 E >, W a) L o) N U i LL A U ' C N a) N o C E U a a) N` E� E Q a) a) o) .` o (n C O O U v) E O o) o a) > U cn N O Q E a i E •D O E Q m C O U 0 0 (B C Z— 0 N U OU -a E O C a) L co O Q (D J ` C a) C O 7 p m N (0 m L is C >. V) aj C -p C `~ a) L' .c "O ao rn C _� Q 3 N LL Y C O m C U` °' o °' 0 C °D � � ° > > C O �C o cn V) J O (n ° 0-a E m m y m D cfl Q ., O U_ L N y w V1 v) a) v) a) O \° O O O o O O \° °� C C C O CD C C N a) m � m a) � (n (n (n N rN+ N N N J J Q Q d m m U) cn O IL U) L) a 3 m E V c%7 !n a) c W• C i m Z ca O _ m m C) U. U m II� LL m L O Z = N N N N N N M M F q, q FY2014 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading, MA Approved July 9, 2013 Administration The human capital of the community is the major resource that is necessary to achieve the provision of services to the community and as such should be supported and respected. This human capital includes employees, elected officials and members of Boards, Committees and Commissions (BCCs). 1. Design optimal Town department/division structure, regardless of current set -up or specific personnel, including the role of the Assistant Town Manager. Describe detailed transition plan from current status to such an optimal model, including specific personnel. 2. Establish optimal professional development (PD) and training levels across all departments. Devise multi- year process to transition from current status to desired outcome. Focus on tracking compliance with PD job requirements as well as optional PD for advancement. 3. Create lists of routine tasks all Town departments /divisions do each year. Design specific quantitative measures to evaluate these tasks on either a quarterly or monthly basis. Devise implementation plan for these measurements. 4. Conduct a Retreat with the Selectmen (BOS) and Town Department Heads. 5. Discuss with BOS the need for broad BCC meetings to convey information and expectations. For information, include Open Meeting Law and Ethics trainings, and a discussion of electronic meeting support. For expectations, discuss two -way BOS -BCC communication options. As needed, give further direction to specific BCCs on their mission or operating procedure. 6. Conduct at least two Executive Sessions for the BOS for the purpose updates on the status of negotiations of successor Collective Bargaining Agreements with all Unions for dates effective July 1, 2014. Regulation and Policy Development Reading will continue to address major emerging issues through development, modification, improvement and simplification of local bylaws, regulations and Selectmen's policies. When in doubt, fewer and simpler regulations are desired. 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. 7. Conduct a comprehensive review and revision of the Zoning Bylaws. Establish early and ongoing two -way communication with key participants including the BOS, CPDC, ZBA and EDC. 8. Complete the review and re -write of the Traffic Rules and Regulations. 9. Determine if Zoning changes are needed for the optimal use of the Oakland Road property. 1 9/21/2013 (� _l i FY2014 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Services Town of Reading, MA Approved July 9, 2013 Reading will continue to provide as much friendly customer service as is possible. Technology trends will be monitored to change the delivery of information and services, in order for customers to engage in as much self - service as they desire. 10. Continue to measure customer satisfaction. Design method to reach out and survey customers on services that are used broadly, such as rubbish pickup and snow clearing & removal. Based on all forms of feedback, identify and recommend changes to regulations that do not currently seem to meet customer service goals, or that will make them easier for customers to understand and use. Based on feedback, continue training employees and volunteers on the customer service policy as needed. 11. In the Library, support the Goals as established by the Library Board of Trustees, with a focus on all items related to the Library Building project; 12. Strengthen the communications process with external customers. First inventory all forms of current external communication; then obtain feedback from the Community as to desired information & method of delivery. Improve the Town web site, providing expanded electronic customer interaction with the Town. Operations Reading will continue to provide municipal services in a cost - effective and efficient manner. 13. Fully implement permits and licensing system, including customer self - service. 14. Expand the Records Management efforts including providing records to the public via the web site. 15. Expand regional services as appropriate (Assessors, Housing Services Coordinator, Recreation) 16. Finalize Veteran's District through regional arrangement or other method satisfactory to the state that maintains current high levels of services to our Veterans. Health and Safety Reading will continue to focus on strong public health and public kasafety services. 17. Focus Public Health, School, Substance Abuse, and other resources on a Healthy Community model with an initial focus on obesity prevention. Find ways to encourage walking, cycling, and other activities. These efforts may involve many departments, with efforts led by the Health Division. Promote healthy eating. Include reminders of area Farmers Markets in addition to Reading. Work with food establishments on menu options that are healthy. 2 LO 9/21/2013 FY2014 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading, MA Approved July 9, 2013 Community Development 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 EDC and the Climate Protection Committee. 18. Conduct specific feedback exercises with our business community. Include an `entrance interview' for those businesses new to town that have gone through a permitting process; a form of `exit interview' for businesses leaving town; and solicit feedback from those that have been established for years if they wish to share their valuable insights. Use BCC resources such as the EDC and FSF to hold a broad `business preparation' meeting this summer for those in and around the Fall Street Faire area, especially the new businesses in town. Engage the RNR Chamber of Commerce on areas of mutual concern. 19. Continue progress towards meeting and maintaining the level of 10% of housing units (as re- defined by the 2010 federal census) as affordable. Complete Housing Production Plan provides roadmap to meet affordable housing goals. Track & implement as outlines. Pursue one -year reprieve if possible. 20. Implement high priority parking and alternative transportation recommendations for Parking, Traffic, and Transportation improvements. 21. Develop inventory of properties falling under the new Property Maintenance Bylaw, and begin actions to bring them 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. - Infrastructure and Capital Projects I� Reading will strive to maintain and improve the community's infrastructure through fiscally prudent long term capital planning. For large capital needs, a temporary tax increase (Prop 2%2 exclusion) will be requested so as to not `crowd out' ongoing capital requirements. 24. Continue to work towards funding for the West Street project. If funded, conduct a public information campaign akin to that of the Downtown Improvements project. 25. Implement high priority municipal building projects: a. Library building project b. Impact of Library and other building projects on support levels from Town Facilities department c. Public Works building(s). Reconsider Cemetery garage plan, DPW site work including improved vehicle maintenance layout, operational improvements, and aesthetics enhancements 26. Begin implementation of the first phase of the Water Distribution Master Plan. 3 9/21/2013 U ' FY2014 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading, MA Approved July 9, 2013 27. Develop and evaluate schematic designs for the Birch Meadow pavilion, including a mix of storage, food service, restrooms, and picnicking. Include a management plan for each of the elements. Develop a cost estimate. 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. 28. Seek FINCOM approval of a staff developed OPEB funding mechanism including ongoing funding of this liability at a level that the community can afford. Transition OPEB investment funds to PRIT or other qualified institution. 29. Review current bill printing and mailing policy. Determine if revised billing cycles would allow for consolidated billing, simplifying the payment process for customers and saving on postage. Investigate electronic options and present options to the BOS whereby customers would be required to pay `convenience fees' to vendors. 30. Review Town -wide fee structure, across several departments. This would range from permits and licenses to late fee policy, where the latter is not already set by law. 31. Develop a Fund Balance policy in accordance with GASB 54. 4 9/21/2013 1 O� OFRFgO' yC Office of the Town Manager �o �0 16 Lowell Street :Inca RO�pP� Reading, MA 01867 To: Board of Selectmen From: Bob LeLacheur Date: September 20, 2013 RE: Vacant Properties update 781 - 942 -9043 townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us www.readingma.gov /town - manager Attached is a summary of the actions to date on a dozen sites in Town that staff has identified as candidates for enforcement under the Vacant Property Bylaw. The Board had seen a similar summary a couple of meetings ago. During the summer we hired an experienced part-time code enforcement officer with some extra funding in the back -up building inspector budget. We had a lot of follow -up through late August, when that person unexpectedly resigned to move to the west coast. In the re- organization proposal I've shared with the Board, this position would be funded for 10+ hours per week at November Town Meeting. As you can imagine, vacant properties is a very labor- intensive effort often involving foreclosures and /or absentee landlords. The proposed position would also include compliance with any land -use Bylaw in the Town. There has been significant compliance and response from many property owners. Some of the sites are proposing major projects (such as the former bridal shop at 258 Main being replaced by a new restaurant /office building). There are a few residential properties that require another round of compliance checks, which the Building Inspector is scheduled to do during the last two weeks of September. At your next meeting I will have a list of suggested fines because of non - compliance, but to date am very pleased at the positive responses from many property owners. (6( Vacant Properties Inforcement List (last updated 9/19/2013) Number 5 f ree ame of Property Violation Letter Status en Vacant House (next to Sent 2/6/13 165 Main Street Dynamik) external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement en 258 Main Street Former Bridal Shop external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement en Sent 2/12/13 259 Main Street Smith Oil - Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement en 306 Main Street Former Getty Station external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 In compliance to date. en 22 Pasture Road Vacant House With Pool secure to prevent entry Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement bent 77972012 46 County Road Vacant Lot external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement House is a shell only, no Sent 7/9/2012 166 Pearl Street interior walls or ceilings. external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement en Franklin Street (combined Sent 2/6/2013 355 with 361) Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement en Franklin Street (combined Sent 2/6/2013 361 with 355) Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 On -going enforcement Sent 8/21/2013 (with fines) Perfectos Caffe (former Tux Sent 8/28/2013 285 Main Street Shop) external maintenance (with fines) I In compliance to date. Town of Reading Vacant Properties Enforcement Vacant Properties Enforcement Tracking Last Updated { + es Number Street Name of Property Violation Letter Status Comments Next Steps Spoke with Mark Dorhety on 7/17/12. He said work has started, taking down growth. Its been vacant 2 -3 years. Stopped service. Follow up in a week or so to see how progress is. 4/2/13 Spoke with Mark on the phone. He is working on having a survey done on the house (presumably an asbestos survey) to finalize the cost of demo. He would prefer to demo, but is awaiting to find out the total cost. The vehicle is still on site and not registered. Inspector to go out Sent 7/9/2012 Recommend giving him two weeks to and verify Main Sent 2/6/13 remove vehicle and provide update on cost conditions. Then 165 Street Vacant House (next to Dynamik) external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 to demo and final decision as to demo/fix. No response to date. issue fine. Will contact Attorney for new developers and Main Sent 7/912012 New property owner will be submitting plan ask for status on 258 Street Former Bridal Shop external maintenance Sent 8/1912013 for Site Plan Review. No response to date. Site Plan Review. Brenda Vanhom, the mother of owner called on 8/2/12. 1 told her to do some Spoke with Rober landscaping and ensure the building is Dooley on 9/3/2013. He secured. I told her the windows need to be is going to take care of replaced and the boards to come down. At the open door with this point, she is considering demolishing padlock and the property but is concerned with the non- overgrowth. Will want to conformity of the lot. I suggested that she demo garage and then come in to speak with Building Inspector replace windows with and that we will give her til end of August plexiglass but need to Inspector to go out Sent 7/9/2012 to come to a long term solution for the speak with Glen to and verify Main Sent 2/12/13 windows. No response with letter on ensure that is a suitable conditions. Then 259 Street Smith Oil - Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 2/12/13. material. issue fine. J3 "• ga1W'*MVL Email sent 611A #o'!propatiy by Main A Sent �l9! �C112'' ntahal t t company Drams cart loured, ndcn ctf Pima Wortd 3Q6 Street Former Getty Station external maintenance Sent 8119/2013 Curren* dwy. - he is going to moil it," ; In compliance Letter was not delivable and no forward address. Property owner is deceased and it is tied up with the state7/18/2012. Email Email from Altisource chain on 6 /17 /13with N. Hefferenan received on 9/5/2013 indicated fence had fallen down and posed indicates they are safety issue with pool. Contact at working on the issue. Inspector to go out Altisource indicated they are addressing Jean asked for timeline and verify Pasture Sent 7/9/2012 the issue. Need site visit to confirm issue for improvements on conditions. Then 22 Road Vacant House With Pool secure to prevent entry Sent 8/19/2013 resolved. 9/16/2013 issue fine. came back undeliverable. New letter to be sent out with new compliance deadline of October 3rd. Spoke with owners daughter Gayle. Tank Mr. Killam called on 7130/12. He indicated removed early August that he was living in the house up to a few and two cars removed, months ago. The house was broken into The red truck may not and copper was stolen while he was on be registered but they vacation in NH. He said the weeds will be have to check. The taken care of this week and the vheicles weeds are gone and will be donated. All should be taken care of took them down and in next couple of weeks. Contact mailing clear for tank removal. address and phone number is 25 Sharon Will send inspector to Road in Melrose 781- 662 -8155. He hopes check out current status to have renovated in to prep for sale. and follow up. They Inspector to go out House is secured. Windows and roof hope to have house and verify. County Sent 7/9/2012 intact. 7/22113 need another site visit to sold by end of year, Anticipate property 461 Road Vacant Lot external maintenance Sent 8/1942013 verify current conditions. Gayle is the contact at to be in compliance. Property in good'; Haverhill condition. No POD - 277 or 273 ? Street - POD on site for few years external maintenance Sent't19/2012 No response. Need to verify 4 vacant recently mowed. " in compliance Spoke with John Omen regarding the property. He has indicated that water sewer shut off, no gas, power goes to house, but goes to the box. Asked him to fix the windows. Subsequent conversation with FD indicate that there is a lot of debris (construction debris) around the house and severly overgrown. They will work with him to have the property posted. 7/1712012. Steve Paris went out on 1/28/13 and John Omen came in on observed pad locked door, no boarded up 9/312013. Will have windows and some debris. Not in bad property all cleaned up Inspector to go out per RFD - open to weather in disrepair. spate. Paul Jackson still wants it posted by 9112. Glen scheduled and verify Pearl Building is a shell only, no interior walls Sent 7/9/2012 and is going out on site on 2/26/13. Follow to go out and check on conditions. Then 166 Street lorceilings. Sent 8/19/2013 1 up with P. Jackon emailed out 7122/13 9112. Then issue fines. issue fine. Lowell I Do not think there are issues at this site, No issues. Property in 304 Street I per RFD - no notations Sent 7/9/2012 should verify with Site Visit igood condition. In compliance v \ Engineering provided background on owner - he wants to build two new houses on the lot eventually. Went to court with neigbors and won. Property has septic, sewer was installed but never Received email from resident with concern connected. Water has for overgrown weeds. Worked with Glen on been disconnected. this one. Property owner addressed all Obersvations from BI issues and compliance letter sent out - indicate logs on site and 2/6/13. Need to continue to verify need for maintenance of conditions. lawn. There is also one Sent letter on 8/19/2013. Owner called on area of structure which Inspector to go out Sent 12/12/12 8/27/2013. Told him to clean up weeds and should be repaired to and verify Franklin Sent 2/6/2013 grass and call when it is done. Contact prevent exposure to conditions. Then 355 Street Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8/19/2013 number 978 - 771 -0008 elements. issue fine. Inspector to go out and verify Franklin Sent 12/12/12 conditions. Then 361 Street Vacant House external maintenance Sent 8119/2013 Same as above. Same as above issue fine. Inspector to go out and verify Received email from resident with complaint. conditions and Franklin Property has been vacant for 3 years. Weeds issue first warning 231 Street I Residential house - vacant I external maintenance I land debris. Previous water pipe burst. letter. v \ 4r TIYri'1rYttonfuralt4 of Aass .0 usett8 AUDITOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133 :�~ SUZANNE M. BUMP, ESQ. AUDITOR September 12, 2013 The Honorable William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth State House, Room 337 Boston, MA 02133 TEL: 517- 727.2075 RE: CERTIFICATION OF THE MUNICIPAL COST OF ECIAL ELECTION OF A UNITED STATES SEN OR ON JUNE 25, 2013 PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 236 O THE ACTS OF 2004 Dear Secretary Galvin: In accordance with M.G.L. c. 29, s. 27C, I hereby certify the amount of state reimbursement to 351 cities and towns for the above - captioned election. Enclosed is a separate listing of the amount certified for each of the 351 municipalities totaling $7,277,155. This amount is $592,428 less than the $7,869,583 DLM certified for municipal expenses incurred in the 2009 -2010 US Senate special election. The comparative reduction in reimbursable municipal election costs is primarily due to the fact that a number of communities voted to accept Section 2 of Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2013 and hold local elections on the same day as either or both of the April 30, 2013 US Senate special election primary or June 25, 2013 special election. Enclosure M. Bump of the Commonwealth jc� LeLacheur, Bob From: Reading North Reading Chamber of Commerce < Irene@ reading n read ingchamber .ccsend.com> on behalf of Reading North Reading Chamber of Commerce <rnrchambercom @aol.com> Sent: Friday, September 20, 2013 3:21 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Welcome to our New Executive Director W16"T. M. September 20, 2014 Dear Members: of I am pleased to announce that the Reading North Reading Chamber of Commerce has hired a new Executive Director. After an extensive search our hiring commitee chosen Janet Wolbrom. Janet comes to us from the Winchester Chamber of Commerce where she served as Assistant Executive Director. Her experience and enthusiam for heading our Chamber is why our search committee made this choice unanimously. Janet's first day with us will be Monday September 30th. I will follow up with a full Bio on Janet soon. Also, stay tuned for information on a meet and greet event. Sincerely Gino P. Molettieri President Reading North Reading Chamber of Commerce Forward this email m 4P5arfeL tsubsaibt> r.b..4 kt This email was sent to townmanaaer(dd.reading.mam by rnrchambercom@aol.com Update Profile /Email Address ` Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribel" Privacy Policy. G`7 Board of Selectmen Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC) September 17, 2013 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Berger Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Vice Chairman John Arena, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur and the following volunteer applicants: Erick Hagstrom, Donna Schenkel, Tanya Amico, John Segalla, Elizabeth Krugman, Maria Higgins, and Sally Hilgendorf. Board of Appeals Mr. Arena asked candidate Erik Hagstrom why he is interested in this position. Mr. Hagstrom explained that in his professional experience as a lawyer he has dealt with many 40B projects and also has experience with many first -time home buyers. At home he has four young children, and he believes strongly in civic engagement and wants to be a role model for them. He grew up in Reading. Mr. Arena asked if there would be any conflicts of interest, and Mr. Hagstrom replied that he has no Reading clients so it should be no problem. Mr. Ensminger asked about the Associate role, and Mr. Hagstrom confirmed his interest. Mr. LeLacheur pointed out that even as an Associate member attendance was important because of the voting rules of this Board. Mr. Arena asked if he was aware of the meeting schedule and time commitment, and Mr. Hagstrom replied that he did. Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Erik Hagstrom be appointed to an Associate member position on the Board of Appeals for a term 9/4/13 through 6/30/16, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0. Cultural Council Mr. Arena asked candidate Donna Schenkel why she is interested in this position. Ms. Schenkel explained that she has lived in Reading for over 30 years, and with her children grown she finds she has less involvement with the Town and wants to change that. Mr. Arena asked if there would be any conflicts of interest, and Ms. Schenkel replied that she was not aware of any. Mr. Ensminger asked about the time commitment, and Ms. Schenkel replied that she was aware of the monthly meeting schedule and had already attended some meetings. Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Donna Schenkel be appointed to an Associate member position on the Cultural Council for a term 7/1/13 through 6/30/14, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2- 0-0. Constable Mr. Arena began the discussion by explaining to the two candidates for the one opening that the full Board of Selectmen may expand the number of Constables, so that for the person not selected tonight there may well be another opening soon. - I Board of Selectmen VASC Minutes — September 17, 2013 — page 2 Mr. Arena asked candidate Tanya Amico why she is interested in this position. Ms. Amico explained that she has a legal background and a lot of experience working with Constables. She is currently in her last semester in Criminal Justice studies. She grew up in Reading and raised a family, and now has time to devote to her interest in this area. After speaking to Constable Sally Hoyt she decided to apply for this opening. Mr. Ensminger asked if she needed to be bonded for this position, and Ms. Amico replied that she did. Mr. Arena asked candidate John Segalla why he is interested in this position. Mr. Segalla described his background with the U.S. Government in Intelligence and the Executive Protection Branch, and that was familiar with and interested in Constable's work. He explained that he is a member of Town Meeting and also involved in the Charter Review process, and has a son that is a Reading Police Officer. Mr. Arena asked Mr. Segalla if he had any conflicts. Mr. Segalla replied that he did not. Mr. Arena re- iterated his interest in keeping both candidates if the full Board was interested, and Mr. LeLacheur described the background when there were more Constables but a prior Board decided to let that number fall to three through attrition because of the low volume of work at the time. Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Tanya Amico be appointed as a Constable for a term 9/9/13 through 6/30/16, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0. Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that John Segalla be appointed as a Constable for the next available term at the earliest opportunity, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0. Economic Development Committee Mr. Arena began the discussion by explaining to the two candidates that there was one full membership available, but if an Associate was selected then there would be that opening in the EDC. Mr. Arena asked candidate Maria Higgins why she is interested in this position. Ms. Higgins explained that she is currently an Associate member and wishes to be a full member of the Committee. She has specialized in grant - writing, and described the success of EDC in the $10,000 Retail Visioning grant. She mentioned the Downtown Beverly meeting and the many ideas that EDC and Town staff retuned with. She spoke highly of the expertise and logistical support provided by Staff Planner Jessie Wilson to EDC, and reiterated her interest in becoming a full voting member. Mr. Arena assumed Ms. Higgins was fine with the time commitment, and replied that she was. Mr. Ensminger asked candidate Elizabeth Krugman to talk about her background and why she is interested in EDC. Ms. Krugman described her retail and fashion background, and that as her children are now at college she has free time. She agreed that Reading had made great strides in recent years and she wanted to be a part of the ongoing .�_2 Board of Selectmen VASC Minutes — September 17 2013 — page _3 improvements. Mr. Ensminger asked if an Associates position would interest her, and Ms. Krugman agreed that it would. Mr. Ensminger asked what her priorities would be on EDC, and Ms. Krugman said she would like to see better retail and restaurant diversification in Reading. Mr. Arena said that her background would be helpful to EDC, and asked if she had any known conflicts, to which Ms. Krugman replied that she did not. He asked if she was able to commit the time, and she replied that she was able to. Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Maria Higgins be appointed as a full EDC member for a term 9/4/13 through 6/30/14, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0. Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Elizabeth Kruaman be appointed as an Associate EDC member for a term 9/4/13 through 6/30/14, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0. Historical Commission Mr. Arena asked candidate Sally Hilgendorf why she is interested in this position. Ms. Hilgendorf said she has been in Reading for 17 years, and was previously on the Historical Commission but left 8 years ago. Her background is as a historian and so this Committee is a perfect fit, and she described her interests. She emphasized that history evolves, and is not static. She said that she is very good at compromise and consensus building, and is aware of recent issues and changes to the Commission. Mr. Arena stated that Ms. Hilgendorf that she had a strong background and balanced perspective. Mr. Ensminger asked if she had any conflicts, and she does not. They discussed whether a full or associate membership was best, and Ms. Hilgendorf decided instead to try out the full membership in light of the current Associates being unable to become full members. Mr. Arena moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that Sally Hilgendorf be appointed to the Historical Commission for a term 9/4/13 through 6/30/16, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a vote of 2 -0 -0. At 7:45pm a motion to adiourn by Ensminaer seconded by Arena was approved by a 2 -0 -0 vote. 1211-3