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Home My WebLink About2013 Annual Report - Part 1Town of Reading Massachusetts OF j639• o¢Q,� INCOR4 2013 Annual Report OFREgO'� Report 2013 Annual Re p Table of Contents 39: INCORQO� PAGE(S) 2013 YEAR IN REVIEW Town Manager Annual Letter & Table of Organization .. ............................... 1 -3 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Boardof Selectmen ................................................... ............................... -8 TownCounsel .................................................. ............................... 9 TownClerk ..................................................... ............................... 10 -11 Human Resources ............................................. ............................... 11 Technology & Operations ................................... ............................... 12 COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PlanningDivision .............................................. ............................... 13 -18 Metropolitan Area Planning Council MAPC 18 -26 North Suburban Planning Council (NSPC) ................ ............................... 26 -27 Conservation Division ........................................ ............................... 27 -28 HistoricalCommission ........................................ ............................... 28 -29 West Street Historic District Commission ................... ............................... 30 Inspections Division & Zoning Board of Appeals ......... ............................... 30 -31 HealthDivision ................................................ ............................... 31 -33 Elder /Human Services Division .............................. ............................... 33 -41 RecreationDivision ............................................ ............................... 41 -48 Veterans' Services Division .................................. ............................... 49 -50 TheArc of Middlesex ......................................... ............................... 50 -52 Mystic Valley Elder Services ................................ ............................... 52 -53 TrailsCommittee ............................................... ............................... 54 FINANCE DEPARTMENT Accounting.................................................................. ............................... Assessing........................................................ ............................... 55 Treasurer........................................................ ............................... 56 Collector........................................................ ............................... 57 PUBLIC SAFETY FireDepartment .......................................................... ............................... 58 - 62 PoliceDepartment ............................................. ............................... 63-69 AnimalControl ................................................ ............................... 69-70 Parking Enforcement Officer ................................ ............................... 70-71 PoliceRoster ................................................... ............................... 71 -73 Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) . ............................... 74-78 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Director's Report ............................................... ............................... 79 Administration Division ...................................... ............................... 80 CemeteryDivision ............................................. ............................... 80-81 Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves ................ ............................... 81 Engineering Division ......................................... ............................... 81-87 Highway Division ............................................. ............................... 87-88 Forestry Division: Tree Warden's Report ................. ............................... 88 Parks Division ......................................................... ............................... 88 Water Supply Division ........................................ ............................... 89-91 Water Distribution Division .................................. ............................... 91 SewerDivision ................................................. ............................... 91 -92 READING PUBLIC LIBRARY Report........................................................... ............................... 93- 105 HOUSING AUTHORITY Report........................................................... ............................... 106-115 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Superintendent's Report ...................................... ............................... 116-162 Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School ..... ............................... 163 - 175 BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS Report........................................................... ............................... 176-184 APPENDIX A. Legislative Reports ................................... ............................... 185-292 B. Financial Statements .................................. ............................... 293 -380 Dear Fellow Reading Residents, The Town of Reading 2013 Annual Report covering calendar year 2013 is attached. This report summarizes many of the activities during the year past, and describes some aspects in great detail. Reading Town government is staffed by a small but highly capable team. Many are residents of the community, but all are always looking for ways to do things more efficiently and effectively. One of our strongest core values is to provide cost effective service to the community, as we understand that taxpayers have finite resources. Town government, the School Department and the Light Department also have a large core of dedicated community volunteers. All staff and volunteers have a right to be proud of their many accomplishments that represent the entire community working together. Some brief highlights for 2013 include: • The retirement of the first Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner after a 25+ year career in Reading. Pete's accomplishments are many and legendary, and it was a great privilege for me to learn from and work alongside him for many years; • The first reorganization of Town government since the Charter was put in place over twenty five years ago. The reorganization was designed in consideration of the many subsequent changes in the area of technology and communications, and approved by November 2013 Town Meeting. Residents now ask for assistance from the Town for a wider variety of issues at a substantially higher rate than has ever been seen due to the ease of electronic communication. We are hard at work to provide easy information access, for example search for an interesting Town Meeting topic from several decades ago here: http://webdocs.readingma.gov/WebLink8/; • Continued strong economic development activities, especially along Main and Haven Streets. Reading's downtown is now the envy of many area communities. Residential development at both Johnson Woods and Reading Woods have also flourished and added almost 5% more housing units to our community; • Voters twice approved debt exclusions (once in early 2014) for the renovation and addition to the Public Library, one of the most beloved resources in the community; • Very strong financial performance, resulting in an eventual upgrade to our bond rating just after the year ended to AAA —the highest level possible. This is especially timely as borrowing costs for the library will be lower; • Reading started to show up in very favorable positions on data driven comparisons with other communities on many parts of our operations, especially public safety, education, planning and development and transparency of information. 1 As you read through the enclosed material, if you have any questions or suggestions please send those along to the email address listed below. Thanks for your help in making Reading a great community! Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager townmanagergci.reading ma.us www.readingma.gov 2 Town of Reading, MA Executive Branch Table -of Organization °G'rrncoap° (Approved November 2013 ) VOTERS BOARD OF ASSESSORS BOARD OF SELECTMEN BOARD OF ( elected) (elected) LIBRARY TRUSTEES �_ r (elected) r r , -------------------- Town Manager Law WIN i � r r r � , r--- -- - -- - -' r r r , r r r r ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES i FINANCE LIBRARY PUBLIC SAFETY PUBLIC WORKS Assistant Town Manager AssistarrtTown Manager ; 7bwn A&ourftd Library Director PoliceiFire Chiefs Director of Public Works Adnrinisballn SeMOa comrnurft Services r r r r r r Town Conservation " r Human Resources Economic Economic DeveloPmeAt • Library Aocourrtbtg Cultural Council • Emergency Management Engineering 9 9 Operations EldedHumanSenrices* Assessment• Fire Highway Technology Historical" Collections Pollce Equipment Maintenance Town Clerk West Street Historical • y Animal Control Parks/Forestryl0tmetery Elections/Registration • InspeeNonslZoning " Trust Funds " Telecommunications Solid Waste Planning" Street Lighting Public Health " Snowilce Control Recreation • Water Supply/Distribution Veterans Services Sewer Collection Town Forest* Stonnwater -- Dashed Line indicates a relationship between an elected Board and the Department or Division Italic Designates positions appointed by the Board of Selectman * Designates an elected or appointed Commission, Board or Committee that works within that Division ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Board of Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Marsie West were elected to three year terms replacing Camille Anthony and Stephen Goldy who chose not to run for re- election. For Fiscal Year 2014, James Bonazoli served as Chairman, John Arena served as Vice Chairman, and Ben Tafoya as Secretary. Personnel and Volunteers The Board of Selectmen: • Reading's first and only Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner retired after over 25 years, effective June 1, 2013. • After a search process, Assistant Town Manager Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. was appointed by the Board of 'Selectmen as the new Town Manager. • Reappointed Brackett and Lucas as Town Counsel. • Reappointed Sharon Angstrom as Town Accountant. • The Board of Selectmen adopted a list of peer communities as first comparison whenever possible for pay and classification purposes. The list adopted allowed other communities to be included that we formerly did not consider. • Approved the position of Regional Housing Services Coordinator. • The Board of Selectmen and Reading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners jointly appointed David Mancuso to a position on the Reading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners with a term expiring April 8, 2014. This appointment filled the vacancy left by Marsie West being elected to the Board of Selectmen. • Approved the Inter -local Municipal Agreement with the Town of Wakefield for regionalization of the School Nutrition Director position. The person will work half time in Reading and half time in Wakefield and the same menu plan will be used at both Town's schools. • The Board of Selectmen and School Committee appointed Jean Borawski to a position on the School Committee to finish the current term of the vacancy. • Approved a reorganization of Town government that included amendments to the Table of Organization. The key changes were combining the Town Manager's Office with Human Resources, Technology and Town Clerk into an Administrative Services department; moving Recreation from Public Works to the Community Services department; and combining Accounting, Treasurer - Collector and Assessing under the Town Accountant as the new Finance department. In the area of Boards, Committees and Commissions, the Board of Selectmen: • Approved the policy establishing a Town Manager Screening Committee. • Jointly with the Board of Library Trustees approved a Policy establishing a Library Building Committee and designated members of the Library Building Committee as Special Employees. 4 • Reviewed, and eventually approved, remote participation for public meetings (per the Open Meeting Law). • Established an Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee to assist with the comprehensive update of the Zoning Bylaws. • Amended the Policy on the Town Forest Committee, moving the Committee from Community Services to DPW. The following individuals were either newly appointed or re- appointed by the Board of Selectmen to the following Boards, Committees or Commissions: • Animal Control Appeals Committee — John Miles. • Audit Committee — Marsie West. • Board of Appeals — John Jarema and Erick Hagstrom (Associate). • Board of Cemetery Trustees — Ronald Stortz and Elise Ciregna. • Board of Health — David Singer. • Board of Library Trustees — appointed John E. Brzezenski jointly with the Board of Library Trustees. • Board of Registrars — Krissandra Holmes. • Climate Advisory Committee — Laurie Ann Sylvia, Gina Snyder (Associate) and Michele Benson (Associate). • Commissioners of Trust Funds — John Daly and Marsie West. • Community Planning and Development Commission — Nicholas Safna and John Weston. • Conservation Commission — Jamie Maughan and Annika Scanlon. • Constable — Tanya Amico and John Segalla. • Council on Aging — Steve Oston, Sally Hoyt, Donavin Bentley, and Christine Hansen. • Cultural Council — Jacalyn Wallace and Donna Schenkel (Associate) • Economic Development Committee — Meghan Young, Karl Weld, and Associate members Camille Anthony, John Russell, and Elizabeth Krugman. • Fall Street Faire Committee — Leslie Leahy and Sheila Mulroy. • Historical Commission — Sally Hilgendorff, Robyn Parker, and Associate members Nancy Kohl and Virginia Adams. • Housing Authority — Diane Cohen and Madeline Hodgdon. • Human Relations Advisory Committee — Lori Hodin, James Cormier, Jacalyn Wallace, and Associate Member Camille Anthony. • North Suburban Planning Council — Ben Tafoya. • Recreation Committee — Michael DiPietro, Francis Driscoll, Katherine Kaminer, and Associate Members Sean Whalen and .John Winne. • Sick Bank — Margaret Campbell. • Town Forest Committee — William Sullivan, Thomas Gardiner, and Associate Members Louis DeBrigard, Jennifer Driscoll, Farrukh Najmi, and Kurt Habel. • Trails Committee — Terence Sell, David Williams, and Associate Member John E. Parsons. • Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee — Daniel Ensminger. • West Street Historic District Commission — Everett Blodgett. 5 Licensing and Permits In the area of licenses the Board of Selectmen: • Spent much time pondering the concept for an on- premises beer and wine license for "Paint and Sip." The potential applicant wanted to establish paint and sip at a studio offering painting with background music and be able to sip beer and wine without the service of food. The Board of Selectmen approved amendments to the policy to restrict the number of hours and to give the option of providing food. • The Reading Police Department conducted a compliance check that resulted in the Board of Selectmen suspending Meadowbrook Golf Club's liquor license. Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street, was penalized with a two day suspension for violation of MGL Chapter 138, Section 34 for the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age on June 20, 2013. • Approved an alcohol liquor license for Bunratty's Tavern, 622 Main Street, with the anticipation of opening at the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. Bunratty's Tavern is a family style tavern with traditional Irish food and setting and will offer live entertainment. • Approved a liquor license transfer from Northside Liquors, 150 Main Street, to Jay and Ricky Inc. located at 212 Main Street. • Approved an all alcohol liquor license for Portland Pie at 54 Haven Street. Portland Pie is a Maine based company specializing in pizza. Their proposal was to have two dining areas — one for family and one with bistro high dining. There will be a double sided fireplace and they are proposing 20 seats outside. It is a family friendly restaurant and they give back to the community. This restaurant will create 50 new jobs. • Approved an all alcohol package store license to Pamplemousse at 26 Haven Street. This license was granted as special legislation for the Haven Street development. Pamplemousse sells kitchen gadgets, pots and pans, vinegars, oils, sauces, food, and wine. They focus on wine but will do full service. They will have a big cheese case and offer meals that can be taken home and heated up. • Approved the liquor license transfer from CWI, LTD d/b /a The Wine Bunker to Kajal and Kevin LLC d/b /a Liquor Junction at a new location within the same plaza at 1 General Way. The Board also eliminated some conditions that were on the original license since the restrictions were based upon the Wine Bunker business. 6 There was much discussion in 2013 about the implementation of the new Fingerprint Bylaw for holders of certain licenses. The holders of -Class 2 and 3 licenses had concerns regarding the fingerprinting and the Board of Selectmen waived the requirement for fingerprinting until consultation with Town Counsel and possible amendment of their policies. Community Development The Board of Selectmen approved the update Housing Plan which helps give the Town an opportunity to say no to developers who come into Town with a 40b that the Town does not want. N The Board of Selectmen adopted a policy on Affordable Housing and approved an amendment to the Johnson Woods affordable housing. An agreement between the MBTA and the Town allowing municipal use of the MBTA Lot on Vine Street gained the Town 42 spaces of parking on Vine Street. The United States Postal Service informed the Board that the Postal Service is proposing to relocate (not close) the Reading Post Office to a yet to be determined location. They proposed to find a new location for the retail and to move the carrier to the facilities in Woburn. If they do that they will sell the building. The USPS is trying to reduce expenses and generate revenues. They indicated they will not move without a buyer for the building and they won't sell without a relocate location. Since the existing retail service is an anchor core in downtown and it creates a lot of traffic in downtown the Town asked to be included in the process. After an outcry from residents, the Board of Selectmen approached the State for improvements to the intersection of Main and Franklin Streets, the issue being many accidents and the need for dedicated left hand turn lanes onto Franklin Street. The State has taken it under advisement. Infrastructure The voters approved funding for renovations to the Library and an addition. The Board of Selectmen approved the Washington Park final design and lighting for Memorial Park. The Memorial Park lights will be decorative and functional lights and they will be sets of three lights on black poles. There will be 16 total light units — 12 dedicated to skating and 4 for passive recreation. The lights will be energy efficient and a weather sensor will be incorporated to control the lights. The total cost is approximately $30,000 and Friends of Reading Recreation did the fundraising. The Selectmen also approved the Sturges Park Master Plan that included moving the playground; raising the hockey area; moving the softball field back a little; changing the tennis court to go north and south; and the addition of a new basketball half court. The Board of Selectmen, at the request of the School Committee, approved a Letter of Intent between the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston, A Corporation Sole and the Town of Reading for the purchase of the so called Woburn Street School at 172A Woburn Street for use as an Early Childhood Center incorporating the RISE pre- school program and full day Kindergarten. The consideration of full day Kindergarten was later put on hold by the School Committee and the letter was rescinded. Two sites, Laurel Hill and Forest Glen, were chosen for further analysis for a new Cemetery Garage and the Town issued an RFP. The consultant will do a space needs study, the Board of Selectmen and Cemetery Board will make a decision, and then they will do a REP for design. 7 Financial In November 2013 the Board of Selectmen approved an extension of the Interlocal Agreement with Wakefield for Tax Assessment Services. The Board of Selectmen voted to amend Section 1.13 of the Selectmen's Policy regarding use of Purchasing Cards. The Purchasing Cards eliminate the need for employees to purchase work items on their personal credit cards. This is only for cases where there is no other option. The Board of Selectmen recommended to Town Meeting to settle litigation expenses between the Town of Reading and TLT in the amount of $72,000. The Board of Selectmen awarded the bid for the sale of the Town owned property at 50 Lothrop Road to David M. Chuha DBA Chuha Construction Company Inc., for a sum of $305,000. The Board also awarded the bid for sale of Town owned property at 2 Audubon Road to James Lordan d /b /a Sage Development Corp., for a sum of $311,000. Economic Development One element of our financial success is our success in economic development, Highlights include: • Location of a number of new businesses in the community. • The Reading Fall Street Faire, in its 5th year, has fast become a beloved and successful tradition in Reading, celebrated the second Sunday of September. BRACKETT & Lucas COUNSELORS AT LAw 19 CEDAR STREET WORCESTER, MA 01609 508- 799 -9739 GARY S. BRACKETT FAx 508- 799 -9799 gsbrackett @brackettlucas.com February 25, 2014 Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., CFA Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: 2013 Annual Report Dear Bob: I am submitting the report of Brackett & Lucas as Town Counsel for the calendar year 2013. During the past year, legal assistance was provided to the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, department heads, town boards, committees and commissions. Our services included advice and legal opinions as well as attendance at meetings as required. In addition, we assisted in the preparation and review of warrant articles and we attended the Annual Town Meeting and Subsequent Town Meeting. In 2013, we were engaged in representing the Town of Reading in several litigation matters. Two cases involved claims related to the construction/renovation of the Reading Memorial High School. One case has been settled and the other case is has begun hearings with a Master. Land use appeals were pending regarding decisions of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Our firm has also assisted in several other departmental matters including employment issues, review of contracts, alcohol license violations, and appeals from gun permit license suspensions and revocations. It has been our honor and pleasure to serve as Town Counsel during the past year and we look forward to continuing our service to the Town of Reading in the future. GSB /dsh 0 Very truly yours, Gary S. Brackett Town Clerk Elections In 2013 there were three Elections in the Town of Reading. The Town Election was held on April 2, the Special State Primary was held on April 30, and the Special State Election was held on June 25. Election Turnout On April 2 there were 3,207 votes cast in the Town Election with 96 Absentee Ballots, a turnout of 18.2 %. On April 30 there were 3,186 votes cast in the Special State Primary with 97 Absentee Ballots, a turnout of 18.1 %. On June 25 there were 5,323 votes cast in the Special State Election with 286 Absentee Ballots, a turnout of 30.1 %. Board of Registrars Registrars Krissandra Holmes, Gloria Hulse, Harry Simmons, and Town Clerk Laura A. Gemme registered 732 voters, made 1,456 voter changes (name, address, status), and deleted 442 voters in 2013. There were over 2,360 signatures certified on nomination and petition papers for the 2013 election year. Registrars also offered assistance to voters on election days. Census The Annual Town Census was conducted in January, entirely by mail, with a total of 11,409 forms mailed to residences. The local census assists Town Clerks in putting together the Street List (resident book) and the Jury List. Major functions served by an annual local census are: • Information collected for municipal purposes o Schoolneeds o Growth and planning needs o Resident identification for police and fire o Collection of dog information o Veteran information • Information for the Jury Commissioners • Determining inactive voter status for voter removal as required by the National Voter Registration Act. Town Meeting The Town of Reading held an Annual and Subsequent Town Meeting in 2013 as well as two Special Town Meetings. The Annual Town Meeting was held in three nights on April 22, April 25, and April 29. The Subsequent Town Meeting was held in two nights on November 12 and November 14. The two Special Town Meetings were held on January 28 as a one night meeting and on April 25 as a one night meeting. 0 U Vital Statistics and Licensing During the calendar year 2013, the following Vital Statistics were recorded in the Town Clerk's office: • Births — 268 • Marriages — 108 • Deaths — 340 The Town Clerk's office issued: • 2,422 dog licenses • 2 commercial dog kennel licenses • 1 residential kennel license • 137 business certificates • 18 renewals for 67 underground storage tanks • 31 cemetery deeds Total receipts collected in the Town Clerk's Office for the calendar year 2013 amounted to $83,127.45 Human Resources The Human Resources Division supports the Town (under the direction of the Town Manager), Schools (under the direction of the Superintendent), Light Department (under the direction of the RMLD General Manager), and Retiree benefit activities. Employee benefits administered through this Division include health, dental and life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, the sick -leave bank, the Employee Assistance Program, paid time off, leaves of absences, professional development and unemployment benefits. Job related injuries covered by worker's compensation or MGL Chapter 41 Section 111 F (for public safety employees) are also administered through this department. Worker's compensation is a premium -based program purchased through the Massachusetts Inter - Local Insurance Association (MIIA). The Town is self - insured for job related injuries of its public safety employees qualifying under Section 111F. This program is fully administered within the Human Resources Division. The Town's health insurance program is currently administered through MIIA, with large losses being shared by all members of the MIIA Health Benefits Trust. The Town is currently reviewing the future options of its health insurance plans available through an open bid process. Longfellow Benefits has been contracted to assist the Town in an open bid process which will include a wide comparison of plans available to the Town including the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission municipal options. The Public Employee Committee has been meeting throughout the summer, reviewing the current status of the Town's plans and contributing to the bid process. This process is still underway and is expected to be finalized by March of 2015, with new agreements in place for the upcoming 2016 fiscal year. 11 Administrative Services — Technology and Operations Divisions The Town's use of technology and the sophistication of the systems in use continue to increase but the responsibilities remain the same. The Technology Division is responsible for providing and maintaining the necessary computing and telecommunications infrastructure and systems that the various Town departments use, in a secure and thoughtful manner. In addition, the division assists the various departments in the selection, installation, integration, and ongoing support of the systems that each department requires to accomplish their own goals. Also, the division administers the geographic information system (GIS), and provides the town's departments, boards, committees, and commissions with custom maps and analysis. Over the course of the past year the divisions continued to expand on the way that our existing systems are being utilized and integrated. We have provided the residents with additional electronic resources, most notably the document storage system's availability through our website, and configured other internal systems, in a way that will allow for more external access to information, that has historically been only available internally as we move forward. We have assisted the library with their plan for technology as they prepare to move into a temporary location while the existing library is renovated, and helped public safety with their move to a shared reporting system. The Operations Division is in charge of centralized procurement for all Town government departments. In addition, it oversees the use of technology and the connectivity of all software applications. 12 COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Planning Division The Planning Division provides technical and professional planning services to the Town of Reading and the relevant land use boards. The Town of Reading Master Plan (and other plans) serves as a guide for planning staff to assist in achieving stated goals for the Town of Reading. Planning helps civic leaders, businesses and citizens envision new possibilities for the future. In addition to long -range planning, we also develop action plans aimed at providing solutions to current community problems. Site Plan Review (SPR) is the zoning tool used to evaluate development projects. This is an important tool as it allows us to shape projects so that they respect the existing fabric of the Town and are carried out in harmony with the rest of the community. Planning staff works with appointed and elected leaders, including the Community Planning and Development Commission, in reviewing development proposals. SPR decisions contain conditions for approvals that reflect development review comments including input from the public. In 2013, the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) continued to receive experienced and dedicated service from its Chair, Charlie Adams and Vice Chair, Jeff Hansen and board members John Weston, Nick Safma, Dave Tuttle and associate member George Katsoufis. The most notable planning project that began in 2013 was the start of the Comprehensive Update of the Zoning Bylaw. This project was divided into two Phases. Phase 1 began over the summer of 2013 and was championed by the CPDC. The goal of Phase 1 was to address immediate needs and changes to the bylaw which resulted in four Warrant Articles proposed at Subsequent Town Meeting in November. Town Meeting approved all four Warrant Articles which included a temporary moratorium on medical marijuana treatment centers /registered dispensaries, a prohibition on electronic billboards (off - premises signs) and adding new regulations for uses protected under the Dover Amendment (MGL Ch40A Section 3). The fourth Warrant Article proposed a new overlay district called the PUD- Residential - Corona that would provide for additional buffer and setback area to the Johnson Woods development off of West Street. The goal of Phase 2 is to Simplify, Streamline, Modernize, and make zoning user friendly, as well as to improve and clarify the permitting process. The zoning work is being completed by an Ad Hoc Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC), staff, and a planning consultant that has been hired to provide added expertise, Vanesse Hangen Brustlin (VHB). In the fall of 2013, the Board of Selectmen formally established a seven member ZAC including two members from the CPDC, one member from the Board of Selectmen, one member from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and three seats open to the public. The zoning update project was kicked off in September of 2013 and a project website was developed, www.vhb.com/readingzoning, to keep all updated on progress made. The first Public Forum was held on November 20 and was very well attended. By the end of 2013, the Consultant had prepared a Zoning Diagnostic which outlined areas of the bylaw that 13 need improvement and/or modifications. The ZAC also begin review on the first set of deliverables which includes a revised Section 1 and Section 2. Other long range planning activities include the development of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. In August, the Planning Division requested assistance from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on the development of a Town -wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. They began with a roadway and sidewalk inventory and propose have a draft due early 2014. As part of this effort, MAPC recommended the Town adopt a Complete Streets Policy. The draft policy was vetted through the Parking Traffic Transportation Taskforce (PTTTF) and will be put before the Board of Selectmen spring 2014. The Planning Division also began work on evaluating, with the assistance of the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), alternatives for the 1.1 mile section of roadway along South Main Street for a possible, candidate for a "Roadway Diet." A roadway diet, also called a lane reduction or road re- channelization, is a is a transportation planning technique whereby a roadway is reduced in terms of its number of travel lanes, and/or effective width, in order to achieve systemic improvements. The improvements being sought include better traffic flow and safety for vehicles as well as improved safety and accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians. The MPO finalized their report with recommendations for South Main Street in December 2013. In regional planning efforts, Planning staff participated in a yearlong project to identify areas of priority development, priority preservation, significant transportation improvements, and significant infrastructure improvements. This project which was headed by MAPC was funded by a District Local Technical Assistance Grant (DLTA). Over the year, Planning staff attended a number of workshops and meetings with MAPC to identify areas in the community that should be identified as areas for preservation and development including any infrastructure and transportation needs. The outcome of this project will be a report that identifies regional areas of priority development, priority preservation, transportation and infrastructure improvements that will help support planning activities in the sub region of MAPC. Areas identified in this report would be better positioned to receive funding from programs like MassWorks. Another regional planning effort included the evaluation of a shared Regional Housing Services Office. Also funded through a DLTA Grant, Planning staff .worked with MAPC to establish a plan to create this shared position that will assist a number of communities in implementing affordable housing goals. The Economic Development Committee (EDC) continued to offer two programs in 2013 including the Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI) and the Retail Visioning Program. Both of these programs were initiated in 2012 and continue to be a success. The EDC also devotes efforts to ongoing activities such as business retention/expansion, new business development, wayfinding, and making Reading more business friendly including streamlined permitting. Through recommendations from the Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) which was finalized in May of 2013, Planning staff continued to work with RMLD on energy project opportunities. One 14 top priority is evaluating alternatives for a municipal solar project using a solar provider that was secured through a regional procurement effort lead by MAPC. Community Services Staff, including planning, provided support to the: Conservation Commission; Zoning Board of Appeals; Historical Commission; West Street Historic District Commission and the Board of Selectmen. The dedicated and hardworking boards, committees, and commissions are a critical component of the Town of Reading's expertise and resources without which the many accomplishments made each year could not have been possible. Planning Division Activities - CPDC In 2013, the CPDC met 23 times and, with the assistance of the Planning Division, reviewed 62 requests for a variety of approvals including: site plan review; subdivision; signage design and modifications to existing SPR decisions. The CPDC held 19 public meetings and numerous zoning work sessions centered on zoning by -law amendments noted below as part of the Phase 1 work on the Comprehensive Update to the Zoning Bylaw. There were a combined total of 17 Development Review Team (DRT) and Construction Review meetings were held with Town Staff and Applicants to provide guidance on permitting and development. Major Accomplishments - 2013 • Kick off of Comprehensive Update to the . Zoning Bylaw — ZAC established and Consultant Contract awarded. First Public Forum held and well attended; • Phase 1 of Update to ZBL - Subsequent Town Meeting Adopted changes to o Section 6.2 - Signs; o New Section 4.13 Temporary Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers/Registered Dispensaries; o Added "reasonable regulations" for Dover Amendment uses (exempt uses under MGL Chapter 40A, Section 3); o Planning Staff and CPDC held numerous workshops, meetings, presentations, and public hearings as part of these changes; • Streamlined Permitting Process — Several projects reviewed under Minor Site Plan Review; • Open Space and Recreation Plan - Approved by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation; • Sign Bylaw Enforcement — Worked with businesses to correct multiple violations including removal of defunct signs; • Vacant Properties Bylaw Enforcement — Identified and worked with a dozen property owners to come into compliance. Economic Development Committee The Economic Development Committee (EDC) elected a new Chair, Karl Weld; and George Rio was elected Vice Chair. Other members include Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young - Tafoya, Maria Higgins, and associate members Jack Russell, Camille Anthony, and Liz Krugman. Planning staff continues to provide support for the EDC and execute projects identified on the work plan. 15 As noted above, the EDC has continued the BFSI Program and Retail Visioning Program into 2013. In November, Planning staff worked with the EDC on developing grant applications to advance Economic Development goals. This included a grant application to the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Program. This grant, if received, would evaluate the possibility for creating a Cultural District for Reading. Planning staff also submitted a grant to MAPC under the DLTA Program that will help create an Economic Development Action Plan. Also, the EDSAT program was funded for an economic development self - assessment. Regional Planning Initiatives As mentioned above, the Planning Division continued to work on two major regional planning initiatives including the.development of a Regional Housing Services Coordinator position and the Priority Mapping Project. The Regional Housing Services Coordinator Position would be a shared position amongst a number of north shore communities desiring to participate. The Priority Mapping Project is detailed above, and will help identify areas of priority development and preservation on a regional level. Both projects were funded through the DLTA grant program with MAPC. Major Redevelopment Projects In an effort to keep the public informed the Bi- Weekly Notes were continued in 2013. This continues to generate many accolades from readers. The maps below highlight the major redevelopment projects that were permitted or in construction in 2013. 16 W s PARKER MIDDLE SCt OOH _ DSGD AIA BARROWS SCHOOL 141 TRAI.I DEP OT Bus F��Fea a �� _ 4na ,FIRESTATKON (MST SIDE)- Ind PUD -1 _ READR G MUYfCiPAL LIGHT DEP P.,fed. Ca. Bus A ' v ,DPWGA, 258 lAam SSeef (foan 14f-es ".1) ed, Q(i 0 OFAM Reading Woods, 1 Jacob Way — Reading Woods is a 24.8 acre site being developed by Pulte Homes of New England, LLC and is a redevelopment of a former office complex known as Addison Wesley. The former office use consisted of 208,000 square feet of vacant and dilapidated buildings and related parking. In total the project will include 424 for -sale residential homes (208 age restricted and 43 low /mod housing units as required under the 40R zoning district designation) that mostly are garden style ,condominiums with the exception of 16 which will be townhouses. Construction of the first phase of the project has begun. The construction of the townhouses and clubhouse is complete. Three of the four buildings located in the 40R district have been constructed and construction on the remaining building is nearly complete. The Town has also received two additional 40R Density Bonus payments for the 50 unit buildings. The remaining payment will be issued in 2014. Perfecto's, 285 Main Street — A coffee shop /cafe is being planned for this former tux shop building that had a fire some years ago. Originally permitted in 2009, the project has undergone several modifications and changes over the years. A demolition permit was filed by the developer and issued in August of 2013. Construction on the building structure is expected to commence in the spring of 2014. M.F. Charles Building, 600 Main Street — A mixed use building, largely vacant with some active tenants. Redevelopment commenced focusing on the commercial retail areas located on the first floor. Upper story residential use will follow in a future phase. Construction commenced in 2012 and continued into 2013. First floor tenants began individual build -outs in 2013 beginning with Orange Leaf which was completed and opened in December. It is anticipated the remaining tenants will begin build -outs early 2014. Oaktree, 30 Haven Street — a mixed use redevelopment of approximately 100,000 square feet with 20,000 square feet of first floor commercial/retail space and 80,000 square feet of both underground parking and upper level housing (53 units). This redevelopment replaces a former vacant, closed, downtown supermarket. This is the first project to be built under the Town's Downtown Smart Growth District (40R). Construction on the base building was completed at 17 the end of 2012. Several first floor tenants were permitted and underwent construction in 2013. Portland Pie and Pamplemousse both opened in 2013. Reading Pediatrics was permitted through CPDC in the summer and began construction in December. The remaining tenant, Snap Fitness also began construction in December. Artis Senior Living Center, 1090 -1100 Main Street — a nursing home development consisting of 64 beds specializing in Alzheimer and memory care patients. This two story structure has a proposed footprint of approximately 18,000 square feet and will be located at the former Eric's Greenhouse site totaling 3.5 acres. This project required Site Plan Review and a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals under the nursing home regulations (Section 4.3.1.4). The CPDC issued the Site Plan Review Decision in August and the Applicant received the Special Permit in October. It is anticipated demolition will begin early 2014. 258 Main Street, former Valarie's Bridal — the owner has started the permitting process for redevelopment of the existing site. The DRT was held in the summer of 2013 with a proposal to demolish the existing structure and propose a two -story mixed use office /restaurant building. Planning staff continues to work with the developer and hopes to see a Site Plan Review filing early 2014. In 2013, revenue generated from Planning Division activities totaled $18,240. The Planning Division is located at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, telephone 781942-9056. THE METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL (MAPQ The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Greater Boston. With a mission to promote smart growth and regional collaboration, MAPC's work is guided by our regional plan, "MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region." Founded in 1963, MAPC celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year. The past year marked a half- century of promoting smart growth and regional collaboration in Greater Boston. It was also the five -year anniversary of "MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region," our plan for development and preservation through 2030. We have celebrated by breaking ground in diverse, innovative areas of planning. MAPC continues to lead in environmental, land use, and transportation planning. We augment more traditional planning with projects in clean energy, public health, economic development, and housing planning. MAPC is well positioned to help our region stay at the forefront of equity and sustainability. Pursuing a Sustainable Future Some of MAPC's most vital work this year has been in implementing MetroFuture, as funded by the final phase of our Sustainable Communities grant, and in collaboration with the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities. The consortium has grown considerably: it is now 170 members strong, and it includes municipalities that are home to nearly 80% of the region's population. W., As the grant comes to a close in June 2014, more than 60 projects have been completed or will be wrapping up. They cover areas as varied as state policy campaigns, community organizing, transit- oriented development (TOD) planning, and bicycle and pedestrian network analysis. A major emphasis of the Sustainable Communities projects and MetroFuture is incorporating comprehensive public participation into all our work. We held more than 140 public meetings over the past three years, drawing 4,000 participants. We have engaged our constituents in many ways —from organizing walking tours of communities to holding focus groups in different languages, partnering with local organizations, and using simple, direct messaging. MAPC is committed to assisting municipalities in making smart decisions that will help guide future growth. Our smart- growth projects this past year included: a zoning analysis for South Street Mall area in Wrentham showing alternative options that could be implemented through zoning and transportation changes; an open space and recreation plan for Winthrop; and a zoning analysis for mixed -use development in the Saugus Mill District - a plan that will preserve historic mill structures, maintain existing industrial jobs, create opportunities for affordable housing, and provide public access to the Saugus River. Highlights from Sustainable Communities Projects over the Past Year • Plan Malden Square: A set of strategies to revitalize downtown Malden was the desired outcome of this Sustainable Communities - funded collaboration between Harvard's Graduate School of Design; MAPC, and the City of Malden. The recommendations we developed have spurred Malden to request proposals for the redevelopment of the City Hall site, and the city has applied for and won a $3 million grant through the MassWorks Infrastructure program to help support the project. • The Institute on Leadership in Equity and Development (Ilead) educates participants on sustainable and equitable development and teaches them how to advocate for outcomes in their own communities. MAPC and project partners designed the curriculum and held the training sessions in Dorchester, Lynn, and Somerville. • Quincy Wollaston TOD: At the Wollaston station in Quincy, MAPC analyzed the potential for transit- oriented development and made recommendations to promote new growth. In November 2013, Quincy followed those recommendations and approved a residential development proposal with reduced parking requirements. • Salem Point Neighborhood Visioning Project: MAPC used the online game Community P1anIt to facilitate a grassroots, neighborhood -level visioning process. With residents, we developed an action agenda to improve the quality of life in the Point neighborhood. Mayor Kimberley Driscoll is committed to the agenda outlined in the report, and is seeking grant resources to boost implementation locally. • Everett Community Visioning Project: MAPC worked with Everett's Department of Planning and Development, community organizations, and Everett residents to create a community vision for Everett's future. Because of the city's changing demographics, we pursued extensive community engagement outreach to ensure that the immigrant communities and long -time residents were able to provide input about the city's future. 19 Expanding Transportation Choice A reliable and diverse transportation system for everyone — regardless of age, income, or ability —is an ongoing focus of MAPC's work. A Greater Boston with a dynamic, multi -modal transportation system will enhance the region's prosperity, equity, and overall quality of life. Projects That Improve Options and Access to the Region's Transportation Network MAPC worked with the cities of Quincy, Melrose, and Beverly to create plans for building mixed -use, mixed - income development around three MBTA transit stations that would increase access to the region's transportation system and help lower combined housing and transportation costs for households. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Water Resources Association, MAPC is opening the region's aqueducts to the public and developing trails for walking and biking. MAPC is coordinating bicycle and pedestrian improvements in several communities. The aim is to build a regional pedestrian and bicycle network that improves connectivity throughout the region with safe access to major walking and biking destinations. One of the few regional bike -share programs in America, the Hubway Bike Share system has grown to nearly 130 stations in Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and Somerville. By October 2013 more than 1.5 million trips had been taken and users have collectively burned almost 70 million calories. Hubway will stay open year -round for the first time as Cambridge pilots winter operations in 2013 -2014. MAPC's Regional Trail Map (trailmap.mapc.org) is a singular resource for pedestrians and cyclists who want to explore our region. It offers municipalities a new perspective on their walking and biking connections with neighboring communities, while inspiring stakeholders to strengthen those connections. In collaboration with the Roxbury Great Neighborhoods Partners, MAPC performed a parking analysis on the Grove Hall business district, a residential and commercial area located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. The study determined parking availability, usage and turnover; assessed whether existing parking meets the needs of the community; and provided recommendations regarding better use of existing parking. Improving Public Health Our public health department continues to look at investing in the wellness of the region's residents and to help build healthy communities in both traditional and unexpected ways. MAPC did work this past year to increase the access of low- income residents to the fresh food found at farmers markets. With the help of a Middlesex County Community Transformation Grant, MAPC implemented a program that allows vendors in five towns to accept SNAP cards and WIC vouchers. As part of the project, MAPC collected data on current usage of SNAP and WIC at the markets, as well as data on the barriers that keep SNAP and WIC participants from using the benefits. The data will help develop best practices and recommendations for roll -out of the program throughout the state. 20 The MAPC public health division continues to build our Health Impact Assessment (HIA) practice. This emerging tool of the HIA is used to maximize the positive health effects of a proposed project, plan, or policy, while minimizing or mitigating negative impacts. MAPC completed two important HIA projects in 2013. Healthy Neighborhood. Equity Fund (HNEF) MAPC analyzed a proposed new private equity fund intended to support mixed -use development in transit- oriented locations. Our HIA results helped define health - related metrics for developers that will frame the potential social and economic changes that could result from HNEF- supported projects. Speed Limits MAPC analyzed the potential effect of lowering the default speed limit on local roads from 30 to 25 miles per hour and the potential positive public health impact it could have by preventing traffic fatalities and injuries. Leading the Way on Clean Energy MAPC is helping municipalities enter the clean energy field by assisting cities and towns that have little or no dedicated staff. With the launch of our online Clean Energy Toolkit, MAPC has made it easier for municipalities to implement clean energy at the local level and realize savings through their efforts. One such effort in Sudbury included obtaining solar energy management services through a regional procurement process. Another has been the changing over of Arlington, Natick, Chelsea, and Woburn to LED streetlights —a switch that has allowed the municipalities to reduce overall energy consumption. This effort entailed the conversion of approximately 7,300 high pressure sodium and mercury vapor streetlights to LED. Combined, the four LED projects will result in an annual energy savings of approximately 2.1 million kilowatt-hours and greenhouse gas reductions of 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide. Our joint procurement helps secure more competitive prices, leading to a shorter overall payback period. Enhancing Public Safety MAPC works in tandem with the Northeast Regional Advisory Council ( NERAC) to offer vital public safety resources. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security grant program through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. In one recent NERAC project, MAPC worked with the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of 11 hospitals about how to evacuate babies and infants from the facilities during major weather events. Each hospital received a "babypod" infant module that puts a child patient in a controlled and secure environment for transportation. One or two people can carry the babypod, freeing up rescue staff to help others. This program is one step toward ensuring the region is prepared for significant weather events. Collaborating Across Municipal Lines Regional collaboration remains at the core of the value MAPC offers to the region. We help municipalities work across borders in order to save money, gain efficiencies, and improve the quality of services to residents. Regional Collaboration Project Highlights 2013 21 • With funding by a generous grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), MAPC is helping Chelsea, Everett, Medford, Melrose, and Somerville to consolidate their emergency communications functions into a single operation. • MAPC is establishing Regional Housing Services Offices. These will be especially useful for small towns that lack full -time housing staff. • Under the leadership of Arlington, MAPC is supporting the regional acquisition of high - resolution aerial imagery for use in municipal geographic information system (GIS) applications. • MAPC is helping Lexington make its animal control facility available to Bedford and other neighboring towns. • MAPC is providing technical assistance to Ashland and Hopkinton as they plan to merge their fire departments. Protecting Parks, Farms, Habitats, And Watersheds MAPC advocates for growth in cities and town centers, but part of our work is also helping to protect valuable landscapes, places to play, habitats for flora and fauna, farms that grow food for local consumption, and water resources. In partnership with the Neponset River Watershed Association and the environmental engineering firm Weston & Sampson, MAPC evaluated how municipalities in the Neponset and surrounding watersheds can address changes in state water management regulations. Our study, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, was a comprehensive look across many different water sectors such as waste, drinking, and storm, serving as a great model for total water management planning. We recommended a series of steps to reduce the environmental impact of water supply activities along the Neponset, Charles, Taunton, and Ten Mile Rivers. We advised the municipalities to develop scenarios to address potential future water needs, evaluate existing water conservation practices, take steps to increase water -use efficiency, analyze the pumping of well water to reduce potential environmental impacts, and retrofit existing roadways and parking lots to capture clean and polluted storm water runoff that was going directly to waterways. MAPC also developed a Comprehensive Agricultural Plan in the Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal Coordination (MAGIC) subregion. Our goal was to increase the economic viability of farming and protect sustainable farms and agricultural soils close to metropolitan markets. Preserving agricultural land creates and maintains jobs, discourages low- density development in these areas, and protects local food production— which ultimately decreases the energy needed to ship food from distant locales. Democratizing Data And Technology MAPC continues its pioneering use of data and technology to support informed decision making. The Data Services Department developed new population and housing demand projections for the region and its municipalities that predict trends as far into the future as 2040. We completed an analysis of 16 million vehicle inspection records and created a detailed picture of driving patterns in Massachusetts. We compiled a statewide atlas of land parcels and assessor's data. In 22 partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we launched ourhealthymass.org, a new online data portal with information about public health outcomes and programs. MAPC worked with MassDOT to upgrade and re- launch MASafeRoutes Survey. org. This online school- commute survey tool will be the principal assessment and performance measurement tool for the state's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. The upgraded site is now available to any school in Massachusetts. It can generate automated reports for school and district administrators with information about mode choice, distance to school, and greenhouse gas emissions, along with a map of survey responses that can help local SRTS programs identify infrastructure improvements and other initiatives. The year 2013 saw the first full -scale application of MAPC's new scenario- modeling platform. Created for general use with the support of the Barr Foundation, this new tool allows communities to create multiple land -use scenarios and compare them on a variety of metrics, including greenhouse gas emissions, affordable housing production, tax revenue, vulnerability to sea -level rise, and impacts to neighboring communities. We used the tool in Hingham, which is developing a new master plan. MAPC created scenarios for three focus areas and shared them with stakeholders to solicit feedback and inform ongoing planning discussions in town. The final scenario model will be delivered to the town in 2014 for its use in future planning activities. Creating Jobs And Homes A critical component of MAPC's work is encouraging economic development in smart growth locations. In 2013, MAPC conducted an interactive visioning charrette for East Dedham Village. The session was focused on establishing a more thriving and vibrant community. The use of a "visual preference collage" helped participants to determine a desired vision for the neighborhood. The exercise built on investments within the town that included the Mother Brooks Arts and Community Center, new recreation and park areas, and a growing creative arts presence. Another important aspect of an equitable and sustainable region is ensuring that there is a diverse array of housing choices throughout the region. MAPC works with municipalities on housing production plans that guide policies and strategies to develop affordable housing. We recently helped Belmont, Lexington, and Watertown create a multi - municipal analysis of housing needs and housing - market demand and develop local strategies to produce affordable housing that is responsive to the regional, as well as the local, needs and market. Fair Housing Toolkit In keeping with our mission to promote equity in the region, MAPC and the Fair Housing Caucus of the Sustainable Communities Consortium partnered with an outside vendor to develop a Fair Housing Toolkit. The toolkit includes practical examples of how municipalities and developers can proactively ensure inclusion, diversity, and equity by promoting access to housing opportunities. During 2014, MAPC and its partners will lead trainings with the toolkit, which includes a sample curriculum for workshops to "affirmatively further fair housing" throughout the region. 23 TOD Fund MAPC recognized the need to establish new tools to finance housing and economic development in transit- oriented communities. Even with supportive plans, zoning, and infrastructure investments, TOD projects face barriers to attracting the capital necessary for many aspects of the development process: pre- development, design and engineering, acquisition, construction, and permanent financing. Through Sustainable Communities funding, we convened a committee of experts and stakeholders to advance the creation of two new funds: a debt fund operated by the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) that will open for business in 2014, and an equity fund designed by the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC) and Conservation Law Foundations Ventures (CLFV) that will focus on projects that improve the health of local residents. The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) has already invested $1 million in the debt fund, and is considering investment in the equity fund at a later date. Creating A More Equitable Region Five years ago, MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston spelled out a vision of a sustainable and equitable future that we continue to pursue. Residents want a region that serves all people and provides ample opportunities to thrive. Demographic and social changes make equity more important to the region's future than ever before: the well -being of the region will depend increasingly on the well -being of people who have historically lacked resources and opportunities. Among these groups are low- income communities, immigrants, members of racial/ethnic minority groups, and older residents. Indicators show that inequities exist throughout our systems - affecting areas such as income security, educational achievement, and access to affordable housing. Over the last year, MAPC has created its State of Equity in Metro Boston Policy Agenda, a document that provides a roadmap for advancing equity and that has been endorsed and approved by the Sustainable Communities Steering Committee. The Policy Agenda builds on findings from 2011's State of Equity Indicators Report and seeks to expand the constituency for social equity in the region. The recommendations are divided into three sections: Invest in Its Places, Invest in Its People, and Build More Equitable Public Systems. To accomplish these goals, MAPC and its partners will engage a wide variety of the region's residents— both those who have traditionally participated in planning processes and those from communities that have been historically underserved by planning. MAPC will work to change the structural drivers behind the region's inequalities and advocate for policy solutions that will help us realize the vision of MetroFuture. Reaching Out To Immigrant Entrepreneurs 24 Immigrant entrepreneurs play a vital role in the economies of the cities and towns in our region. The businesses they run are important to the livelihoods and quality of life in their neighborhoods, providing . jobs, goods and services, tax revenue, and giving back to the community in myriad ways. MAPC and its partners have sought to support these local job creators by pursuing policy changes, training municipal officials and non - profit staff, and creating connections with bankers and organizations that offer financial services to support immigrant - entrepreneurs. MAPC sponsored an Immigrant Entrepreneurs Forum as part of our "Friends of MetroFuture Walks & Talks" program. The forum, which took place at the Chelsea Collaborative, focused on the role of immigrant startups in advancing smart growth, the challenges the entrepreneurs face, the potential for collaborative opportunities, and the policy implications to support this subsector. MAPC also collaborated with the Immigrant Learning Center, the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, and MassINC on a project in Lynn. This project focused on building relationships among immigrant businesses, municipal officials, and non - profit community -based organizations in order to help immigrant entrepreneurs in Lynn succeed. The project included a training workshop on reaching and engaging immigrant entrepreneurs and a targeted training for municipal and non - profit professionals. Advancing The State's Policies In Line With Metrofuture In 2013, MAPC played a leading role in a campaign to increase state investment in our chronically underfunded multi -modal transportation system. MAPC held a series of regional forums, bringing together business leaders, municipal officials, activists, lawmakers, and the media to examine the importance of transportation investments. Additionally, MAPC organized a rally on the steps of the State House that drew hundreds of people, placed op -eds in regional newspapers, testified at legislative hearings and MassDOT listening sessions, and created email alerts that resulted in thousands of constituents reaching out to their legislators. Ultimately, Governor Deval Patrick and the Legislature agreed to invest $600 million more per year to help stabilize the MBTA's finances and invest in critical public transit and roadway improvements. The new revenue will eliminate much of the MBTA's structural deficit, significantly increase funding for Regional Transit Authorities, and pay for additional capital expenditures, including maintenance, repair, and some targeted expansions. We estimate this bill covers about 60 %, of what we need —a great first step, but more advocacy lies ahead for MAPC and its allies. MAPC is working on a bill to incentivize "Complete Streets" infrastructure— sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks —in cities and towns by creating a certification process with a modest pot of additional funding. During the budget process, MAPC will continue to advocate for the Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant program, which serves at -risk youth in communities experiencing gang violence. MAPC facilitates the Metro Mayors Shannon Grant Collaboration, which leads a statewide coalition focused on youth violence and provides funding for youth programming and targeted enforcement. 25 Looking ahead to 2014, MAPC plans to focus on zoning reform legislation to create a modernized planning framework for the state and water infrastructure finance reform. We will continue to support the goals of our "MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region" plan, by providing the tools needed for municipalities to create healthy, strong, and more vibrant communities. Visit www.mapc.or throughout the year for news and updates about our work. NORTH SUBURBAN PLANNING COUNCIL Burlington, Lynnfield, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn The North Suburban Planning Council (NSPC) is composed of eight towns and one city that have formed a voluntary association to facilitate cooperative regional planning. The goals of NSPC are to facilitate communication between member communities on planning topics of interest including issues of growth management and land use and to provide a forum for members to create a shared agenda for action that, if thoughtfully addressed, will allow the region to continue to thrive as a desirable place to live and work. NSPC held nine meetings in 2013. Elizabeth Ware, Winchester Town Planner, and Kristin Kassner, Burlington Planning Directors, served as co- chairs. Jennifer Erickson, MAPC Regional Planner, served in the role of NSPC Sub - regional Coordinator. NSPC members interacted with guest presenters and MAPC staff around topics of transportation, local and regional development, preservation, and infrastructure investment priorities, downtown revitalization, public health, and clean energy. Two forums were cosponsored by a neighboring subregion, the North Shore Task Force, providing an opportunity for members to network with planners from other municipalities. The subregion also continued the annual activity of identifying priority transportation studies and projects and advocating for their inclusion in the annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Work Planning Program (UPWP) development process. NSPC and its member communities completed a major regional planning effort, the NSPC Prior ty_Mapping Prokect, a sub - regional project to identify local and regional priority development and preservation areas and the infrastructure investments needed to support those priorities. The project involved the active participation of . eight out of nine member municipalities. The final report was produced during a 1.5 year long process underway since April 2012. Through local meetings with municipal staff and briefings to local boards and sub - regional meetings and forums, the report identifies locally and regionally significant priorities for development, preservation, and transportation investment in the subregion. This project was funded through three sources: the 2012 District Local Technical Assistance Program, the Unified Planning Work Program, and funding allocated to sub - regions through the Metro Boston Sustainable Communities Consortium. 26 In an on -going effort to provide member communities with better access to information, MAPC upgraded the NSPC webpage on a regular basis and released a monthly Constant Contact newsletter that reached over 290 people in 2013. The page can be accessed at http://www.mqpc.org/nspc. CONSERVATION DIVISION The Conservation Commission holds public meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, or as otherwise announced. Meetings normally begin at 7:00 PM. The Commission Administrator's office is located at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 and the telephone number is (781) 942 -6616. Wetlands Protection Activities During 2013, the Conservation Commission reviewed 46 permit applications for proposed work and wetlands delineation. The Commission held 22 public hearings and public meetings and performed more than 230 site inspections regarding the permit applications and construction. The Commission also issued 111 decisions including permits, resource area delineations, extensions, and amendments. The Commission made final site inspections and closed 38 project files. The Commission identified and resolved 203 violations. The Administrator reviewed and signed off on 435 building permits, 5 minor projects, and performed 467 site inspections. The Commission collected $4,285 in filing fees under the Wetlands Protection Act and $22,249 under the Wetlands Protection Bylaw. The Commission has a primary role in administering the following statutes and regulations: • Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40 • Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations at 310 CMR 10.00 • Town of Reading Wetlands Protection Bylaw, and Reading Wetlands Protection Bylaw Regulations The Conservation Commission administers several types of permit review processes under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Reading Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Projects involving proposed disturbance within a Wetland Resource Area, associated Buffer Zones, or Riverfront Areas will require the filing of a Notice of Intent by the project sponsor. This process involves a comprehensive review of potential project impacts to protected areas, and eventually results in the issuance by the Conservation Commission of an Order of Conditions or an Order of Denial. An Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) for review of Wetland Resource Areas is generally utilized for large tracts of undeveloped land, and results in an Order of Resource Area Delineation. Applicants proposing projects with limited potential impact may be advised to submit a Request for a Determination of Applicability (RDA). The RDA process is generally less demanding upon the applicant than the NOI process. Projects with insignificant potential impacts may be reviewed under a Bylaw Minor Project Permit. The Commission is also involved, in coordination with other governmental bodies, in numerous other regulatory activities including the following: 27 • Management of conservation properties in Reading • Administration of the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, M.G.L. Chapter 91 and associated Public Waterfront Act Regulations at 310 CMR. 9.00 • Review and comment on forest land and agricultural land purchase options under M.G.L. Chapters 61 and 61 A • Review and comment on housing development plans under M.G.L. Chapter 40B • Review and comment on forest management plans under M.G.L. Chapter 132 • Review and permitting of beaver activity controls in Wetlands Resource Areas under M.G.L. Chapter 131 In addition to the statutes and regulations listed above, the Conservation Administrator reviews permit applications received by Planning, Building Inspections, and Public Health matters within the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. In many cases, this "sign -off' process involves a visit to the site to ascertain whether jurisdictional areas are present. Natural Resources Conservation Activities The Commission participated in Earth Day activities in April and Friends and Family Day in June. The opening of the Mattera Cabin has provided a venue for many town wide activities. Scheduling is done by the Recreation Department with many Town and outside groups using the facility. Conservation has welcomed nature walks led by Library staff; including an "owl prowl" in March, a spring walk in April, and a summer walk in July. Information about trail events is posted on the Town website, www.readingma.gov. Conservation has also continued to work closely with the Police Department to stop occasional misuse of Conservation lands, including fires and off road vehicle use. Incidents have decreased this year with better signage and patrolling. Board Members and Office Staff The Reading Conservation Commission is comprised of seven volunteer members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for renewable three -year terms, and is supported by part time Administrator Charles Tirone, Clerk Ann Gentile, and Recording Secretary Kim Saunders. Chair Annika Scanlon and Vice Chair Brian Sullivan were voted in during June. The other members are Bill Hecht, Jamie Maughan, Will Finch, and Terry Selle who became a new member in June. READING HISTORICAL COMMISSION The Reading Historical Commission's (RHC) work in 2013 included regular monthly meetings, upgrades in the Town Archives, and working with the public. Membership at the end of the year consisted of Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Chair; Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer; Carl Mittnight, W Secretary; Robyn Parker and Sally Hilgendorff, Members; and Virginia Adams and Nancy Kohl, Associate Members. At our meetings, the RHC worked on several Town projects. Most notably, the members worked with the owner and architect of the M.F. Charles Building regarding construction materials and appearance of the facades, windows, and doors. By the end of the year, a beautifully renovated building was shaping up where once an older, less -cared for building had stood for years. The RHC members also worked with the Town and USPS regarding the future of the Post Office building on Haven Street as well as providing support for the RMLD Feasibility Study that will take place soon. The Pierce Organ Pipe Factory project was completed, and the RHC assisted the developer in designing signage which was later installed at the site. The RHC also consulted with members of the Old South United Methodist Church on their Steeple and Bell Tower Restoration Project. The RHC addressed several inquiries, including those regarding the impact of cell towers on the historic character of various parts of Reading. The RHC answered many additional requests from realtors and prospective owners concerning specific properties that were on the market. Additionally, the RHC members served as consultants for several homeowners regarding their homes' renovations and restorations. During 2013, Rick Shubert was recognized with an RHC Award for his years of outstanding support of the RHC and preservation issues in Reading. The first Sunday of May, which is Preservation Month, the RHC, along with the Reading Public Library, hosted an informative talk by Alison Hardy, the Window Woman, on how to preserve and renovate windows rather than replace them. Massachusetts's Attorney General accepted the Town changes to the Demolition Delay Bylaw, and the Bylaw has been used once on property at 172 Washington Street. It was determined at the RHC Public Meeting that the Demolition Delay need not be imposed. That property was soon demolished, but it has not been built upon as of this report. Even though several inquiries were made regarding a barn/garage at 15 -17 Village Street, a Demolition Permit was never filed. The barn was demolished for safety reasons. The RHC has spent much time creating new RHC Guidelines and Procedures to help with the future use of the new Demolition Delay Bylaw. Progress in the Town's Archives continues. The RHC upgraded the decade -old computer system, and now files are backed up on the Town's server. More materials were added to the data base with the help of Elena Dube and the Senior Work Program. The Archives continue to grow with the additions of various donations from current and former residents of collections that were Reading- oriented. Citizens of Reading are becoming more easily and accurately informed of the work of the RHC as efforts with the Planning Department in updating continue on the RHC web page on the Town's new website. W WEST STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION The purpose of the West Street Historic Commission is to administer Section 7.3 Local Historic District of the General Bylaw as it pertains to the West Street Historic District. The District was created to preserve the distinctive characteristics and architecture of the West Street area. Through its required review of all construction projects in the District, the Commission seeks to maintain and improve the settings of the buildings within the District and to encourage building designs compatible with the historic character of the area. In 2013, the Commission received ten homeowner applications and issued four Certificates of Appropriateness and six Certificates of Non - Applicability. The Commission also studied the proposed West Street Project and determined that there are three areas of concern that affect the Historic District: (1) the atmosphere of the WSHD, (2) safety of walkers, runners, and bikers, and (3) traffic regulations. Letters of. concerns were sent to Mass DOT Highway Division. The Commission is currently composed of four voting members and one open seat. The voting members are: Everett Blodgett, Chairman; Ilene Bornstein, Virginia Adams, and Priscilla Poehler. The Commission thanks our former Chairman, Steve O'Shea, for his insightful service as a resident of the Historic District. For more complete information about the West Street Historic District and the Commission please refer to the Town of Reading's website (readingma.gov). Under `Boards' choose West Street Historic District Commission and find: the Mission, quick links including Design Guidelines to the Historic District, and a link to the Bylaw. INSPECTIONS DIVISION The Inspections Division is responsible for carrying out inspectional services on commercial and residential construction in the areas of building, gas, plumbing and wiring. In addition, the division is responsible for enforcing the Town's Zoning By -laws and providing staff to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Statistics Year End 2013 Previous Year End 2012 Building Building Permits issued 784 851 Inspections 1,257 1,271 Fees received $259,161.08* $235,133.64* Occupancy Permits 175 73 Wiring Wiring Permits issued 652 652 Inspections 1,016 846 Fees received $45,353.* $44,877* 30 Plumbing /Gas: Gas Permits issued 313 1 326 Gas Fees received $10,278.* $12,368.* Plumbing Permits issued 413 403 Plumbing Fees received $18,045.* $16,485.* Combined Inspections Gas/Plumbing 1,059 731 TOTAL FEES $332,837.08* $312,418.64* * Totals do not include permit fees for Walkers Brook Crossing and Johnson Woods which are deposited in the revolving building account. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Zoning Board of Appeals met 18 times in 2013. The ZBA voted on petitions for 22 Variances, Special Permits and appeals. ZBA Members are Chairman Damase Caouette, John Jarema, Kathleen Hackett, David Traniello John Miles, and Erik Hagstrom. Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios and the Commissioner of Buildings Glen Redmond provide primary support to the Zoning Board of Appeals. READING HEALTH DIVISION Introduction The Health Division continues to be part of a regional health department with Wakefield and Melrose. The Division is staffed by the Health Director and Senior Health Inspector who are shared with the other communities, two part-time Inspectors, and part-time Public Health Nurse. The Board of Health, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, continues to work collaboratively with Melrose and Wakefield to standardize regulations. In addition, the Board passed updated Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Devices Regulations and began the process of updating the Keeping of Animal regulations. Environmental Health The Health Division enforces 14 state regulations, 18 local Board of Health regulations, and Town By -Laws. This includes regular inspections and responding to complaints concerning housing, food service, air quality and noise control, semi - public swimming pools, camps, tanning, and animal licensing. In 2013 the division received 61 complaints and performed 591 inspections, 530 of which were food establishment inspections. 31 The Health Division continues to maintain a Sharps Disposal Kiosk for the use of Reading residents who may have medication for their families and pets that require injections. Use of the kiosk has continued to increase and the number of pick -ups has been doubled. Public Health Nursing The Public Health Nurse is responsible for the follow up of all reportable communicable diseases, immunization clinics, blood pressure clinics (21 clinics for 142 people), and health education activities (Reading Fall Street Faire, Reading Friends and Family Day, High School Health Fair, Casual for A Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The nurse also is part of the team which inspects recreation camps. There were 90 confirmed cases of communicable diseases for Reading residents. The annual flu clinics were held during the fall of 2013. With the new regional arrangement, residents could also take. advantage of the additional clinics offered in Wakefield and Melrose. A total of 763 flu shots were given which is a decrease of 173. In addition, 26 tetanus with whooping cough vaccinations were administered as well as 41 shingles vaccinations. Emergency Preparedness Reading is now a member of the Mystic Valley Emergency Preparedness Coalition in order to be consistent with Wakefield and Melrose. The six community coalition meets monthly. Weights and Measures The Weights and Measures function is contracted to the State Division of Standards. There were 104 scales in 20 businesses checked, 235 gasoline pumps in 12 stations checked, and 12 price verifications performed. Mosquito Control Reading continues to be part of the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. The project conducts mosquito surveillance and spraying for larval/adult mosquitoes. The adult mosquito surveillance program used traps to collect mosquitoes from 5 Reading locations. Data was compiled from 23 mosquito trap collections. Selected trap collections in the district including two collections from Reading which tested positive for West Nile Virus by the Mass. Dept. of Public Health. The larval mosquito control program relied on the larvicides, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and methoprene, which are classified by the EPA as relatively non - toxic. An April helicopter application of Bti controlled mosquito larvae at 320 wetland acres. Field crews using portable sprayers applied Bti in the summer to 7 wetland acres when high densities of mosquito larvae were found in stagnant water. In mid - summer, Project personnel applied packets containing Bacillus sphaericus to control mosquito breeding in 2,800 catch basins. For adult mosquito control, there were 9 crews assigned to apply Sumithrin to 5,419 acres at night, using truck mounted aerosol sprayers, when survey traps indicated high populations of mosquitoes. 32 Other Funds are included in the Health Division budget for outpatient mental health services provided by Riverside Community Cares. In calendar year 2013, 76 Reading residents received 1,072 visits. With the sliding scale used, $22,605.52 of free care was provided. Funds are also included to help pay for vocational services for Reading residents with EMARC (Eastern Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens). Eight residents participate in this program. ELDER/HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION The Division of Elder/Human Services provides social services, advocacy, activities, transportation, educational programs, and a meal site for Reading residents age 60 and over. In addition, the Division also aids Reading residents of all ages with social services, advocacy, referrals, and holiday programs. In assisting residents both young and old, the Division works closely with all Town departments in receiving referrals and ensuring safety and quality of life maintained to the highest standards. Elder/Human Services partners with many outside organizations. The Division's state designated ASAP (Aging Service Access Point) is Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES). ASAPs manage the state -based Massachusetts Home Care Program, and work with Councils on Aging (Elder Services), established under the federal Older Americans Act, to make sure that seniors have access to all essential services. Through WES a variety of services are provided. These programs include home care, personal care, Protective Services, meal-site catering, and home - delivered meals through the Meals on Wheels program. In addition, MVES partners with the Division in offering information, support, and referrals to seniors and their adult children, friends, and caregivers about a variety of aging concerns. Not all residents are eligible for MVES nor do all accept the services provided. In these situations the Division plays a vital role in ensuring Reading seniors are able to remain at home with the proper safe guards. The staff consists of an Administrator (20 hours weekly), a Social Worker (16 hours weekly, a Case Worker (37.5 hours weekly), a Senior Center Coordinator (35 hours weekly), a Van Driver (35 hours weekly), a Nurse Advocate (24 hours weekly) and a Clerk (19 hours weekly). Highlights for the Division this year included the following: • In May, the Social Worker of 14 years retired and a new Case Worker was hired to replace her. • November 11 was the second annual Veterans Day Breakfast. It is estimated that 100 Reading residents attended the free breakfast. • In conjunction with the Health Department, the Shingles Vaccine was offered to qualified seniors. • The Pleasant Street Center underwent renovations in the kitchen and entrance way. • The Division held the first evening program. The topic was Living Options in Reading for 55 +. 33 Social Services The Social Worker or Case Worker addresses the needs and concerns of Reading residents of all ages. Assistance for those under the age of 60 often involves crisis intervention, goal- setting, food pantry, information and referrals about financial, housing, mental health, and disability - related concerns. For those age 60 and over, assistance includes crisis intervention; EAP -model of case management; addressing housing concerns; mediating intergenerational disputes; intervening in cases of neglect, loneliness or depression, hoarding, coordinating appointments with area medical and social service agencies; as well as providing information and referrals with regard to nursing home /rehabilitation placement and eligibility for State and Federal programs. It is often the goal of the Case Worker to assist the resident in aging successfully at home for as long as possible. The Division receives referrals and assistance from many Town departments as well as outside agencies. Both the Fire Department and Police Department will refer elders to the Division when there is an observed need for assistance. The Case Worker /Social Worker responds to emergencies when called upon. For example, during 2013 the Case Worker responded to a fire on Grand Street and continued to assist the elder with transitioning to temporary housing and back home after repairs. Other areas in which the Social Worker /Case Worker partners with Town Departments include the Health Division in assisting with hoarding and unsanitary living issues, as well as vaccinations; the Veterans Services Officer in ensuring services for veterans; the DPW in holiday programs; the High School in coordinating volunteer service, and the Library on a variety of programs and referrals. The Social Worker /Case Worker provides eligibility screening for, and assistance with, applications for the Reading Food Pantry. In order to qualify for the Food Pantry, the Case Worker meets with the applicant to review their financial qualifications and residency requirements. The Division also provides transportation to the Food Pantry which is coordinated by the Social Worker /Case Worker. There are a variety of transportation programs available to Reading residents. The Division assists with referrals for the MBTA Ride program and coordinates services for the Reading Response Medical Transportation program. This service provides taxi or chair car transportation for medical appointments throughout the Boston Area. The Reading Response Program is funded by the Town of Reading's Hospital Trust Fund, the income of which helps to defray medically related services to Reading citizens as authorized by the Commissioners. The Division is responsible for outreach, qualifying residents and scheduling services for this valuable program. Nurse Advocate The Nurse Advocate is dedicated to helping Reading seniors manage their health care needs. The main responsibilities of the Nurse Advocate include educating, counseling, and advocating for seniors. During 2013 the Nurse Advocate took on a leadership role in coordinating a variety of wellness programs for seniors at the Pleasant Street Center. She brought many new programs to the Center including a Medication Management Program in conjunction with the Reading 34 Coalition Against Substance Abuse and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy; A Matter of Balance, a six week program focusing on falls in the elderly; and a Parkinson's Disease Support group. The Nurse Advocate also played a key role in the Division partnering with the Health Division in offering the Shingles vaccine to Reading seniors. She managed much of the program development and communication with the eligible seniors. In June, 30 eligible seniors were vaccinated at no charge with the Shingles Vaccine. This program was funded through Reading Response. This position is instrumental in identifying the frailest seniors in Reading, especially those who live alone and do not have someone nearby for support. Through outreach and referrals, the Nurse Advocate is able to help seniors better understand changes in their medical conditions and/or medication. She is available to seniors at the Pleasant Street Center and through home visits. Some of the outcomes of her work include: • helping to reduce anxiety • facilitating transition to more appropriate living situation • encouraging proactive planning • providing referrals • advocating for seniors by problem solving with providers and/or family members • assisting with accurate diagnosis • facilitating prompt treatment and/or follow up • improved quality of life for seniors and caregivers • educating seniors regarding health/medical issues • educating caregivers • promoting self care • prevent 911 calls • prevent hospitalizations • prevent fall, injury or disability • prevent caregiver burnout • prevent premature nursing home placement The goal of this program is helping seniors understand their health care needs and plan strategies for managing these needs both in the short term and future. The Pleasant Street Center 2013 marked the 20th anniversary of the Pleasant Street Center. The goal of the Center is to be a place of education, socialization, and wellbeing for Reading seniors. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am — 4:00 pm. Lunch is served Monday through Friday (except holidays) at noon and meals are provided by Mystic Valley Elder Services. There is a suggested donation for lunch of $2.00 per senior and $3.50 for visitors under 60. In addition to the congregate meals at the Center, MVES also delivers Meal on Wheels to seniors in the community. 35 The Center is staffed daily from 8:30 am — 4:30 pm. The Center Coordinator's primary responsibility is to manage the daily operations of the Center including the care of the facility and the coordination of activities. As can be seen from the following chart, the Pleasant Street Center is a hub of activity Monday through Friday. Monda Tuesday Wednesda Thursd#A Frida Cribbage Motion to Music — aerobics Billiards Motion to Music- aerobics Chess Movies* Facials Knitters Manicures B.E.S.T. Strength Training Open Computer Lab Open Computer Lab Computer Lessons Open Computer Lab Party Bridge Zumba fitness Brain Yoga Zumba Book Discussion Open Computer Lab Hairdresser* Bingo Quilting Crafts AA Birthday Lunch* Fix -it Lamp Repair Parkinson's Support Group* Drop in Game Day SHINE - health insurance info* Yoga Art Lessons Low Vision* Blood Pressure Clinic* Painting Group Podiatry Clinic* Tai Chi Chair Massage Tai Chi Bingo *Meet monthly * *Provided by the Reading Health Division There were a variety of new programs added during 2013. Ongoing programs include Tai Chi, chair massage, craft classes, and sports trivia lunches. Twice a month a new lunch program titled Lunch n' Learn was added to provide seniors with information on relevant topics. Town Departments have been invited to present updates on various activities within their division. Examples of Lunch n' Learn include the Staff Planner updating seniors on building projects, the Police Department conducted a discussion on staying safe, and the Fire Department offered information on fire and cooking safety. Other Departments that have participated include the Health Division and Library. Support groups, like Low Vision and the Parkinson's Group, provide participants with an opportunity to express their feelings and gain insights from other participants' experiences. Guest speakers are often invited to present education and alternate viewpoints. 36 The Center hosted many community events attracting a large population of seniors throughout the year. In the spring the first evening event was held at the Center. Living Options for Seniors 55+ was well received. Feedback from the attendees requested more evening programs. In July, the Council on Aging hosted the second annual Lobster Roll Dinner with a sold out crowd. As part of this event, The Great Room was dedicated to long -time resident and local dignitary, Sally Hoyt. The Room was renamed the Hoyt Great Room. In September the Center hosted their largest Health Faire to date with many new vendors. In the fall the Center hosted Congressman Tierney's Annual Council on Aging meeting. November marked the second annual Veteran's Day breakfast in which high school students assisted the staff and served approximately 100 local veterans and their families. On New Year's Eve, the crowd rung in the new year at 1:00 pm with sparkling cider and noise makers. The Pleasant Street Center had some significant interior improvements during the summer of 2013. The kitchen was renovated with new cabinets, countertops, paint, lighting and appliances. In the fall the entrance way was painted and new lighting installed to give it a more inviting appearance. Other improvements made to the center were in the area of technology. The Crystal Garden Club donated a 70" flat screen television which was installed in the Hoyt Great Room and a lap top computer was installed at the front desk. The combination of the television and the lap top has allowed the Center more flexibility in expanding programs using technology. Intergeneration Programs Elder/Human Services continues to reach out to the community, particularly the younger generation. Intergenerational projects continue to be an important teaching tool in cooperation with the Reading schools. High school students act as servers, bingo callers, and kitchen staff during the summer months. During the spring they help with yard work. A new partnership with the RMHS Honor Society was implemented during the December snow storms. The social worker was successful in working with the students to establish a network of students to assist seniors with snow removal. The Middle Schools provided entertainment at the Pleasant Street Center during the holidays. They also made cards, cookies, and tray favors at holiday times. In the spring, Coolidge Middle School hosted the annual intergenerational Cribbage Tournament. We have also benefited from `younger' volunteers. Reading Girl Scouts have been generous in making cards during holidays and serving meals at Christmas. Volunteers The division recognizes the importance of volunteers. Few of our programs would run smoothly without volunteers from the community. The volunteers themselves learn new skills, meet new people, and enjoy an increased sense of self -worth. For these reasons, the division places great emphasis on offering a variety of volunteer opportunities for a diverse set of skills, abilities, and interests. 37 Positions filled by volunteers include: Pleasant Street Center receptionists, gardeners, book discussion leaders, game leaders, income tax preparers, computer instructors, COA members, repairmen, friendly visitors, medical escorts, office workers, newsletter editor, bread suppliers, kitchen helpers, shoppers for homebound seniors, and shopping escorts. This past summer the gardeners at the Center expanded the vegetable garden. They also won second place in the Adopt -an -Island competition in the business category. When reporting statistics, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs has requested a differentiation between "registered" volunteers and "unregistered" volunteers. Registered volunteers include those who have completed the volunteer application process including; the application, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, interview, training, placement, and ongoing support. Unregistered volunteers include, but are not limited to, students, civic groups, town departments, and free performers. In the past year, 143 registered volunteers gave 7,338.58 hours of service. The financial equivalent for these services is approximately $83,169.87. Properly Tax Workers In 2012 the Division assumed responsibility of all tasks relating to Property Tax Workers (PTW). The duties are divided between the Administrator and clerk. The Property Tax Worker program allows Reading seniors to perform various tasks for Town departments in exchange for an abatement on their property taxes. The program is open to Reading residents, aged 65 and over or disabled, who own property and have a household income that does not exceed limits set by the program. In 2013 there were 27 tax workers (30 positions available) and each participant was permitted to earn a maximum abatement of $1,000 annually. The 27 workers performed 2,822.75 hours of service. In 2013, participants were compensated at a rate of $8.00 per hour for a program total of $22,582.00. The program has been funded through the Assessors' Overlay account. Van Transportation The Van Transportation program provides a vital service for those seniors that don't drive. Transportation is provided in -town and surrounding shopping plazas for the following purposes: errands, grocery shopping, voting, pharmacy needs, and visiting the Pleasant Street Center. For younger residents, the van services offers transportation to and from the food pantry and other vital destinations. In 2013, the van provided 5,205 one -way trips. Newsletter The Pleasantries newsletter is a monthly publication created by the Division. The publisher of the newsletter is Senior News Publications. There is no cost to the Town for this arrangement. SNP's revenue is derived from selling advertising space in the newsletter. Each month, 900 copies of the newsletter are available by subscription or at various locations throughout town. The annual monthly subscription is available by mail for $5. Residents can also subscribe to the newsletter online at no cost and receive it via email. M the Division. It is available by emailing the administrator at jburris;iei.reading.ma_us and joining the distribution list. Burbank Trust Fund The fund was established by the Burbank Family of Reading. This fund can be used in a variety of ways to benefit seniors. The fund was established with no usage restrictions, however the Council on Aging determined that the fund cannot go below $250,000.00. In 2013 the Council on Aging approved expenditures from the Dorothy L. Burbank Trust to pay for the following: the Volunteer Recognition Reception; three months of postage cost for bulk mailings of the newsletter; monthly entertainment for the Pleasant Street Center's special lunch program; birthday cake, gift certificates, and lunch for the monthly birthday celebrants. In December the Council reviewed the entertainment budget. Based upon the findings that the original budget was established in 2005, the Council approved a slight increase to the following year's entertainment budget. 2013 beginning balance = $263,116.00 2013 ending balance = $264,223.40 Patrons for Older Adults Support Fund At the 2010 Town Meeting (Article 17) the members voted to accept a gift from the Patrons for Older Adults. This fund used to support programs not funded by the Town of Reading. "New" programs can be funded year after year. The fund came to Elder Services /COA as a gift from The Patron for Older Adults who donated the money when the organization dismantled. The fund, when it was originally established, was in the amount of $125,000.00. In 2012 the Council on Aging approved expenditures from the fund to support the Volunteer Appreciation Event. In addition to the Volunteer Event, a Lobster Roll Dinner was added during the summer and funded through the Patrons Trust. 2013 beginning balance = $134,514.00 2013 ending balance = $137,703.45 Schroeder Trust Fund The Schroeder fund is a goodwill fund that can only be used to provide small gestures of kindness to seniors. This fund allows the COA to purchase and deliver meals to seniors on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The Schroeder fund allows interest only spending, and cannot go below $10,000. In 2013 the Thanksgiving meals were generously donated by Christopher's Restaurant and not purchased by the Schroeder Trust. All meals were delivered by Council on Aging members and staff. 2013 beginning balance = $22,498.00 2013 ending balance = $22,707.00 39 Schroeder Trust Fund The Schroeder fund is a goodwill fund that can only be used to provide small gestures of kindness to seniors. This fund allows the COA to purchase and deliver meals to seniors on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The Schroeder fund allows interest only spending, and cannot go below $10,000. In 2013 the Thanksgiving meals were generously donated by Christopher's Restaurant and not purchased by the Schroeder Trust. All meals were delivered by Council on Aging members and staff. 2013 beginning balance = $22,498.00 2013 ending balance = $22,707.00 Donations Many individuals and organizations have generously supported Elder/Human Services' efforts by providing money, gifts, and in -kind services. Some of the donations have included: sponsorship of an event, program or meal; senior center decorations; baked goods; flowers; plants; art work; refreshments; and more. The Elder Services Donations Fund covers situations for persons age 60 and older who lack financial resources to cover basic needs or emergencies. The Human Service Donations Fund is for persons under age 60 who lack financial resources for emergency situations. In December the Food Pantry contacted the Division requesting assistance with the purchase of a full -size freezer for the pantry. Through the Human Services Donation account a freezer was purchased which allows the pantry to offer perishable goods to visitors. Human Services Donations 2013 beginning balance = $7,466.65 Human Services Donations ending balance = $7,705.67 Elder Services Donations 2013 beginning balance = $42,001.72 Elder Services Donations ending balance = $47,726.72 Holiday Programs Adopt -a- Family Once again the Reading Rotary Club and ReadingCARES coordinated the Adopt -A- Family holiday program. Elder/Human Services assisted them by verifying eligibility and distributing food and gifts to families in need. The Adopt -a- Family program matches low income Reading families with confidential donors of food and gifts for children. Reading residents, businesses, out -of -town businesses that employ Reading residents, youth organizations, school groups, nursery schools, churches, and municipal departments join together to make this program a success. This past year, 77 donor groups, families, and individuals made donations of food and gifts to the Adopt -A- Family program. 40 Recipients Households Thanksgiving Food 56 Christmas Food/Gifts 58 Christmas Gifts /Holiday Baskets The Social Worker gathers gift wishes from 25 seniors. The Young Women's League purchases, wraps, and delivers the gifts. The Social Worker supplies the Wakefield Elks with a list of 10 seniors who would welcome receiving a basket of uncooked holiday food. Council on Aging Board The Council on Aging is a 10 member advisory Board. They meet the second Monday of the month September through June. The role of the Council is to aid the Division in promoting the needs of Reading Seniors. The Council is also responsible for overseeing the Burbank, Patrons for Older Adults, and Schroeder Trust Funds. The purpose of these funds is to help subsidize the activities of the Division to the benefit of Reading seniors. In December of 2013, Council on Aging member Dolly DeRosa sadly passed away. The Council is currently at 9 members. RECREATION DIVISION Mission Statement The mission of the Reading, Recreation Division is to provide the community with year round recreational activities. Recreation programs are broad based to meet the recreational needs of all segments of the population. The Recreation Division must continually update and modify its programming to meet the current needs of the community. As the community's participation and awareness of local recreational programs increase, so does their expectation of Recreation Division programs. The Recreation Division must be ready to anticipate and adapt to these growing expectations and trends. Division Overview 2013 brought another year of strong programming, outstanding projects and stability to the Town of Reading. The Recreation Division carried on with its current staff and announced the addition of a new position of part time Outdoor Recreation Coordinator in December. The year was filled with a lot of organizational change which did impact the Recreation Division as it moved from Department of Public Works to the Department of Community Services. With that change new doors have opened for the Recreation Division working closer with Human Elder Services, planning and the Health Division more closely in the next year. The organizational change should strengthen the Recreation Divisions ability to work with more areas of Town Government while keeping the existing relationship with the Department of Public Works subsidiaries strong. 41 Projects In 2014 Sturges Park playground received a much needed make over. The original had been installed in 1997 and was over due to a change. A committee of neighbors and users of the park was developed and led by the Recreation Administrator over a 6 month period. During that time the committee worked on a master plan for all of Sturges Park including the playground. The Master plan was reviewed by the Recreation Committee and approved after a series of public hearings by the Board of Selectmen. The Town was able to collaborate with Reading Men's Softball and Reading HS Softball Parents to renovate the infield at the RMHS Softball field. The field was redone with a highly quality clay mix and the outer edges of the infield were reestablished to eliminate several dangerous lips created from years of field dragging and play. The field was done in October and shall be ready for opening day in April. The Parks division was also extremely helpful throughout this process. Reading Recreation collaborated with the Water /Sewer Division and Engineering Division to correct a water outflow issue at Memorial Park. The hope is that the new system will allow the upper pond area to fill each year for skating in the winter. As of this writing, the Town had good success in 2013 with the water fill and had excellent ice. Reading Fall Street Faire Reading Recreation had a larger presence with the Fall Street Faire than in years past. Typically the Recreation Division has hosted a pie eating contest. This past year, the Recreation Administrator served directly on the FSF committee helping with booth placement coordination, kid's fun events and logistics. The event had close to l OK people and was a huge success. Mattera Cabin The Mattera Cabin continues to work well as an asset for the community. Reading Recreation currently uses the cabin for many of its smaller art/cooking programs. The cabin is a small building but the users seem to like the feel of using it for programming. The Mattera cabin also got a lot of use through rentals this year. It was rented 29 times by various users. This included trails committee meetings, birthday parties, baby showers, town government meetings etc. The cabin has seen almost as much revenue come in over seven months in 2013 than in all of 2012. Rental Revenue Breakdown FY 2012 - $930.00 FY 2013 - $1,260.00 FY 2014 - $1,150.00 (as of February 1St 2014) The hope is with the advent of an Outdoor Recreation Coordinator position that the Cabin will be able to be used even more in 2014. 42 Reading Community Courts Tennis Monitor Program For the second straight year the Town has hired staffing for the Reading Community Tennis Courts on Bancroft Avenue from the late spring to early Fall. This was done to combat the issue of over use of the courts. Currently players (residents) may purchase a priority pass for the tennis courts at a nominal rate ($10) to be able to use the courts in the evening from 5:00 — 8:00 PM Monday — Friday. This program is staffed by 4 monitors that rotate on a nightly basis. They carry a check in board and track what time folks arrive and leave. The positions are paid for by the Recreation revolving fund mostly using the revenue that is collected for the passes. Passes can be purchased on line on the Recreation website. Programming Winter /Spring Reading Recreation highlights the following programs for the winter /spring season: • Spring Soccer Doctor Clinic • "Spring Ball" Basketball Clinic with H.S. Basketball Coach Kim Penny • Spring Tennis Clinics for Youths and Adults • Challenger Biddy Basketball for Children with Special Needs • Saturday Morning Sports Series • Challenger All -Sports • 7th Season of Reading T -Ball • Reading Junior Soccer League • Personal Best: Metal Toughness Training • Flag Football for Kids • April Vacation Soccer Clinic • Baby Sitting Course • Crafts programs for Adults • Fencing for Youth — Adults The winter /spring season featured many great programs for participants of all ages. Reading Recreation T -Ball, in its 7th season, had another successful year with 189 participants. This program has become a mainstay and intricate part of the Recreation Division's programming line -up. T -Ball became a program for 5 and 6 year old boys and girls in 2013. The 7 year olds now need to go to RYS or RYB as a natural progression. The program also catches the kids that do not make the age cut -off for Reading Youth Baseball so no player is left out. Our Rocket Volleyball program is also very popular. The program is run by RMHS Varsity Coach Michelle Hopkinson. This program has served as one of the more popular spring programs. 43 Reading Recreation continues with the Jr. Soccer League. It was set up at the Wood End School Gym due to the fact that the gym could be split into two areas allowing for two games to run at the same time. 66 kids participated and were grouped by age 5 or 6. Paul Orlando and Jenna Fiorente were the directors of the program. The Recreation Egg Hunt was again a huge success this year. The event was held again at the Tennis Court field at the HS. This worked out well due to the close proximity of the parking area to the event and the fencing around the site. Close to two hundred kids ranging from the age of 2 — 8 participated. Every kid walked away happy. The Recreation Division continues to offer programs such as a babysitting class from the staff of Winchester Hospital as well as Fencing for all ages. The Recreation Division believes that recreation is more than just the typical four major sports and can and should include enrichment type programs. Additional the Recreation Division runs several popular adult programs such as fencing and volleyball. Volleyball expanded this year to a second night due to the increased interest. The volleyball matches are pick -up in nature and anyone can join. This past fall a new program was introduced called pickle ball. The game is played on a similar size court as badminton and plays like a smaller game of tennis. The game can be played by all ages but for now many are adults and some are even seniors. The program sold out its first run in the fall and continues to grow. Over three session thus far with over 90 players have participated. Summer The Summer Camp program averaged approximately 79% capacity in the summer of 2013. This is an increase of about 5% from the previous summer. The program was a great success with over 633 kids taking part over 8- weeks. Thanks to Program Coordinator Jenna Fiorente and the hard work of the summer camp staff the program was a success. The Recreation Division continued theme weeks for each week of camp which were very popular. Jamie Walsh continued as camp director of the 4d' — 8h grade participants and staff. John Bruno served as the director of the K — 3`d grades with both working under the guidance of Jenna Fiorente they steered the program in its many directions. This year's camp staff saw approximately 80% returning staff. With a high rate of returning staff we were able to add more to the program. This summer we held excellent weekly "bonus" events within camp such as Slush day, Moon Bounce day and had a caricature artist come visit on Carnival day. The goal is to continue with the strong numbers for summer camp again this summer and make the Reading Recreation Camp part of most kid's summer experience. The Recreation Division had steady numbers in many of the sports clinics from the previous year. These sport clinics continue to thrive. Successful clinics and programs included: • Challenger Little League Baseball • Volleyball Clinics 44 • Tiny Tot Soccer • Adventures In Leadership • Basketball Clinics for Boys and Girls • Reading Baseball Clinics • Super Sports (3 Sessions) • Bricks 4 Kids • Top Secret Science • Junior Field Hockey • Tennis Clinics It should be noted that Pete Moscariello closed the. Reading Baseball School at the close of the 2013 summer season. Pete ran the program successfully in Reading for close to 30 years. A new HS baseball coach will have the opportunity to pick up the baseball program going forward. The Recreation Division hosted Wednesday Night All- Comers Track Meets again this past summer. Each week there were 25 plus participants. Participants took part in events such as the dash, 1000 Meter and Mile. This year we also added the shot put and will be looking to add a mini- version of the hurdles. "Theater on the Green" and "Touch of Class" concert series were again a great hit. "Theater on the Green" had a successful turnout this summer each Wednesday afternoon. There were five concerts highlighted by "Wayne from Maine" and The Toe Jam Puppet Band. These concerts are very well attended by anywhere between 75 — 125 people each Wednesday. These concerts take place on the Marge and John Pacino band stand at Memorial Park. The "Touch of Class" concerts included Reading's own "Steven Savio" among the five concerts. The concert series featured Jazzlanders who also are a Reading Based group as well as the Reading Civic Concert Band. Between donations that were collected during each of the concerts and sponsors the Recreation Division was able to. run these concerts at minimal cost. These concerts were moved to the Common and front lawn of Town Hall. This turned out to be a very good location and attracted more people than the remote location of Memorial Park. The summer events also featured Fireworks in Reading. On Friends and Family Day, Reading Recreation partnered with FORR for the 5th consecutive year to put on a great display of fireworks. Working closely with the Reading Fire Department and Police, the show was enjoyable for all. They were shot from the outfield at Morton field and could be seen for miles around. The estimated crowd was about 3,000 — 3,500 people. A spectacular event! Finally, the Reading Recreation Division sponsored its 24rd Annual Reading Tennis Open. The Tournament was a success once again this year with over 100 players participating. This year the tournament was visited by a victim of the Boston Marathon bombings which was remarkable as the event took place about 2 months after the marathon. All proceeds go back to the RMHS tennis program and new equipment for the Town courts. The Tournament was again held on the "Reading Community Tennis Courts at Bancroft Avenue." The program is run by Kate Kaminer and Lorraine Salter from Friends of Reading Tennis. 45 Gregg Luongo again served as the Recreation Tennis Professional for the I Vh year. Gregg did a good job working with kids and adults and the program is very steady each summer with more than 250 participants. Many kids enjoyed the clinics so much that they signed up for more than one week. Summer Tennis is also a very popular adult programming activity. The sessions are run by Tennis Pro Gregg Luongo and were run Tuesday nights throughout the summer. FaII/Winter The Fall /Winter season for the Reading Recreation Division produced many programming opportunities. The Recreation Division offered a host of programs such as Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football, Karate, and an Art program among others. Saturday Night Lights Flag Football returned for a second season. The program basically doubled in size as close to 400 kids participated. This program has quickly become a top three program in size for Reading Recreation. The program was again directed by Jimmy Murphy, Carl McFadden, and Duane Sigsbury. Each Saturday night for 8 weeks players congregated at the RMHS Hollingsworth field to participate in flag football games. Teams were coached by volunteer parents and got a great response overall. We will look for ways to enhance this program going forward. The Recreation Division again offered a Jr /Sr. Volleyball program for 4h — 8d' grade students. The program had 63 participants. This was an increase of 8 participants from the prior year. The program was run by RMHS Varsity Coach Michelle Hopkinson and several HS volleyball players. Recreation will continue to look for ways to enhance this program and take advantage of its popularity. The Recreation Division continued-to offer a Fencing program with Olympic Coach Michael Tarascio. The program was open and populated by students from 3rd grade — adults. The program is offered on Mondays and Fridays allowing students that owned their own equipment to participate on both days. 16 people participated in Fencing in September's session and 13 more participants tried fencing in the November session. Another very popular program was the Halloween Parade which had over 250 participants this year and was hosted by the Recreation Division in conjunction with the Friends of Reading Recreation at Coolidge Middle School. The parade route was flanked by police and fire department equipment and toured around Arthur B Lord, Forest Street and Whittier Road back to the Middle School. The route is approximately 1 mile long. This program was staffed by Recreation and volunteers from FORR. The Travel Basketball program in 2013 featured over 110 participants with 10 travel teams competing in the Metro West Basketball League. This was the first time participating in the Metro West League and it seemed to work out very well for both the boys and girls program. Players come to a 2 -day evaluation and the teams are selected by coaches with input from the Recreation Staff and independent evaluators. Every player that signed up made a team, unless 46 there are not enough coaches and players. The teams are coached by volunteer parents and friends of the Recreation Division. The Sunday Basketball program continues to grow each year. The Recreation Division changed the format of the K —1st grade program to run more like a clinic with short scrimmages at the end of each week. This gave the young kids a really nice opportunity to work on skills without the pressures and distraction of game play. The already popular 2nd grade players through 5th graders continued to thrive as well. Paul Orlando was hired to be the supervisor of Sunday Basketball. He did an outstanding job showing the ability to handle parent questions, work with kids and supervise the referees. Twelve high school students were hired to work this program. Sunday Basketball had approximately 417 participants this year. This was the same exact number from the previous year. Sunday Basketball continues to be one of the most important programs for the Recreation Division. One enhancement that was made to the program last year was the addition of Alphabasketball Coaches Training tool. Alphabasketball is an on -going training tool for all Sunday basketball coaches to take advantage of. It includes weekly practice plans and instructional videos to help coaches. We continued with the Alphabasketball program again this season to support our volunteer coaches. The Learn to Ski program at Nashoba Valley ran again this year. There were 30 kids that participated for 4 weeks of skiing. The program was directed by Caryn Hayes and volunteer parents went each week as supervisors. The program seems to be gaining interest again so 5 and 6 week options will be looked at- going forward. Special Needs Programming Special Needs programming this year was offered by The Arc of East Middlesex Recreation in conjunction with the Recreation Division. Reading Recreation values this relationship for programming and as a support network on all things tied to the special needs programs. Programs such as aquatics, social club and social dances were offered. The Arc offered successful programs such as Special Olympic training, bowling, teen groups, and social clubs to name a few. The participants are asked at the end of each session to fill out an evaluation form to give feedback. Aureen Curran ran Challenger Bowling program this past fall. Challenger Soccer was managed by Ralph D'Amico for the last time. Ralph and his family have decided to move from Town and he will not be able to continue with the program. The Recreation Division had Megan and Siobhan O'Brien work with the program this past year and hope that they are able to stick with the program going forward. Challenger little league was run Allison Zaya in the Spring. The Recreation Division also continued offering Special Skates at the Burbank Ice Arena. This program is headed by Karen Ghirardi. The numbers for this program have somewhat tapered off, so some changes will need to be made. The Division continues to look for other programming areas to expand into. Brochure and Advertising Reading Recreation continues the mailing of Reading Recreation Magazine to every household in Reading three times a year. Participating agencies include Recreation, Police Department, Fire Department, Library Services, Elder Services, YMCA, Creative Arts, RCASA, Friends of 47 Reading Recreation and various in -town organizations. The magazine also features interest articles for the community to keep them connected to what's happening around Town. The Recreation Division staff has worked hard to put out a quality magazine that the public will look forward to receiving and reading each season. The Reading Recreation Division posts all of its programming at www.readingrec.com. At this website, patrons can easily search and sign up for programs. They have the option of either paying on -line or they can print a registration form and mail a check to pay for the class. The website also allows for opt -in direct emails to the public. Email blasts can be sent to the entire database at the click of a mouse or can be sent to specific participants in a specific program. Twitter and Facebook have also proved to be great and inexpensive ways to publicize events. Both of these social media's outlets have become a big part of the outreach and marketing for Reading Recreation. Personnel Jenna Fiorente continued into her second year as program coordinator for the Town. Jenna has brought energy and excitement to our programs. She has also done a good job learning many of the Reading families in a short time. She seems to know many of our participants by name and face. Jenna has worked hard to bring innovative and new programming ideas. She has added programs such as Kids Core Barre, Girl Power, and the aforementioned pickle ball. Most importantly, she has done a good job managing her staff to get the most out of our employees by doing trainings and meetings to make sure they understand expectations from the beginning. Clerk Sue Simeola enters her 6th year with the Recreation Division. Sue has made a positive impact on the operation of the Recreation Division. She has successfully managed the deposits and accounts receivables for Recreation making that process virtually seamless. This past year Sue undertook the process of learning how to complete a bill roll. She is now equipped to pay the division bills weekly. Sue also helps out with events such as travel basketball tryouts and pre -fit night, Halloween parade and the Egg Hunt. Sue handles much of the face to face customer service for the Recreation Division as well as serves as the frontline for our phone system. Sue is the glue of the Recreation Division. Administration John Feudo begins his 12th year as Recreation Administrator. John, under the direction of the Recreation Committee, continues to manage the scheduling of all town fields and oversee the everyday operation of the Recreation Division. Permits are issued for every field in Town. Reading Recreation will continue to work with the local Youth and Adult sports organizations in maximizing field space. Over the past eight years, capital and master planning have become a very high priority for the Recreation Division and the Town. John has worked with many volunteer groups to design master plans that are functional and advantageous for the Town. It al] should be noted that having a full service engineering department on site has made this process possible. There is a constant flow of information streaming from Recreation to Engineering to make these plans possible for public viewing. Several projects are expected to take place in the next 12 months. They include Washington Park tennis and basketball courts and pathway, Memorial Park Skating Lights, and a renovation of the rock wall area at Birch Meadow School. Reading Recreation is continuously looking for available land for the development of new recreational facilities. A comprehensive capital plan has been developed to include tennis courts, basketball courts and backstop replacement over the next twelve years. The Recreation Administrator continues to work with leaders of the sports organizations to develop other field opportunities with in what is already provided. The Reading Recreation Division and the Recreation Committee continue to develop policies that will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of each Reading Recreation program. Reading Recreation has been glad to offer the public over 200 recreational programs throughout the past year. Reading Recreation hopes to meet the communities changing recreational needs while providing them with a combination of safe, fun, and educational programs. Suggestions of new programs are welcomed and encouraged. VETERANS SERVICES The Department of Veterans' Services Office is responsible for the needs of all the veterans in Reading. It is the Veterans Services Officer to whom the unemployed, the indigent, the disabled, the ill, or veterans otherwise in need, first apply for assistance. The Veterans Services Officer, Frank Driscoll, administers benefits and assists veterans with other resources, referrals, and assistance. The Veterans Services Officer interviews applicants, determines eligibility, and helps veterans file for all veterans' benefits, including the Massachusetts Chapter 115 program for income eligible veterans and their dependents. Reading's demand for Veteran's Services has increased significantly over the past several years and is currently running at about $230,000 /year. The state repays 75% of these costs in the following fiscal year through state aid payments. Below is a chart that demonstrates the increase in Veteran's payments over the past several years: 49 _.. ....... $250.000 Veterans Benefits Paid $200.000 $s5c= •i sii i ii• S' The Veterans' Service Officer also assists Reading veterans with applying for all other state benefits such as tuition waivers, grants, student loans, annuities, bonuses, outreach centers, counseling, veterans' license plates and many more. Under the category of federal aid, veterans' are assisted in processing applications for benefits including service- related compensation, disability pensions, personal aid, pensions, social security benefits, medical, education, employment, medals, death benefits and retrieving military records for veterans who without, would not be eligible for any benefits. Federal Benefits include filing for compensation and pension, life insurance, burial and survivor's benefits. The Veterans' Affairs Administration provided benefits directly to the veteran population in Reading for the fiscal year that ended June 2014. Readings Department of Veterans' Services also works with other committees to coordinate public events such as our annual Veterans Day ceremony held at the Reading Memorial High School and Memorial Day services held at the 4 cemeteries in town The Reading Department of Veterans' Services office hours are Tuesday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Thursday 9:00 AM to 3:OOPM. You may reach Frank Driscoll at 781 - 942 -6652. EAST MIDDLESEX ARC, INC. Listed below is a detailed analysis of the number of individuals serviced during CY 2013 by the East Middlesex Arc, Inc. in Reading as well as in the surrounding cities and towns. Program Statistics for CY 2013: Day, Recreation and Residential 50 Program Reading Other Total Day Services 23 219 242 Recreation 51 445 496 Residential: Range Heights Road, Lynn 4 4 Rustic Lane, Reading 4 4 Woodcrest Drive, Wakefield 5 5 Main Street, Melrose 6 6 Haven Street, Reading 8 8 Hopkins Street, Reading 5 5 Pitman Drive, Reading 3 3 Newcomb Avenue, Saugus 4 4 Albion Street, Wakefield 5 5 Water Street, Wakefield 5 5 Nahant Street, Wakefield 3 3 Spruce Street, Wakefield 3 3 Independent/Supported Living 3 6 9 TOTAL RESIDENTS 97 705 802 Day Services EMARC's Day Services Division includes East Middlesex Industries (EMI) and Life Choices day habilitation program. EMI provides workshop services and training, as well as follow -up case management to individuals placed in gainful employment worksites within the area. The goal of EMI is to provide individuals with the vocational skills and training to become independent members of their communities. Additionally, EMI provides vocational opportunities through the Center for Emerging Artists (CEA). Products produced by the individuals are featured in several area exhibitions each year. Many items produced are for sale, and the artists receive commission income for each piece sold. Life Choices offers skill building in areas that allows for more independence in daily life, and offers opportunities to use learned skills in the community as well as becoming active members of the community. Recreation Program The East Middlesex Arc, Inc. provides therapeutic recreational services throughout the year for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The funding to run these programs is raised through grants, fundraising efforts and individual attendance fees. Although these programs are staffed by employees, not all of them could be run without the assistance of volunteers. A variety 51 of sports and recreation programs are held throughout the year, and it should be noted that approximately 50 Reading residents have volunteered to assist in these very successful programs. Residential Services Residential services are currently provided at several sites throughout the area to 89 adults who have developmental disabilities. Residential programs are funded primarily by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Room and Board fees charged to the residents are used to offset DDS funding. The goal of residential services is to provide individuals with an opportunity to live and participate in the local communities that we serve. Family Support Services EMARC's Family Resource Center offers assistance to parents and caregivers who provide supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our philosophy is to support families by offering services that are flexible, individualized, and family directed. We assist with referrals, support groups for parents, elders, and siblings; educational programs and trainings, advocacy, DDS Family Case Management, School to Work, Transition services, and Adult Family Care. The East Middlesex Arc, Inc. is grateful for the continued support that the Town of Reading has provided to its residents with developmental disabilities. MYSTIC VALLEY ELDER SERVICES In FY13 over 467 Reading residents used Mystic Valley's services valued at $2,359,523, of these 107 were eligible for Nursing Facility care while remaining at home. Mystic Valley Elder Services is a nonprofit organization, which has been helping people find practical solutions to long term care issues since 1975. Our goal is to help seniors, adults living with disabilities and their family caregivers find what they need to live the way they want. We offer a wide range of services creatively designed to support the challenges of daily life and independent living. Some are free of charge, others are offered on a sliding fee scale or private pay basis. 52 Reading Residents • Senior Group 4 • Adult Foster Care 2 • DESE/DDS I • IFFS 1 • School to Work 9 • On -Going Family Support 15 • RPS Specialized Services 3 • Sib -Shop groups for siblings of individuals with DD 9 • Adult Waiver Services 2 46 The East Middlesex Arc, Inc. is grateful for the continued support that the Town of Reading has provided to its residents with developmental disabilities. MYSTIC VALLEY ELDER SERVICES In FY13 over 467 Reading residents used Mystic Valley's services valued at $2,359,523, of these 107 were eligible for Nursing Facility care while remaining at home. Mystic Valley Elder Services is a nonprofit organization, which has been helping people find practical solutions to long term care issues since 1975. Our goal is to help seniors, adults living with disabilities and their family caregivers find what they need to live the way they want. We offer a wide range of services creatively designed to support the challenges of daily life and independent living. Some are free of charge, others are offered on a sliding fee scale or private pay basis. 52 Information & Assistance: Resource consultants offer FREE advice and referrals from our extensive database of local, state and national resources. Assistance is available by telephone, email, or home visits by an experienced Options Counselor or Care Manager. 388 Consumers served at a Cost of $4,966. Care Management & Home Care Services: A range of programs for seniors designed to provide assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.) for those who wish to remain in their own homes. Programs include in -home assessment by a care manager, development of a care plan, and delivery of agreed upon services that meets the needs and preferences of the consumer. 277 Consumers served at a Cost of $2,120,488. Caregiver Support: Services may include an in -home assessment, caregiver training and education regarding such areas as memory loss, home safety, respite care and fall prevention. Also provide useful resources especially for working and long distance caregivers. 15 Consumers served at a Cost of $15,570. Transportation: Provide rides to medical appointments and adult day health centers. 1 Consumer served at a Cost of $64. Meals on Wheels: A mid -day meal and daily check in by a friendly driver for those over 60 who are homebound and unable to prepare their own food. $22,555 Meals served at a Cost of $148,917. Senior Dining Sites: Centers in 14 locations offer seniors an opportunity to meet and enjoy a nutritious lunch. Ethnic meals are available. $4,548 Meals served at a Cost of $39,212. Behavioral Health Services: Clinical Caseworker provides outreach and connects consumers to behavioral health services in home and community settings. The program provides assistance with coordination and payment of behavioral health services. 5 Consumers served at a Cost of $5,298. SHINE Health Benefits Counseling: Trained counselors provide seniors with no -cost, confidential counseling and unbiased information regarding health insurance and prescription drug options. 231 Consumers served at a Cost of $7,775. Money Management Assistance: Trained volunteers provide assistance with bill paying, budgeting and banking tasks. A volunteer may also serve as a Representative Payee. 12 Consumers served at a Cost of $14,111. Volunteer Program: Dedicated volunteers augment the agency's capacity by sharing their expertise with a variety of professional and administrative functions, providing bill paying assistance to elders, counseling Medicare and MassHealth recipients, staffing congregate meal sites and/or food pantries, and serving as literacy tutors in area elementary schools. 18 Volunteers performing 1,643 hours of service. Legal Assistance: No -cost legal assistance and education on issues such as public benefits, landlord tenant disputes and loss of independence. 7 Consumers served at a Cost of $1,478. 53 READING TRAILS COMMITTEE The Trails committee met seven times in 2013. This included the planning and organizing of the Trails Summit in February. The Kurchian Woods boardwalk grant ended in June and the boardwalk is now complete. The Recreational Trails Grant was for $13,823 and we spent $11,795. More than 550 volunteer hours were spent building this 380' boardwalk. The Trails committee built the bridge on the ROLT (Reading Open Land Trust) property in Sledge Woods. This 30' bridge and boardwalk connects Sledge Woods to Kurchian Woods. ROLT provided the funding for the materials. The committee also rebuilt bridges in the Pinevale Conservation Land. Three walks were organized and lead by the committee. An Earth Day walk in April, a "Birds Before Breakfast Walk" in May, and a Fall Foliage walk in October. Members of the committee also blazed several trails in the Town Forest including the Wood End Loop (blue), Cranberry Dam Trail (red), and Overlook Trail (yellow). The Trail Adopters program was revitalized and there are presently 10 adopters who the committee is in touch with via e -mail. The Reading Trails committee also now has a Facebook page. Committee members worked with a local Girl Scout, assisting her in the development of her "Get to Know Your Backyard: A Guide to Reading's Town Forest, Conservation Lands, and Open Lands." They also oversaw the trail project she did which provides a new entrance to the Town Forest from the Wood End school driveway. This project included trail clearing and blazing. The committee also did site visits at Johnson Woods, Pinevale, and Kiley Drive as planning for possible future projects. The committee also had a booth at the Town's annual Friends and Family Day in June. Members of the Trails Committee are: Thomas Gardiner (Chair), Will Finch, Terry Selle, Jean Jacobs, David Williams, John Parsons (Associate Member), and Kim Honetschlager (Staff). 54 FINANCE DEPARTMENT The Finance Department, under the direction of the Town Accountant, supports a wide variety of financial and administrative functions. The Finance Department staff are designed to be flexible and experienced in many of these divisions as work flows vary throughout the year: a.) Accounting: the Accounting Department is responsible for maintaining financial records. These records facilitate the preparation of financial reports and schedules that provide meaningful, accurate information for comparability and for management's decision making process. The Accounting Department ensures that all financial transactions are in compliance with legal requirements and are properly recorded on a timely basis. The Town used the auditing firm of Melanson & Heath in FY 2013. b.) Assessors: Assessment of property is the first step in the process of tax revenue collection for the Town of Reading. The Assessment division's function is to provide for the fair and equitable assessment of all taxable real and personal property. A three- member Board of Assessors sets policy. c.) General Finance: Collections is responsible for collecting all taxes and other charges (including ambulance and water /sewer /storm water bills). They also receive and process all deposits (such as schools and recreation). Treasury is responsible for providing the cash for the operation of all Town, School and Light Department functions on a timely basis. In addition, it conducts all borrowing and investing activities, including those on behalf of the Town's Trust Funds (at the direction of the Trust Fund Commissioners). Finance: Assessment Division Assessment of property is the first step in the process of tax revenue collection for the Town of Reading. The Assessment Division's function is to provide for the fair and equitable assessment of all taxable real and personal property. The Assessors trend the values each year so that the revaluations done every three years won't result in substantial changes. The Assessors must annually determine the tax levy and obtain State approval of the tax rate so that bills can be issued in a timely manner. The tax rate for FY 2014 was set at $14.74 per thousand, a $0.20 decrease per thousand from the FY 2013 rate. The total assessed value of all properties and accounts for FY 2014 is $3.829 billion which is a 3.9% increase from the previous year. The breakdown of Reading property for FY 2014 is as follows: 55 Assessed Value Share Change Residential $3,479,069,293 90.8% +5.0% Commercial $ 296,451,622 7.7% -6.6% Industrial $ 9,709,800 0.3% +0.1% Personal $ 44,082,060 1.2% -4.4% TOTAL $ 3,829,313 100.00% +3.9% 55 Finance: Collection Division The Collection Division is responsible for collecting all taxes and other charges (including ambulance and water /sewer /storm water bills). This Division also receives and processes all deposits (such as schools and recreation). Massachusetts does not allow Towns to pay any charges associated with electronic collection of tax bills — such as a flat fee or credit card fee. Debit card usage is comparatively inexpensive, and an economical method to pay online. Electronic Payments ( *to 12/31/13) Municipal lien certificates have increased due mainly mortgage refinancing activities. Foreclosures dropped off from a high in 2008, in sharp contrast to economic measures nationally. Municipal Lien Certificates (to 12/31/13) *Fee increased 121112010 CY13* CY12 CY11 Registered Users 3741 3106 2514 Real Estate 407 370 410 Excise 1356 1108 919 Water /Sewer /Storm Water 873 489 1 454 Municipal lien certificates have increased due mainly mortgage refinancing activities. Foreclosures dropped off from a high in 2008, in sharp contrast to economic measures nationally. Municipal Lien Certificates (to 12/31/13) *Fee increased 121112010 Foreclosures (Foreclosure deeds recorded at the Registry of Deeds as of 12/31/13) 2013 Issued Fees FY13 1251 $66,450 FY12 1170 $61,400 FY11* 1107 $40,525 FY10 859 $24,875 FY09 969 $26,901 FY08 743 $22,350 FY07 698 $21,252 FY06 930 $30,800 FY05 991 $28,327 FY04 1,627 $43,856 Foreclosures (Foreclosure deeds recorded at the Registry of Deeds as of 12/31/13) 2013 6 2012 5 2011 10 2010 18 2009 11 2008 20 2007 10 2006 1 Real estate taxes collected were $54.0 million — a 3.1% increase from the $2.4 million in the previous year. Personal property taxes collected decreased to $0.544 million from $0.622 million; and Excise tax collections increased to $3.06 million in FYI from $2.81 million in FYI 1. See the Appendix for more complete details Finance: General Division This Division is responsible for providing the cash for the operation of all Town and School functions on a timely basis. In addition, it conducts all borrowing and investing 56 activities, including those on behalf of the Town's Trust Funds (at the direction of the Trust Fund Commissioners). Interest earnings for the General Fund during FY13 were only $87,960 - a few years ago this figure was about $1.7 million before interest rates began their historic drop. The Town advance refunded $24 million of debt in the spring of 2012 because of historically low interest rates. The transaction was complex: most of the savings was on excluded debt, so taxpayers will save $3.8 million over the next ten years. In addition, about $450,000 was saved inside the tax levy and will be applied to other capital projects. General Finance - Trust Funds: The Trust Funds disbursed over $1 million in the past five years as shown in the table above. The Hospital Trust Fund continued to provide aid through the Reading Response Program, which provides skilled health care services, respite care, medical transportation and Lifeline Emergency call systems to Reading residents who meet specific health and income guidelines. FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 Beginning Balances $8,263,326 $8,501,857 $8,775,298 $8,882,468 $9,025,026 Contributions $125,896 $292,348 $92,097 $154,858 $91,384 Disbursements ($233,641) ($256,135) ($255,805) ($288,129) ($262,441) Interest $346,277 $237,227 $270,878 $258,171 $271,558 Ending Balances $8,501,857 $8,775,298 $8,882,468 $9,025,026 $9,125,527 The Trust Funds disbursed over $1 million in the past five years as shown in the table above. The Hospital Trust Fund continued to provide aid through the Reading Response Program, which provides skilled health care services, respite care, medical transportation and Lifeline Emergency call systems to Reading residents who meet specific health and income guidelines. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Angstrom, CPA Town Accountant 57 Ending Ending Ending Ending 1 -year Ending 1 -year Balance Balance Balance Balance Change Balance Change FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 Cemetery $3,629,468 $3,710,648 $3,784,637 $3,849,339 2.0 %$3,926,015 2.0% Hospital $4,156,231 $4,178,520 $4,203,279 $4,223,461 0.5 %$4,246,326 0.5% Library $66,622 $60,930 $62,524 $59,491 -4.9% $61,301 3.0% Scholarships $123,600 $173,131 $171,628 $159,428 -7.1% $173,145 8.6% Veterans Memorial $103,135 $101,165 $104,503 $114,130 9.2% $112,472 -1.5% Downtown Imp $17,659 $41,100 232.7% $37,208 -9.5% Celebration $47,086 $47,608 $44,146 $42,804 -3.0% $44,106 3.0% Historic $66,815 $68,058 $70,925 $75,765 6.8% $76,613 1.1% Preservation Elder Services $286,227 $411,930 $416,790 $420,535 0.9% $422,850 0.6% Loans $22,672 $23,307 $24,035 $24,737 2.9% $25,490 3.0.% Respectfully submitted, Sharon Angstrom, CPA Town Accountant 57 THE READING FIRE DEPARTMENT The Reading Fire Department is responsible for four major functions: fire suppression, fire prevention, the emergency medical system, and emergency management. This Department is also responsible to coordinate and apply for all reimbursements for State and Federal disaster declarations. The Reading Fire Department provides emergency medical treatment at the Advanced Life Support level (ALS) of care to sick and injured patients. This is the highest level of pre- hospital care available and we are continually expanding this program as the budget permits. Emergency management continues to expand in importance. The primary goal for Emergency Management is to identify areas of vulnerability to the community, to prepare for all disasters whether natural or manmade, to coordinate the response of a wide range of agencies, and assist in the recovery phase. A secondary goal is to ensure the Town of Reading is in compliance with all Federal and State requirements to enable the community to remain eligible to receive reimbursement for Federal and State disaster declarations. In 2013 the Town of Reading received a total of $155,832.69 in reimbursement for eligible costs incurred in responding to the February 8 -9, 2013 blizzard. Emergency Activity In 2013 the Department responded to 3,131 emergency incidents of which 2,060 were requests for medical assistance and 1,071 were requests for fire and other emergency responses. Of these, 51 were classified as structure fires, 8 were fires in mobile equipment, 21 outside fires, and 2 explosions. All these fire incidents were required to be reported to the State Fire Marshal. The leading fire cause in Reading was cooking related and this is consistent with State data. Significant Events On Thursday, January 24, 2013 Firefighters responded to a garage fire at 48 Bancroft Avenue. Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the area of origin. On Sunday, February 24, 2013 a large tree fell on a house located at 70 Longview Road causing severe damage to home. Firefighters responded, shut off the electrical and water supply, and assisted the home owner. On Tuesday, August 20, 2013 Firefighters responded to two structure fires. At 12:30 pm a structure fire broke out in the basement of a home located at 16 Grand Street. The fire damage was confined to the basement area of the home and was caused by a failure of the electrical system. At 2:45 pm Firefighters assigned to Engine 2 responded with mutual aid to Lynnfield for a structure fire at their DPW facility. On Friday, November 22, 2013 at 7:38 pm Firefighters responded to a structure fire in a home located at 86 Forest Street. This was a fast moving fire in an occupied home and fortunately all three occupants were able to escape. However, the home was heavily damaged by the fire. W On Tuesday, November 19, 2013 three of our Firefighters that are also members of the Essex County Technical Rescue Team responded to assist the Ipswich Fire Department. The Essex County Technical Rescue Team was activated to rescue an injured man who was trapped in a construction trench. Through the efforts of the Team they were able to provide medical attention to the patient and extricate him from the trench. Emergency Medical Services The Reading Fire Department provides an Advanced Life Support Level (ALS) of care to the community and this allows Reading Firefighters to treat patients with a wide variety of medications and sophisticated treatment techniques. This level of care is essential to patients who are experiencing a medical emergency that is an immediate threat to their lives. Our emergency medical program is coordinated by Firefighter Joseph Lapolla and Firefighter Garret Antanavica. The Reading Fire Department responded to 2,060 medical incidents in 2013 and transported 1,205 patients. Of the patients transported, 56.3% required Advanced Life Support treatment and 43.7% were treated at the BLS level. A review of emergency medical response by category indicates the five highest medical responses are for trauma, medical disorders, cardiac disorders, respiratory disorders, and altered mental status. This year the Board of Selectmen issued a proclamation designating May 19 -25, 2013 as Emergency Medical Services Week for the Town of Reading. Emergency Management Emergency Management is an active component of the Department. Housed within Reading's Emergency Management. system are three components: Emergency Management, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the North East Homeland Security Region ( NERAC). NERAC is one of the 5 Massachusetts homeland security regions created by the Executive Office of Public Safety. Federal and State legislation requires every community in the country to have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC identifies areas where the population is most at risk from a hazardous materials release, facilities and transportation routes that contain hazardous materials and resources that would be used to mitigate an incident. To pool resources, the Town of Reading has joined with other communities and formed the Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee. The Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee has grown to nineteen member communities and is designed to facilitate the sharing of resources in the event of an emergency. The Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee has achieved Full Certification Status by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The Reading Fire Department has developed a Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan to meet both Federal and State statutory planning requirements. For the Town of Reading, the Fire Chief is the Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairman. 59 Keeping current with State and Federal requirements is required to remain eligible for reimbursement of expenses when a Presidential Disaster Declaration is granted. Middlesex County received Presidential Disaster Declaration as a result of damage and expenses incurred in response to the February 8 -9, 2013 blizzard. Under Federal requirements we were eligible for reimbursement of 75% of the FEMA approved amounts. For this storm the Town of Reading has received $155,832.69 in reimbursement of our expenses incurred in responding to this event. Fire Prevention Lieutenant Paul Jackson is assigned the position of Day Officer. The Day Officer is responsible to ensure that all life safety systems for new construction and renovations are designed and installed properly. This requires pre - construction meetings, plan review, code research, and continual site visits to ensure proper installation. In 2013 the Department issued 829 permits and monitored several building renovations. Major projects include: Pulte Homes, Planet Fitness, Portland Pie, M.F. Charles Building, and Johnson Woods. For existing buildings, the Day Officer is responsible to ensure all life safety systems are maintained properly. Other areas of responsibility include ensuring the safety and code compliance of flammable and combustible product storage and coordinating the maintenance of Department vehicles. Lieutenant Jackson is involved in school safety initiatives. He is an active member of the NEMLEC (North East Metropolitan Law Enforcement Counsel) Stars Program. This program is designed to assist school systems to prepare and respond to a wide variety of threats in the school environment. Regional Initiatives: We have four Department members who serve on specialized regional response teams. One Firefighter serves on the State Hazardous Materials Team and three personnel serve on the Essex County Technical Rescue Team. SAFE and Community Education This year we have expanded our community education program. In addition to our existing school -based SAFE Program we have added a new Senior SAFE Program. Funding for these programs is provided by two State grants that total $7,704.00. The SAFE program is funded by a $4,686 grant and features Reading Firefighters who are trained as SAFE educators. These Firefighters visit each school classroom of Kindergarten through grade 5 students to deliver the fire safety and anti - smoking message. Firefighters use a specially designed trailer that is shared by the Metrofire District to present a very real fire scenario to the students. Using this training aid, the children are taught lifesaving skills in a controlled setting that is not possible to duplicate in the classroom. Our Senior SAFE program is funded by a $3,018 grant that has just become available this year. This program is designed for senior citizens. Statistically, seniors have high rate of fire injuries .r and our program has been designed to increase the safety of this population. Lieutenant Mark Dwyer is coordinating the Senior SAFE program and Firefighter John Jenks is coordinating our school program. Fire Alarm The municipal fire alarm system in Reading is in good condition. This is a direct result of .the planning, care, and maintenance given to the system by our dedicated Fire Alarm Technicians Brian Ryan, Michael Holmes, and Bruce Ayer. When appropriate, we are connecting new and remodeled buildings to the municipal fire alarm system to ensure a rapid response to an incident. In addition to servicing and maintaining the municipal fire alarm system, the Fire Alarm Technicians put up and take down the Town of Reading's flag display and Christmas decorations on the decorative light poles in Reading Square. These displays take a considerable amount of time to install and remove. Personnel This year Firefighter Stephen Peh-ine was selected as the Reading Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year. Firefighter Pelrine was selected by a majority of Department members for his hazardous materials expertise and consistently high level of performance. He was recognized at the Reading and North Reading Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. This year we had one retirement from the Department. Firefighter William Van Horn retired on Monday, January 14, 2013. Conclusion Over the last year we have striven to make advancements in all areas of the Department. We have increased the level of training for our personnel, introduced new technology and equipment, and aggressively pursued resources through public safety grants. The Advanced Life Support Program has been expanded to all fire apparatus and continues to provide Reading residents with the highest level of emergency medical care in this area. The condition of our fire apparatus is excellent and this increases our efficiency and capability at the scene of emergency. I would like to thank all Town Officers, Boards, Departments, members of the Reading Fire Department, and especially the citizens of Reading for their continued high level of support and assistance. Respectfully submitted, Gregory J. Burns Chief of Fire Department Chief of Department Gregory J. Burns Reading Fire Department Roster 61 Captains Kenneth N. Campbell Philip B. Boisvert Paul F. Guarino Peter L. Marchetti Lieutenants Paul D. Jackson Richard L.S. Nelson David T. Ballou Mark F. Dwyer Richard A. Puopolo Firefighters Permit Fees collected (calendar year 2013) $19,330 Daniel Cahoon Lisa Palermo* Ryan Buckley Michael Holmes Michael Wood Joseph Lapolla David Roy Scott Dole Paul Damocogno Robert McCarthy John Jenks Garrett Antanavica Patrick Wallace Eric Blackman David Ferreira Brian Ryan Paul Roy Christopher Germain Stephen Pelrine Derek Loftus Robert Loring Robert Beck Dana Ballou Stephen Binari Stephen Murphy Thomas McCarthy Robert Drake David Robidoux Sean Devlin Daniel Pouliot Anthony Delsignore Scott Myette John Keough David Gentile Bruce Ayer Michael Belmonte Paul Dalton Secretary Cynthia M. Keenan *Retired Fire Department Statistics for 2013 Permit Fees collected (calendar year 2013) $19,330 Ambulance Fees Collected (FY 13) $626,343 Total Emergency Responses 3,131 Emergency Ambulance Calls 2,060 Inspections 873 62 READING POLICE DEPARTMENT Mission and Value Statement The Reading Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety and service to the citizens and business people within the community. The members of the Department are empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and By- laws of the Town of Reading to ensure that the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods are maintained and that crime and the fear of crime are reduced. We emphasize and value integrity, honesty, impartiality and professionalism from our members in order to create an environment that values differences and fosters fairness and flexibility in our mission. We encourage citizen input and interaction that will assist us in developing sound partnerships between the community and police. Working together we can protect our future and enhance the quality of life for everyone within the town. This report summarizes the participation, activities, sponsorships, enhancements, accomplishments, and other notable events of the Reading Police Department in Calendar year 2013. Personnel Changes The following personnel changes and adjustments were experienced by the Police Department in calendar year 2013: February 2013 ■ Sgt. Francis Duclos retired after 22 years of service to the community. April 2013 ■ Two new Sergeants were promoted — Sgt. Christopher Picco and Sgt. Kevin Brown Jr. These are the first non -Civil Service police sergeant promotions since the Town voted in 2012 to remove the Department from Civil Service for future hires and promotions. May.2013 • Two new Specialists were appointed - Safety Officer Christine Amendola and Armorer/Fleet Maintenance Officer Justin Martel. • One Civilian Dispatcher was hired — Christina Paterno June 2013 ■ Police Recruit Michael Scouten was hired and began his academy training in June at the Lowell Police Academy. August 2013 ■ New civilian Dispatcher Christina Paterno graduated from the Public Safety Communications Academy. 63 September 2013 • The Department's three new police officers - Michael Muolo, Laura Bullis and Patrick Dawley were assigned to the Night Shift after graduating from the MBTA Police Academy in July and successfully completed their Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. • Officer Michael Lee was assigned to the Day Shift. December 2013 • Department Business Administrator, Andrew Scribner - MacLean, after 7 years of service to the Department, took a position as Assistant Town Administrator in Maynard, MA. • New police officer Michael Scouten was assigned to the Department's (FTO) Field Training Officer Program after successfully graduating from the Lowell Police Academy. Police Obituaries in 2013 • Retired Officer Gerald Powers • Retired Detective Chet Thurston • Retired Administrative Clerk Joan Puopolo Awards, Recognitions and Other Noteworthy Events March 2013 ■ Detective Michelle Halloran was honored as the Reading Police Department's "2012 Officer of the Year" at the Reading/North Reading Chamber of commerce dinner. Detective Halloran was honored for her investigation of an attempted rape of a minor resulting from an internet relationship where a teenage girl thought she was corresponding with a teenage boy. Once she discovered that the boy was an adult male in his 30's, she alerted her parents who contacted the police department. Detective Halloran took on the role of the teenage girl for approximately 2 months. A date and time were made to meet in Reading at which time the adult male was arrested. April 2013 • Officers Matt Edson, Michael Lee and Michael Fitzgerald as members of N.E.M.L.E.C.'s Rapid Response Team (RRT) assisted Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Wilmington and Stoneham in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. • The 2011 Joseph Ronan murder case was brought to trial. John Burke pled guilty to manslaughter and illegal possession of a firearm. He will serve 18 -22 years for manslaughter and an additional 4 -5 years on the firearm violation in State prison. May 2013 ■ The Board of Selectmen recognized National Police Memorial Week. September 2013 ■ The Department received state accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. Accreditation is a self - initiated evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession. These standards reflect critical areas of police management, operations, and technical support activities. They cover areas such as policy development, 64 emergency response planning, training, communications, property and evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit, prisoner transportation and holding facilities. The program not only sets standards for the law enforcement profession, but also for the delivery of police services to its citizens. The Commission offers two program awards: Certification and Accreditation, with Accreditation being the higher of the two. The Department has been certified since 2003. December 2013 ■ AAA Southern New England presented the Department with three awards; 1) its 2013 Gold Award of Excellence in recognition of the Department's outstanding achievements in traffic safety; 2) eight consecutive years without a pedestrian fatality; 3) Safety Officer Justin Martel was honored as an AAA Traffic Safety Hero. Community Policing The Reading Police Department continues to work closely with the community and other Town Departments, as well as State and Federal Agencies. The Police Department strongly promotes the philosophy of "working with the community ". The Department sponsors or participates in a number of community events and/or programs. The following are a number of those. • The Police Department continues to be an active member of the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse ( RCASA). Chief James Cormier and School Resource Officer Corey Santasky are members of the RCASA. • The Police Department collaborated with RCASA and was awarded grant funding that enables the Department to conduct alcohol compliance checks. The Detective Division has worked closely with the RCASA to be trained and implement alcohol compliance checks throughout the community. • The Police Department is represented on the Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC) by Chief Cormier. ■ In June, police officers and their families participated in the Challenger Softball game, where they are afforded an opportunity to interact with children with challenges in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. ■ Also in June, the Department participated in Friends and Family Day held at Birch Meadow. • The Department participates annually in the Library's Vehicle Day in August, where children of all ages get to enjoy the Town vehicles of the community. • Throughout the year, the Department participated in the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau's "Click -it or Ticket" program. This program is an intensified traffic enforcement effort subsidized by a grant that targets specific traffic issues, such as seat belt use, or impaired operation. • The Department was awarded a grant to participate in the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau's Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Initiative. An officer in plain clothes and a uniformed officer worked in tandem stopping motorists who failed to yield to the officer 65 in the crosswalk in an effort to raise awareness and educate the motoring public on crosswalk safety. • In October the Department, in conjunction with its labor unions, organized its annual Senior Ham and Bean Supper at the Senior Center. • In December the Department, in conjunction with its labor unions, organized the 33nd annual Children's Holiday Party at Austin Preparatory School. Again collaborating with the Free Masons (Reading Lodge) to offer the Child Identification Program (CHIP) providing over 50 identification kits. • The Department's Web Site - http: / /www.readingma.gov/police- department is very successful and offers a variety of information for the public. • Officer Amendola took over the Safety Officer assignment from Officer Martel. Between the 2 officers, safety talks and presentations were given to the following schools and groups and provided safe routes and traffic control for school races. • Wood End School - traffic safety for Ice Cream Day and a Veteran's Day talk • Joshua Eaton School - Safety Day • Birch Meadow School - Health and Wellness Fair • YMCA - Health and Safety Day • Parker Middle School - Walk for Sudan • Barrows School - Fun Run • Joshua Eaton School - Jaguar Jog ■ Community Service Officer James Collins gave a safety talk to the Low Vision Group at the Senior Center. ■ School Resource Officer Santasky participated in the Reading Memorial High School Health Fair. In September, the Police Department was actively involved in the planning and successful implementation of the fifth annual Fall Street Faire. The Faire continues to be a huge success. Patrol Division The Reading Police Patrol Division is the core of policing services in the Town of Reading. The Patrol Division falls under the command of Lieutenant David Stamatis during daytime operations and Lieutenant Peter Garchinsky on nights. The Patrol Division is comprised of 2 Sergeants and 8 Patrol Officers during the day; and 6 Sergeants and 15 Patrol Officers on nights. It currently operates a marked fleet of 5 Ford Crown Victoria style and 3 Ford SUV style cruisers as well as unmarked units. In addition to standard patrol vehicles, the Reading Police Department's Patrol Division also uses 7 pedal bikes. The Patrol Division is the most visible section of the police department, providing around the clock service to the citizens and visitors to Reading. They are the uniformed officers who provide the first line of defense for the public's safety. Each law enforcement patrol officer works to protect life and property, uphold the civil rights of individuals, preserve public peace, provide citizen assistance, enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws, and respond to emergency .. situations. These are dedicated and committed professionals who place their lives and well- being in jeopardy for the citizens of Reading on a daily basis. The men and women of the Patrol Division are responsible for; enforcing state and municipal laws and regulations designed to protect life and property; maintain order in an assigned sector or beat; patrol the community to preserve the peace and to prevent crime; take criminal reports and interview witnesses and suspects; apprehend fugitives and criminals; collect evidence and give testimony in court; conduct investigations for all misdemeanor and many felony cases; direct traffic, issue traffic citations, investigate accidents, and make arrests; participate in crime prevention, public information, and safety programs. Patrol officers maintain closer contact with the public than any other section of the police department. Most likely, the first person you will see when you are in need of the police will be the patrol officer. The men and women of the Reading Police Department's Patrol Division take great pride in serving the citizens of Reading. It is important to realize that in a split second, the most inconsequential and routine activity can develop into a potentially hazardous situation. Without question, the Patrol Division is the backbone of the police department. In 2013, the Patrol Division issued 4,447 moving violations, made 119 arrests and answered 14,410 calls for service throughout the Reading Community. Detective Division The Detective Division is the liaison of the Police Department with the Reading Public Schools, Austin Preparatory School as well as the Northeast Regional Vocational School in Wakefield. • In April the Detective Division conducted a K9 sweep of the RMHS building and parking lot for narcotics. In addition, in May, a K9 sweep of the Austin Preparatory School building and their parking lot was conducted. No violations were found. • In May, the Detective Division in conjunction with local, state, and federal agencies conducted a human trafficking investigation leading to two arrests. • In the spring of 2013, the School Resource Officer promoted safe junior prom activities in collaboration with RCASA (Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse) for local schools and continued planning for other activities. • The Detective Division conducted alcohol compliance checks of all licenses and party patrols to identify intoxicated youth throughout the year. In June, there were 23 checks with two failures for `sale to a minor.' Detectives conducted one Party Patrol in June and weekly patrols in September with no problems detected. • In October, the School Resource Officer attended the National Association of Addiction conference in Atlanta, GA. • In November, the School Resource Officer made a presentation to the PTOs of the middle schools on the dangers of social networking. 67 • In November, the School Resource Officer attended the Middlesex DA's Partnership for youth distracted driver presentation by Middlesex DA Marian Ryan at Austin Preparatory School. • The Detective Division developed an IPhone /Android app to help promote the Department's anonymous Text a Tip program. 210 anonymous tips were processed. • The Detective Division began implementation of the A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) program. This program is a safety program that has been implemented within the Reading Public Schools. The A.L.I.C.E. program offers a different philosophy in light of recent school violence. The philosophy of A.L.I.C.E. is to use technology and information in a way so that staff and students can make informed decisions. In a crisis, this program recommends removing as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provides realistic training so that those involved in a crisis have a better chance of surviving. ■ The Detective Division along with RCASA and the Reading School Administration operated the Chemical Health Education & Diversion Program. School violations result in a 25% loss of season activity (games only) and required participation in a 2 hour chemical health class. Pre -trial violations result in community service hours, a 2 hour chemical health education class and other Court conditions. High school administrators (school violations) and police (Pre -trial Diversion Program) referred 90 juveniles to the program in 2013. Overall, 95% of these offenses involved underage drinking. Staff conducted monthly Chemical Health Education classes (using Hazelden's Alternate Routes curriculum) for juveniles with violations. Of the court cases, one juvenile re- offended and is scheduled for arraignment. A RCASA Parent Class was added as a court requirement in November. The first class was held in December for two parents. • Detectives worked in conjunction with RCASA to collect and properly destroy prescription drugs through the "RX Round -up" program. Since the program was developed in November of 2009, over 10,119 bottles of prescription and over the counter drugs have been collected. In 2013, 3,634 bottles were collected. • Detectives continue to fingerprint residents for business purposes upon request. • The Detective primarily assigned to narcotic investigations became a member of the "Southern Middlesex Regional Drug Task Force." • The Detective Division executed three separate search warrants of buildings during 2013. As a result of those search warrants, three arrests and the seizure of numerous drugs, a firearm, a vehicle, and currency were made. Many other search warrants were written and executed for electronic devices such as phones and lap -tops. • Major crimes that the Detective Division investigated this past year included but were not limited to armed robberies, sexual assaults, breaking and entering's, larcenies and cybercrimes. • Members of the Detective Division attended many training programs in the areas of cybercrime investigation, search warrant preparation, domestic violence, drug and narcotics investigatory techniques and prosecution. C.:3 • The Detective Division developed and monitors the Reading Police Department's Twitter page. It currently has 2,336 followers up from 690 in 2012. The Twitter page has strengthened public participation and interaction between the Department and the Community. It allows the Department to pass along important public safety information in an expedited manner. Such information includes but is not limited to: road closures, special events, press releases, weather related concerns, and safety tips. • Detectives review all new /renewal applications for Alcohol Licenses or any modifications for existing licenses, Class 2 Licenses (License to buy, sell, exchange or assemble second hand motor vehicles or parts), Livery Licenses, Precious Metal License, and Auctioneer's License which are submitted to the Town. Detective Criminal Investigations = 135 Public Safety Dispatch: The Reading Public Safety Dispatchers provide, through communications, a lifeline for the community, Police Officers and Firefighters. Eight full time dispatchers are under the direct supervision of the Head Dispatcher and under the command of the Day Shift Patrol Division Commander Lt. David Stamatis. Dispatchers receive requests for information and services, then triage those requests based on available resources, and disseminate those request to the emergency personnel in the field. Dispatchers greet the public entering the police station and provide a valuable service to our community. Each year, Dispatchers attend various training seminars to expand their knowledge and provide a higher level of service. Dispatchers recorded 33,152 calls for service in 2013 and issued 3,943 Community Access Stickers. The Dispatch Corps are the face of Reading Public Safety. In most cases, they are the first interaction the public has with a Public Safety agency. Crossing Guards The school crossing guards are part-time, seasonal civilian personnel. Currently there are eighteen permanently assigned crossing guards and nine spares that fill in when a regular crossing guard is unable to cover their post. They are under the direct supervision, coordination and control of Safety Officer Christine Amendola. Each crossing guard plays an essential role in ensuring the safe commute of children to and from school. They also serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the police department and the community as well. These crossing guards have proven to be devoted to their duties and are a great asset to the Town of Reading. Animal Control The Animal Control Officer is Ronald Burns and he works 13 hours per week and is on call for emergency situations. There were more than 400 calls for service received by the Animal Control Officer. There were 8 dog bites over the year resulting in injuries to humans. There were 7 dog to dog bites resulting in veterinary care. There were 12 bites over the year resulting from animal of unknown origin (9 dogs and 3 cats). There were 2 cat bites to humans reported. Those .• that tested negative for rabies were quarantined for 10 days. There were over 14 coyote sightings reported. Over 300 citations were issued to residents for failure to keep their dog on a leash, failure to license their dog, for biting and disturbing the peace.. The majority of the calls were received from neighbors complaining about other dogs. There was one bat call which tested positive for rabies. One opossum was euthanized but did not test positive for rabies. The Animal Control Officer is authorized to isolate and confine domestic animals suspected of being exposed to rabies. Acting according to state regulations and guidelines, Animal Control Officers must: • Investigate reports of domestic animals exposed to rabies. • Determine if the domestic animal has or may have been exposed to a rabid animal, and if the domestic animal has been properly vaccinated. • 'Make an evaluation . of the exposure of the vaccinated animal and prescribe the appropriate action according to state regulations. • Obtain permission to euthanize exposed, unvaccinated animals from their owners or from the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. ( MDFA) • Carry out euthanasia permitted by the animal owner or MDFA. • Collect the head of the euthanatized animal and deliver or send it to MDPH State Laboratory Institute if the animal has bitten or otherwise exposed a human or domestic animal. • Inspect residential kennels that house 4 or more dogs. • Ensure that vaccinated domestic animals receive a booster vaccination if needed, and that the animal remains under appropriate strict confinement or isolation. • Contact local officials when exposed domestic animals have exposed humans. Although the Animal control Officer is not responsible for handling wildlife calls, he evaluates such calls and assists where possible. He provides contact numbers for the appropriate State or private agency to handle wildlife issues beyond the Town's control. Parking Enforcement Officer The Parking Enforcement Officer is Ronald Burns. He works 18 hours per week. The major responsibilities of the Parking Enforcement Officer are: • Identify and cite motorists who violate Reading's parking regulations and reduce opportunities for violations to be committed through preventive patrols of all parking areas. • Tally and inventory tickets daily. • Identify parking problem areas within the town and forward this information to the Safety Officer. • Perform related duties as required. 70 ■ Total citations issued by the Parking Enforcement Officer in 2013 were 1,290. ■ Total citations issued by police officers in 2013 were 597. ■ Total income from parking citations is $39,530. ■ 80% of the citations were paid. ■ 9% of the citations were marked for non - payment. The following is the Department Roster, a statistical analysis of our enforcement efforts and a record of revenues generated by our department for calendar year 2013. READING POLICE DEPARTMENT 2013 ROSTER CHIEF James W. Cormier LIEUTENANTS Lt. Richard W. Robbins, Executive Officer Lt. David M. Stamatis Lt. Peter C. Garchinsky SERGEANTS Mark J. O'Brien David J. Clark John J. McKenna Richard P. Abate Christopher R. Picco Kevin M. Brown Jr. DETECTIVE DIVISION Sgt. Detective Mark D. Segalla Detectives: Michael D. Saunders Derek R. Holmes Pasquale M. Iapicca Michelle Halloran Robert J. MacHugh Jr School Resource Officer: Corey P. Santasky SUPPORT SERVICES Community Service Officer Safety Officer Armorer /Fleet Maintenance James P. Collins Christine Amendola Justin Martel 71 PATROL OFFICERS Joseph Belmonte Michael C. Bouvier Laura Bullis Anthony F. Caturello Patrick Dawley Erik Drauschke John C. Edson Matthew C. Edson Michael P. Fitzgerald Keith D. Hurley Christopher E. Jones Salvi Lavita Mark Mullen Michael Muolo Ian A. Nelson David Savio Michael Scouten Patrick Silva Kristen Stasiak Christopher Voegelin Sean M. Wilson Louann Kris McNiel Dick Prudente Reading Police Department 2013 Ancillary Personnel BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Andrew Scribner - MacLean (Resigned December) CLERKS Administrative Assistant Victoria Cummings Principal Clerk Joanne Power DISPATCHERS Head Dispatcher Victoria Avery Christopher Finnegan Debra Haynes Ran Mahoney I Joseph Pa notta Cristina Paterno Regina Saunders Susan Tapley I' Matthew Vatcher SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS (s= Spare) Cindy Asci Mildred Barton Bob Bent John Cain (s) Jeanne Crawford (s) Bob Dewolfe Art Dickinson Peg Faulkner Mary Fitzgerald James Hubbard (s) (s) Gerry Intonti Lucy Intonti Tina Lantz Marsha Leighton Ann Lipchus Joe Lopiccolo Louann Kris McNiel Dick Prudente Al Sletterink MacKinnon George Snow (s) Dick Stosez Lynn Upton Mike Upton (s) Joe Veno (s) (s) Rosemary Barbara Wilson Violante 72 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER / PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Ronald Burns Service Statistics calendar year 2013 • Arrests 119 • Protective Custody 59 • Motor Vehicle Citations 4447 • Parking Violations 1290 • Detective Criminal Investigations 135 • Automobile Crashes Investigated 559 Fees Collected calendar year 2013 • License to Carry Permits $ 4,075.00 • Firearm Identification Cards $ 462.50 • Police Reports Copied $ 2,378.00 • Parking Fines $47,880.00 • Administrative Fees for details $25,851.00 • Community Access Stickers $80,650.00 • Parking Space Rentals $42,220.00 • Civil Motor Vehicle Infractions $43,722.50 • Community Room Rental fee $ 675.00 • Motor Vehicle Lease Surcharge $ 2,481.60 Conclusion To summarize our Mission Statement, we are empowered to enforce the laws of our land, but in order to do this appropriately and adequately we have to work with the community. Providing the community with the highest level of police service is a goal that will require dedication, hard work and a strong commitment to and from our community. I want to thank the citizens of our community for their support and cooperation. Working with the community your police department will accomplish its mission. Respectfully submitted, '�7—RI� James W. Cormier Chief of Police 73 READING COALITION AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (RCASA) History RCASA formed in 2006 as a sustainable, collaborative community approach to substance abuse prevention based on a strategic prevention framework and model of community change. Structure The executive partners of RCASA are the Town of Reading represented by the Town Manager; the Reading Public Schools represented by the Superintendent; and the Reading Police represented by the - Police Chief. Their Executive Partnership Agreement, signed in 2007, describes the process for staff supervision, financial support, and access to data. Staff The RCASA staff includes two full -time employees. The Project Director oversaw personnel, fiscal management, public relations, and coordinated coalition work, including planning, training, communication, data collection, dissemination, reporting, and evaluation. The Outreach Coordinator coordinated project services and activities, including communication and information dissemination. As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), the Outreach Coordinator also provided support to residents seeking services. Leadership The Board of Directors met monthly and members served on a variety of workgroups and committees to accomplish critical tasks including data gathering, outreach, and leadership development. The Board is governed through their by -laws. Adult and student representatives provided valuable status reports on initiatives. Board Appointments: The Nominating Committee filled vacant slots and reported roster changes at the fall Annual Meeting: The following Board members served through June 30, 2013: Kelsie Pace, RMHS Student; Scott Freeman, RMHS Student; Jesse Shamon, Austin Prep Student; and Peter Hechenbleikner, then Town Manager. The following Board members served through September 29, 2013: Maureen Hanifan, RMLD; Ann -Marie Baccari, Austin Prep; Timothy Kutzmark, Clergy Council; Mary-Ann Tillotson, Hallmark Health; Steven Goldy, Selectman; and Larry Berkowitz, Riverside Community Care. The following Board members served in 2014 and were re- appointed on September 29, 2013: Meghan Whelan and Sophia Kalogeris, RMHS Student Liaisons; Elaine Webb, Patrick Shannon, and Richard Abate, Parent Representatives; John Doherty, Reading Public Schools Superintendent; Chuck Robinson, Reading School Committee; Kevin Higginbottom, RMHS Principal; Tom Zaya, RMHS Assistant Principal of Athletics; Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Reporter; James Cormier, Reading Police Chief; Corey Santasky, Reading Police School 74 Resource Officer; Rich Hand, Reading Recreation Appointee; Ruth Clay, Reading Board of Health Appointee; Lynn Dunn, Reading Public Schools Director of Nursing; Melissa Roberto, Hallmark Health Liaison; and James Dwyer, Massachusetts State Representative, 30th Precinct. The following Board members were newly appointed: Jason Moscato, Riverside Community Care Clinical Program Director February 2013; Robert LeLacheur, Reading Town Manager June 2013; James Bonazoli, Board of Selectman Elected Official September 2013; Kevin Barile, Barile -Family Funeral Homes September 2013; Brian Snell, Law Office of Brian Snell September 2013; Carol VanBuskirk, Reading Clergy Council Appointee September 2013; and Leeann Blaise, Austin Prep Liaison November 2013. Data Workgroup: A key focus for the Workgroup was planning for the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Project. Products developed included: 2013 Questionnaires, Frequently Asked Questions Document for Parents, Survey Rationale, Confidentiality Form, Parent Letter and Staff Guidance Packet, Questions added to comply with federal core grant measures and to explore areas of stress and behavioral health. The survey consultant (retained by Reading Public Schools) is Amanda Ayers of Health Resources in Action. Survey results were disseminated at the RCASA Annual Meeting. Risk Behavior Workgroup: The group focused on developing ways to educate the school community on multiple risk behaviors including substance abuse. First, the School Wellness District Committee and the Youth Leaders planned the fourth Annual Health & Wellness Day at the Reading Memorial High School. RCASA, working with School Leaders, continued the . Chemical Health Education Program to address the needs of school and court referrals. Youth Workgroup: The Youth Crew comprised of 15 members focused on leadership development, media projects, and community outreach. Youth Crew developed a prevention exhibit highlighting alcohol industry tricks and shared it at the town's Friends & Family Day in June. Over the summer, staff worked with 8 youth leaders (2 times per week) and during the school year (bi- weekly). Regional Work: In 2013, the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition, with Medford serving as the lead agent, was awarded the MA Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative grant from the MA Department of Public Health. The Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition involves the communities of Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield. Reading does not directly receive grant funds but will benefit from the regional collaborative through access to data, capacity building and training. Projects/Events Staff carried out federal STOP (Sober Truth on Underage Drinking Prevention) grant activities: A.) Targeted Alcohol Prevention Al.) Implement Extracurricular Alcohol Education Programs Staff and board leaders developed a 3 -part film series to raise awareness about addiction. Local businesses donated the screening rooms. Each screening opened with the Youth Crews "Dear 16 Year Old Me" Video on substance abuse and closed with a panel discussion. In February, 75 RCASA screened "My Name is Bette: The Life & Death of An Alcoholic" for 250 community members at Jordan's IMAX Theatre in Reading. The Panel featured a Family Healing Consultant, Treatment Director, Dual Disorders Specialist, Social Worker, and the film's co- producer. In May, RCASA screened "Point of No Return" on underage drinking at Showcase Cinemas in nearby Woburn for 175 community members. The Panel featured Chief Cormier, Reading Police, and Chief MacKenzie, Kennebunk Police & Film Co- Creator. In June, RCASA hosted two small screenings with the Reading Public Schools Behavioral Health Task Force of "Who Cares About Kelsey ?" for 40 key stakeholders at the High School. This documentary addresses behavioral disability. Other efforts included: In March, over 1,200 students participated in the RCASA Health & Wellness Day that featured underage drinking prevention and behavioral health exhibits. Staff worked with Police, Arbella Insurance and Gilbert Insurance to offer Distractology 101, an interactive impaired driving program for 260 students. Staff and the School Resource Officer taught underage drinking prevention classes for 200 juniors. Staff educated 60 students on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in the high school's Child Development class. A2. Health Educators use new Glencoe Health Education Program: Staff, working with the School District, created a plan to align health education and integrate substance abuse prevention in grades K -12. Staff conducted key informant interviews with health educators (grades 7, 9 and 11) to monitor implementation. Staff convened elementary health educators to develop a pilot using an evidence -based curriculum (McGraw Hill since Glencoe not available at lower level). A3. Improve Underage Drinking Prevention Policies: The high school issued Chemical Health violations under their progressive discipline policy for students enrolled in sports, clubs, drama and band. The school policy was updated in the spring. Police continued their Zero Tolerance Policy for youth caught with substances and enrolled youth in their pre- trial'diversion program. To keep the community informed, staff presented the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Results to the RCASA Board, School Committee, Selectman, and community members at our Annual Meeting in September of 2013. School and Police Representatives reported on Chemical. Health Education and Diversion Programs. A4. Improve Local Sanctioning Procedures: Since STOP grant funds only partially supports staff time, additional town funds supported the other staff time needed to operate the Chemical Health Education & Diversion Program for sanctioning. RCASA staff conducted classes for 90 youth with violations and provided case management for court- involved youth. A5. Provide Chemical Health Expectations and Attitudes Training: The Director worked with the School Department to create 200 training booklets of the "ADULTS ASSIST To Deter Substance Abuse: A Brief Guide for Adult Advisors, Coaches & Trusted Adults." In October, the School Resource Officer and Health Educator participated in the 2013 National Association of Drug & Alcohol Addiction Counselors Conference to receive training on adolescent substance use trends. A6. Enhance Referral and Counseling: Youth involved in the Chemical Health Education Program received resources lists and met individually with staff to debrief. Staff disseminated VV resources at workshops, events and through our website. Staff mounted a wall display with 30 different local resources outside the high school health classrooms. Staff partnered with Police to expand resources for referral through a grant application to the state. A7. Provide Risk Screening: Staff compiled the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire and provided guidance to the School District to engage a qualified consultant to analyze the data. Results received in August of 2013. In June, staff was included in the School District's 2 day training on the Multi - Tiered Support System. The system, developed in Kansas, provides a framework for identifying and addressing students' needs. B. Conduct Alcohol Compliance Program: We promoted our anonymous text a tip program and police received 215 anonymous tips pertaining to underage drinking and/or illegal drug activity. With state funds, detectives conducted alcohol compliance checks and party patrols. In June, there were 23 checks with two failures for `sale to a minor' or 87% compliance. Selectmen conducted public hearings and issued a 2 -day suspension (1St offense) and a 5 -day suspension (2 "d offense). Detectives conducted a Party Patrol in June and weekly patrols in September. No problems detected. Staff conducted field training for new officers on underage drinking. Staff assisted businesses in meeting the town's training requirement on responsible beverage service education. In November, staff presented an annual update to the Selectmen Finance The coalition is primarily supported by grant funding detailed below: Grant Supporting RCASA Amount End Renewal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Sober Truth on Underage Drinking $48,000 9/30/13 2014- pending The coalition supports other town departments through collaborative grant applications: Grant Applications written by RCASA Amount Start Status Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & $ 5,000 10/01/13 2014 - approved Security (Reading Police working with RCASA) Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Police- $ 83,000 2014 Pending Based Diversion Massachusetts Attorney General's Office Behavioral $151,303 2014 Pending Health Grant - Category 3: Education & Training The in -kind resources provided to RCASA totaled $160,000 from the town, school and police departments. These resources included the provision of office and meeting space, matrix supervision, and financial oversight. Public Relations Throughout the year, youth and staff created quarterly newsletters and updated social media to keep the community informed about our project. Reading Police posted RCASA news on their twitter, reaching over 2,000 followers. Staff updated the coalition website and social media sites 77 often. Town staff added RCASA info to the new town website and linked the page to the existing RCASA website. Large posters, online invitations, flyers, and a program were developed for the Coalition Film Series, which reached 500 people. Staff sent Press Releases to three local news outlets including the Patch, Chronicle, and Advocate. Local newspapers published 35 coalition articles and shared info on Facebook, Youtube and RCASA Website. m DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Director's Comments I am pleased to submit the 2013 annual report for the Department of Public Works. I would first like to thank the Board of Selectmen and retired Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner for all his past help and support - I wish him a happy and healthy retirement. Also, I look forward to working with new Town Manager, Bob LeLacheur. In addition, I would like to specifically thank all supervisors for their great help and cooperation as well as all other members of the Department for their continued hard work, dedication, and pride, which is evident in the excellent professional service and programs you provide, and projects you complete. By the end of the year the succession process within the department had begun, and with the projected retirement of long time supervisory staff, as well as an approved reorganization, including the establishment of a new position of Assistant Director of Public Works. The department will be moving forward into 2014 with the next generation of management personnel. Department personnel continue to be actively involved as members or liaisons to a number of Boards and Committees (examples of this being our coordination/work with the Town Fall Street Faire Committee, as well as' the Town Friends and Family Day event). We also assisted other Departments throughout the year on many projects and programs, as identified in the following report, and continue to benefit from the ongoing support from the Town Manager and other Departments within the Town. The year brought a slightly above normal total snow fall season with the majority of activity occurring in February and March , culminating with a blockbuster storm of 24 inches occurring on Februaryl0, lasting over 30 hours. In addition, the town continued with its aggressive road paving program, with the paving/ repair of 22 streets, as well as construction / repairs to a number of sidewalks throughout town. Town meeting also authorized the initiation of a major water capital improvement program to the tune of 5 million dollars, which will be initiated in 2014 and will only further enhance the town's water quality and infrastructure for generations to come. As you will see in the individual Division reports, the Department continued to be extremely active in 2013 with our many projects, programs, ongoing daily type maintenance work - while continuing to assist and service the general public on a daily basis. All this work requires a major teamwork / group effort approach to accomplish. It is a credit to the staff that these major high profile projects were completed in a timely, cost effective manner, while at the same time, performing the daily, routine tasks needed to serve our residents. I am confident that in the year ahead this department will continue on its path of excellence. Jeffrey T. Zager Director of Public Work 79 ADMINISTRATION COMMENT The Administration Division supported the Department with procurement administration, budget preparation and coordination, departmental personnel and payroll services, accounts payable processing, cemetery administration services and responses to public inquiries and concerns over all Public Works areas of responsibility. Significant projects included • Procurement, project support, and contract management for over 20 contracts throughout the public works divisions including highway projects and supplies, water and sewer main projects, fuel, salt, and snow removal. • Oversight of a five year contract for our Town -wide solid waste collection and curbside recycling. The contract ends in July 2016. The program includes weekly dual- stream recycling for paper and comingled items, scheduled events for rigid plastics, paper - shredding, metal pickup, (5) curbside leaf collections, along with (1) bulk item picked up weekly curbside at no charge, and a reduced charge for curbside TV /CRT pickup through the vendor. • Coordination of (2) Household Hazardous Waste Day collection events with the Town of Wakefield. • Procurement assistance to other Town Departments and Divisions including the Library, Community Services, and the Finance Office. • Overall facilitation of the Water Conservation Rebate Program: Appointment scheduling, rebate processing and tracking of high- efficiency washing machines, low - flow toilets, and irrigation system rain sensors, and rain barrels. • Coordination of Street Sign Sales — a unique opportunity to purchase a piece of Reading memorabilia. • Significant strides have been gained in reducing disposal tonnage. Increased recycling efforts through continued media and educational initiatives have led to new programs and new initiatives being instituted. In 2013, Reading's recycling program added permanent drop -off locations for Styrofoam and electronics recycling. Emphasis continued on providing public information, responding to inquiries and concerns, and improving all areas of public communications. CEMETERY DIVISION To the Board of Cemetery Trustees The following is from office records for calendar year 2013: Interments - 122 Interments for all years - 14,984 Markers set - 46 Foundations - 24 Monuments re -set -14 :E Sale of Lots Forest Glen - 5 lots in the Urn Garden - Total for all years - 2,071 lots, 798 single graves. Charles Lawn - 6 lots - Total for all years - 514 lots, 257 single and veterans' graves. Wood End - 17 lots and 2 single graves - Total for all years - 430 lots, 37 single graves. Cooperation from other divisions of Public Works was outstanding and much appreciated. The Board of Cemetery Trustees has been very supportive of all the numerous programs and goals of this division. I thank them for all their assistance. Respectfully submitted — Robert L. Keating, Supervisor Custodian of Veteran's Graves — Calendar year 2013 Interments — WWII - 4 Korea - 2 Vietnam - 3 Peacetime - 4 Total of all veteran's interred - 1,833 As has been the custom for many years, all veteran's graves were decorated with a flag and a potted flower for Memorial Day. Respectfully submitted — Frank Driscoll, Custodian of Soldiers and Sailors Graves ENGINEERING DIVISION The Engineering Division provides engineering services to all Departments within the Town of Reading. The Division is responsible for preparation of plans, contract documents, specifications and estimates; survey layout, inspection, design and construction management of Town construction projects; upkeep of traffic markings and traffic signals; review of subdivision plans and site plans for accuracy and conformance with the subdivision and site plan rules and regulations; review of conservation submittals, preparation of subdivision and conservation bond estimates, inspection of subdivision construction and the administration of the pavement management program and Chapter 90 roadway improvement program. The Division also provides technical assistance and guidance on various Town projects, performs traffic studies, regulates and inspects private construction activities within Town roadways; and is responsible for the maintenance of all records concerning the subdivision of land, roadway, water, sewer and drainage construction, town maps and the issuance of various permits. The division provided field survey, design and construction management services for the following construction projects designed and completed during the year: RoadwayImprovements Prepared bids, provided project management and inspection for $1.647M roadway improvement program consisting of the following: sW Mill and overlaid the following roadways: • Charles Street (Haverhill Street to Dana Road) • Hartshorn Street (Lowell Street to Bancroft Avenue) • Haverhill Street (Wakefield Street to N. Reading Town Line) — project included installation of signage and traffic markings for a bike lane • Longfellow Road • Overlook Road (Westcroft Road to Randall Road) • Tower Road (Winthrop Avenue to Bancroft Avenue) • Winthrop Avenue (Weston Road to Hartshorn Street) Reclaimed the following roadways: • Batchelder Road • Boswell Road • Browning Terrace • Hanscom Avenue (Weston Road to Hartshorn Street) • Howard Street (Summer Avenue to Sigsbee Avenue) • Irving Street • Oakland Road • Springvale Road (Overlook Road to 300' on Springvale Road) • Tennyson Circle • Tennyson Road • Wadsworth Road • Weston Road (Parkview Road to Bancroft Avenue) • Whittier Road • Winthrop Avenue (Lowell Street to Weston Road and Hartshorn Street to end) Sidewalk and Curb Installation and Repairs • Vine Street — easterly side from High Street to Mineral Street, new sidewalk and granite curb • Oakland Road - at Birch Meadow Drive Intersection, new island, granite curbing and HP access ramps Water Projects • Water Main $6.OM Phase I Improvements — performed project survey and design, obtained MassDOT highway permit, project borings and prepared conservation NOI for the following water main improvements: Location Project Limits Length Improvement Type (feet) Main Street South St to Hopkins St 658 Abandon Main Street Woburn St to Mill St 12,313 Clean & Line Mill Street Main St to Town Line 1,724 Clean & Line Locust Street Main St to Auburn St Tank 1,016 Clean & Line Bear Hill Road Summer Ave to Hopkins 1,186 Clean & Line St Summer Avenue Hopkins St to Bear Hill Rd 1,486 New 12" DI :. X Country Belmont St to Libby Ave 1,105 New 8" DI Main Street Ash St to Hopkins St 4,633 Replace w/ 12" DI Chute Street Woburn St to Haven St 450 Replace w/ 8" DI Haven Street Main St to High St 1,228 Replace w/ 8" DI Sanborn Street Haven St to Woburn St 576 Replace w/ 8" DI Linden Street Haven St to Woburn St 600 Replace w/ 8" DI High Street Haven St to Washington St 1,226 Replace w/ 8" DI Washington Street Minot St to Ash St 518 Replace w/ 8" DI Linden Street Woburn St to Lowell St 992 Replace w/ 8" DI Minot Street Main St to Washington St 1,559 Replace w/ 8" DI Libby Avenue Salem St to end 2,282 Replace w/ 8" DI • Auburn Water Tower — consultant completed initial plans and specifications; obtained additional funding to expand project to include complete exterior painting; exterior safety and structural repairs; met with cell companies on equipment relocation; expected bid date spring 2014 • Water System Hydraulic Model — worked with consultant to determine system optimization, verify location of second MWRA connection and to ascertain improvements needed to supply North Reading with MWRA water through Town's system Sewer System and I/I • Whittier Rd. \ Tennyson Rd. Area — completed sewer replacement project • Howard Street Improvements — (Sigsbee Avenue to County Road) design, bid, award and begin sewer replacement, contractor completed 50% of project prior to winter shut down • Lewis Street \ Charles Street— design sewer slip line project, expected bid date spring 2014 • I/I Program — manage TV inspection of 26,180 if of sewer; tested 827 joints; sealed 566 joints; sealed 22 of of manhole; replaced 6 manholes; eliminated 1 catch basin cross connection; met with consultant to develop projects for Phase 8 of MWRA's assistance program; prepared and submitted quarterly and annual reports to MWRA Parks & Playgrounds • Washington Park — revise contract drawings to include entrance and field improvements, preparing contract specifications, a spring 2014 bid is anticipated • Sturges Park — prepared plans; submit NOI and receive Conservation order of conditions for playground expansion • Memorial Park Lighting — prepare preliminary lighting plan and estimate for Recreation Stormwater • Walnut Street \ Curtis Street Drain Installation — prepared final design plans, field locate wetlands and prepare plans and documents for submission of NOI to Conservation • Victoria Avenue Drain — design improvements, prepare easement plan and provide construction management for drain installation by DPW crews M. • Howard Street Drain Improvements — prepared final design plans and prepare plans and documents for submission of NOI to Conservation Saugus and Aberjona River Study Consultant completed draft and final report. Division reviewed draft and final report and provided comments to consultant. Final report presented to Selectman. The scheduling of identified projects will be determined at a later date. Stormwater Mapping and NPDES MS4 Assistance Division completed field investigation of stormwater mapping issue points and provided updated file information to consultant; consultant completed mapping of Town's stormwater system and submitted check plots to initiate the field verification phase of the GIS plan data; consultant completed field inspections and performed dye testing of select stormwater basins for illicit discharges under the IDDE program; of the basins inspected only one illicit discharge was identified, work continues to determine its origin and elimination; consultant completed field screening on 50% of the Town's stormwater outfalls; the division began field verification of stormwater check plots. Work continued on meeting the requirements of the NPDES MS4 Phase II Stormwater program with the submission of the annual compliance report; system mapping, distribution of storm water awareness information, and flyers; presented stormwater information at the Parker Middle School Science Fair Day. Miscellaneous Projects • Cemetery Garage & DPW Facility Site Study and Improvements — reviewed RFQ's and awarded contract, project began with DPW study task to determine feasibility of relocating all Public Works functions to existing DPW site, consultant interviewed DPW staff and inspected site, a draft report is expected in the spring 2014 • Wood End Cemetery — field located new burial plots for Cemetery Division • Walkers Brook Drive Bus Shelter — submit NOI and receive. Conservation order of conditions for project, purchased bus shelter, staff and Town Counsel reviewing easement language with property owner, a spring installation is planned • Town Hall Rear Entrance Improvements — complete design, bid, award contract and complete rear entrance alterations • Town Hall - prepare draft office space plans for Town Hall reorganization • Property Plans: Pearl Street - revise ANR and roadway discontinuance; Birch Meadow Drive - revisions to ownership control plan; Walkers Brook Drive — easement plan; and Woburn Street School - ANR plan • Salem Street \ Bay State Road — design pedestrian warning flasher for crosswalk • Traffic Studies — Sunnyside Avenue and Fairview Avenue; Oakland Road and Birch Meadow Drive • Traffic Markings — repainted roadway centerlines, edge lines, stop lines, crosswalks, roadway stencils, parking stalls and parking lot markings • Zoning Map — review map, identify corrections and prepare new map for Town Meeting approval Federal \ State Programs and Projects West Street Roadway Reconstruction Project: efforts to elevate the West Street Roadway Improvement Project to the funded project list of the States Transportation Improvement Plan was successful as the project was funded in the FY 2014 TIP; consultant completed the 100% design revisions and is nearing completion of the P S & E submission; to eliminate the premature excavation of the roadway upon completion of the project MassDOT permitted the inclusion of MWRA's 36 inch diameter redundant water main into the roadway project, a bid advertisement date in March 2014 by MassDOT is anticipated • Main Street \ Hopkins Street Intersection — division was successful in receiving MassDOT acceptance of the intersection project into the state's high hazard intersection program, attended safety audit meeting and site inspection performed by MassDOT's consultant • Main Street \ Franklin Street Intersection — attended safety audit meeting and site inspection performed by MassDOT. Traffic Signal Maintenance — During the year the Division performed site and equipment investigations, and contracted consultants and contractors to perform repairs to the following traffic signals: Main Street \ Haven Street • reprogramed controller on 2 occasions, intersection lost sync with master controller Main Street \Salem Street • installed temporary signal post & head on three (3) occasions due to accident damage by trucks, 2 accidents were hit and runs • installed new signal post through accident recovery insurance claim • replaced pedestrian signal • consultant reviewed intersection timing and retimed signals to improve operation • consultant adjusted signal timings to optimize operation • contractor provided temporary repair to signal following truck damage Main Street \ Washington Street • repaired damaged head, installed temporary signal post and head on two (2) occasions @ SE corner due to accident damage • located buried manhole and repaired conduits in preparation of installing 360 degree detection installed 360 degree detection camera to replace damaged underground loops • installed new signal post - insurance claim accident recovery • inspected controller for faults on multiple occasions to determine cause of flashing fault • consultant revised timing at intersection to improve signal operation • contractor provided temporary signal head repair following truck damage Summer Avenue \ Prescott Street • inspected controller on multiple occasions to determine cause of flashing operation • repaired opticom units IAW • replaced traffic controller, signal not cycling through phases Haverhill Street \ Symonds Way • inspect timing of phases • consultant performed traffic counts and performed adjustments in signal operation Lowell Street \ Willow Street \ Grove Street • inspected the traffic controller on multiple occasions to determine cause of flashing fault • replaced traffic controller West Street \ South Street • review signal timing • inspected the traffic controller to determine cause of flashing fault • replaced conflict monitor The Engineering Division performed engineering reviews of plans submitted to the Community Planning and Development Commission and performed site inspections for site plan compliance, adherence to subdivision regulations and conformance with DPW utility standards for the following private development projects and subdivisions: 2 Audubon Road Beacon Court Bethune Ave. 30 Haven Street 312 Haverhill Street Johnson Woods 364 Lowell Street 221 -214 Main St. 285 Main Street 306 Main Street 545 Main Street 612 Main Street 1090 -1100 Main St 1198 Main Street One General Way 10 Osborne Ave 10 Pierce Street Sailor Toms Way 273 Salem Street Reading Woods 96 -100 Van Norden 57 Village Street 87 Walkers Brook Drive In addition to the above private developments the Division provided general oversight and field inspected work performed by NGRID in the replacement of cast iron gas mains on the following roadways: Chapin Avenue Ordway Terrace Willow Street Elliott Street Parkman Road Woodward Avenue During the year the Engineering Division issued permits, performed utility mark outs and performed construction inspections for the following: Sewer Connections 33 Gas Permits 113 Sewer Disconnections 8 Street Occupancies 11 i� Sewer Repairs 9 Street Openings 19 Water Renewals 11 Driveway Permits 1 Water Connections 6 Jackie's Law Permits 23 Dig Safe Requests 182 Soil Test Inspections 12 HIGHWAY DIVISION The Highway Division at the Public Works Facility consists of sixteen employees; three are Mechanics, one is a Dispatcher and the twelve that are left maintain the infrastructure of the Town of Reading. The regular projects such as street sweeping, catch basin repair (58), roadside cutting, sidewalk and street maintenance (potholes), tree lawn repair, mixing and sifting loam and compost, traffic control, cleaning of catch basins (approximately 2600), and ditches continued by priority and need. Street sweeping was started on April 2/13 and finished on May 10/13. Miscellaneous: Placed and filled planters for ADOPT -AN- ISLAND program, did Styrofoam and electronics recycling on a daily basis, Held Hazardous Waste Day, Paper shredding and Rigid Plastic recycling, and had ADOPT -A- FAMILY in November and December, and Equipment Day at the Library and Town Day. Provided support for the annual Street Faire, did traffic control for Christmas on the Common, and the Halloween Parade. We installed Brackets and Banners, Flowers and Hangers in the square. Vehicle Maintenance: Repaired and serviced the equipment from Police, Fire, School, Building Maintenance, Council on Aging, and Public Works Departments with three mechanics. They continued to take waste oil from the public during the week and on Saturdays, and did emergency in the field repairs as needed. Snow and Ice: During the winter season of 2012 - 2013 we plowed Six (6) storms and sanded Twenty one (21) times. Special Projects: Installed drain line and catch basins at Chapel Hill Drive and Victoria Rd Paved Waverly Rd, half of Pratt St, Alden Circle, and Priscilla Rd Dug test pits for engineering Dug test pits for Library Did trail work for the Trails Committee Installed conduit and base for light at the island at Oakland Rd and Birch Meadow Drive Helped Girl Scouts with new entrance to Town Forest at Wood End School M Installed a section of hot top berm at Prospect St, Vine St, and Forest St Skim coated sections of Grove St, Walnut St, Intervale Terrace, Harvard Rd, and Pearl St FORESTRY -TREE WARDEN'S REPORT One hundred and four hazardous trees were removed. These trees were dead or in a dangerous condition as to be a threat to public safety. One hundred and six hazardous tree stumps were removed from the tree lawns, parks, schools and playgrounds for public safety. One hundred and forty-nine were trimmed. Dead wood and low branches were removed from the public trees as requested or observed. Thirty -four trees were planted by the Town as street trees the varieties included Zelcova, Sweet Gum, Gingko, Elm and Red Maple. Trees were planted roadside, in Hunt Park, Birch Meadow school, Sturgis Park and Eaton School. The Compost Center on Strout Avenue continues to accept brush and leaves from residents. 41,544 cars entered the Compost Center in 2013. Residents are required to purchase stickers for use of the compost center. The holiday lighting put up by the tree crew in the town square was once again very successful. There were 20,000 colored bulbs installed on the common. RMLD donated 40 strands of the new LED lights. The Town of Reading was awarded "Tree City USA" for the Twenty- Seventh consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Five hundred Kousa Dogwood trees were purchased and distributed to all the fifth graders. Thanks to the Reading Rotary Club that has sponsored and assisted in this program to make "Arbor Day 2013" a success in Reading. A special thanks to all the committees and commissions working toward the preservation of Reading's public shade trees. PARKS The division continues to maintain 80 acres of grassed area though out the town, also the facilities within the parks and schools. This includes the renovation as well as continued maintenance of all the ball fields on school or parks grounds. The division maintains sixteen tennis and basketball courts, the tot lots, and the skating rinks. The Division maintains the grounds for all municipal as well as school buildings. The division also assists all Town departments, committees and commissions with tree maintenance, snow and ice removal and election set -up. Respectfully Submitted — Robert L. Keating, Supervisor -Tree Warden WATER SUPPLY DIVISION General The DPW Water Conservation Program (WCP) continued with great success. In 2013, over $35,000 in rebates was distributed to residents participating and over $531,000 since the program's inception in July 2003. The program incorporates emphasis on rebates for low flow washing machines, toilets, irrigation system rain sensors, and rain barrels, along with free home and irrigation system water use audits and reports and home water saving devices for residents available at the DPW office at no additional charge. The WCP school educational phase continued with Meg Tabasco, Education Coordinator for the MWRA, making presentations to all 3`d grade classes in Town focusing on water supply and conservation. As a side note, this presentation was a precipitous to one of Mrs. Gustafson's students from the J.W. Killam School, Caitlin McKenna, entering the MWRA's 32nd Annual Writing Contest in the Grades 3 -5 category and winning 2nd place. Caitlin was presented with a $50.00 gift check for her efforts from the MWRA at their awards ceremony held at the Deer Island Treatment Plant. As required by the August 6, 2006, Administrative Consent Order (ACO) the Town entered into, with (DEP), the Town continued to retain ownership and control of the Zone I (400' radius) and protection of the Zone II (well recharge area) of the emergency water supply, wells and wellfield. As a condition of the DEP ACO, the water supply wells and wellfield continued to be maintained as an emergency water supply to pump water to the distribution system with disinfection capabilities. The MWRA, in conjunction with the Water Supply Division, compiled and mailed the fifteenth drinking water report to all customers in June. TCS Communications Corporation of, Salisbury, MA converted both water storage tanks SCADA communications systems from broad - spectrum radio to licensed radio systems. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, quarterly EPA Uncontaminated Monitoring Rule 3 required sampling was completed. Supply Operated and maintained water supply valve, vault, SCADA and security systems, and emergency water supply wells, pump station and all emergency power equipment. Collected and delivered to laboratory for analysis over 500 water system water quality samples. A total of 595.8 million gallons of water was purchased from the MWRA and delivered to the distribution system in 2013. :• The highest single days' consumption was 2.64 million gallons on July 18, 2013. The highest weeks' consumption was for the period July 14, 2013 to July 20, 2013 an amount of 16.36 million gallons, and the highest month was July with an amount of 59.89 million gallons. Average daily usage for 2013 was 1.63 million gallons. The average daily per capita use (use by each individual) for 2013 was 46 gallons per person per day which is 41.3% below the State required 65 gallons per person per day. The MWRA completed upgrades to improve water flow hydraulics to the Town by replacing two 24" globe valves with 36" globe valves and two 24" gate valves with 36" gate valves at the connection in Woburn feeding the Town. 2013 MWRA WATER PURCHASED MONTH MILLION GALLONS DAYS AVERAGE DAY JANUARY 46.39 31 1.50 FEBRUARY 42.98 28 1.54 MARCH 45.94 31 1.48 APRIL 45.87 30 1.53 MAY 56.36 31 1.82 JUNE 53.50 30 1.78 JULY 59.89 31 1.93 AUGUST 59.60 31 1.92 SEPTEMBER 51.96 30 1.73 OCTOBER 46.63 31 1.50 NOVEMBER 42.04 30 1.40 DECEMBER 44.65 31 1.44 TOTAL 595.81 365 1.63 2013 RAINFALL RECORDS http://www.mass.gov/dcr/watersupply/rainfall/ MONTH MEASURED RAINFALL & MELTED SNOW ACCUMULATED RAINFALL & MELTED SNOW DCR POSTED NORMAL RAINFALL & MELTED SNOW JANUARY 1.07 1.07 3.62 FEBRUARY 4.76 5.83 3.26 MARCH 2.45 8.28 4.09 APRIL 1.48 9.76 3.74 MAY 4.48 14.24 3.54 JUNE 8.13 22.37 3.51 JULY 3.30 25.67 3.47 AUGUST 2.68 28.35 3.65 M SEPTEMBER 2.51 30.86 3.60 OCTOBER 1.20 32.06 3.75 NOVEMBER 2.89 34.95 3.99 DECEMBER 4.35 39.30 3.90 TOTALS 39.30 39.30 44.12 Total precipitation in 2013 as measured at the DPW, 75 New Crossing Road was 39.30 ", which is 4.82" below the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) composite normal for the northeast region as posted on January 24, 2014. Monthly normal values computed by DCR are based on averages for the entire period of record for northeast region stations having the longest period of record and are located in Concord, Lawrence and Waltham. WATER DISTRIBUTION DIVISION A total of 32 new water services were installed, 23 old water services were replaced, repaired 18 water service leaks, repaired 13 broken water mains, replaced 4 old fire hydrants, repaired 11 broken fire hydrants, rebuilt 69 fire hydrants. Disconnected 8 water services for house demolition, replaced 2 water main gate valves, replaced old water services from the water main to the sidewalk shut off on Vale Rd, Woodward Rd, Coolidge Rd, Westcroft Rd, Cherry Lane Dr, Batchelder Rd., and Putnam Rd for Chapter 90 road reconstruction, assisted with friends & family day and vehicle day at Reading Library, inspected the installation of water mains at Reading Woods, and Johnson Woods, continued cross connection control program, unidirectional flushed water mains in various sections town, inspected Auburn St water tank, all drinking fountains and town irrigation systems turned on in spring and turned off and winterized in fall, 2 seasonal laborers painted and lubricated hydrants over 1/4 of Town, completed annual water inventory, loam and seed on all water jobs, hot topped water and sewer trenches, checked and maintained 2 water booster stations daily, cleaned and maintained the grounds, cutting grass, etc. at the Auburn St tank site, lowered and raised water gate boxes for construction jobs, conducted a leak detection survey, assisted Highway Division during snow plowing operations, The .Town's water conservation program awarded rebates for 139 energy efficient washing machines, 30 water saving toilets, 1 irrigation rain sensor and sold 90 rain barrels. SEWER DISTRIBUTION Approximately 2,598' of sewer mains were cleaned and TV inspected, 895 sewer main joints were tested and 498 sewer main joints were sealed, 336 vertical feet of sewer manholes were sealed, replaced 5 sewer manhole frames and covers, cleaned wet wells at all sewer stations, checked and maintained 12 sewer stations daily, cleaned approximately 1/4 of the sanitary sewer main system, cleaned and maintained the grounds, cutting grass, trimmed bushes etc., around the sewer stations, completed work orders re: leaks, broken gates etc., exercised emergency generator weekly, completed the annual sewer inventory. The Division assisted the Highway Division during snow plowing operations. 91 METER ROOM The regular quarterly water meter reading cycle was supported, 228 work orders were received and completed, 322 bill to date readings were taken, 9 meters were removed, 3 meters were reset, 0 meter tested correct, 0 meters tested incorrect. 92 READING PUBLIC LIBRARY Mission - Vision - Core Values The Reading Public Library is at the heart of an involved, articulate, and literate community. In 2013, the Library welcomed over 220,000 visitors for the year: 4,200 children, teens, adults, and seniors per week. 18,140 Reading residents carry a current library card. The Reading Public Library: ■ Seeks innovative ways to provide for and enhance the intellectual, civic, cultural, and educational life of all people in the community. ■ Through its collections, programs, and outreach activities the library supports and encourages reading and learning and personal growth and development. ■ Teaches people of all ages how to use and evaluate electronic and print resources. ■ Documents, collects, and preserves the history of the community. The Reading Public Library: ■ Is a gathering place for the community. ■ Connects across generations. ■ Inspires future generations and remembers the past. ■ Creates new ways to grow and learn. ■ Supports independent readers. ■ Is a lifelong education center. A Gathering Place for the Community Library Trustees, administration, staff, and Town administration and government have been working together for the past several years to set into motion a plan to improve the library facility at the former Highland School. Activity kicked into high gear when the State approved and funded the Library's construction grant application in October 2012, contingent on local funding being secured. After approvals from a Special Town Meeting in January 2013, Reading citizens voted overwhelmingly to approve a debt exclusion to renovate and expand the library in the general election on April 2, 2013. In May, 2013, the Board of Selectmen, Library Trustees, and Town Moderator appointed a Library Building Committee of nine to provide guidance and oversight. STV, a Boston -based project management firm, was hired in June 2013 to manage all the aspects of a complex public building project. After an extensive search and in -depth interviews and reviews of past work, CBT Architects of Boston were selected by unanimous vote of the Library Building Committee as the most - qualified team to design and oversee construction of the "new" library based on their strong background working with historical buildings, experience with libraries, and solid track record of success with similar projects. The new team set to work developing a design that would meet the criteria and fulfill the goals of the project. They brought in professionals to study existing conditions and conducted intensive investigations into this old building that has seen many changes in design, a fire, and at least 93 three renovations and structural alterations over its 118 year history. They continue to test and evaluate the site, structure, and infrastructure using experts in engineering and systems, hazardous materials, laser scanning and photo imaging, and historical renovations. After three months of study, investigation and analysis, and consultations with the Library Building Committee, Building Consultants at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and a professional cost estimator, CBT Architects presented their schematic design to the Library Building Committee in January 2014. Their design was unanimously approved and they were asked to continue to design development, with a goal of breaking ground in the Summer, 2014. The cost associated with the approved design. exceeds the approved project cost of $14.9 million by $3.5 million. The Library Building Committee and Trustees reported to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee in January 2014, and a Special Town Meeting was convened on February 13, 2014 to consider funding options for the shortfall. After a full detailed report on the funding issues, Town Meeting voted to place another debt exclusion question on the April 1, 2014 election ballot. The library is working with local officials and the project management team to secure a temporary location to provide full library services during the expected 18 month period when the building will be under construction, beginning in June or July, 2014. Inspire Future Generations and Remember the Past - Highland School Memories During March 2013, looking forward to a building renovation and addition, we celebrated the history of the current Library building with Highland School Memories Week. Teachers, alumni and citizens attended a program about architect Horace Wadlin who designed the building in 1896. Former teachers and a principal participated in a panel discussion of school memories for the Live Wires program. Alumni and their parents brought photographs and documents to be scanned and were participants in video spots telling stories and recalling school days. The community enjoyed an afternoon lecture by Dr. William Fowler, Distinguished Professor of History at Northeastern University and lifelong Reading resident. Dr. Fowler presented a history of the Highland School, the Town, and his personal recollections in a memorable talk he called "School Upon a Hill." Dr. Fowler entertained the gathering with several anecdotes, including sharing thoughts of how special this particular building is for him personally as his grandfather was in the first class to attend the "new" Highland School in January 1897 and is pictured front and center in a photograph of that class in the Local History Room. Dr. Fowler's full presentation can be viewed: https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch ?v= ngTfsA MiOY Activities throughout the week included performances by a local band and dance group, a visual display of the library building: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow with a sticky -note activity for community members to tell us their dreams for the "new" library, and a "Teachers' Lounge" for former Highland School teachers to share memories and meet with former students informally. Selections of the video footage from Highland School Memories Week are available: http: / /www.youtube.com/playlist ?list= PLeBYf6hhkH 3Y5ZFjNQ35UeLOvzkBTuj 1 94 Scanned photographs and documents are available at http: / /www.flickr.com/ photos/ readingpl /sets/72157636919068595/ The events were partially funded through a grant from the Town of Reading Celebration Trust and through the continuing support of library programs from the Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation. It was a privilege to witness the depth of memories and connection that the Highland School building represents for so many members of the Reading community. A lot of life, hope, and a lot of learning have taken place within these old walls! As a current Library Trustee remarked "I learned to read in this building, and how appropriate it is that it serves now as a library." As Dr. Fowler reminded the group assembled for his lecture, we stand upon the shoulders of previous generations — there were only 5,000 residents in the Town of Reading in 1896 when they mustered their resources to put up this fine school for their children and grandchildren — and we continue to benefit from their remarkable effort and dedication. Connect Across Generations In addition to the full range of year -long outreach activities, the Library reaches out at special town -wide events such as Friends and Family Day in June and the Fall Street Faire to greet old friends, make new friends, and be visible to all ages as a welcoming, accessible, and people - centered place. In 2013, librarians promoted the summer reading activities for all ages at the June Friends and Family Day and librarians and Trustees invited fair -goers to "Ask Me About at the Fall Street Faire to promote new online services and resources, and answer questions about the library building project. New Ways to Grow & Learn - www.readingpi.org In late September 2013, the library launched a completely redesigned website with a fresh new look and feel. The goals of the new site were to: • develop a responsive design to optimize user experience on a variety of devices • improve visual and intuitive navigation • streamline the overall user experience • increase staff - generated content that has value for the community • promote our digital library_ and virtual services. Library staff worked for over a year to revise content and build the site infrastructure. Additionally, in June of 2013, the library contracted with a graphic design specialist to provide art direction and advise the staff on select design elements. Based on survey results and anecdotal staff reports, the redesign has been well received and successfully met all of its goals. Highlights from the website include: • "Book Detectives" form for personalized reading recommendations from library staff • New and improved online chat and texting Reference services • Easy access to downloadable e- books, audiobooks, and music • Free access to Consumer Reports and Morningstar reports • A wide selection of newspaper, magazine and research databases 95 • Tools for language learners, students, and jobseekers • Assistance from librarians via online chat, text, or email. The Reading Public Library website is wholly maintained by library staff who continue to work on technical refinements and provide weekly content updates. The Children's page was improved and a new DigiKids section was created. This page highlights all the online resources available for children and families from e -books to databases. A special section reviews great Apps, helping parents find quality in an increasingly flooded marketplace. Support Independent Readers - School Cooperation Working as educational partners with the Reading Public Schools, librarians introduced teachers to new databases and other online resources which are available to them and their students via remote access with their Reading Public Library card. The Library's subscription to Tumblebooks, a source for online children's books and literacy activities, was accessed nearly 15,000 times this year, often by Reading teachers for use in the classroom. Children's Librarians filled 113 special requests from Reading teachers and school media specialist for materials to support the curriculum in 2013. Parents and teachers alike appreciate the Library's support of the popular Massachusetts Children's Book Award (MCBA) program at the five elementary schools with the purchase and display of multiple copies of the nominated books in various formats to accommodate different learning styles. This past year, the library also purchased and circulated Nooks, which were loaded with the MCBA nominated titles in e- book format. Reading Public Library Young Adult Librarians managed several cooperative events with Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools including library tours for 346 students, school visits to promote summer reading to over 1,000 students, and a visit with author Katherine Erskine. Ms. Erskine also spoke to forty people at an evening presentation at the Library. Young Adult librarians offered school support through library loaner collections on specific topics such as Ancient Greece. Teen Advisory Group Librarians added several new teen services this year. Online services incorporated into our new website include.new Teen Pinterest boards, Teen Book Detective service and the opportunity to become a blogger on our Teen webpage. In response to the high demand for primarily school - related community service hours, staff set up a formal Community Service program. Each semester, students may apply for one of four positions offering a minimum of ten community service hours. Volunteens The Volunteen Program continues to be a key opportunity for young people to have their first formal "work" experience as they assist with many tasks as volunteer workers during the summer under the supervision of Young Adult and Children's Librarians. The Volunteens are scheduled throughout the library to assist with summer reading activities, preparing for and helping to manage programs and activities, sort and file books and library materials, assist with W. scanning and digitizing documents and photographs, help with administrative tasks such as filing and photocopying, and lending a hand in many extra activities like displays, story, and craft activities. Every year the library recruits, trains, and schedules over 60 young people for this valuable experience and we are grateful for the community's support and the young people's families' cooperation in making this program a smashing success for all! Summer Reading In tandem with the STEM grant, the Children's Division Staff created a Summer Reading Program with "Make Way for Ideas" as the theme. In just 6 weeks, nearly 900 children read for over 8,000 hours, getting new ideas while maintaining and improving their reading skills. A special "Creation Station" functioned as a mini -maker space with weekly activities, encouraging imagination and experimentation. Our popular story times, sing - alongs, special concerts, Vehicle Day, Minecraft events and Art & Writing Contests fostered literacy and learning. 24 middle and high school Volunteens spent 195 hours assisting with the various programs. ' This year, our online reporting function was expanded tremendously in preparation for Summer 2014 when we plan to be in a temporary space. In September, the elementary schools recognized the achievements of our summer reading program participants with special assemblies and other accolades. Total Children's Programs: 366 Programs with 14,971 attendees Total Teen/Adult Programs: 246 Programs with 5,371 attendees A LIFELONG EDUCATION CENTER Readers' Advisory In our ongoing mission to connect individuals to the right books, librarians presented Reader's Advisory programs, managed monthly book groups, created online and print lists and announced several new online Reader services. Librarians offered many book recommendation programs that included: Book Group Night (60 attendees), Book Brunch (48 attendees) and Summer Sizzlers with (85 attendees) and managed library book groups: Slackers, Not Too Stuffy, RPL Book Group, and - celebrating its 16th year at the library - Word of Mouth. Massachusetts Authors Series The Reading Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Reading Public Library teamed up to sponsor a book discussion and author series that brought Massachusetts Books Award "Must Read" Authors to Reading during 2012 -13. The series combined evening book discussions facilitated by Ann Murphy, Ph.D. followed by visits from the authors themselves. We kicked off the series in Fall, 2012, with Margot Livesey's The Flight of Gemma Hardy. Roland Merullo, Gish Jen, and Jennifer Haigh appeared in following months. The esteemed poet Marge Piercy concluded the series with a moving and memorable poetry reading in April. It was a thrill to host five outstanding authors and a gfeat pleasure to talk deeply and thoughtfully about books, poetry, and meaning. Public Technology Training Other programs offer learning in new technologies for groups and individuals: E- books, E- gadgets, E -gads! is a fun - filled winter evening for adults to comfortably learn how to work with some of the new book/reader technologies. It forces us on staff also to learn how to work with a wide variety of devices and applications, and breaks the ice for everyone to acknowledge that there's always something new to learn in an evolving and rapidly changing digital environment. The Reference Department always sees a noticeable upsurge in individuals feeling more comfortable to ask for help with their new gadgets after these group instruction events. Also available one -on -one are the ever helpful and tactful high- school student NetGuides, who are trained by the librarians to tutor adults at the library who'd like to learn something new on a computer. Homebound Delivery On an informal basis, the librarians at the Information Desk offer personalized service with close to 250 one -on -one reader's advisory suggestions per month, plus personalized reading lists for a growing number of homebound individuals using our Take Out service. One new home bound person said that the library was a second home to him; he misses the staff here so much and can't live without books. He is happy to have a connection through the Take -Out service. a: 1 - Reference Consultation: Breakout �a adults 0Children 36,014 36,474 3.6,315 36,361 37;387 34,329 9,440 j 5,920 51094 6,552 6,010 3;102 i 3 i 1 i ! Total 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Facilitated by the new library website, staff created several new online Reader services in 2013. "Book Detectives" offers personalized service as individuals fill out a simple online form indicating reading interests and librarians respond with a personalized reading list! For others the best way to find a good book is to see what others are reading, so the library added "Staff Picks ", Pinterest boards, and "What's Awesome," a posting of community favorites. CREATE NEW WAYS TO GROW & LEARN: YOUNG READERS Curious Science /STEM The Children's Division was awarded a federal Library Services and Technology Act grant of $7,500 for our highly successful "Curious Science" program. To ignite the interest and natural science curiosity of students in grades 3 -5, twenty -five programs were held from January through August. Ranging from Owl Pellet Investigation to Scratch Programming, Polymers to Engineering, the programs drew a total of 1,038 captivated children. Many of the excellent programs were led by Reading science educator, David Williams. Evaluations showed that as a result of the programs, positive attitudes towards science increased by 20% among participants. The grant also- funded expansion of the library's STEM resources, supporting students and teachers. Early Literacy The American Library Association's "Every Child Ready to Read" initiative has put public libraries at the forefront of early literacy. New research into best practices has proven the importance of reading to children and training parents. Future success in school starts here! After training in best early literacy practices this year, Reading children's librarians expanded the scope of story times, employing new interactive technologies like iPads and iPods where appropriate. An extremely popular Saturday "Jumping Beans" program for children 1 -3 was initiated, with attendance averaging 45 children at each monthly session. In addition, children's librarians taught 105 early literacy classes for children ages 0 -2, 2 & 3, and 4 & 5 serving 1,752 children and parents. Sensory Storytime, especially for children on the Spectrum, remains M01 another staple in our monthly schedule, with librarians using new techniques to better serve this special population. Librarians also taught workshops on "Every Child Ready to Read" findings for parents, teachers and the Reading Daycare Providers Network. PERSONNEL New Librarian We were delighted to welcome Renee L. Smith, M.L.S., as a Young Adult and Reference Librarian in June 2013. Renee earned her Master's Degree in Library Science from Drexel University in 2013. Renee brings new ideas and a fresh approach to her position and we are the beneficiaries of her past experience as an elementary school teacher, her commitment to teen advocacy, and her continuing work as an active volunteer at the Museum of our National Heritage. Notable Staff Achievements Reading Librarians are teachers and active contributors to the profession in many ways, serving on committees and boards, leading workshops and trainings, working on legislative initiatives, statewide outreach events, and contributing to professional associations, roundtables, and publications. In 2013, Reading librarians were honored to: • Serve as Co -Chair of Mass. Library Association Conference Committee • Be elected to a coveted seat on a national review panel of children's books • Serve as Immediate Past - President of Massachusetts Library Association • Present several Best Books talks • Serve on a Search Committee for a new Executive Director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners • Chair Massachusetts libraries' participation in the Boston Book Festival • Contribute to NOBLE group that plans and evaluates software development • Serve on working groups on specific aspects of Evergreen Integrated Library System, such as Acquisitions and Serials. • Chair the Para - librarian Services Section of the Massachusetts Library Association • Serve on the Town's Social Media Policy development team • Present Tutor.com to School Media Specialists • Offer workshop on Online Resources for Job Seekers • Offer workshop on E -book Services & e- Reader Training • Provide small group bibliographic instruction and large group library tours • We were also proud to have a Reading Library children's librarian named to the ALA/ALSC Liaison with National Organizations Serving Children and Youth Committee. Professional Development Librarians provide excellent and cutting edge service by keeping up with changing technologies and educational theories and techniques. Continuing education in many different areas is essential, and this year Children's Librarians took part in such divergent workshops as: `M Common Core Resources, Transforming Preschool Storytime, Early Literacy, QR Codes, Digital Photography, Can't Miss Books, Tutor.com and Extreme Customer Service. Staff attended useful workshops at the Massachusetts Library Association Conference and was proud to have a staff member present a program there on Sensory Storytime and Autism. Many of the new and engaging library services are a direct result of ongoing staff education. Reference and Young Adult Librarians took every opportunity to learn this year. Continuing education topics included: Reader's Advisory OverDrive, Program Planning, Social Media, Geek Your Library, QR Codes, Apps for Mobile Devices, Tumblr, Pinterest, Mass Book Awards, Making Change, Tutor.com, Minecraft, Customer Service, Book Buzz, Read Out Loud LGBTQ, MailChimp, Online Resources, Affordable Care Act and Massachusetts Library Association, New England Booksellers Association and American Library Association conferences. Friends of the Reading Public Library provided a special grant for the library's Reference & Elder Services Librarian to attend a national conference in Chicago in June 2013. And, as they have done every year for the past several years, the Friends provided funding for the annual Staff Day in April, 2013. The Friends' loyal ongoing support made it possible for over 25 staff members to attend programs, workshops, and a roundtable with Massachusetts' award - winning authors at the Massachusetts Library Association Annual Conference which was held in Cambridge. AWARDS & GRANTS The logo developed for "Curious Science" was awarded first place in the Massachusetts Library Association Public Relations Awards along with several other awards for materials developed by Reading Librarians in the categories of advertisement, flier, and merchandise. The Reading Public Library won a prestigious $6,500 National Endowment for the Arts grant to participate in The Big Read. Reading is one of only 77 communities nationwide to receive a grant in this competitive program. The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The Big Read in Reading will focus on at town -wide reading of The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. The Library is partnering with the Reading School Department, Creative Arts, and the Senior Center to make The Big Read a source of pride and inspiration in Reading. Book discussions and related activities for all ages will take place in the spring of 2014. Reading Celebration Trust awarded the library a generous grant to create a video record of the Highland School Celebration. The library wished to capture the long and rich history of the Highland School for future generations, as the historic building is transformed once again for another century of service. The Friends and Foundation contributed to the week's programs and activities as well. In June, the Reading Public Library was awarded an $8,000 Federal LSTA Grant: Customer Experience in a Digital Age. Beginning in October, 2013 a multifaceted approach to staff development, including facilitated training and independent learning, kicked off with half -day sessions. Ongoing trainings and individual learning goals have been developed to provide tools 101 for library staff to develop and refine skills for top -notch public service in traditional and emerging technologies. In Memoriam — Dick Curtis Reading Public Library joined with the many others in the Reading community to pay tribute to Library Trustee Chairman Richard Curtis who died in September, 2013. Dick's contributions to the town he lived in all his life were manifold and long- standing. His commitment to the library, where he served as a Trustee from 2007 on, included a reflective and thoughtful participation in Board deliberations and numerous contributions to editorial pieces. His work on the RCTV program Reading at Large captured special features of Reading behind the scenes, and in 2006 he did a segment for the show on the Reading Public Library Foundation. In later years in his association with the library, he developed print materials and a video segment explaining the library building project that was aired on local cable television in 2013. Our last, and sweetest, memory of Dick was his breezy arrival from his summer cottage to take a shift at the Library's booth at the Reading Fall Faire, just a week before he died. He was happy and busy, enjoying the beautiful September day and his pride in his hometown. He is sorely missed by his colleagues on the Board, the staff of the Library, and the members of the Reading Public Library Foundation on whose Board of Directors he served for more than ten years. Fellow Foundation Director Russell Graham provided a touching tribute at the Foundation's October donor event. Here's Dick talking about his memories of attending the Highland School in the 1940's: https:// www. youtube.com/watch ?v= vOYbd7pmDds Respectfully submitted, Ruth S. Urell, M.L.S. Director 102 Service Statistics 2013 Circulation Total 484,870 Direct Circulation -Adult 221,011 Direct — Young Adult (data new this year) 18,065 Direct — Children's 177,711 Interlibrary loans (I.L.L.) 68,083 Visitors 220,035 'Volunteer Service Hours 1,720 Volunteers 166 Library Collections (Total) 116,186 Adult Books 49,836 Adult Video, DVDs, CDs 17,293 Children's Books 34,795 Children's Media 5,260 Teens 6,199 Mixed media 2,803 E -Books & E- Audiobooks checked out 8,186* (* Increased by 38% over 2012) Magazine Subscriptions 318 Electronic Subscriptions 26 Room Reservations 979 Reference Consultations Total 61,089 Adult Reference & Research Assistance 37,987 Children's Reference/Research 23,102 Program Attendance Total 20,049 Adults 3066 Young Adults 2012 Children 14,971 Museum Passes (28 passes) Borrowed 1,754 READING PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF ROSTER Administration Director — Ruth S. Urell Assistant Director — Amy Lannon Administrative Assistant — Kathryn Melesciuc Reference Division Division Head — Lorraine Barry Adult & Elder Services Librarian — Andrea Fiorillo Local History Librarian — Rachel Baumgartner 103 Young Adult Librarians — Susan L. Beauregard, Renee Smith Promotional Services Librarian — Kathleen Miksis Reference Librarian — Eileen Barrett Technical Services Division Head — Jamie Penney Senior Library Associate — Allison Sloan Senior Library Associate — Dawn Colford Technician — Judy A. Newton Circulation Division Division Head — Michelle A. Filleul Senior Library Associate — Patrice A. O'Donnell Technicians — Donna Beaulieu Maureen Conwell Mary Ellen Downey Susan R. Haggerty Louise Hetherington Danielle Kimerer Meaghan F. Kinton Carol Macomber Joanne H. Penta Christine Rutigliano Pages — Neftali Gonzalez Andrea Hogan Lisa Li Jennie List Molly O'Donnell Children's Department Division Head — Corinne Fisher Children's Librarians — Brenda Wettergreen Rachel Baumgartner Ashley Waring Kathryn Geoffrion Scannell Megan White Senior Library Associate — Mary McIntire Pages — Meaghan Coughlin Jacquelyn Saunders Grace Stroman Theresa Teixeira Custodian — John Davis 104 Reading Public Library Board of Library Trustees David P. Hutchinson, Acting Chair Term expires 2014 Alice W. Collins. Secretary Tenn expires 2015 John Brzezenski Term expires 2014 Cherrie Dubois Term expires 2016 Andrew Grimes Term expires 2015 Victoria V. Yablonsky Term expires 2014 Reading Public Library Foundation, Inc. Maria Silvaggi, President Elise Ciregna, Vice President Bruce Austin, Secretary Amy Coumounduros, Treasurer Board of Directors John Brzezenski Lynne Cameron Jerry Fiore Russ Graham Bill Hecht Barbara Mulvey Bob Nordstrand Friends of Reading Public Library President — Beth Klepeis Treasurer — Cathy Hoodlet Assistant Treasurer — Fran Sansalone Recording Secretary — Jean Clark Membership — Anne Schofield Asst. Membership — Mary Anne Kieran Publicity and Newsletter — Lynda Zarrow At -Large Members — Eleanor Delaney, Leslie Haley, Alissa Onigman Concert Series — Lynne Freeman, Jenny DiMuzio Newsletter — Christine Hylan House Tour — Cherrie Dubois Holiday Book Sales — Leslie Haley 105 READING HOUSING AUTHORITY It is with great pleasure that we share with you the activities and accomplishments of the Reading Housing Authority over the past year. The Housing Authority continues to remain cautious during this somewhat unstable time. The pressure on the real estate market has created a critical challenge for poor and lower income families to find, keep, and maintain their housing. Rental units continue to be at a greater premium in this area. Previously, landlords had been able to ask for and receive a higher rent that historically prices the poor and lower income families out of the rental market. We are beginning to see a change in the rental market area with increase inquiries from landlords who are experiencing more difficulty renting units and willing to accept more affordable rents. The Reading Housing Authority (Authority) strives to assist these families to seek and obtain housing that is decent, safe and sanitary. We always make every effort to maintain our existing inventory of affordable units by adhering to a well - defined budget plan. In addition, our Executive Director seeks additional funding sources through grants with the hopes of improving our present stock of elderly and family housing. In an effort to expand our rental resources, the Authority will continue its efforts to develop new units and purchase affordable units when the opportunity arises. The Authority continues to monitor the sale of affordable homes or condominium units in our area with the hope of adding additional family affordable units to our present inventory in the upcoming year. We reach out to owners of multi - family units who would like to work with us to serve our clients. . We continue to -maintain a strong working relationship with Mystic Valley Elder Services and other home care agencies to meet the needs of the elderly residents as they strive to remain independent and age in place. Our local nurse advocate, Dianne Luther, has been someone that elder residents and RHA staff have relied on in greater numbers in order to have seniors remain in their homes. The Authority goes beyond the bricks and mortar and provides assistance to families, elderly, and handicapped persons to obtain the services they need. With budget cuts affecting all of us, we strive to maintain our programs, work with other supportive agencies, and still offer a safe and decent place for our seniors, disabled, and families in need. On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Executive Director, Lyn Whyte and her staff for their continued dedication, commitment, and service to the Reading Housing Authority. We look forward to working with them as we meet the new challenges that lie ahead. Respectfully, Karen L. Flammia, Chair 106 Organization Organized in 1963 to address the housing needs of the Town's low and moderate income residents, the Reading Housing Authority (Authority) is "a public body politic and corporate" duly organized and authorized by Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), Chapter 121B, s.3. The Authority receives it funds from the State and Federal government to assist our clients with their housing needs. Although the Authority does not receive any local funding, five unpaid Reading residents compose the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Selectmen appoints four of these board members and one is the Governor's appointee. Each member serves for a 5 -year term. The Board is responsible for the overall operation of the Authority. The day to day responsibility is delegated to the Executive Director. The Board meets regularly and has scheduled their monthly meetings for the first Monday of each month. The Annual Meeting of the Board is currently scheduled for the month after the Selectmen make their annual appointment of a Board member. As of December, 2013, the Board Members and their term of office are as follows: Karen L. I�lammia Chair 19 Vista Avenue Term expires 6/30/2015 Diane Cohen Vice -Chair and State Appointee 173 Hillcrest Avenue Term expires 6/30/2016 Timothy J. Kelley Treasurer 84 Woburn Street Term expires 6/30/2014 Kevin Mulvey Asst. Treasurer 67 Whittier Road Term expires 6/30/2018 Mary E. Connors Member and Tenant Representative 52 Sanborn Street Term expires 6/30/2017 Lyn E. Whyte Secretary and Executive Director 41 Shore Road, Saugus Administrative Staff The Board contracts an Executive Director who manages the day -to -day operations of the Authority. Within State and Federal guidelines and other budgetary limits, the Executive Director hires the supporting staff necessary to achieve the goals and responsibilities of the Authority's programs. The Executive Director, Lyn Whyte, is in a five -year contract that expires August 29, 2015. 107 Administration Lyn E. Whyte Catherine Sutherland Kathleen Rolli Michelle Hudzik Vacant Maintenance Secretary and Executive Director Office Manager Federal Program Coordinator & Assistant Executive Director State Program Coordinator Part-time Program Assistant Frank Veglia Maintenance Supervisor Joseph Costello Maintenance Staff Kevin Boyle Maintenance Staff Edward Bennett Maintenance Staff Supportive Services A Home Care: Jacqueline Carson Daniel J. O'Leary Jane Burns Diane Luther ffiliations Sanborn Home Care Director Director, Mystic Valley Elder Services Town of Reading, Elder Services Administrator Town of Reading, Nurse Advocate Financial Institutions Reading Cooperative Bank Eastern Bank BankNorth W. Affiliations National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Massachusetts Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (MassNAHRO) New England Regional Council of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NERC/NAHRO) Section 8 Administrators Association North Shore Housing Executive Directors' Association (NSHEDA) Adult Literacy Committee of Reading /Wakefield YMCA Consultants Accountants: Fenton, Ewald & Associates Legal: Latham Law Offices, LLC & DHCD Legal Counsel, Lori McBride Contractors Hiltz Waste Disposal Avon Plumbing Supply Hodson S M Co Inc Roberto Bros. Landscaping Automatic Laundry Maintenance Mystic Painting Wayne's Drains Banner Glass Shelmar American Alarm Home Depot We do it all — from the beautiful paint job to the new appointments before you move into your new apartment. The maintenance staff meets the challenges on every occasion and has done an excellent job. With the four seasons here in New England, maintenance has to be ready to take it all in stride. They do the spring clean-up and plantings; the summer mowing, watering, weeding and trimming; the fall leaf pick -up; and winter's snow and ice removal. The maintenance staff works tirelessly to keep our developments looking beautiful. We have been lucky enough to have the assistance of the Work Release Program from the Middlesex Sheriff's Department. They have been exceptional in the work that they have done with our landscaping and painting projects. These programs are cost effective and have become a critical component to maintaining our properties. During the course of this past year, this program enabled us to maintain the grounds of our properties with a spring clean up and prior year snow removal. This annual scheduled 109 project assists us with maintaining these properties and it greatly enhances their appearances. We hope to continue our relationship with the Middlesex Sheriffs Department to afford us the opportunity to enhance the appearance of all of our properties. The Authority is responsible for 108 individual units located on 10 different sites. It is no easy task to keep each one looking in its top form. The maintenance staff is also responsible for the daily work orders and any emergency work that has to be done. The Authority has an extensive preventative maintenance program for all major components and has a cyclical paint schedule for all units. 2013 Funding Received Each year the Authority applies for several grants or capital funding when available to improve our properties and better serve our residents and the community. Included in this year's awards were: Modernization of State Housing The Housing Authority had the opportunity to install new front entry doors throughout our elderly complex known as Tannerville as a result of an Initiative Safety Grant of $13,500. In addition, we received another FAC76 Energy Conservation Grant through Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $22,240 that was used to replace refrigerators in our elderly complex on Frank Tanner Drive. The Housing Authority also completed Capital Improvement Plans at various state locations during the late summer and early fall 2013 as a result of our state funding award of approximately $60,000 for our fiscal year 2014. Our goal is to upgrade kitchens and bath areas in both our senior and family developments, as well as replace stoves throughout our elderly units. All of these improvements will benefit our families that live in our developments. Supportive Services Grant — Hud No funding available since we no longer administer an FSS program. Supportive Services Grant — State Funding of Resident Service Coordinator to address elderly /non - elderly needs for Frank D. Tanner Drive residents was approved; however, it is now categorized as an administrative expense. Audits The Authority has a Single Audit of all programs by an independent auditor each year. Ross and Company of Nashua, NH was engaged to perform the latest review of the Authority's programs for fiscal year end June 2013. The audit was completed in November 13 and final submissions to designated agencies were completed in December 2013. The Authority had no findings or 110 additional recommendations as a result of this latest audit. The Authority's financial position is adequate to meet the needs of the operation and development of the programs and we are fortunate to maintain a retained revenue agency status. A compliance audit for FYE June 2008 and June 2009 was conducted by the Commonwealth of Mass State Auditors office in February 2010 and completed with no findings. The Commonwealth of MA conducts this audit every two years. Our next compliance audit for additional fiscal years has not yet been scheduled. Management Review The Authority has had a current Management Review done of all State programs. The Asset Managers from the State's Department of Housing and Community Development reviewed all the operations of the State programs to insure compliance in the daily operation of the Authority's budget, occupancy, administration, maintenance, services and tenant participation. The Authority received an excellent review with minor comments. In regard to our federal program, the Authority submitted its annual Section 8 Management Assessment Program ( SEMAP) reports for fiscal year end June 2013 to HUD for review and subsequent scoring. The purpose of SEMAP is to measure public housing authority performance in key areas of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program management. It is a tool used by HUD to effectively monitor and assist PHA's. It is our pleasure to report that the Reading Housing Authority received an overall score of 100 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. As a result of this score, HUD designates the Authority as a "high performer" with credit going to Section 8 Program Coordinator, Kathy Rolli, for her continued efforts in administering an ever - changing federal program. We will not submit additional SEMAP reports until fiscal year June 2015. These assessments are now performed every two years for an agency of our size per latest HUD changes. State Programs The Authority currently manages the three programs under the State's Department of Housing and Community Development: 667 Housing (elderly/handicapped housing); 705 Housing (Family housing); 689 Housing (Special Needs Housing). Our 667 wait lists are open at the present time, however, we are not accepting applications for our state family program at this time due to an estimated wait of fifteen years. We encourage applicants to apply for our elderly/handicapped (667) housing by contacting the Housing Authority at (781) 944 -6755 or by accessing the application on the Town of Reading website. HOUSING FOR ELDERLY/HANDICAPPED PERSONS (667 80 units Frank D. Tanner Drive Complex Eligibility : 60 years of age or disabled Income: 1 person - $45,500 2 persons - $52,000 111 HOUSING FOR FAMILIES (705 6 units Waverly and Oakland Road (six 3BR units) 4 units Pleasant and Parker Street (two 2BR units; two 3BR unit ) Eligibility: Family of 2 or more depending on Bedroom size Income: 2 persons - $52,000 3 persons - $58,500 4 persons - $65,000 5 persons - $70,200 6 persons - $75,400 7 persons - $80,600 8 persons - $85,800 Federal Programs The Authority manages 125 subsidies for persons of very low income under the Federal Section 8 program. Currently, the RHA participates in a centralized waiting list administered by the MASSNAHRO organization. Applications for this wait list are available at the administration office building at 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, Reading. The income limits are: SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE Income limits: 1 person — $34,250 2 persons - $39,150 3 persons - $44,050 4 persons - $48,900 5 persons - $52,850 6 persons - $56,750 7 persons - $60,650 8 persons - $64,550 RHA -Owned Properties The Authority presently owns and manages sixteen family units located in various locations throughout the Town of Reading. We continue to pursue opportunities to expand low income housing units within the Town whenever possible. Applications ELDERLY /HANDICAPPED HOUSING (667) The Authority manages 80 one - bedroom units of housing for elderly/handicapped persons at our Frank D. Tanner Drive complex in Reading. To qualify for, this housing, a single person or couple must meet the eligibility guidelines and be 60 years of age or older or handicapped. The Authority sets aside 13.5% of these units for non - elderly handicapped persons. The wait list is, currently open for all seniors' 60 years of age and older. We encourage Reading residents to apply and are making special outreach efforts to elderly of minority representation. The 13.5% non - elderly handicapped requirement has been fulfilled but applications are still being accepted for our wait list. Non - elderly applicants will be served after the Authority has placed all qualified applicants if the 13.5% requirement has been met. You may obtain an application at the office of the Authority, 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, Reading, MA 01867 or by accessing one online from the Town of Reading website. 112 FAMILY HOUSING — STATE (705) The Authority operates the State's Family Housing Program with 2 different developments. The first family housing development that was built by the Authority is located at Oakland and Waverly Roads and is called Waverly Oaks. There are six 3- bedroom units. Our second state family development is near the center of Town and is referred to as our Pleasant/Parker location. There are only four units available at this site. Our wait list is currently closed. Wait times for those presently on the list remains quite long. SECTION 8 FEDERAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Currently the wait list for our Section 8 Program is open. We now participate in the centralized wait list program initiated in December 2002 and administered by Mass NAHRO. Applications are available at our administrative office or online at www.mnabro.org. An application can be downloaded from that site and submitted to any agency participating in the centralized wait list program. There are currently over 85 member agencies taking part in that joint process. At present there are almost 100,000 families on this waitlist with waiting times for assistance _quite long. The State maintains a wait list for its programs through the Metropolitan Boston Housing Program (MBHP). Anyone seeking an emergency application should contact MBHP at (800) 272 -0990 to obtain an application. The local area service agency for emergency applicants is Community Service Network. You may contact them at 781 - 438 -1977. Summit Village First Time Homebuyers Program The Authority continues to oversee the maintenance of the wait list for qualified and eligible applicants for the affordable units at Summit Village through the First Time Homebuyers Program. We presently have nine potential buyers on our waitlist. During the past year, no affordable unit was made available and subsequently sold at an affordable price to a family on our wait list. The "affordable" owners must have a fair market appraisal done; the Authority reviews the appraisal and if accepted, provides the owner with the maximum resale price for the affordable unit. If the owner has a friend who would be eligible and income - qualified, then the Authority reviews their qualifications and provides them with an "Eligible Purchaser Certificate." If the owner wishes to select an applicant from the wait list, the Authority would send the next available and eligible buyer's name to the owner to negotiate the sale. Interested applicants may pick up applications packets at the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall; at the Reference Desk at the Reading Public Library; or at the office of the Reading Housing Authority, 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive. When making an application, a $10 fee made payable to the "Reading Housing Authority" must be included along with all pertinent documentation. If the family applying for the affordable unit is headed by 2- persons, both parties must execute the application as applicant and co- applicant. Income from all family members age 18+ is included in family income for eligibility. However, if the income of one of these persons is from a dependent (not spouse) who is a full -time student, then a deduction for out of pocket expenses for books, tuition, fees and/or travel is allowed. Documentation from the school must be provided and verification for employment and expenses must be provided with the application. 113 All persons must sign a "Release of Information" to have their documentation verified by the Authority. Highlights of the program are: First Time Homebuyer Cannot have owned a home within the last 3 years; divorced persons cannot currently own home but 3 year restriction is excused. Maximum Family Income Currently, the maximum family income cannot exceed 80% of FY 2012 Medium Family Income presently set at $94,400 (effective 2/19/12) for all persons in the family from all sources (wages, interest, dividends, etc.) Family Housing The 2 bedroom units must have a minimum family. size of 2 persons. The maximum number of persons that can qualify for a 2- bedroom unit would be 4 persons. The 3 bedroom units must have a minimum of 3 persons with 2 being minor children living in the household. The maximum number of persons that would qualify for a 3- bedroom unit would be 6 persons. Affordable Price The affordable price is based on a 20% discount from the current fair market appraisal of the unit, which must be verified by the Authority. Deed Restriction Anyone wishing to purchase an "affordable" unit should be aware that a permanent deed restriction would be recorded with their deed. This restriction states that the unit must be sold to a qualified and eligible purchaser at a 20% discount from the fair market value as approved by the Reading Housing Authority. Single Persons Applications are accepted from single family households but persons on the single person wait list will be chosen only after all the eligible family applicants have been served. Local Preference Applicants from the Town of Reading are given preference over other applicants if their application is made on the same day. This local preference is given if a person is employed in the Town of Reading; has a business or enterprise in Reading which has been established for one or more years; if they are parents of a school child in Reading; persons who were residents of Reading for 5 or more years. 114 Conclusion The Reading Housing Authority is proud to provide this information to you. Anyone interested in obtaining an application for any of our housing programs: elderly/handicapped housing, state family or the Federal Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, should contact the authority at 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive or by calling the office at (781) 944 -6755. 115