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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-14 Board of Selectmen Packet0� OF i? be Office of the Town Manager �0 16 Lowell Street �6J PP'• 781 - 942 -9043 townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us 9r7N Reading, MA 01867 www.readingma.gov /town - manager To: Board of Selectmen From: Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Date: April 8, 2015 RE: April 14th Agenda Congrats to John Arena and Barry Berman for securing seats on the Board! Also it is nice to see the local portion of the Home Rule Charter pass by a large margin (77% in favor). The legislative portion of the Charter is sitting on the Governor's desk for his signature. Four certificates setting forth the revised Charter must be signed by the Town Clerk and filed as follows: one with the office of the Secretary of State (to be kept by Archivist of the Commonwealth); one with the Director of Housing and Community Development; one with the Attorney General's Office; and one to be retained in the Town's archives. Once the new Charter is official I will advise you. Congratulations to the hard- working Charter Committee, whose member's names bear repeating: William Brown, John Carpenter, Richard Coco, Stephen Crook, Alan Foulds, Glen Hartzler, Janice Jones, Philip Pacino, Philip Rushworth, Margaret Russell, John Segalla, Jeffrey Struble, Paul Sylvester and Carolyn Whiting. Thanks to Town Clerk Laura Gemme, her staff and cadre of election workers. While the pace of a local election does often feature lower turnout, we experienced equipment failure in three of the nine voting machines - so two Precincts ( #2 and #8) needed to be hand counted. Communication of this fact to the local media, the state elections division, and to candidates running for office was excellent. This is exactly why spend time preparing and planning for unexpected things. Your agenda next week is as follows: Board re- organization — The Town Manager will facilitate the nomination of name(s) for the position of Chair. After that, the Chair will facilitate the remainder of the meeting, including the selection of Vice Chair and Secretary. I have also included in your packet a list of liaison assignments. Hopefully this new format is easier to use. It would be helpful if the Board updated the liaison assignments within the next month or so. Dunkin Donuts on Walker's Brook Drive will be in to request a reduction in their hours of operation. This may be a first, as the Board is usually involved in expanding hours. In this case, the gas station is open for 24 hours and demand for food & coffee is low for some of those hours. You have information in your packet showing that there is no objection from CPDC or staff to this request. There is a request for a Driveway variance at 74 Edgemont — a location about one block away from the Barrow's Elementary School. Also in your packet are comments from staff that show no objections to the request. The Climate Advisory Committee will be in to briefly describe their efforts on Earth Day. The Reading Garden Club and a working group of Reading Cultural organizations will be in to describe a community event to be held on the Town Common on May 16th. Community Development Director Jessie Wilson has worked with this group for several months as they explore the possibility of a Cultural District in Reading. As part of regular updates from Board appointees, MAPC member Steve Sadwick will be in to provide an update. Steve also serves as the Director of Community Development for Tewksbury. This update will be followed by Mark Fine of MAPC who will present the results of a survey of services provided to the public by Town government. Please keep two things in mind: 1) we still need areas such as HR even though they provide little in the way of services directly to the public; and 2) these rankings are done by the divisions /departments themselves. I expect this work to serve as a great starting point. We will plan one or two weekend BOS Retreats in June /July with the Board and the Town Manager to discuss this further. One hot topic surely will be to decide what our essential core services are. Next up we have time slotted for a Bylaw discussion about the Associate member issue, which is part of the Annual Town Meeting. The language in the Warrant was drafted broadly as to be amended on the floor easily. The Selectmen expressed an interest to have a discussion in advance of Town Meeting in order to possibly offer a friendly amendment that would serve as a starting point for these discussions. I have worked with Town Counsel who has suggested language to be used as a default Motion for the Article, which is included in your packet. Lastly we have an Executive Session scheduled. Town Counsel will attend in order to discuss possible litigation that is also the subject of an Article at the Special Town Meeting in April. As a quick preview, your next meeting is on May 5th and has these items: Introduction of the new Administrative Services Director /Ombudsman Town Accountant Report Reading Housing Authority Report RCN member Report CAB (RMLD) member Report Update on Timberneck Swap — CONSCOM /signage Ad Hoc Reading Firearms Safety Committee (we have four applicants thus far) Liquor license transfer request (Grumpy Doyles) New liquor license request (Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza) Discussion about putting a Recycle Container in the "CVS parking lot" — Climate Advisory Committee Discuss Boards and Committees scheduled to sunset in June 2015 (the following will be invited: Human Relations Advisory Committee, Economic Development Committee, Trails Committee, Fall Street Faire Committee and Climate Advisory Committee). DRAFT - BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2015 AGENDAS 2015 Staff s imate Local elections April 7, 2014 Tuesday April 9, 2015 - Adopt an Island Kick off Senior Center 7:00 April 14, 2015 Office Hour John Halsei 6:30 Board Re- organization LeLacheur 7:00 Proclamation National Telecommunicators Week LeLacheur 7:15 Proclamation Arbor Day Dunkin Donuts/Walkers Brook Hours of Operation LeLacheur 7:20 Hearing Driveway variance - 74 Edgemont LeLacheur 7:30 Climate Advisory Committee - Earth Day LeLacheur 7:40 Reading Garden Club & Reading Cultural organizations working group - May 16th community event Wilson 7:50 M member Report Delios 8:10 MAPC Service Inventory Delios 8:20 Bylaw discussion on Associate Members LeLacheur 9:00 Executive Session Litigation LeLacheur 9:30 Town Meeting April 27, 2015 Monday Town Meeting April 30, 2015 Thursday Town Meeting May 4, 2015 Monday May 5, 2015 Office Hour Kevin Sexton 6:30 Proclamation Women's Lung Health Week 7:15 Administrative Svcs Director /Ombudsman LeLacheur 7:20 Town Accountant Report Angstrom 7:30 Reading Housing Authority Report LeLacheur 7:40 RCTV members Report LeLacheur 7:50 CAB (RMLD) member Report LeLacheur 8:00 Update on Timberneck Swamp - CONSCOM Tirone 8:10 ad hoc Reading Firearms Safety Committee LeLacheur 8:20 Hearing Liquor License Transfer - Grumpy Doyles 8:30 Hearing New Liquor License - Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, 48 Walkers Brook Drive 8:45 Recycle container for lot behind CVS - Climate Advisory Committee LeLacheur 9:00 Discuss Boards and Committees that 'sunset' on RMHS Robotics Team followup LeLacheur 7:30 June 30, 2015 LeLacheur 9:30 May 19, 2015 RMHS Robotics Team followup LeLacheur 7:30 Walk Reading Weekend: Walkable Reading & Trails Committee LeLacheur 8:00 HOLD for Development Project LeLacheur 8:30 Review FY16 Town Manager Goals LeLacheur 9:00 June 2, 2015 Office Hour Dan Ensminger 6:30 HEARING Approve Classification & Compensation Appoint Town Counsel Appointments of BCCs June 16, 2015 June 30, 2015 July 21, 2015 Office Hour 6:30 August 11, 2015 Office Hour 6:30 September 1, 2015 Office Hour 6:30 September 15, 2015 October 6, 2015 Office Hour 6:30 October 20, 2015 November 3, 2015 Office Hour 6:30 Town Meeting November 9, 2015 Monday Town Meeting November 12, 2015 Thursday Town Meeting November 16, 2015 IMonday November 17, 2015 Liquor License Renewals December 1, 2015 6:30 December 15, 2015 Approve Licenses - non - alcohol Future Agendas Joint Meeting with RMLD Commissioners Joint Meeting with School Committee Policy for Permanent Building Committee Multi Board /Committee Summit Reading 2020 Community Meeting Downtown Parking Strout Avenue Master Plan Recurring Items Close Warrants by Sep 23/Nov by Mar 3 /April Review BOS/TM Goals Mar -July -Dec Tri -ann Review Customer Service survey results Feb & Aug Semi -ann Review Regionalization efforts as needed Appointments of BCCs June Annual Approve Classification & Compensation May /June Annual Tax Classification Hearing October Annual Approve licenses December Annual Appoint Town Counsel June Annual Reports to BOS Town Accountant Report Qtrly RCTV members Report Semi -ann CAB (RMLD) member Report Semi -ann MAPC member Report Semi -ann BOS Appointed Boards, Committees & Commissions NEW Annual Reading Housing Authority Report Annual Reading Ice Arena Report Annual PROCLAMATION Public Safety Telecommunications Week Whereas: There are eleven Public Safety Dispatchers working for the Town of Reading; and Whereas: Our Public Safety Dispatchers serve the citizens of Reading with dedication, loyalty and pride; and Whereas: The citizens of Reading rely on Public Safety Dispatchers as their vital link to our police, fire and ambulance services; and Whereas: Our Public Safety Dispatchers connect our citizens to our public safety providers, who may apprehend a criminal, who may save their possessions from fire, or who may save their life or the life of a loved one; and Whereas: Each year, the second week of April is dedicated to the people who serve as public safety telecommunicators; and Whereas: In 1991, the United Stated Congress proclaimed Public Safety Telecommunications Week as a nationally - recognized week; and Whereas: The week of April 12 through April 18, 2015 has been proclaimed National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in recognition of the contributions of Public Safety Dispatchers and other telecommunicators nationwide; Now, therefore, we, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim the week of April 12 -18, 2015 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Reading, and we urge all citizens to recognize the considerable contributions of our Public Safety Dispatchers. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN PROCLAMATION ' i Whereas, In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and Whereas, This holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and Whereas, Trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and Whereas, Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and Whereas, Trees in our Town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community, and wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and Whereas, Reading has been recognized as a Tree City, U.S.A. by the National Arbor Day Foundation for over 26 years, and desires to continue its tree - planting ways. Now, therefore, we, The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim April 24, 2015 as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN Chair Vice Chair Secretary Arena West Ensminger ! Sexton Halsey Administrative Services Boards and Committees Board of Selectmen VASCI Ensminger Sexton School Committee) Arena Ensminger School Space Committee Ensminger Halsey Regional School District) Arena i Ensminger RMLD Commissioners) West RMLD CAB West Bylaw Committee _ Arena Finance Committee Arena West_ Library Building Committee Permanent Building Committees Community Groups /Communication RCN Board of Directors) Ensminger _ Cultural Council Arena Climate Advisory Arena 1 Reading Ice Arena Authority Halsey Walkable Reading - Halsey - - Celebration Committee Halsey Other Ad Hoc Firearms Safety Comm. Animal Controls Appeal Comm.; Ensminger Moderator Arena - Rules Committee Arena Board of Registrars Arena Constables Public Services Arena Community Services _ Council on Aging,, Ensminger Sexton Mystic Valley Elder Services Ensminger Sexton Board of Health': Halsey Recreation Committee' Fall Street Faired Halsey Halsey Cust. of Sold iers &Sailors Graves) Sexton Chair Vice Chair Secretary Arena West Ensminger -�- Sexton Halsey Public Services (continued) Community Development CPDC Arena Sexton North Suburban Planning Council{I Metro Area Planning Council' Arena Arena Sexton Sexton Economic Development Committee) Arena Sexton Zoning Board of Appeals Arena Sexton Historical Commission Ensminger Historical District Commission Ensminger Conservation Commission I Area Reading Housing Authority; Ensminger Sexton Finance Audit Committee West Retirement Board West Commissioners of Trust Funds West Veterans Memorial Trust Fund Comm. West Public Safety � Fire department - - - Ensmin er g Police department -- Ensminger Human Relations Advisory Committee L Ensminger RCASA —�- Halsey Public Works Board of Cemete ry Trustees Sexton MWRA Advisory Board _ - Halse y Trails Committee _ Halsey Town Forest Committee Halsey Library Trustees West Schena, Paula From: Alex Trentini <atrentini @scrivanos.com> Sent: Friday, February 20, 2015 3:08 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: Hours of Operations- Dunkin Donuts Dear Paula Schena My name is Alex Trentini I'm the district mgr. for Dunkin Donuts in the Reading area, on of my stores is 24 hours wich is located at 87 Walkers Brook drive, we want to change the hours of operations and no longer be 24 hours, we are looking to open from 4 am to 10 pm daily. What is the process we need to follow to get this done as quick as possible? Thank you so much. Have a great weekend. Regards, Alex Trentini District Mgr. NGP Management 3 Pluff Ave N. Reading MA 01864 (978) 404 -6905 atrentiniascrivanos.com Any information contained in or attached to this message is intended solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient of this transmittal, you are hereby notified that you received this transmittal in error, and we request that you please delete and destroy all copies and attachments in your possession, notify the sender that you have received this communication in error, and note that any review or dissemination of, or the taking of any action in reliance on, this communication is expressly prohibited. Regular internet e-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error -free. Therefore, we do not represent that this information is complete or accurate, and it should not be relied upon as such. Please note that NGP /Scrivanos Group reserves the right to intercept, monitor, and retain all e-mail messages (including secure e-mail messages) sent to or from its systems as permitted by applicable law. Sly I Board of Selectmen Minutes — July 30, 2013 — page 2 Administrative matters (* indicates additional material in tonic's packet ♦ Sally Hoyt sent a very nice Thank You note to the Board for her recent honor of having the Great Room of the Pleasant Street Center named after her. The honor is well - deserved for all the work on behalf of the seniors she has done over many years of public service. ♦ School Committee vacancy — Rob Spadafora has resigned because he will be relocating. A joint meeting of the Selectmen and the School Committee will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26 at the Superintendent's Conference room at Reading Memorial High School to select a replacement. We are accepting applications for the position — please check the Town's website in the lower right - hand side "Volunteer Opportunities: Boards & Commissions" for further details. The appointment will fill out Mr. Spadafora's tern until the next local election, scheduled for April 2014. ♦ *The West Street Historic District is looking for volunteers to fill one full membership on the Commission. ♦ Medford's Substance Abuse Prevention Team is designing a diversion program and has sent Reading their thanks for RCASA's inspiration and help. They are using the Reading model in their school system. ♦ RCASA will be working on a opioid grant collaboration with Stoneham, Melrose, Wakefield, and Medford. ♦ *Finance — we added extra mailings in January 2009 after Town Meeting voted to increase the demand fee from $5 to $25 to remind our customers that were not making timely tax bill payments. Since that time, a combination of postage costs and lost demand fees is estimated at about $250,000 for the general fund. A couple of years ago we began to offer residents the opportunity to be reminded of bill payments electronically — the difference being that if you sign up you are reminded this way, even if you have already paid. During difficult economic times this was the right thing to do for our residents. I recommend that we stop mailing out reminders to residents as of January 1, 2014 — and we advertise that fact in upcoming mailings of water /sewer /storm water bills (tax bills are often escrowed and the billings ignored). ♦ *Finance — the House & Senate overrode the Governor's local aid veto. Reading's state aid for FY 14 will be a bit higher than we estimated. ♦ Finance — former Town Accountant Gail LaPointe has agreed to cover for the current Town Accountant when she goes on medical leave. Last week FINCOM transferred the funding necessary for this. Community Services ♦ *The Reading Shell Station on Walker's Brook Drive has had permission to be open 24 hours since 2007. The owner has recently been permitted to incorporate a Dunkin Donuts. Selectmen's Policy Section 3.9 suggests that this request should be granted. Since the Selectmen's Policy indicates that 24 hour approval is for the entire site, the Board agreed that it be granted. ♦ George Danis of 128 Marketplace off Walker's Brook Drive will make•a brief presentation tonight concerning an investment he is making in his property. He will k ask the Board to consider changes to conditions on a liquor license. If the Board is �bZ Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 17. 2013 — RW 7 James Bonazoli asked if the dumpster issues related to JK's Market have been resolved and the Town Manager indicated they have. A motion by Tafova seconded by Arena to approve the application by: ♦ JK's Market. 212 Main Street to open at 5:45 a.m.. Monday through Friday, effective January 1. 2014, and ezclading State desinated holidays. This approval will Mire December 31. 2014. The Board of Selectmen fords that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the - public health, safety and welfare or that public necessity or convenience will be served by permitting in operation: and • All conditions of Site Plan approval. aU other bylaws. licenses and requirements of Town agencies and the Mgairements of Section 3.9 of the Board of Selectmen PoUcies shaU be met. Where there is a conflict among these bylaw& permits. approvals and licenses, the most restrictive shall be m • and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. The motion was approved by a vote of 5- ". A motion by Tafoya seconded by E Wnger to approve the application for 24 hour sales by 87 Walkers Brook Drive. LLC and Leigh Enterprises. Ltd. dM Reading Shell Station and Dunkin Donets at 87 Walkers Brook Drive. The Board finds that in accordance with Section 5.10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, sa %tv and welfare, or that nabUc n a tv or convenience will be served by permitting such operation: and • There is no detrimental effect of such o flop on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. • The Board determined that in accordance with Section 5.10.5 that no publi c hearing wiU be required for this application, The approval of this application is subeect to the foUowim conditions: 1. This approval expires at midnight. December 31.2014: 2. All signs shall conform to the Zoning By -Laws of the Town of Reading: 3. The gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days weeW 4. The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all boars that the station is open: 5. The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who ran out of gasoline on the road: ( 6. The operator will prepare and post a list of local towing and repair shops that are open 24 hours a day for those who need it: 7. Restroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The motion was approved by a vote of 540-0. Town Manager Performance Evaluation — James Bonazoli noted that the Town Manager has stuck to his 100 day plan and is doing a good job. The Town Manager noted things are doing well and credited the employees. � � 3 Pape 17 LeLacheur, Bob From: Wilson, Jessie Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2015 3:46 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob Cc: Delios, Jea Subject: D in Donuts - Walkers Brook Drive Bob, I was going through my notes on this and wanted to add that e CPDC w nted to ensure that any signage for the Dunkin Donuts should be turned off at the close of Business and not to be left ning. They have a sign on the pylon sign, a wall sign and menu board sign. All associated illumination with these signs should be turned off once closed for the evening. Other than that, they had no concerns with reducing the hours. Jessie Jessie Wilson Community Development Administrator Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 p: 781.942.6648 f: 781.942.9071 iwilson @ci.readin_g.ma.us Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 7:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 7:30am - 7:OOpm & CLOSED on Fridays SO Legal Notice o\a OFRoi "r • '639' /NCORYO4F� ... �. Town of Reading To the inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the' Board of Selectmen of the Town. of Reading will hold a public: hearing on April 14, 2015 at 7.30: p.m. In the Selectmen's Meeting; Room, 16 Lowell Street,: Reading, Massachusetts gn a. driveway variance a!, .74; Edgemont Avenue: A copy of the proposed docu -� ment regarding this topic is: available in the Town Managerts: office, 16 ' Lowell Street,: Reading, MA, M- W -Thurs from: 7:30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m., 7ues from: 7:30 a.m." - 7:00 p.m. and- is: attached to the hearing notice: on the websiie at www.readina`: m&gov. All-interested parties are (nvWed: to attend the hearing, or,may: submit their comments in wtiting• or by email prior to 6.00 p.m. -on April 14, 2015.to townmanagerj2 readind malls s + v By order of Robert W LeUrbadur Town Manager 4.7.15 -�G UNV80102 DAVID JEANNETTE ETAL (L.E.) 39 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 HART BRIAN J HART JESSICA M 75 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 TOWN OF READING BARROWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 16 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 EMMONS ROBERT ELLEN EMMONS 19 STEWART RD READING, MA 01867 LYONS KENNETH J 69 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 JOHANSSON KRISTEN M ERIK K HAGSTROM 53 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 JOOS ANDREW D SUZANNE M JOOS 11 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 LAUTZENHEISER ROBERT E DOROTHY M LAUTZENHEISER 35 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 FREEMAN DAVID 56 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 TEAGUE PAUL D JEANNE M TEAGUE 25 STEWART RD READING, MA 01867 Cemnarable to AverO 5160 LEWIS ROGER S MICHELLE K LEWIS 26 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 NUNZIATO LOUIS J NORMA NUNZIATO 45 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 NELSON ROBERTA MARGARET M NELSON 63 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 LENIHAN JENNIFER A 57 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 SELFRIDGE JEANNE M PAUL GUAZZALOCA, ETAL 61 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 DRISCOLL KEITH 1 JENNIFER C DRISCOLL 68 ARCADIA AVENUE READING, MA 01867 LAFFERTY KENNETH M TRACEYLAFFERTY 35 STEWART RD READING, MA 01867 WELS NORBERT A (LE) WALSH NANCY A ETAL TRUSTEES 11 STEWART RD READING, MA 01867 COHEN RICHARD B VIRGINIA A COHEN 48 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 HAROUTUNIAN STEVEN A JULIE HAROUTUNIAN 19 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 Laser printer labels DORSI PETER C DORSI LINDA S 16 ARCADIA AVENUE READING, MA 01867 HARLAN GEORGE,S CHARLOTTE P HARLAN 69 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 DOUGLAS KEVIN JOANNE M DOUGLAS 58 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 ZERFAS STEPHEN G JULIE R ZERFAS 3 STEWART RD READING, MA 01867 EIRO - BARTEVYAN MARY TRUSTEE EIRO FAMILY IRREVOCABLE TRUST 5 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 REGAN JAMES J LEE A REGAN 43 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 -2203 MCKEARNEY JOHN F III (LE) PATRICIA ANNE MCKEARNEY 62 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 CASHINS MICHAEL LISA CASHINS 66 EDGEMONT AVE READING, MA 01867 FAHEY MICHAEL P JENNIFER L FAHEY 27 ARCADIA AVE READING, MA 01867 RANERE RONALD M RANERE CAROLYN M 74 EDGEMONT AVENUE J C 7i READING, MA 01867 universal. LeLacheur, Bob From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: :.Y We have reviewed the request Mark Sent from my iPhone Segalla, Mark Tuesday, March 17, 2015 9:50 AM LeLacheur, Bob Cormier, James; Zager, J Savio, David Re: Driveway Varia for 74 Edgemont Ave There ar o concerns from the Police standp int. > On Mar 16, 2015, at 2:52 PM, LeLacheur, Bob <blelacheur @ci.reading.ma.us> wrote: > Would you kindly look this over and let me know if your department has any concerns? > The request is going to the Selectmen in mid - April, so I'd like feedback from you in ten days, in case something minor can be modified. • Thanks, • Bob > Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA > Town Manager, Town of Reading > 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 • townmanager@ ci. reading. ma. us< mailto :townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us> • (P) 781 - 942 -9043; (F) 781 - 942 -9037 • www. readingma. gov<http: / /www.readingma.gov / >; Please fill out our brief customer service survey at: • http:// readingma- survey.virtualtownhall. net /survey /sid /ff5d3a5f03e8eb60/ • Town Hall Hours: • Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m.;Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Friday: CLOSED W LeLacheur, Bob From: Zager, Jeff Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 10:04 AM To: LeLacheur, Bob; Cormier, James;- k; Huggins, Joe Subject: RE: Driveway Varianc r 4 Edgemont ve Bob; Reviewed at my w �DPW ff meeting this morning. There are concerne variance as requeste d. Thanks, Jeff Jeffrey T. lager 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Tel: 781 -942 -9077 Fax: 781-942-9081 Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http: / /readin ma- survey.virtualtownhall, net /survey /sid /19ab55aedO8fbc96/ web: www.readingma.gov jza er c ,ci.readinm.ma.us From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 2:52 PM To: Cormier, James; Segalla, Mark; Zager, Jeff; Huggins, Joe Subject: FW: Driveway Variance for 74 Edgemont Ave Would you kindly look this over and let me know if your department has any concerns? � 1 LeLacheur, Bob From: Segalla, Mark Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 8:23 AM To: LeLacheur, Bob; Cormier, James Cc: Zambouras, George Subject: RE: Driveway Va nce for 74 Edgemont Ave L:. 1,, \1(e have no issues with the additional driveway. ) MARK Deput D. galla Rea ing Police De ent 15 Union eet Reading, MA 01867 MSeealla@ci.readinR.ma.us 781 - 942 -6774 When writing or responding, please remember that the secretary of State's Office has determined that email is a public record. This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and delete the copy you received. From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 5:06 PM To: Cormier, James; Segalla, Mark Subject: FW: Driveway Variance for 74 Edgemont Ave Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager, Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 townmonaaer(@ci.readinc7.ma.us P) 781 -942 -9043, (F) 781- 942 -9037 www.reardin ma.gov; Please fill out our brief customer service survey at. httP:// readingma- survey.virtuaItownhaI1. net /survey /sid /ff5d3a5fO3e8eb60/ Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m.;Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Friday: CLOSED From: Zambouras, George Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2015 5:05 PM To: Zager, Jeff; LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: Driveway Variance for 74 Edgemont Ave SGf Ron Ranere 74 Edgemont Ave Reading MA 617- 542 -2111 ron @rai- architects.com 3.11.15 Reading Selectmen c/o Robert LeLacheur, Jr Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell ST Reading MA 01867 Re: Driveway Variance from board of Selectmen Policy Dear Selectmen: I have lived at 74 Edgemont ave for 29 years and plan to stay here and age in place. My wife and I decided to add a garage to our house to make life easier as we get older. Our house is on the corner of Edgemont and Arcadia Ave (see plan attached). Since we have lived here we have had a driveway entrance from each street. With the addition of our garage onto the Arcadia ave side of the house we need a new driveway to enter the garage. We do not plan to leave the cars in this driveway, just use it as an entrance to the garage and still keep our cars in the existing driveway during good weather. I have had our plans approved by the building department, fire department and engineering. While at engineering they explained to me the policy of not having 2 driveways less than 125' on the same lot and advised me to seek a variance from the Selectmen to keep the existing Arcadia Ave driveway and add the new driveway to Arcadia Ave. The new driveway will be less than 125' apart from the existing driveway therefore we need relief from this policy. As you probably know, the Barrows School is on Edgemont Ave. In the morning and afternoon the corner of Edgemont and Arcadia are totally full with cars to bring the children to school (See the photos attached). If we have to remove the driveway that currently exist on Arcadia Ave to accommodate the driveway policy we will have to back onto Edgemont Ave when leaving for work. This poses a very dangerous situation since there are many children walking by my driveway and a street full with cars. As you can see from the attached photos, our lot is well landscaped and the driveways not very obvious. Please review all the attachments and I hope that you will understand the hardship removal of the Arcadia Ave driveway poses. I respectfully request that you allow us to keep the existing driveway on Arcadia after we complete the new driveway that is the entrance to the new garage on Arcadia. I would be happy to appear at a meeting to further explain the issues surrounding removal of the Arcadia ave driveway. Sincerely /� 07A�7� Ron Ranere Driveway va ri a n ce application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy 74 EdgemontAve Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 30 • MIM SA ""M am" WO to LP S M WAN ax 1 }arI �t �.o.n J .0 r.�ra � so R. �'ti r+w. s ♦rte �rlwlr�, MOMQ um Ct;LoR W1 N 41t I. �map �rtlb� i \ IM (MOM ►tt. € �r 1}d M/Yr $: 0' rte/ yr� ELK �LLK � � "` ,► 1 n _ � p Ut'>t4 P�Rrr� ± AIr MUM - �!'WT At�EN(JE "0 40% c a uar :/ , urn wmaM am R�nerr Ilsk•.:kes inc w,p„�„ o Ar.. nwr+c. Wr~nwr ► w..s+ t+ona a two a •e ro�.�.uc �, r `E Iii4LYt rill. xOr 4 a M 7f'iLM 7 tej �T� in AG CW NA Aft SIAM WOO ,� . r�•u ► awt ��iAr V�1� X ►�• mill f�f�� f rrAf �1 wrr.wrwr...wr.w �rM�Mi►M exron, r z -1 tac(r.Ir -;r o-•.•r `� S4e wiM Curb wt removed M yams", Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 Edgemont Ave S G 8 Existing EDGEMONT AVE Driveway Existing house Fj Proposed Garage — �— -� Proposed Driveway 9 O 9 �L - 74 Edgemont Ave Reading MA lilt C1 Site Diagram with addition and driveways shown Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 Edgemont Ave G61 S Aerial view with existing house and driveway shown Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 Edgemont Ave Aerial view with addition and driveways shown Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 EdgemontAve Gl/ Edgemont Ave during school day start Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 EdgemontAve -5-&1Z Edgemont Ave during school day start Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 EdgemontAve P Arcadia Ave during school day start Driveway variance application to Reading Selectmen driveway policy Ron Ranere ron @rai- architects.com 617- 542 -2111 74 Edgemont Ave � 6, ( q arc CII •r isor c m oa ac Earth Da Y Alternative Ener gv / Home & Car Saturday, April 25th 10 a. m, to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Reading Climate Advisory Committee Location: Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street, Reading Home Presenters: Solar voltaic, solar thermal, heat pumps, geothermal, combined heat and power, and biomass sources of alternative energy will be represented. Also, energy audits, RMLD rebate offers and LED bulbs display. Auto Presenters: Featuring plug -in hybrids and all electric vehicles. Cars on display may include: • s Chevrolet Volt or Spark 0 — Ford C -Max, Fusion or Focus • — Toyota Prius 0— Nissan Leaf Please join us for a day of alternative energy. • RMLD ��' !leading Municipal Light Department ~ RELIABLE POWER FOR GENERATIONS • RMLD is exploring Community Shared Solar for Reading • One large solar photovoltaic (PV) array to generate electricity • Sited on suitable Town building or parking lot c. • Ratepayers can choose to buy solar shares • Would replace "Green Choice" program with visible clean, renewable energy project in Reading • Residents who don't have suitable rooftops can invest in and benefit from solar PV • Working Group formed to develop plan • RMLD, Town Planning Division, Climate Advisory Committee • Evaluate potential municipal sites • Choose solar developer • Establish project finance, construction, and operation Reading Municipal Light Department RMLD - RP.LIARLF. PO%%'I:R FOR GLVER:\'(Il) \S For information contact: Priscilla Gottwald Community Relations Manager 781 - 942 -6419 (Phone) 781 - 942 -2409 (Fax) pp,ottwald@rmld.com (Email) www.rmld.com (Website) IAM �`► ,r rl�r RMLD Explores Community. Shared Solar Project in Reading Reading, MA, March 31, 2015 - Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is in the early stages of exploring a Community Shared Solar (CSS) project on a town -owned site in Reading. Solar electric generation (photovoltaic or PV) systems have been booming in Massachusetts in recent years. However, to date, only homeowners with optimally sited roofs and sufficient financial resources could benefit from these clean renewable energy solutions. CSS will give all RMLD ratepayers the option to participate in the solar revolution by building one large "community" solar array and selling "solar shares" to residents who would then benefit from the clean, green output from the system. Once this first site is established in Reading, it could then be used as a model for additional solar arrays in RMLD's other served towns; North Reading, Wilmington and Lynnfield. A working group comprised of RMLD staff, community planning officials and representatives from the Reading Climate Advisory Committee (RCAC) has been formed and will meet over the next few months to develop the initial plans detailing how a CSS project could work in Reading and review potential municipal sites. "We are working closely with Town of Reading officials and the RCAC to evaluate municipal sites and to establish the specifics of how the project would be financed, constructed and operated. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has established CSS guidelines which will provide a solid foundation upon which our specific program can be built." said Tom 011ila, Integrated Resource Engineer at RMLD. In 2006, RMLD created the Green Choice Program for customers who wanted to support renewable energy. In response to customer demand, RMLD has made renewable energy a strategic and integral part of its wholesale power supply portfolio. A pilot CSS project would be the next phase along this renewable energy path and will allow people who don't have rooftops suited for solar panels to invest in and reap the rewards of solar PV systems which happen to be located someplace else in their community. RMLD's Integrated Resources Department maintains the cost effective reliability and capacity of our electric system by working with our customers to: reduce peak demand, incentivize energy efficiency upgrades and coordinate onsite generation, including renewable energy sources like solar. RMLD values our close ties with our customers and we will continue to share information on current issues and trends in the utility industry. We welcome public input on the planned CSS project, so if you are interested or have questions please contact us at: energ ry mld(a,rmld.com or 781 - 942 -6426. For immediate release 3 -31 -15 SJ q Bylaw Committee Report: The Bylaw Committee recommends this Article by a vote of 4 -0 -0 at their meeting on March 24, 2015. *Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen at their meeting on March 24, 2015 voted 5 -0 -0 to support this Article. ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw by inserting a new Section 3.3.1.6 as follows: 3.3.1.6 Appointment of Associate Members All appointed boards or committees authorized by Article 4 of the Charter may have Associate Members. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all Associate Members of such bodies except to the extent S another section defining the conduct of such board or committee provides otherwise. The number of Associate Members on a board or committee shall not Pa exceed two- thirds (213) of the number of regular members on that board or A S committee. Associate Members shall serve for a one (1) year term. In the absence of a quorum of regular members, the chair of any board or committee may designate one or more Associate Members to participate and to vote on any matter before the board or committee. If more than one Associate Member is available to fill a temporary vacancy, the chair shall designate the Associate Member based on the length of time Associate Members have served. The Board of Selectmen shall be authorized to appoint associate members to any board, committee or commission for which it is the appointing authority. or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Background: Special Town Meeting in January 2015 indicated a desire to defer further details about Associate Membership to a future General Bylaw discussion, and to leave the language in the Home Rule Charter broad on this topic. Without such a new General Bylaw all Associate memberships will expire on June 30, 2015. The proposed language above is meant to be a starting point for discussion at Annual Town Meeting. While the Moderator will rule on individual amendments that are offered on the floor, he has indicated that this beginning language should allow for a wide ranging discussion. The Board of Selectmen will discuss this issue further at their meeting on April 14, 2015, and may develop a motion for Town Meeting as a starting point in the discussions. Finance Committee Report: No report. Bylaw Committee Report: The Bylaw Committee recommends this Article by a vote of 4 -0 -0 at their meeting on March 24, 2015. SlI LeLacheur, Bob From: Jonathan E. Barnes Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 11:30 AM To: LeLacheur, Bob Subject: New Bylaws Re Associate Members on Town Boards and Commissions Hi Bob, I'm writing to follow up the January Special Town Meeting approving the revised Town Charter, and to ask about the status of an issue concerning Associate Members on Town Boards /Commissions that arose from that Town Meeting. I am a Town Meeting Member and I'm a current Associate Member on the Reading Historical Commission (RHC). At our Historical Commission meeting last night, I was asked by the Chair to follow up with Town officials about the status of any effort to draft the new bylaws that are now required as a result of the new Charter provision (Article 4.15 Associate Membership) regarding Asociate membership on Boards /Commissions and voting rights for such Associate Members. Article 4.15 established that all appointed boards /commisions may have associate members if specified in the Charter, Town Bylaw or Mass. General Laws. That Article also provided that Associate Members may vote if allowed by the Charter, Town Bylaw or Mass. General Laws. The RHC is authorized by Mass. General Laws both, to have Associate Members and to have voting rights for Associate Members as outlined in the statute. However, as was discussed at length at the Special Town Meeting, Charter Article 4.15 also now requires that all rules and regulations relating to associate membership on boards /commissions shall be set forth in the Bylaw or Charter provision defining the conduct of such bodies. For the RHC and most other boards /commissions with Associate Members, there currently is no bylaw or requisite language in the Charter. It's my understanding that Town Counsel confirmed at the Special Town Meeting that unless such bylaws are crafted and established by July 1, 2015 to address this situation, Town boards /commissions can no longer have associate members nor, obviously, may associate members vote. Is any effort underway within the Town administration and /or in Town Counsel's office to draft these required bylaws? I understood from that Town Meeting that the intention was to have such bylaw language drafted and ready for consideration at the upcoming Spring Town Meeting. I appreciate any information you can provide on this. If we on the RHC can or should be doing anything to resolve, address or assist this issue, I'd appreciate your letting me know as soon as possible. Thanks very much for any information or direction you can provide. I would certainly be happy to talk directly, by phone or in person, if you prefer. My telephone number is 781/944 -7463. Best, Jonathan Barnes �J � Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2015 -03 -24 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: fa'T-3iA9I11119ul Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Chairman John Arena, Vice Chairman Marsie West, Secretary Daniel Ensminger, John Halsey and Kevin Sexton Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Community Services Director John Feudo, Executive Assistant Paula Schena, Bill Brown, Nancy Docktor, Carl McFadden, Tom Wise, Joe Dalessio, Karen Herrick, David Traniello, Walter and Dorothy Marshall, Stephen Crook, Jonathan Barnes, Tony Torra, Bryn Burkhart Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Daniel Ensminger Topics of Discussion: Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - John Arena noted he was sorry to hear of the passing of Brendon Hoyt. He noted that he attended the Historic District Commission meeting regarding 186 Summer Avenue being in line with the Historic district. It was a constructive meeting. Since this was Marsie West's last meeting, Mr. Arena thanked Ms. West for her years of service. He thoroughly enjoyed her fun way and she will be missed. Daniel Ensminger thanked Marsie West for her years of service and especially all of the work on the Zoning Advisory Committee. He then noted: • The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee met on Tuesday, March 3 to recommend candidates for appointment at tonight's meeting. • He attended the Human Relations Advisory Committee on Thursday, March 5 and the topics discussed included distribution of the Rob Surette paintings that were unveiled on Martin Luther King Day. Two of the paintings will be reproduced in a smaller size so they can be hung in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. The paintings are of Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Lenny Zakam, Harvey Milk, Einstein and several other humanitarian honorees. The group also discussed plans for the Stand Against Racism with METCO Director Jason Cross. • He attended the Early Childhood Space Study Committee meeting on March 12. The Committee's work will be suspended until fall 2015 to allow the School Committee to focus on issues surrounding the deployment of the portable classrooms. • He attended the Council on Aging meeting of March 10. The Trust Fund Commissioners reviewed the status of all the trust funds that help fund council initiatives. The Council will be sending the Selectmen a request for clarification on which Board or Commission bears liability for the proper expenditures of these trust Page 1 1 66,( Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24, 2015 - page 2 funds. The Council also had a question about the status of associate membership which he explained. Last evening, March 23, Chairman Arena said he attended the Historic District Commission hearing on 186 Summer Avenue which was continued to April 2. The Commission grants a certificate of appropriateness to the applicant. John Halsey thanked Marsie for her years of services and noted that he found it very inspirational that she ran for Selectman. He noted that she was always watching out for the residents. Kevin Sexton echoed the other comments regarding Marsie West and noted that she brought everything down to detail level. Her work on the Zoning Bylaw Committee was amazing. He visited the cemetery building and he could see where they are bulging but the building is not that bad, just the set -up is bad. Public Comment - Nancy Docktor thanked Marsie West for all of her hard work. Town Manager's Report - The Town Manager noted that the candidates for the Administrative Services Director were impressed that a Selectman participated in the interviews. We had a high caliber of applicants who all had different skills and interest. He attended a legislative breakfast and the state thinks they have a revenue problem. There will be layoffs at the state level. In addition, the Town Manager noted that Marsie West also served on the Finance Committee. He feels her time and effort was under appreciated and he thanks Marsie for all of her hard work. Personnel and Appointments Mystic Valley Elder Services Board of Directors, Council on Aging, Economic Development Committee, Community Planning and Development Commission and the Town Forest Committee - The Town Manager noted that the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee held off on appointing any associates until after Town Meeting. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West that the Board of Selectmen confirm the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee's recommendation to appoint the following: • Brian Snell to the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2016; • Karen Goncalves -Dolan to the Community Planning and Development Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2017; • Sandra Popalla to the Economic Development Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2017; • Kurt Habel to the Town Forest Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2015; • Brian Snell to the Mystic Valley Elder Services Board of Directors with a term expiring September 30, 2015; the motion was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Discussion /Action Items Appoint Town Accountant - The Town Manager noted that the term is 15 months because we have changed to a fiscal year. The Selectmen had high praise for Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to appoint Sharon Angstrom as Town Accountant for a term April 1, 2015 through June 30. 2016 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Reading Ice Arena Report - Carl McFadden noted that the Ice Arena Authority returned $160,000 to the Town this year. That is the most it has ever returned. They have a reserve fund of $200,000. The purchased an electric Zamboni which improves the air quality and is quieter. They are trying to address North Reading's need for ice time. When Page 1 2 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24, 2015 - page 3 Reading Youth Hockey is not using the ice then they are allowing North Reading to use it. Mr. McFadden noted that the ice arena is very well run. The Town Manager noted that Wilmington reached out to us for suggestions. The Town Manager noted that not every town takes care of their facilities like we do. Carl McFadden noted that Nelson Burbank inspects the rink every week. John Arena asked if there was a reason why the Town received additional funding from the Ice Arena this year and Mr. McFadden noted that they were able to give additional money because they paid off capital and everyone wants to use our rink which generates income. The Board thanked Mr. McFadden for this report. Permission for Early /Increased Field Hours - John Feudo and Vice Chairman of the Recreation Committee Richard Hand were present. John Feudo noted that it will be three weeks He noted that the before noon policy was residential neighborhoods. He is requesting Middle School, Birch Meadow, and Symonds extra games in. This will be for games and amplified sound will be allowed. before the fields are ready due to the snow. put in place because most fields are in a 9:00 a.m. start time on Sundays for Parker Way Fields. This will allow them to get two practices and he can put a condition that no John Arena asked how long the 9:00 a.m. start will be needed and John Feudo indicated until the end of June. The Town Manager noted that this request has been made to prior Selectmen due to rain. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve increased field hours for the Birch Meadow complex, the Symonds Way field and the Parker Middle School field for a 9:00 a.m. start on Sunday mornings through the 2015 spring sports season was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Birch Meadow Update - John Feudo noted that he has an answer to add much needed recreation space without building a new field. Activities are growing 10% each year. The Master Plan is being reviewed but is not finalized. They will not shift fields because it is too expensive. Adding lighting to the fields will add four to five extra hours in the fall and an additional two to three hours in the spring and summer. It is cheaper to purchase more than one combo rather than piecemeal. Increased sales will increase the revenues and all surplus goes back to the general fund. All lights will be focused on the fields - the lighted field, softball field, Morton field, turf 2 and the little league field. They had to rent lights last year for the flag football. John Arena asked if all the fields will be connected and John Feudo indicated they will be all on one website. He noted that the current capital plan has $23 million for recreation. He proposes lighting everything now for $1 million and then start the other items with the remaining $1.3 million. The quote from the vendor shows a significant savings if purchased now and it includes a 25 year maintenance plan. Daniel Ensminger asked what type of lights will be used and John Feudo noted metal halide. There will be 26 fixtures with a $500,000 savings and 40% reduction in cot emissions. John Feudo noted that the estimated field revenues are $55,000 for 2015 and they can rely on a 105 growth. John Halsey noted that there would be additional revenue if there are additional hours. The Town Manager noted that he recommends not intending to create a profit, just provide a service. Page 1 3 (� 3 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24, 2015 - page 4 John Feudo noted that athletics and youth activities were high priorities at the Financial Forum brainstorming session. The organizations who use the lights will pay for the use. The Town Manager noted that removing the telephone poles from the middle of the fields is a safety factor and saving $20,000 /year on operating costs is great. He feels it would be terrific to reach out to the community to see what they want. If we end up turning back $100,000 then it should be used to pay off debt service. He suggests that the Selectmen hold neighborhood meetings. John Feudo noted that the goal is to get the kids off the Ipads and Xboxes. John Arena noted this pays huge dividends and he is strongly in favor of this. John Arena asked if the conditions of the fields will be an issue and John Feudo noted that they will do test borings first. John Halsey noted that what was just presented is the subject matter of an Article on the Special Town Meeting and he will recuse himself due to his involvement with the sports organizations and leave the room while it is being discussed and voted on. Close the Warrant for the April 27 2015 Special Town Meeting - John Halsey left the room. John Arena noted Article 4 is to fund the lights; Article 5 is to fund the modular classrooms; Article 6 funds the High School retaining wall and Article 7 is to settle potential litigation. The Town Manager noted that John Feudo gave the presentation on Article 4. He recommends going for all the money and do it all at once. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to recommend the subilect matter of Article 4 of the April 27, 2015 Special Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 4- 0-0. John Halsey returned to the meeting. The Town Manager noted that Article 5 might be tabled at Town Meeting. Superintendent of Schools John Doherty noted that the bids for the modular classrooms came in slightly higher than anticipated so we will go back out to bid and make changes to maximize the number of bids. The bids will be due on April 15, 2015 and the School Committee will vote on April 17th so they will definitely know by Town Meeting. He noted that the School Committee does not want to ask for more than $1.2 million. Daniel Ensminger asked if they proceed if there is a mechanism for rescinding the use of free cash. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel will put wording in the motion along with the dollar amount. The Town Manager noted that for Article 6, Town Meeting approved the money to do the repairs to the retaining wall. This is a place holder. John Doherty noted that the cost will be determined by how much needs to be replaced and we won't know that until the snow melts. The Town Manager noted that Article7 is a place holder for settlement of litigation. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to close the Warrant consisting of seven Articles for the April 27, 2015 Special Town meeting to take place at 8:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. The Board did not vote on the remaining articles because they are just place holders. bee y Page 14 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24. 2015 - naae 5 Revisit Driveway Permit - 181 South Street - John Arena noted that the Board approved the second driveway in March 2014. Tom Wise, owner of 181 South Street, noted that due to the recent change in the Bylaw he has to go back for approval. There are minor site changes. The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen does not need to re- approve. The applicant needs to go before the ZBA and they will determine the use of the driveway. There is no change to the driveway access and there is no change to the footprint. Mr. Wise noted that was correct, the only change is the door is facing a different way. Daniel Ensminger noted that there is a letter from Michael and Lee Anne Webb who are opposed to this. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen can determine if they need to re- approve and if so then notify abutters. The driveway opening has not changed. If the ZBA changes the driveway then he would come back to the Board of Selectmen. John Halsey noted this is a non -event at this time. The consensus of the Board was that the curb cut has not been moved so the Selectmen do not need to take any action. Draft ad hoc Committee on Firearms Safety - The Town Manager noted that the term will expire next December but could be extended. The membership consists of two Selectmen, the Police Chief or designee, one Town Meeting member, and three residents at large including a resident from the Timberneck Swamp neighborhood. Duties include suggesting strategies to improve safety; investigate the history of Timberneck Swamp and how it was designated conservation land; review the General Bylaw; and report to the Board of Selectmen by August 2015. Marsie West requested to change the wording "do not fulfill" to "may not fulfill ". The Town Manager noted that the Board will need to determine if the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee or the Board of Selectmen will interview the applicants. Bryn Burkhart, 161 Belmont Street, indicated she is interested in participating. Daniel Ensminger asked if the Police Chief will be a voting member and the Town Manager indicated yes due to the subject matter. Daniel Ensminger requested adding to the policy wording that "this committee is expected to meet twice a month." John Arena noted that the committee is obligated to have a report in August but not obligated to be done by August. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to adopt the policy establishing the ad hoc Committee on Firearms Safety using the test as amended was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Hearing - Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rates for FY16 - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the local costs are fully within our control. The FY16 costs are low because the Capital Improvement Program has not been approved by Town Meeting yet. The MWRA charges are not under local control but we can use reserves to smooth MWRA costs. Other factors are new users and conservation hurts the rates. John Arena noted that if we use less water, the rates increase. Page 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24. 2015 - Daae 6 The Town Manager noted that there is no true savings for the 10% discount for early payment because we have to add 10% to the fee to account for it. If the discount is eliminated then everyone saves. We would then add a late fee which will be lower than 10 %. John Halsey noted that the discount brings more money into the system. The Town Manager noted it builds up the reserves and we have a lot of reserves. The discount creates a mad rush on deadline day and creates bad feelings. It is not the best use of employees' time. John Arena asked how much the late fee will be and the Town Manager noted 14% and Town Meeting can set an additional fee. The Town Manager noted that water and sewer have approximately $1 million in reserves. We will use $150K of water reserves, but will not use the sewer reserves. The rates for FY16 with the discount for will be +2.4% increase in water; +1.4% increase for sewer for a combined total of 1.9 %. If everyone gets the discount, then the rates for FY16 will be at -7.5% for water; -8.5% for sewer for a combined total of -8 %. John Halsey asked if the 8% reduction will impact the reserves and the Town Manager noted that it will affect the regeneration of reserves - future reserves will stop flowing. The Town Manager noted that our rates are 10% higher than everyone else's. If we discontinue the discount, we will be the same as everyone else. John Arena noted that if we switch to everyone gets the discount then the reserves won't get recharged and there will be less capacity to smooth out rates. He noted our reserves are an insurance policy. Daniel Ensminger noted he is in favor of eliminating the discount. John Halsey suggested instead of saving 8% to make that 7% to help maintain the reserves because the MWRA's ability to borrow will be impacted in the coming years. The Town Manager noted that adding 9 cents and 7 cents will accomplish that. The Town Manager noted that there are two large river projects and the Selectmen will need to discuss if we want to do a study. Federal regulations are stricter than suggested and if we want to do both projects, the rates will increase $100 per family. Bill Brown indicated the Board should be careful about increasing the storm water management fees because it benefits the community so it is a tax not a fee. Paul Sylvester, Precinct 3, 421 Summer Avenue, indicated the better approach is the carrot (keep the discount) not the stick. He noted that we need to encourage folks to pay on time. He asks to stay the same. The Town Manager noted that with everyone gets the discount, the Storm Water Management fees decreases 10% but he recommends keeping it at $40 instead of dropping to $36 only because that is what it has always been. The Town Manager noted that setting rates with the discount for everyone for water will be $8.83 per 100 cubic feet and a minimum quarterly bill of $17.66. For sewer it would be $9.76 per 100 cubic feet and a minimum quarterly bill of $19.52. A motion by Ensminger seconded by Halsey to close the hearing on setting the FY16 water, sewer and storm water rates was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. & 6" � Page 1 6 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24, 2015 - page 7 A motion by Ensminaer seconded by West to set the FY2016 water rate at $8.83 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum auarterly bill of $17.66 effective with the December, 2015 billing was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by West to set the FY2016 sewer rate at $9.76 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum auarterly bill of $19.52 effective with the December, 2015 billina was approved by vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by West to set the Storm Water Rate at $40 per unit (3210 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the December, 2015 billing was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Vote and Sign Order Taking and Plan for Bus Shelter Easement at 25 Walkers Brook Drive - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that this is the last step before adding the bus shelter. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by West to close hearing was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Ensminaer seconded by West to approve the Order of Taking and Plan for the Bus Shelter easement at 25 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Vote Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles - The Town Manager reviewed the budget changes as follows: • Disability - When a Fire Fighter is out on disability, the department pays the wages plus the overtime to cover the position. He recommends moving the cost of the retiring Fire Fighters to Human Resources and this would only be for the ones that we know to be retiring. • There is a savings in health insurance; • There are a couple of small capital expenses; • Legal expenses one -time cost of $80,000; • Charter cost of $20,000 to mail; • Police software $15,000; • DPW - vacation /sick leave retirement; • Snow and Ice $900,000 over budget; • Rubbish and street lights savings this year; • Library strategic plan; • Natural gas expense $50,000; • Using $700,000 from free cash; • Using $140,000 from Inspections Revolving Fund and $600,000 from sewer The Town Manager noted that the three foot storm has been filed with FEMA. Article 12 is regarding the appointment of associate members. Marsie West asked if associates vote then what is the difference? The Town Manager noted it depends on how the voting rights are set up. Bill Brown noted the he will indefinitely postpone Article 13. Article 17 - Bill Brown noted the Cemetery Board is suggesting that the Cemetery building project be funded and move to the Building Committee. The Town Manager noted that he agrees with what Bill says but the same problem exists at the DPW garage. Bill Brown noted that if the Building Committee looks at it they don't have to spend the money. The Town Manager noted that the budget is being voted on by the Finance Committee tomorrow night. L 6- __� Page 1 7 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24, 2015 - page 8 A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to recommend the subiect matter of Articles 4 through 12 of the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to recommend the subject matter of Articles 14 through 16 of the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to recommend the subiect matter of Articles 18 19 and 21 of the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting Warrant was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. AQ12rove Charter Changes Made by the MA Senate - The Town Manager noted that the Senate has approved the Charter changes with a couple of recommendations. They recommend in Section 1 to change January 1 to January 5 and in Section 8.11.3 they recommend changing the numbers to line up with State law. If the Board of Selectmen approves these changes then the House will approve this week. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve the changes to the Home Rule Charter as presented made during the legislative process and prior to its final passage was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. John Arena noted that there have been emails and letters to the Editor regarding the naming of a field and he wanted to get the sense of the Board. John Halsey indicated he feels honoring Peter Moscariello is appropriate. He feels that naming facilities needs to be relevant. Marsie West recommended creating a minimum standard for the naming of facilities. Kevin Sexton recommended doing a very good background check first. John Arena noted that they need to know who and why. He recommends the Selectmen draft a standard. He and John Halsey will collaborate on that. John Arena noted he would like to get the Reading 2020 group together again. The Town Manager suggested waiting until MAPC comes in and he recommends six of the group not all the Department Heads. The Town Manager asked when the Board wants to have the associate member discussion and Marsie West recommended some time before Town Meeting. Approval of Minutes A motion by Ensminger seconded by Sexton to approve the minutes of January 21, 2015 was approved by a vote of 3 -0 -2 with Ensminger and West abstaining. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve the minutes of February 3, 2015 as amended was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Ensminger seconded by West to approve the minutes of February 10, 2015 was approved A motion by by a vote of 4 -0 -1 with Halsey abstaining. Ensminger seconded by West to approve the minutes of February 24, 2015 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Page 1 8 Board of Selectmen Minutes - March 24, 2015 - page 9 A motion by Ensminger seconded by Sexton to adiourn the meeting at 10.20 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Page 1 9 Z-4 'f t4-),)s Schena, Paula From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: For BOS packet 4/14 LeLacheur, Bob Thursday, April 02, 2015 7:33 AM Schena, Paula FW: FiOS TV Notice Customer Notice - SNN.pdf Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager, Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 townmana4er @ci. reading. ma. us (P) 781 - 942 -9043, (F) 781 - 942 -9037 www.readingma.gov, Please fill out our brief customer service survey at. http:// readingma- survey.virtualtownhall .net /survev /sid /ff5d3a5fO3e8eb60/ Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m.;Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Friday: CLOSED From: Reddish, Jill M [ma ilto :i ill. m -reddish @verizon.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2015 2:06 PM To: Reddish, Jill M Subject: ROS TV Notice Dear Municipal Official, This is to notify you of an upcoming change to the FiOS® TV channel lineup. On or after June 15, 2015, SNN (Suncoast News Network) located on channels 26 SD/526 HD will move to channels 9 SD /509 HD. Subscribers will be notified by bill message beginning on or around April 15, 2015. A sample customer notice is attached. Access to the FiOSO TV channel lineup is available 24/7 online at verizon.com/fiostvchannels. We realize that our customers have other alternatives for entertainment and our goal is to offer the best choice and value in the industry. Verizon appreciates the opportunity to conduct business in your community. Should you or your staff have any questions, please contact me. Sincerely, Jill Reddish FiOS TV- Sr. Staff Consultant ROS® TV Channel Change On or after June 15, 2015, SNN (Suncoast News Network) located on channels 26 SD/526 HD will move to channels 9 SD /509 HD. &ICL,' Z L-1 G 13 's Schena, Paula From: Gemme, Laura Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 10:14 AM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Resignation FYI Laura A Gemme, CMMC Town Clerk Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781 - 942 -6647 (F) 781 - 942 -9070 (E) Igemme(@ci.reading.ma.us (W) http: / /www.readinoma.ciov Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday - 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Tuesday - 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM Friday - CLOSED When writing or responding, please remember that the Secretary of State's Office has determined that email is a public record. This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and delete the copy you received. From: isw2 @comcast.net fmailtoJsw2 @comcast.netl Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 12:44 AM To: Gemme, Laura; donna@schenkelstegman.com; Anthony, Camille Subject: Resignation Laura Gemme Donna Schenkel Camille Anthony, Effective immediately I submit my resignation from the Town of Reading Cultural Council and Human Resource Advisory Council due to new residency outside the town of Reading. It has been a pleasure serving on both committees for the Town of Reading. Thank you for this great opportunity. Best regards, Jacalyn Shelton Wallace q-� O� OF FR? �c V. , a Office of the Town Manager 16 Lowell Street 6�9 INCO R9ORP Reading, MA 01867 To: Senator Jason Lewis From: Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Date: April 2, 2015 RE: FY16 Budget Items CC: Representative Bradley Jones Representative James Dwyer Board of Selectmen Dr. John Doherty, Superintendent of Schools Dear Senator Lewis, L-/ c 6 r-,s 781 - 942 -9043 townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us www.readingma.gov /town - manager In response to your request, following are important budget items that we have been unable to fund locally in FY16. I have prioritized them personally, without any formal input from public Boards or Committees: - $375,000 for an integrated Access Control /Security System for all Town and School buildings; - $275,000 to replace a 2006 second -line ambulance for our Fire department, to help provide Advanced Life Support services to a busy geographic area of the Commonwealth; - $50,000+ additional road /sidewalk repair funding, to help offset the winter's damage; - $25,000+ funding for recreation field repairs from the winter's damage; - $90,000 /year for a second School Resource Officer; - $500,000 to add a turf field for Coolidge Middle School. Dr. Doherty and I would be happy to provide further information as required — thank you for the request! e Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager Office of the Town Manager r 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 To: Boards and Committees From: Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Date: March 31, 2015 RE: FY16 Budget Message CC: Board of Selectmen Department Heads- qC 6(:) 781-942-9043 townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us www.readingma.gov/town-manager Please accept the attached information in preparation for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, and also for significant community dialogue that will ensue about the right quantity and quality of services we provide to the community. Over the past year or so I have had the opportunity to meet directly with some of you and indirectly with most of you through town staff. What I learned quickly was that first and foremost the Town government needed to look at itself and change parts of our structure in order to improve internal communication. An array of hard - working and well- intentioned part -time employees that never overlapped with each other was not a conducive framework for good communication and teamwork. The challenge of accomplishing that optimization with limited financial resources has been quite interesting, and involved many creative ideas that have been exchanged along the way, The culmination is best summed up in the Town Manager's Recommended FY16 Budget message that is being sent to Town Meeting, and is attached. Specifically there are three sections: - Overview - Staffing Look Ahead FY16 — FY18 - Unfunded Town Government Budget Requests I would ask that every Board or Committee member read through these three sections in order to understand the proverbial big picture that is the backdrop for all of us. As Town Government lays the foundation for improved internal communication, we will soon be reaching out to all of you with the same request. Attached also is an organizational summary that includes a list of our volunteer Boards and Committees. Please make sure I didn't leave anyone out — the list is impressive! I also include an org -chart for our three departments that administratively have the most responsibility with the volunteer community. Please look to see where your Board or Committee resides. One year from now it is my expectation that every single one of you will have a better understanding of what the entire organization looks like. Reading faces an increasing imbalance between resources available and services requested. Some choices made in the next year or two will have far - reaching consequences into the future of our community. I look forward to the full participation of our volunteer Boards and Committees in that upcoming dialogue, and as always am here as a resource for your questions or concerns. O/AI 2) N Town Manager's Recommended FY16 Budget The following document constitutes the Town Manager's recommended Fiscal Year 2016 Budget for the Town of Reading, beginning July 1, 2015. This Budget combines continued conservative fiscal planning caused by the constraints of Proposition 2 -1/2 with another high dose of free cash as has been typical in recent years. The strong reserves position combined with the desire to provide the community requested service levels is juxtaposed against the backdrop of what is sustainably affordable. The need to reduce service levels would seem apparent in the FYI budgets unless more sources of revenue — such as an operating override or significantly increased state aid — materialize. Following are the highlights of the FY16 Town Manager's Budget: Revenues Revenue for FY16 is forecast at $85.1 million and an additional $1.5 million in free cash used, which is a 4.5% increase in total revenue growth. This is a bit misleading because of an increase in the amount of excluded taxes expected to be levied for the Library Project. Without that, overall revenues would be up a bit below 3 %: Note that for FY16 the state aid assumption is a +2.5% increase — perhaps unlikely given the financial condition of the state, and the Governor's budget which is about $125,000 below that level. FINCQM will fill in any shortfall to that +2.5% figure with additional Free Cash usage for the next two years. It is instructive to again look back at historical sources of revenues. Below is chart showing FY03, FY04 and FYI 6 sources of revenue for comparison. These years are chosen to show the context surrounding the last operating override of Proposition 2-1/2 which occurred between the FY03 and FY04 budgets: FY16 FY15 FY14 FY13 Revenues (without Free Cash or Excluded debt) +2.9% +2.60/., +2.8% +2.8% Note that for FY16 the state aid assumption is a +2.5% increase — perhaps unlikely given the financial condition of the state, and the Governor's budget which is about $125,000 below that level. FINCQM will fill in any shortfall to that +2.5% figure with additional Free Cash usage for the next two years. It is instructive to again look back at historical sources of revenues. Below is chart showing FY03, FY04 and FYI 6 sources of revenue for comparison. These years are chosen to show the context surrounding the last operating override of Proposition 2-1/2 which occurred between the FY03 and FY04 budgets: Communities are increasingly more self - reliant on local sources of revenue. Note in the chart above the large shift away from state aid. This has been driven by state aid lagging substantially plus the effects of one operating override and two debt exclusions. State aid, forecast at $13.6 million for next year, would need to increase by about $6.5 million in order to regain FY03's share of the revenues. Local revenues include (1) motor vehicle excise taxes ($3.25 million or 3.8% of total revenues) at rates set by the state; (2) a variety of local license and permit fees for services ($2.7 million) set by the Board of Selectmen; (3) a dividend payment from the Light Department ($2.4 million) that is adjusted annually based on the Boston - Brockton- Nashua CPI; and (4) the meals tax ($0.35 million) approved by Town Meeting at rates set by the state. As the previous table shows, these local revenues have not even kept up with property tax growth, let alone fill in for any relative decline in state aid. Revenue growth looks to have settled in at or near the 3% level through FYI 8, and there are no obvious new revenue sources of any significance on the horizon. FY16 FY04 FY03 Property Taxes 72.2% 68% 62% Local Charges 7.5% 9% 9% State Aid 16.0% 19% 24% Other 4.3°10 4% 5% Communities are increasingly more self - reliant on local sources of revenue. Note in the chart above the large shift away from state aid. This has been driven by state aid lagging substantially plus the effects of one operating override and two debt exclusions. State aid, forecast at $13.6 million for next year, would need to increase by about $6.5 million in order to regain FY03's share of the revenues. Local revenues include (1) motor vehicle excise taxes ($3.25 million or 3.8% of total revenues) at rates set by the state; (2) a variety of local license and permit fees for services ($2.7 million) set by the Board of Selectmen; (3) a dividend payment from the Light Department ($2.4 million) that is adjusted annually based on the Boston - Brockton- Nashua CPI; and (4) the meals tax ($0.35 million) approved by Town Meeting at rates set by the state. As the previous table shows, these local revenues have not even kept up with property tax growth, let alone fill in for any relative decline in state aid. Revenue growth looks to have settled in at or near the 3% level through FYI 8, and there are no obvious new revenue sources of any significance on the horizon. c� Accommodated Costs While the FY16 revenue outlook is modestly better than the past three years, unfortunately after three years of nearly , fiat behavior, the accommodated costs are forecast to be up by 8.5% in FY16. Once again this figure is distorted by the increase in debt service for the Library Project, however restated at +4.4 %, this is trending high compared to recent figures as shown in the following table: The budget sections herein will describe these costs further, but the largest impact was the 8.2% increase in health insurance premiums — despite a very thorough effort by all unions and management through a competitive procurement process for services. The Finance Committee has also agreed to fund any increase in health insurance premiums above +8% in FY16 or FY17 with the use of additional Free Cash. This will not be needed in FY16, but in terms of the operating budgets, described below, this serves as a cost cap in FYI 7. The outlook for these accommodated costs because of the national uncertainty on health insurance is difficult to forecast. We have it pegged at about 5% annually through FY18, which will certainly be higher than expected revenues. Given the +2.9% available revenues and higher accommodated costs of +4.4414, there is enough funding for +2.75% town and school FY 16 operating budgets. This is the lowest increase for the operating budgets during the past four years, which averaged +3.60/4 from FY13 through FY15. The Town and School budgets, even at this lower rate of increase, are able to maintain core services, but not quite level services in the face of increasing demands. The use of several one -time sources of funding — grants on the Town side and both grants and a heavier use of offsetting revolving funds on the School side allow for the core services to be protected for one more year. However, faced with the same revenues and accommodated costs in FYI 7, surely each side will need to make reductions to these core services a year from now. Town Department Budgets The following table depicts the Town Manager's FY16 budget for Town departments, with a 2.9% overall increase from FY15. These budgets include the +2.75% operating budgets* plus all Town accommodated costs, as shown in the table below: Town Total $ud ets FY16 FY15 FY14 FY13 Accommodated Costs (without Excluded debt) i +4.4014 +0.4010 +1.5014 -2.1% The budget sections herein will describe these costs further, but the largest impact was the 8.2% increase in health insurance premiums — despite a very thorough effort by all unions and management through a competitive procurement process for services. The Finance Committee has also agreed to fund any increase in health insurance premiums above +8% in FY16 or FY17 with the use of additional Free Cash. This will not be needed in FY16, but in terms of the operating budgets, described below, this serves as a cost cap in FYI 7. The outlook for these accommodated costs because of the national uncertainty on health insurance is difficult to forecast. We have it pegged at about 5% annually through FY18, which will certainly be higher than expected revenues. Given the +2.9% available revenues and higher accommodated costs of +4.4414, there is enough funding for +2.75% town and school FY 16 operating budgets. This is the lowest increase for the operating budgets during the past four years, which averaged +3.60/4 from FY13 through FY15. The Town and School budgets, even at this lower rate of increase, are able to maintain core services, but not quite level services in the face of increasing demands. The use of several one -time sources of funding — grants on the Town side and both grants and a heavier use of offsetting revolving funds on the School side allow for the core services to be protected for one more year. However, faced with the same revenues and accommodated costs in FYI 7, surely each side will need to make reductions to these core services a year from now. Town Department Budgets The following table depicts the Town Manager's FY16 budget for Town departments, with a 2.9% overall increase from FY15. These budgets include the +2.75% operating budgets* plus all Town accommodated costs, as shown in the table below: Town Total $ud ets FY15 FY16 Chan e Admin. Services $2,355,825 $2,455,900 +4.2%, Public Services $1,489,125 $1,562,300 +4.9% Finance $719,325 $745,965 i +3.7% Police $4,501,506 $4,544,900 +1.0% Dispatch $450,610 $536,600 +19.1% , Fire & EMS $4,313,925 $4,461,025 +3.4010 � Public Works $5,574,900 $5,659,850 +1.5014 Public Library* $1,388,285 $1,431,169 +3.1410 Total ! $20,793,501 $21,397,709 ; +2.9%1 *The Finance Committee voted to add $4,709 to the Library budget for FY16 as requested by the Library Trustees in order to provide level services. This figure is above and beyond the overall + 2.75% levels for the Town and School budgets. This figure is the only difference between the Town Manager's budget and the FINCOM budget for FYI Budget sections that follow will describe each department in detail. Town Department Budget Process The Town annual budget process begins in late summer with a series of meetings with Department Heads and some staff members, in order to review the past and plan for the future. This year, the Finance Committee in early fall of 2014 asked for increased emphasis on budget requests that were not able to be funded, as well as a two -year broad budget overview. A separate section will respond to those requests in detail. Broadly, this year the Town was not able to fund almost $1 million of the budget requests, an increase from last year's nearly $700,000 shortfall. Also, the Town has developed a staffing model that covers the three years FY16 through FY18. This model respects the scarcity of financial resources but is not constrained by them — the result is a projected 17% increasing in staffing that will certainly not happen without additional revenues. FY16 Budget - Conclusions The Town and Schools have, since the passage of Proposition 2 -1/2, been required to do more with less. By reputation, Reading delivers both a high quality and volume of services given the funding that is available. We understand the daily challenge of improving, and if that was not ingrained upon the passage of Prop 2 -1 /2, it sure is now. We use an extensive planning process that looks ahead several years and we adapt to the rapidly changing present thoughtfully. The planning process combined with prudent reactions allows us to deliver good value. The Schools use Reading's low per -pupil spending as a metric to show how efficiently they use the funding available, and why they require more. Parts of this low spending are a good thing — such as the comparably low employer's share of health insurance. Yet even after adjustments, spending is still modest per pupil and certainly below what the community desires. The Town government has no analogous single spending metric. However a recent survey of the 20+ comparable communities shows that Reading spends proportionally more on Schools than on Town government. This apparent contradiction is because Reading has more school -age children than many other communities a tribute to the role of educational excellence that helps shape our town. However this leads to less spending on Town government, also at a level below what the community desires. As the population ages, this becomes more evident. Reading should be proud at how the Town and Schools work together and spend efficiently. Financial reserves continue to be at an all -time high (except for the snow!). Significant ongoing investment in infrastructure has improved the condition of buildings and equipment over the past decade, which has in turn lowered operating costs. Standard & Poor's increased our rating to AAA (higher than the - federal and state government). Employees and retirees have contributed significantly with increased out of pocket expenses in order to keep health insurance premium increases lower. Wage growth has been very modest, not keeping pace with inflation. These savings in turn led to fewer layoffs, which allowed strong service levels at a time when the community demand for services actually increased (as is typical in the municipal sector during an economic downturn). Staff responded well, and measures of customer satisfaction remain high. Last year I stated that the Town of Reading was nearing a significant decision point about the imbalance between the quality and amount of services desired versus what is sustainably affordable. As soon as we turn our attention to the FY17 budget planning process next summer, we will know that the time has arrived. additional revenues — or reduction in core services. As always, we will strive to meet the expectations of the community with whatever level of resources that are made available. We thank the voters that embraced the Library project, and promise our best effort to produce a world -class facility. On behalf of the entire Town government, thank you for the opportunity to help make the Town of Reading a very special place to work — and to live. Respectfully submitted, Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager Town Manager's Recommended FY16 Budget Staffing Look Ahead FY16 - FY18 In response for the Finance Committee's desire to look at multi- year budgets, the Town has developed a staffing model that covers the three years FY16 through FY18. This model respects the scarcity of financial resources by not seeking to add staff recklessly, yet it is also not constrained in an effort to provide level service - or better. The result is a projected 17% increase in staffing that will certainly not happen without additional revenues. Here is a summary of these projected staffing needs, by department, over this period of time: Full time equivalents FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 yr Administrative Svcs 15.4 15.4 17.5 19.0 23% Public Services 19.8 20.8 24.7 28.3 43% Finance 11.9 11.9 12.1 13.1 10% Public Safety 110.7 112.8 119.4 125.8 14% Public Works 36.7 36.7 39.4 41.5 13% Public Library* 19.0 19.0 20.5 22.0 16% fTOTAL 213.5 216.6 233.6 249.7 17% 1.4% 7.8% 6.9% * Note that a 9- month payroll audit (prior to the move to temporary quarters) cited as current staffing levels as indicated above. The Library, however, reports 22.5 FTEs to the state. Administrative Services Focus on improving technology training for the entire Town Q_ government in order to take full advantage of the technology in place. Add more hardware repair staffing to accommodate increased use of mobile technology. Add a second Human t/i Resources position to handle Benefits, as this serves the Town, Schools and Light Department - this position is a high priority. All of these changes maintain services needed for the efficient operation of the Town. Following are the detailed changes: FYI 6 reduce Operations Specialist ( -2 hrs /week); FY17 eliminate Operations Specialist (44 hrs /wk), add PT Clerk ( +19.5hrs /wk); add FT Benefits Coordinator and FT software systems /training coordinator; FY18 PT Clerk added in FY17 becomes FT, add FT Computer Technician. Public Services This department consists of Administration, Community Development and Community Services. While there is some overlap in the last two areas, in general each is distinct with quite different missions. As an overall theme, several part time positions are to be made full time as needed or merged together. Communication and coordination of all part-time staff has been very challenging. Varied staff work hours wreak havoc on the ability to schedule meetings. Full time staffing is expected to greatly improve this situation. Administration consists of the Assistant Town Manager as department head, the Office Manager, and support staff shared by the entire department. FY18 an additional FT clerk is added due to increased activity expected in Community Services area of the department. Community Development consists of Planning (Community Planning and Development Commission); Inspections (Zoning Board of Appeals); Conservation (Conservation Commission); and Historical (Historical Commission and Historic District Commission). The Community Development Director is the assistant department head for this segment of Public Services. Following are suggested changes: 0._ C- FY 16 make PT Conservation Administrator a FT position ( +11.5 hrs /wk); FY17 increase depth for backup building/electric /plumbing .Inspectors ( +7.5 hrs /wk); FY18 add FT Long Term Planner. Community Services consists of Health (Board of Health); Elder/Human Services (Council on Aging); Recreation (Recreation Committee); and Veteran's Services. The Community Services Director (formerly Recreation Director) is the assistant department head for this segment of Public Services. There are many changes suggested below, all with the themes of maintaining service levels for growing demands, improved communication (including the various volunteer boards), and integrating programs across demographics to be more inclusive: FY16 make Health Administrator a FT position ( +26 hrs /wk), reduce the PT Public Health Nurse to 16 hrs /wk ( -16 hrs /wk), make PT Veteran's Service Officer a FT position ( +18.5 hrs /wk), combine PT Nurse Advocate with a PT social worker position to become a FT Nurse Advocate ( -2.5 hrs /wk); FY17 add FT Community Services Program Coordinator, increase coverage for Health Inspectors ( +5 hrs /wk), add FT Outdoor Recreation Coordinator (now PT seasonal position), make PT Human Services Administrator a FT position ( +17.5 hrs /wk), add FT Case Worker; FY18 make PT Public Health Nurse a FT position ( +21.5 hrs /wk), make PT Pleasant Street Coordinator a FT position ( +2.5 hrs /wk), add FT Case Worker. Finance Additional clerical depth is needed as follows: FYI no changes; FY17 reclaim shared clerical hours with Administrative Services ( +9 hrs /wk); FY18 add FT Clerk. Public Safety Organizational depth is the key consideration in all three areas of this department, plus a few specialty positions in Police and Fire are shown (all positions are FT): FYI add two Dispatchers (begin in late FYI 5); FY17 add two Firefighters, add Fire Training Officer; add Dispatcher; add School Resource Officer, add Police Officer; FY18 add two Firefighters, add Fire EMS Officer, add Dispatcher, add two Police Officers. Public Works (general fund): Organizational depth is also a theme in this department: FYI no changes; FY17 add second PT coop student in Engineering, add FT Equipment Operator in Highway, add FT Laborer in Highway; FY18 add FT Laborer in Highway, add FT Laborer in Parks /Cemetery. Public Library A Library Long Range Plan will be conducted in the summer of 2015. One component of the LLRP will be to examine staffing needs for the new facility. A FT Digital Services Librarian will be one expected new position. h -�J __J Town Manager's Recommended FY16 Budget Unfunded Town Government Budget Requests In response for the Finance Committee's desire to look at items not funded in the budget, the following section will detail the $984,544 of budget requests not included in the Town Manager's FY16 budget. Note that $165,000 of this amount requested was for sidewalk repairs needed, which really should be excluded from a discussion of a true level services operating budget. Thus $819,544 of level services requests went unmet - an increase from one year ago when the funding shortfall was $684,195. Below is a table showing the funding shortfall in each year by department: The following sections will describe in greater detail what was not funded so the reader may decide for themselves about the concept of a level services budget. Administrative Services Following is a summary of the $175,850 in reductions from the requested funding: Staffm (- $114,100; 2.1 FTEs) - $58,000 do not add third Computer Technician (1.0 FTE) - $38,100 no new clerk for Town Clerk's office (1.0 FTE) - $10,000 less hours for Operations Specialist (0.1 FTE) -$ 8,000 less in department OT (mostly technology) The third computer technician would be an additional position, but not adding it in FY16 will lead to a reduction in `level services' due to the increasing volume of technology work in the entire organization. The technology situation is in contrast with an additional clerical position requested, which would improve coverage in the Town Clerk's office and assist the Registrars in their election work, but not funding the position is not seen as a reduction in service levels. Note that the other two wage changes are relatively minor. Expenses (- $61,750) - $30,000 legal budget 423,600 technology expenses -$ 8,150 other department expenses The legal budget with a new Town Counsel is difficult to forecast. In the current year there are a significant amount of one -time legal costs, such as time spent on the Charter and Zoning projects. Examining a detailed look through billing available in early February suggests a future monthly run -rate of $10,000 to $12,000 which justifies the reduction in funding. The reduction in technology expenses will mean no planned upgrade to MS Office (currently using 2010 which is not bad) or MUNIS. Pay & Classification funding Town government in Reading has a comparatively high percentage of non -union staff when compared to typical FY15 Unfunded Requests FY16 Unfunded Requests Admin. Services $126,196 $175,850 -Pay & Class funds $345,000 Public Services $87,8841 $29,500 Finance $12,902 $37,350 Police $21,430 $102,144 Dispatch $78,473 $105 Fire & EMS $176,648 $47,825 Public Works $79,495 $45,000 - Sidewalk repairs 1 $165,000 Public Library $101,167 $36,770 Total $684,195 5984,544 The following sections will describe in greater detail what was not funded so the reader may decide for themselves about the concept of a level services budget. Administrative Services Following is a summary of the $175,850 in reductions from the requested funding: Staffm (- $114,100; 2.1 FTEs) - $58,000 do not add third Computer Technician (1.0 FTE) - $38,100 no new clerk for Town Clerk's office (1.0 FTE) - $10,000 less hours for Operations Specialist (0.1 FTE) -$ 8,000 less in department OT (mostly technology) The third computer technician would be an additional position, but not adding it in FY16 will lead to a reduction in `level services' due to the increasing volume of technology work in the entire organization. The technology situation is in contrast with an additional clerical position requested, which would improve coverage in the Town Clerk's office and assist the Registrars in their election work, but not funding the position is not seen as a reduction in service levels. Note that the other two wage changes are relatively minor. Expenses (- $61,750) - $30,000 legal budget 423,600 technology expenses -$ 8,150 other department expenses The legal budget with a new Town Counsel is difficult to forecast. In the current year there are a significant amount of one -time legal costs, such as time spent on the Charter and Zoning projects. Examining a detailed look through billing available in early February suggests a future monthly run -rate of $10,000 to $12,000 which justifies the reduction in funding. The reduction in technology expenses will mean no planned upgrade to MS Office (currently using 2010 which is not bad) or MUNIS. Pay & Classification funding Town government in Reading has a comparatively high percentage of non -union staff when compared to typical I s S communities. Last year we were able to fund $75,000 and estimated that an additional $170,000 in wage increases for non- union staff would have brought them closer to the median level of pay of comparable communities. Since last year we conducted a Compensation & Classification (aka Pay & Class) Study for the non -union personnel in Reading. An independent consultant surveyed over 20 demographically and financially comparable communities and gathered a variety of data. Of note was the median pay of positions in Reading was about 5.8% below the median pay of these communities. One could assert that Reading employees are asked to perform well above median in terms of quantity and quality of services, but at the outset a reasonable goal seems to be to pay them in a similar fashion to the other communities — at the median. The next table is a summary by department of the median rates of pay of non -union personnel as compared to these 20+ comparable communities. For example, at 94.4% the median pay of the Administrative Services department is 5.6% below the median of the other communities (weighted by FTEs). *Note that these departments also contain union personnel, which are not included in these figures. The findings were quite startling. To complete the funding towards median pay would require about $400,000 — another $55,000 only is included in the FY16 budget. This highlights an issue also seen in the School department where pay increases have been cautiously managed in Reading due to the scarcity of funding. However in terms of a long -term organizational view, this is a troubling situation for a community that asks for a high volume and level of services. Increasingly younger workers are not looking towards a 40+ year career in one location, and competitive pay becomes one important factor in attracting and retaining high quality employees. Public Services When the budget process began, it appeared that between $50,000 and $75,000 would need to be reduced from the original department request for FY16. However some modest increases in other Town departments allowed for a brighter outlook, which was very much in line with the clear needs as evidenced by discussions with some of the related volunteer boards and committees. The ending reduction of $29,500 was the net of some additions as well as reductions. Following is a summary, listed by division: Administration $2,000 Professional development department expenses i Community Development +$7,200 Conservation Administrator full -time 3 i Community Services - $28,000 fund Public Health Nurse at 16hrslwk - $24,150 combine Social Worker with Nurse Advocate -$ 2,900 fund FT Health Administrator at lower step $ 100 reduce Recreation OT +$13,000 fund regionalization for plan review services +$ 7,450 fund FT "Veteran's Service Officer As described in the previous section that looks ahead at staffing levels for the next three years, the Public Services department will be a centerpiece regarding the community's desire for services that would seem out of reach without additional revenues. vs. Comparable Communities Admin. Services 94.4% Public Services 90.0% Finance 91.7% I Public Safety* 92.2% i Public Works* 96.7% Public Library 103.9% Total 94.2% *Note that these departments also contain union personnel, which are not included in these figures. The findings were quite startling. To complete the funding towards median pay would require about $400,000 — another $55,000 only is included in the FY16 budget. This highlights an issue also seen in the School department where pay increases have been cautiously managed in Reading due to the scarcity of funding. However in terms of a long -term organizational view, this is a troubling situation for a community that asks for a high volume and level of services. Increasingly younger workers are not looking towards a 40+ year career in one location, and competitive pay becomes one important factor in attracting and retaining high quality employees. Public Services When the budget process began, it appeared that between $50,000 and $75,000 would need to be reduced from the original department request for FY16. However some modest increases in other Town departments allowed for a brighter outlook, which was very much in line with the clear needs as evidenced by discussions with some of the related volunteer boards and committees. The ending reduction of $29,500 was the net of some additions as well as reductions. Following is a summary, listed by division: Administration $2,000 Professional development department expenses i Community Development +$7,200 Conservation Administrator full -time 3 i Community Services - $28,000 fund Public Health Nurse at 16hrslwk - $24,150 combine Social Worker with Nurse Advocate -$ 2,900 fund FT Health Administrator at lower step $ 100 reduce Recreation OT +$13,000 fund regionalization for plan review services +$ 7,450 fund FT "Veteran's Service Officer As described in the previous section that looks ahead at staffing levels for the next three years, the Public Services department will be a centerpiece regarding the community's desire for services that would seem out of reach without additional revenues. 0 Finance The Board of Assessors (BOA) prefer to request outside assistance for the triennial revaluation one year in advance. Outsourcing this work makes a great deal of sense under the regional agreement with Wakefield, as in -house staffing resources are reduced. Where this is not an annual operating expense, it will appear as a mid -year request as needed from now on, as the BOA shall determine. - $35,000 Assessor's outsourced revaluation -$ 2,350 various other expense reductions Public Safety - Police A second School Resource Officer is not funded in this budget, but will be deferred for future consideration. From the work in substance abuse prevention and social/emotional health done by RCASA and the Schools, intervention and involvement in the grades leading up to High School are crucial and such an effort should be coordinated. - $75,000 additional School Resource Officer - $15,000 less OT increase -$ 7,000 fund joint exercise midyear as a one -tune expense -$ 5,144 various reductions and RCASA grant adjustments Public Safe - Dispatch - $105 wage rounding for new staff added Public Safety — Fire/EMS A new funding mechanism will be used at Annual Town Meeting in April 2015 whereby wages paid to injured employees on the path to a disability retirement shall not be included in the OT of the department. When such a retirement is underway, the department will still need to cover the shift with OT until a new hire is made. "phis new accounting practice will more clearly state the cost of operating a department, and allow those wages paid to injured workers be viewed as a cost to the organization, like other benefits. A new stipend is proposed for the EMS Director, in line with how other comparable communities in the Pay & Class study approach this issue. Funding is not available for the entire amount, but will begin at half the amount requested by the Town Manager and HR Director. 423,500 less OT increase; fund joint exercise midyear - $19,000 fund buyback as needed -$ 5,325 reduce new stipend for EMS Director Public Works (general fund) Past reductions in co -op students are still not affordable, although the outcome is desirable from both perspectives. - $165,000 fund only typical $10,000 in sidewalk repairs -$ 16,000 do not add a second Engineering co -op student -$ 10,000 fund flower watering for downtown with other sources -$ 5,000 reduce highway outsourced repairs -$ 14,000 net of various other changes Public Library As described by the Library Trustees in their FY16 budget overview, the changing face of public libraries is- a driving force behind the need for a new position of Digital Services Librarian. The Trustees had proposed a mid -year funding of a full time position that is shown below. Recall that a Library Long Range Plan will be conducted in the summer of 2015, and a portion will examine staffing needs for the new Library facility - $28,500 one half year for a new Digital Services librarian position -$ 3,470 remove increase in public technology -$ 4,800 in materials, 15% of the above totals ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Administrative Services Director Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Committees Appointment Committees Animal Control Appeals Bylaw Committee Board of Registrars Celebration Committee Climate Advisory Commit Constables Cultural Council RCTV Board of Directors Safety Committee Sick Bank Committee Finance Committee Permanent Building School Committee RMLD Commissioners v� d Fx� -ti Town of Reading, MA �- Table of Organization teer & Professional Organizations {April 2015 Town Meeting ) PUBLIC SERVICES FINANCE PUBLIC SAFETY Assistant Town Manager Town Accountant Police Chief & PUBLIC WORKS Fire Chief Director of Public Works Community Development Zoning Board of Appeals Community Plan & Dev Economic Development Historical Commission Historic District Commissk Conservation Commission Housing Authority MAPC NSPC Community Services Council on Aging Board of Health Recreation Committee Fall Street Faire Custodian of S & S Graves Mystic Valley Elder Service Audit Committee Board of Assessors Commissioners of Trust Funds Retirement Board (independent) Human Relations Advisory Town Forest Committee RCASA I I Trails Committee PUBLIC LIBRARY Library Director Library Trustees Department of Administrative Services Administrative Services Director Department Head Celebration ComrwniYy Groups Committee Cultural Council RCTV Board of Directors Climate Advisory RIAA Board of office of the Human Resources Committee Directors Operations Technology Town Clerk x Human Resources Office of Town Business Technology Town Clerk Administrator Director Director Manager " Senior P2trYl?/lBtat� ` Business GIs Assistant Town °, Tn:v,: Mann, -�� Building a. a y Ad ninistrativ_ e- I st F.drninistrator Clerk assistant Committee x.Senior Ope ations { Coa puter Clerk (PT) safety Board of Executive Bylaw Specialist (PT) Committee Selectmen Assistant Committee Te hmcran Computer i Ad Hoc Administrative Finance" technician Sick Bank Committees assstant Committee Committee Appointment Office Assist?n Animal Control Committees if to c: t' Appeals Committee Sc,: ^ul 30?rd Cf Library oar; of RN9LD _Cunnti ttr.n 7i USY?�S CU:»itii5 >i;`hiIBYS Community Development Director/Assistant DH Department of Public Services Assistant Town Manager/Department Head Office rViallaner t 7I Administrative Assistant .7, secleta'y (2) Community Services Director/Assistant DH Building Planning Historical Conservation Elder /Human Health Recreation Recreation Veteran Vet' Division Division Division Svcs Division Division Division 'on Services Services OM li" *R(-, Onal E/H'Svc m Public Health R " — R,�cicalion MMENO Veterans Veteran BUIding . - 1. Conservaticil Adnniristiato- P(Cgr,3M Services So" inspector coordinator Aiministrator 1' OT Ccordlirlatclr Off Officer Outdoor Recr. ?,'77 Alt. Bldg. Norse Huvccjtc Pu,!-,lic Hecdv, N u: se (PT) Coordinator Insp. PT) Ulu] 15 I'Mr 'llealth Plan Wiring InqP, (FI) Ist Z _.s-_-- I'Vo! L F (PT) C,v 0­0 ""Senior Center Health al-c' a X,as Msp. Cor-mlinator cispectors (PT) (PT l[ zoning Van Driver Board of 'Health jrvsp. (PT) . ..... Ti ca-,w Finance Department To�,vn Accountant Department Head Accounting Assessors ` App aiscr Ad i r 1: n i S s As � i a i '. t Clerk Board of Samol Admin, S. Co! Selectmen Asst- Audit !,s- pJ*;T ommittee T; administrative .ommissioners Finance of,Trust Funds Corninittee Assessors ` App aiscr Ad i r 1: n i S s As � i a i '. t Clerk =F c ob Town of Reading, MA era Executive Branch Table of Organization C/J P (2014 version) VOTERS BOARD OF ASSESSORS I BOARD OF SELECTMEN (elected) (elected) ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Assistant Town Manager Administrative Services Town Manager Office Human Resources Operations Technology Town Clerk Elections /Registration ' COMMUNITY SERVICES Assistant Town Manager Community Services Conservation Economic Development Elder /Human Services " Historical " West Street Historical ' Inspections /Zoning ' Planning . Public Health " Recreation ' Veterans Services Town Manager I I Law FINANCE Town Accountant Accounting Assessment ' Collections Treasury Trust Funds " --Z) Q._ - Dashed Line indicates a relationship between an elected Board and the Department or Division Italic Designates positions appouited by the Board of Selectman Designates an elected or appointed Commission, Board or Committee that works within that Division LIBRARY Library Director Library ' Cultural Council " BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES (elected) PUBLIC SAFETY Police /Fire Chiefs Emergency Management Fire Police Animal Control Telecommunications PUBLIC WORKS Director of Public Works Engineering Highway Equipment Maintenance Parks /Forestry /Cemetery Solid Waste Street Lighting Snow /Ice Control Water Supply /Distribution Sewer Collection Town Forest Stormwater - a`i�ekF Town of Reading, MA m( , Executive Branch ;���- Table of Organization (April 2015 Town Meeting VOTERS BOARD OF SELECTMEN (elected) Town Accountant Town Manager ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES I PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Services Director Assistant Town Manager Board of Selectmen Finance Committee Town Manager Office Law Human Resources Operations Technology Town Clerk Elections Insurance Public Svc Administration Community Development Building Planning Historical Conservation Community Services Elder /Human Public Health Recreation Veterans FINANCE PUBLIC SAFETY Town Accountant Police Chief & Fire Chief BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES (elected) Town Counsel PUBLIC WORKS Director of Public Works DPW Administration Engineering Highway Equipment Maintenance Parks /Forestry/Cemetery Rubbish /Recycling Street Lighting Snow /Ice Water Sewer Stormwater PUBLIC LIBRARY Library Director Library Administration Circulation Children's Reference Tech Services Police Accounting Animal Control Assessment Traffic Enforcement Collections Telecommunications Treasury Fire Emergency Management PUBLIC WORKS Director of Public Works DPW Administration Engineering Highway Equipment Maintenance Parks /Forestry/Cemetery Rubbish /Recycling Street Lighting Snow /Ice Water Sewer Stormwater PUBLIC LIBRARY Library Director Library Administration Circulation Children's Reference Tech Services ,!aoFRf�oy Town of Reading, MA Table of Organization � 'Volunteer & Professional Organizations 6'Vwco f April 2015 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PUBLIC SERVICES FINANCE PUBLIC SAFETY Administrative Services Director Assistant Town Manager Town Accountant Police Chief & Fire Chief Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Committees Appointment Committees Animal Control Appeals Bylaw Committee Board of Registrars Celebration Committee *Climate Advisory Commi Constables Cultural Council RCN Board of Directors Safety Committee Sick Bank Committee Finance Committee * *Permanent Building Com School Committee RMLD Commissioners Community Development Zoning Board of Appeals Community Plan & Dev *Economic Development Historical Commission Historic District Commissic Conservation Commission Housing Authority MAPC NSPC Community Services Council on Aging Board of Health Recreation Committee *Fall Street Faire Custodian of S & S Graves Mystic Valley Elder Service Audit Committee Board of Assessors Commissioners of Trust Funds Retirement Board (independent) *Sunset clause 6/30/1015 * *Not yet approved by AG from recent vote of Town Meeting F� *Human Relations Advisory RCASA PUBLIC WORKS Director of Public Works Board of Cemetery Truste, Town Forest Committee *Trails Committee PUBLIC LIBRARY Library Director Library Trustees Department of Administrative Services Operations Technology Administrative Services Director Technology Administrator Department Head Business GIS Analyst Celebration Senior Operations Community Groups Computer Committee Computer Cultural Council RCTV Board of Directors Climate Advisory RIAA Board of Office of the Committee Directors Human Resources Town Clerk Human Resources Office of Town Town Clerk Director Manager Senior Permanent Assistant Town Administrative Town Manager ( Building Clerk Assistant Committee Safety Board of Executive Bylaw Clerk (PT) Committee Selectmen . Assistant Committee Ad Hoc Administrative Finance Board of Sick Bank Committees Assistant Committee Registrars Committee Animal Control Appointment Office Assistant Appeals Committees (PT student) Committee School Board of Library Board of WILD Committee Trustees Commissioners Operations Technology Business Technology Administrator Director Business GIS Analyst Administrator Senior Operations Specialist (PT) Computer Technician Computer Technician Community Development Director /Assistant DH Department of Public Services Assistant Town Manager /Department Head Administrative Assistant Building Planning Historical Conservation Division Division Division *Regional Building Conservation Inspector Housing Services Administrator Coordinator Alt. Bldg. Historical Conservation Insp. (PT) CPDC Commission Commission Historic Wiring EDC District Insp. (PT) Commission Plumbing /Gas Insp. (PT) Zoning Enforcement Insp. (PT) Office Manager Clerk Administrative Secretary (2) Elder /Human Svcs Division E/H Svc Administrator Nurse Advocate Case Worker Senior Center Coordinator Van Driver Council on Aging Community Services Director /Assistant DH Health Division Public Health Administrator Public Health Nurse (PT) *Health Plan Reviewer (PT) Health Inspectors (PT) Board o- Health Recreation Division Recreation Program Coordinator Outdoor Recr. Coordinator (seasonal) Recreation Committee Fall Street -i Faire Veteran Services Veterans Services officer Custodian for Soldiers and Sailors Graves Finance Department Town Accountant Department Head Treasury Collections Accounting Assessors Treasurer /Collector Board of Senior Admin. School Board of Assistant DH Selectmen Assistant / Asst. Committee Assessors Town Acct. (PT) M Audit Board of Library *Appraiser Assistant Assistant Committee Trustees Treasurer Collector Administrative Senior Finance Assistant Board of WILD Assistant Commissioners of Trust Funds Administrative r Committed Commissioners Appraiser Assistant Senior Clerks (2) Administrative Assistant Clerk READING POLICE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Lieutenant Day Officer -Fire Prevention -Public Education •Juvenile Fire Setters •Dispatch Liaison -Power tool Maintenance Captain Group 1 -Shift Commander -Emergency Response -Fire Preventionlinspections -Station Supplies Lieutenant -Fire Station Supplies -Oil Burner /LP Inspections 10 Firefighters Q N Reading Fire Department Organizational Chart Fire Chief -Emergency Management Director -Master Planning -Financial Management -Purchasing -Personnel Management -Public Information Second Officer in Command -Emergency Management -Fire Prevention -Data Collection -Vehicle Maintenance -Public Education Captain Group 2 -Shift Commander -Emergency Response -Fire Prevention/inspections -Communications -Hose/Fire Equipment Lieutenant -Auxiliary Service -Fire Investigator -Gas Meter Maintenance -Oil Burner /LP Inspections 9 Firefighters Secretary -Administrative Support -Record Keeping -Payroll -Ambulance Billin-a Captain Group 3 -Shift Commander -Emergency Response -Fire Preventionlinspections •SCBA Maintenance -Auxiliary Service Officer Lieutenant -Fire Investigator -Oil Burner /LP Inspections •9 Firefighters EMS Coordinator EMS Liaison EMS/Training Officer -Fire Training -EMS Support -Fire Prevention Support Captain Group 4 -Shift Commander -Emergency Response -Fire Prevention/inspections Lieutenant -Technical Rescue -Oil Burner /LP Inspections 9 Firefighters -2 -z �.b 0 0 Z o� �o A 0 D NZ D O z D r n 2 D 0 m D m z O C r O Z O T� N m D Z O ::EK OD X Schena, Paula From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2015 7:24 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Legislature Enacts $200M Ch. 90 Bond Bill For BOS packet this weekend. From: Massachusetts Municipal Association [alerts @mma.org] Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2015 5:05 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Legislature Enacts $200M Ch. 90 Bond Bill t-4 c was Legislative Alert 0 IVA, F, 11k, —M-1" %k elm Massachusetts Municipal Association The Voice of Ckies and Towns www.mma.org Wednesday, April 8, 2015 LEGISLATURE ENACTS $200M CH. 90 BOND �_Im GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE EXPECTED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY Cities and Towns Now Have a Total of $330M Available for 2015 Construction Season This afternoon, the House and Senate both enacted a one -year, $200 million Chapter 90 bond bill, which gives cities and towns access to a total of $330 million to repair and maintain local roads during the 2015 spring -to -fall construction season. The Chapter 90 bond bill for fiscal 2016 was filed by Gov. Charlie Baker on March 12 and was passed unanimously by the House and Senate on March 25 and April 1, respectively. The Massachusetts Constitution, however, requires a two - thirds vote of each branch to enact all bond bills, which necessitated the votes cast today. The Governor is expected to sign the bill immediately. The funding will be combined with $100 million in new Chapter 90 authorizations that the Governor released in January, as well as the $30 million fund announced last month to help cities and towns repair potholes and other winter damage. Municipalities look forward to putting the money to work to repair local roads that took a beating during an historic winter. qel The MMA applauds the Baker Administration and all members of the Legislature for moving swiftly on this critical funding bill. This year more than ever, cities and towns need to be able to get to work early in the construction season. The Chapter 90 local road and bridge program provides cities and towns with a source of funding to maintain, repair and rebuild 30,000 miles of local roads in every corner of the state. Adequate and timely funding for Chapter 90 is essential for public safety, economic growth, and quality of life in Massachusetts. With the state working to erase a $1 billion mid -year budget deficit in fiscal 2015 and a $1.8 billion structural budget gap for fiscal 2016, the Baker- Polito Administration decided to file a one -year Chapter 90 bond bill. Now that it has been enacted, the MMA and local officials will work in partnership with the Governor and legislators to achieve long -range funding for Chapter 90 that is both adequate for cities and towns and sustainable for the Commonwealth. nE4lr�(-Ibll Massachusetts Municipal Association One Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110 (617) 426 -7272 All contents copyright 2014, Massachusetts Municipal Association Unsubscribe from MMA Legislative Alerts. Powered By j _n f o r m z 6?e2 Town of Reading FY15 legal budget i Y P Policy development g� $ Town Meeting T $ Building Committee' Charter Zoning Bylaw project g y project - $ 71,783.50 22,616.58 $ 1,847.50 $ 32,701.78 fj $ YTD BUDGET Variance Jul y Au g ust Se p tember October November December January February BUDGET $ $ $ 518.00 4,955.50_ 12,959.92T $ 350,000.00 $270k actual budget plus request 80K additional at Annual TM g P YTD ACTUAL $ 250,519.93 � Construction projects 32 %'i $ -- c Library T TLT RMHS It lt gaion(M ) $ TIT RMHS liti ation KP $ g I ) �- 54,293.88 3,371.50 $ 408.00 49 198.88 $ $ REMAINING BALANCE (ACTUAL_) 37.00 $ 55.50 $ 2,059.06 _ 55.50 296.00 1 $ $ 19,480.07 _ .1 $ 24,196.10 - - $ 414.00 - ( - REMAINING BALANCE INCLUDES TM REQUEST ST) � T 1 $ $ 99,480.07 2,000.00 � t 27750 - _ - 1 PACE $ 429,462 74 $ 11,336.30 15 470.00 $ - 1097.50 7 1 570.50 $ 26,000.00 $ 12,000.00 $ 6,000.00 ' $ 3,000 � $ 5,000.00 -- 6,525.70 663_.70 530.00. $ 1,902.50 - 1 r- 3,429.50 -- PACE VARIANCE- - - $ (429,462.74 . - )t 3,988.14 2,497.00 - -- 1 $ 37.00 I $ 698.50 r $ j $ - - - - - -� i 4,873.00 - $ $ _ _ rt - - - - -- - 304.00 - 1,865.50 _ - 50 50 - - - - - - Miyares & Harrington $ - 152,963 65 -- -- -- - -- - - $ 10,016 00 $ 30 693_68 10/300 $ 35,176 41 � $ 24,865.46 _ - - -- - - - - $ 25,241.501 $ 16,178.34 $ _ Other I i $ 97,556.28 + - $ 41 $ 2,114.56 ' $ 2,512.16 j ' 5_ _ 927.90 1,057.50 $ 17,604.54 $ 23,843.11 - - $ 24196.10 i Y P Policy development g� $ Town Meeting T $ Building Committee' Charter Zoning Bylaw project g y project - $ 71,783.50 22,616.58 $ 1,847.50 $ 32,701.78 fj $ 89,000.00 2,000.00 4. $ 17 152.50 32'00000 $ 9,383.42 382.36 I - $- $ 15,000.00 �$ 7,298.22 $ 40,000 00 551.00 $ $ 324.00. $ 666.00 $ i 29.050 ', $ 1,921 50 $ 2,484.64 1 1,127.64 11,020.64 $ $ $ 518.00 4,955.50_ 12,959.92T $ $ $ $ 5,1 - 56.60 $ 1,387.50 $ 1,672.50 i $ 6,105.72 $ 5,885.00 $ 460.00 4,193.50 $ 259.00 I t $ 7,906.34 i - 1,988.00 . 111.00 Construction projects 32 %'i $ -- c Library T TLT RMHS It lt gaion(M ) $ TIT RMHS liti ation KP $ g I ) 81,206.12 $ 135,500.00 $ 4,128.50 - 7,500.00 $ - 592.00 $ 1,000.00 ' - $ 75 801.12 $ 125,000 00 _$ 54,293.88 3,371.50 $ 408.00 49 198.88 $ $ - 1,242.00 $ - 240.50 it $ - 4,537.91 ', $ 37.00 $ 55.50 $ 2,059.06 _ 55.50 296.00 1 $ 1,612.00 1 $ 1057.50 768.00 17,604.541 .1 $ 24,196.10 - - $ 414.00 - $ 927 90 Oakland Road land _ � T 1 $ 684.50 1 . $ 2,000.00 � 1,315.50 40.00 ' $ 27750 - - I _ -- Town Issues RMLD(T 8% $ Alcohol licenses, T $ Firearm bylaw - -' $ --- - - - celltower leases T $ $ 11,336.30 15 470.00 $ - 1097.50 7 1 570.50 $ 26,000.00 $ 12,000.00 $ 6,000.00 ' $ 3,000 � $ 5,000.00 -- 6,525.70 663_.70 530.00. $ 1,902.50 - 1 r- 3,429.50 840.88 1,504.00 � $ $ -- -- 873.50 ' $ 180.00 $ 1,097.50 $ 5,596.78 220.50_1 - -y 18.50 - $ $ 3,988.14 2,497.00 - -- 1 $ 37.00 I $ 698.50 r $ j $ - - - - - -� i 4,873.00 - $ $ 370.00 1,248.00 - -- ', $ 5,731.00 2,932.50 $ $ _ rt - - - - -- - 304.00 - 1,865.50 _ - 50 50 - - - - Land Use Issues 15% 58 483.47 62 000.00 - - $ 19,362.00 1 $ 20,000.00 $ 3'638 00 $ 1419 00__ - - - - - - * - $ 1,184 00 ' $ 425.50 $ 2,983.00 $ 5,000.00 1 $ 2,017.00 Summer Ave - Sutton Superfund T � 3,864.00 � -- James Road Pearl Street Gardner Road South Street' T T T - T $ $ I $ - 1,247.00 i $ 718.00 3,223.8 I $ - 1,500.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3 500.00 $ 253.00 ' $ 276.E $ - 50.36 1,247.00 795.50 $ $ 1,205.00. $ 277.50 $ 998.84 4,264.64 $ $ $ 557.50 540.35 3,330.00 $ $ $ 48.00 1 $ 593.14 726.00 $ 1,054.00 $ 314.50 $ 96.00 37.00 37.00 { Legal settlements - -1 $ - 20,000.0 1 $ 20,000.00 $ $ $ 19,572.54 $ 18 409.38 $ 1,163.16 ' 37,500.00 $ 36,000.00-1 � 1,500.00 $ $ 17,927.46 17,59_0.62 $ 2 868.88 $ 336.84 $ 522.00 - - -- - 2,037 50 $ $ -- 4,203.00 641.16 - - $ 1,552.00 _ $ 1,955.50 t $ - - - 2,009.50 $ 3,783 00 Other Issues 8% - General T Brackett Lucas T I - YP One-time issues T $ 163 074.54 { Annual $ 174,891 $150k budget for FY16 �I $ 250,519.93 r-_ MASSDEVELOPMENT 99 High Street Boston. Massachuse -s March 31, 2015 0211 Board of Alderman Tel: 617- 330 -2000 Town of Reading 800 -445 -8030 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Fax 617- 330 -2001 www.massaele Wme�t 10- Dear Members of the Board: Ll C r3 US Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) will be considering approval of a revenue bond financing for a Project being undertaken by Hallmark Health System, Inc. located in the cities listed on the attachment. In connection with the proposed financing, MassDevelopment will be holding a public hearing, as required by Section [147(f)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code] on April 8, 2015. The hearing is being held solely for the purpose of receiving comments, if any, from interested parties and there will be no presentation on the Project. Comments may also be provided to the Agency in writing prior to the meeting. A copy of the notice of public hearing is attached. CH:eLEs D. BxKEe For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the borrower directly or Go,ernar the undersigned. K�RY% F Porno Sincerely, Lieutenant Governor Ja,ASH ,— '---�_ Chairman Deborah > Me'Y 10tiEs oyce Vice President President and CEO Enclosure: Summary cc: P.C. DB /jck ® ? --- e rl,i ssa.h� sett, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, One Financial Center Boston, MA 02111 Attn: Len Weiser - Varon, Esq. 0& 1 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency ( "MassDevelopment ") at 12:00 p.m. on April 8, 2015 at 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, on the proposal of Hallmark Health System, Inc. (the "Institution "), a Massachusetts non - profit corporation organized and operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, that MassDevelopment: (1) approve one or more projects which consist generally of the financing of (i) the acquisition and installation of medical, surgical, patient monitoring, HVAC and computer equipment, computer hardware and software, furnishings and fixtures, and related renovations, (ii) construction, renovation, and improvement of facilities, including the furnishing and equipping thereof, (iii) other routine capital expenditures, renovations and construction, including replacement of boilers, fire alarms system devices, chiller and fire pump, (iv) working capital, and (v) costs of issuance, all of which projects will be owned and operated by the Institution, will be used in connection with the Institution's day -to -day operations, and will be located at the following locations: 239 Commercial St., Malden, MA 02148; 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148; 170 Governors Ave., Medford, MA 02155; 101 Main St., Medford, MA 02155; 585 Lebanon St., Melrose, MA 02176; 830 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176; 8, 22 Porter St., Melrose, MA 02176; 50 Rowe Street, Melrose, MA 02176; 48 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180; 1117 Main Street, Wakefield, MA (Dutton Center); and 400 Unicorn Park Dr., Woburn, MA 01801; and similar projects to be owned and operated by the Institution but located at the following locations that are leased or partly - owned by the Institution: 109 Commercial St., Malden, MA 02148; 578 Main St., Malden, MA 02148; One City Hall Plaza, Melrose, MA 02176; 30 New Crossings Road, Reading, MA 01867; 280 Beach Street, Revere, MA 02151; 425 Revere St., Revere, MA 02151; 480 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, MA 01906; 645 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144; 41, 51, 92 Montvale Ave., Stoneham, MA 02180; 3 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180; 66 Concord Street, Wilmington, MA 01887; and 52 Crest Avenue, Winthrop, MA 02152; and (2) authorize the financing and refinancing of the costs of the projects set forth above (the "Projects ") by the execution and delivery by MassDevelopment of tax exempt obligations in accordance with Chapter 23G of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended and Chapter 614 of the Massachusetts Acts of 1968, as amended, as applicable, with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $35,000,000 (collectively, the "Obligations "). The Obligations will not constitute a general obligation of, or a pledge of the faith and credit of MassDevelopment or a general obligation of, or a debt or pledge of the faith and credit of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Interested persons wishing to express their views on the Projects and the proposed issuance of tax - exempt obligations to finance the Projects will be given the opportunity to do so at the public hearing or may, prior to the time of the public hearing, submit their views in writing to MassDevelopment at 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AGENCY 40392709x.2 MASSDEVELOPMENT {fit 99 HigF Scree -.. 6osion.Massachusetts March 31, 2015 c2 i o Board of Alderman Ter 6 17330- -2000 Town of Reading eoa- 445 -8 a3c 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Fax, 6 17-330-200 1 www.^ assdece- caner? -= Dear Members of the Board: L-,16 at,5 Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) will be considering approval of a revenue bond financing for a Project being undertaken by Riverside Community Care, Inc. located in the cities listed on the attachment. In connection with the proposed financing, MassDevelopment will be holding a public hearing, as required by Section [147(f)(2)(B)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code] on April 8, 2015. The hearing is being held solely for the purpose of receiving comments, if any, from interested parties and there will be no presentation on the Project. Comments may also be provided to the Agency in writing prior to the meeting. A copy of the notice of public hearing is attached. CHAREEs D , BAKER For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the borrower directly or Governor the undersigned. K"RY "B FOUTO Sincerely, Lieutenant Governor / r, y JAY ASH Chairman Benny Wong Vice President MARTYJONE. President and CEO Enclosure: Summary cc: Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP 28 State Street #29 Boston, MA 02109 Attn: Stephen Weyl, Esq. BW /jck rl41 ®P -. ec. o. _., [crE M. ssachusetts NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD BY THE MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AGENCY CONCERNING THE FINANCING OF A PROJECT FOR RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CARE, INC., DEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS Notice is hereby given that the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (the "Agency ") will hold a public hearing on April 8, 2015, at 2 p.m. at 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, to consider the issuance of revenue bonds (the "Bonds ") by the Agency in an amount not exceeding $8,000,000 for a project to be owned and used by Riverside Community Care, Inc., 450 Washington Street, Suite 102, Dedham, Massachusetts 02026 (the "Borrower "). The proceeds of the Bonds will be used for: (1) the refinancing of certain existing indebtedness of the Borrower with respect to certain properties (the "Properties ") owned, operated and used by the Borrower to provide healthcare and human services to its clients and located at: (a) 450 Washington Street, Suite 102, Dedham, Massachusetts 02026 (b) 270 Bridge Street, Dedham, Massachusetts 02026 (c) 111 Bucknam Street, Everett, Massachusetts 02149 (d) 5 Susan Terrace, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 (e) 84 Chestnut Street, No. Reading, Massachusetts 01864 (f) 525 Washington Street, Dedham, Massachusetts 02026 (g) 887 Mendon Street, Northbridge, Massachusetts 01534 (h) 976 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 (i) 15 Beacon Avenue, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062 0) 150 Vine Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 (k) 10 &11 Williams Street, Hopedale, Massachusetts 01747 (1) 32 Dewey Street, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472 (m)163 Sunnyside Road, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062 (n) 206 Milford Street, Upton, Massachusetts 01568 (o) 237 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494 (p) 255 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494 (q) 23 Revere Road, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 (r) 32 Hamilton Avenue, Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830 (s) 6 Fiske Avenue, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180 (2) the financing, refinancing and/or reimbursement of the cost of acquisition, construction, furnishing, equipping, renovating, repairing, improving and /or landscaping of certain of the Properties. (3) The payment of costs of issuance and other costs related to the Bonds. '?/I 2/