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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-05-17 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting Minutes145 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING W. S. Parker Junior High School May 17, 1979 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, John W.Faria, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by the Rev. Richard M. Woodman of the Unitarian Universa- list Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 9. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the sum of Thirty - Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty -Six Dollars ($38,766) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for School Traffic Control under the direction of the Police Department. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Eighty -Two Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Dollars ($282,530) be transferred from the Federal Revenue Sharing (P.L. 92 -512) to the Fire Department Salaries and that the sum of Seven Hundred Thirty -Five Thousand Two Hundred Thirty -Four Dollars ($735,234) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling One Million Seventeen Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty -Four Dollars ($1,017,764) be appropriated to the Fire Department as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries (P.L. 52 -512 Authorized) $ 282,530 Salaries 684,434 Expense 31,300 E. M. T. A. 8,000 Fire Alarm Salary 8,000 Fire Alarm Expense 3,500 1,017,764 ARTICLE 9. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Fifty -Four Thousand Six Hundred Forty Dollars ($54,640) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for hydrant rental. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Allan E. Ames it was voted that there be included in the tax levy for electricity used for street lights the sum of Seventy -Seven Thousand Two Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($77,216) and that said sum and the income from sales of electricity to private consumers and for electricity supplied to municipal buildings and for municipal power and jobbing during the current fiscal year to be appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant, said appropriation to be expended by the Manager of the Municipal Light Plant under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board for the expense of plant, including payment of Bonds and Notes, as defined in Chapter 164, Section 57 of the General Laws, or any amendments thereof or additions thereto, and that if said sum of Seventy -Seven Thou- sand Two Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($77,216) and said income shall exceed said expense for said fiscal year, such excess up to the amount of 50% of the net profit from operations aS of December 31 of the preceding year as defined in Chapter 164, such amount shall be paid 50% in June and 50% in December of the current year into the Town Treasury and the balance, if any, shall be transferred to the Construction Fund of said Plant and appropriated and used for such additions thereto as may thereafter be authorized by the Municipal Light Board. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum of Forty - Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy -Nine Dollars ($40,879) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Building Inspector as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salary $37,979 Expense 2,900 ARTICLE 9. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Three Thousand Five Dollars ($3,005) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Sealer of Weights and Measures as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salary $2,600 Expense 405 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 17, 1979 ARTICLE 9. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the sum of NineteenThousand Nine Hundred and Four Dollars ($19,904) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Dog Officer as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries Expense $14,084 5,820 ARTICLE 9. On motion of Marvin M. Rosenthal it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Six HundredDollars ($2,600) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to Civil Defense salary and expense. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted to lay Article 9 on the table. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was presented by Sally M. Hoyt for the Conserva- tion Commission: 1979 REPORT OF PROGRESS It has become apparent in the questions raised at Town Meeting in the discussion of Article 8 that the Conservation Commission was remiss in not presenting a report describing the responsibilities and functions of the Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission takes the opportunity now to present a brief overview of the origin of the Commission, the work in which it has been involved, the current workload with which it deals and the reasons for this workload. By adoption of the provisions of Mass. General Laws Chapter 40, section 8c, Town Meeting established the Conservation Commission in March 1960. The Conservation Commission at that time consisted of seven unpaid citizens, appointed by the Selectmen. The duties as detailed by Chapter 40, section 8c are the promotion and development of the natural resources of the Town and the protection of the watershed resources of the Town. The Commission fulfills this directive mainly through a land acquisition program. Since 1964, the Town Meeting has purchased and placed in the care of the Commission approximately 809 acres of property. The majority of this is wetland and flood plain acquired for flood control, drainage, and to insure the protection of potential future water supply sites. Many of these sites serve the multiple purpose of water resource protection and open space utilization. Bare Meadow, Kurchian Woods, Pinevale, and Schneider Woods are examples of such acquisition and are also used by citizens for passive recreation. The Town has expended, since 1964, $312,988.24 for lands for water resource protection. Through State and Federal Conservation Funding programs, the Town has received $164,421.15 in reimbursement. Preservation of these lands is paramount for the protection of existing homes and properties from the hazards of flooding. In addition, in a number of studies, most recently the 1978 Water Supply System Study prepared for the Board of Public Works, many of these wetlands are linked to potential water supply sites for this Town. Since 1972, the major responsibility of the Conservation Commission has been the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act, General Laws Chapter 131, section 40. It has been proven that wetlands and areas subject to flooding can serve certain functions, namely, the provision of water supply, groundwater supply, flood control, storm damage prevention, and the prevention of pollution. The protection of these interests reduces the costs for water supply, water supply treatment, and structured drainage systems. The protection of these interests reduces the hazards of flooding and groundwater damage to properties and structures. The Wetlands Protection Act puts regulatory control at the local level. All activities within wetlands, areas subject to flooding, and areas immediately bordering such lands, must be reviewed by the Conservation Commission. A public hearing is required and all proposals must be justified on the basis of technical data. The Commission must determine what functions the particular area serves and how significant these functrions are to the region of interest. The Commission then establishes a set of conditions, (specifications on the proposal,) to protect the significant interests served by the site. Once the conditions are set, appeals may still be made to the State and the State may supersede the Conservation Commission Rulings. When a project is under construction, a regular, often daily, program of inspection must be conducted to insure that all work is done in accordance with the conditions of the permit. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 17, 19 9 147 To date, 70 proposals have been processed under the Wetlands Protection Act. Initially, the cases tended to be smaller projects as sufficient buildable land existed to accommodate the development demands of that time. What we see now is an increase in the scope and complexity of the proposals. The majority of land remaining available for development is environmentally sensitive and the demand for housing and services is increasing. Responsible administration of this law provides the Town with protection of existing properties from the hazards of flooding, and impacts water supply, both quantity and quality. During th 1960's and early 70's the Commission operated with the volunteer assistance of Commission members who were able to invest considerable daily personal time to the benefit of this community. Private consultants were contracted for specific short -term programs such as Wetlands and Flood Plain Zoning, research and map preparation for the Conservation Plan. With assistance from college work -study students to 1975, office administration and general clerical duties were accomplished. Technical aspects of the Wetlands Protection Act and related cases were handled by private consultants on a case by case basis. In addition, the cases were of small scope and the need for inspections was not as great. By fiscal 1975, it was recognized that paid assistance was required. Increases in the workload due mainly to the number and complexity of Wetlands Act cases required daily, full -time assistance. A part -time clerk and a Conservation Assistant were employed. Technical assistance for Wetlands Act cases continued to be contracted case by case by private consultants. This cost rose to $7,500 in fiscal 178. At the 1978 Annual Town Meeting, the Conservation Commission evaluated its duties and responsibilities under the law and recommended that the full -time position be revised to provide in -house technical expertise. The Town Meeting approved the revised job require- ments and funded the position at a level commensurate with the work responsibilities. Beyond the land acquisition program and regulatory activities under the Wetland Protection Act, the Conservation Commission through its members and staff work for the protection of Reading's environmental interests by participating in and giving technical input into plans and studies conducted by the state and regional agencies. The Commission is involved in environmental issues directly impacting this community - to name a few: the Ipswich River Basin Water Quality Project (MAPC), the Mystic System Flood Study (MDC), the HUD Flood Insurance Study and the Woburn Odor. The natural resources of this community are not replaceable. They serve the Town by providing water supply, green belts, and protecting homes from flooding due to surface and ground waters. The Conservation Commission is a Town Department charged with protecting and preservation of these benefits. This report was accepted as a report of progress. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted to take Article 9 from the table. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Sally M. Hoyt it was voted that the sum of Twenty -Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Five Dollars and no cents ($27,505.00) be raised from the tax levy and be appropriated for the Conservation Commission as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Salaries: Expense: $16,585 10,920 ARTICLE 9. On motion of Sandra J. Trainor as amended by Donald E. Trudeau it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($111,600) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Health and Sanitation as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Board of Health Salaries $ 29,907 Board of Health Expenses 3,000 Animal Inspector Salary & Expense 800 Care of Contagious Diseases 3,060 Fluoridation 6,600 Mosquito Control 7,525 Nursing Services 4,485 Eastern Middlesex Mental Health (E.M.M.H.) 27,000 735, Inc. Program 22,500 East Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens 6,723 111,600 149 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 17, 1979 ARTICLE 9. On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that the sum of Seventy - Three Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty -Eight Dollars ($73,828) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Veterans Department as follows, each item being considered a separate appropriation: Salaries $21,825 Expense 2,003 Aid 50,000 ARTICLE 9. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.) be raised f rom the tax levy and appropriated for drinking fountains. ARTICLE 9. The following motions submitted by Clifford P. Wadman, totaling One Hundred Thirty -Five Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty -Six Dollars ($135,856), were voted in the affirmative: 1. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the sum of Twenty -Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) be transferred from the Cemetery Bequest Interest Fund, and that the sum of Sixty -One Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty -Six Dollars ($61,366) be raised and appropriated from the tax levy, in total being Eighty -Six Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty -Six Dollars ($86,366) for the purpose of salary and wage expense for the Cemetery Department. 2. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) be transferred from the Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund, and that the sum of Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Dollars ($7,390) be raised and appropriated from the tax levy, said total being Twelve Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Dollars ($12,390) to be expended as follows: Cemetery Expense $11,640 Purchase of Surplus Graves 750 Total 12, 390 3. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) be transferred from the Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund, and that the sum of Thirty Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($30,500) be raised and appropriated from the tax levy to be used for the further development of Charles Street and Forest Glen Cemeteries including site clearing, extension of the avenue systems, water system, and construction of frontage and entrance walls; and further, for the construction of a wall at the entrance of Laurel Hill Cemetery, said sums totalling Thirty -Five Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($35,500) and said sum to be expended under the direction of the Cemetery Trustees as follows: Entrance Wall at Laurel Hill $ 5,500 Charles St. and Forest Glen Development 30,000 Total 535,500 4. On motion of Clifford P. Wadman it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate from the tax levy the sum of One Thousand and Six Hundred Dollars ($1,600) for salaries and maintenance of Veterans Graves. ARTICLE 9. On motion of Stephen G. Viegas it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Sixty -Nine Thousand Four Hundred Ninety -Four Dollars ($269,494) be raised from the tax levy, and that the sum of Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty -Six Dollars ($8,886) be transferred from State Aid for Libraries Reserved, and that the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) be transferred from the County Dog License Account, and that said sums totalling Two Hundred Eighty -One Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Dollars ($281,380) be appropriated for library purposes including travel outside of state not to exceed $350. as follows, each item to be considered a separate appropriation. Salaries $198,560 Maintenance 78,220 Copy Service 4,600 Total $281,380 On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 8:00 P. M. on Monday, May 21, 1979, at the Reading Memorial High School auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 P. M. 152 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk