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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-06-11 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting Minutes3 ADJOURNED SESSION ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School June 11, 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. Frederick E. Emrich of the Church of the Good Shepherd, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 30. On motion of Douglas A. Cowell it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Twenty -seven Dollars ($127.00) be transferred from the Water Department Expense Account and that the sum of Eight Hundred Thousand Four Hundred Ninety Dollars ($800,490.00) be raised from the tax levy and said sums totalling Eight Hundred Thousand Six Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($800,617.00) be appropriated for th 3 Board of Public Works as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Salaries for construction, maintenance and operation of water works Energy expenses for construction, maintenance and operation of water works Non - energy related expenses for construction, maintenance and operation of water works (including travel outside the state not to exceed $300.00) Totalling ARTICLE 30. On motion of Gail F. Wood it was voted that Thirty -five Thousand Two Hundred Ninety Dollars ($135,290.00) be and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows, each ii separate appropriation: Salaries for sewer maintenance Expenses - electricity for sewer maintenance Expenses - non energy related for sewer maintenance Totalling $321,177.00 $135,045.00 $344,395.00 $800,617.00 the sum of One Hundred raised from the tax levy am being considered as a $ 81,508.00 $ 10,900.00 $ 42,882.00 $135,290.00 ARTICLE 30. On motion of Don B. DeHart it was voted that the sum of Three Hundred Thirty -four Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty -eight Dollars ($334,968.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Expenses for rubbish collection and disposal $288,803.00 Salaries for sanitary landfill and recycling $ 25,650,00 Expenses for sanitary landfill and recycling $ 20,515.00 Totalling $334,968.00 ARTICLE 30. On motion of Douglass L. Barker it was voted that the sum of Twenty - five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for drain construction, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 30. On motion of Don B. DeHart it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Ten Dollars ($1,310.00) be transferred from Colonial Drive Extension Expense Account, and that the sum of Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($420.00) be transferred from Francis Drive Expense Account, and that the sum of One Hundred Thirty Dollars ($130.00) be transferred from Track Road Expense Account and that the sum of Eight Hundred Five Dollars ($805.00) be transferred from Pasture Road Expense Account and the sum of Eighty -eight Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty -five Dollars ($88,635.00) be raised from the tax levy and said sums totalling Ninety -one Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($91,300.00) be appropriated for the purpose of improving and reconstructing Town public ways, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. Motion by Richard H. Coco to "move the previous question" during debate on this matter was voted in the affirmative. r Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 11, 1981 Motion by John W. Price, move we waive th? rules for the purpose of revoking the "moving ' of evious question" was voted in the affirmative. Motion by John W. Price, "move that we revoke our motion to move the previous question" was voted in the affirmative. The above motion as originally presented by Mr. DeHart was voted in the affirmative. The following substitute motions were presented as substitutes to Mr. DeHart's original motion. All were voted in the negative. Paul T. Metcalf moved that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Ten Dollars ($1,310.00) be transferred from Colonial Drive Extension Expense Account, and that the sum of Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($420.00) be transferred from Francis Drive Expense Account and that the sum of One Hundred Thirty Dollars ($130.00) be transferred from Track Road Expense Account and that the sum of Eight Hundred Five Dollars ($805.00) be transferred from Pasture Road Expense Account and the sum of Two Hundred Twenty -two Thousand Three Hundred Thirty -five Dollars ($222,335.00) be raised from the tax levy and said sums totalling Two Hundred Twenty -five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) be appropriated for the purpose of improving and reconstructing Town public ways, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. Gail F. Wood moved to amend motion under Article 30, line item 173 to read: That the sum of Two Hundred Twenty -five Thousand Dollars ($225,000.00) be transferred from free cash and appropriated for the purpose of improving and reconstructing Town public ways, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. Carl H. Amon, Jr. moved that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Ten Dollars ($1,310.00) be transferred from Colonial Drive Extension Expense Account, and that the sum of Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($420.00) be transferred from Francis Drive Expense Account and that the sum of One Hundred Thirty Dollars ($130.00) be transferred from Track Road Expense Account and that the sum of Eight Hundred Five Dollars ($805.00) be transferred from Pasture Road Expense Account and the sum of One Hundred Thirty -four Thousand Dollars ($134,000.00) be transferred from free cash, and the sum of Eighty -eight Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty -five Dollars ($88,635.00) be raised from the tax levy and %MO said sums totalling Two Hundred Twenty -five Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($225,300.00) be appropriated for the purpose of improving and reconstructing Town public ways, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 30. On motion of John L. Fallon, Jr. it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Seventy -nine Dollars ($279.00) be transferred from the Board of Public Works New Equipment Account and that the sum of Fifty -five Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty -one Dollars ($55,721.00) be raised from the tax levy and said sums totalling Fifty -six Thousand Dollars ($56,000.00) be appropriated for the purchase or lease by the Board of Public Works of the following: Two (2) sand spreaders One (1) tractor loader One (1) truck G.V.W. 25,000 lbs. and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is authorized and empowered to sell, or transfer, or exchange upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, Two (2) Anderson sand spreaders One (1) 1964 Case 430 tractor loader One (1) 1969 Chevrolet truck and the proceeds from such sales, exchanges or transfers are to be appropriated in addition to aforementioned Fifty -six Thousand Dollars ($56,000.00) for the purchase or lease of the aforesaid equipment such sums to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 30. On motion of Gail F. Wood it was voted that the sum of Twenty -two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of maintaining, improving and constructing facilities in the Parks and Playgrounds, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. ARTICLE 30. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Seventy - five Thousand Five Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($75,519) be transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account and that the sum of One Hundred Twenty -nine Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty -four Dollars ($129,864) be transferred from Casualty Insurance and that the sum of One Hundred Forty -one Thousand One Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($141,117) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Three 340 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 11, 1981 Hundred Forty -six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($346,500) be appropriated for all insurance except Group Insurance for Town Employees and that said sum to be expended by and under the Board of Selectmen. ARTICLE 30.On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500) be raised from the tax levy and expended for Insurance Deductible Clause Expense. ARTICLE 30.On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Fifty -six Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty -two Dollars ($56,722) be transferred from the Municipal Light Operating and Maintenance Account and that the sum of Four Hundred Sixty -five Thousand Six Hundred Twenty -one Dollars ($465,621) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Five Hundred Twenty -two Thousand Three Hundred Forty -three Dollars ($522,343) be appropriated for group life insurance, group accidental health and dismemberment insurance for Town employees in accordance with Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General Laws, and that said sum be under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. ARTICLE 30.On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Three Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($203,100.00) be transferred from the Municipal Light Operating and Maintenance Account and the sum of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Fifty -three Dollars ($12,553.00) be transferred from Receipts Reserved for appropriation and Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) be transferred from the pension fund and Six Hundred Eighty -four Thousand Three Hundred Thirty -nine Dollars ($684,339.00) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Nine Hundred Fourteen Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety -two Dollars ($914,992.00) be appropriated to the Contributory Retirement System as itemized, in accordance with the provisions of Section 22 -7 of Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws: Pension Fund Expense Fund $896,040.00 18 952.00 914,992,00 ARTICLE 30.On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Forty -four Thousand Six Hundred Eight Dollars ($44,608) be transferred from the Municipal Light Operating and Maintenance Account and that the sum of Ninety -nine Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($99,580) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling One Hundred Forty -four Thousand One Hundred Eighty -eight Dollars ($144,188) be appropriated for non - contributory pensions and annuities. ARTICLE 30.On motion of Maureen T. five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) be raised Unemployment Compensation. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Seventy - from the tax levy and appropriated for ARTICLE 30.On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the sum of Seventy -six Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty -six Dollars ($76,756.00) be transferred from Sale of Real Estate and that the sum of One Million Five Hundred Twenty -one Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty -six Dollars ($1,521,786.00) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling One Million Five Hundred Ninety -eight Thousand Five Hundred Forty -two Dollars ($1,598,542.00) be appropriated for maturing debt and interest as follows: Water Sewer Misc. (D.P.W.) Schools Anticipated Loans TOTAL PRINCIPAL INTEREST $ 90,000. $ 5,782. 530,000. 151,605. 85,000. 42,945. 455 000. 1,160,000. 203,210 $403,542. $35,000. $1,598,542. ARTICLE 30.On motion of Mary S. Ziegler it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Seventy -five Thousand Dollars ($175,000) be transferred from the Overlay Reserve and that the sum of Twenty -five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums totalling Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) be appropriated to the Reserve Fund. ARTICLE 31. On motion of Robert I. Nordstrand it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Assessors to contract with a private outside firm to conduct a town -wide revaluation of all real estate, personal property and utilities as mandated by the Courts and enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, and that the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for such revaluation. 341 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 11, 1981 ARTICLE 32. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the sum of Twelve Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($12,600) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for members of the Police Department. ARTICLE 33.On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($5,300) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for members of the Fire Department. ARTICLE 34.On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 34 be indefinitely postponed. r... ARTICLE 35. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Police and Fire Indemnification. ARTICLE 36. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that Article 36 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 37. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the sum of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated to the Fire Department for the purpose of purchasing a cab for and refurbishing the Fire Department Ladder Truck. ARTICLE 38. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell or exchange or dispose of upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, one car in use by the Police Department, and that the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of a new Police car for the Police Department. ARTICLE 39. On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted that the Town raise from the tax levy and appropriate $8,500.00 for the purpose of engaging a consultant to assess the computer needs of the Town and to prepare a request for proposal for equipment to address those needs. ARTICLE 40. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 40 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 41. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 41 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 42. On motion of Maureen T. O'Brien it was voted that Article 42 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 43. On motion of John W. Price it was voted that Article 43 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 44. John W. Price moved that the Town establish a sticker parkin program for on street parking and that the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars (2,500) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for expenses for the parking program, said money to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. On motion of George A. Theophanis it was voted that Article 44 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 45. On motion of John L. Fallon, Jr., it was voted that Article 45 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 48.On motion of William C. Brown it was voted that Article 48 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 2. On motion of John W. Price it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report presented by James R. Campbell for the Study and Fact Finding Committee was accepted as a final report. FINAL REPORT OF THE STUDY AND FACT FINDING COMMITTEE This is the final report of the Study and Fact Finding Committee which was established by a vote of the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 1980. It was moved at that time that this committee report back to the Annual Town Meeting with recornmendations concerning the establishment of a Recreation, Parks and Playground Com mission. 342 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting June 11, 1981 After much deliberation, it is the consensus of this committee that there is no need for a separate Recreation, Parks and Playground Commission at this time, however, we do feel there are problems that need attention. In reviewing the possibility of such a commission, this committee studied the pros and cons of the issue. Among the people who presented information to this study were Mr. Rosenthal, who originally presented this concept in November 1980; Mr. Pacino, from the Recreation Committee; Mr. Louanis and Mr. Dickey representing the Board of Public Works. Taking into consideration all the information at our disposal, it was the unanimous decision of this committee that due to the present economic climate, the duplication of equipment and personnel, and other costs which would be involved in the establishment of this commission would not be in the best interest of the Town of Reading at this time. It is also felt that the volunteer force, a valued resource of our community, can still be utilized effectively. In conclusion, there are three main issues of concern. Maintenance, scheduling, and, above all, communications. It is the recommendation of this committee that by improving communications between the respective boards - the Board of Public Works - Recreation Committee - and the School Committee - would help to alleviate the problems faced in maintenance and scheduling. It is further recommended that the above boards enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement. After careful deliberation, it is felt that this Agreement be set up in such a way as to initiate smooth scheduling of all playing fields, while aiding the concerned boards in the scheduling of maintenance, thereby leading to the improvement of our Recreational facilities and their availability to all the citizens of Reading. Copies of this report have been forwarded to the above mentioned Boards. Respectfully submitted James Campbell - Citizen Clifford Allen- Citizen Sally Hoyt - Conservation Commission Douglas Barker - Board of Public Works Richard Coco - School Committee Donald Pierce - Recreation Committee ARTICLE 2. The following report presented by Lawrence Drew was accepted as a report of progress. REPORT OF TOWN CLERK RELATIVE TO BALLOT COUNTING EQUIPMENT This office was advised by Addison - Wesley Publishing Co., in March, 1980, that the equipment used to count our ballots was being turned in early in 1982. On March 23, 1981, this position was again confirmed, that it was presently planned to turn in this equipment in January, 1982; thus Addison - Wesley would no longer be able to assist the Town of Reading in the counting of our ballots. Consequently, commencing with the 1982 Town election, the Town of Reading must take steps to find another source for counting its ballots. To date I have taken the following actions: (1) Tried to find other sources available for counting. (2) Surveyed other types of equipment that might be available. (3) Advised the Finance Committee in July, 1980, and requested that an item be included in the 1980 Capital Outlay Program for the purchase of equipment. (4) Met with officials at Addison - Wesley to see if there was any conversion possible that would allow their new equipment to be adapted to count our ballots. (5) Worked with Data Processing Committee. (6) Worked with Board of Public Works to see if their equipment could be used. (7) Worked with Secretary of State, Election Division I am in no position at this time to provide conclusions or recommendations, as I am scheduled on June 30, 1981, to review the equipment designed and manufactured for this purpose. I have invited the Finance Committee Chairman and others to watch this demonstration. If this equipment appears feasible, it is less expensive, over all, than most we have looked at and this, with other procedures I may be able to implement, may make it possible to completely pay for this equipment in a 3 to 4 year period. The Board of Public Works allowed us to work with their equipment, helped us to research software and hardware sources, as have members of the Finance Committee, Selectmen, Treasurer, School Department, Town Accountant, etc. I deeply appreciate all of their help. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting This report is simply to apprise this body that: June 11, 1981 0043 (1) A problem exists. (2) We are attempting to resolve it. (3) We will resolve it. (4) It is anticipated that a solution will be reached in 30 to 60 days. (5) A solution must be reached in time to complete preparations for the next Town election. Lawrence Drew Town Clerk On motion of John W. Price it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting adjourned at 11:50 P. M. 135 Town Meeting members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OCTOBER 19, 1981 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss. To either of the constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading qualified to vote in elections and town affairs to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road in said Reading, on Monday, October 19, 1981, at eight o'clock in the evening to act on the following articles: ARTICLE 1. To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, Board of Assessors, Board of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Planning Board, and any other Board or Special Committees. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 2. To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3. To see what sum the Town will vote to raise from the tax levy, borrow, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate into the stabilization fund as authorized under G. L. Ch. 40, Sec. 5B or take any other action with respect thereto. Treasurer And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least three (3) public places in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to October 19, 1981, the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town or by mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the time of holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this 1st day of October, 1981. John W. Price Maureen T. O'Brien Marvin M. Rosenthal SELECTMEN OF READING