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Home My WebLink About2014-09-23 Board of Selectmen HandoutDRAFT MOTIONS BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 Arena, West, Ensminger, Halsey, Sexton LeLacheur Move to go into Executive Session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, and that the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the body and to reconvene in Open Session at 7:00 p.m. JA _ MW _ DE _ JH _ KS 5b) Move that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing amending the Town Forest Committee Rules and Regulations. Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the Town Forest Committee Rules and Regulations as amended. 5c) Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the order of taking of water easements at 87 and 93 Belmont Street. 5d) Move that the Board of Selectmen close the Warrant consisting of Articles for the 2014 Subsequent Town Meeting to take place on November 10, 2014 at the Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road. 5e) Move that the Board of Selectmen close the Warrant for the 2014 November Election. 5f) Move that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on the request for early opening for Cumberland Farms, 303 Salem Street. Move that the Board of Selectmen approve a license to operate a retail business between the hours of midnight and 6:00 am pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Reading General Bylaw and further pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Board of Selectmen Policies to Cumberland Farms, 303 Salem Street, subject to the following conditions: 1. This license is for approval, pursuant to the Board of Selectmen regulation 3.9, to open for business not earlier that 5:00 am on Monday through Friday, and not earlier than 6:00 am on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. 2. This approval expires at midnight, December 31, 2014; 3. All signs shall conform to the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Reading; In granting this license the Board finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, or that public necessity or convenience will be served by permitting such operation; and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. 5g) Move that under Selectmen's Policy 3.2.7.4 that the Licensing Authority hereby appoints the Deputy Chief of Police as an additional agent of the Licensing Authority to insure that the policies of the Licensing Authority and the Massachusetts State Laws regarding Alcoholic Beverage Licensing are adhered to by all licensees. 5h) Move that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $1,000,000 Bond Anticipation Notes, (the "Note ") of the Town authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7 of the Mass General Laws, as amended and supplemented, and by votes of the Town duly adopted, be and hereby is ratified, approved and adopted; That the Note shall be dated as of September 26, 2014, shall mature on February 6, 2015, shall bear interest due at maturity, and shall not be subject to redemption prior to its stated maturity; That the Note shall bear interest and is hereby sold and awarded as follows: Purchaser Amount Int. Rate Premium Century Bank $1,000,000 0.4192% $3,000.00 That the Town Treasurer is authorized to deliver the Note to purchaser and that the Board of Selectmen, the Treasurer and the Town Clerk be and hereby are authorized to take action to execute and deliver all documents related to the Sale. (Q?/ 5i) Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the change of dba for Brooks Brew and Fine Wines, LLC to The Wine Shop and More. 6a) Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of September 2, 2014 as amended. Move that the Board of Selectmen adjourn the meeting at p.m. 0 Schena, Paula From: John Arena at Home Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 9:13 PM To: Schena, Paula; LeLacheur, Bob Subject: Re: Minutes of 9/2/14 Paula - sorry - A few more minutes changes - Page 4 paragraph 9: "John Arena asked if there was a viewing of similar sales on the tape, to evaluate whether the behavior of checking for ID's was apparent, while recognizing no assessment of age could be made. Lt. Detective Abate indicated that yes, other sales were visible on the video record without ID being shown, but that those sales were not part of the current complaint" Page 5 paragraph 3: "John Arena indicated that the board might make up its own mind regards a fact pattern being present, as including tips received, there were multiple incidents reported and multiple incidents. He feels that if there were multiple instances reported it is reasonable to observe that these are part of a much large number of ongoing instances" On Sun, Sep 21, 2014 at 6:27 PM, John Arena <johnjarena&gmail.com> wrote: Hi Paula - a couple of corrections in the minutes of 9/1/14- paragraph 1... John Arena noted he serves as BOS rep on the RMS naming committee. That group met over the spring/summer and determined the current naming policy as given the group was inadequate to provide guidance to the applicants or the Committee charged with reviewing applications for naming facilities. The Committee offered to take a pass at writing an alternative 'Distinguished Service Award" policy focused on nomination and review of exceptional school staff, separate and distinct from facilities naming. The alternative policy has since been presented to the School Committee and approved. The RMS naming group offered to continue on to re- develop the facilities naming policy which would dovetail with the Distinguished Service Award. The exceptional staff policy would be a useful framework with which to start when develop a complementary town policy on memorializing exceptional town staff, and a foundation to any town policy on naming facilities or buildings. thanks for all you do! John 0 0� OF RFq�/ He y - � e Office of the Town Manager os�9'INCORp0 0 � 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 To: Board of Selectmen From: Robert W. Lelacheur, Jr. CFA Date: September 23, 2014 RE: September 23`d BOS Meeting 781 - 942 -9043 townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us www.readingma.gov /town - manager Agenda Items At 6pm the Board will meet in Executive Session in the Town Hall Conference Room to discuss real estate issues. Open session will begin at 7:00pm in the Selectmen's meeting Room. The Climate Advisory Committee will be in to give a presentation (a copy is enclosed in your packet) that updates the Board and the community on their work. The Board has previously seen the CAC's Adaptation Report, which is available on the website: http: / /www.readingma.gov/ sites /readingma /files /file /file /reading climate adaptation report- 2014 O.pdf The CAC have been working diligently and successfully to secure a free paper recycling pickup for the area behind the CVS parking lot. Planning staff have joined me in trying to figure out a location for a dumpster that would a) not take away parking spaces; b) be close enough to the stores to be actually used; and c) not add to the somewhat unattractive nature of the multitude of existing rubbish and recycling containers currently in the lot or close nearby. Note that it will not fit at the inside space at the M.F. Charles building. Suggestions most welcome! DPW Director Jeff Zager and the Town Forest Committee will be in with a draft new set of Rules and Regulations. Please note that Town Counsel has opined that a clause dealing with fines is outside of the purview of the Town Forest Committee, but otherwise the draft items are legally sound. Town Engineer George Zambouras will be in to review an Order of Taking at 87 and 93 Belmont Street for the purpose of Water Easements. Please see a memo in your packet summarizing the situation. We have two 60+ page documents (one for each property) that go into great detail but each end up in the $200 range for value that are not in your packet — please let me know if you would like electronic copies. You will next be closing the Warrant for November Town Meeting, consisting of nine (9) Articles. I expect us to take two or three nights for Town Meeting, as the Zoning Advisory Committee's work will be front and center. In addition, the last Article concerning a new Summer Avenue Historic District is sure to generate some discussion. The Bylaw Committee has deferred a suggested Permanent Building Committee discussion until the Special Town Meeting on January 5, 2015 — where we will also plan to discuss Charter changes. Cumberland Farms is in with a request for an early opening at 303 Salem Street — changing from 6am to Sam. Neighbors have been noticed for this Hearing, and planning staff's suggestion is that all delivery or September 2, 2014 Board of Selectmen trash pick -up procedures be done as they are presently and not be allowed any earlier for the benefit of the residential neighborhood. The Board of Selectmen's Policy 3.2.7.4 acknowledges several Police positions as agents for the purpose of Liquor License Authority, The Board is requested to add the newly created position of Deputy Chief to this list of agents: http• / /www readingma.gov/ sites /readingma /files /file /file /bos policy article 3 - licenses O.pdf. We recently sold a $1 million Bond Anticipation Note proposed to cover a portion of the local share of the West Street project, and request that the Board approve of the sale. I will give the Board a brief overview of our financing plans — including selling debt for the Library project and the impact on tax bills. The Wine Shop on Main Street is requesting that the Board approve a name change. The ABCC does suggest that such a request come to the Board for approval. As the only change is the name, I suggest the Board approve the request. The applicant will next be in front of the Board in late November at renewal time. The Board recently approved a liquor license transfer for this business. After a few working group sessions held on September 16tH, the Board will see a summary of their prioritization of FY15 Goals, as well as a rearrangement of staffing of the working groups. Selectmen John Arena and John Halsey devised a different way to present these goals which I think is quite effective. I will devise a way to combine the new approach with the draft goal document in your packet and present that on Tuesday night for your approval. Finally Chair John Arena requests time on the agenda at the end of the meeting to discuss the format and process of reviewing the Town Manager. A draft suggested format is attached. Annually the best time for this review process is in the September /October time frame where the Board has reasonable time to digest the Town's performance on past fiscal year Goals, and any suggested improvements have the majority of the remaining current fiscal year to be implemented. The next meeting for the Board will be at the Special Town Meeting on Monday, September 29th at the RMHS Performing Arts Center at 7:30pm. Following that the Board will have two October meetings on the 14th and 28th, and then due to the Subsequent Town Meeting only one scheduled November meeting on the 18tH In your packet tonight please find an outline of a program that I attended along with Jean Delios at Clark University in Worcester on Monday on the advice of Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash. Several area leaders were in attendance concerning All America Cities — which Chelsea won for the second time this summer. The program is available to any community even those starting in a good place as opposed to coming out of receivership, as Chelsea did the first time. I don't think formal participation is possible at this time by the process was very similar to some of the community visioning and planning we are doing for Reading 2020. If you see a film crew in the area, "Amish Renogades" will be shooting some scenes at a residence in Town doing some home renovations. V September 2, 2014 Board of Selectmen Lastly — but significantly - some very exciting news on three grants the Town was awarded since last Friday: (a) $625,000 over 5 years from a federal grant (SAMHSA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy) for RCASA; (b) $100,000 over 2 years from a federal grant (SAMHSA) to certify 584 school educators & support staff, first responders, youth workers and faith leaders in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health First Aid I Reading; and (c) $1,261,645 over 5 years from a federal grant (US Department of Education) for Reading Public Schools in collaboration with local community providers and local government and state agencies to implement full - service high quality multi- tiered system of supports for all students pre K —12 (school climate & behavioral outcome). September 2, 2014 Board of Selectmen 0 LeLacheur, Bob Subject: Chelsea All- America City Location: Worcester /Clark Start: Mon 9/22/2014 7:30 AM End: Mon 9/22/2014 1:00 PM Recurrence: (none) Organizer: LeLacheur, Bob Dear Community Stakeholder: It was the highlight of my professional career. For twenty years, I dreamed of the day that I'd hear "and the All-America City is ... Chelsea, Massachusetts!" Sure enough, it happened in 1998. 1 think the second time, though, this past June, was even sweeter because I had learned so much more about what being an All-America City actually meant after the first time that I became even more thrilled to know that my Chelsea had continued achieving to be so honored once again. So, what was it that I learned and how did Chelsea succeed not once, but twice? Well, I could tell you in this communication, but then you might not join us for a look at what the All-America City process is at the forum I am pleased to co -host with the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Clark University and, of course, the National Civic League on Monday, September 22nd. At Clark University in Worcester, MA, we'll spend the morning hearing from previous All-America Cities about two very timely topics, childhood literacy and neighborhood revitalization, and we'll talk some about the All-America City experience. I can send this generic letter because I've traveled to many New England cities and towns and talked to many mayors and managers, councilors and selectpersons, and community development types from municipalities, community based organizations and chambers of commerce. I've seen in many who are receiving this letter the qualities and characteristics that say "All-America City" and, quite frankly, I'm glad several of you weren't competing in 1998 and 2014 when we were fortunate to be one of the ten communities those years that had their community's achievements recognized and celebrated. So, I invite you to contribute more to the idea sharing that is taking place among communities on issues of importance and learn if your innovative and inclusive community has promoted the type of civic engagement and cross sector collaboration that has successfully addressed pressing local challenges. Please register forthwith, or consider who in your community should attend our Northeast ACHIEVE Forum. Follow this link to learn more, and certainly invite as many as you'd wish to join us for what will be an informative morning in Worcester. https• / /www eventbrite cbm /e /all - america -city- regional- achieve - forum - tickets- 12627708817 Thanks for considering joining your fellow New England communities. I hope your attendance will be the start of your journey to sometime soon hear your community's name completing the exhilarating line "and the All-America City is... ". Cheers, 1 Jay Ash, City Manager City of Chelsea, MA All- America City 1998, 2014 Jay Ash City Manager, Chelsea 500 Broadway Chelsea, MA 02150 v - 617- 466 -4100 f - 617- 466 -4105 ii Amish Renogades Now Casting! : About Us: Home & Garden Television Speed -Up Vintage Urban Oar 2014 Cool Kitdren K6dren http: / /www.hgtv.com/ about -us /amish - renogades- now- casting/index.htmi 1101, HGTVRwno4NS xotVGard•ns NCM[irx•a000r ryNMw M6N PrOOad[ HGiVMa9axine w l,how Loq lnw Jwn Haw G 1 of 2 OONT Nt55'. NGN Vrban Oasis Cdor Vs. Color ri i, io s.1 fun Egsaeea NawiM[rees Search HGN.— Q Rooms - Decorating - Outdoors - Photos - HGN Dream Home - Blog - N - Shop - a ?mom Ur.. aces uow casx„g • � � �' /, e�cryt�� Amish Renogades Now Casting! row • n A r -; • i -age E -Mall r.r, It n.[ ^.re cn `xe.::c: Llk• vs When it comas to building and construction, the Anirsh are renowned the vyoM over for their craftsmanship and atterton to detail. Budd you dony We in Ohie or PennayNania, chances of you getling an Amish new for your next reno are almost nil, until nowt Robert and Albert, two Amish master craftsman from the hit series Vanilla Icw Goes Amish, are tinting the road aM taking on renovation projeds across the mulnry. They are ready to anplom the counVy aM to bnng their expemso and their tried -old- tested techniques into your home! Please apply ONLY if you rased, in New York City or a suburb within a 45 rule drive of Manhattan. VJe are not mnsdenng other bcatiens at tNa time Whether it's a renovating your master bedroom, ueaVng a playroom for your growing nods or overhauling Met overgrown oundout space and turning it into the patio of your drew, everyone has a space in Moir home Mat they've vAshed they muld make ad, something mom_ HGN Inspiration Newsletter Create your unique, personal style veldt advice and inspiration from HGN E -Mail Address: If ymV, been meaning to get to 'hat project' and are rooted at Me prospect of having two Amsh Videos You Like l[mmdM— by Tare,le ggsnm, take on the challenge, we want to hear from yoal The cost ofrtvavafions wig be fully mused by kodudpn enter the resat budget We're lcolong for homeowners who meet the following criteria: . Own your house & reside xittin one of the spedfied locations • Have an identified possibe renovation (you( reno mslfNat can be at any stage, including re-demo) . Be willing to allow our team of experienced designers aM twildem to take the reigns on his nano • Be fun & eou —ned people, ready am o t,d to be on television! • Be able to take a muple of days off w *to film the show If yin d Ike to apply, please set an email ASAP answering Me following quesbom to ftenngadesiasling16Jylrab e orzl. • Nano(s), address and mnlad infomlation induding phone nunrtam and anal. • Tell us a tit about yourseft aM your famly. Do you have children? Whet do you do for a Wing? How long have you lived in this he—' Any fun quirky fe is, hobbies, and such are ahvays helpful! • Bnefty desonM the possible mnovatiom in your ho— (if any of the projects were already stoned, please explain the stage of the renovation) • laAO' do you want this renovation? • We are open to a wide vanety of Mme mroxidons, so please feel free to present us with nuMple, options. Go to all Be On HGN lis Hr> Ideas for You... Urban Oasis 2014h 90 seconds Low"'I Speed -Up Vintage Urban Oar 2014 Cool Kitdren K6dren From rho, Web - 411 be 9/23/2014 11:40 AM New Grant Awards as of 9/23/14 Funder: Federal, SAMHSA & White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Recipient: Town of Reading /RCASA Partners: School, RCASA, Police, Town, Community Name: Drug Free Communities Grant Amount: $125,000 per year x 5 years Match required: Yes Timeline: 10 /1/14- 9 /29/19 V Drug Free Communities Abstract The Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse was awarded a FY 2014 Drug -Free Communities Support Program grant in the amount of $125,000 by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Coalition serves Reading, MA, a community of 24,747. The goals of the coalition are to establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use. The coalition will achieve its goals by implementing these strategies: 1) Reduce barriers for underrepresented individuals to participate in the coalition. 2) Train Leaders in the Strategic Prevention Framework and Environmental Strategies. 3) Provide opportunities for Leaders to apply skills learned at training. 4) Enhance staff and Board's capacity to build the coalition's financial infrastructure. 5) Increase access to culturally and therapeutically diverse pain management sites. 6) Provide an easy access point for residents to turn in unwanted medications 24/7. 7) Increase skill - building opportunities for students in grades 6 -12 on prescription drug and underage drinking prevention. 8) Improve local medication safety and prescription drug based monitoring practices 9) Improve Educators, School Specialists, Clergy and Youth Workers ability to address youth that are in crisis and /or under the influence of prescription drugs 10) Reduce youth access to alcohol through enhanced Alcohol Compliance Program. 11) Enhance parental monitoring of adolescents in grades 6 -12 12) Provide disincentives to use alcohol on Reading Memorial High School grounds. New Grant Awards as of 9/23/14 Funder: Federal, SAMHSA Recipient: Reading Public Schools Partners: School, RCASA, Police, Town, Community Name: Now is the Time" Project AWARE Local Educational A enc Grant Amount: $50,000 per year x 2 years Timeline: 10 /1/14- 9/29/16 �b 1 Mental Health First Aid Abstract The Reading Public Schools located in Reading, Massachusetts will implement their "Now is the Time" Project AWARE Local Educational Agency Grant through a variety of capacity - building activities. The Reading Public Schools serves 4,432 school -aged students in nine schools including one preschool, five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. This grant will allow the Reading Public Schools to train eight instructors that will certify 584 school educators, school support staff, first responders, youth workers, and faith leaders in Youth Mental Health First Aid ( YMHFA) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Reading, where the prevalence of untreated mental health and substance abuse is significant. Data gathered through the 2013 Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey (grades 6 -8) indicated high rates of prevalence involving self- injury, bullying, binge drinking and prescription drug misuse. High school (grades 9 -12) rates for underage drinking, illegal drug use and eating disorders were 2- 6% higher than state and national averages. About 23% reported bullying at school, much higher than the state rate (18 %) and U.S. rate (20 %) and students were 4% more likely to experience cyber - bullying than the state average. Twenty -one percent reported self- injury higher than the state rate of 18% (U.S. rate not available). Thirteen percent reported suicide attempts, much higher than the state rate (7 %) and U.S. rate (8 %), of which 45 students attempted suicide two or more times. Behavioral health community forums conducted in 2012 involved residents who expressed concern about teens dealing with "stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, drug - related violence, untreated mental illness ". In the past two years, the district has experienced a sharp increase in students hospitalized for mood disorders, personality disorders, self- injury, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and substance abuse. At the high school, since September of 2012, there have been 40 psychiatric hospitalizations recorded by administrators. The proposed YMHFA and MHFA training will greatly improve early identification of mental health needs and increase referrals to local community agencies. A part -time paid grant coordinator will organize training, monitor certification, enhance pathways to mental health referral, and support recommended mental health assessment and /or treatment. (i ) New Grant Awards as of 9/23/14 Funder: Federal, U.S. Department of Education, Recipient: Reading Public Schools Partners: School, Consultants Name: Safe and Drug -Free Schools and Communities National Programs - School Climate Transformation Grant Program Amount: $252,329 per year x 5 years Timeline: 10 /1/14- 9/29/19 School Climate Transformation Grant Program Abstract Objectives: Through the School Climate Transformation Grant Program, Reading Public Schools, in collaboration with local community providers, town government and state agencies will implement a full - service, high quality, multi- tiered system of supports for all students, Prek- 12. Priorities: This application will address the CFDA 84.184 Absolute Priority to implement a highly sustainable, multi- tiered system of supports to improve school climate and behavioral outcomes for all students. The application will also address the CFDA 84.184 Competitive Priority #1 to coordinate with other related activities that are funded through other available resources that will enhance the overall impact of this proposal. The Town of Reading has applied for funds through the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program being funded by SAMHSA under the Project AWARE Local Educational Agency Grant program. Should funds not be awarded to the Town of Reading through the Mental Health First Aid Program, Reading Public Schools intends to continue with this proposed plan to implement a multi- tiered system of supports and train school and town staff in MHFA through available training workshops and cross training opportunities in other local communities and coalitions. Goals /Outcomes: The following are the goals or projected outcomes for this project: Goal 1: Build capacity for supporting the sustained and broad -scale implementation of a multi - tiered behavioral framework in each school across the district through the successful creation of district, building leadership and collaborative teams. Goal 2: Enhance sustainability of continued data - driven decision making and communication through the successful alignment and implementation of a school wide information system, Baseline Edge, in every school district -wide. Goal 3: Enhance each school's ability to offer comprehensive behavioral health supports through the creation of a high - quality, full service multi- tiered system of supports, consisting of extensive offerings of supports and interventions at every level and school. Goal 4: Build continued capacity of school -based staff through the successful integration of an aggressive professional development and coaching program focused on building teachers' skills and competencies in the use of a multi- tiered system of supports and behavioral health topics. Goal 5: Evaluate the effectiveness of project activities at the school and district level in meeting the needs of students and in improving outcomes for students using quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. c3 LEGAL NOTICE s� °•ixrnwe°cJ' t TOWN OF READING 1 To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice t6dt the i Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hol8'pub= ! lic hearings. on Septem4er 23; ': 2014 in the Selectmen's . Meeting Room, 16 4gWgif Street, Reedipg, Massachusetts on the fal Wg ing: ^ n !A •Town Forest Committee ' Rules and Regulationa,7:50 .p.m. -Order of Taking — 87 and 93 Belmont . .Street Water Easements 8:15 p.m. :. - Application for •Warver-bf ' Hours of Operation -', filr Cumberland Farms, 303.8alem Street 6.45 p.m. Copies of the proposed doc- uments regarding these 49 Irrs. are available In the ►; Managet:s office, 16 64 Street, Reading, MA, it . Thurs from 7:30 aC.m, - p.m., dues fro 7:30 `s* 7:00 p.m. and are atta the hearing notice on the web4 site at www.reacringma.gov All Interested partl64.ar Invited to attend the hea$r�', oy may submit their common -1.4 writing or by email prior 06. 20 p.m. on_September 23, 14 for s y t 1 •r Y By oeder- Robert W. LeWohM Town_ MT�age , 9/16 �y a Rules of the Town Forest : 1. The use of any weapon for any purpose in the Town Forest is prohibited. 2. No Fires without permission. 3. No dumping of rubbish or litter. 4. Motor vehicles excluded from roads. 5. No person shall cut down, dig up or destroy any tree, shrub, bush or plant, remove vegetation, soil, or stones from the Town Forest , except with the written permission of the Town Forest Committee. 6. No camping by groups or individuals without written permission of the Town Forest Committee. 7: The Town Forest Committee cannot assume the Town liability for injuries, damage to property, or other loss to persons on such areas, whom assume all risks involved. sb� D Rev 6/2/14 Reading Town Forest A Carry -In, Carry -Out Facility Mission Statement The Town Forest is a multi -use resource created by the people of Reading in 1930 for the protection of plants, animals and the natural environment and for the enjoyment by individuals and groups for nature study, walking and camping. Users of the Town Forest must respect each other and the natural environment as they enjoy the Town Forest in their own way. Rules & Regulations Effective [insert date here] 1. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the Reading Town Forest at no charge from dawn to dusk. 2. Any alteration, construction, or other work in the Town Forest shall require prior written permission from the Town Forest Committee. 3. Permission must be approved by the Fire Chief for any fires, BBQ grill, and camp stove use. Smoking is prohibited as per town by -law. 4. No person shall cut, break, remove,. deface, defile, or ill -use any structure, fence, sign, or map, or have possession of any part thereof. No plants (including trees, bushes, grasses, or flowers) shall be defaced, cut or removed without prior approval of the Town Forest Committee. Firewood may not be brought into or out of, the Town Forest. Those with permitted fire use are limited to collecting dead wood from the forest floor or from the Town Compost area consistent with Town regulations. S. Discharge of firearms is prohibited in the Town of Reading, including in the Town Forest. Discharge or carrying of BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, airsoft guns, and similar non - lethal weapons is prohibited in the Town Forest. 6. No hunting is allowed in the Town Forest. 7. The Town Forest is closed to motor - powered vehicles except: • for emergency response by the Reading Police and Fire Departments, • for maintenance of the Town Forest or wells, or • with prior written permission of the Town Forest Committee. Motorized wheelchairs are allowed. Snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, and other off -road vehicles are prohibited. 8. Responsible bicycle use is allowed in the Town Forest. The Town Forest Committee may close trails to bicycle use temporarily, seasonally, or permanently to prevent overuse or to protect natural resources. 5 63 Rev 6/2/14 9. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Glass containers for any purpose are prohibited in the Town Forest. 10, Dumping, littering, filling or any other deposition of imported materials -- including but not limited to garbage, debris, earth, leaves or brush -- is prohibited in the Town Forest. 11. Users must carry out everything that they carry in. 12. Dogs may enter the Town Forest provided that they are accompanied by, and under the effective voice control, of some person. -The person accompanying the dog shall promptly remove feces deposited by the dog in the Town Forest Dogs must be leashed within 200 feet of paved roads or parking areas. I 13. iolations of these rules and regulations may be punished by fines up to $100 per r violation under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter. 40, Section 8C, which is C(Zt�CC 1 administered by the Reading Police and Fire Departments. G �`�`� 14. The Town Forest Committee cannot assume liability for injuries, damage to property, or C other loss to persons within the Town Forest or its vicinity; such visitors assume all associated risks. n� D Additional Notes for Group Use' 15. Camping, cook -outs, any group use is allowed by non - commercial, Reading -based . groups, or by groups authorized by the RTF committee. 16. Town police must be notified in advance of group use. 17. Approved vehicles shall follow designated roads only. Vehicle speed must not exceed 5 miles per hour. Vehicle parking shall be in designated areas only, and accessed by designated routes. Parking shall allow access by emergency vehicles at all times. 18. A portable toilet must be on site for overnight group use. It must be removed within four days of the event. 19. Violation of any Town Forest rule or violation of conditions imposed for group use may result in denial of future use of the area by that group. 1 Group defined as 20 or more people N �b D LeLacheur, Bob an: J. Raymond Miyares <ray@ miya res-harrington.com > Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 6:11 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob Cc: Maggie Carter Subject: Re: Town Forest 10 The only provision that poses an issue for me is Rule 13, which states "Violations of these rules and regulations may be punished by fines up to $100 per violation under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C, which is administered by the.Reading Police and Fire Departments." MG. L. c. 40, § 8C does not apply to any fine or penalty assessed by the Town Forest Committee; rather, it governs actions by the Conservation Commission. this section states, in pertinent part, "The [conservation] commission may adopt rules and regulations governing the use of land and waters under its control, and prescribe penalties, not exceeding a fine of one hundred dollars, for any violation thereof." Moreover, it is not obvious to me that the Town Forest Committee has any other authority to impose a fine on someone who violates its rules and regulations. M.G.L. c. 40, § 21 authorizes towns to adopt bylaws and to "affix penalties for breaches thereof not exceeding three hundred dollars for each offense." This statute does not authorize a board or committee to impose fines for violations of its rules and/or regulations without a bylaw other specific authorization. Ray J. Raymond Miyares MIYARES AND HARRINGTON LLP 50 Leonard Street • Suite Three • Belmont, MA 02478 Tel 617- 489 -1600 • Fax 617- 489 -1630 www.mi-yares-harrinv-ton.com This e -mail and any attachments contain attorney- client privileged material and are not subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Lau-, M.G.L. c.4. §7. cl. 26th and c.66. §10. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any review, disclosure, distribution, use or duplication of this message and'its attachments is prohibited. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this e -mail in error. Thank you for your cooperation. On Sep 17, 2014, at 1:34 PM, LeLacheur, Bob <blelacheurAci.readinQ ma.us> wrote: Hi Ray— anything on this? I apologize if you answered on the phone as 1 don't recall anything. Thanks, -)b SbS LEGAL NOTICE Y (11L i , TOWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: ' Please take notice ttidt the i Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will holdCpub: i fie hearings. on Septem"r 23; i 2014 In the Selectrrken's, Meeting Room, 16 Lgwgl( Street, • Reagipg, 3 Massachusetts on tho f-oltpw s Inry: .•�' a •n �X Town Forest ComrivIttee i Rules and flegulations-•7:5d f .P.m. -Order of Taking — 87 and 83 Belmont - .Street Water-1 Easements 8:15 p.m �Applidation for.Walver-of Hours of Operatiog ..;far Cumberland Farms, 303 rri :. Street 8:45.p.m. : Copies of the proposed doo- uments regarding these jp I ' are available in the. Manager's office, 16 fR4 . Street, Reading, MA, _ Thugs from 7:30 a.m. -'i p.m., Tues from 7:30 `'► i 7:00 p.m. and are attac�r the hearing notice on the weig site at www.reacringma.gov • y All interested partied -area Invited to attend the hearle, oy may submit their comm$nts-ic writing or by email prior t6 6.0 P.M. on.September 23, 2014 too townmanager @ci.reading.ma.u; ; s.y s By outer oC Robert W. Lel-dDhOuC Town M:tia�er� G� 3/16 Memo T« Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., Town Manager From George J. Zambouras, Town Engineer cc: Board of Selectman Date: September 16, 2014 Re: 87 & 93 Belmont street— Permanent Water Easement At the Annual Town Meeting held on April 28, 2014, Article 11 authorized the Board of Selectman to acquire by purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise, a permanent water easements upon and over the existing sewer and drain easement located on the properties of 87 Belmont Street (assessors map 28 lot 112) and 93 Belmont Street (assessors map 28 lot 113). The new water easement will expand the use of the existing sewer and drain easement to include water use and does not include the taking of any additional land area. The final step in the taking of the easement is for the Board to hold a public hearing and vote on the order of taking and endorse the easement plan. The water easement will permit the installation, maintenance and repair of a new water main which will connect the water mains located in Belmont Street and Ivy Street. The new main will eliminate a major dead end in the water system, improve fire flows and water quality in the Towns water distribution system. While each resident is aware of the water project and proposed easement the . Engineering Division has not had any direct conversations with the owners of 93 Belmont Street despite several attempts via phone, mail and proposed site meetings. Each of the permanent easements was appraised by Evergreen Appraisal to determine the value of the damage award for each of the properties and is summarized below: • Page 1 Fj Location Award 93 Belmont Street 87 Belmont Street Owner Christina Sanchez Christopher White Erland W. Anderson Jr Lynda P. Anderson Easement Area Dama e 1,447 + /- s.f. $200.00 1,372 + /- s.f. $200.00 I have attached a copy of each appraisal report and also attached copies of the public hearing notice, memo and easement plan which was forwarded to the property owners of 87 and 93 Belmont Street. Each owner was also fumished a copy of the appraisal summary which is not attached to avoid duplication of documents. Town Counsel indicated they will have the order of taking document available of Thursday. • Page 2 s-&3 2� LOT 24 \ / se FWD ` ,s CHRISTOPHSAWHITE MAP23LCT113 �G �iL N N18'd5'93'E` \ COT I RECISM VSE ONLY S� J1� '� � 13.89' � �` / r /N/ TOWN OF READING L-7A2 SO FRO 11d' R" tU f�1` EASEMERT AREAR APPROVED; Dot,. GD) R•1a8.78' µ�R S58'2CA2"W \ 7. 93 A - 1.Nf STRJTAT n.2'ss36• ----► gust• / A1N �` sY1't \ t1.t7' . �` AREA t,II7t Sr L.ID.39 yIER 128•' `` \ f \` k d S. AREA f STdt SF D • Z' dC d6' ?, AREA SHOWN INDICATES PORTION OF L•1027 EXIST. SEWER 6 DRAIN EASEMENTS m TO BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE WATER \ B Toonrm o t of f re. t.. LOT 25�„ ERIANO W. ANDERSON JR. 9 LYNDA P. ANDERSON MAP 29 LOT tit OVASQUE.S� EOF �h0 (S9 PUBLIC , GRAPHIC SCALE 0' 20' WO' BD' 8O' , ` ( IN rET;C ) t Inch - 20 tk TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS CHAPTA'R S ACTS Or 1986 I WrrPrRfr L /NL4 sxosx Dx rmd EASEMENT MODIFICATION TNW ,V U PTO% 9TAN� R WAYS MAY AM AWV Or D metnc DR PRn�rt srRddra oR FSA0 A0, ff dsrARUSpAAdqq 87 $c 93 BELMONT STREET REFERDKCF<4 AND TXAT Ab XdF LIN69 rOR DePLrmx OI dXWSfWAC 06'Nd1STiUP f GEFO BK 5019 PG 367 OR FOR XEF FATS ARd SAVr& DUO 9X t626a PC 36 1 JOMAITR C6RTlrT TXAT t XAFd GVXPURA2I W TM TRd AUL[3 ORGER OF TNONG 9K 11193 PG 690 AHD RdL"U�L,AtTWONS Or fXd RA1lSfdRS Or D88114 7X PASPARlAC TXS PLAN. SCALE; t 7N 20 FT OATf: MARCH 12, 2014 PUR 1072 OF 196] y. jl"F 1967 JEFFREY T. ZAGER. DRECFOR D.P.W. GEORGE J. ZAMSOURA3, P.E, TOWN ENGINEER PROPSSSIONAL LAND SURTdYOR DATE AAS, P.E BAY STATE SURVE)ING ASSOCIATES WAMp TWM �MIZR 100 CUMMINGS CENTER BEVERLY, MA 01915 RANKINGS T I Arenaa T Ensminger Halsey TSexton I T I T I T I West T I Who? Timing: 1= urgent; 2 =FY15; 3= 2 /3yrs; 4=no hurry Important: I=ve imp.; 2= medium; 3 =1ow; 4 =i ore i. Implement final phase of Town Manager's reorganization plan 2.0 2.3 2 2 2 2 i 2 1 2 2 3 Bob a. Hire Administrative Services Department t Headc,,02 2 2 2 2_ 2 2 b. Hire Business Analyst' _ 2 2 2 3 2 - 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 C. Consider shared Communications position with School department 2. Human Resources Planning 2.1 2.0 1 2 2.5 2 2 2 3 2 Bob a. Finalize Non -Union Pay & Classification Study for November, 2014 implementation 1 2 2 1 _2 2 2 2 1 2 1 _ _ b. Transition for new Human Resources Administrator 1 2 2 •1 C. Identify Professional Development Needs (e.g., technology training) _ _ 3 2 _2_ 3 1 3 d. Recodification /Review of Personnel Policies 1 3 3 1 3 3. Communication - Volunteer Boards /Committees /Commissions 1.5 1.5 1 1 2 2 1 2 j 2 1 1 R3 4. Review Board of Selectmen Policies 2.5 2.3 2 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 Bob 5. Organize and Review Town Manager Policies 2.3 2.3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 Bob 6. Recodification of Town Charter (January '15 Town Meeting) 3.0 2.3 3 1 4 4 3 2 2 2 N/A 7. Comprehensive Update of the Zoning Bylaw (Sept & Nov '14 Town Meeting) 1.5 1:3 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 R4 8. Review Other Town Bylaws 1.8 3.7 2.5 2 2 2 1 1 R4 Conservation 2 2 3 3 1 1 ~V Health 3 2 2 2 1 1 9. Create Inventory of Services 2.0 1.9 2 2 2 2.5 2 2 2 1 R2 a. Provided by Town government 1 2 2 2 2 1 _ b. Provided by private sector (for overlap services) 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 C. Provided by non - profit sector (for overlap services) 2 2 2 2 to. Suggest ways to gather data and measure Services provided 2.3 2.0 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 R2 11. Provide easy to use community feedback methods 2.0 L8 2 2 i 2 2 2 2 2 1 R3 _= q \v RANKINGS Arena Ensminger Halsey Sexton -- 1 -- -__i _._.- __-. T I T :' I T I T I West i Who? - -.. -- Timing: 1= urgent; 2 =FY15; 3= 2 /3yrs; 4=no hurry Important: 1=very imp.; 2= medium; 3 =low; 4 =i ore T! - -' -- I _ -_ T I 12. Library Services 2.3 2.3 3 2 1 3 3 2 2 2 R2 a. Optimize use of temporary space during building project 1 1 - 4 3+ 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 b. Supplement with community outreach of some library services ?I C. Master Plan staffing to shift towards new service delivery methods and away from old ones 2 2 t 13. Conduct Technology Master Planning 2.3 2.0 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 R4 14. Review Current Regionalization efforts 2.3 2.0 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 RI 15. Consider Future Regionalization efforts 2.5 1.5 3 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 RI 16. Review Newly Centralized Procurement 1.9 1.4 2 1 2 2 1.5 1.5 2 1 Sharon 17. Review Public Health division 2.0 1.5 2 2 3 2 1 1 2 1 R2 18. Review RCASA model 1.8 1.5 2 1 2 3 1 1 2 1 R2 19. Review Emergency Management Plannin 2.3 1.5 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 R2 20. Implement and Encourage Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 3.0 3.0 4 4 3+ 3 3 3 2 2 R4 21. Implement Complete Streets Policy as opportunities arise 3.0 1 2.5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 R4 22. Examine role of Volunteer Boards in Community Development 2.3 1.8 2 1 3 3 2 2 2 1 R3 23. Explore creative public/ private ventures 1.8 1.5 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 RI 24. Explore and recommend path forward on Community Preservation Act 3.0 2.5 3 2 4 4 2 2 3 2 j 1 R4 25. Continue to strive for 10% Affordable Housing 2.8 1.8 4 3 2 1 3 2 2 1 I R4 26. Review use of Industrial Zone properties, including the current DPW site 1.5 1.0 2 1 2 1 1 '1 1 1 R4 27. Implement high priority parking and alternative transportation recommendations for Parking, Traffic, and Transportation improvements 1.8 1.5 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 R4 28. Review Recreation Facilities 2.1 1.41 2 1 2 2 1.5 1.5 3 1 R4 29. Review Public Works Facilities 1.6 1.4 1 2 1 2 2 1.5 1.5 1 -1 R4 IN RANKINGS Arena Ensminger Halsey Sexton I West Who? Timing: I= urgent; 2 =FY15; 3= 2 /3yrs; 4=no hurry Important: leery imp.; 2= medium; 3 =low; 4 =i ore T 1 I T I 30. Library Building Project _ 1.3 1.5 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 Bob 31. West Street Project 1.5 1.3 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 R3 32. Permanent Building Committee 1.3 1.0 2 1 1 1 1 1 R4 33. Long-term liability planning 2.5 2.3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 1 2 Bob a. Pension Fund 2 2 2 2 b. OPEB 2 2 2 2 C. Health Insurance 3 2 1 1 34. Review current bill printing and mailing policy. 2.8 2.5 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 i R3 a. Determine if customers and saving on postage 4 3 2 3 b. Investigate electronic option 2 2 2 1 35. Review Town -wide fee structure 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 R2 36. Develop a Fund Balance policy in accordance with GASB 54. r52. 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 1 Sharon 2.41 1.82 2.21 2.23 2.23 1.95 1.9 1._46: Other: Key mgmt Hires in Admin Services Other: Mgmt Team performance accountability to Town Mgr 1 i R3 - Community Partners Ensminger, Sexton, LeLacheur (4:30pm, Berger Room) R2 - Services & Performance Measurement West, Delios (5:30pm, Berger Room) odd Angstrom for 9/16 meeting R3 -Communication 1, Angstrom, Zager I I I I 1 T_ R4 - Strategic Planning I Arena, Halsey, Burns, Cormier, Urell, LeLacheur (3pm, Conference Room) R4 - add Delios & Zager for 9116 meeting w FY 2014 TOWN MAP EVALUATION 9/23/2014 rY 2014 TOWN MANAGER EVALUATION - Robert LeLacheur RATINGS:1 -DID NOT MEET GOAL; 2- ACCEPTABLE PROGRESS TOWARD GOAL; 3 -MET GOAL; 4- EXCEEDED GOAL .rIVES DURING EVALUATION PERIOD EVALUATOR: John Arena MAJOR AREA GOAL / OBJECTIVE RATING COMMENTS 1.. Design optimal Town department / division structure, regardless of current set -up or specific personnel, including the role of the Assistant Town Manager. Describe detailed transition plan from current status to such an optimal model, Including Administration specific personnel. Plan divided into two portions: 1) reorganization of Town government approved by November 2013 Town Meeting; and 2) non -union pay & classification study results expected in time for November 2014 Implementation. 2. Establish optimal professional development (PD) and training levels across all departments. Devise multi -year process to Administration transition from current status to desired outcome. Focus on tracking compliance with PO job requirements as well as optional PD for advancement. Administration 3. Create lists of routine tasks all Town departments /divisions do each year. Design specific quantitative measu res to evaluate these tasks on either a quarterly or monthly basis. Devise implementation pla n for these measurements. Administration 4. Conduct a Retreat with the Selectmen (BOS) and Town Department Heads. 5. Discuss with BOS the need for broad BCC meetings to convey information and expectations. For information, include Open Administration Meeting Law and Ethics trainings, and a discussion of electronic meeting support. For expectations, discuss two- way BOS -BCC communication options. As needed, give further direction to specific BCCs on their mission or operating procedure. Administration 6. Conduct at least two Executive Sessions for the BOS for the pu rpose updates on the status of negotiations of successor Collective Bargaining Agreements with all Unions for dates effective July 1, 2014. Regulation & Policy 7. Conduct a comprehensive review and revision of the Zoning Bylaws. Establish early and ongoing two -way communication Development with key participants Including the BOS, CPDC, ZBA and EDC. Regulation & Policy $ Complete the review and re -write of the Traffic Rules and Regulations. Development Regulation & Policy 9. Determine if Zoning changes are needed for the optimal use of the Oakland Road property. Development 10. Continue to measure customer satisfaction. Design method to reach out and survey customers on services that are used broadly, such as rubbish pickup and snow clearing & removal. Based on all forms of feedback, identify and recommend Services changes to regulations that do not currently seem to meet customer service goals, or that will make them easier for customers to understand and use. Based on feedback, continue training employees and volunteers on the customer service policy as needed. — Services 11. In the Library, support the Goals as established by the Library Board of Trustees, with a focus on all Items related to the — -- – Library Building project. 12. Strengthen the communications process with external customers. First inventory all forms of current external Services communication; then obtain feedback from the Community as to desired information & method of delivery. Improve the Town web site, providing expanded electronic customer interaction with the Town. Operations 13. Full Implement permits and licensing system, includin customer self - service. — _ Operations 14. Expand the Records-Management efforts Including providing records to the public via the web site. - - –� 15. Expand regional services as appropriate Assessors, Housing Services Coordinator, Recreation). --- ° -- -- __Operations – Operations— 16. Finalize Veteran's District through regional arrangement or other method satisfactory to the state that maintains current –�- high levels of services to our Veterans. /18/20149:14 AM Page 1 of 2 FY 2014 TOWN �R EVALUATION 9/23/2014 Fy 2014 TOWN MANAGER EVALUATION - Robert LeLacheur RATINGS: 1-DID NOT MEET GOAL; 2- ACCEPTABLE PROGRESS TOWARD GOAL; 3-MET GOAL; 4- EXCEEDED GOAL ECTIVES DURING EVALUATION PERIOD EVALUATOR: John Arena MAJOR AREA GOAL / OBJECTIVE RATING COMMENTS 17. Focus Public Health, School, Substance Abuse, and other resou rces on a Healthy Community model with an initial focus on obesity prevention. Find ways.to encourage walking, cycling, and other activities. These efforts may involve many Health and Safety departments, with efforts led by the Health Division. Promote healthy eating. Include reminders of area Farmers Markets in addition to Reading. Work with food establishments on menu options that are healthy. 18. Conduct specific feedback exercises with our business community. Include an 'entrance interview' for those businesses new to town that have gone through a permitting process; a form of'exit Interview' for businesses leaving town; and solicit Community feedback from those that have been established for years if they wish to share their valuable Insights. Use BCC resources such Development as the EDC and FSF to hold a broad 'business preparation' meeting this summer for those in and around the Fall Street Faire area, especially the new businesses in town. Engage the RNR Chamber of Commerce on areas of mutual concern. 19. Continue progress towards meeting and maintaining the level of 10% of housing units (as re- defined by the 2010 federal Community census) as affordable. Complete Housing Production Plan provides roadmap to meet aff&dabie housing goals. Track & Development Implement as outlines. Pursue one -year reprieve if possible. Community 20. Implement high - priority parking and alternative transportation recommendations for Parking, Traffic, and Transportation Development improvements. Community 21. Develop inventory of properties falling under the new Property Maintenance Bylaw, and begin actions to bring them into compliance. _Development Community 22 Implement new gateway si na a -South Main Street (p aid for by Readin Woods mitigation). Development Community 23. Develop an action plan for re -use and /or redevelopment of the properties behind the RMLD in the area bounded by Ash Development Street, the RR tracks, and Pond Meadow Drive. Infrastructure and 24. Continue to work towards funding for the West Street project. If funded, conduct a public information campaign akin to Capital Projects that of the Downtown Improvements projecL Infrastructure and 25(a) implement Library building project. Capital Projects Infrastructure and 25(b). Determine Impact of Library and other building projects on support levels from Town Facilities department. Capital Projects Infrastructure and 25(c). Public Works buiiding(s): Reconsider Cemetery garage plan, DPW site work Including Improved vehicle maintenance Capital Projects - -- layout, operational improvements, and aesthetics enhancements. ------------------- Infrastructure and 26. Begin implementation of the first phase of the Water Distribution Master Plan. apital C Pro ects _ Infrastructure and 27. Develop and evaluate schematic designs for the Birch Meadow pavilion, including a mix of storage, food service, Capital Projects restrooms, and picnicking. Include a management plan for each of the elements. Develop a cost estimate. 28. Seek FINCOM approval of a staff developed OPEB funding mechanism including ongoing funding of this liability at a level Finance that the community can afford. Transition OPEB Investment funds to PRTT or other qualified institution. —� —__ -- 29. Review current bill printing and mailing policy. Determine if any savings on postage. Investigate electronic options and Finance present options to the BOS whereby customers would be required to a 'convenience fees' to vendors. 30. Review Town -wide fee structure, across several departments. This would range from permits and licenses to late fee Finance _ — policy, where the latter is not already set by law. —� - -__ Finance 31. Develop a Fund Balance policy in accordance with GASB.54. 9/18/2014 VAM \V Page 2 of 2 2014 Subsequent Town Meeting Monday November 10, 2014 WARRANT OUTLINE REVISED 09/23/2014 Art. Mover/ Moderator # Article Description S onsor Comment Notes I lReports 113oard of Selectmen 2 1 Instructions I Board of Selectmen 3 Amend the Capital Board of Selectmen Improvement Program FY 2015 - FY 2024 4 Approve Payment of Prior Board of Selectmen Year's Bills 5 Amend the FY 2015 Budget IFINCOM 6 I Roadway Easement —I Board of Selectmen Walker's Brook Bus Shelter 7 Zoning Bylaw Changes — CPDC Planned Residential Development (PRD) for 149 Van Norden Road 8 Zoning Bylaw — CPDC Comprehensive Update ♦ RMLD — Chair David Talbot ♦ Schools — Superintendent Dr. John Doherty ♦ ad hoc Charter Review Committee — Chair Alan Foulds ♦ FINCOM — Chair Mark Dockser ♦ Motion to Table — John Arena ♦ Motion to Table — Marsie West ♦ Motion — Dan Ensminger ♦ Presentation —Bob LeLacheur ♦ FINCOM report — Paula Perry ♦ Motion Indefinitely Postpone — Postpone? Kevin Sexton ♦ Motion — Mark Dockser ♦ Presentation — Bob LeLacheur ♦ FINCOM re ort — Dockser s Motion - ♦ Presentation — CPDC Committee re ort - Motion - ♦ Presentation — Jean Delios ♦ Bylaw Committee report - ♦ Motion - ♦ Presentation — Jean Delios ♦ Bylaw Committee rei)ort - 9 Summer Avenue Historic West Street Historic ♦ Motion - District District Commission ♦ Presentation — ♦ Bylaw Committee 9/23/2014 1 2/3 vote required vote required 2/3 vote required 2014 Subsequent Town Meeting Monday November 10, 2014 WARRANT OUTLINE REVISED 09/23/2014 9/23/2014 2G COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on , 2014 notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in Town elections and Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street Precinct 3 Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 5 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue Precinct 6 Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue Precinct 7 Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 10, 2014, the date set for Town Meeting in this Warrant. I also caused a posting of this Warrant to be published on the Town of Reading website on , 2014. , Constable A true copy Attest: Laura Gemme, Town Clerk 9 TOWN WARRANT O� OFgFgo' a� 0 , ;,NCOPpOPP COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. To any 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 Town elections and Town affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading, on Tuesday, November 10, 2014, at seven -thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer - Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Official, Board or Special Committee. 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, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2015 -24 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7 -7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen 0 ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay bills remaining unpaid from prior fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town's Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2014, as adopted under Article 14 of the Annual Town Meeting of April 28, 2014 and amended by Article 8 of the Special Town Meeting of September 29, 2014; and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the amounts appropriated under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by gift, purchase, eminent domain or otherwise, a permanent easement over the parcel of land shown as "EASEMENT AREA = 108.3 SF" on a plan entitled " 'Easement For Construction & Maintenance Of Bus Shelter Located At 25 Walkers Brook Dr., Reading, MA' scale: 1" = 8', dated January 7, 2013 prepared by the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division ", a copy of which plan is available for inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk. Said easement shall be for the purpose of authorizing the installation, maintenance, repair, operation, and use by members of the public of a bus stop waiting area and shelter on said parcel; or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning Map, dated April 18, 2013, as amended, as referenced in Section 3.2 of the Reading Zoning Bylaw, to overlay the Planned Residential Development — General (PRD -G) Overlay District upon a certain portion of land located at 149 Van Norden Road (shown on Assessors Map 39 as Lot 212) containing 2.42 acres, more or less, which parcel is situated on the northerly side of Van Norden Road, such parcel being bounded and described as follows: Northerly by land formerly of C.P. Judd, one hundred ninety four and 48/100 (194.48) feet; Easterly by lot numbered 30 on the below referenced plan, five hundred fifty (550) feet, more or less; Southerly by Van Norden Road, as shown on the below referenced plan two hundred (200) feet, more or less; and Westerly by lot numbered 27 on the below referenced plan, five hundred eighty five (585) feet, more or less. 9 Being the same premises shown as Lots 28 and 29 on a plan entitled "Plan of Land owned by H.D. Van Norden; dated September 14, 1911 ", recorded at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds at the end of Book 3637. The premises are also shown as parcel 212 on Reading Assessors' Map 39. or take any other action with respect thereto. Community Planning and Development Commission ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw by deleting sections 2.0 Definitions, 4.0 Use Regulations, 5.0 Intensity Regulations, 6.0 General Provisions Affecting All Districts, 7.0 Administration, 8.0 Applicability, and 9.0 Adoption and Amendment in their entirety, together with all appendices associated with such sections, and replacing them with new sections 2.0 Definitions, 4.0 Administration, 5.0 Use Regulations, 6.0 Intensity Regulations, 7.0 Nonconforming Uses and Structures, 8.0 Sign Regulation, 9.0 Parking, 10.0 Overlay Districts, 11.0 Planned Development, and 12.0 Applicability, Adoption and Amendment, together with all appendices associated with such sections, the texts of which sections and appendices are available for inspection in the Office of the Town Clerk, or take any action with respect thereto. Community Planning and Development Commission ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws by: (a) Striking section 7.3.3 thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the following: 7.3.3 District The District shall consist of two areas as shown in Appendix A -1 and Appendix A -2. (b) Amending section 7.3.4.2 thereof by striking the words "one or two property owners from the District area' and inserting, in place thereof, the words "one or two owners of property located within a District area." (c) Amending the Appendix A thereof by re- designating it as Appendix A -1 and inserting the word "Area" at the end of the title thereof. (d) Inserting a new Appendix A -2, to be titled "Summer Avenue Historic District Area," and containing a map, titled "Summer Avenue Historic District Area,' a copy of which is available for inspection in the Office of the Town Clerk. or take any other action with respect thereto. West Street Historic District Commission 01F ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws by Amending section 8.9.1 thereof by striking the words "nor to the rights and privileges of an owner or lessee of land as set forth in MGL Chapter 131 relative to hunting and sporting" as shown below: 8.9.1 FIREARMS No person shall fire or discharge any fireworks, firearms, cannon or explosives of any kind on or within the limits of any street, highway, park or other public property except with the written permission of the Board of Selectmen or its designee, or on any private property except with the written consent of the owner or legal occupant thereof and the written permission of the Board of Selectmen or its designee; provided, however, that this bylaw shall not apply to the lawful defense of life or property, nor to any law enforcement officer acting in the discharge of his duties, nor to the use of such weapon at any military exercises or any established rifle range, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 10, 2014, or providing in a manner such as electronic submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member. 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 -th day of 12014. , Constable John Arena, Chairman Marsie K. West, Vice Chairman Daniel Ensminger, Secretary John R. Halsey Kevin Sexton SELECTMEN OF READING November 4, 2014 State Election Warrant COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on September , 2014 notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street Precinct 3 Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 5 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue Precinct 6 Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue Precinct 7 Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street The date of posting being not less than seven (7) days prior November 4, 2014 the date set for the State Election in this Warrant. I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be posted on the Town of Reading web site. A true copy Attest: Laura Gemme, Town Clerk Constable 0 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH STATE PRIMARY WARRANT MIDDLESEX, SS. To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading who are qualified to vote in the State Election to vote at Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Reading Memorial High School - Hawkes Field House - Oakland Road on TUESDAY, THE FOURTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for the following purpose: To cast their votes in the State Election for the candidates of the following offices: SENATOR IN CONGRESS ........................ ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH GOVERNOR ........................................... ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ........................ ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY GENERAL .............................. ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY OF STATE ............................ ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH TREASURER AND RECEIVER GENERAL ...... ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH AUDITOR .............................................. ............................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ... ............................... .......................... SIXTH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR.............................. ............................... ..........................SIXTH DISTRICT SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT ..................... .........................FIFTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT ...... ......................THIRTIETH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT .... ...................... TWENTIETH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT DISTRICT ATTORNEY ...................................... ............................... NORTHERN DISTRICT REGISTER OF PROBATE .................................... ............................... MIDDLESEX COUNTY QUESTION 1: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 6 2014? SUMMARY This proposed law would eliminate the requirement that the state's gasoline tax, which was 24 cents per gallon as of September 2013, (1) be adjusted every year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the preceding year, but (2) not be adjusted below 21.5 cents per gallon. A YES VOTE would eliminate the requirement that the state's gas tax be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding the gas tax. QUESTION 2: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 6, 2014? SUMMARY This proposed law would expand the state's beverage container deposit law, also known as the Bottle Bill, to require deposits on containers for all non - alcoholic noncarbonated drinks in liquid form intended for human consumption, except beverages primarily derived from dairy products, infant formula, and FDA approved medicines. The proposed law would not cover containers made of paper -based biodegradable material and aseptic multi - material packages such as juice boxes or pouches. 70 The proposed law would require the state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to adjust the container deposit amount every five years to reflect (to the nearest whole cent) changes in the consumer price index, but the value could not be set below five cents. The proposed law would increase the minimum handling fee that beverage distributors must pay dealers for each properly returned empty beverage container, which was 21/4 cents as of September 2013, to 31/2 cents. It would also increase the minimum handling fee that bottlers must pay distributors and dealers for each properly returned empty reusable beverage container, which was 1 cent as of September 2013, to 31/2 cents. The Secretary of EEA would review the fee amounts every five years and make appropriate adjustments to reflect changes in the consumer price index as well as changes in the costs incurred by redemption centers. The proposed law defines a redemption center as any business whose primary purpose is the redemption of beverage containers and that is not ancillary to any other business. The proposed law would direct the Secretary of EEA to issue regulations allowing small dealers to seek exemptions from accepting empty deposit containers. The proposed law would define small dealer as any person or business, including the operator of a vending machine, who sells beverages in beverage containers to consumers, with a contiguous retail space of 3,000 square feet or less, excluding office and stock room space; and fewer than four locations under the same ownership in the Commonwealth. The proposed law would require that the regulations consider at least the health, safety, and convenience of the public, including the distribution of dealers and redemption centers by population or by distance or both. The proposed law would set up a state Clean Environment Fund to receive certain unclaimed container deposits. The Fund would be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature, to support programs such as the proper management of solid waste, water resource protection, parkland, urban forestry, air quality and climate protection. The proposed law would allow a dealer, distributor, redemption center or bottler to refuse to accept any beverage container that is not marked as being refundable in Massachusetts. The proposed law would take effect on April 22, 2015. A YES VOTE would expand the state's beverage container deposit law to require deposits on containers for all non - alcoholic, non - carbonated drinks with certain exceptions, increase the associated handling fees, and make other changes to the law. A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding beverage container deposits QUESTION 3: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 6, 2014? SUMMARY This proposed law would (1) prohibit the Massachusetts Gaming Commission from issuing any license for a casino or other gaming establishment with table games and slot machines, or any license for a gaming establishment with slot machines; (2) prohibit any such casino or slots gaming under any such licenses that the Commission might have issued before the proposed law took effect; and (3) prohibit wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races. The proposed law would change the definition of `illegal gaming" under Massachusetts law to include wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races, as well as table games and slot machines at Commission - licensed casinos, and slot machines at other Commission - licensed gaming establishments. This would make those types of gaming subject to existing state laws providing criminal penalties for, or otherwise regulating or prohibiting, activities involving illegal gaming. The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect. A YES VOTE would prohibit casinos, any gaming establishment with slot machines, and wagering on simulcast greyhound races. A NO VOTE would make no change in the current laws regarding gaming. QUESTION 4: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 6, 2014? SUMMARY This proposed law would entitle employees in Massachusetts to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions. Employees who work for employers having eleven or more employees could earn and use up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year, while employees working for smaller employers could earn and use up to 40 hours of unpaid sick time per calendar year. An employee could use earned sick time if required to miss work in order (1) to care for a physical or mental illness, injury or medical condition affecting the employee or the employee's child, spouse, parent, or parent of a spouse; (2) to attend routine medical appointments of the employee or the employee's child, spouse, parent, or parent of a spouse; or (3) to address the effects of domestic violence on the employee or the employee's dependent child. Employees would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, and would begin accruing those hours on the date of hire or on July 1, 2015, whichever is later. Employees could begin to use earned sick time on the 90th day after hire. The proposed law would cover both private and public employers, except that employees of a particular city or town would be covered only if, as required by the state constitution, the proposed law were made applicable by local or state legislative vote or by appropriation of sufficient funds to pay for the benefit. Earned paid sick time would be compensated at the same hourly rate paid to the employee when the sick time is used. Employees could carry over up to 40 hours of unused sick time to the next calendar year, but could not use more than 40 hours in a calendar year. Employers would not have to pay employees for unused sick time at the end of their employment. If an employee missed work for a reason eligible for earned sick time, but agreed with the employer to work the same number of hours or shifts in the same or next pay period, the employee would not have to use earned sick time for the missed time, and the employer would not have to pay for that missed time. Employers would be prohibited from requiring such an employee to work additional hours to make up for missed time, or to find a replacement employee. Employers could require certification of the need for sick time if an employee used sick time for more than 24 consecutively scheduled work hours. Employers could not delay the taking of or payment for earned sick time because they have not received the certification. Employees would have to make a good faith effort to notify the employer in advance if the need for earned sick time is foreseeable. Employers would be prohibited from interfering with or retaliating based on an employee's exercise of earned sick time rights, and from retaliating based on an employee's support of another employee's exercise of such rights. The proposed law would not override employers' obligations under any contract or benefit plan with more generous provisions than those in the proposed law. Employers that have their own policies providing as much paid time off, usable for the same purposes and under the same conditions, as the proposed law would not be required to provide additional paid sick time. The Attorney General would enforce the proposed law, using the same enforcement procedures applicable to other state wage laws, and employees could file suits in court to enforce their earned sick time rights. The Attorney General would have to prepare a multilingual notice regarding the right to earned sick time, and employers would be required to post the notice in a conspicuous location and to provide a copy to MW employees. The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, would develop a multilingual outreach program to inform the public of the availability of earned sick time. The proposed law would take effect on July 1, 2015, and states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect. A YES VOTE would entitle employees in Massachusetts to earn and use sick time according to certain conditions. A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding earned sick time. a Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of said voting. Given under our hands this 23rd day of September, 2014 John J Arena, Chair Marsie West, Vice Chair Daniel Ensminger, Secretary Kevin M. Sexton John R. Halsey BOARD OF SELECTMEN Constable A true copy Attest: Laura A Gemme, Town Clerk Warrant must be posted by October 28, 2014, at least seven days prior to the November 4, 2014 State Election. 0 The Readinz Climate Advisory Committee Reading, Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report - 2014 To: Board of Selectmen March 2014 6t, 5 mTzj Letter from the Chair The "Reading Climate Adaptation Report — 2014" has been written to begin the conversation about how our community can anticipate and proactively plan for the inevitable impacts of climate change. It is this conversation among residents that will bring us to agreement on how to spend our limited resources to address the challenges of a more dangerous climate that Reading will face in the next decade. Our committee does not claim to be experts in the field of climate science, environmental sustainability and adaptation. In drafting this report, the Adaptation Task force, consisting of Reading Climate Advisory Committee members Joan Boegel, David L. Williams and Ron D'Addario, has relied on information published by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. From their reports, we have attempted to glean the predictions and recommended strategies that are most relevant to Reading, Massachusetts. Regardless of our actions to adapt to climate change, earth's climate will continue to warm for several decades due to the physics of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Adaptation will be essential to reduce the harmful effects of a warming climate; however, we must continue to mitigate the degree of climate change by reducing human emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Adaptation alone will not safeguard us from the harmful effects of "run -away climate change ". Respectfully submitted, Joan Boegel, Chair Reading Climate Advisory Committee 2 Acknowledgements The Reading Climate Advisory Committee (RCAC) gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Town Manager, Robert LeLacheur; Police Chief, James Cormier; Fire Chief, Greg Burns; Health Director, Ruth Clay; and Water Supply Supervisor, Peter Tassi. Their input was vital to the integrity of this report. Also, special thanks to Gina Snyder and Michele Benson for their work in editing and formatting the final draft of the report. In addition, the committee would like to acknowledge work already accomplished and ongoing. The RCAC commends former Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner; present Town Manager, Robert LeLacheur; Fire Chief, Gregory Burns; Police Chief, James Cormier; Health Director, Ruth Clay; DPW Director, Jeff Zager; School Superintendent, John Doherty; Assistant Superintendent, Mary Delai; Facilities Director, Joseph Huggins; and Jacquie Carson, of Peter Sanborn Place, for their effort and the work of their staffs in maintaining emergency readiness in our town. Much of this work has been added to their already heavy workloads and is generally not understood nor appreciated by many of our residents. Our town officials are already addressing a number of the recommendations suggested in this report; therefore, expanding the recommendations or adding others may require additional staff. Table of Contents Letter from the Chair ..... ............................... 2 Acknowledgements ...... ............................... 3 Table of Contents ....... ............................... 4 Introduction ............ ............................... 5 Natural Resources and Habitat ............................ 7 Human Health and Welfare .............................. 9 Local Economy and Government ......................... 12 Key Infrastructure ....... ............................... 15 Conclusion ............ ............................... 21 Appendices ........ ............................... 22 -26 1. FEMA, Emergency Preparedness — Families .................... 22 2. Figure 1: Wetland Map .................... ........... 24 3. Figure 2: Flood Plain Map ................ ............. 25 4. Figure 3: Conservation Land .. ............................... 26 4 INTRODUCTION Reading, Massachusetts, with a population of 24,747 (2010) living in 9055 households, in an area of 9.95 square miles, has already experienced the results of global warming in terms of more serious storms, excessive precipitation and flooding, and high temperature and humidity. Due to continued emitting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and the duration of these gases in our atmosphere, Reading, with some certainty, will face even more destructive results from extreme weather in the near and distant future. For this reason, the Reading Climate Advisory Committee (RCAC) met with the selectmen in April 2013 and offered to write a concise climate adaptation report for the town of Reading. The selectmen agreed with this proposal, asking that the report be centered on the next five to ten years in the future rather than a more distant target. Much of the data for this report originated in the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report September 2011, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Summary for Policy makers Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report, and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) The Changing Northeast Climate, Our choices, Our Legacy, 2007. The RCAC attempted to localize the data from these reports that relate to a town such as Reading. In the past, the climate committee has mainly focused its attention on the mitigation of climate change. Mitigation refers to the reduction of GHGs, predominantly carbon dioxide (CO2), by reducing our fossil fuel energy use at home, at work, and on the road. Since the industrial revolution, the CO2 level in the atmosphere has increased from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million. This change has resulted in rising temperatures and, consequently, has modified our weather patterns. Increased temperatures contribute to more intense storms, sea level rise, flooding, drought, food insecurity, forest fires, heat waves and humidity, health issues, and the extinction of some species. Since the industrial revolution, global temperature averages have increased 1.5- degrees Fahrenheit. In a high emissions scenario, the IPCC estimates that by the end of the century Massachusetts is set to experience a 5- degree to 10- degree Fahrenheit increase in ambient temperature. When we witness what 1.5- degrees has caused in our weather patterns and in sea level rise, it is hard to imagine the disruption to our climate that would result from a 5 to 10- degree average increase in temperature. Since climate change is upon us now, we can no longer concentrate solely on mitigation; we must consider adapting to our changing climate. Adaptation is what we do to prepare ourselves for what is here and what is destined to come in the near future. The process of adaptation has several principles worth knowing. Generally, it is more cost effective to be proactive rather than reactive in adapting to climate change. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Also, adaptation is an iterative process; it is ongoing. Since we cannot predict with complete accuracy the consequences of climate change, we must continually review our strategy and make adjustments as required. 5 In addition, the rate of climate change will dictate the degree of adaptation. If we can slow climate change by reducing our carbon footprint, our adaptation strategies will also be less intensive and costly. Furthermore, cumulative climate stresses, i.e. consecutive storms and power outages, could place heavy strain on manpower and finances. Lastly, we should depend on local and regional resources rather than look to the state or the federal government for assistance. In severe situations, state and national assistance will be stretched to their limits. While Reading does not directly face the dilemma of sea level rise as do nearby coastal communities, we do face challenges from the fall -out of sea level rise. As more powerful storms cause Boston to suffer economic loss, disruption to land, sea, and air transportation, and possible evacuation, Reading will not be immune to the consequences. Locally, Reading must prepare for more severe storms resulting in: 1) flooding of homes and streets; 2) longer and more frequent power outages, especially during acute heat or cold spells; 3) more severe respiratory and infectious diseases; 4) food insecurity, if major supermarkets face the loss of power and the temporary lack of resupply; 5) water insecurity, if the distribution system suffers from impacts of floods and scouring or if our source becomes contaminated; and 6) the disruption of sewage from overflows when floods and/or inflow and infiltration overwhelm our collection system or if MWRA's Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant were to suffer storm damage. Our essential recommendation is that the town should examine each situation through the lens of a changing climate and carry out proactive strategies to minimize its damaging effect on our lives. R NATURAL RESOURCES AND HABITAT Climate change will have an impact on the biological diversity of the region. Plants are leafing and blooming earlier, and the timing of bird migration is shifting. Invasive species will move northward, and some native plants will perish. The most notable effect at present is the migration of mosquito and tick -borne vector diseases, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple -E), West Nile virus, and Lyme disease. Impacts and Vulnerability - Forest Maintenance, see appendices, Figures 2, 3, & 4. Of the four ecosystems (forest, coastal, aquatic, wetland) present in Massachusetts, forest and wetland are most prevalent in Reading. We can expect disease to increase in cold- adaptive niche species (hardwood), and to see these species replaced slowly with more southern generalist species (fir). All of this vegetation now sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide equivalent to about 10% of Massachusetts' annual carbon emissions. It is estimated that every acre of forest in Massachusetts provides $1500 annually in economic value (Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report September 2011„ p34). Our trees are also effective in filtering pollutants from the air and reducing pollutant loads from storm water runoff. The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid has already made an infestation first noted in Weston, MA, and the state authorized $60,000 to introduce 10,000 Japanese ladybugs to eat the Adelgid. The threat of this invasive pest is continuing, and sustained vigilance will be required to maintain the existing hemlock population in Eastern Massachusetts. Recommended Strategies — Forest Mana eg ment • In Reading, we are fortunate to have an active Conservation Commission, Town Forest Committee, Trails Committee, and Tree Warden. We have set aside a Town Forest, Bare Meadow Conservation Area, North and South Cedar Swamp, Timberneck Swamp, Kurchian Woods and several smaller protected spaces and parks. These natural green spaces need to be monitored and protected from encroachment by invasive species and pests. • Our tree program also needs to maintain vigilance in maintaining and adding trees along our roadways. Special consideration should be given to south Main Street for its much - needed addition of trees. Tree box filters offer an additional benefit of removing some pollution and stormwater run off from impervious surfaces. • The Reading Climate Advisory Committee recently started a tree planting donation program in which residents can make a donation to fund the planting of a memorial tree in Reading. This should continue to be promoted and advertised. 7 • Tree and forest maintenance needs to be a continuous effort that may need additional Fire Department involvement. As the forests face greater stress due to drought, the chance for forest fires is increased. Impacts and Vulnerability - Wetlands, see appendix, Figure 1. Wetlands are important to mitigate climate change effects such as coastal storm surges as well as inland flooding events. Prior to our converting to the MWRA water supply in 2007, the flood plain of the Ipswich River was important to our water source. As Reading pumped groundwater from wells near the Ipswich River, we helped to significantly drain the river during the summer months. Seasonal low flow was disastrous to the fish and other wildlife of the region. The Reading Conservation Commission enforces the state's Wetland Protection Act, and the Ipswich River Watershed Association monitors the 35 -mile river and its 155 square mile watershed. The watershed is also home to the Massachusetts Audubon Society's largest sanctuary. Degradation of the watershed is likely, due to more winter rains and increased run- off from impervious surfaces in addition to excess fertilizer run -off, leading to algae bloom and depletion of dissolved oxygen. More severe storms and summer droughts will also degrade the watershed and waterways. Furthermore, Massachusetts, one of the densest populations in the country, faces the loss of woodlands and watersheds due to residential and commercial development, sand and gravel operations, and the expansion of agriculture. In Reading, our primary "agricultural crop" could be said to be grass. This has no commercial value; we cut it too often, remove it from the premises, and then add water and too much chemical fertilizer to replenish the soil and grow more grass. The value of our grass for carbon dioxide removal and use as a biofuel is negligible. Recommended Strategies — Wetland Maintenance • Protect our wetlands by our zoning bylaws. Particularly, monitor areas for flood control and mitigation, and look for opportunities to add any available lands that fall under the Reading Wetlands Bylaw and/or MA Wetlands Protection Act. • Work to eliminate as many impervious surfaces as feasible. Investigate tax incentives for residents who install pervious driveways and parking lots and methods to ensure their continued functioning. • Educate residents in the proper use of fertilizer. Reduce the amount used and substitute organic fertilizers for those made chemically. This will reduce harmful run -off effects of nitrogen and phosphorous (educate residents about Massachusetts' ban on phosphorus in fertilizers). • Educate residents in the planting of trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetable and grasses that are native to Massachusetts. • Establish community gardens in town owned land for the use of residents especially those who may not have free access to a garden. HUMAN HEALTH AND WELFARE Impacts and Vulnerabilities Climate change is likely to have significant adverse impacts on human health in Reading, Massachusetts. These impacts will include direct, acute effects of extreme weather events and indirect effects such as increased risk of some diseases. Higher summer temperatures will lead to exacerbation of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular disease. Heat stress particularly affects the elderly and the very young. There will be more poor air quality days due to increased ozone and particulate matter in the atmosphere coupled with higher temperatures. Increased plant pollen production is expected to aggravate allergies and asthma. Vector -borne infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus, will increase as ticks and mosquitoes thrive in warmer climate conditions. Water -borne disease outbreaks may occur during and after flooding events, and surface water quality may be degraded from sediments, pathogens, nutrients and pesticides in storm -water runoff. Extreme weather events such as ice storms, hurricanes, and more powerful storms may affect human welfare by disrupting power and sanitary services, impairing access to safe and nutritious food, and damaging homes and property. Increased mental and physical health burdens will result from the need to cope with extreme weather, disaster response and uncertainty. Some sectors of the population — the elderly, young children, people with chronic disease, disabled, mentally ill, and low income residents — will be particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change on health and welfare. Recommended Strategies — Public Health Infrastructure At the state level, the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report recommends that the public health infrastructure should undergo a system -wide climate change needs assessment. Relevant to Reading, local public health officials should: • Incorporate climate vulnerabilities into existing emergency plans (All Hazard Plan) and conduct exercises to practice plan implementation. • Establish emergency procedures, including cooling centers and transportation, notification procedures, and Check on your Neighbor programs, for vulnerable populations and educate the community about these programs. E • Join regional public health programs to share resources for more efficient provision of non - emergency services aimed at prevention of disease and injury. • Provide additional education and alerts for bad air quality days and potential for heat stress. • Maintain and increase staffing levels of public health infrastructure. Recommended Strategies — Vector -borne Diseases The town of Reading participates in the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project which provides services to survey wetlands and mosquito populations; control mosquito larvae with application of a selective biological larvicide, Bti (Bacillus thurigiensis var. israelensis), to large wetlands where mosquitoes breed; and eradicate adult mosquitoes by truck- mounted aerial spraying of the insecticide sumithrin when needed. In addition, mosquitoes are tested for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis through MA Department of Public Health. Reading should: • Continue to use the services of East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. • Conduct public education campaigns regarding vector -borne diseases and personal prevention practices. Specifically, target high risk groups such as outdoor workers. • Educate all residents about mosquito breeding habitats and the need to eliminate standing water to limit their breeding opportunities. Recommended Strategies — Ambient Air Quality In Reading, we should implement the following measures to reduce air pollution and its resulting adverse impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health by: • Promote heat island effect reduction strategies — cool roofs, green roofs, green spaces — perhaps through building code revisions and/or by -laws. • Minimize transportation- related air pollution by encouraging public transit use, walking, bicycling, carpooling and driving more fuel- efficient vehicles. • Increase use and installation of green infrastructure including trees and vegetative cover, with preference for hypoallergenic species. Recommended Strategies — Indoor Air Quality Higher temperatures, increased precipitation and extreme weather events can damage the building envelope of homes, offices, schools and commercial buildings. Such damage allows moisture and pest penetration, mold growth, and off - gassing 10 from building materials, all of which negatively impact respiratory health. In Reading we can: • Educate property owners about existing and future floodplains and encourage implementation of methods to reduce damage. • Encourage or mandate use of reflective paints and materials, and white roofs to decrease heat stress on buildings. • Promote installation of drainage improvements, insulation and vapor barriers and provide instruction on appropriate drying and salvage efforts. • Compile a database of areas expected to experience localized flooding throughout the town and share with the public. See appendix Figure 3. • Consider enhancing construction standards for buildings to be resilient to climatic impacts including from floods and hurricanes. • Improve drainage around buildings and consider capture of rainwater for storage and later use during droughts. • Expand use of porous pavement to improve drainage on roadways and prevent run -off into buildings. • Educate homeowners and businesses to identify and trim or remove hazardous trees — those that are likely to fall and cause damage to homes and buildings — during storms, and replace with trees placed appropriately to shade homes without being too close. Recommended Strategies — Water Quality Reading's drinking water originates from the Quabbin Reservoir in central Massachusetts and is supplied by the MWRA. However, the town maintains groundwater wells that could be used in an emergency. To protect the capacity and quality of the aquifer, Reading should: • Educate public about ecologically sound landscaping practices to recharge the aquifer and to reduce chemical fertilizers. • Improve storm water management. • Maintain and practice contingency plans to respond to water supply impact by climate change. See page 16 on Water Supply and Disposal. 11 Agriculture and Food Systems Reading residents rely on local supermarkets for access to a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy products, meat, fish, grains and processed foods that are produced throughout the country and the world. Our community is therefore vulnerable to food shortages and food contamination that might result from drought, heat waves or other adverse weather conditions in the areas where we get most of our produce, e.g., the Midwest, California, Central or South America, etc., pest infestations, pesticide contamination, and interruption in the transportation network due to severe storms. Recommended Strategies — Agriculture and Food Systems Reading could improve food security for its citizens by: • Promoting more sustainable, local food production by home gardeners, establishing a community garden, and promoting the availability of locally grown organic produce for sale to Reading residents through farmer's markets and local retail stores. • Encouraging residents to keep an emergency supply of non - perishable nutritious foods to feed their household for several days in the event of a severe storm that disrupts food supply. See Flood Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations in the appendix. LOCAL ECONOMY AND GOVERNMENT We can expect severe weather including hotter and longer heat waves, drought, forest fires, extreme precipitation, flooding, ice storms, and super storms including hurricanes and tornadoes. Impacts and Vulnerability Although Reading does not enjoy a coast line and the associated concern for sea level rise, many Reading residents work in Boston as well as in other coastal cities and towns for which sea level rise is a concern. As a result, damage from flooding and higher storm surges due to sea level rise will indirectly affect Reading through its workforce. Jobs could be lost for a time, or forever, due to storm surge damage to nearby coastal communities, resulting in economic stress for local families and possible loss of tax revenue for local communities. More severe heat waves and power blackouts will particularly stress senior citizens and very young children. As the temperature rises, the need for air conditioning increases, adding to electrical load. Because nighttime temperatures now also remain high, power equipment such as transformers are not allowed to cool off and are therefore more likely to fail. 12 Without electricity, air conditioning turns off, as do fans and refrigerators. In addition, ATM machines, gasoline pumps, credit card devices, cell phone and computer battery rechargers, and cash registers will no longer function. Long -term blackouts will particularly cause much stress to our older and very young residents and to those people suffering from respiratory diseases as well as severely burden our first responders. Severe winter storms and power outages will present their own set of challenges. Without electricity, most homes will lose their heating units. It doesn't take long for residents to experience frigid temperatures that can be very uncomfortable and dangerous. The loss of power may also affect food security. With many of our residents dependent on one or two area supermarkets for food, the loss of power for refrigeration and lighting and/or the disruption of transportation to resupply stores would soon prove problematic. If the 40 or so supermarkets in our surrounding area were not resupplied for a number of days, serious food shortages would occur. Recommended Strategies — Impacts and Vulnerability • Reading residents can ready their households for serious storms by embracing emergency preparedness. Residents who plan ahead for exigencies can greatly increase the resilience of Reading by reducing the load of first responders. Both FEMA and MEMA have excellent guidelines for citizen preparedness, which should be studied and adopted by all residents. Water, food, prescription drugs, extra cash, all should be kept on hand to enable residents to maintain their lives for three to four days without access to commercial businesses. (See Appendix, FEMA information, for more information.) • Regional and local officials, health leaders, and business leaders should closely collaborate, knowing that the federal and state providers will concentrate on major state medical, energy, and infrastructure issues. Re ill cooperation is already happening and should be encouraged and expanded. Our fire chief is an active member of the Fireside Metropolitan Fire District and our police chief participates in the North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council comprised of 54 communities. • Town government initiatives: a. Implement all pertinent guidelines from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and other state assistance programs to help municipalities with planning adaptation measures to lessen the impact of our more severe weather patterns. b. Initiate public discussions and deliberations to develop criteria, set priorities, and establish or modify policies for emergency actions during 13 severe weather or other emergencies. Incorporate adaptation strategies into the Reading Master Plan. Most importantly, provide continual public education on the need for emergency preparedness as well as knowledge of emergency plans and procedures. c. Continue to train Reading's firemen and police on the latest information to properly respond to emergency situations. Also, staff and train our Local Emergency Planning Committee and maintain close relations with our Regional Emergency Planning Committee. Lastly, be sure to provide our Emergency Management Director, presently Fire Chief Burns, with the staff and equipment to properly fulfill his responsibilities. d. Publicize Reading's favorable business climate to attract companies providing energy efficiency and renewable energy equipment. The Massachusetts Clean Enemy and Climate Plan for 2020 will help create 36,000 jobs in the state, 23,000 to improve efficiency of energy use in buildings. According to the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report, 20111 "the estimate for employment from in -state demand for renewable energy in Massachusetts in 2020 is 6,000 to 12,000 full -time jobs ". e. Some suggestions for further consideration; some are already underway: ■ Plan for an emer ency medical facili . ■ Plans to relocate our most vulnerable residents to safer locations include our high school and middle schools. We should also consider our larger stores, such as Jordan's Furniture, Home Goods, and Home Depot as potential safe areas during extreme emergencies. ■ Appoint voluntary health and safety watch leaders in each neighborhood. Town meeting members may be willing to assume some of this responsibility for their precinct. ■ Discuss food security with the major food purveyors to better understand the reality of our food supply and to determine strategies to maintain continuity of supply. ■ Be aware that due to our changing climate, many 100 -,year flood plains have been reduced to 20 -year flood plains and 500 -year flood plains reduced to 100 -year plains. ■ Fresh water security can be enhanced with greater use of rain barrels, emergency town wells, and the use of grey water to flush toilets. 14 ■ Consider altering work hours to cooler times of the day and providing additional breaks for outdoor workers during times of high heat index. ■ Incentivize conversion to local renewable enemy sources to alleviate dependence on the grid and to protect from power disruptions. Additional renewable energy sources could provide electricity to emergency control centers and relief centers. ■ Increase the town's emery fund — "Damage to private property due to climate extremes may result in a reduction of the municipal tax base, while at the same time call for an increase in services for vulnerable populations, emergency response, and public infrastructure maintenance upgrades or replacement." ■ Extreme weather events could damage vulnerable historic buildings. The Parker Tavern would be within this category and should be evaluated for such an event and decisions made as to what can be done to preserve it. KEY INFRASTRUCTURE Our present living conditions depend on energy sources, telecommunications, transportation, clean water supply, health and safety services, including disposal of waste water, solid waste and hazardous materials. We also depend on the present infrastructure of buildings, roads, bridges, and rail service. With increased temperature and more severe storms and droughts, all of these services and infrastructure will be stressed. Although Reading is not likely to be directly affected by a storm surge or rising sea levels, damage to our infrastructure and our low -lying neighbors' habitat will ultimately affect us. Our source of drinking water (MWRA), wastewater treatment (Deer Island), solid waste management (Covanta- Haverhill, etc.), electrical generating capacity (New England Power Pool facilities), and gas and oil supply lines can be disrupted by storm damage outside of our town boundaries. Fortunately there are about 170 electric generating facilities throughout the state. As a result, sharing power is straightforward and will be enhanced by anticipated development of a smart grid. However, the fuel, natural gas, for most of these generators comes principally from pipelines and tanker ships at three import terminals (one on land and two offshore). Gas is delivered through many miles of underground transmission lines and local distribution pipes. There are ever fewer old, inefficient, coal power stations still in operation. For Reading, other power sources, such as, nuclear, hydropower, and alternative sources will not be able to generate more than "emergency" power. In addition, 90 % of our petroleum, 15 critical for transportation and heat, is imported by ship or barge. Thus, we are very dependent on the infrastructure around Boston Harbor. Reading residents should be prepared to become energy self - sufficient in the short term in order to power critical equipment. This includes generating power for sump pumps, fuel oil pumps, and water pumps for hot water, oil heat. Businesses should have emergency power for such uses as pumping gasoline from service stations and operating refrigeration in supermarkets. At home, appropriate storage of oil and gas should be considered with the understanding that residential gas and oil heating systems usually require electricity to function. Even the popular wood pellet stoves require electrical power, although some stoves have emergency battery power that will temporarily operate the stove. Preparedness should also include extra batteries and rechargers that use solar panels or hand power to recharge batteries for radios, wireless telephones and computers. Also, consider alternative measures for water security such as water storage in rain barrels and cisterns, grey water to flush toilets and hand pumps for water wells. Finally, homeowners should consider composting all organic waste and storing solid waste outside in a closed container. Impacts and Vulnerability - Water Supply and Disposal We now depend on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for our water, which starts in the distant Quabbin Reservoir. This supply could be disrupted for a number of reasons from a major line break, water pollution, and terrorist activities. To use water from our wells within the Ipswich River watershed in case of emergency would require some treatment. The maintenance of the wells and pumping capacity is important in terms of the pumping, chlorinating, and distributing of water in an emergency, but plans should be in place to treat the water. The addition of a second access (36 inch line) to the MWRA water supply is planned and would mitigate the impacts of a line break. Reading sends its domestic sewer wastewater to the MWRA for treatment at Deer Island. Much of this water flows by gravity, although the Town does maintain 12 pumping stations for low -lying buildings /areas. If a problem arises, emergency pumping could be required; back up generators should be maintained. Reading sends its storm water to three separate watersheds. Both the Town and the State have joint responsibility to maintain the watersheds and riverbanks (e.g., Ipswich, Saugus and Aber ona Rivers). Recommended Strategies — Water Supply and Disposal • Provide for Water Security a. Maintain well access to the Ipswich River for emergency use. b. Encourage MWRA to provide a second 36" water supply line into Reading in the event of a water line break to the main pipeline. 16 c. Educate residents in the reuse of grey water (water from the shower and tub) that can be used to flush toilets in the event of an emergency. d. Strongly encourage the employment of rain barrels and cisterns whose water could be chlorinated or boiled for potable use. Boiling with electric stoves requires electricity; however, if electrical power is down, sodium hypochlorite (Clorox (&) is usually available. Generally 10 drops of I% chlorine in one quart of clear water will provide drinkable water. e. Underground brooks could also be tapped for water in emergency conditions. The water in Memorial Park is filled by gravity from a spigot located behind the fire station. Perhaps, residents in a water crisis could use this water. f. Residents should be encouraged to store sufficient bottled water for at least three days duration - one gallon daily for each resident. With sufficient warning, residents should fill their bathtubs with water for consumption and flushing toilets. g. Supplement our strong program to encourage residents to adopt water conservation measures. • In the event of a malfunction to our sewerage system to Deer Island, the availability of community Porto - Potties should be considered for evacuation centers (the need for which was seen in recent U.S. disaster situations). • In regards to storm water, we need to define low -lying problem areas, and protect the roadbed and other structures as best we can. Zoning laws can prevent some problems of building in marsh and riverbed areas while we work to keep our storm drains clear. Impacts and Vulnerability - Fossil Fuels If a gas line breaks, emergency personnel from the utility companies and the Town fire department will respond. In the case of a major catastrophe, gas supply will be turned off to isolate the problem. As a result, many residents who use natural gas will find themselves without heat for warmth, cooking and possibly refrigeration. In case of a major conflagration, the fire department may use emergency measures (e.g., fire lines) that may also close off gas flow. The Town management needs to understand and support these decisions. As a result, evacuation centers may be required for people that heat with gas in the winter. In case of emergency, gasoline will be a critical source of energy for motor vehicle evacuation and for emergency generator usage. Local fuel oil and coal supplies should be less of a problem since they could be stockpiled. The use of wood and 17 propane (with outside tanks) may be considered in some households — battery operated carbon monoxide sensors are a must in such homes. Recommended Strategies — Fossil Fuels • Reading already has designated the high school and Coolidge Middle School as evacuation centers in the event of fuel emergency. We could also consider our larger stores such as Jordan's Furniture, Home Goods, and Home Depot as emergency centers if needed. Jordan's comes with mattresses. • For immediate supply, service stations must be able to pump gasoline without electrical service from the grid (gasoline generators). Similarly, the emergency resupply of service stations should be pre - arranged from out -of- area suppliers. • Major food providers (supermarkets) should ensure on -site power generation for the refrigeration of perishable foods. • On -site power generation in residential homes could provide heat in winter and air conditioning in summer for residents and their neighbors. • On -site power generation should be considered for vital businesses such as pharmacies and doctors' offices, which require refrigeration for some of their drugs as well as electricity to operate their test equipment (X -ray machines) and to sterilize surgical implements. • Residents should consider wood stoves and propane heat with the propane tank situated safely outside the home. Keep in mind that wood pellet stoves require electricity to operate and require battery operated CO2 sensors for safety. Impacts and Vulnerability - Electricity Electricity is a major requirement for modern living. Sump pumps, oil burner oil pumps and hot water distribution pumps, and many snow blower starters depend on electricity, as well as lights, refrigerators, electric stoves, and microwave ovens. Residents should be encouraged to provide their own temporary, emergency power generation; without such power, emergency shelters would be needed in extreme cold or hot conditions. The Town has a municipal power department (RMLD) and can influence emergency management decisions (RMLD and CAB boards). It should be noted that the RMLD has an excellent record in terms of the number and length of power outages, compared with other utilities. Furthermore, the RMLD gives a no -cost, home energy inspection with air — sealing, CFL light bulbs, and insulation rebates. With Next Step Living, the RMLD literature indicates that 15% of Massachusetts's homes can pay a lower monthly electric bill with solar power. 18 Between 1980 and 2011, average residential usage per capita in Massachusetts increased from 2125 kWh to 3099 kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In the last decade, this usage has decreased slightly partly due to the cool economy as well as to greater efficiency. Although we have made great strides in efficiency in the areas of lighting, batteries, flat screen TVs, air conditioners, appliances, tablets and smartphones, stricter building codes, etc., we have not made the expected reductions in per capita energy use. This is due to more devices being used in larger homes with central air conditioning versus a few window units. Thus, efficiency savings are lost by the increased number and use of these electrical devices. To reduce our carbon footprint, we must look to energy conservation along with alternative, non - fossil fuel, electricity. Planning for or Special Needs Residents and Services Reading has a large elderly population and an undetermined indigent population, which may need special assistance in an emergency. These populations need to be identified before an emergency occurs, so that electricity and heating fuel can be supplied if needed. Within their precincts, Town Meeting members may be able to assist in this project. For the remaining residents, planning is important. Generators, gasoline, fuel oil, water, and batteries need to be available and maintained. Now may be the time to promote greater use of rain barrels, and composting organic materials, as part of an emergency plan. Recommended Strategies — Electricity • Local power generation and storage should become a priority for emergency management. • Alternative power such as solar, wind, and geothermal, should be encouraged along with a bank of batteries maintained by the RMLD. The batteries could provide temporary emergency power and as well as help meet peak load demand. • Consider incentives to residents who possess emergency power generators. This power could be used in emergency situations or to offset peak loads. • The Town should have a list of all the buildings in Reading that have off -grid power for possible use in emergency situations. • As electric powered cars become more common, electric power from car batteries may be used to power the grid during peak load times. With smart grids, power can move both ways: to the customer as well as from the customer. • Reading needs to encourage the use of solar thermal power to provide hot water as well as solar voltaics to generate electricity. Although the RMLD does offer a comparable solar rebate program, it should increase its financial 19 incentives from net - metering and feed -in- tariffs to further encourage solar energy. For example, solar electricity generated during peak time could be paid peak rates to encourage its development. In the last several years 20 residential customers from the four RMLD towns installed solar electric power. This is a good start, but we need to do much more. Moreover, the RMLD payment for alternative electricity generated by third party providers does not encourage the installation of solar energy. • The RMLD should maintain its rebates for high efficiency appliances, and the pricing incentives based on off -peak "time -of -use" of electricity. • The RMLD should strongly consider the adoption of the community shared solar program as outlined in the RMLD Four -Town Local Energy Action Plan. This program gives residents ownership of a renewable energy source — solar panels -- and credits for the energy generated. • The town should consider the use of distributed power by the use of natural gas with combined heat and power systems (CHP). By this method, we could generate electricity on site as well as heat and cool our buildings. 20 Conclusion The Reading Climate Advisory Committee hopes that this report will begin a community discussion on how to adapt to climate change. Since our challenges will be somewhat unpredictable, and new solutions will emerge, we must continually review and refine our adaptation strategies to meet these difficulties. Moreover, we need to look to ourselves for local needs rather than to federal and state authorities who will be stressed meeting national and state -wide challenges. In addition, we know that along with adaptation, we must mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and from agricultural and animal husbandry processes if we wish to protect our Earth from run -away climate change. The International Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Synthesis Report, Summary for Policymakers, 2007, p. 19, states, "Unmitigated climate change would, in the long term, be likely to exceed the capacity of natural, managed and human systems to adapt." The report continues, "There is high confidence that neither adaptation nor mitigation alone can avoid all climate change impacts; however, they can complement each other and together can significantly reduce the risks of climate change." It is with this hope to significantly reduce the risks of climate change that the Reading Climate Advisory Committee has written this report. Respectfully, Reading Climate Advisory Committee Joan Boegel, David Williams, Ron D'Addario 21 Appendices 1. Federal Emergency Management Agency — FEMA Emergency Preparedness Kit FAMILY SUPPLY LIST (SEE HTTP: /NNW W. READY.GOV /DOCUM ENT /FAMI LY- SUPPLY -LIST Ready Kids & The Federal Emergency Management Agency present: Family Supply List Emergency Supplies: Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents. Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three -day supply of non - perishable food Battery- powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First Aid kit Whistle to signal for help Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Dust mask or cotton t -shirt, to help filter the air Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter -in -place Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Clothing and Bedding: If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including: A jacket or coat Long pants A long sleeve shirt Sturdy shoes A hat and gloves A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person 1. FEMA — Emergency Preparedness Kit (continued) 22 Family Supply List (continued) Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies. Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov Rain gear Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils Cash or travelers checks, change Paper towels Fire Extinguisher Tent Compass Matches in a waterproof container* Signal flare* Paper, pencil Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies Disinfectant* Household chlorine bleach* - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Medicine dropper Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container 23 Figure 1, Wetland Map (clearer version available at the town's website) a � � i !�mp F 4�•F 66, i r " WETLAND MAR i� rurr UP rRaaIRr �- �_ a&mjarwr,rrra =._"— PI ..._ a a. r a r 24 Figure 2, Flood Zone (clearer version available at the town's website) 4 '� r J ,t� -4�Li eY4 - V *. B. FLOOD ZONES k ,L 25 Figure 3, Reading Conservation Areas (clearer version available at the town's website) REAOM CONSERVAMNAREAS .... M 9r=� � !wa - ^/y� s• to !- ~ 4 � � YEA• �� -1 ti '!I