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Agenda
FINCOM
Monday, June 11, 2012 at 7.15 PM
RMHS Superintendent's Conference Room
' Printer- FriendN Version
7:15pm in Superintendent's Office
Preliminary Police FY12 OT request
Preliminary Fire FY12 OT request
Preliminary Library FY12 OT request
DRAFT minutes March 21 and April 11
Board of Assessors - recent timeline
Home Rule Charter - FINCOM; Board of Assessors
7:30pm in Superintendent's Conference Room
Joint meeting with School Committee & Board of Selectmen - Results of
Space Needs Study
COMMON GUSE
Town of Reading, Massachusetts 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 Website Disclaimer
Virtual Towns & Schools Website
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6/11/2012 7:34 AM
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Jamee W. Cormier
READING POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF
15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Emergency Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781 -944 -1212 Fax: 781- 944 -2893
CbLf of P,&e E -Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us
TO: Mr. Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director
FROM: Chief James W. Cormier
DATE: June 7. 2012
RE: FY 12 Overtime budget
I would like to request a transfer of $25,000 to balance the FY12 budget. The Reading Police and
Dispatch budgets project a combined shortfall in personnel expenses of — $36,000 for FY12. The money
available from other personnel line items including Cell Monitor and School Crossing Guard wages and
unearned officer stipends (EMT and Fitness) will help offset this shortfall.
We budgeted an Overtime line budget of $246,000 which we knew from reviewing our 5 year average
was going to be a very tight amount but were hopeful to be able to meet it. Knowing we were cutting
close to the bone we reduced or eliminated many valuable community policing initiatives, such as the
Citizen Police Academy and the RAD program from our annual activities in FY12 and focused on
providing essential services.
As the year unfolded, the department faced several unpredictable events that significantly impacted an
already tight budget. The most dramatic was a homicide which resulted in a lengthy and costly
investigation. There were also two large weather emergencies — a hurricane and an October snowstorm.
The town also lost power in the fall when a large regional relay went down for several hours and required
extra staff, as all traffic lights in the community were out. Individually, some of these events were not a
severe impact, but collectively they strained an already tight budget by adding more than $21,000 to
overtime spending.
In addition, two Commonwealth of Massachusetts program changes also impacted our budget directly.
The E911 Support Grant, which we use to offset Dispatcher salaries, was funded $3,000 lower than we
had budgeted. Also, NERPI, our annual in- service police training program, eliminated funding for
required CPR training. We conducted this training in- house, but overtime costs to do so exceeded
$14,000.
In previous years, our overtime costs were mostly driven by staffing vacancies. This year, we have been
fully staffed since early July and fortunately have had only a small number of light duty or lengthy illness
episodes. Overall, shift based overtime has come in about where projected and the shortfall is a
combination of conservative initial funding and the unanticipated changes mentioned above. Thank you
for your consideration of this request and if you have further questions please contact me.
G
HEADQUARTERS
READING FIRE DEPARTMENT
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
GREGORY J. BURNS, Chief
757 Main Street
BUS. Phone: 781- 942 -9181
STA. Phone: 781- 944 -3132
Fax: 781- 942 -9114
TO: Mr. Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., Assistant Town Manager /Finance Director
FROM: Chief Gregory J. Burns
DATE: June 4, 2012
RE: FY 12 Salary Shortfall
I have completed an analysis of the Fire Department's budget. Based upon that review, I
am projecting the salary budget will need a transfer of funds to complete the FY 12
budget cycle. The FY 12 overtime budget has been impacted due to several Firefighter
injuries, a Firefighter retirement and a long term medical issue that may lead to
retirement.
Our Department has four working Groups. Three of our work Groups have 11 personnel
assigned and one work Group has 12 personnel. We currently have three Firefighters out
on sick leave (cardiac issue, shoulder injury and ankle injury). These three injuries have
reduced two of the work Groups to 10 personnel and this has increased the need for
overtime to maintain proper staffing. Below is listing of FY 12 long term injury and
illness budget drivers:
Rank
Reason
Hours
Disposition
Firefighter
knee injury
936
Retired
Firefighter
Cardiac issue
1236
Pending retirement
Firefighter
shoulder surgery
432
Returned to work
Firefighter
shoulder injury
384
Returned to work
Firefighter
Wrist Injury
240
Returned to work
Firefighter
Infection
384
Returned to work
Firefighter
shoulder injury
360
Not returned to work
Firefighter
Ankle injury
48
Estimate return on 7/1/2012
The FY 12 budget has also been impacted by the need to respond to the October snow
Storm. This cost to respond to this event was $2,935. As a result of a Presidential
Disaster Declaration we are eligible to recover 75% of our allowable costs in responding
to these storms. We have filed our application for recovery of these expenses.
Estimated Payrolls Salary Overtime Total
June 22nd and June 30th 214,396 54,033 268,429
Budget Remaining 246,965
Estimated Deficit - 21,464
The requested transfer amount is an estimate based upon overtime patterns for recent
payroll periods.
0
READING
To: Bob LeLacheur PUBLIC LIBRARY
Finance Committee
FromVkuth -Ure 25
Re: Budget transfer request of $3000 to cover Training Costs
Date: June 4, 2012
cc: David Hutchinson, Chairman, Board of Trustees
The Library is requesting a transfer to Payroll of $3000 to cover additional training costs
for the transition to Evergreen, the new ILS (Integrated Library System).
Over 25 staff members have been trained in all aspects of the new system. The average
training time for each staff member has been approximately 15 -20 hours of formal group
training, with several additional hours of individual practice. Three in -house senior staff
members learned the system first, developed training modules, and used webinars,
screencasts, group and one -on -one instruction to customize staff training. About half of
the training was managed during normal work hours, with staff members providing extra
coverage at public service desks so that others could work behind the scenes to learn the
system.
After fourteen years on Millenium/Innovative Interfaces, last week was our first week on
Evergreen. All staff members managed very well, with virtually no disruption in service
to the public. (It's worth noting that several libraries in our network closed fully for a
day during the past month for training and several delayed opening last week during the
transition.)
I'd like to particularly credit our three in -house trainers: Jamie Penney, Tech Services;
Michelle Filleul, Circulation; Lorraine Barry, Reference. They did a great job and have
managed their usual workload while putting in an enormous extra effort. It's to their
credit that training costs were kept very low and that the first steps of implementation
went smoothly.
It appears that there will be a small amount of general training necessary during the next
several weeks as some of the start-up problems become clear and identifiable. Last week
our trainers covered all 60 open hours, working several extra evening/Saturday shifts to
provide coverage. While the timing of this transition is difficult in terms of end -of year, I
believe $3000 additional payroll will cover it.
Thank you!
64 MIDDLESEX AVENUE READING, MA 01867 TELEPHONE 781 - 944 -0840 WWW READING PL.ORG 'S
`t
Finance Committee Meeting
March 21, 2012
RMLD Conference Room
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the RMLD Conference Room, 230 Ash Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman David Greenfield, FinCom members Jeanne Borawski,
Mark Dockser, Marie Ferrari, Paula Perry, and Hal Torman. Also present were: Superintendent
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Patty de Garavilla, Director of Finance & Operation
Mary DeLai, School Committee members Robinson, Janowski, Caruso, Gibbs, Spadafora and
Croft.
FY2013 School Department Budget
Chair Greenfield reviewed the agenda for this evening. He reminded the attendees that the
School Committee Approved budget amount and the amount submitted by the Town Manager
are approximately $62,000 apart.
Chair Robinson thanked the Finance Committee for the opportunity to defend the budget. He
went on to provide an overview of the School Committee Approved budget highlighting the
requests and amounts.
Dr. Doherty reviewed the agenda for this evening's presentation. The presentation will include
an overview of the FY13 Budget Development Process, the RPS Strategy for Improvement of
Student Outcomes, FY13 Budget Drivers, Cost center Descriptions & Overviews and Q & A.
The Superintendent went on to review the budget drivers which include the district mission and
the Strategy for Improvement of Student Outcomes. The challenges faced developing this
budget included the effects of 3 years of level funding, Federal Stimulus funding ends, unknown
impact of state aid and health insurance costs, unknown kindergarten enrollment and the use of
1.5 million in reserves. In the development of the FY13 budget the district faced challenges that
include absorbing the 3 years of level funding which accounted for the reduction of 34.8
positions, increased enrollment and class size, restoration of FYI reductions, addressing
technology hardware replacement, addressing the social - emotional needs of our students,
implementing the Common Core Standards and Educator Evaluation tool, and the need for
continued improvement and innovation.
Dr. Doherty outlined the district priorities for the FY13 budget. Behavioral health of all
students, continued growth and development of staff, low class sizes in grades K -2, middle
school interdisciplinary model, 21" century learning initiatives, maintenance of the technology
infrastructure, maintenance of our facilities and retention of all regular day programs are the
outlined priorities.
Ms. DeLai continued to review the FY13 budget drivers. She pointed out that the teachers are
not receiving step or COLA increases for the first year of their contract. It is important to restore
the cuts in per pupil funding to the schools as well as the return of the paraeducator hours that
0
were reduced. The district must also absorb the cost of the salaries funded by the EdJobs grant.
Ms. DeLai shared that we have benefitted from lower natural gas prices and have seen a savings
and plans increased use of accumulated revenues in revolving accounts available to offset
approximately $400,000 in expense in FYI 3.
Dr. Doherty reviewed what he would like to include in the FY13 budget. The expansion of the
Middle/High School Health Education program, Therapeutic Support Program, High School In-
School Suspension Program, technology replacement, restoration of instructional supplies and
materials, partial restoration of paraeducator hours, hiring a district wide School Psychologist for
assessment, additional staffing to address special education services, District technology support
are the highlights of this budget.
Ms. DeLai reviewed the savings and offsets included in this budget. Dr. Doherty reviewed .
Professional and Curriculum Development included in this budget and then went on to provide
information on the proposed the plan to improve the health curriculum.
Mr. Greenfield asked clarifying questions.
Ms. DeLai provided information on Special Education and the impact on the budget. The
number of students requiring services has steadily increased.
Mr. Torman asked a question regarding the mix of services required. Superintendent Doherty
indicated that children on IEPs may only require one on one assistance and the students with
greater needs may be placed in programs within the district. Ms. Ferrari asked for clarification
on the out of district placements.
Ms.DeLai reviewed the FYI budget challenges including increased enrollment both in the full
day kindergarten program and a large ninth grade class in the 13 -14 school year.
Ms. Ferrari inquired about the percentage of students that leave for private school entering ninth
grade. Dr. Doherty said that the district retains approximately 95% of our students.
Dr. Doherty and Ms. DeLai answered questions regarding employee attrition, teacher experience,
measures of effectiveness for health curriculum, types of professional development opportunities
and Fitness Center use.
Ms. Borawski voiced concerns over the use of $400,000 of funds from revolving accounts to
help balance this budget. What would the plan be after these funds are expended? Ms. Ferrari
voiced similar concerns.
Dr. Doherty pointed out that the Behavioral Health needs of our students is a priority in this
budget and if we do not address these needs now it will end up costing the district more money
over time.
Mrs. Perry thanked the School Committee for providing a transparent budget. Mr. Greenfield
agreed. The School Committee budget was very thorough and hit all the priorities.
The School Committee adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Mr. Greenfield wanted to discuss the $62,000 difference in the budget forwarded by the Town
Manager. It was determined that more information from the Town Manager would be needed
which they could get at the next meeting.
Mr. Dockser shared that he felt addressing the behavioral health of our students is crucial and he
supports restoring the $62,000. He also was pleased at the energy savings realized by the town
because of the performance contracting work.
Ms. Ferrari reiterated her concerns regarding the use of the revolving accounts and where the
funds would be come from once this source has been exhausted.
Chair Greenfield reviewed the next steps in the budget process and the meeting calendar.
Ms. Ferrari moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dockser. The motion carried
6 -0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
l9J
Finance Committee Meeting
April 11, 2012
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman David Greenfield, Vice Chairman Barry
Berman, FinCom members Jeanne Borawski, Paula Perry, and Hal Torman, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, assistant Town Manager /Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director
Jeff Zager, DPW Business Administrator Jane Kinsella.
Water and Sewer update
Mr. LeLacheur reviewed the April 10, 2012 presentation given to the Board of Selectman
concerning the financial status of the Water and Sewer enterprise funds at their public hearing to
set FY13 rates. He pointed out that four items determine rates: budgets, other assumptions, usage
and reserves. He mentioned that FINCOM had already voted budgets although he would shortly
ask the Selectmen to reconsider. He added the MWRA forecast for the next four years, and how
it would put upward pressure on local enterprise fund budgets. He mentioned that the other
assumptions in FY13 would add 1.3% to rates because less late payments (penalties & interest)
were a result of increased reminders from the Town to pay on time.
He reviewed usage in some detail, beginning with a historic view. One year ago it seemed that
the Town had hit a bottom in terms of ongoing conservation since FYI I usage was up from prior
years. In setting the FY12 rates an assumption of usage was the prior four -year average of
705,000 hundred cubic feet (HCF) per year. Actual usage in the first quarter of FYI was above
that assumption, but usage dropped sharply in the second quarter. If the third and fourth quarters
rebounded to the pattern shown in the first quarter then the annual forecast would have held, but
last week the figures for the third quarter showed ongoing conservation efforts slightly below the
four -year average. Presuming this to be the case in the fourth quarter, actual usage for FYI will
be around 680,300 HCF. This drop in water sales will result in an approximate revenue deficit in
both water and sewer of $200,000 each for the fiscal year. There is not enough expense
reductions available for the remainder of the year, so at April Town Meeting there will be a
request to transfer in $200,000 from reserves to both the water and sewer budgets. It is expected
that this will avoid a revenue deficit.
In addition, the rate setting for FY13 as decided the previous night will be pegged at 650,000
HCF. This level assumes a further 5% reduction in usage for FY13. A steeper reduction may
cause expense cutting or further use of reserves; less of a reduction will allow reserves to grow
and be used to offset rates in future years. Mr. Berman and Mr. Greenfield pointed out that this
was a self - policing situation. If usage was too high then extra reserves would help future rates, if
usage were too low then reserves would be used up. Therefore there was no long -term way to
avoid paying the correct price for actual water usage in the system.
For FY13 Mr. LeLacheur indicated that the Board of Selectman voted sewer rates that used
$150,000 of reserves to support the budget that FINCOM had approved and sent along to Town
Meeting. However they voted water rates that also used $150,000 of reserves and supported a
budget that is $350,000 lower than the budget FINCOM approved and sent to Town Meeting.
They suggested that a $350,000 capital project (water main repairs to H. St. loop /Ivy St) be
o/ P
Finance Committee Minutes — 2012 — page _2
deferred to FY14 instead. To steady future rates a few other changes were made to FY14 and
FY15 water capital. Mr. LeLacheur reviewed how the Board analyzed both FY13 and the next
several years in their deliberations. He mentioned that in general it would not be a surprise if
local capital spending in both funds would slow down as further conservation occurred — or costs
climbed — in order to have a somewhat steady rate increase, albeit at relatively high 9% to 11 %
levels over the next few years.
A motion by Mr. Greenfield seconded by Ms. Perry to reconsider Articles 4, 6, 13 and 14
was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
Article 4 — Mr. LeLacheur reviewed the specific changes to the water capital plan suggested by
the vote on rates by the Board of Selectman last night. The key item was removing the $350,000
capital expense from the FY13 budget as previously described. Mr. Hechenbleikner reviewed the
discussion with DEP that may allow the Town to abandon the wells in the Ipswich river basin,
and therefore allowed a well upgrade planned for FY14 to be removed. He also mentioned that
one benefit of moving the Bear Hill tank maintenance project out from FY14 to FY15 was to
allow further discussion with the MWRA about having a larger storage tank run by the MWRA
on Bear Hill. He mentioned that in all cases the capital that was being moved out a year did not
pose any health or safety issues, the projects needed to be done but were not urgent.
A motion by Mr. Berman seconded by Mr. Torman to recommend the subject matter of
Article 4 as presented was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
Article 6 — Mr. LeLacheur reviewed the addition of the Enterprise Fund section to the FY12
budget amendments. This would allow $200,000 of reserves from both water and sewer to be
used, but there were no changes to the current budgets. This action would cover the expected
revenue deficit. Mr. Zager mentioned that about 30 -35 communities across the state were
experiencing these deficits, and that most communities were in a position to cover with reserves
but some had to raise rates mid -year.
A motion by Mr. Torman seconded by Mr. Greenfield to recommend the subject matter of
Article 6 as presented was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
Article 13 — Mr. LeLacheur reviewed the change to the voted Water budget — a $350,000
reduction from $5,417,954 to $5,067,954 in line W99.
A motion by Mr. Greenfield seconded by Mr. Berman to recommend the subject matter of
Article 13, Line W99 at $5,067,954 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
Article 14 — Mr. Hechenbleikner showed the updated figure from the House of $603,012 for
Chapter 90 (Road) funds for FY13. He said the Senate was scheduled to vote on the number
tomorrow. FINCOM had previously voted to support an unknown amount of funds expected to
be approximately $600,000.
A motion by Ms. Perry seconded by Mr. Greenfield to recommend the subiect matter of
Article 14 Chapter 90- funds at $603,012 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
9
Finance Committee Minutes — M aarr44. 2012 — page 3
Mr. Greenfield discussed the need to meet in the second week of May, and the Committee
decided to have the meeting posted and decide during Town Meeting whether a meeting was
needed. They asked what the progress was on filling the empty FINCOM seats, and both Mr.
LeLacheur and Mr. Hechenbleikner said that had not checked to see if there were any applicants.
Mr. Greenfield said he had been approached by a few people that might be interested but did not
know if they had yet formally applied. Given the FINCOM meeting schedule, the best time for
these seats to be filled is July 1, 2012. .
A motion by Mr. Berman seconded by Mr. Torman to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
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Board
Appraiser
Assistant
Appraiser
Associate
Appraiser
Seasonal
Admin
Assistant &
Clerks*
One -time
expenses
Software
2012
May 22"
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* additional
$133,400
Patriot
joint reg'l
Wakefield
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June 2012
Properties
meeting
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with
below) has
$24k48k
ation
Wakefield
Sullivan
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Bob Quinn
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elected '12-
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0.5 FTEs
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wright
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4 -9 -12
2011
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Vacant
Joanne
elected '11 -
seasonal
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`14
position
st.7 -1 -11
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------- - - - - --
increased
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coverage
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fr�11
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2010
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Mike Flynn
elected '10-
hired as
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the state
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2009
Fred
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9 -19 -09
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12 -15 -09
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(Apr'09
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Scott
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FY 06
elect 07 -10
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Frank
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starts
1 -29 -07
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3 -28 -07
Sullivan
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Appraiser
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Dave
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Pat Sullivan
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elect '05-08
to outsource
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Tom Ryan
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elect `06 -09
st. 1 -26 -87
O
READING HOME RULE CHARTER
Section 2 -12: Establishment of Standing Committees
The Town Meeting may from time to time, by bylaw, establish standing committees to
which shall be referred Warrant Articles for study, review and report in advance of the
sessions of the Town Meeting. In establishing standing committees, Town Meeting shall
also provide for the method of appointment of members. The method of appointment
shall be by an existing multiple- member body or shall be by a multiple- member
appointment committee established for that purpose.
/Amended November 19, 2001 (Article 12)1
/Amended November 15, 2004 (Article 16) and approved by vote of the Town on April 5, 20051
Finance Committee
There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of nine (9) voters of the Town, appointed
for three year staggered terns so arranged that three (3) terms expire each year. No
member of the Finance Committee shall be an elected or appointed Town Officer or an
employee of the Town. A member of the Finance Committee may be an elected Town
Meeting Member but shall serve on no other standing committee.
Finance Committee members shall be appointed by an Appointment Committee chaired
by the Moderator, consisting of the Moderator who shall have one vote, the Chairman of
the Board of Selectmen who shall have one vote, and the Chairman of the Finance
Committee who shall have one vote. The terms of Finance Committee Members shall
expire on the first day of July. No Finance Committee Member shall serve for more than
three (3) consecutive terms. Any vacancy on the committee shall be filled by the
Appointment Committee.
The Finance Committee shall have all the powers and duties granted to Finance
Committees under the laws of the Commonwealth, Town bylaws, Town Meeting vote
and other applicable laws. In addition to these powers, the Finance Committee shall have
the power to investigate the books, accounts, records and management of any office,
board or committee in Town, and may use agents in carrying out such investigations. The
Finance Committee shall report its findings, approval or disapproval on all Articles that
involve the expenditure of funds in the Warrant in writing at least seven (7) days before
Town Meeting. Such a report shall not preclude further action or reconsideration by the
Finance Committee.
/Amended November 15, 2004 (Article 16) and approved by vote of the Town on April 5, 20051
READING GENERAL BYLAW
3.3.2 Finance Committee
3.3.2.1 Duties
The Finance Committee shall consider all matters of business included within the Articles of any
warrant which involve the expenditure. appropriation and raising or borrowing of money.
3.3.2.2 Recommendation to Town Meeting
The Finance Committee shall make a written recommendation on all Articles that it has
considered, and the Town Clerk shall make said written recommendations available to each
Town Meeting Member at least seven (7) days prior to the first business session of the Annual
Town Meeting, seven (7) days prior to the second Monday in November and four (4) days prior to
any Special Town Meeting. The said recommendations should be those of a majority of the entire
Committee but recommendations may also be made by a minority of said Committee. The
Committee's report shall also state the total amount of appropriations recommended by it on the
entire warrant.
3.3.2.3 Investigation
The Finance Committee, or its duly authorized agents, shall have authority at any time, and upon
the petition of one hundred (100) inhabitants of the Town or a vote of Town Meeting, to
investigate at once the books, accounts, records and management of any official body, and to
employ such expert and other assistance as it may deem advisable for that purpose, and the
books, records and accounts of any department and office of the Town shall be open to the
inspection of the Committee and any person employed by it for that purpose. The Committee
shall have no power to incur any expenses payable by the Town without authority for such
expenses having first been obtained from the,Moderator, and such expenses shall be paid from
the Finance Committee Reserve Fund. The Finance Committee shall make a report on every
investigation setting forth its findings and recommendations, and shall transmit such report(s) to
Town Meeting.
3.3.2.4 Cannot Hold another Office
Any member of the Finance Committee, who shall be appointed or elected to any official body,
shall forthwith upon his qualification in such office, cease to be a member of the Finance
Committee. This provision shall not apply to the appointment of a Finance Committee member to
serve as a member of any ad hoc board, commission or committee in the Town of Reading or to
any board, commission or committee upon which a member of the Finance Committee shall
serve in an ex officio capacity.
0
Any question so submitted shall be determined by a majority vote of the voters
voting in said election, but no action of the Town Meeting shall be reversed unless at
least twenty percent (20 %) of the eligible voters vote in such election.
Each question so submitted shall be in the form of the following question which
shall be placed on the official ballot: - "shall the Town vote to approve the action of the
representative Town Meeting whereby it was voted (brief description of the substance of
the vote in substantially the same language and form in which it was stated when
presented by the Moderator to the Town Meeting, as appears in the records of the Clerk
of the meeting) "?
Article 3
ELECTED OFFICERS AND BOARDS
Section 3 -1: General Provisions
The offic by the voters shall be the Board of Selectmen, School
Committe , oard of Assessors, 'Board of Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board,
Moderator, cations]- Sehootite-p�resentative and such members of regional authorities
or districts as may be established by statute, interlocal agreement or otherwise.
Only a registered voter of the Town shall be eligible to hold any elective town
office, but no person holding any elective Town office shall simultaneously hold any
other elective Town office except that of Town Meeting Member.
[Amended November 15, 2004 (Article 16) and approved by vote of the Town on April 5, 20051
Elected Town Officers shall receive no compensation unless specifically voted by
Town Meeting.
Notwithstanding their election by the voters, the Town Officers named in this
Article shall be subject to the call of the Board of Selectmen at all reasonable times for
consultation, conference and discussion on any matter relating to their respective offices.
Section 3 -2: Board of Selectmen
There shall be a Board of Selectmen consisting of five (5) members elected for
three (3) year terms so arranged that as nearly an equal number of terms as possible shall
expire each year.
The executive powers of the Town shall be vested in the Board of Selectmen. The
Board of Selectmen shall have all of the powers and duties given to Boards of Selectmen
under the Constitution and General Laws of the Commonwealth, and such additional
powers and duties as may be authorized by the Charter, by bylaw, or by other Town
Meeting vote.
The Board of Selectmen shall cause the laws and orders for the government of the
Town to be enforced and shall cause a record of all its official acts to be kept. To
administer its policies and aid the Board in its official duties, the Board of Selectmen
Reading Home Rule Charter 8 With all revisions through April, 2012
Section 3 -6: Board of Assessors-
_____ There -shall be a Board of Assessors consisting of three (3) members elected for
three (3) year terms so arranged that one (1) term shall expire each year.
The Board of Assessors may appoint property appraisers and shall have all the
powers and duties given to Boards of Assessors by the Law of the Commonwealth not
inconsistent with this Charter.
[Amended November 30, 1989 (Article 36) and approved by vote of the Town on March 19, 1990]
Section 3 -7: Moderator
There shall be a Moderator elected for a one (1) year term. The Moderator, as
provided in Article 2, Section 2 -8, shall be an ex officio representative Town Meeting
Member and shall preside and regulate the proceedings at all sessions of the Town
Meeting. He shall have all of the powers and duties given to Moderators under the
Constitution and General Laws of the Commonwealth, and such additional powers and
duties as may be authorized by the Charter, by bylaw, or by other Town Meeting vote.
The Town Moderator shall not simultaneously serve as an elected Town Meeting
Member or in any other elected municipal office in the Town.
Article 4
APPOINTED BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Section 4 -1: Community Plannin¢ and Development Commission
There shall be a Community Planning and Development Commission consisting
of five (5) members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three (3) year terms so
arranged that as nearly an equal number of terms as possible shall expire each year.
The Community Planning and Development Commission shall make studies and
prepare plans concerning the resources, developmental potential and needs of the Town.
The Community Planning and Development Commission shall report annually to the
Town giving information regarding the physical condition of the Town, and any plans or
proposals known to it affecting the resources, physical development and needs of the
Town.
/Amended November 15, 2004 (Article 16) and approved by vote of the Town on April 5, 20051
The Community Planning and Development Commission shall have the power to
regulate the subdivision of land within the Town by the adoption of Rules and
Regulations governing such development. The Community Planning and Development
Commission shall have all of the powers and duties given to Planning Boards, Boards of
Survey and Industrial Development Commissions under the Constitution and General
Laws of the Commonwealth, and such additional powers and duties as may be authorized
by the Charter, by bylaw, or by other Town Meeting vote.
Section 4 -2: Board of Health
There shall be a Board of Health consisting of three (3) members appointed by the
Selectmen for three (3) year terms so arranged that one (1) term shall expire each year.
Reading Home Rule Charter 11 With all revisions through April, 2012
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