HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-12 Subsequent Town Meeting MinutesSUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Preforming Arts Center
November 12, 2013
the Precincts listed below met at 7:00 PM to conduct the following business:
Precinct 1: With a Quorum present elected Carol Hepner of 427 Pearl Street to fill a vacancy.
Precinct 2: With a Quorum present elected Susan Taylor of 76 Pearl Street to fill a vacancy.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E Foulds, at 7:31 PM, there being a quorum
present. The Invocation was given by Philip Pacino, Precinct 5 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag. A moment of silence was shared for Rita Burbank, Richard Curtis and Harold Hulse.
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Laura Gemme, when on motion by James Bonazoli,
Board of Selectmen, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant.
ARTICLE 1: To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant,
Treasurer - Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of
Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board,
Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning and Development Commission, Town
Manager and any other Official, Board or Special Committee.
Background: This article appears on the Warrant for all Town Meetings. The following reports were
given:
' State of RMLD - given by Coleen O'Brien and John Stempeck - See Attached
State of the Schools - given by John Doherty - See Attached
Library Building Project - given by David Hutchinson - See Attached
ad Hoc Charter Review Committee - given by Alan Foulds - See Attached
Finance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
On motion made by James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen Article 1 was tabled
ARTICLE 2: To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine
what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will
vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding
Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them.
Background: This Article appears on the Warrant of all Town Meetings. There are no known
Instructional Motions at this time. The Town Moderator requires that all proposed Instructional Motions be
submitted to the Town Clerk in advance so that Town Meeting Members may be "warned" as to the
subject of an Instructional Motion in advance of the motion being made. Instructional Motions are
normally held until the end of all other business at Town Meeting.
Finance Committee Report: No report
Lylaw Committee Report: No report
On motion made by James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen Article 2 was tabled
ARTICLE 3: Dan Ensminger, Board of Selectmen moved that the Town vote to amend the FY
2014 -23 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7 -7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter
and as previously amended by making the following changes to the 2014 -2023 Capital Improvement'
Program:
James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 3
Motion to Disoense Reading of Article Carried
General Fund
FY14: + $ 257,500
$ 60,000 Ferguson 46A Roller (moved up from FY18, decreased by $22,000)
$ 55,000 Two Police Speed Trailers (replace one old unit with two new ones)
$ 40,500 Door locking system (3 schools as part of ALICE)
$ 32,000 Ford E350 Econoline Van (Schools /Facilities)
$ 30,000 Memorial Park skating lights (new)
$ 28,000 Masonry repairs (RMHS)
$ 12,000 Furniture (Coolidge Library - carpet being replaced)
$ 0 Playgrounds program - change from Hunt Park to Birch Meadow
$ 0 West Street local share of road improvements - moved up a year and now shown as debt; amount
increased from $579,500 to $1,000,000 to Include easements
FY35: - $ 368,900 (- $ 315,900 general fund; - $ 53,000 40R funds)
+ $ 194,500 general road improvements increased to $350,000
+ $ 169,400 Killam Field improvements (moved up from FY16 and increased scope)
$ 145,000 Leboy Pavement Spreader (moved up from FY17, increased by $15,000)
$ 30,000 FMC Truck Mount Sprayer (moved up from FY16)
+ $ 27,700 Increase in cost for TORO gang mower (Parks) to $98,000
+ $ 15,000 Increase sidewalks to $90,000
- $ 20,000 Birch Meadow batting cage moved out to FY18
- $ 38,000 Leboy 300L Roller (moved out to FY16 and increased to $40,000)
- $ 53,000 additional road projects funded by 40R are removed
- $ 339,500 West Street road project (moved to debt)
- $ 500,000 Birch Meadow Pavilion moved out to FY18
FY14• + $ 750,000
+$ 750,000 Auburn
FY15:+ S 120.000
truck Number 14 (moved up from
FY16 to FY23:
Various chanoes made
funded
Background: This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. The Reading General Bylaw
Section 6.1.3 states "...No funds may be appropriated for any capital item unless such item is included in
the Capital Improvements Program, and is scheduled for funding in the Fiscal Year in which the
appropriation is to be made.' Bond ratings agencies also want to ensure that changes to a long -term CIP
are adequately described.
Finance Committee Report - given by Paula Perry: The Finance Committee recommends the
ltroposed amendments to the FY 2014 -2023 Capital Improvements Program by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their
eeting on October 16, 2013. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite but in
self does not authorize spending funds towards these items.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3-
0-0 to support this Article, and many other Articles hereafter as noted. Traditionally the Board of
Selectmen has not voted in time for the printing of this Warrant. It is important for Town Meeting to
understand as early as possible that despite being the sponsors of a given Article, the Board of Selectmen
may not agree with it. They occasionally sponsor an Article for the convenience of other volunteer Boards,
Committees or Commissions, or for one or more residents in the community. They do so to allow Town
Meeting to make the final decision. While the Board of Selectmen is not an advisory body to Town Meeting
as is the case for both the Finance Committee and the Bylaw Committee, they hope this information is
helpful to members as background information.
Presentation given by:
• Bob LeLacheur - See Attached
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 4: James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen moved to see if the Town will accept the
inimum monthly allowance of $500 for beneficiaries of active members as provided in Section 12 (2)(d)
Chapter 32 of the MGL to be effective for September 14, 2013.
Lround: The Reading Contributory Retirement Board voted unanimously to accept to increase
the minimum monthly allowance contained In MGL Chapter 32 Section 12(2)(d) from $250 to $500. It
must be approved by Town Meeting before it can take effect.
Benefits payable under Chapter 32 Section 12(2)(d) are payable to beneficiaries of members who die in
service from a non -job related incident or injury. The benefit is equal to what the member would have
received had he retired at age 55 or 60 for group 1 members hired on or after April 2, 2012. Beneficiaries
who meet certain requirements are eligible for a minimum monthly allowance. In order to be eligible for
the Section 12(2)(d) benefit, must be married for at least 1 year, creditable service for 2 years, and must
be a member -in- service at time of death.
The minimum allowance was last changed in 1984 when the amount was increased from $140 to $250 per
month. If this article is adopted, the new minimum allowance would be increased to $500 per month. This
increase will currently affect 3 surviving beneficiaries that are receiving a monthly benefit of $493.55.
Finance Committee Report - given by Paul McNeice: The Finance Committee recommends the
subject matter of Article 4 by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their meeting on October 16, 2013, driven by the fact the
last increase was almost thirty years ago.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Presentation given by:
• _Bob Le -See Attached
oti n rried
ARTICLE 5: Motion made by Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen to indefinitely postpone the subject
matter of Article 5
Motion to Indefinitely Postpone Carried
ARTICLE 6: Marsie West, Board of Selectmen moved to see if the Town will vote to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may
determine, various items of Town tangible property.
James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 6
Motion to Dispense Carried
Background: Following is a list of surplus vehicles that are scheduled to be disposed of in FY 2014.
Town Meeting approval is required for disposition of tangible property with a value of $5,000 or more. It is
unlikely that all of these items have a value that exceeds that amount, but to be safe, Town Meeting
approval is requested. Disposition could be through trade in, auction, or other sale:
1990 Ford E -250 van mileage 97,474 vin# 1FTFE24N4LHA82799- primary use Town side
1997 Chevy 2500 4 wheel drive pickup mileage 68,786 vin #1GBHK34RIVE257836 - Primary use
School Dept.
• 1988 Ferguson Roller (DPW)
Finance Committee Report - given by Barry Berman: The Finance Committee recommends the
subject matter of Article 6 by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their meeting on October 16, 2013
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3-
0-0 to support this Article
Presentation given by:
• Bob LeLacheur - See Attached
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 7: Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen moved to see if the Town will vote to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise, permanent and temporary
construction easements upon and over a portion of certain properties located on West Street, Wentworth
Road, Countryside Drive, Lewis Street, Scotland Road, Howard Street, Prescott Street, Wescroft Road,
Woburn Street, Fremont Street, Winslow Road, King Street, Edgemont Avenue, Palmer Hill Road, Arcadia
Avenue in Reading MA and Washington Street in Woburn, MA as shown on a plan entitled "The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Highway Department, Reconstruction of West Street in the Town of
Reading, Middlesex County, Preliminary Right of Way, 100% Submission, dated March 6, 2013" a copy of
which is on file in the Town Clerk's Office, and as detailed in the appraisal reports prepared by Evergreen
Appraisal of Rowley, Massachusetts, copies of which are also on file in the Town Clerk's Office, upon such
terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen shall determine to be appropriate, for the purpose of
constructing and maintaining roadway improvements; and, further, to see if the Town will vote to raise,
appropriate, transfer from available funds, accept gifts or borrow a sum of money for this purpose and any
expenses related thereto, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into all agreements and take
all related actions necessary or appropriate to carry out this acquisition.
James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 7
Motion to Dispense Carried
k round: The West Street Roadway Improvement Project will require 115 temporary
onstruction easements from 102 properties to permit work to occur at the edge of the right of way, to afford
roteIon to trees adjacent to the limits of work and to permit minor grade changes along properties that may
result fro m the project. The minor grade changes typically involve re- grading lawns, driveways and walkways
so private properties will blend into the new sidewalk and roadway.
The temporary easements are identified on the project's easement plan entitled "The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Highway Department, Reconstruction of West Street in the Town of Reading, Middlesex
County, Preliminary Right of Way, 100% Submission, dated March 6, 2013" and the appraised acquisition
value are identified on the individual appraisal reports prepared by the Town's appraiser Mario Leslie d /b /a
Evergreen Appraisal. These documents are available for review in the Town Clerks office.
Federal and state regulations require that the easements be acquired prior to the start of construction and all
costs associated with acquisition of easements are the responsibility of the Town.
The easements are obtained under the eminent domain provision of MGL which permits property owners to be
compensated for the value of the easements. Residents may donate the easements however they would still
have up to three (3) years to change their mind and request compensation. Due to this, Town Counsel has
recommended the Town formally acquire the easements.
As of this writing, 115 easements have been appraised and the acquisition value of the easements is $167,510.
However due to a design revision in the project up to 5 additional easements may be required. This design
revision will bring the total number of easements to 120 and is estimated to have a total acquisition value of
$177,510.
Fis expected that the extent of the added easements and the final acquisition costs will be determined
or to Town Meeting.
Finance Committee Report - given by Barry Berman: The Finance Committee recommends the
subject matter of Article 7 by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their meeting on October 16, 2013. Please note that the
actual funding for this Article happens in Article 8
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3-
0-0 to support this Article.
Presentation given by:
• George Zambouras - See Attached
Motion made by John Downing, Precinct 7 to remove the word "Permanent"
Motion to Amend Carried
After discussion a vote was taken:
2/3 Vote Required
Declared Unanimous by Moderator
152 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
f4otion Carried as Amended
ARTICLE 8: Motion made by lames Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen to see what sum the Town will
raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of
making roadway, pedestrian and similar improvements, including the costs of easements, consulting
services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental
thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the
Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, or any other'
agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said
roadway, pedestrian and similar improvements; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and
all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article.
Marsie West, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 8
Motion to Dispense Reading of Article Carried
Background: The West Street Roadway Improvement Project is a roadway safety improvement
project on West Street beginning from the Woburn City Line and extending in the northerly direction to
just north of its intersection with Willow Street. The project will also include improvements to the
intersection of Woburn Street at Summer Avenue which are also Included as part of the project.
The project limits along the corridor extend approximately 7,500 feet (1.4 miles) along West Street and
an additional 2,500 feet (0.5 miles) along the intersecting side streets for a total project length of
approximately 10,000 feet (1.9 miles).
The improvements will consist of roadway reconstruction, geometric improvements, drainage
improvements, sidewalk construction, curbing, wheelchair ramps, installation of new traffic signals at
three (3) locations and signal upgrades at two (2) intersections, pavement markings and signage. The
new traffic signals will include ornamental mast arms similar to those installed within the recent Main
Street project. The project was designed by the Town of Reading's consultant Greenman - Pedersen, Inc.
(GPI) in accordance with MassDOT construction standards and is bid as a Commonwealth of
Massachusetts MassDOT project.
The Town of Reading is responsible for funding all design costs including any design or special engineering
services required during bidding and construction. MassDOT in conjunction with the Federal Highway
Administration is responsible for the funding of all "Standard" construction costs including construction
inspection services presently estimated at $8,000,000. All associated extra costs, i.e. cost over and above
MassDOT's standard design item costs, for special non - standard items such as decorative traffic signals,
specific stormwater treatment units, landscaping and the signal interconnect conduit are the responsibility
of the Town of Reading. These items are classified as non - participating items (i.e. non- participating for
funding by MassDOT or Federal Highway Administration).
In addition to engineering and construction costs, the Town is responsible for all easement acquisition
costs. The additional Town's share of the project to be authorized under this Article is identified on the
following list:
Engineering Services
100% Design Amendment
Additional Design Services (sidewalk)
PS &E and Construction Services Contract
MWRA Coordination
Construction Costs
Non - Participating Items*
$ 75,000
$ 20,000
$ 87,000
$ 25,000
$ 480,000
Easements '
Easement Acquisition ** $ 177.510 - Article 7
Total $ 864,510
Contingency 15% $ 129,677
Total Project Cost $ 994,187 i.e. $1 Million
6
Notes:
*The non - participating item cost is an estimate only. The Town of Reading's cost will be based on actual
Bid prices received.
(Easement Acquisition costs include an estimate for additional easements required by the sidewalk
sign revisions. The final acquisition costs for these easements will be determined prior to Town Meeting.
nance Committee Report - given by Mark Dockser: The Finance Committee recommends the
subject matter of Article 8 by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their meeting on October 16, 2013. The Town's share is
modest when compared to the total cost of the West Street project, and has been planned as part of
ongoing capital /debt for many years.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3-
0-0 to support this Article
Presentation given by:
. George Zambouras - See Attached
Motion to amend made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 to reduce $1 Million by $75,000
Motion to Amend Does not Carry
After discussion a vote was taken:
2/3 Vote Required
140 Voted in the affirmative
1 Voted in the negative
152 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
otion Carri Pr a ed
ARTICLE 9: Dan Ensminger, Board of Selectmen moved to see what sum the Town will raise by
borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making
extraordinary repairs and /or replacement of sanitary sewer collection systems, including the costs of
consulting services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses
incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the
direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, Town
Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of
all, or any part of, said sanitary sewer improvements; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into
any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article.
Background: The MWRA's Infiltration and Inflow (I /I) Local Financial Assistance Program provides
support to MWRA member communities to perform sewer rehabilitation to minimize excess flows due to
infiltration and inflow into the sewer system.
MWRA Assistance
• The assistance is provided through a combination grant and no- interest loan
• Phase 8 Allocation is $421,000 $ 189,450 (45 %) Grant
$ 231,550 (55 %) Non - interest loan
• Loan pay back to the MWRA - Equal installments over a Five -Year Period beginning one year after
distribution of the funds
cceptance of the grant/loan offer will enable the Town to continue with its I/I removal program to
remove unwanted sewage flows from the sewer system which reduces excess assessments from MWRA
and decreases the excess demand on the sewer system. Infiltration occurs when surface water enters
sewers through leaks, cracks and faulty joints in pipes and manholes. Inflow is caused from storm water
runoff that enters the sewer system through improper connections such as cross connected drains, roof
drains and sump pumps.
The Town's I/I removal program consists of: ,
• House -to -house inspections
o The house -to -house inspections identify inappropriate direct connections (inflow) to the
Town's sewer system with the purpose of assisting residents with identifying methods to
remove the connections. The Town also provides limited financial assistance to the
homeowner.
• TV inspections, testing and sealing of manholes and sewer mains
o TV inspections and the testing and sealing of manholes and sewer mains allows the Town to
internally inspect sewer mains and manholes with the purpose of identifying and eliminating
points of infiltration into the sewer system.
• Sewer system smoke testing
o Smoke testing of the sewer system is a method of identifying points of infiltration or inflow
into the sewer system where visual or TV inspection access is not possible
• Spot repair, lining and replacement of sewers
o Spot repairs, lining and replacement of sewers are performed when damage to the sewer
system is not repairable or cost effective through internal sealing.
• Flow metering and gauging
o The Town also performs flow metering and gauging to assist the Town in determining the
areas of the sewer system that are experiencing the highest levels infiltration and inflow.
Flow metering also assists in determining how effective the Town has been in mitigating I/I
for the past several years.
Finance Committee Report - given by David Greenfield: The Finance Committee recommends the
subject matter of Article 9 by a vote of 8 -0 -0 at their meeting on October 16, 2013. It is in the best
interest of all concerned that sewer inflow and infiltration be minimized, and the MWRA program is
financially very attractive.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3-
0-0 to support this Article
Presentation given by:
• George Zambouras - See Attached
After discussion a vote was taken:
2/3 Vote Required
Declared Unanimous by Moderator
152 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 10: Motion made by Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen to see if the Town will vote to
approve an amendment to the Administrative Code pursuant to Section 6 -1 of the Reading Home Rule
Charter, including renaming the Town Manager Department to Administrative Services, relocating the non-
financial divisions from Finance to Administrative Services; relocating Accounting into the Finance'
department and relocating Recreation from Public Works to Community Services.
Background: Over the past 25+ years since Reading adopted the Charter, very few changes have
been made to this Table of Organization relative to the amount of changes that have occurred in how local
government functions. For example, years ago both Human Resources and Technology meant only payroll
processing, which logically belonged in a Finance department. Today, however, both of those functions are
involved in a far broader mission. This Article seeks to re- organize some parts of local government to
reflect many years of past changes, but it also attempts to look ahead and anticipate future changes.
elow please find the current Table of Organization, last modified two years ago when the Town Clerk
!vision was moved from the Community Services department to the Finance department:
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Town government in Reading provides high levels of service to the community, and compared to other
local governments is quite integrated and efficient. However, we can do better. The changes proposed to
this Table of Organization are designed to help shift your local government over time towards a more
proactive than reactive stance in the community. Below is a summary of proposed changes to the Table of
Organization:
Current
Proposed
Town Manager
Administrative Services'
Community Services
Community Services'
Accounting
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Finance
Flnance3
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Public Works
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Three divisions from Finance are added; some positions from Public Works and Public Safety are added
One division from Public Works is added
3 Accounting is merged with the remaining Finance divisions
4 One position is moved to Administrative Services; one division is moved to Community Services
9
5 One position is moved to Administrative Services
The first proposed change is to combine the Treasury, Collections and Assessing portions of the current
Finance Department with the small Accounting department. These four groups work very closely together
so this does not reflect any real change and these functions are typically grouped together as a Finance
department in many other Massachusetts communities. The Town Accountant as the Department Head will
gain some increased supervisory responsibilities, but Finance department personnel will have no authority
or responsibility within the Accounting function. This will preserve the independent financial oversight by
the Selectmen- appointed Town Accountant position. Likewise the elected Board of Assessors will retain all
of their authority. The resulting Finance department will therefore Include Accounting,
Assessment, Treasury and Collections.
The organization communicates well Internally between departments, especially when compared to other
municipalities. However there is room for improvements if more activities are centralized. Portions of the
current Finance department as well as both the DPW and Police Business Administrators are proposed to
be combined with the small Town Manger department, which will be renamed Administrative Services.
This department will become a centralized location for many functions that impact all of Town
government, such as procurement, grant writing, budget & financial analysis, professional training &
development, labor negotiations and communication. Currently most of these activities are done by the
individual Town departments and the organization as a whole inefficiently expends too much time and
effort on them. The past few years of careful technology master planning has built a strong foundation,
and coupled with this proposed change Town government will be able to more proactively interact with the
community. The resulting Administrative Services department will Include the Town Manager's
Office, Human Resources, Operations, Technology, Town Clerk and Elections /Registrations.
Recreation is proposed to move back to Community Services from the Public Works department. This is
where that function belongs, as they simply deal with a different age group in the community than do
other social service outreaches from that department. One benefit from this change will be an
improvement in cross - generational programming. Recreation will continue to participate in field planning
activities and improvements with DPW as needed. The resulting Community Services department'
will include the community development divisions of Planning, Building & Inspections,
Conservation, Historical and Public Health and the social services divisions of Elder /Human,
Veterans and Recreation.
Below please find the proposed Table of Organization
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Rinance Commiltee Re ort: No Report - Please see Article 11 for the financial consequences of this
roposed action
Bylaw Committee Report - given by Steven Crook: The Bylaw Committee voted to approve
this Article at the November 7, 2013 meeting 3 -0 -0
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3 -0 -0
to support this Article.
Presentation given by:
. Bob Lel-acheur - See Attached
After discussion a vote was taken:
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 11: Motion made by Barry Berman, Finance Committee to see if the Town will vote to
amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 11 of the April 22, 2013 Annual Town Meeting relating
to the Fiscal Year 2014 Municipal Budget, and see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate as the result of any such amended votes for the
operation of the Town and Its government.
k The proposed changes under Article 10 accomplish one important objective of a
roposed re- organization of local government. Another objective is to improve the depth of the
organization. The department heads of both Administrative Services and Community Services will add the
11
title Assistant Town Manager, adding needed depth to the Town Manager's Office for both the residential
and business community - no pay grade changes are required for this organizational change. It is also
important to establish clear non -union assistant department head positions. This position already exists in
the Library, which will be unchanged. In both the Police and Fire departments there are second -in-
command positions as needed, but these should be non -union personnel involved in management,
decisions. An immediate change in Police is proposed because it is already allowed in existing collective
bargaining agreements, but future negotiations will be needed for the Fire department so no funding is
requested at this time. New clear number two positions are identified in Administrative Services,
Community Services, Finance and Public Works. In order to accomplish this portion of the second
objective, at their meeting on October 22, 2013 the Board of Selectmen unanimously (3 -0 -0) endorsed
upgrades in the pay classification for four Town government positions (Library Director, Assistant Library
Director, Business Administrator and Community Development Administrator) and they strengthened the
depth of the organization by adding an Assistant DPW Director, Deputy Police Chief and Fire Executive
Officer. Note that the proposed re- organization also eliminates some vacant positions, so the net change
in employment is +1.1 full -time equivalents.
Below lists all of the budget changes needed to accomplish both objectives mentioned, and also other
changes that would have been requested regardless of any re- organization of local government. In sum,
the re- organization costs are about $140,000 in total, to be shared among the general fund and both
water & sewer funds. Of that total, $40,000 is set aside for the results of an updated non -union pay &
class study, which is also requested at this Town Meeting. If results are not available in time for action by
Annual Town Meeting next spring, then this $40,000 will be returned to free cash on June 30, 2014 and
changes will be implemented in FY15. Of the approximate $100,000 to be utilized immediately, about half
is for the Police department and the rest is divided among other departments.
Below also lists about $45,000 additional services added to this budget, shared by the general fund,
permits revolving fund, and the water and sewer funds. These changes include increased hours for the
Nurse Advocate, the Plumbing and Gas inspector and the Wiring inspector due to increased demand for
services; two new part-time regional positions to improve zoning enforcement efforts and affordable
housing outreach; and a clerical position needed for a combination of Veteran's services and the new
Administrative Services department.
In total, all the proposed budget changes below are less than the projected or known increases in FY14
revenues, according to the Town Accountant. Therefore there is a decrease by $75,000 in use of free cash
used to balance the FY14 budget is a result.
The entire Town government organization would like to express their appreciation to the School
department for their support of this proposed re- organization. Town Meeting members should admire the
collaborative working relationship between all aspects of your Town and School departments, as this is not
always the case in other communities.
The following budget amendments are proposed for the FY14 budget:
General Fund — Wapes and Expenses
unt -Line
Qgfirtl tion
r
Increase
B99 - Benefits
Medicare - $25,000
$50,000
Worker Camp Insurance - $25,000
C99 - Capital
Replace 1988 Ferguson 46A Roller + $60,000
$257,500
Police Speed Trailers (2) + $55,000
Door locking system (3 Schools) + $40,500
Ford E350 Econoline Van (Schools) + $32,000
Memorial Parks skating lights + $30,000
-
Masonry repairs (Schools) + $28,000
Furniture Schools + $12,000
D99 -Debt
Cemete Garage Project
$397,500
iF
I
Account Line
D ri ion
DqSrease
Increase
E99 - Vocational
Increase in enrollment at Northeast Vocational
$30,000
Education
School
G91 - Town
Staffing re- organization + $19,432
$866,460
Administration
Set aside for Pay /Class Study results +
wages
$40,000
Transfer from Finance dept. + $669,650
Transfer from Public Works dept. + $65,286
Transfer from Public Safety dept. + $72,092
G92 -Town
Property & Casualty Insurance + $20,000
$553,900
Administration
Legal expenses + $25,000
expenses
Postage + $10,000
Peer Community Pay /Class study + $25,000
Transfer from Finance dept. + $473,900
H91 - Accounting
Transfer to Finance dept. - $158,630
$158,630
wages
H92 - Accounting
Transfer to Finance dept. - $2,300
$2,300
expenses
I91 - Finance
Staffing re- organization + $10,590
$500,430
Wages
Transfer from Accounting Dept. + $158,630
Transfer to Admin Services Dept. - $669,650
I92 - Finance
Transfer from Accounting Dept. + $2,300
$471,600
expenses
Transfer to Admin Services Dept. - $473,900
392 - FINCOM
Replenish after transfer to Accounting wages
$20,000
Reserves
in July to secure services of backup during
staff medical leave
K91 - Community
Staffing re- organization + $23,679
$177,936
Services wages
Transfer from Public Works dept. for
Recreation division + $154,257
K92 - Community
Veteran's Assistance - $25,000
$25,000
Services expenses
L91 - Library wages
Staffing re-organization + $5,896
$5,896
M91 - Public Works
Staffing re- organization + $29,591
$146,088
wages
Transfer to Admin. Services dept. - $65,286
Transfer to Comm. Services dept. - $154,257
Sick leave buyback* + $43,864
N91 - Public Safety
Staffing re- organization + $53,800
$18,282
wages
Transfer to Admin. Services dept. - $72,092
Subtotals -
$1,769,830
$1,911,692
Net Operating Expenses
From Tax Levy, State Aid and Other Local
_$141,862
$172,998
Receipts
Net State Aid +$91,474
Local Receipts +$81,524
From Free Cash (usage declines from
$75,000
$1.05 million to $975,000)
*From Sick Leave Buyback Fund (balance
$43,864
declines from $55,412.50 to $11,548.50
Enterprise Funds - Wages and Expenses
13
A M2iipt UnS
Decrease
Increase
W99 - Water
Water Tank repairs $750,000
$764,625
Enterprise Fund
Offset charges for general fund 14,625
X99 -Sewer
Offset charges for general fund
$9,611
Enterprise Fund
Subtotals
$774,236
Net Operating Expenses
From Water Reserves
$750,000
From Water Revenues
14,625
From Sewer Revenues
$9,611.
Finance Committee Report - given by Barry Berman: The Finance Committee reviewed draft
material for Article 11 presented at their meeting on October 16, 2013 and voiced unanimous support.
They delayed a final vote until the Town government re- organization plan was reviewed by the Board of
Selectmen on October 22nd. The FINCOM will formally vote this Article at their meeting on October 30",
but those results will not be available in time for the printed Warrant Report for Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report: No Report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on October 22, 2013 voted 3-
0-0 to support this Article.
Presentation given by:
• Bob LeLacheur - See Attached
Motion made by Bill Brown, Precinct 3 to amend line C99 from 257,500 to 230,000 lowering by 27,500
Motion Does not Carry '
After discussion a vote was taken:
Motion Carried as Presented
Motion made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 to Adjourn
Counted Vote
64 Voted In the affirmative
66 Voted in the negative
152 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion to Adiourn Does Not Carry
ARTICLE 12: Motion made by David Tuttle, Community Planning and Development Commission for
the Town vote to amend Section 6.2 (Signs) of the Town of Reading Zoning By -Laws as follows: (note -
cross- through represents language to be eliminated and bold represents new language)
6.2.2 Definitions
{Remove all paragraph reference letters from the definition terms, a. through t., to avoid further problems,
with additions or modifications. Reference letters are not used anywhere within the Bylaw text)
{Add a definition of Animated Sign at the top of the list}
14
Animated Sign: A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that change or
are rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign or signboard, on a continuous or
periodic basis, more than eight times per day.
Add a definition of Electronic Sign following Commercial Message}
lectronic Sign: A sign that changes its message or copy at intervals by digital, electronic or
echanical processes, by remote control or other programming device. A sign on which the
only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be
considered a "Time and Temperature" portion of a sign and not an Electronic Sign or Reader
Board.
{Replace the definition for Off - Premises Sign)
Off - Premises Sign: Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment,
attraction or other commercial activity which is sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot
on which such sign is located, Including any outdoor advertising sign ( "billboard ") on which space is leased
or rented for the purpose of conveying a commercial or non - commercial message.
Off - Premises Sign: Any sign conveying a commercial or non - commercial message which directs
attention to an off -site business, commodity, service, entertainment venue, attraction or other
commercial or non - commercial activity, including any outdoor advertising billboard, Animated
Sign or Electronic Sign on which display space may or may not be leased or rented.
{Modify the definition for Reader Board)
Reader Board: A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or
rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign or signboard. A sign on which the message
changes more than eight times per day shall be considered an Animated or Electronic sign and not a
reader board sign. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of
time or temperature shall be considered a 'time and temperature" portion of a sign and not a reader
board sign.
1. 2.3
Signs Permitted According to Zoning District
Table 6.2.3 Signs Permitted Accordina to Zoning District
Type
Permit
Require
d
Max.
Sign
Area
Max.
Sign
Height
(ft)
Setbacks:
Maximum
Number
Front
(ft)
Side
(ft)
All Zoning Districts:
1. Personal Message
N
4
6
N/A
20
1 /lot
2. Identification
Joint and or Area
N
4
8 (A)
N/A
N/A
1 /lot
3. Construction
N
36 B
10
N/A
20
1 /lot
4. Subdivision Sales
C
48
N/A
N/A
N/A
1 /subdiv.
5. Subdivision
C
24
N/A
N/A
N/A
1 /subdiv.
6. Real Estate Sales
N
8 G
6
N/A
20
1 /lot
7. Temp Open House
N
4
N/A
NIA
20
1/a enc per lot
8. Garage Yard Sale
N
4
N/A
N/A
20
1 /lot
9. Informational -
Directional
N
4
6
N/A
N/A
-
10. Temporary
Business
Y
16 -30
(See Section 6.2.6.2.h.)
Si. Portable A -Frame
JY
IRegulated by the Board of Selectmen - Annual Permit
Business-A, Business -C and Industrial
Zonin icts:
12. Free-Standing
20
0
20 I
1 lot
13. Wall
Y
A
N A
10
1 /business
15
14. Projecting Blade
Y
8 A H
N/A 110
1 /business
Business-11 Zoning Districts:
15. Wall
Y
2 F
A
0
0
2 /business
16. Projecting Blade
Y
8
(A )(H)
-4
0
1 /business
17. Free - standing
Service Stations Only)
Y
35
14
0
20
1 /lot
18. Free-Standing
SPP J
35 D
10.5
0
20
1 /lot
NOTES:
(A) No portion of such sign shall extend higher than the bottom of the sills of the windows of the
second floor of a building, or higher than the lowest portion of the eaves or, in the case of a gabled
wall, no higher than a line equal in height to the lowest portion of the lower eave of any adjoining
building wall, whichever of the above is lowest.
(B) Aggregate sign area of all applicable signs.
(C) Only as shown in Definitive Subdivision Plans as approved by the Community Planning and
Development Commission, consistent with Paragraph 6.2.1.1.
(D) May be up to 75 square feet if more than one business occupies the lot. See Section 6.2.6.4
(E) If the minimum distance from the building wall on which the sign is mounted is less than 100 feet
from the centerline of the street which the sign faces, the maximum sign area shall be equal to 2
square feet per linear foot of said wall occupied by the establishment to which the sign relates; if
such distance is more than 100 feet, maximum sign area shall be equal to 4 square feet per linear
foot of said wall so occupied.
(F) No wall sign for any non - residential establishment shall exceed a sign area equal to 2 square feet
per linear footage of length of the front wall of the building occupied by the establishment to which
the sign relates.
(G) Real Estate Signs in the Industrial Zoning Districts are allowed one sign per business with a
maximum sign area equal to 2 square feet per linear foot of said wall occupied by the
establishment to which the sign relates without a sign permit.
(H) Projecting /Blade Signs shall be at least eight (8) feet from the ground and may project no more '
than four (4) feet from the structure.
(I) A Special Permit may be granted by the CPDC for free - standing signs with reduced side setback,
consistent with criteria in Section 6.2.9.
(J) Free - standing signs shall be permitted only where the principal business entrance is located more
than 40 feet from the centerline of the street in front of the lot. CPDC may waive the 40' business
entrance setback requirement for signs in existence as of the effective date of this amendment.
See Section 6.2.9.a. for Special Permit Criteria
(Remove Section 6.2.6.3.1 in its entirety, add Off - Premises Signs to the list of Prohibited Signs in Section
6.2.5}
6.2.6.3.1 Gff Premises Signs! The Beafd of Appeals may gFant a Spec a' Pemn t for an Gff4"ffitsesmmSi"
cendit ens!
16
1 The pFepased use shall Hot be detFimemtaVte44e-pubk-,y0ed-.
Backaround: The 2010 Financial Forum identified potential revenue sources for the Town to
pursue. The Finance Committee and others recommended that the Town pursue the possibility of renting
Town owned property for siting of billboards. After some study, it was determined that there was no
ocation in the Town of Reading where the Outdoor Advertising Board regulations would permit such
illboards on Town land.
The Outdoor Advertising Board regulations were updated to permit and regulate electronic signs. An
article was presented in January of 2013 to allow electronic billboards. The CPDC voted unanimously to
not recommend this zoning article and it was subsequently withdrawn. A subsequent instructional motion
was made to prohibit ALL billboard signs (off premises signs per zoning).
Article 12 effectively eliminates ANY off - premises signs (or billboards) and adds Off Premises Signs (or
billboards) to the list of prohibited signs in any zoning district. The definitions related to Off Premises
Signs in Section 6.2.2 have been updated also as part of Article 12.
Finance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report -given by Steven Crook: The Bylaw Committee voted to approve
this Article at the November 7, 2013 meeting 3 -0 -0
After discussion and comments from Town Council a motion was made by Nancy Graham, Precinct 3 to
move the question
89 Voted in the affirmative
27 Voted in the negative
152 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
botion to Move the Ouestion Carried
vote was taken
2/3 Vote Required
84 Voted in the affirmative
36 Voted in the negative
152 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
On motion by James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand
adjourned to meet at 7:30 PM at the Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center, on Thursday,
November 14, 2013.
Meeting adjourned at 9:58 PM with 152 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme
Town Clerk
17
Reading Municipal Light Commission
Report of Reading Town Meeting '
November 12, 2013
Thank you, Mr. Moderator
Town Meeting Members
This is the annual report of the Reading Municipal Light Commission and Department to Town Meeting.
I am John Stempeck, a Commissioner of the Light Department and Chair of the Commission, and with me
here tonight is our new General Manager, Ms. Coleen O'Brien. The other Commissioners who serve with
me are Bob Soli, Phil Pacino, David Talbot, and David Mancuso. We also work with the Citizens Advisory
Board from the four communities that we serve, headed by John Norton from North Reading, and
members Tony Capobianco from Reading, George Hooper and Thomas 011ila from Wilmington, and
David Nelson from Lynnfield.
The RMLD operates as a very effective and cost -based municipal utility, the largest within Massachusetts
and perhaps the largest within the country. We are proud of the ability of the RMLD to provide you, our
customers, with the overall lowest electricity rates in the state, without sacrificing fast outage protection
during storms, efficient new electrical installations, and routine system maintenance. We are envisioning
new programs to enhance RMLD offerings over the next few years, which our General Manager will
discuss.
There are five areas spanning 2013 and 2014 that I would like to briefly address tonight.
The first area is the RMLD commitment to provide Reading and its other served communities with the
high level of service and low cost that you have come to expect. There are a number of issues within the '
electric utility space that have and will continue to impact us. For example, the use of low cost gas, from
areas such as the Marcellus Shale locations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, displacing coal -fired
plants, to provide lower cost electricity generation and reduced environmental impact. This works great
for us in the summer months, but winter brings a challenge as the pipelines for the gas have limited
capacity and whose priorities are for home heating. Until this bottleneck is resolved, we will be unable to
appreciate the full benefits of this new energy source. In addition, select utility plants will be shutting down
for maintenance, which places more demands on energy source selection. The RMLD's Energy Service
Department has anticipated each of these concerns and has successfully identified alternatives which will
continue to provide the benefits we have come to expect. This ability to pick and choose our energy
providers, as well as anticipate industry shifts and changes, reinforces the need for the RMLD to be able
to actively control and direct our future energy use and cost.
The second topic that I will touch on is Renewable Energy Credits (REC's) which we obtain when
purchasing energy from our Hydro - Quebec renewable sources. With clear direction from our served
communities, the RMLD has engaged in selling these REC's to lower the cost of electricity to all our
customers in Fiscal Year 2013 by $775,676.
The third area I would like to address is that of energy conservation. The Department's conservation
programs over the past 6 years have saved 47,000 Megawatt Hours of electricity usage, which translates
into $2.7 Million dollars. As your buyer and distributor of energy, the RMLD wants to lower your costs
wherever possible.
Financially, under the 20 year agreement between the RMLD and our four town sewed area, the RMLD
makes voluntary payments to each town. The RMLD also makes a return on investment payment to the
town of Reading. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, the RMLD total payments under these
agreements to the Town of Reading were approximately $ 2.48 million Dollars. '
Saving the best for last, the most important task the Commission dealt with during this past year was our
' successful search and hiring of our new General Manager, Ms. Coleen O'Brien. Coleen comes to us from
a successful long term career as the manager of the Danvers Municipal Light Department. We feel
extremely fortunate that we were able to engage a person with Coleen's diverse background. She is
knowledgeable about all aspects of public power, having developed and been recognized for her long-
term strategies in the areas of system reliability, sustainability, financial control, employee development,
and safety. Coleen has a very pro - active management style, readily engages with customers, and is
extremely competent on both technical and managerial issues. And with that, I would like to introduce Ms.
Coleen O'Brien.
Thank you Mr. Moderator.
F
Next Slide
III. Accomplishments of District
a. This evening, you have received two documents which highlight the 2012 -13 school year . One '
document focuses on our entire PreK -12 district and the other document, the RMHS School
Profile, is specific to our high school and is distributed to colleges and universities across the
Town Meeting Speech
L Welcome
'
a.
Good Evening, Mr. Moderator, Town Meeting Members, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee
Members, School Committee, Fellow Town Leaders and Department Heads, Building Principals,
District Administrators, Members of the School Community, and Invited Guests. It is with great
honor and privilege that I present to you the 2013 State of the Schools Address. I am proud to
report to you and the greater Reading Community that the state of our schools is healthy and we
continue to improve and excel. This vibrant culture and commitment to excellence is a result of
the dedication of our teachers, staff and administrators, the support we receive from our families,
the collaboration between the school department and town government, and the investment that
our community has made for our children. It is this powerful formula that makes Reading a great
place to learn, work, and live.
b.
Next Slide
II. Superintendent's Award
a.
Tonight, as part of my address, I would like to introduce to you two outstanding and dedicated
RMHS Seniors who are receiving the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
Award for Academic and Community Excellence. This recognition is awarded annually to two
students who have a strong three year cumulative academic average, participate in extracurricular
and community service activities, and are currently in the top 5% of their graduating class. The
decision of only selecting two students is always a difficult one as we have so many deserving
candidates. It is with honor that I present this award to the following students:
b.
Next Slide
c.
Our first recipient is a student who serves in leadership positions as Vice President of the Senior
Class and Vice President of the Spanish National Honor Society. She is currently taking
Advanced Placement classes in English, Spanish, Calculus, and Environmental Science. She is
also a member of the RMHS Drama Club and currently plays the role of Enid in the musical,
Legally Blonde. This recipient has applied to several colleges and universities including Tulane
University and Vanderbilt University, where she plans on studying International Relations and
'
Environmental Science. It's with great pleasure tonight that I recognize Julia Sidman. Julia,
congratulations! Please come forward to receive the 2013 Superintendent's Award.
d.
Next Slide
e.
Tonight's second recipient is a three sport athlete in Cross Country, Winter Track and Spring
Track. He will be a Captain for both Winter and Spring Track and currently serves in several
other leadership
roles including Vice President for the National Honor Society, Vice President for
Student Council,
and the Treasurer for the Leo Club. He is currently taking Advanced Placement
courses in English, Multivariable Calculus, Physics, Statistics and Computer Science. He has
applied to several schools including Stanford University where he would like to major in
Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
f.
It's a great honor to introduce to you, David Rubin! David, please come forward and accept the
2013 Superintendent's Award for Academic Excellence.
g.
Congratulations Julia and David. Tonight's sharing of accomplishments do not stop with
recognizing these students. The main objective of this annual Address is, of course, to report to
Town Meeting and our community on the state of the schools —and without question, our school
system could have no finer examples of its qualities than these two outstanding students and the
many more like them. In fact, in spite of the educational challenges being experienced
everywhere throughout our country, our district —with a spirit of teamwork and dedication, has
continued to improve and strive towards preparing our students for their world and the challenges
that they will face. Tonight, I will highlight some of our accomplishments from this past year, and
share with you some areas that we are focusing on as we strive to become the best PreK -12 school
district in our region.
Next Slide
III. Accomplishments of District
a. This evening, you have received two documents which highlight the 2012 -13 school year . One '
document focuses on our entire PreK -12 district and the other document, the RMHS School
Profile, is specific to our high school and is distributed to colleges and universities across the
country. These accomplishments would not be possible without a dedicated staff, strong
' leadership from our building principals, district administrators, and directors, and the financial and
volunteer support that we receive from our parents and our community. It is this spirit of
collaboration, commitment and teamwork that helps contribute to the success of our school
district.
It. Next Slide
IV. District
i. As you can see from these two documents, we have a lot to be proud of as a community.
There are great things going at each level. Whether it is our RISE pre- school which does
an amazing job with our three and four year old students and has now expanded its
program to include a five day and extended day option, or our elementary schools which
are committed to building strong communities of learners in literacy and mathematics, or
our middle schools which have provided many powerful learning opportunities for
students during a very challenging developmental stage in their lives, or our high school,
which continues to challenge our students so that they can be prepared for college or
career opportunities. Our district is a solid example of how we are working together to
instill ajoy of learning and inspire the innovative leaders of tomorrow.
it. This is evident with our latest graduating class of 2013, where over 94% of the students
are continuing on to post- secondary education, including over 86% going on to a four
year college and university. They have excelled in state and national exams such as
Advanced Placement and SAT tests and once again, 100% of our graduating class passed
the MCAS test requirement for graduation.
Next Slide
b. Another area that we are proud of as a school district is technology and through a series of funding
sources and initiatives, including the Reading Education Foundation, Reading Cooperative Bank,
our PTO's, and other funding sources, we have significantly increased the number of mobile
devices and other technology at all levels as a tool to support learning. We now have over well
' over a 1000 mobile devices, including iPads and laptops in our district. In addition, 50% of our
middle school students and 90% of our high school students are part of a Bring Your Own Device
initiative which helps us get closer to our goal of having a mobile learning device available for
every student. In addition, we have begun exploring ways to strengthen our STEM offerings, by
increasing opportunities for students to take courses and participate in robotics, engineering, and
computer programming. Both of our middle schools have science Olympiad teams, and all of our
schools have robotics teams. For the first time this past year, Reading Memorial High School had
a Robotics Team which placed high in the First Robotics Regional Competition and competed in
the National Competition in St. Louis.
V. Next Slide
a. Our co- curricular and extra - curricular programs at all levels continue to provide outstanding
enriching experiences with high participation rates. Our extended day program at the elementary
level now has well over 350 participants and our middle school after school programs are even
more successful. Reading Memorial High School features over 80 different clubs and athletic
teams where over 85% of the students participate in I or more extra - curricular activities.
b. Our Fine and Performing Arts programs continue to be one of the strongest in our region with an
outstanding elementary choral program, award winning middle school and high school choral and
band programs, a gold medal winning marching band and color guard and an outstanding jazz
band who last year was awarded the opportunity to play at the Hatch Shell in Boston. Several
middle and high school students received Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards. Each of our
middle schools perform a musical annually and, last year, the RMHS drama club performed six
different types of shows including a musical, three plays, a student written play festival, and two
improv events. This past weekend and continuing into next weekend, the Drama Club will
showcase the musical, Legally Blonde. A total o1160 high school students are involved in this
high energy show. Reading can truly be proud of this commitment to the arts, and I encourage all
of you to attend any of our student fine arts performances.
'
C. At the state, level, the Reading Public Schools is looked upon as a leader in best practices for
several initiatives that focus on teaching and learning. This past year alone, our teachers,
administrators, and students have presented at several national, state, and regional conferences on
topics focused on the educator evaluation system, curriculum framework implementation,
technology integration, computer programming and the effective use of data to achieve better '
results. Several school districts have visited our classrooms to see these best practices in action.
Last year, both Commissioner of Education Mitchell Chester and then Secretary of Education Paul
Reville visited our school district to celebrate and see firsthand the good work that is going on
here.
d. There is a significant amount of teaching and Teaming activities going on right now in our district.
In grades K -6, teachers are in the process of implementing a new math program which is aligned
to the new frameworks and focuses on problem solving. Middle school and high school math
teachers have been participating in professional development opportunities which change the way
math is being taught in our classrooms. Our elementary and middle school teachers have also
been focused on strengthening our student's ability to write, communicate, and process non - fiction
material. Each of these initiatives will be raising the expectation level for all students and help
prepare them for more challenging coursework in future years.
VI. Next Slide
a. As an integral part of our mission all of our schools continue to participate in meaningful
community service projects. Some of these projects are local, while others are in other parts of the
world. All RMHS Freshmen are required to participate in 10 hours of community service and last
year several high school seniors participated in an internship for the last 10 weeks of the school
year that focused on business, hospice care, political science, assisted living, education, the arts,
community service and manufacturing. Last year, our entire Junior Class participated in a Real
World Problem Solving experience in lieu of midterm exams that focused on solving community
problems such as making the Reading Food Pantry more sustainable, creating more opportunities
for our Veterans at Reading Memorial High School, and developing community gardens. In
addition , students at all levels have participated in projects that have benefitted those in need such
as our Veterans and Troops Overseas, Habitats for Humanity, the Reading Senior Center, the
Reading Food Pantry, Rosie's Place, Animal Rescue Club, ALS, Cure for Alzheimer's, Cleft
palates surgery for infants, the American Heart Association, Victims for Hurricane Sandy and '
Project Bread.
b. In addition, we are proud to be working with our Town Veteran's Administrator Frank Driscoll in
honoring all men and women who have served our country by displaying the PO WIMIA Veteran's
Chair in one of our schools each month. This unique opportunity gives our students a chance to
learn and appreciate the meaning of the chair and what it symbolizes.
Next Slide
c. We are also proud of the work that continues to be done in the Finance and Operations branch of
our school district. Under the leadership of Director of Food Services Kristin Morello, Reading
continues to develop innovative and creative ways to implement the new Federal and State
regulations for School Nutrition. During this time of change, our School nutrition program
continues to provide healthy and appetizing meals at no cost to the school department operating
budget.
d. Under the leadership of Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai and Director of Facilities Joe
Huggins, we continue to move forward with ways to improve our facilities and operations.
Because of the work of our custodians and maintenance staff, our school and town buildings are
clean and well maintained. Over the last year this department has been part of several projects
including assisting in the procurement for OPM for both the Reading Public Library and the
Woburn Street School, structural floor work for the Main Street fire station, a renovation of the
Senior Center Kitchen, and a generator for the West Side fire station.
e. Next Slide
VIL Updates and Moving Forward
a. I would now like to take this opportunity to update you on areas that we are focusing on as a
school district. These are areas that are critical to our long term success.
b. One such area is early childhood education. For the last two years, it has been a priority of the
Reading Public Schools to eventually provide publicly funded full day kindergarten for all
students, a program that is currently being offered in 242 Massachusetts communities. To reach ,
this important goal, the Reading Public Schools has been actively seeking a classroom space
solution. As you know, last year a comprehensive feasibility study was completed on the Woburn
Street property and as a result of that study and community input, the School Committee decided
' that the Woburn Street site was not a feasible option to help address our space needs. As a result,
a 19 member early childhood education working group of community members and educators was
formed in early October to identify additional space options. Over the last month, that group has
identified several options which are currently being discussed and evaluated. These options
include building additions to each elementary school, building a new school on either town owned
or purchased land, building additions or adding modular classrooms to our two middle schools and
moving Grade 5 to the middle schools, or renting space. In the next month, the working group
will be recommending the top two or three most feasible options to the Reading School
Committee. Once those options have been identified, the School Committee will determine next
steps in the process with an overall goal of moving forward with a solution that will provide the
educational space necessary to address our full day kindergarten and preschool needs.
c. Another area of focus has been the behavioral health and safety of our students. As I have
reported in previous Town Meetings, we have become increasingly concerned about the impact
that societal pressures and expectations has had on our student's well- being. As a community, we
have taken significant steps to begin to address these concerns through community dialogue, the
collaboration with the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, and your support in the FY14
budget with programs and staffing that supports behavioral health. A significant amount of time,
effort and energy has been spent on this area and I am pleased to report that we are beginning to
see progress in addressing this need. The funding provides additional clinical counseling services
for our most affected students and provides support to help us build our capacity as a district in
addressing these issues. In addition, we are developing support structures, redefining our data
collection systems, and implementing screening tools to identify any student who may be at risk
for academics, behavior, depression, suicide, or other social emotional issues. At the policy level,
r the Reading School Committee has been leading this effort by strengthening the MIAA chemical
health policy so that it provides an education and treatment piece for any student in Grades 9 -12
who violate the policy throughout the year. Only a handful of school districts in the state have
' taken this balanced approach to behavioral health.
d. As part of this focus, our schools continue to prioritize school safety by improving safety and
security tools and procedures, updating emergency communication protocols, and installing or
upgrading additional security equipment. We have been working closely with the Reading Police
Department to implement an enhanced lockdown system, called ALICE, which focuses on
providing different options for teachers and students in the event of an active shooter in one of our
schools. This system is just another of many examples of the strong partnership that we have with
the Reading Police and Fire Departments, the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse and
other Town Services. There have been many examples over the last year where that collaboration
and trust has been critical in addressing a student issue or concern. I want to personally thank
Chief James Cormier, Chief Greg Bums, RCASA Executive Director Erica McNamara, and
School Resource Officer Corey Santasky for their leadership and efforts in creating safe and
supportive environments for our children.
e. Next Slide
VIII. As you can see, our district continues to stay focused on the academic, social, emotional, and
behavioral well -being of our students. Each of the initiatives that 1 have mentioned this evening takes
time, resources, and support, but when accomplished, will improve our schools, prepare our students
and establish Reading as an innovative leader in our region. While we are proud of the fact that we
are a district that is on the forefront in many areas, we have many challenges that lie ahead. The
increasing accountability demands on public education and the needs ofour students have increased
significantly over the last five years and we need to identify additional resources and restructure some
existing resources so that our teachers and administrators can continue to do the hard work necessary
to improve student teaming. We need to create more opportunities for teachers to collaboratively
work together to share their work, and improve their practices. We need to provide instructional
coaching support so that they can see firsthand what it looks like in the classroom. Finally, we need to
provide the professional development necessary to support all of our teachers as they transition to the
' new and more rigorous Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks which shifts more of the ownership of
the learning to the student.
IX. I believe that this is an exciting time in public education and we have an opportunity to make positive
substantive changes that have not been made since Education Reform was introduced in 1993. It is '
difficult work, but we are up to the challenge of providing the best learning experiences for our
students. I am proud of the work that our teachers and administrators do every day to improve
teaching and learning in our district and I am excited by the enthusiasm and respectfulness of our
students who arrive to school every day eager to learn. This is a testament to our parents and our
community who value the importance of education and the role that it needs to play in a community.
There is no question that a major indicator of the quality ofl fc for everyone in a community can be
measured by the quality of its schools and by a community's commitment to its children. In this way,
the quality of a school district affects every single person in a community, and the Town of Reading is
no exception. But I also believe this is one of our greatest strengths.
X. Next Slide
XI. Thank you for your time this evening. In my 31 at year as an educator, my 27th year now in Reading,
and a parent of two daughters who attend the Reading Public Schools, I must say that I am so very
proud to be a part of this community. I thank you for the privilege ... and I look forward to working
with you, as together, we continue to make Reading a place where all students can learn and succeed, a
place where we develop the innovative leaders of tomorrow, and a place where our schools continue to
provide the strong foundation for the future of this great community.
Thank you very much.
1
1
8/13/2014
•2008 to 2010
LIBRARY BUILDING
COMMITTEE I
*Rachel Baumgartner
• Bob Newton
(vo. cn.inner)
(aerwem)
•Cherrie Dubois
•lano•ry 2013
• Greg Ste ter
nomd .!sale ena Pinmce COmmnlee enaane
(ae.mm)
-Korea Herrick
CF—re comminee Li.,..)
•Nancy Twomey
N April 2013
*David Hutchinson
• Ruth Urell
(LWnry Di.ecmr) JM
Met6timesto date
WD—WR
1
8/13/2014
•2008 to 2010
'B.ileing erempmn .na pl.nning
APUI 1a1 ao. 11-1 Pmgmm
• October 2012
eedinyn agate gn -111 lm
•lano•ry 2013
nomd .!sale ena Pinmce COmmnlee enaane
Peolen far, Town
liog/TOwIVOIe
0
wn Mee gappm oneDl Ex[IUaiau Quevaon t.I-
N April 2013
Bene Ur6.r.r. or I .... v
'Liw.11'r1w
brary trodng Committee(LUC) nYblhh,d
HEADING
•Identify and select a project Manager
•Identify end select an Architect
•Identify and secure Temporary Space
•Commence detailed design work and cost estimating
RFADI G
as Standard RIP processes
as Multiple submissions
as Reviewed by Town and LBC representatives
• Used objective, qualitative criteria
• Recommendations presented aad discussed by LBC
• Uuauimnus endorsement by LBC end Trustees im
REARING
Architect— CBT
• Seleetad In August
• Opaning Intl"ims" If rrrmt, full comma[t cars close
ne Jrn & neeel<p•ent
. . . Commpin<e pmg•m 11.nni as wim Is' ens nRm
nmere
Cpnp•lim cry h.mda "Isar
lr
If all !bile moo am<
With OP M, aroma with Ta wn Neiiilias B OPW 1. elg teal pits along
e Ne forersomn(Gold N•w.l)
• With RPM, lining up e p roe. 1.1 p rofenlo.al neapmdenl mrter
paid ..a ... lr.L
. politics east tevlew •nd .,data, n new dale is ¢¢gated
REARING
eI
8/13/2014
Owners Project Manager — STV Construction
• Selected In lone T�
.isn<e in Imy
•
a—cs, of project dotal; eemrt with art 611ed and to mpoyr
suits id.itca
• Comilla red full caromm ation of cost estimates firm initial
program and schematics
R ADIN
Temporary Space
• snha,•alns'.raised m seplemner
• Curr oily ne son ab one
F
L.J
1
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f
Em
SOURCES PROJECT
COSTS
($M)
Total $14.9.
m
m nma
S9 8m
a
. SUU lam -ioxn Cannbu4m
- cm.wum om��
AD.cmmm
aEADING
8/13/2014
PROJECT
INITIAL ESTIMATES
COSTS
($M)
m
c$13
Tabl S14.9m
- cm.wum om��
AD.cmmm
cmdngmry
o SOflfm6
W9 6%
REDOING
Mu Me][n Im 3013 mNwm
PROJECT COST UPDATE
• S,1 zou e r I det.Om b.dam.e --u by
.TVI
• R..ee
=OPV p d pv.hle peof.[Y
Peel vy ai, mall oth Y p.rch'le
ea 1 P�moo.n omm pmimte..0
• Pull echem etics eu in de rel.pmem
R
What does this mean?
• crusaded in keeping ledl p,, sot hudgel Ia butanes
• Canlingemies in Place end eveilnble if nenea.ery,
• atehurve. hive been d—ed 1. said.,, metl ..v.a
.11.1thre e'
• Strive in iusieve .ff.eb with design choices while keep,
IeBitY of Plen
R
8/13/2014
• h.c .rya 3nem.1Tmrlen rtvmwea it m..... animate.
• ad -i.une .an.w.ian - 111-1., defined blm e<I i —ble will..
..hushed ps"i...... (logo end design) bum nn he
arzem
urge of design end mfn.maln.
• Currently working tram high level design maumptiom driven by,
Spore needs iabuaid in the long fiords prog..m
410e approved ass, ".posed
e vi bl imalec'bow • polemist net wades is tied
<annrnoean...Is 0.ENDING
Potential Increases
Potential Reductions
Updated ca songbird
Updated corn aseurst
Oneryors byprer PM
T•pi Spare Corn
and pee, a ¢estuary
<yrcularc n rysfem
aredeilaymem
[mp0ed adatgn ehoice.
Iat
(S9011K- N1.1m)
(S600K - SNOOK)
What does this mean?
• crusaded in keeping ledl p,, sot hudgel Ia butanes
• Canlingemies in Place end eveilnble if nenea.ery,
• atehurve. hive been d—ed 1. said.,, metl ..v.a
.11.1thre e'
• Strive in iusieve .ff.eb with design choices while keep,
IeBitY of Plen
R
8/13/2014
• h.c .rya 3nem.1Tmrlen rtvmwea it m..... animate.
• ad -i.une .an.w.ian - 111-1., defined blm e<I i —ble will..
..hushed ps"i...... (logo end design) bum nn he
arzem
urge of design end mfn.maln.
• Currently working tram high level design maumptiom driven by,
Spore needs iabuaid in the long fiords prog..m
410e approved ass, ".posed
e vi bl imalec'bow • polemist net wades is tied
<annrnoean...Is 0.ENDING
4
I
1
1
PROJECT
lid
Naien
Cmang•nv
Tors S10.9m
$13 q4
g
•Cw..tim
'Cmeieamabegy
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c
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on ery
f09 6%
READING
MuhMmlm MlJefammv
4
I
1
1
C
None of the follow g are currently assumed or established,
but may be available.
Potential Cost Reducers:
a Amhitetl Value Engiaeer.ng
• Additioval as, aavmgm — overly a naerve[i ve eftimebf or
• Ivu ,one (n. g. ern water drisinge)
kind euPPOet from Town - Paving, Load au. Ping. Moving, etc.
(aaggesn an ofMBLC)
Potential Funding Sources:
• Vanier ca
• APPr<aemn of arcomalated ,u¢ so and danatiana
• load ni-ag aad ivow- camP.ign(0olo)
PEADING
1
1922
CP ec
2013
e
+xl�zy • �.'.
ieoe�t
8/13/2014
C xe<u{e lens m vane is nporn.. fp a <e
Aggm¢w• dm pn phase sire ontlomp mn sad aeeump(on s[rvuny
w ed cost n -11-alt of doeed ¢from p mexpeeud io tun m em '" o. end noon d<lom
a lBC -tton or design pm pouts and mnunee to anoint to Tana
Lodio on areal, baai[
• Ihignif— unfor rt die< [ed
mp Vinod mean deeigno rearrat, jan will lar —C-ted
rs,
Home Rule Petition Committee (Charter Review)
At the 2013 annual meeting an instructional motion directed the moderator to appoint a '
committee to review the Reading Home Rule Charter. The motion further directed the
committee to report findings and recommendations to the annual meeting of 2014.
The committee was appointed, and, to date, it has reviewed the first two and part of the third
of nine articles and reserves the right to revisit any and all proposed changes.
To date, the proposed changes in many cases involve clarifying meanings, adding
conformity to the document, and removing references to no longer existing entities, such as
the Personnel Board.
As the committee is still in the early stages of review it has called for a hearing -like meeting
for all town boards and interested citizens to offer input.
That meeting has been set for Monday, December 2 at 7:30, to be held at
The committee will consider all input from that meeting any from any other meeting as it t
completes its work.
It is expected that proposed changes will be offered at the annual meeting in April.
Respectfull submitted,
Alan Foulds
Moderator and Committee Chair.
A
- ®-
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Articb 3
Add. rxnaven or che ... a Items In Ilia FYta -23 Cepical
Improvemen s Program -does not autforore any funding
for Nxa Mma:
FYta eadmal Fund - t26Y5W1
bO RY Fannon bA noux lmovM Up lrom 'If e-- 14lU
to tt4Trvpcau 6peeelrvlen (regauoreNJ UnnrTnM nmmeel
N05ro W. loctim sgnm (]xnaan as en IAUcle
p]w] FOm Flat Fmndme Van(6dlo ll. ..... l
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]31,m] mlo(nmxs)
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.n,ca
amtl mare .— 'menN pemyea,
ane -l—.a. lrvm 5Ap5W 1a tr 00.0401a IMVee
1
—�
2073 Subsequent Town Meeting
Articled
Retirement Boaad
Rex minimum mm0ry allowance ham f2W to f5W In MGL
c➢2II @(d)
"sl changed In 1981 dpMd from $M W $M)
Change afieae only Nree wing 0anepaanes at arow coat
a ka. Nm$3 afr In the consonant system
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 3
Adds, removes orchangaa Items In Na FY13-22 Cat
Impmwmanta Pmgmm -does ned auNOriu any funding
for Ne$a IUma:
FYta WaNrs- oll,V60.0001
a55c.0.Y —peW A 6ueptlN eNrru �nxmemuar Ine pepN iNe
a lereen Reuma onbill],aM
u]3W,Wnnpl,errNn eHOre.WmM Ras5rva5Glano i¢
n:.iY sirs meenn
—®
2073 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 6
Prior Y.ae. Bill.
Nore
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 6
AuNaAZes alsponl of surplus equipment that may eaceeE
$5,000 in value:
FaellMn
1. oN E3a0 an mueaO.B ;a,a NMI1,..WIIU @]9i -µmgry ur¢
imm else
MI xwo a en.n 1— pa., mu.aua ea aaa
ntimgnxaaaleExnpx anmae sae vnnm crut
--
2013 Annual Town Meeting
Arllcie 9
Want Street Debt Authorization
preaanbnon:
- *-
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article
West Somet Easements
. Mal"o n, brfMae eaaemenlx wh Oe 'r, NMickB
pr.annwmn:
2013 Annual Town Meeting
Article 9
Saran r peMAalf-ra Lion
weanmbon.
I
1
I
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Articles 10 811
Background - a ume to xMed
eurmll enaMl PMew 8 Zo ,sd, ecmminees
Ond, Maabl Plana for Open Spade and Recreation
Revarmnl of onM Town an.,, year¢
- -Annual Board of Sele4men Goals
Perewed n June Mal¢M any 9. 201y
Some adlon anod"mad al SpdrMw Taws Mml
(wodmn seam swap em droned N Rovand.,
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Articles 10 a 11
Goal M Response: Two Themes 60ne OEisct w
Inglpvamenu m dud aparetiane
a lot— us.a.mon —Ma
mn4allxe bl Nfiasncy
Imprpvamel. b 1.1, farm m,anvellan. camel
Real ul rolnpN Imlum dek. vu Na4WI Twm M ummay
an, ea. na¢ many aNar dale cod lAssum. Po aNmat
ee
Rd ppalllons ¢Inn all PoWmplam Read. Nve Mosparl
ma'm¢Idn01a¢
Rea lar pay a daaaipamion peer aneMn
OBkatl.: snot to mom promotive mRnctiom wlN canunum,
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Aniclas 10 811
small of elecMen ertabNt ]t Goals torTown GmY
nnuu p o•ew
T- 111unal"..
✓Ww
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. M....rn x
r �..r,.. n.r,r a...ar.;re anrm. �...ae. ✓m-w r.'M"'�, `."�
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Articles 10 811
Gwl pl Response Pmaosed Reomsnlvllon of T. Gott
ewNal LN[.w Popnve— faa¢¢Ifiulm Plan IOssmal 111,
Tw.m Mxllno' M eN 1p -Tad a ofOmanlvtlon' Ponbmemodsler
611n19eem m Spun— al mmunxion.n Tmm Mar.pm may vpmn b
n,'u
pppy.. May
mnv —as spa NMwMwMPnam
tlq
TuNy.mdarA 1111 am'er
,ad Arm. - yman may un am ac me
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10
TWO of Oroanizanon - Ceoanmantn of Town Gov't
T—..,
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wm Fx
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d
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Putllafl�lely
xene
—®
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Anicle 11
Town Gov't - Other Ma'ar Chanoes Pr000eetl In Artltle 11
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rev MmINNYpv eAlmowe xtmmwrv�eoPw, eae P.s
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onmMne eawauno.11 M PTEa
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article N
RutMrizn cMngas to FYU General Fund budget
Te.nrwd�m�am�
a6.T
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ry
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2073 Subsequent Town Meeting
AM1lcb ii
Pr000esJ Reeult olArtclea 10611 'FT168utleeb lm o
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Articles 10 & 11
$ummerv- p/opo.ea remm- xel on e. Tnwn
A eta -Tabs otomo,00000n .
Vole to tl v. o[ela.pprom.
A2tle x1 -M
WW b apme dosap, or am0n4.
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 11 - VOTE
AuMmlaas No0 clan as m FY1a G•nsral FunE buEOeC
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10 -VOTE
vovm
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 11
AYNOnxas mess cM1anpes to FY14
GBp0 /01 FUn0 EpE001:
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10 -VOTE
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 11
AYNOnxas mess cM1anpes to FY14
GBp0 /01 FUn0 EpE001:
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
amends Me adlna 2onlna Mao and S&Won 492— Planned
Unit oepeloomeM— nxldentlal oxo-ln (PUD*l of
2on1no BNew
Pmsenlatlan
®® 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 12
BftO Ele h Ncand AnlmMb Siana
Presentetlon:
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10
IxYw
nmendmenl
Presentallo¢
I
n
1
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 11
one 3r4At
quNONxx Neca dlanOx b FYib Enl Fund budl.:
wal axs
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Neges lorpen¢ni NnJ 396
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
amends Me adlna 2onlna Mao and S&Won 492— Planned
Unit oepeloomeM— nxldentlal oxo-ln (PUD*l of
2on1no BNew
Pmsenlatlan
®® 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 12
BftO Ele h Ncand AnlmMb Siana
Presentetlon:
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10
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Article 13
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Article 12
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10
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Article 15
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Article 7
West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
Improvement Project to Start Spring 3014
Federal and State Funded y8.1M
West Street -1.4 miles
- Resew,
- Curbing
- Sidewalks
- Drainage
- Signalication
• Temporary Easements Required
®� Article 7
West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
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®� Article 7
West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
Town Responsible to Obtain and Fund
Temporary Construction Easements
- 116 Easements
- 104 Properties
- Easement Duration - 0 year
Appraiser - Made Leslie dlbla Evergreen
Appraisal
• 4 Revised a 1 New Easement - Appraisal Pending
Easement Acquisition Cost - 8178,310
®� Article 7
West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
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Article 7
West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
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West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
Article 7
West Street Improvements
Easement Authorization
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West Street Improvements
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Article 8
West Street Improvements
Debt Authorization
Improvement Project to Start Spring 2010
Expected Bid Advertisement Date - Dec. 2013
Federal and State Funded S8.1111 (Total)
- Construction §7,662,530
Woburn Town Line to Longwood Road
West Street- 7,500 feet (1.4 mile.)
Intersecting Side Streets - 2,500 feet (0.5 miles)
Includes MWRA 36" Water Main - 2,4001f
- Construction $2.1M
Article 8
West Street Improvements
Debt Authorization
Improvements
- Roadway
- Curbing
- Sidewalks
- Drainage
- Signaliaation
Town Responsible Fund
- Engineering Costs
- Non - Participating Items
- Easements
®� Article 8
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West Street - Debt Authorization
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Article 8
West Street Improvements
Debt Authorization
• Project Public Hearing - TEA
• Weekly Meetings
• Project Web Site - Engineering
• Project Information
• Weekly updates
• Project Datount
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_ Article 9
Sewer Ill Debt Authorization
MWRA's Infiltration and Inflow (1/1) Local Financial
Assistance Program — Phase 8
Assistance Provided Through a Combination 45%
Grant and 55% No- Interest Loan
Phase 8 Allocation $421,000
— $189,450 Grant
— $231,550 Nomtnterest Loan
Loan Pay Back - Equal installments over a Five,
Year Period
_® Article 9
Town's 1/1 Removal Program
House-to -house inspections
TV inspections, testing and sealing of manholes
antl sewer mains
Flow metering and gauging
Sewer system smoke testing
Spot repair and lining of sewers
Sewer Replacement
aaaaaaa
Article 9
Sewer Ill Debt Authorization
Acceptance Enables Continuation of Town's
Sewer III Removal Program:
— Removes unwanted Rows from the sewer
system
— Reduces excess assessments from MWRA
— Decreases the excess demand on the sewer
system.
.&&I Article 9
Planned Projects
CIPP
— Lewis Street -1,120 If
— Charles Street -6001f
Manhole Sealing
• Spot Repairs
Sewer Replacement
Sewer Main testing and Sealing
Drain Redirection
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_ Article 9
Poets Corner Project
• Sewer Replacement -2DO if
• Manhole Replacement -6 each
Spot Repairs —1001f
Eliminated Drain Cross Connection
Sewer Main Testing and Sealing -3,000 if
Manhole Rehabilitation —18 each
Project Cost - 188,6]1.00
Estimated In Removal — 69,700 gpd
MWRA Assessment Averted - §61,000 per year
or o Office of the Town Manager
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
To: Board of Selectmen
From: Bob LeLacheur
781- 942 -9043
town manager@ci.rea d i na.ma. us
www.readingma.gov /town - manager
Date: October 18, 2013
RE: Proposed Re- organization of Town government (version #2)
Re- organization of Town government: Overview
Town government in Reading is integrated and efficient. For years Reading Town government has
provided very high — although not perfect - levels of service to the community. The organizational
changes that I am suggesting below are generally minor in nature in the context of an $80 million annual
general fund budget. However they are important when looking into the future, to ensure that service
levels remain high under the fiscal constraints of Proposition 2 -1/2.
There are two main themes in the proposed changes: improvements to current operations and
improvements to long -term organizational development. Each improvement is designed to help shift the
organization over time towards a more proactive than reactive stance in the community. The proposed
Re- organization has been previewed with the Board of Selectmen and discussed internally for a few
months. Staff has had significant input and improved some of my original concepts. While no Charter
changes are required, November 2013 Town Meeting will be asked to approve amendments to the
Table of Organization in Article 10 and budget transfers and additions in Article 11.
Public details of the Reorganization have been formally discussed by the Board of Selectmen on
September 24"' (Hearing for Table of Organization opened) and October 8" and will be concluded on
October 22 "d (continued Hearing for the Table of Organization; new Hearing for FY14 Classification Plan;
votes on November Town Meeting Warrant Articles). The Finance Committee on October 16"
unanimously endorsed the Re- organization plan, but as the Selectmen had not Yet voted they delayed
formally voting Article 11 budget changes until their meeting on October 30th.
The Table below summarizes all proposed Town Government wage changes from Article 11. The first
two steps combined were proposed actions by November Town Meeting in my first draft version
presented on October 8th to the Selectmen. Now I suggest splitting this action into two parts: step #1 for
immediate implementation upon approval by November Town Meeting, and step #2 for delayed
implementation based upon the results of a Pay & Classification study. That P &C study is now proposed
to be funded at November 2013 Town Meeting instead of during the FY15 budget. Note that results of
the study are expected to be available in time for implementation by April 2014 Annual Town Meeting,
using both these FY14 funds and additional unallocated Town Government funds set aside as part of the
FY15 budget process. If the results are not available for implementation at Annual Town Meeting, the
1
' FY14 funds will be returned to free cash on June 30, 2014 and FY15 implementation will be proposed at
the next available Town Meeting.
Table 1— Summary of Article 11 Town wage costs in FY14
Re- organization step #1
$97,664
Re- organization step #2
$40,000
Additional Services
$45,324
Offset by Water & Sewer
($24,236)
TOTAL Net General Fund
$158,752
Note that at their meeting on October 16", the Finance Committee approved a new set of
"Benchmarking Guidelines ". This includes recommendations that the current list of 23 Peer
Communities from a Stone Consulting December 2008 report be used for broad budget and financial
comparisons by both the Town and Schools, and that updated studies are done to keep this list current.
The Additional Services shown above in Table 1 are unrelated to the Re- organization. They include
increases in overtime driven by the document storage project, additional hours (from 16 to 19
hours /week each) for plumbing /gas and wiring inspectors driven by increased activity, additional hours
(from 20 to 24 hours /week) for the Nurse Advocate driven by increased demand for services, the need
for clerical hours in order to join a Veteran's district, and two part time positions in Community Services
' - one for a Regional Housing Services Coordinator and one for a Zoning Enforcement Officer. Eventually
the two latter positions are expected to be full -time employees but regionalized and shared with other
communities. Note that the Permits Revolving Fund is being used to offset some of these Additional
Services costs, at a pace that would last for the next ten years if the PRF is never replenished.
Organizational Improvements funchaneed from version #11
The first theme is organizational operational improvements. Some of these changes reflect the way
business is currently being conducted as opposed to 'how it looks on paper, but there are some real
substantial changes as well. Table 2 summarizes those changes which are described below in detail.
Table 2 — Summary of changes proposed in Article 30 (Table of Organization)
Current
Proposed
Town Manager
Administrative Services'
Community Services
Community Services
Accounting
(none)
Finance
Finance'
Public Library
Public Library
Public Works
Public Works
Public Safety
Public Safety`
Notes:
I Three divisions from Finance are added, some positions from Public Works and public
' Safety are added
2 One division from Public Works is added
Accounting is merged with the remaining Finance divisions '
One position Is moved to Administrative Services; one division is moved to Community
Services
One position is moved to Administrative Services
New Finance Department
I propose to combine the Treasury, Collections and Assessing portions of the current Finance
department with the small Accounting department. These four groups work very closely together, so
this is one that does not reflect any real change, and these functions are typically grouped together as a
Finance department in many other Massachusetts communities. The Town Accountant as the
Department Head will gain some increased supervisory responsibilities, but Finance department
personnel will have no authority or responsibility within the Accounting function. This will preserve the
independent financial oversight by the Selectmen - appointed. Town Accountant position. Likewise the
elected Board of Assessors will retain all of their authority. The resulting Finance department will
therefore include Accounting, Assessment, Treasury and Collections.
New Administrative Services Department
The organization communicates well internally between departments, especially when compared to
other municipalities. However there is room for further efficiency and productivity gains if more
activities are centralized. The opportunity for these improvements is driven in large measure by the
significant shared software systems that have been added over the past several years. Portions of the
current Finance department as well as both the DPW and Police Business Administrators are proposed ,
to be moved to the small Town Manger department, which will be renamed Administrative Services.
This department will become a centralized location for many functions that impact the entire
organization, such as procurement, grant writing, budget & financial analysis, professional training &
development, labor negotiations and communication. Currently most of these activities are done by the
individual departments and the organization as a whole expends too much time and effort on them. The
past few years of technology integration has laid the foundation for this change that will bring efficiency
in the operational side of Town government. The resulting Administrative Services department will
include the Town Manager's Office, Human Resources, Operations, Technology, Town Clerk and
Elections /Registrations.
Community Services Department
Recreation is proposed to move back to Community Services from the Public Works department. This is
where that function belongs, as they simply deal with a different age group in the community than other
social service outreaches from that department. One benefit from this change will be an improvement in
cross - generational programming. Recreation will continue to participate in field planning activities and
improvements with DPW as needed. The resulting Community Services department will include the
community development divisions of Planning, Building & Inspections, Conservation, Historical and
Public Health and the social services divisions of Elder /Human, Veterans and Recreation.
Please see the revised Table of Organization that the Board of Selectmen will be asked to approve on
October 12na (at the end of this document ). ,
Organizational Development (changed in version #2)
The second theme is one of improvements to long -term organizational development. Under the revenue
constraints of Prop 2 -1/2 and the recent budget layoffs and expense cutbacks brought on by economic
difficulties, the longer term health of the organization has been a lower priority. This Re- organization
invests in and empowers the employees - they make the organization go.
First, there is a clear plan that every department moves toward an assistant department head position.
There are many one - person positions in the organization, especially at Town Hall. This situation creates
an organizational risk that I would describe as single - point -of- failure (SPOF), which is simply not an
acceptable risk at the department head level.
This assistant position already exists formally in the Library which will remain unchanged. In both the
Police and Fire departments there are second -in- command positions as needed, but these should be
non -union personnel involved in management decisions. An immediate change in Police is proposed
because it is already allowed in existing collective bargaining agreements, but future negotiations will be
needed for the Fire department. New clear number two positions are identified in Administrative
Services, Community Services, Finance and Public Works.
Second, the next generation is not flocking to work for local government for a variety of reasons, and
this will ultimately be a challenge for the Town. Fortunately we are not a growing organization, so the
problem is a subtle one. The required response is twofold: to encourage more upward career mobility
' within the organization (promotions also help reduce the SPOF risk by retaining organizational
knowledge); and to recognize and reward experience for those employees that choose less career
growth. This portion of the proposed re- organization will await the results of the Pay & Classification
study, and be implemented at a future date.
Re- oreanization of Town government: FY14 Classification Plan (changed in version #2)
Following are the proposed specific changes to be made to the current FY14 Classification Plan driven by
the re- organization of Town government. Recall that the previous non -union study evaluated positions
in the organization on both market compensation comparisons and complex internal scoring of
responsibilities and required expertise. Below I will refer to this mix simply as 'Scores'.
Assistant Town Manager (ATM) — increase by one to Grade M; scores from the last pay & class
study previously suggested this result, but as the incumbent I was reluctant to make that recommended
change. Now it is appropriate to do so.
As discussed previously, I believe it is necessary to have two ATMs because of the breadth in scope of
the function of Town government, and to significantly reduce SPOF risk. The two ATMs would serve as
the department heads for Administrative Services and for Community Services. In Administrative
Services, our technology foundation is as good as any other community in the state. However it is now
time to expand to a proactive vision and reach into the residential community with our new
technological abilities. In Community Services, that proactive reach may also be extended into the
' business community — and there are many other endeavors possible in the areas of non-
profit /government partnerships as is now seen in larger US cities.
Below please find a brief summary of how broad management responsibilities would change under the '
proposed Re- organization:
Table 3 — Changes to Significant Management Responsibilities
Significant Task
Current
Proposed
Manage Treasury, Collections &
ATM /Finance Director
Town Accountant
Assessing staff
Manage Human Resources, Town
ATM /Finance Director
ATM Administrative Services
Clerk & Technology staff
Manage Operations staff
decentralized
ATM Administrative Services
Technology Master Planning
ATM /Finance Director
ATM Administrative Services
Resident customer service
Town Manager & others
Town Manager &ATM
Administrative Services
Business customer service
Town Manager & others
Town Manager & ATM
Community Services
Commercial development master
Decentralized, including few
ATM Community Services
planning
Boards, Committees &
Commissions
Proactive outreach to establish
Decentralized with low focus,
ATM Community Services
community partners (RMLD,
including a few Boards,
businesses, religious & civic
Committees & Commissions
organizations)
Coordinate all Community Master
Decentralized, including
ATM Community Services
Planning
several Boards, Committees &
Commissions
Budget oversight
ATM /Finance Director
Town Manager
Random miscellaneous tasks, often
Town Manager ->
Town Manager ->
on short notice
ATM /Finance Director
ATM Administrative Services &
ATM Community Services
Administrative Services Department
Business Administrator - increase by one grade to I for the former Police & DPW Business
Administrator positions. These positions will be removed from their current respective departments and
relocated to Administrative Services. This position will have the increased responsibility of providing for
all Town departments the needed financial analysis, procurement, organization -wide external public
communication and internal professional development. Increased planning responsibility places the new
scores at the higher end of this new proposed grade.
Communitv Services Department
Community Development Administrator — increase Staff Planner by three grades to I; the
requirements of this position would change driven by a combination of the increased responsibilities for
the Community Services department head as one of the Assistant Town Managers and by the
regionalization efforts that have left a lot of departmental positions as part-time. The Community
t J
Development Administrator will be the assistant department head. New responsibilities will include a '
' portion of all senior -level planning tasks, project management & sign -off for certain commercial
projects, supervision of Regional Housing efforts and involvement as a Town representative to area
planning agencies leg. MAPC, North Suburban). The resulting scores will show increases in experience,
updated knowledge, judgment & intuition, less guidance & supervision, substantially more planning,
increased importance of external contacts and added supervisory responsibilities. The resulting scores
will place the position at the middle of the new grade.
Zoning Enforcement Inspector — new position in grade F; this will be a new part-time
(Shrs /week) position that will be responsible for continuous code enforcement efforts instead of having
that responsibility fall to planning and building inspections staff when there is elusive 'spare time'. This
is an especially important position to add in advance of the possible changes to the Zoning Bylaws, when
we as a community review the degree of rules & enforcement we desire. Over time this position is
expected to be regionalized and shared with neighboring communities who have expressed interest.
Regional Housing Services Coordinator — new position in grade E; this will be a new part-time
(regional) position. Initial funding is proposed to be from the general fund however the Affordable
Housing Trust Fund could be a future source if it gains new revenue sources.
Community Services Director/Town Planner —this position may be deleted.
Staff Planner —this position may be deleted.
I Finance Department
Finance Director /Assistant Town Manager —this position may be deleted.
Public Library
Library Director — increase by one grade to L; the previous study greatly under -rated the
amount of planning this position is required to do. Changing this facet alone to be identical to all other
Town department heads justifies the grade increase as the resulting score will be in the mid -range of
this higher grade. At the same time I will suggest removing the temporary library building stipend from
this position in light of the increased planning responsibilities that are recognized as permanent by this
change.
Assistant Library Director — increase by one grade to 1; this change will ensure consistency
amongthe assistant department head positions across all Town government departments.
Public Works Department
Assistant DPW Director — new position in grade K; this will be a new position added to the
department at a time when the business administrator will leave behind some DPW responsibilities,
significant turnover of senior staff has now been announced for the second half of FV14, a substantial
West Street road improvement project will begin sooner than expected, large sewer station rehab and
water main rehab projects begin, significant work to allow North Reading to join the MWRA begins and
a full re- examination of DPW facilities is underway. This position will be non -union as is the case in all
' DPW divisional supervisory positions. The specific responsibilities of the position will include project
management, budget and staff supervision, fleet services, and employee safety and professional '
development. Note that the cost of this position will be largely absorbed by removing funding from two
vacant positions in the department: one of the two engineering Field technician positions and a 0.5 FTE
clerical position.
Public Safety Department
Deputy Police Chief — new position in the Police department in grade K; this will be a new
position added to the department at a time when the business administrator will leave behind some
Police department responsibilities. There will be no change to FTEs beyond the reduction of the business
administrator. The amount of sworn officers will remain the same, but proposed changes include a
decrease by two in the Patrol Officers union, an increase by one in the Superior Officers union and this
addition of one non -union Deputy Chief. This type of change has been contemplated for a few years and
previously negotiated with both Police unions.
Executive Officer - new position in the Fire department in grade K; this non -union position will
not be funded at November Town Meeting but discussion will be included in upcoming labor
negotiations within the Fire department. It would be helpful to be added to the FY14 classification plan
at this time.
Please see the revised Classification Plan that the Board of Selectmen will be asked to approve on
October 22 "a (at the end of this document).
Summary of Department management structure
'
Department Head Assistant Department Head
*Assistant Town Manager Administrative services HR Administrator
Assistant Town Manager community Services Community Development Administrator
Town Accountant Treasurer - Collector
Library Director Assistant Library Director
Public Works Director *Assistant Public Works Director
Police Chief *Deputy Police Chief
Fire Chief * *Fire Executive Officer
* position to be filled through competitive applications in FY14
* * position to be negotiated in collective bargaining with a target of FY15
Re- organization of Town government: Financial Plan Ire- arranged, same $1
Town Department Heads were asked to submit their organizational changes this summer with an eye
towards positioning the organization for the future. Coupled with my ideas, the total annual cost was
over $600,000 per year. I knew that amount was not sustainable for the future operating budgets of the
Town or Schools, so I examined the financial forecast a bit earlier than is usual for the budget process.
Sustainable general fund net revenues will be increased by about $160,000 at November Town Meeting,
which is always good news. Reductions to some Town and shared expenses provide even more
immediately available funds - for FY14. In projecting revenues and accommodated costs out for a few '
' Years it became clear that the operating budgets are in better shape at this time of year when compared
to the last few years. Given a variety of typical assumptions, an approximate +2.5% operating budget for
both town and schools in FY15 is possible with the continued use of $1.25 million of free cash At the
Financial Forum on October 30", these details will be reviewed and FINCOM has indicated an inclination
to move forward with these assumptions.
I
This proposed Re- organization will cost less than $140,000 in total, with step #1 (immediate) a bit under
$100,000 and step q2 (delayed for P &C study results) at $40,000. Note that Water & sewer will fund a
portion of those amounts. Table 1 shows a breakdown by Town department, and includes the Additional
Services proposed at November Town Meeting. In the context of an $80 million annual budget, all of
these changes are easily sustainable in future years.
While no proposed financial savings are part of this Re- organization plan, it is possible that
improvements to the procurement process alone will result in capital savings quickly, and more
importantly provide the ability to deal with multiple large -scale projects at once. This latter point is vital
at a time when the Public Library is under renovation and relocation coordination is required, and
several Public works projects are underway.
Following are some financial details by Town department of both the proposed Re- organization and the
Additional Services:
Re-
organization
Additional
Services
TOTAL
Administrative Services
$6,791
$12,641
$19,432
Community Services
$5,502
$18,177
$23,679
Finance
$5,446
$5,144
$10,590
Public Library
$5,896
$5,896
Public Works
$20,229
$9,362
$29,591
Public Safety
$53,800
$53,800
TOTAL
$97,664
$45,324
$142,988
Set aside for results of
Pay & Classification study
$40,000
Offset by Water & Sewer
($24,236)
TOTAL Net General Fund
$158,752
Re- oreanization of Town eovernment: Summary
'
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has mode all the difference.
Robert Frost was probably not proposing a Re- organization of his local government when he penned
these famous last words from his poem The Road Not Taken'. When the Reading Board of Selectmen
chose the Town's second Town Manager last spring, some residents thought the choice was between
status quo (insider) and change (outsider). Surely that road would have been far easier to travel these
past few months if it were alongside a new Assistant Town Manager /Finance Director, reflecting the
status quo.
However it seemed this was an opportunity instead to combine an insiders knowledge, a private sector
background and an intolerance of doing things a certain way only because of historic reasons. The Town
does well when it uses a master planning process for the natural resources — this Re- organization plan
attempts to use that type of framework aimed at the human resources of Town government.
This Re- organization plan should position the Town well for the next several years. However rapid '
changes in many segments of society — often brought on by technology — give rise to the need to apply
this master planning process to Town government at least every ten years. In conjunction with the ad
hoc Charter Review Committee, this proposed Re- organization is a step towards what should become a
recurring look inward at Town government.
Since changing the form of government nearly thirty years ago, and enduring a sea change brought by
Proposition 2 -1 /1, today Reading is as financially strong as ever. The Town is the envy of many other
communities for a variety of reasons, including the character, wisdom and foresight of the employees
and the volunteers that serve the community. A regular look inward using the Master Planning approach
will ensure that Town government remains flexible and responsive to the current and future needs of
our residents, businesses and employees.
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 14, 2013
Preforming Arts Center
he meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:40 PM, there being a quorum
resent. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said by the members of Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 13: Motion made by Nick Safina, Community Planning and Development Commission to
see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning Map dated April 8, 2013, as referenced in Section
3.2 of the Reading Zoning Bylaws Reading Zoning Bylaw, and to amend Section 4.9.2 Planned Unit
Development- Residential (PUD -R), as follows:
(Bold represents new language)
To amend the Reading Zoning Map, dated April 8, 2013, as previously amended, as referenced in Section
3.2 of the Reading Zoning By -laws, to include within the Planned Unit Development - Residential Corona
District Overlay (PUD -R -C), a certain parcel of land containing 26,019 square feet, more or less, which
parcel is situated northwesterly of Longwood Road and abuts the southeasterly boundary of the PUD -R,
such parcel being bounded and described as follows:
Northwesterly by land now or formerly of Johnson Woods Realty Corporation, 346.72 feet;
Easterly by land now or formerly of Emerson, Crupl and Bergen, 180.32 feet;
Southeasterly by land now or formerly of Trojer, 202.92 feet; and
Southwesterly by land now or formerly of Caruso, 85.99 feet.
e" the same premises shown as Lot A on the plan entitled "Plan of Land in Reading, Mass.; Hayes
ngineering, Inc; Date: July 25, 2011; Revised September 22, 2011 ", recorded at the Middlesex South
istrict Registry of Deeds as Plan No. 678 of 2011, copies of which plan are on file with the Reading Town
ngineer and the Community Planning and Development Commission.
To insert the following paragraph after the first two paragraphs in section 4.9.2
The Planned Unit Development Residential Corona District (PUD -R -C) is an overlay district in a
residential zone that abuts a PUD -R Overlay District and is intended to serve solely as a
vegetated buffer and offset area to satisfy dimensional requirements in the PUD -R Overlay
District.
To insert the following sentence at the end of paragraph (d) Residential Setbacks in Section 4.9.6.4.2:
The CPDC may allow the required 20 foot residential setback strip for dwellings in a PUD -R
parcel to be measured from the outer boundary of an abutting parcel in the PUD -R -C District
provided that there are no buildings on that PUD -R -C parcel.
Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 13
Motion to Dispense Readina of Article Carried
Background: Johnson Woods, located off of West Street, is a 193 unit phased residential development
comprised of townhouses and garden style condominiums. This approximately 40 acre site was permitted
under the Planned Unit Development - Residential (PUD -R) Overlay District, Section 4.9.6 of the Reading
Zoning Bylaw. The PUD -R Overlay District allows greater flexibility under zoning than the underlying
uoning which in this case is an S -20 residential zone. A developer may choose to conform to the
nderlying zoning or conform to the zoning requirements of the overlay district.
Article 13 would amend the Reading Zoning Map by adding an adjacent 26,019 square foot parcel of land
to the Johnson Woods Development. The additional land area would be designated as an overlay district
with its use restricted to a vegetated buffer with no buildings. The overlay district is a Planned Unit
Development - Residential Corona (PUD -R -C) District. The map below depicts how this will be added.
Article 13 further defines this overlay district by inserting a new paragraph in Section 4.9.2 of the Zoning
Bylaw. The language identifies the purpose of the proposed PUD -R -C Overlay District which is to create an
additional vegetated buffer zone and offset area for the Johnson Woods Development in the PUD -R
Overlay District. This proposed change will allow the Community Planning and Development Commission
(CPDC) to approve a setback of 20 -feet from the outer boundary of the PUD -R -C parcel for the dwellings
within the PUD -R Overlay District (Johnson Woods Development). However, NO buildings will be allowed
on the PUD -R -C parcel itself.
FE
i aw«
F
� d
�V
ie S
Finance Committee Report: No report
V 9
'0 m
' S15
Bylaw Committee Report - given by Steven Crook: The Bylaw Committee voted to approve this
Article at the November 7, 2013 meeting 3 -0 -0
Community Plannino and Development Commission Report - given by Nick Safina: The Community'
Planning and Development Commission voted to approve this Article at the September 23, 2013 public
hearing 5 -0 -0
K
Presentation given by:
• lean Delos - See Attached
After discussion a vote was taken:
2/3 Vote Required
Declared Unanimous by Moderator
124 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 14: Motion made by Nick Safina, Committee Planning and Development Commission to
see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Reading Zoning Bylaw Section 4.2.2, Section 6.1.1.3 the
Table of Off - Street Parking and Loading /Unloading Requirements and Section 5.1.2 Table of Dimensional
Controls to establish reasonable regulations for Exempt Uses under MGL Chapter 40A Section 3 as follows:
(Bold represents new language, Strikethfeegh represents deleted language)
Sertinn d.7 J T.H. of I1c.e
PRINCIPAL USES
Res
RES
RES
BUS
BUS
BUS
IND
5 -15
A -40
A -80
A
B
C
Yard
snare er each 3 students.
5 -20
Church
One space for each three hundred (300) square feet of
None
Square
gross floor area or fraction thereof.
Front
Side
5 -40
(% of Lot)
feet
Circle
I feet Sq:
feet
feet
School'
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Church'
Yes
Yes
Ves
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
rincipal
se
an. uulunum rte wremencs
Minimum Number of Off- Street Parking Spaces Required
Minimum Number of Off -
Street Loading and Unloading
Spaces Required
School
Nursery/ Kindergarten/ Elementary /Middle Schools- 1
None
space per each employee on the largest shift plus 1
Minimum
space per 7 students
Building
Let
High Schools: 1 space per each employee plus one
Front
Yard
snare er each 3 students.
Side
Church
One space for each three hundred (300) square feet of
None
Square
gross floor area or fraction thereof.
Front
5.1.2
Diamet I Feet
' Uses as Defined in MGL Chapter 40A Section 3 these uses shall be permitted by -right in all districts
and subject to "reasonable regulations" as defined therein.
3
Requirement
Lot
m
Minimum
Building
Let
Area
Front
Yard
Yard
Side
Coverage
Height
Width
Square
age
Front
Side
Yard
(% of Lot)
feet
Circle
I feet Sq:
feet
feet
I Feet
I Rear
Diamet I Feet
' Uses as Defined in MGL Chapter 40A Section 3 these uses shall be permitted by -right in all districts
and subject to "reasonable regulations" as defined therein.
3
5.1.2 Table of Dimensional Controls in feet unless otherwise noted
Yds.
Polaximurn
Minimum Lot
Setback
Requirement
Minimum
Maximum
Lot
Maximu
m
Building
L-at
Width
Circle
Diamet
er feet
Area
Square
Feet Scp
Feet
Front
age
feet
Yard
Front
Feet
Yard
Side
Feet
Side
Yard
Rear
Coverage
(% of Lot)
Height
Feet
One or Two
Family Dwelling
In 5 -15 District
60
15,000
100
20
15
20
25
35
In 5 -20 Districts
80
20,000
120
20
15
20
25
35
In 5 -40 Districts
80
40,000
200
20
15
20
25
35
In A -40 Districts
10,000
80
20
15
20
25
40
In BUS -A
Districts
NA
NA
15
10
20
25
45
Apartment
80 000
NA
NA
30
30
NA
60
In A -40 Districts
40 000
80
30
30
30
25
40
In A -80 Districts
80,000
NA
60
60
60
12.5
1 60
In BUS -A
Districts
40,000
NA
15
30
30
25
40
In 5 -15 Districts
100,000+
100
20
15
20
25
35
In 5 -20 Districts
100,000+
120
20
15
20
25
35
In 5 -40 Districts
100,000+
200
20
15
20
25
35
In A -40 Districts
100,000+
80
20
15
20
25
40
In A -80 Districts
100,000+
NA
20
NA
NA
NA
60
Hotel or Motel
In Bus -A
Districts
NA
NA
50
10
20
60
45
In Bus -B
Districts
NA
NA
NA
NA
20
85
45
In Bus -C
Districts
NA
NA
10
10
10
60
55 **
In Ind Districts
NA
NA
50
20
20
25
60*
Other Permitted
Principal Use
In 5 -15 Districts
15,000
100
20
15
20
25
35
In 5 -20 Districts
20,000
120
20
15
20
25
35
In 5 -40 Districts
40-0-0-0-
200
20
15
20
25
35
In A -40 Districts
10,000
80
20
NA
NA
NA
40
In A -80 Districts
80,000
NA
20
NA
NA
NA
60
In BUS -A
Districts
NA
NA
15
10
20
CO—
45
In BUS -B
Districts
NA
NA
NA
NA
20
85
45
In BUS -C
Districts
NA
NA
10
10
10
60
55 **
In Ind Districts
NA
NA
50
20
20
60
60*
5.1.2 Table of Dimensional Controls in feet unless otherwise noted
Minimum Lot
Setback
Maximum
Maxim,
Requirement
Lot
m
Minimum
Building
Let
Area
Front
Yard
Yard
Side
Coverage
Height
Width
Square
age
Front
Side
Yard
( ^/o of Lot)
Feet
Circle
Feet Sq.
Feet
Feet
Feet
Rear
Diamet
Feet
er Feet
Exempt Uses —
Schooland
Church
I5 -15
15,000
100
15
30
30
25
35
Districts
I 5 -20
20,000
120
15
30
30
25
35
Di stricts
In 5 -40
40,000
200
15
30
30
25
35
Districts
In A -40
10,000
80
NA
30
30
NA
40
Districts
In A -80
80,000
NA
NA
30
30
NA
60
Districts
_WA
In BUS - A
NA
10
30
30
60
45
Districts
In BUS -B
NA
NA
NA
30
30
85
45
Districts
n BUS -C
NA
NA
30
30
30
60
55
Istricts
n Ind Districts
NA
NA
50
130 130
160
160
*Except as provided in Section 5.2.5.3
** Fifty -five (55) feet, except ninety -five (95) feet if the structure is located within four hundred
(400) feet of the property
line adjacent to Route 128, as it exists on May 1, 2000, including ramps, and south of )acob Way
and excluding areas
within two hundred (200) feet of the residential zoning district to the west, all as more specifically
shown on a plan
entitled: "Plan Showing Height Limitation and Setback Areas, Business C District in Reading,
Mass.," dated March 27,
2000 Scale I" = 60' by Hayes Engineering, Inc. on file with the Reading Town Clerk.
Ben Tafoya, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 14
Motion to Dispense Reading of Article Carried
Backaround: MGL Chapter 40A Section 3 stipulates that certain uses, including non - profit,
educational and religious uses cannot be prohibited from any zoning district, but that those uses may be
subject to "reasonable regulations ". These uses, commonly known as Dover Amendment Uses, have been
regulated under limited site plan review but lack further definition under the dimensional controls.
Article 14 provides dimensional controls for Dover Amendment Uses to clarify zoning requirements and to
Jamplify the regulations for both staff and applicants. Schools and churches are defined per MGL Chapter
OA, Section 3 in the Table of Uses, Section 4.2.2 and are allowed in all zoning districts. Article 14 amends
he Table of Off - Street Parking and Loading /Unloading Requirements, Section 6.1.1.3 to including parking
requirements for schools and churches. This Article also include changes to the Section 5.1.2, the Table of
Dimensional controls to establish a minimum lot size, minimum setback requirements, lot coverage
maximum and max building heights for these types of uses.
In determining the reasonable parking requirements for educational uses, several existing schools were
surveyed for current parking conditions, in addition to gathering best practices for Dover Amendment,
Uses. Article 14 contains parking standards for schools that were developed using survey information and
best practices.
In determining parking requirements for religious uses (churches), the Community Planning and
Development Commission (CPDC) proposed to use the formula currently being used by the Building
Inspector which is comparable to existing conditions for parking at several churches in Reading.
Article 14 simplifies and streamlines zoning requirements for Dover Amendment Uses. This is part of the
overall Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Update.
Finance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report - given by Steven Crook: The Bylaw Committee voted to approve this
Article at the November 7, 2013 meeting 3 -0 -0
Community Plannina and Development Commission Report - given by Nick Safina: The Community
Planning and Development Commission voted to approve this Article at the September 23, 2013 public
hearing 5 -0 -0
Presentation given by:
• Jean Delios - See Attached
Motion to amend made by Ron D'Addario, Precinct 6 as follows:
Section 6.1.1.3 Table of Off - Street Parking and Load! n /Unloading Requirements
Church No
`ncetien- thereeG None
Remove the wording for Church and replace with None
Motion to Amend Does Not Carry
Motion to amend made by Richard Moore, Precinct 2 as follows
Section 6.1.1.3 Table of Off - Street Parking and Loading /Unloading Requirements
School Nursery/ Kindergarten/ Elementary/ Middle Schools: 1 space per each None
employee on the largest shift plus 1 space per 7 students
Hiah Schools: 1 space Der each emolovee plus one soace Der each 3 students.
Remove the word each to read High Schools: 1 space per each employee plus one space per 3 students
Motion to Amend Carried
Motion to amend made by Dan Ensminger, Precinct 7 under 5.1.2 Table of Dimensional Controls - Exempt
Uses - to remove the words "and Churches"
Motion to Amend Does Not Carry
Motion to amend made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 under 5.1.2 Table of Dimensional Controls to reverse the
words under Setback Requirement Minimum to read: Front Yard, Side Yard and Rear Yard.
Motion to Amend Carries
Motion made by Steven Crook, Precinct 2 to move the question of all the amendments and leave the main
motion open - End debate on the four amendments only
213 Vote Required
116 Voted in the affirmative
9 Voted in the negative
124 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
�otion made by Thomas Ryan, Precinct 1 to move the question of the main motion
2/3 Vote Required
101 Voted in the affirmative
19 Voted in the negative
124 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
After discussion a vote was taken:
2/3 Vote Required
102 Voted in the affirmative
23 Voted in the negative
124 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried as Amended
ARTICLE 15 Motion made by Nick Safina, Community Planning and Development Commission to
see if the Town will vote to add a new Section 4.13 "Temporary Moratorium On Medical Marijuana
Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries" and amend Section 2.0 "Definitions" to include
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries of the Town of Reading Zoning
By -Law as follows:
(note: bold represents new language)
Lection 2.0 Definitions:
.2.21.2 Medical Marijuana Treatment Center/ Registered Marijuana Dispensary: "a not -for-
profit entity, as defined by Massachusetts law only, registered by the Department of Public
Health (DPH) as a Registered Marijuana Dispensary, that acquires, cultivates, possesses,
processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils or
ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana,
products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to qualifying patients
or their personal caregivers."
2.2.21.3 Mixed Use: The combining of retail/ commercial and /or service uses with
residential or office use in the same building or on the same site. (Note: this change is a result of
renumbering)
Section 4.13 Temporary Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers/ Registered
Marijuana Dispensaries
4.13.1 Purpose
By vote at the State election on November 6, 2012, the voters of the Commonwealth approved
a law regulating the cultivation, distribution, possession and use of marijuana for medical
purposes. The law provides that it is effective on January 1, 2013. On May 8, 2013 the State
Department of Public Health (DPH) promulgated regulations that are effective on May 24,
2013. The regulations promulgated by the State Department of Public Health provide guidance
in regulating medical marijuana, including Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers/ Registered
Larijuana Dispensaries (see Section 2.2.21.2 for definition). The Town needs time to study and
onsider the regulation of Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers/ Registered Marijuana
ispensaries. This includes issues related to planning, public health and public safety, as well
as to evaluate the potential impact of the State regulation on local zoning. The Town intends to
adopt a temporary moratorium on the use of land and structures in the Town for Medical
Marijuana Treatment Centers/ Registered Marijuana Dispensaries so as to allow the Town
sufficient time to engage in a planning process to address the effects of such structures and
uses in the Town and to enact bylaws in a manner consistent with sound land use planning
goals and objectives.
4.13.2 Temporary Moratorium on Medial Marijuana Treatment Centers /Registered
Marijuana Dispensaries
For the reasons set forth above and notwithstanding any other provision of the Zoning Bylaw to
the contrary, the Town hereby adopts a temporary moratorium on the use of land or structures
for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center/ Registered Marijuana Dispensary. The moratorium
shall be in effect through November 10, 2014. During the moratorium period, the use of land or
structures for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center/ Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall be
prohibited.
Nothing contained in this Article shall be construed to permit or authorize to be permitted, the
use of land or structures for any activity involving marijuana, other than as a Medical Marijuana
Treatment Center/ Registered marijuana Dispensary.
4.13.3 Planning Process
During the temporary moratorium established in Section 4.13 — 4.13.2, the Town shall
undertake a planning process to address the potential effects of Medical Marijuana Treatment
Centers/ Registered Marijuana Dispensaries and other land uses and structures related to the
use of marijuana for medical purpose. In doing so, the Town shall consider the DPH regulations
and shall make recommendations regarding the adoption of new Zoning Bylaw provisions
governing the location, operation and effects of Medical Marijuana Treatment
Centers/ Registered Marijuana Dispensaries and other land uses and structures related to the
use of marijuana for medical purposes. This process shall coincide with a comprehensive
update of the Zoning Bylaw and be part of a larger planning process for consideration at
Subsequent Town Meeting in November of 2014.
James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen moved to dispense of the reading of Article 15
Motion to Dispense Reading of Article Carried
Background: Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012, "An Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of
Marijuana" (enacted as Question 3 on the November 2012 state ballot), to allow qualifying patients, who
have been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, reasonable access to Medical Marijuana
Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries. In November of 2012 Town Meeting approved an
article to prohibit Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries from being
sited in all zoning classifications in the Town of Reading. Subsequently, the State Attorney General's Office
determined that such a ban would conflict with the Act and the zoning article was disapproved.
These businesses are allowed to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, and transport
marijuana, including in food form. Data from the experiences of California, Colorado, and other states
have shown an increase in criminal activity attributed to Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers /Registered
Marijuana Dispensaries. The data reflects higher criminal activity attributable to the presence of valuable
marijuana crops and large amounts of cash. Likewise, these States have seen an increase in traffic
accidents and driving under the influence arrests in which marijuana is implicated. Also, there has been a
loss of other commercial businesses that have relocated away from marijuana dispensaries.
Last Spring the State developed regulations governing how it will permit Medical Marijuana Treatment
Centers. Further study is needed to develop zoning consistent with State regulations as well as the land
use goals of the Town of Reading.
This article establishes a temporary moratorium through November 10, 2014, on Medical Marijuana
Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries. During this moratorium period the use of land or
structures for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries is prohibited.
The purpose of the temporary moratorium will allow sufficient time for the Town to undertake a planning
process to address the impacts of Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana
Dispensaries. This planning process will be used to develop zoning language as part of a comprehensive
Kpdate of the Reading Zoning Bylaw which is scheduled to be completed over the same time period.
inance Committee Report: No report
Bylaw Committee Report - given by Steven Crook: The Bylaw Committee voted to approve this
Article at the November 7, 2013 meeting 3 -0 -0 with a typographical error fixed on 4.13.2 Temporary
Moratorium on Medial Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers /Registered Marijuana Dispensaries
Community Planning and Development Commission Report - given by Nick Safina: The Community
Planning and Development Commission voted to approve this Article at the July 8, 2013 public hearing 5-
0-0
Presentation given by:
• Jean Delios - See Attached
Motion by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 to Indefinitely Postpone Article 15
Motion to Indefinitely Postoone Does Not Carry
After discussion a vote was taken:
2/3 Vote Required
118 Voted in the affirmative
7 Voted in the negative
124 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
lion Carri
James Bonazoli, Board of Selectmen moved to adjourn the 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting sine die at
9:40 PM with 124 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
Motion Carried
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme
Town Clerk
—® 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
Article 13 amends the Reading Zoning Map and
Section 6.9.2 - Planned Unit Development -
Residential District (PUD -R) of the Zoning Bylaw.
—® 2013 Subsequent
Johnson wooda,b a 40
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2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
What Is being requested?
Developer would like to shift a few units to batter
use the existing site topography and save existing
track;
To allow for this change, but to prevent the
expansion of the PUD -R, the CPDC worked with
Me Developer on the proposed zoning change;
The zoning change will allow Developer to move
the units closer to the PUD -R boundary and will
provide additional vegetated buffer.
— ° 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
Proposed Conditions
• Green Linea OW. cnnmm� w
apr... ad
approved design.
Red Lines
represent
proposed design.
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_® 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
Can't make changes with current aoning
PUO-R Overlay District - Min. setback of 20 -feet
il e.uei.b., aW. broch —..e.
Must preserve natural vegetation In setback area;
—® 013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
aea eracli n wwm
• Buildings shift to the
PUD -R Boundary with
"no build" buffer.
The PUD -R -C Is used
ONLY as a vegetated
buffer.
PuoRC weary sn"
mry xaeuldnp9
• This will address issues with Bite constraints
and additional buffer from the proposed
housing units.
"Sal Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
How to make this work?
Rather than expand the PUD-R, the solution is to
create a new overlay districlth rt preserve, the
setback requirements by adding ea adjacent parcel:
the Planned Unit CSVelopment- Reslnanlial Corona
(Nvenay District IPUD'RC) on are adjacent parcel of and
containing 26 or square Net
- PUD R -C - peelers no 20.loct setDeck tr the meeu
seE from
the sine, boundary
TNs aware Ne have of the develaper, save? Peer. aciearee
Me vryetated or
• NO BUILDINGS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PU0.R{ Devaney.
_® 2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
So how will this be achieved?
• New language will be lnsarted Into the Zoning Bylaw
Section 4.9.2 which will identify and define the
purpose of PUD -R -C Overlay District
-
Too, PUD R C Ovulay will serve es a vegetated buffer aiq
ounce area to the Johnson WoMS Development.
- No buildings an be alloyed on the PUD,R.0 OveMy
• The Reading Zoning Map will be amended to Identify
the PUD -R -C Overlay District.
2013 Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 13
A YES Vote would Approve Ou, POD -R -C Zoning
Overlay District.
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Article 12 — Billboard,
Electronic and Animated
Signs
a. ®ass
Article 12— Billboard, Electronic and
Animated Signs
• In January 2013 a zoning all was brought to
Special Town Meeting to consider amendments to
Section 6.2 signs which would allow for
electronic billboards.
Due to extensive public input and comment the
arricle was tabled at Special Town Meeting.
An Instructional motion was made for the CPDC
to rewrite the zoning bylaws to probibn billboards
Imploding electronic) for consideration at
November 2013 Town Meeting.
-ia-
Article 12 — Billboard, Electronic and
Animated Signs
• Amends multiple sections of Section 6.2 Signs
• Billboards are curtently allowed by Special Permit by
the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Amendment would PROHIBIT billboards horn being
an allowed use
• The passing of Adicle 12 will not impact the existing
billbaard signs on Route 28. They will remain.
assailareas
°Article 12 - Billboard, Electronic and
Animated Signs
Changes Proposed
• As part of the January 2013 review of electronic
billboards, shortcomings of the sign definitions
were Identified. The following clarifies these
definitions.
Section 6.2— Definitions
— New — electronic antl animated signs
(Updated and Clarified);
— Amend —ag- premises signs (billboard)
(expanding oaf of a billboard to include
electronic and animated signs);
C