HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-04-13 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting Minutes304
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 1981
FIRST BUSINESS SESSION
Reading Memorial High School April 13, 1981
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, John W. Faria, at 8:00 P.M., there
being a quorum present.
The invocation was given by the Rev. David W. Reid of the First Baptist Church,
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The oath of office was administered to the newly elected Town Meeting members by
the Moderator.
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, when on motion of John W. Price it
was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant except the Officer's Return which
was then read by the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE 2. The following State of the Town address was presented by John W. Price,
and was accepted as a report of Progress.
State of the Town
In accordance with the Town By -Laws the following report is submitted by the Board
of Selectmen on the State of the Town.
1980 was an eventful year for Reading, one in which there were many
accomplishments, some of which will have long and lasting beneficial effects. There were
also some disappointments.
One important element in the State of a Town is its financial condition. The financial
condition of a municipality is best determined by its capacity to raise money for services
provided by government. With the passage of Proposition 2%z the Boards of the Town are
faced with the unprecedented problem of major reorganization of the Town's fiscal system
and policies. It is assumed this formidable task will occupy and guide many of their actions
this current year.
The Town faced a multitude of problems including housing, the environment, human
services, personnel, federal grants, energy, insurance and licensing.
The Town finally saw the successful conclusion of the opening of Cedar Glen on North
Main Street. This complex provides 114 units of elderly housing. The Horizon Homes, Inc.
are in the process of a comprehensive permit hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals to
construct more units in the Town.
The Selectmen also continued their focus on aid to the elderly and disadvantaged by
once again establishing the emergency fuel program. In addition to Federal and State aid
the Board has worked closely with the Reading Council of Churches who have made a major
commitment to the fuel program.
Through a second grant amounting to $15,565 the Senior Citizen's Center at the
Community Center was completed with a parking lot, portico and outside lighting.
Through a grant from the State Department of Energy the Board of Selectmen, Light
Department and the Board of Public Works initiated a major energy study of all buildings
under their respective jurisdiction. The recommendations of these studies are being
implemented this current year. Considerable savings in energy costs are expected. There
will be more information on this during this meeting.
This year also saw the phasing out of the CETA program from which the Town has
received over a million dollars in services since 1973.
This past year also saw the issuing of a final license to Continental Cable Vision and it
is expected the system will be operational some time in the late 1981.
The Board of Selectmen renewed the establishment of two committees this past year.
One being the Industrial Development Commission and the other the Data Processing
Committee.
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Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 13, 1981
The Industrial Development Commission will direct a major part of its efforts in
determining the future use of the Town's largest industrial zoned property at the Reading
Dump Site. The Data Processing Committee is made up of either members of Boards, or
their appointees, to work toward a solution of automating the Town for the best return for
its Capital.
The year also saw the establishment of an Arts Council consisting of representatives
from Reading's many art organizations. It is expected the Council will receive funding from
the newly created Massachusetts Arts Lottery.
The Town granted its first restaurant liquor license this past year.
The Selectmen implemented the findings of the Fire Station Study Committee through
renovation and repair to the floor of the Central Fire Station on Pleasant Street. The work
will allow the use of new equipment to be housed there.
The Town's expansion of its water treatment facilities progressed with the
authorization of Town Meeting to proceed with the $2.5 million program. It is expected the
project will be underway by late spring.
The Town is entering its second year of a two year labor contract.
The Town with the help of citizen groups, Federal and State agencies, was made a part
of the consent agreement between Mark Phillip Realty Trust, The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and the City ofWoburn. Efforts in this area will continue to try and resolve
this problem.
As we look to the future, we have the same old problems that are still with us for
which solutions must be found:
Space for Town Government
Space for Public Resource Center
These space problems must constantly be re- examined and where it seems feasible, brought
before this body for your consideration.
Although we will face some difficult decisions in our efforts to maintain the quality of
life we all strive for, within a budget we can afford, the future is very promising.
In closing I would like to say that the greatest asset we have is the traditional high
quality of those persons who serve this Town. As Selectmen we come in contact with most
of those engaged in the business of Town government and with many of the Town employees.
We believe that no other community is better served than is ours and we have been unusually
fortunate in the Town's ability to attract talented and dedicated people to serve. In order to
be able to continue to function as a government and to continue to return full value to the
citizen we must continue to attract capable people to government.
ARTICLE 2. Mr. John W. Price requested permission for Mr. Michael J. Barrett,
Representative to the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to
address the body on "Proposition 2yz". Vote was unamimous.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of John W. Price it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
On motion of John W. Price it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until after
completion of the Special Town Meeting scheduled for this period.
Meeting adjourned at 8:29 P. M.
A true copy. Attest:
awrence Drew
Town Clerk