HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-13 Subsequent Town Meeting MinutesSUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2012
The Precincts listed below met at 7:00 PM to conduct the following business:
Precinct 2 - With a Quorum present there was a discussion of potential candidates.
Precinct 3 - With a Quorum present a vote was taken to fill a vacancy. Rachelle Garcia was
voted in with 13 votes.
Precinct 6 - With a Quorum present a vote was taken to FlII a vacancy. Valarie Perry was
voted in with 14 votes.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:38 PM, there being a
quorum present. The Invocation was given by Fran Sansalone, Precinct 7 followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Laura Gemme, when on motion by Ben
Tafoya, Board of Selectmen, It was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant.
ARTICLE 1: Moved to hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town
Accountant, Treasurer - Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk,
Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library
Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community
Planning and Development Commission, Conservation Commission, Town Manager and any
other Board or Special Committee.
Backaround:This article appears on the Warrant for all Town Meetings. At this Subsequent
Town Meeting, the following report(s) are anticipated:
• RMLD Annual Report
• State of the Schools
Finance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Reoort:No report
on motion made by Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen Article 1 was tabled
ARTICLE 2: Moved to choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees
and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and
to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or
otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special
Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Backaround:This Article appears on the Warrant of all Town Meetings. The Town
Moderator requires that all proposed Instructional Motions be submitted to the Town Clerk
in advance so that Town Meeting Members may be "warned" as to the subject of an
Instructional Motion in advance of the motion being made. Instructional Motions are
normally held until the end of all other business at Town Meeting.
ace Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
William C Brown, Precinct 8 moved that a joint committee of the Board of Selectmen and
the School Committee establish Rules and Regulations for the proper display of the United
States Flag on all buildings and property where displayed under their control.
On motion made by Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen Article 2 was tabled
William C Brown, Precinct 8 moved to take up Article 17 Out of Order
Motion to take Article 17 Out of Order Carried
ARTICLE 17: William C Brown moved to Indefinitely Postpone Article 17
Motion to Indefinitely Postoone Carried
ARTICLE 3: Rick Schubert moved that the Town vote to amend the FY 2013 - FY 2022,
Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7 -7 of the Reading Home Rule
Charter by approving the following amendments:
Ben Tafoya moved to dispense of the reading of the Article
Motion to Dispense Carried
General Fund
FY13 + S 424,000:
♦ $ 350,000 DPW roads - Design work for Downtown Project Phase II;
$ 42,000 Town facilities - Fire station equipment & repairs;
♦ $ 32,000 Town facilities - Senior Center kitchen repairs;
• $ 0 Schools - change purpose of $400k from modular classrooms to the feasibility of
alternatives in order to address school space needs;
• $_0 Town facilities - West Side Fire Station generator (funded by FINCOM Reserve Fund
$ 15,000 School fac. - Joshua Eaton electrical systems;
$ +10,000 School fac. - Coolidge carpet increased from $ 10,000;
$ - 35,000 School fac. - Parker carpet moved out to FY35;
$ 10,000 School fac. - Parker mason repairs rear stairwell;
$ 12,000 Town fac. - DPW windows /doors;
$ 15,000 Town fac. - Town Hall reconfigure office space;
$ 60,000 Technology - regional GIS flyover;
$ +6,000 Firefighter turnout gear increased to $ 136,000;
$ -5,000 Fire Department hose replacement reduced to $ 20,000;
$ 30,000 DVR video technology (Dispatch);
$ 25,000 Parking /Animal Control vehicle;
$ - 35,000 Police Vehicle Video Integration moved out to FY16;
$ 115,000 DPW Sander moved up from FY39, decrease amount from $ 123,000;
$ +15,000 DPW Ford Utility pickup #11 increased to $ 50,000;
$ 55,000 DPW Ford Pickup Utility #CS moved up from FYIS;
• $ 140,000 DPW Snow Plow moved up from FY20 and reduced from $ 145,000;
• $ - 37,800 DPW Eager Beaver Trailer eliminated;
♦ $ - 500,000 DPW Birch Meadow Pavilion moved out to FY35;
• $ 5 million Downtown Project Phase II
or take any other action with respect thereto
Backaround:At the beginning of this article there will be a report by Town, Library, and
School officials on 5 pending - potential capital projects:
• The Library renovation and addition, which has been awarded a $5.1 million state
construction grant;
• The Killam School project for improvements to handicapped accessibility, fire
sprinkler, energy Improvements (primarily windows), replacement of the gym floor,
and a small addition to the administrative areas;
• A potential project or projects to address space needs related to changes in program
requirements - primarily full day kindergarten;
• A review of the potential for a Downtown Improvement project - Phase 2 Including
work on Haven, High, Chute, Linden Sanborn, and Washington Streets;
• A review of identified water distribution system capital projects.
The following amendments are proposed to the FY 2013 - FY 2022 Capital Improvements
Program (CIP) as previously approved at Annual Town Meeting in April 2012. These
amendments need to be included in the CIP in order for Town Meeting to consider funding
them under the various Articles at Town Meeting. The full revised CIP is included in the blue
pages in the back of this report.
Finance Committee Report: At the October 17, 2012 meeting, the Finance
Committee voted to recommend the subject matter of this Article 3 by a vote of 7 -0 -0. This
Article allows capital items to be placed in the plan for consideration and a vote in later
Articles at this and future Town Meetings. A 30 -year balanced capital plan is a prudent fiscal
tool that facilitates long range planning and prioritization.
This Article addresses a number of routine modifications to the capital plan, as well as a few
noteworthy and material items:
Library - Reading has a tremendous opportunity in the near term to address needed repairs
and to modernize and expand the library with partial funding from the State. We started
this discussion two years ago and will continue It at this Town Meeting and in a Special
Town Meeting in early 2013;
Killam - Repairs and renovation are required. The timing Is less certain and Is geared
around Reading applying for and receiving State funds to partially offset costs;
School Space Needs - With the future desire to move to full day kindergarten and possibly
expand pre - school offerings, this Article begins the discussion by repurposing the previously
authorized $400K of funds to seek out the optimal classroom solution for Reading. It is
recommended that remaining funds be returned to free cash once recommendations to the
School Committee have been provided in FY13;
Downtown Improvements Phase II - Downtown improvements under Phase I have
transformed Reading. Funding for design work would be one of the first steps if Reading
opts to move forward with Phase II. In Article 4 there will be discussion of the actual design
funding request and the Finance Committee's views on the priority of the project;
Water Quality - Although not addressed in this Town Meeting, it is important to consider
the ongoing and potential increase In capital expenditures. The Board of Selectmen is
considering the added capital which may be needed to maintain water quality. This is
currently funded outside the Town's capital plan through water and sewer fees. Additional
information is anticipated from the BOS in the coming weeks and months.
All of these projects are well worth considering and bring benefits to Reading. The Finance
Committee supports them being added to the capital plan. It Is Important to next consider
the priority and benefits of each carefully balanced against the impact to the budget and to
the Citizens of Reading.
Bylaw Committee Report:NO report
Reports given by:
• Peter Hechenbleikner - Introduction - See Attached
• David Hutchinson - Library - See Attached
• John Doherty - School Space - See Attached
• Mary De Lai - Killam - See Attached
• George Zambouras - Downtown Phase 2 - See Attached
• George Zambouras - Water Quality - See Attached
Presentation given by:
• Bob LeLacheur - See Attached
Fred Van Magness, Precinct 8 moved for an amendment to remove "$ 350,000 DPW roads -
Design work for Downtown Project Phase II"
Motion to Amend Does Not Carry
After discussion among Town Meeting Members a vote was taken
Motion Carried as Originally Proposed
ARTICLE 4: Barry Berman, Finance Committee moved that the Town vote to amend the
votes taken under Article 13 of the April 23, 2012 Annual Town Meeting relating to the
Fiscal Year 2013 Municipal Budget as follows, and that the Town transfer from the Tax Levy,
State Aid and Other Local Receipts, from Free Cash and from the Sick Leave Buy -back
Stabilization fund and appropriate those sums as noted for the operation of the Town and its
government:
James Bonazoli moved to dispense of the reading of the Article
Motion to Dispense Carried
General Fund — Waues and Expenses
&Munt Lino
Decrolise
Increase
C99 - Capital Town Facilities
$ 74,000
G91 - Town Admin. wages
$ 53,000
I91 - Finance wages
$60,000
I92 - Finance expenses
$97,600
J92 - FINCOM Reserve Fund
$30,000
K91 - Community Services wages
$ 21,000
K92 - Community Services expenses
$ 500
L91 - Libra wa es
$9,950
M92 - Public Works ex enses
$ 1 600
Accoun L
Description
Decrease
N91 - Public Safety wages
$ 111,750
N92 - Public Safety expenses
$ 6,750
$ 74,000
or take any other action with respect thereto
Background:
General Fund - Wages and Expenses
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
C99 - Capital (Town
Senior Center kitchen $ 32,000
$ 74,000
Facilities)
Fire Station equipment and repairs $
42,000
G91 - Town Admin
Town Manager transition (severance
$ 53,000
wages
plus overlap)
191 - Finance wages
Regional Appraiser position no longer a
$ 60,000
wage paid to a Town employee
I92 - Finance
Regional Appraiser position now an
$ 97,600
expenses
expense paid to Wakefield $ 50,000
Communications technology ($ 18k
new for field use; $ 14.6k centralized)
$ 32,600
Town Manager transition consulting
and expenses HR 15,000
192 - FINCOM
Replenish for replacing the West Side
$ 30,000
Reserve Fund
Fire Station generator in September
2012
K91 - Community
Increase Veteran's Services Officer
$ 21,000
Services wa es
from 19hrs to 37.5hrs per week
K92 - Community
Centralize communications technology
$ 500
Services expenses
budgets -$ 500 (Elder - Human
services
L91- Library wages
Sick and Vacation buyback**
$9,950
M92 - Public Works
Centralize communications technology
$ 1,600
expenses
budgets - $1,600 (Highway and Parks -
Forest
N91 - Public Safety
Police Sick and Vacation buyback **
$ 111,750
wages
$16,750
New Police Officer wages (Includes
projected OT) $90,000
RCASA partial funding $5,000
N92 - Public Safety
Centralize communications technology
$ 6,750
expenses
budgets - $12,500
New Police Officer expenses (uniform &
clothing allowance ) 11+5.750
Subtotals
1.850
$397,300
Net O eratin Ex enses
$328,450
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
From Tax Levy, State Aid and Other
Local Receipts
$ 655,108
State aid +$ 685,784
State charges 4 30.676
Net State Aid +$ 655,108
* *From Sick and Vacation Stabilization
Fund ($ 30,500 starting balance)
$ 26,700
From Free Cash
$ 353,358
(reduced from $ 1.0 million to $
646,642 used to balance FY13 budget)
Finance Committee Report - given by Barry Berman: The Finance Committee voted 0 -7-
0 to support a $ 350,000 capital item for Downtown Improvements Phase II at their October
17, 2012 meeting. FINCOM did not have sufficient reason to believe that this project was a
higher priority than four other significant capital projects, Including the Library and Killam
renovations, the School space needs, and the need for water main repairs. Additionally the
low percentage of state reimbursement compared to Phase I of the downtown project might
want us to target those aspects of the project with the biggest benefit and fund those at a
later time.
FINCOM voted to recommend the remaining subject matter of this Article by a vote of 7 -0 -0
at their October 17, 2012 meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No report
Presentation given by:
Bob LeLacheur- See Attached
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 5: Rick Schubert, Board of Selectmen moved that the Town vote to authorize the
payment during Fiscal Year 2013 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods
and services actually rendered to the Town.
♦ Reading Trophy & Shirt Co. in the amount of $1,090.85 for 8'h grade awards.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Backaround:An invoice was received in the October accounts payable warrant that
pertains to FY12. The invoice is for Reading Trophy & Shirt Co in the amount of $ 1,090.85.
The invoice is for 8`h grade awards ordered in June 2012. Per discussion with the School
Department central office the party placing the order neglected to Issue a PO. This may be
due to some confusion about who would be paying the bill. In some cases these award
invoices have been paid by the PTO.
Finance Committee Report - given by Paula Perry: The Finance Committee
recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 7 -0 -0 at their October 17, 2012
meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by:
• Sharon Angstrom - See Attached
9/10 Vote Required
Declared Unanimous by Moderator
156 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
John J Arena, Board of Selectmen moved to take up Article 15 Out of Order
,• •
ARTICLE 15: Charlie Adams, CPDC moved that the Town vote to amend Section 2.0
"Definitions ", Section 4.2.2 "Table of Uses" of the Town of Reading Zoning By -Laws as
follows: (note - eress- thFeugh represents language to be eliminated and bold represents
new language)
Stephen Goldy moved to dispense of the reading of the Article
Motion to Dispense Carried
Section 2.0 Definitions:
2.2.21.2 Medical Marijuana Treatment Center: a not - for - profit entity, as defined by
Massachusetts law only, registered under this law, that acquires, cultivates,
possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food,
tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes,
dispenses, or administers marijuana products containing marijuana, related
supplies, or educational material to qualifying patients or their personal
caregivers.
2.2.21.2 2.2.21.3 Mixed Use: The combining of retail /commercial and /or service uses with
residential or office use in the same building or on the same site. (Note: this change Is as a
result of renumbering)
Section 4.2.2. Table of Uses by adding "Medical Marijuana Treatment Center" as a use
classified under Business and Services and listed after "Adult Uses ".
2 2 Table cf Uses
or take any other action with respect thereto
Backaround:This article would amend the current Zoning By -laws to include a definition of
a "medical marijuana treatment center" as defined In state Ballot Question 3 and prohibit
this use in all zoning classifications.
On November 6 the voters of Massachusetts will vote whether to allow "medical marijuana
treatment centers" in this state. These businesses would be allowed to acquire, possess,
PRINCIPAL USES
Res
RES
RES
BUS
BUS
BUS
IND
S -15
A -40
A -80
A
B
C
5 -20
5 -40
Medical Marijuana Treatment
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Center
or take any other action with respect thereto
Backaround:This article would amend the current Zoning By -laws to include a definition of
a "medical marijuana treatment center" as defined In state Ballot Question 3 and prohibit
this use in all zoning classifications.
On November 6 the voters of Massachusetts will vote whether to allow "medical marijuana
treatment centers" in this state. These businesses would be allowed to acquire, possess,
cultivate, manufacture, deliver, and transport marijuana, including in food form. If it passes,
it will allow five (5) of these businesses in each county to dispense up to a 60 day supply of
marijuana to a patient with a registration card as supplied by a physician.
This article would not allow this type of business to locate in Reading. Data from the
experiences of California, Colorado, and other states have shown an increase In criminal
activity because of valuable marijuana crops and large amount of cash, Increase in traffic
accidents and driving under the influence arrests in which marijuana is implicated, and the
loss of other commercial businesses that don't want to be located in the vicinity of
marijuana dispensaries.
Finance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report - given by Phil Pacino: Recommends by a vote of 4 -0 -0
The Bylaw Committee is concerned that If the medical marijuana ballot question Is approved
that the possible placement of a medical marijuana treatment center in Reading will not
result in an enhancement of the business interests in the Town. Thus the Bylaw Committee
recommends that the subject matter of this article be adopted and that treatment center
not be allowed in the Town.
CPDC Report - given by Charlie Adams: On September 24, 2012 the CPDC convened to
hold a public hearing on the proposed changes to amend Section 4.2.2 "Table of Uses" to
Include "Medical Marijuana Treatment Center" and Section 2.0 "Definitions" to add the
definition of "Medical Marijuana Treatment Center". All documents were made available on
the town website and at Town Hall. The public hearing was held to provide an opportunity
for comment and to determine whether the provisions of the proposed zoning amendments
shall be adopted by the Town.
On September 24, 2012 Article 15 was taken up at the public hearing at approximately 8:30
p.m. The public hearing was closed that same evening. All comments received at the
hearing were included as part of the record of the hearing. CPDC voted 5 -0 -0 to recommend
Article 15 to Town Meeting.
Presentation given by:
• lames Cormier, Chief of Police - See Attached
• Elaine Webb, RCASA and Precinct 1 - See Attached
William C Brown, Precinct 8 moved for an amendment to change IND in Table of Use from
NO to YES
Motion to Amend Does Not Carry
After discussion among Town Meeting Members as well as Town Counsel a vote was taken
2/3 Vote Required
113 Voted in the affirmative
39 Voted in the negative
156 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried as Orlainally Proposed
On motion by William Brown Jr, Precinct 8, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting
stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 PM at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, on
Thursday, November 15, 2012.
Meeting adjourned at 11:11 PM with 156 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
Motion Carried
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme
Town Clerk