HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-28 Special Town Meeting MinutesSPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School January 28, 2013
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 Philip Pacino, Precinct 5 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: On motion made by Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen, Article 1 was tabled.
ARTICLE 2: On motion made by Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen, Article 2 was tabled.
ARTICLE 3: Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen, moved that the Town vote to amend the
FY 2013 - FY 2022, Capital Improvements Program as printed in the "Report on the Warrant
- Special Town Meeting - January 28, 2013 ", as provided for in Section 7 -7 of the Reading
Home Rule Charter.
or take any other action with respect thereto
Background: 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
and amended at Subsequent Town Meeting in November 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.
General Fund:
FY13: +$77.500
• $25,000 School Facilities (Parker MS) padding for gymnasium walls
• $25,000 School Facilities (RMHS) furniture
• $27 500 School Facilities (various) security systems upgrade
FY14: +$15.000
• $15,000 Town Facilities (Main Fire Station) furniture
• Killam debt exclusion moved out one year to FY15
FY35 to FY22•
• No other changes made
Finance Committee Report - given by Paula Perry: At the meeting on January 9, 2013,
the Finance Committee voted to recommend the subject matter of this Article by a vote of
8 -0 -0. This Article allows capital items to be placed in the plan for consideration and a vote
in a later Article at this and future Town Meetings. A 10 -year balanced capital plan is a
prudent fiscal tool that facilitates long range planning and prioritization.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by
• Bob LeLacheur - See Attached
• Mary DeLai - See Attached
ARTICLE 4: David Greenfield, Finance Committee, moved that the Town vote to amend
the following votes taken under Article 13 of the April 23, 2012 Annual Town Meeting
relating to the Fiscal Year 2013 Municipal Budget, and amended under Article 4 of the
November 13, 2012 Subsequent Town Meeting; and that the Town raise by transfer from
available funds and appropriate the following sums for the operation of the Town and its
government:
or take any other action with respect thereto
General Fund - Wages and Expenses
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
C99 - Capital
$25,000 School Facilities - padding
$77,500
for Parker MS gymnasium walls
$25,000 School Facilities - RMHS
furniture, ordered in time for summer
2013 installation
$27,500 School Facilities - upgraded
security systems
D99 -Debt Service
Interest paid on Assessor abatement
$46,000
settlements:
Verizon $40,903.88 (from 5/1/09)
413 Main St. $205.31 (from
5/1/11 &12)
HD Dev. $4,485.25 from 5/1/11 &12
I91 - Finance wages
November Presidential election -
$7,000
extra Police details and election
workers Elections
192 - Finance
Police promotion assessment center
$10,000
expenses
HR
K91 - Community
Regionalize Veteran's Service District,
$11,000
Services wages
shift some wages to expenses
K92 - Community
Regionalize Veteran's Service District,
$11,000
Services expenses
shift some wa es to expenses
Subtotals
$11,000
$151,500
Net Operating Expenses
140 500
From Tax Levy, State Aid and
$140,500
Other Local Receipts
Finance Committee Report - given by Karen Herrick: The Finance Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their January 9, 2013
meeting. These budget changes are necessary to fund operations.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by:
• Bob Lel-acheur- See Attached
Motion Carried
ARTICLES: John Arena, Board of Selectmen, moved that the Town vote to appropriate
the sum of $500 from free cash for the payment during Fiscal Year 2013 of the following bill
remaining unpaid from previous years for services actually rendered to the Town:
Nixon Peabody LLP for legal work on an escrow account.
Backaround: An invoice was received in the November accounts payable warrant
that pertains to FY12. The invoice is for Nixon Peabody LLP in the amount of $500.00. The
invoice is for legal work on an escrow account set up on the March 2012 bond refunding.
The vendor mistakenly forgot to bill municipalities for these services rendered in the first
half of CY 2012.
Finance Committee Report - given by Paul McNeice: The Finance Committee
recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their January 9, 2013
meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by:
• Sharon Angstrom - See Attached
9/10 Vote Required
141 Voted in the affirmative
1 Voted in the negative
155 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
ARTICLE 6: Dick Curtis, Board of Library Trustees, moved that the Town raise by
borrowing and appropriate the sum of fourteen million nine hundred thousand dollars
($14,900,000) for the purpose of renovating and expanding the Reading Public Library
located at 64 Middlesex Avenue, Including the costs of consulting services, audits, plans,
documents, cost estimates, bidding services, moving, temporary relocation, and all related
expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be
expended by and under the direction of the Board of Library Trustees and the Town
Manager; and that the Town authorizes the Board of Library Trustees, Board of Selectmen,
Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants to be used
to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said improvements; and that the Town authorizes
the Board of Library Trustees and /or the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts
and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, subject to
approval by the voters of the Town of a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the cost of the
project.
or take any other action with respect thereto
Backaround: In October 2012, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
awarded Reading a General Construction Provisional Grant award of $5,105,114. The award
is conditional upon the Town's securing funding for its share of the project cost by June
2013.
WHAT IS THE LIBRARY GENERAL CONSrRUCRON AWARD FOR?
The State approved a plan presented by the Reading Public Library calling for a complete
renovation of the current 31,000 SF Library building and a 7596 SF addition on the east
side.
HOW DID THIS PLAN COME ABOUT?
Since 2007 the Reading Public Library Trustees and the Town administration have
acknowledged that the current library building requires a major capital investment in order
to function into the future. After consulting with community members, town and facilities
staff and administration, the Trustees engaged a team of professionals, including engineers
and architects to perform a building assessment of the current library to gauge its long -term
suitability as a library and Its capacity to serve the Town for the next twenty years. Based
on the subsequent report and approval from the Town, Trustees applied for a General
Construction Grant to modernize the facility while preserving the historic character and
comfortable feel of the current library. The design specifications required the continued use
of the Highland School, sensitivity to the neighborhood setting, and that the project be
minimally disruptive both during and after construction.
THE LIBRARY LOOKS FINE TO ME - WHY IS THIS BIG CONSTRUCTION PR03ECT NECESSARY?
While everyone works hard to keep the library looking clean and comfortable, and high
ceilings, bright windows, and a cheerful decor make it feel spacious and open, there are
both structural and system issues that are Interfering with the library's ability to function. In
spite of the best efforts to keep up with repairs and preventative maintenance, there has
been an increase of costly and urgent issues in recent years. Moreover, when the old
Highland School building was converted for library use in 1983, It was done on a cost -
conservative basis using local funding exclusively. The final budget of $997,000 did not
address major items such as Floor loading, roof restoration, electrical service, HVAC,
windows, and other structural and functional issues.
While the library has been very well -served by inheriting the lovely old Highland School and
everyone associated with the library greatly appreciates the efforts that went Into making it
useful for the library, the problems associated with modestly adapting a nineteenth - century
school building for a twenty -first century library are taking a toll on budgeting and planning
for the future.
SO WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS?
Here's a brief list to begin with:
• Floor Load - Built originally as a school, the wooden Floors were not sufficiently
reinforced to withstand typical library load. That is why most of the adult collections at
the Library are in the basement.
• Building envelope - including inadequate insulation, poor drainage, damaged gutters
and downspouts, etc.
• Windows - All of the windows on the main and second floor need to be replaced,
except eight that were done at great expense and time a few years ago. Most of these
windows are original to the 117 - year -old building and are not energy efficient or, In
some cases, functioning.
• Roof - The roof leaks. Leaks that have overflowed the buckets in the attic, or sprung up
In unexpected places have caused water damage in the children's room ceiling and some
of the materials in the children's collection.
• Masonry - The exterior of the library has suffered erosion from water and other
environmental factors, leading to additional water leakage and damage in the building,
particularly the basement. The brick needs to be repointed and masonry repaired.
• Electrical - While the service coming into the library Is sufficient, the power distribution
within the building is grossly insufficient. Most of the building lacks adequate outlets to
support laptops use, essential lighting, or modern equipment like copiers, laminators,
scanners, and computers and printers.
There are many other major system problems that are described and illustrated with
photographs and examples in the library's Construction Grant Application, including
ventilation, heating and cooling, accessibility, data lines, security and safety, and energy
inefficiency. Codes have changed drastically in the thirty -years and the overall structures
and systems are overdue for replacement and upgrades. Copies of the Grant Application
(200+ pages) are available at the library.
WHY DO WE NEED TO BUILD AN ADDITION?
In order to qualify for the construction grant award, the library's design plans have to
include sufficient functional space for the library to serve the community for at least twenty
years. Based on modest (10 %) growth predicted for Reading, some functional areas are
severely inadequate and need to be relocated and expanded. These include space for quiet
reading and silent study, space for children's programs, space for more computers for public
use, and expanded and accessible conference and meeting rooms.
WHY CAN'T WE JUST "FIX" THE BUILDING?
There is no state construction money for fixing the building.
DO PEOPLE STILL USE THE LIBRARY? ISN'T EVERYTHING ONLINE?
Reading citizens are using the library more than ever every year! Circulation of library
materials has almost doubled since 1983, to over 500,000 annually. The library received
over 200,000 visitors last year and has over 16,000 active library card users. Over the past
30 years, the library has added essential services including computers for public use, teen
services, book discussion groups, tax form distribution, museum pass program, parent/child
story times, Sing - alongs, and places for group study. Here's a snapshot comparing library
use from 1984 -2010:
Books
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
Teen Collection Children's
Collection
D10
■ 1984
■ 2010
Collections Growth 1984 -2010
The plan that has been developed for the future recognizes the Reading Public Library as a
beloved center of the community. It is planned with Flexible spaces for public use and a
cost - effective design to deliver library services for young and old to explore their world and
discover their future through books and other media, programs, and with the expert
assistance of librarians trained to navigate the ongoing explosion of knowledge and
information and online learning. Wherever the future of "the book" lies, people will continue
to seek out a place to learn and grow and discuss and explore, to build community, and to
be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable people who understand how to make the latest gizmo
work!
QUOTES OF SUPPORT
"After a review of this documentation and presentation, the Commission has determined
that the proposed project will comply with the spirit of the renovation and construction
guidelines enumerated by the Secretary of the Interior for buildings listed on the National
Register."
Reading Historical Commission, January 2011
"As the Director of Community Services - Town Planner I applaud the efforts by all Involved
in this endeavor to update, expand, and rehabilitate and breathe new life into the Reading
Public Library... The library's plan is consistent with the Reading Master Plan because it will
preserve a vital educational, cultural, architectural, and historic resource. Likewise, it is
located within walking distance of downtown and reinforces the attractiveness of our "village
style" town center. The availability of more space for community meeting rooms, children's
activities, reading rooms and quiet study, and new computer areas will completely
transform the Reading Public Library. The green roof and energy efficiency elements of the
plan are especially noteworthy and consistent with our plans for sustainable development."
Jean Johnson Delios, Community Services Director - Town Planner, January 2011
"The Reading Public Library building, originally built as a school, was converted to a library
facility in 1983 as the Town of Reading's needs grew. Over the course of its 116- year -life
many small renovations have occurred with the most recent occurring in 1983. The spaces
have been repurposed to allow the Library to operate more efficiently. However due to the
age of the building, its overall condition and its ability to function as a 21st century Library,
a full renovation is necessary."
Joseph P. Huggins, Director of Facilities October 2012
FIRST
FLOOR
• Computer classroom • Quiet reading room and nooks
• Relocation of general stacks • New young adult area
• Additional study areas • Modernized circulation are including
• More space for public computers optional self - checkout
• Parking lot entrance relocated
symmetrically
SECOND
FLOOR
• Processing area for increasing
homebound requests
• Doubling of space for children
• Additional computer stations for
children
• New early learning center
GROUND
FLOOR
• Designated area for children's
programs
• Space for outdoor programs
surrounded by a green
• 3 additional study rooms • Fully accessible book stacks with better
• Additional conference rooms lighting
• Larger meeting room with accessibility • Enhanced staff presence on lower level
after library hours • Relocation of Local History
• 7 Additional Parking spaces
Finance Committee Report - given by David Greenfield: See Attached
Bylaw Committee Reoort: No report
Presentation given by:
• David Hutchinson - See Attached
• Peter Hechenbleikner - See Attached
After discussion among Town Meeting Members
2/3 Vote Required
131 Voted in the affirmative
15 Voted in the negative
155 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 7: Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen moved that the Town vote to authorize
the Board of Selectmen to acquire by eminent domain the land, easements, and rights
therein, and all right, title, and interest in water mains and drainage systems, manholes,
pipes, appurtenances thereto located within Old Pearl Street, consisting of two portions of
Old Pearl Street shown as "Lot A" and "Lot B" on the plan entitled "Old Pearl Street Taking
And Discontinuance Plan ", prepared by Bay State Surveying Associates, dated January 2,
2013, showing the two portions of Old Pearl Street to be taken by eminent domain; and
further that the Town vote to discontinue as a public way pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 82
Section 21 for all purposes the portions of Old Pearl Street shown as Lot A on said plan,
subject to the reservation of any and all utility and drainage facility easements in said way;
and Further that the Town vote to transfer the care, custody, control and management of
said discontinued portion of Old Pearl Street (Lot A) and "Lot C" as shown on said plan from
the Board of Selectmen for public purposes, to the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of
conveyance, and further that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen pursuant
to M.G.L. Chapter 40 Section 3 to convey all or any part of the Town's right, title and
interest in said Lot A and the above- referenced "Lot C" upon such terms and conditions, and
for such consideration as the Board of Selectmen deem to be in the best interest of the
Town.
or take any other action with respect thereto
Background: In the fall of 2011 Town Meeting authorized the transfer of a portion of Old
Pearl Street to the Board of Selectmen, and authorized the sale of the portions of Old Pearl
Street and the adjacent Town land. In moving forward to sell the properties, the Town was
not able to provide clear title to the Old Pearl Street portions of the property. Town Counsel
and the Title Examiner have recommended that the.Town go back and do an eminent
domain taking of Old Pearl Street, in order to clear the title and make the southerly portion
saleable.
Finance Committee Report - given by Mark Dockser: The Finance Committee
recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their January 9, 2013
meeting in order to obtain a clear title to the property.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by:
. Peter Hechenbleikner - See Attached
2/3 Vote Required
139 Voted in the affirmative
1 Voted in the negative
155 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
ARTICLES: John Arena, Board of Selectmen moved that the Town vote to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to accept the conveyance of an easement for construction and
maintenance of a bus shelter located at 25 Walkers Brook Drive which easement is shown
on a plan entitled "ACCESS EASEMENT LOCATED AT 25 WALKERS BROOK DRIVE, READING,
MA" upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Board of Selectmen
deems to be in the best interest of the Town.
or take any other action with respect thereto
Backaround: The Town has been trying for a couple of years to locate a bus shelter on
Walkers Brook Drive. There is a fairly large number of commuters who use this location
(Walkers Brook Drive at NewCrossing Road) to get to their jobs in this commercial area of
Town. Currently the bus shelter consists of an ad hoc collection of shopping carts that are
used as benches while waiting for a bus. There is no shelter from the elements.
The problem in installing the bus shelter is that the public right of way is not adequate to
accommodate the sidewalk and bus shelter, and an additional easement is needed. The
property owners in the area have generally been uncooperative in granting an easement,
but the owner of the Stop and Shop property has agreed to allow the easement.
This article allows the Town to accept the easement. The bus shelter installation will take
place as soon as possible, depending on the weather.
Imi-
GWJ
Finance Committee Report - given by Jeanne Borawski: The Finance Committee
recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their January 9, 2013
meeting for the consideration of $1.
Presentation given by:
George Zambouras - See Attached
2/3 Vote Required
Declared by Moderator
155 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 9: Move that the Town vote pursuant to Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40, §15, to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to abandon a drainage easement and release any right,
title or interest that may be held by the Town on a portion of land owned by Jeffry Hardy
and Alison Hardy, located at 518 Summer Avenue, Reading, Middlesex Country,
Massachusetts; said drainage easement is shown as "Proposed 15' Wide Drain Easement ",
on a plan entitled "Plan Of Land In Reading Massachusetts Drain Easement 518 Summer
Ave ", dated October 19, 1990 ", which plan is recorded at the Middlesex South District
Registry of Deeds as Plan No. 209 of 1992, and recorded at Book 21871, Page 524; and
which easement was taken by Order of Taking of the Reading Board of Selectmen dated
November 19, 1991, and recorded at said Registry Book 21871, Page 535; and that the
Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Mass. Gen. taws c. 40, §3, to
accept a 1,876 square ft. drainage easement from Jeffrey Harding and Alison Hardy on the
property located at 518 Summer Avenue, Reading, all as shown on a plan entitled
"Proposed Relocation of 15' Wide Drain Easement in Reading, Mass.; Prepared for: Jeffrey
Hardy; Middlesex Survey, Inc.; Scale: 1" = 20'; dated November 28, 2012.
or to take any action relative thereto
Background: The property owner at 518 Summer Avenue is selling the property, and in
the process has determined that an addition built to the home was Inadvertently
constructed over a Town storm drainage easement. The Town Engineer has reviewed the
situations and has determined that the home addition does not encroach over the storm
drainage pipes, and that the pipes are an adequate distance from the home addition to
allow for repair or replacement without impact to the home addition.
This article authorizes the abandonment of the existing storm drain easement, and replaces
it with a new easement that eliminates the encroachment.
per rx =-�,mV
—
v.
MM'E1.412YI 1
r,emza
��T+'� •fi Q.*r nfifirww user
WAWA M �
r�fiQ Nsfisf fiL 1YY MRI®
Finance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by:
• George Zambouras - See Attached
2/3 Vote Required
Declared by Moderator
155 Town Meeting Members In Attendance
ARTICLE 30: Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen, moved that the Town vote to
Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter of Article 10.
Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen moved to adjourn the 2013 Special Town Meeting sine
die at 10:17 PM with 155 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme
Town Clerk
81
M
N
3
F-
m
.v
m
'C^L
V,
t
C
N
_
O
C
O
H
N
m
a�
L
d
v
V
Q
CL
E
M
H
O
3
c�
IL
�
c
�
@
�
c
2
�
e
�
�
cn
Z�.
f�\
/
et CL
yZZ co
02LU
\ § 2
\ / o cu k
6 / § z 5 )
2 ®a ®'8�
\ k m / \ /
2y§z% ®o
0 2 ° ° ° � /
\o6%
Cq
2 j a / /
o
» —e=
�2q2 »aco
}
/
3
/
..
�f/
$
±
I
C�
G
3
F-
cn
1
,,
1
M
m
a
N
V
O
O
L
Q
Qtm
tm
V
.O
LD
7
3
O �
.r,
o a
� U
a
U
az
00
O
U
U
a
rl
ct
ct
Q� a
O
O
3 N
Q o
00
M
d
3
F-
C
d
d
N
1
M
O
V
Q
:.
Q
O
�V
dl "-
0
�l �-
It
C
N
d
=
�
O
Q
�
W
O
�l �-
It
54)
L
3
H
cr
N
3
U
4
E
L
co
T
U
-0
U
0
�
N
NC
C
0)
E
•
-
U)
cn
:3
Co
U-)
C
-0
"U
m
i
06
4-a
o
3:
L
(L6
N
C
(D
(D
C
c�
a
o
o
c
w
v
1
4-1
o
�
�0
0
a�
o
co
c
ca
Q
3
�
o
cn
U)
m
ca
•0
•(Q
0
0
W
L
0
O
E
G
cn
U)
0
L
�(
W
U
C
U
U
E
C
o
N
C
0
C
�
0-
N
N
C
0
E
c
o
N
E
_
C
0
c
3
0
c:
U
W
m
a
LL
0
IL
E
0
CI
u.
,.r
i
d
3
F=
cr
9 CAN
cn a)
Lo E
fn O C +' V--
:3 Z 3 L E
cl CT O a) —
a) o c0 `� O C
E
•cn O O O
(D Q = O) Co
co E E a) ca
FL o CO c6 (n
M y c j
a) fn CU
(D m o ° E o LO
3
O -z:) o o C cL
Q c Q- E�-o�o 0>
boa) - -to �o
cn a) o
� o a = aEi
nMo�Q -.EE �co
C o C 3 (n .-
ta
L N O 4) Co a) -0
co
O O �� cn cn
co
O L O
r� U QE��� U T
N •
i..
CW
G
3
F-
a
Cr
1
1
L
r
O T
T
M E
O T
L 6e+
i+
L
�a
� C1
O
co
A
L L
T >1
ACV O i
o cn L o
O CI \
va O O O
o o
LO
C) _
o °� E
0
LO
0
CO
�1 Qi
CO
M L
E c6
w E
07 CO N
N E6 O
i 60- L
-0 Q O m
J L Y 0
0
A�
W
3
r
V
Q
t
y
L
4
LL
I..L
�L
Q
Q L
c� c
M Uw
}1 L
L
Q
I—
c �
ca
O -D
LL
O) �
L
L
y�
L
4-
L-
0
U) C
O O
O
co
c
c� 3
a O
co
U
c �
70
U �
O
cn
U)
� U
L O
m
0- Q
cn
Q
m U
U
O � r
U O LL
E Q c/) 06
a) U CO
U �
m
CL
O N i
U
U to
L O �
O C O
C: U O
m O N
LL L m C
H
5W
Q
O
3
o
M
Q
E
>
O
co
O)
N
L
r
CO
rn
i
O
O
V J
L
y
L
i1
M
cn
c
L
cn
cn
O
2
O
V
m
L
O
>
"O
I
I
I
>
Q
cn
cn
cn
I
O
N
O
N
(n
E
C
'w
U-
U-
U- -
O
O
O
O
O
LL
X
2i
N
Lq
L
t
L
Q
ti
cn
cn
cn
L6
F-
a
ti
0
0
0
r
0
O
O
O
O
O
♦
O
O
U-)
♦
O
E
M
U')
LO
U)-
�
Y
LL
0
0
LL
O
i
C�
G
3
F-
!CAL
V/
V
Q
O
O
ti
EA
Ln
.Q
Iu
x
bA v,
� O
PLO
O �
4-. U
Ln
cn
CA
U O
•� N
U
Q
O
O
O
tf�
i+
U
N
N�+
S-r
�U+
O
O
'C
U
O
O
O
ti
u
LL
•
Cd
r--r
O
U
U
;-.
0
O
U
N
--
'd
N
a
O
CD
O
O
CL
r
EA
C
x
LU
i
LL
•
0
0
0
a
U
O
a
0
U
U
O
0
U
U
Ln
N
N
x
�1
5W
G
2�
i
a
�i
v
a
r
r
1
E
0
U
IL
'-F-I
y..
�.q
U �
L
�n
r�
r�
1�1
,T
AvI
W
CL
W
4)
E
0
U
F.
C�
i..
ca
cz
v 'C
bn
N
a
3
F-
u
CL
cn
1
Q
fit:
cc
v
N
LL
L
O
IL
M
V
`ti
�1
v
o
Lp oz
I��
N
Cc
bj
d
Cd
O
..
O
tn
Ge
M
Killam Accessibility and Building Improvement Project
Proposed Protect Scope - September 2011
ADA Accessibility
$1,800,000
Main Office Renovation
$1,335,300
Fire Protection
$1,100,000
Window Replacement
$860,000
Gymnasium Floor Replacement
$73,500
Total Project Cost
$5,168,800
MSBA Share $1,440,190
Town Share $2,728,610
Plan B Protect Scope - January 2013
ADA Accessibility
$1,682,625
Fire Protection
$1,127,500
Window Replacement
$924,500
Total Project Cost
$3,734,625
MSBA Share (Windows Only)
$436,456
Town Share
$3,298,169
Difference (Sep. 11 to Jan. 13)
$569,559
MSBA Share (Windows and Fire Protection)
$968,749
Town Share
$2,765,876
Difference (Sep. 11 to Jan. 13)
$37,166
|
!
\
)
!
\
)
\
wo
/
�A
�.
§
\\
\
E
:
��
E
m
.)\
k\
\
k\
/\\
c2
5
(
(
-
!
k
(
k
B
|
!
\
)
!
\
)
\
wo
/
Building Cost Comparison Summary
January 22, 2013
• Schematic design for this plan was approved by the Massachusetts BoaN of ubrary Wmmissloners in
July 2012. State Constmdion Gram for $5.1 million will be awarded to Reading contingent On local
funding approval by June 30,2013.
64 MIDDLESEX AVENUE READING, MA GIM7 TELEPHONE )81- 944-0840 1WVw.READINGPLORG
Renovation
& Repairs
with No
expansion
*Renovation
& Repairs
with
expansion
Construction Costs
$9700,000
$10,126,698
Beacon Amhftecewe
A.M. Fogarty —Cast CoAndtants
Soft Costs
S4,885,000
S4,750,000
Design and Englmertng Fees.
Fhmishings & Equipment, Design &
!ia /ed Coasmgeruy, MOVing and
Temporary Quarters during
construction 118 months
Subtotal
$14,585,000
$14,876,698
*State Construction Crmm
$0
- $5105114
Coat Comparison
514 585 000
$%771,%4
• Schematic design for this plan was approved by the Massachusetts BoaN of ubrary Wmmissloners in
July 2012. State Constmdion Gram for $5.1 million will be awarded to Reading contingent On local
funding approval by June 30,2013.
64 MIDDLESEX AVENUE READING, MA GIM7 TELEPHONE )81- 944-0840 1WVw.READINGPLORG
Built 1896
: -rl —
Books build minds,
but people
__M ?� build
1/29/2013
igami6 1 I
H
1/29/2013
1/29/2013
n
of
n
READING
J.i Publir ('uugntlri..
r{ Nihlil Hiulcrs,
\\'ili 1'ud Dail,'
1� t�
imp
LI
.illli,. i!1 I
( 11't'111:11C11
2011
��
Y.
-� 'lulu
\ \'hal il.....
why Y
}
1/29/2013
,II`
RAD !
201,160
2012
'9,11I!1
READING
2011
a �
PL
urnDiNc
2011
67A
ING
�
I
RF OPT
Town Meeting
January 28, 2013
Warrant Article 6
Finance Committee Report
On January 22, 2013 the Finance Committee voted 8 -0 -0 to support Article 6, based upon
the financial information provided and an estimated project cost of $14.9 million. After
netting the State award of $5.1 million, the net cost to the Town would be $9.8 million plus
interest costs over an anticipated 10 year period. The project and debt service costs are
estimated to be approximately $149.00 per household per year for a 10 year period.
The Finance Committee fully acknowledges that this has not been an ideal process and
better information should have been provided sooner. We also acknowledge that the very
recent award by the State, and the need to promptly act within the defined State deadline,
justified the recent changes and the late availability of data. This is not ideal but it is
nevertheless the decision before us.
This Article 6 decision has a few key elements to consider: the first of which is to put Article
6 in context with relation to other financial decisions and Town priorities on the horizon.
These were discussed at Town Meeting in November, and the Finance Committee has asked
that they be restated here, in order to give Town Meeting Members an understanding of the
magnitude, timing and options of each. Some can be deferred, some can be declined, some
can be incrementally addressed and one can be timed to take advantage of State funds.
These are both financial and value decisions for Town Meeting Members, and potentially
voters, to make.
The projects include:
1. Partial Replacement of Water Pipes
2. Killam Improvements
3. Space Needs to Support Full Day Kindergarten
4. Downtown Improvements Phase II
If the cost of Article 6 was strictly to enhance library services, then this decision would sit
equally with the other pending projects and the Town could simply prioritize and potentially
vote to avoid the costs. However, the decision here is not whether to incur a cost to
improve the library and is instead which cost will we incur and over what timeframe. The
Library is an old and stressed building in need of significant investment even if Article 6
were to be rejected by Town Meeting Members and by Voters. The Town and Library
Trustees and the ad hoc Library Building Committee, in researching options going back to
2009, recommended the best option was to remain in the current location. The imperfect
information we have been provided would normally cause the Finance Committee to ask
everyone to step -back and provide additional engineering and design analysis, cost
estimates, financial analysis, etc. However, this decision also has a ticking clock In the form
of a State award of $5.1 million that expires in June if not accepted by the Town of Reading.
If we do not accept the State award, there is a very good likelihood that it will not be
available again. In addition, the reason the Finance Committee did not ask for this decision
to be deferred until April was because there was a clear sense that the Information would
not materially change between now and then.
The size of the award is what changes the dynamics of this financial decision. When you
already know you need to spend significant Town funds on the library and someone offers
you $5.1 million towards that effort, simply by also agreeing to enhance library services, it
becomes an easier financial decision to make.
The Finance Committee also wants to acknowledge that we are not 100% confident with the
cost estimate of $14.6 million to rehabilitate the existing building, should Article 6 fail. The
figure contains both construction rehabilitation and enhancements, which if scrutinized and
prioritized, could be scaled back. However, even if we were to cut that cost roughly in half
to $7.5 million to only fix the worst building Issues, and were to defer other enhancements,
the cost to Reading begins to approach the $9.8 million cost proposed in Article 6.
Approving Article 6 is viewed as the optimal long -term financial decision, and would also be
a strong value statement for Reading. It is understood that this will be an added cost to
homeowners but it is also expected that, like other similar projects, this investment will be
returned to homeowners in the form of increased real estate values.
Another important factor in this decision is that the current operating budget under
Proposition 2 1/2 is already straining. Reading has been exemplary in doing everything
possible over the past 5 years to optimize the use of funds for essential services. There is
no room in that operating budget to fix the libraries current problems within the existing tax
base without eliminating other essential services. We see a similar challenge with
insufficient funds being available for needed road improvements within the existing budget.
A "No" vote on Article 6, which is a decision to decline the State award, would shift the full
cost to Reading taxpayers and either crowd -out other essential services or result in a return
to Town Meeting to ask for a debt 'exclusion. Another factor on the horizon, should you
reject this Article and defer the improvements, are the looming Federal budget cuts and
their future impact on States, Cities and Towns. We should anticipate that added financial
challenges will reach Reading in the future, making it important to take advantage of this
award currently before us. Acting promptly would also allow the project to be financed in
the current low interest rate environment.
As with all projects of this magnitude and complexity, the Finance Committee supports
assembling a strong Building Committee to oversee the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Despite imperfect information being available and despite the late arrival of information, the
Finance Committee, focusing on the material elements of this decision, voted to recommend
taking advantage of the State award and to invest at this time in an important Town asset.
oFa
Town of Reading
,e 16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867 -2685
SJ'4IHCO0.QC P
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR
Email: finance0ci.readina.ma.us Phone: (761) 942 -6636
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Website: httn: //v .readinuma.gov /Paaes /ReadinaMA BComm /finance
January 22, 2013
Dear Town Meeting members,
A series of recent developments and public meetings caused a delay in reporting some
information to you about two Articles in the upcoming Special Town Meeting next week.
Today's update will cover Article 6: Authorizing debt — Reading Public Library Project, and
share some new information released last night at a joint meeting of the Board of Library
Trustees, the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee.
Later this week on Friday, another update will be sent to you about Article 10: Amending
Zoning Bylaw — Electronic Billboards. This is because on Thursday night the Community
Planning and Development Commission is expected to conclude their public hearing process on
Article 10.
Article 6
The Board of Trustees is requesting approval of $14.9 million for a library renovation and
expansion that will be described in detail at Town Meeting. A state construction grant will
reimburse $5.1 million and a Debt Exclusion is proposed for Reading's share of the costs. The
full planning process, background, description of the project, and other information will be
presented at Town Meeting.
The Finance Committee did not include a pre - printed report to Town Meeting on this Article, but
prior to last night's meeting had these views to share with Town Meeting members:
"The Finance Committee, on 119113, met to consider Article 6 and the f m ling request to
rehabilitate and expand the Reading library. There is a common understanding and agreement
that the library is an aging building and the primary Readingfacility in need material repairs.
There was agreement that current State funding for the library, if not acted upon by Reading,
could be unavailable for many years or the opportunity permanently lost. There was support for
the Article and the project; however, a vote was not taken due to infflcient information being
provided about the estimated cost of rehabilitating the existing library issues, independent of this
Article. The Library Trustees agreed to provide additional information at a Finance Committee
meeting scheduled for 1122113 at which time a vote will be considered. An update to this report
will also be provided at Town Meeting based upon those discussions. "
Last night FINCOM received the additional financial information that was requested and based
on this update the FINCOM voted 8 -0 -0 to recommend the subject matter of Article 6 to
Town MeetiaL
On the following page, please see the Library building project as proposed in Article 6
summarized in the right -hand column `Renovation & Repairs with expansion'.
The additional information requested by FINCOM is shown in the column `Renovation &
Repairs with no expansion'.
please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Bob LeLacheur
on behalf of the Finance Committee
>•
• • � ' �p (� j)%
ON,
� | .
� t
, � R
� ®|
_ i !
_ ) |d
d ! �
_ § `
. . m.
�� |
4
'�� ' � � -� � g��� �6E
� la � s as � � i a� ��'
�e
�.
� p.
3 • �=
s.wo rocve +axn..
i
�� _
3�
Eg ° y;��
s3 � fYr�
Y�iG
yp� 84,4v
# � a�i �169i 1
i �€ ! coq€ �
6
6a
$ ey i k a
9 g
S :e� I �
.... � i
I g:
� a ?a
s gas
� 6 ga
i s
s
0
@P
9
3ANG Noo�19 s,aB*AIVM
N
m
0 W
N ~ W D
7 K
0
r
a
N
a
a O
J
NN
C 0
Wa
=W
N
mN
0° i
x_
x
Z
N
W
ONOO
F" . FHOW N0. : 5168296416 Nw. 27 2911 09:56PM P5
4
E ' `
e
m V
w a
w C7
Qr
UJ
Lt I
0
m
3 C
I �a
jr
I
I �
I
I
- �
I
I
lil
I
�i)
I
I
it
iil �
I
�irrec
ra l]m .•oa app
ikNp a
Tg
n
P� N
�t
.048!
0
i
ZA *�
'I Mitt
� tL
I
,00'OS$
ZZ
4
(aLtl 1[YYd)
ae ua \,
Pt
€ 4 / t
� cc
a bg3 05
MPo-06 -9ps
rJL
•LI'£61
_ 3
BTU 3
m
z � p
;F
v N I•A.
Town of Reading
a� oee o, 16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867 -2683
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Jean Delios, Community Services Director/Town Planner, 781- 942 -6612,
:IN COR90pP jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us
Website: htt p:// www. readingma. gov /Pages/ReadingMA_Planning/index
January 25, 2013
Dear Town Meeting members,
On behalf of the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) I offer the
following update in advance of the Subsequent Town Meeting on Monday, January 28, 2013.
Article 10• Amending the Zoning Bylaw— Electronic Billboards
Last night the CPDC convened to continue the public hearing from 1/14/13 on Article 10. The
public hearing was held to provide an opportunity for public comment and to determine whether
the provisions of the proposed Article 10 will be recommended for adoption by the Town
Meeting. At the January 24, 2013 continued public hearing the CPDC received public comment
from people in attendance as well as through electronic correspondence and written petitions.
The public hearing was closed, and the CPDC voted unanimously to got recommend Article 10.
Article 10 is still on the warrant for Town Meeting which convenes on Monday, January 28,
2013. Although the CPDC voted to not recommend the subject matter of Article 10 to Town
Meeting, it is up to Town Meeting to decide on Article 10. A 2/3 vote of Town Meeting is
required for adoption.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jean Delios
on behalf of the Community Planning and Development Commission
TO: Town Meeting members
From: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Re: Article 10 - Billboard
Attached are copies of petitions and emails received by the Board of Selectmen over the past couple
of weeks regarding Article 10 — amendments to the sign bylaw which would allow electronic
billboards in one location on West Street in Reading.
Also included is a request from ClearChannel, the major billboard company in Massachusetts, asking
that this article be Tabled.
It is the intention of Stephen Goldy, Town Meeting member and Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen, to move to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter of Article 10. A motion to Indefinitely
Postpone is debatable. A zoning article that is Indefinitely Postponed is deemed to be defeated, and
state law provides that if this happens, the same article cannot come back before Town Meeting for a
period of 2 years unless it has a 4/5 vote by the CPDC.
• Page t
c
,O
m O
� o
� V
� N tOH
t6s E
O
N
CL O C
o C/) > U.
r M .p �_ v
N m 'v C
co
N 'Em E
Q A li A
c
m
m
c
O
av
41
O
N
N
t0
W o—
v
� o
m L
O V
•- m W •-
�N � E
� L
'- C —° a
E }' m —
fl. 'Q .0
O
_ O
C 0 m
L a = �,
m m
M 'GV7 .a 'Q
1O 0 w 0
O
N m E
to 0 Q —
A m A CO
ow m
C
O
N � �
O M Lo
+O+
O'
Ca �
E
.0 m CL
_O (/) _ —
CO
O +' O
U 00 w >
CN
Q A a
L
4w M C
o
� I H
O m O O p
3
0.0 L.
0 m L L U
C
L 01
C
3 L.a N.
> 00
Q E
L m cC 'a 'Q
O O +O' O
Elmo 0 0.
A 0 Area m
O qr-
Q
0)
v
a�
O
.(3)
CL
U)
N
on
v
L
m
00
-W M
� V
fQ�-
O
0 u
�+ G7
of —
O W
Of cn
v> E
Aa
0
L
CL
CL
m
0
p1
.0 O C
1-
a.+
� O
m3
O 0
UM
O �
m
moo
� N
A
C
0
ca
�U
a
ra
w
.id M
Eo
— N
3M
G7 >,
C
cm
m
Vm
L a
M m
ON
V 0
A.w
L
0
0
O
Ln
E
m
a
IA
0
rl
ow
a �E
V
O
E O.
d7
4 i m
v w�
o
O
.0 E . _
C1
Q M O C1 0
O U) a.M C .
CO a•+ — _
r M
U 00 00 xC
clq pp
Q � A m A 7
cc
.m
u
O
O
O
a0•+
O
4W
LM
O
-+
O
41�
—
00
C
�+
m�
C
_
_
n
'C
O
"0
O
m
U
4W
>
Q
WO
.�
OCE
00O
A
i
A3
ME
4w
G C
= E uu
cm C Lou
C _ _ p
O 0 G a4w
p >.E of L
ow 0
aV Q- _
c =raO.aV
IA MINIM
L �
=C10�
BROOM = m .O
/R!
U .cA LA E >�
N vi �. --
Q = (U 0 m
O CO " > .a 0 ..-
M L t0 x
N � =�0p`.cni
U00 O > (u o>
N F- M � ;a Z.0
Q � Ate of A M
0
J
�
m o
;m
v
�°
m
m
CD
Q4)
aK
O
M
m
W
0.-
Q L
m