HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 Annual Report
May, 2008
TO: Residents of the Town of Reading
Dear Resident:
The attached Annual Report for the Town of Reading for calendar year 2007 details the
significant progress made during the year on a number of issues.
Highlighting activities in 2007, the Town:
♦ Received word that the Massachusetts Highway Department has awarded the construction
contract for the Downtown Streetscape Project to Marchese Co., with work to start late 2007
or early 2008;
♦ Received final State approval to purchase all of our public water supply from the MWRA,
and abandon our local water supply for all but emergency use;
♦ Began the implementation of a new financial software and hardware platform for all of the
Town’s financial and Human Resources functions;
♦ Completed a number of major road projects;
♦ Considered and rejected a major oversized retail mall project proposed for the Addison-
Wesley/Pearson property on Jacob Way and in its stead, approved zoning for a mixed use
development on the site;
♦ Saw further development in the Walkers Brook Drive area, including two new restaurants, a
new Stop & Shop Supermarket, and the improvement of the 128 Marketplace, formerly
General Tire, for retail uses anchored by Market Basket;
♦ Saw completion of the Hallmark Health Medical Office and laboratories, and re-use of
corporate office space at the former TASC building;
♦ Spent a significant amount of time advocating for protection of the interests of the Town and
its residents relative to the I-95/I-93 Interchange modifications;
♦ Approved regulations addressing early opening of retail outlets for coffee prior to 6:00 a.m.;
♦ With a State grant and donation by Nelson and Rita Burbank, purchased the property at 1481
Main Street for conservation and open space use;
♦ Formed the Northern Area Greenway Committee to look at near and long-term plans for the
area of open space that stretches across the Northern areas of our town, now almost
continuously from border to border. This Committee has prepared plans for the Ipswich
River Greenway, an interconnecting system of trails spanning the entire length of this Town
owned open space;
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♦ Completed a Master Plan for Memorial Park, and began master planning process for the
Birch Meadow Area;
♦ Continued to maintain its sound financial picture, and achieved an upgrade of its Moodys
bond rating.
For those who have need for detailed information, we hope this Annual Report will be complete
and valuable for you. It provides a good historical record of what has happened in the Town of
Reading in calendar year 2007 .
We welcome any questions, suggestions or comments that you may have with regard to this
report, or to the provision of the services within the community. You can address them to me at
townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us, or call at 781-942-9043.
Sincerely,
Peter I. Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
PIH:lm
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ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE DEPARTMENTS
Annual Town Meeting in April 2007 voted to allow the Town to make $1.25 million in
technology improvements to the 20-year old financial systems infrastructure. Both the
Accounting and Finance Departments will require two full years of complex planning and
careful implementation. In the meantime, old systems must continue during this period. The end
result will be a decentralized modern financial system that will benefit both the Municipal
Government and the School Department.
Accounting Department
The Accounting Department, under the direction of the Town Accountant, is responsible
for maintaining financial records. These records facilitate the preparation of financial reports and
schedules that provide meaningful, accurate information for comparability and for management’s
decision-making process. The Accounting Department ensures that all financial transactions are
in compliance with legal requirements, and are properly recorded on a timely basis. The Town
used the auditing firm of Melanson & Heath in FY 2007.
Finance Department
The Finance Department, under the direction of the Assistant Town Manager/Finance
Director, supports a wide variety of financial and administrative functions. The Department is
divided into six divisions: Assessment, Collection, General Finance, Human Resources,
Technology and Town Clerk. The Finance Department support staff are designed to be flexible
and experienced in many of these divisions as work flows vary throughout the year.
Finance: Assessment Division
Assessment of property is the first step in the process of tax revenue collection for the
Town of Reading. The Assessment Division’s function is to provide for the fair and equitable
assessment of all taxable real and personal property. The Assessors trend the values each year so
that the revaluations done every three years won’t result in substantial changes. The Assessors
must annually determine the tax levy and obtain State approval of the tax rate so that bills can be
issued in a timely manner. Fiscal Year 2008 was a revaluation year.
The tax rate for FY 2008 was set at $12.60 per thousand, $0.53 increase per thousand
from the FY 2007 rate. The total assessed value of all 8,900+ properties and accounts for FY
2008 is $3,765,110,743. The average house in Reading is now valued at $452,066 which is a
2.1% decrease of $9,590 from the FY 2007 value.
The breakdown of Reading property for FY 2008 is as follows:
Residential $3,468,910,553 92.1330%
Commercial $ 256,582,400 6.8147%
Industrial $ 17,381,100 0.4617%
Personal $ 22,236,690 0.5906%
TOTAL $3,765,110,743 100%
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Accounting/Finance Departments
The Board of Selectmen established an ad hoc Tax Classification Committee in February
2007. The mission of this group included “matters of policy related but not limited to: The
residential factor, The open space discount, The residential exemption, The commercial
exemption.” The Committee was established with six members to reflect a broad mix of the
residential and business community. After several months, they voted 4-2 to advise the Board of
Selectmen to split the tax rate (increasing the relative rate on commercial taxpayers) by 10%
right away, and increasing that to 25% over three years. The Selectmen ultimately voted to keep
the tax rate the same for all classes of property. At the classification hearing, the Selectmen also
decided not to shift the tax burden within the residential class to non-residential owners, or to
adopt a small commercial property exemption.
Finance: Collection Division
The Collection Division is responsible for collecting all taxes and other charges
(including ambulance and water/sewer/storm water bills). This Division also receives and
processes all deposits (such as schools and recreation).
Residents continue to increase their usage of electronic payments. In 2006, 258
registered users made payments of real estate and excise taxes. In 2007, this number grew to over
508 while the ability to pay water, sewer and storm water bills electronically was added. Thus
far in 2008, there are 873 registered users.
Real estate collections increased from $43.5 million in FY 2006 to $45.3 million in FY
2007. Excise tax collections were $2.75 million in FY 2007, down slightly for the second
consecutive year. A total of 698 lien certificates were issued in FY 2007, netting $21,250 to the
General Fund. These figures were down by about one-third from the 931 lien certificates filed in
FY 2006. However, foreclosures soared from one in 2006 to ten in 2007.
Finance: General Division
This Division is responsible for providing the cash for the operation of all Town and
School functions on a timely basis. In addition, it conducts all borrowing and investing
activities, including those on behalf of the Town’s Trust Funds (at the direction of the Trust Fund
Commissioners).
Interest earnings for the General Fund during FY 2007 were $2,013,497 as interest rates
stayed between 4.5% – 5.5%. Cash balances were higher than expected as the MSBA early
payment for RMHS was drawn down slowly, and RMLD built up reserves in order to begin
significant capital projects in FY 2008. Note that while interest earnings for the first half of FY
2008 were $1,063,397, the sharp decline in rates (3.35% earned on March 31, 2008 versus 5.35%
on June 30, 2007), coupled with the drawdown of cash balances for capital projects, will reduce
earnings in the future.
As we noted from the capital markets conditions last year, the Finance Department
anticipated a slowing economy and has budgeted for a slowdown in collections – as has been
seen in excise taxes.
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Accounting/Finance Departments
In October 2007, the Town was upgraded by Moody’s Investor Services from A1 to Aa3,
reflecting the strong financial management of the Town coupled with a growing cash reserves
position. In November 2007, the Town borrowed $9,535,000 at a net interest cost of 3.91%. The
timing of the borrowing was held off as long as possible to benefit from the drop in interest rates,
and at the same time to complete the $7.8 million (20-year debt) full MWRA buy-in. Other
projects included in this debt sale were $410,000 for a new fire engine, $375,000 for turf
improvements at Parker Middle School, $650,000 for the local share of the (long-awaited)
Downtown Improvement Project, and $300,000 for sewer main repairs.
At the November 2007 Town Meeting, further debt was authorized for the full
replacement of the Birch Meadow tennis courts and a new ladder truck.
General Finance - Trust Funds
FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007
Beginning Balances $ 7,299,885 $7,383,405 $7,620,268
Contributions $ 91,603 $ 118,112 $ 96,565
Disbursements ($ 307,191) ($ 312,312) ($ 226,608)
Interest $ 299,108 $ 431,064 $ 538,873
Ending Balances $ 7,383,405 $7,620,268 $8,029,097
The Trust Funds disbursed nearly $850,000 in the past three years as shown in the table
above. The Hospital Trust Fund continued to provide aid through the Reading Response
Program, which provides skilled health care services, respite care, medical transportation and
Lifeline Emergency call systems to Reading residents who meet specific health and income
guidelines. It disbursed $146,529 in FY 2004, $176,250 in FY 2005, $162,368 in FY 2006, and
$100,270 in FY 2007. The next largest distributor of funding was the Cemetery Trust Funds
($105,000 in FY 2004, $81,000 in FY 2005, $85,000 in FY 2006 and nearly $87,000 in FY
2007).
Ending Balance Ending Balance One Year
FY 2006 FY 2007Change
Cemetery $ 3,098,021 $3,323,252 + $225,231
Hospital $ 3,820,566 $3,988,215 + $167,649
Library $ 55,174 $ 63,185 + $ 8,011
Scholarships/Awards $ 123,185 $ 145,906 + $ 22,721
Veteran’s Memorial $ 96,775 $ 102,774 + $ 5,999
Celebration $ 56,891 $ 56,967 + $ 76
Historic Preservation $ 65,134 $ 67,076 + $ 1,942
Elder Services $ 285,073 $ 281,722 - $ 3,351
Loans $ 19,449 $ 20,831 + $ 1,382
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Accounting/Finance Departments
Finance: Human Resources Division
The Human Resources Division supports the Town (under the direction of the Town
Manager), Schools (under the direction of the Superintendent), Light Department (under the
direction of the RMLD General Manager) and Retiree benefit activities.
Employee benefits administered through this Division include health and life insurance,
deferred compensation, disability insurance, Worker’s Compensation, the Sick Leave Bank,
cafeteria benefits, the Employee Assistance Program, personal leave and unemployment benefits.
Health insurance and Worker’s Compensation are premium-based programs through the
Massachusetts Inter-Local Insurance Association. Blue Cross/Blue Shield products are offered to
Town employees and retirees. The sharp increases in premiums seen a few years ago have
ameliorated due to a combination of benefit changes and industry trends.
Finance: Technology Division
The Technology Division provides centralized computer network and
telecommunications services as well as distributed internet, audio/video, software and personal
computer support for the Municipal Government (Town Hall, the Library, the Senior Center,
Police, Fire/Emergency Management, Public Works, Water and Sewer) and co-ordinates many
activities with the Schools and RMLD.
The $1.25 million in funding by the Annual Town Meeting in April 2007 has allowed
implementation of many long-range plans of this Division:
• The Wide Area Network was completed in late 2007. This WAN will facilitate
communication between all Municipal Government, School and RMLD buildings, and be
a vital component of the new accounting/financial system.
• A new state of the art Data Center was completed in late 2007 – with substantial
assistance from the Facilities Department. It will provide a secure and reliable
communications hub that will be the basis for technology growth and improvements for
at least the next decade.
• Installation of the new financial systems, and parallel system operations with the old
technology for two years.
• Document storage – The Municipal government and RMLD are undergoing a thorough
assessment of document processing needs. This ranges from examination of current
practices to the hardware and software requirements.
• Web site launched – The Town has a very large repository of information for residents
and businesses. Daily electronic communication includes meeting schedules and agendas
of Boards, important construction updates, reports on the progress of the annual budget
process and many other items. A powerful search engine coupled with easy to navigate
pages brings a wealth of information ‘24/7’.
Finance: Town Clerk Division
Part-time Assistant Town Clerk Aileen Shaw retired after almost 20 years in the Town
Clerk’s Office. Julia Rodger was hired as full-time Assistant Town Clerk in January.
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Accounting/Finance Departments
Elections
2007 was a busy election year in Reading. On April 3, 2007, the Town of Reading held
its Local Election. Voting was moved back to the Reading Memorial High School after
completion of renovations. The Town of Reading had 2,314 voters cast their ballots for a turnout
of 14%.
Board of Registrars
Registrars Krissandra Holmes, Gloria Hulse, Harry Simmons and Town Clerk Cheryl A.
Johnson made over 2000 voter and household changes to the community for 2007, certified
many signatures on petitions and nomination papers for upcoming 2008 voting year. Registrars
also registered voters, and offered assistance to voters on Election Day.
Census
The Annual Town Census was conducted in January, entirely by mail, with a total of
9200 forms mailed to residences.
The local census assists Town Clerks in putting together the Street List (resident book)
and the Jury List. Major functions served by an annual local census are:
• Information collected for municipal purposes
• School needs
• Growth and planning needs
• Resident identification for Police and Fire
• Collection of dog information
• Veteran information
• Information for the Jury Commissioners
• Determining inactive voter status for voter purge as required by the National Voter
Registration Act.
Town Meeting
A Special Town Meeting in February was completed in two sessions. Town Meeting
approved Zoning By-Law changes for Planned Unit Development business. Town Meeting also
voted to change the Retail Sales section of the General Bylaws.
The Annual Town Meeting in April was completed in three sessions, approving a budget
for Fiscal Year 2008 in the amount of $79,095,713. Town Meeting also approved $650,000 for
the Downtown Improvement Project, $1,250,000 for purchasing and installing a financial
hardware and software system, $410,000 to purchase a new fire engine, and $350,000 for the
Birch Meadow Tennis Courts.
The Subsequent Town Meeting in November was completed in two sessions approving
an increase in the money for the Birch Meadow Tennis Courts to $625,000. Town Meeting also
approved purchase of a $850,000 fire ladder truck.
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Accounting/Finance Departments
A Special Town Meeting was held on December 10th which added a new section to the
Zoning By-Laws called Gateway Smart Growth District (the “GSGD”).
Vital Statistics and Licensing
During the calendar year 2007, the following Vital Statistics were recorded in the Town
Clerk's Office:
BirthsMarriagesDeaths
– 244 – 79 – 290
Also issued were 2055 dog licenses, 141 business certificates, 25 renewals for
underground storage tanks and 51 cemetery deeds.
A total of 356 Fish and Wildlife Licenses and 76 stamps were issued during the year for a
total of $7987.25. Of these, the Town of Reading issued 82 licenses free of charges to those
citizens over 70 years of age. The Town retained $515.85 in fees from the sale of licenses. Total
receipts collected in the Town Clerk's Office for the calendar year 2007 amounted to $93,674.67.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail LaPointe
Town Accountant
Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr., CFA
Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director
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d 940,6 521,3 831,1 73 720,6 )0( 225,0 537 624 831 006,1 28
689 303 332,5 629 39 343,4 204,9 328,9 811,5 038,9 892,5 675,7
887,7 961,9 elba
Balance July Receipts Disbursements Balance June
1, 2006 30, 2007
Non- Bequests and Investment Non-
Expendable Expendable Contributions Income Expenditures Expendable Expen
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
Cemetery Funds
Charles Lawn 400,999 183,617 13,860 42,022 16,470 414,859 20
Forest Glen 633,803 613,935 7,350 88,456 34,603 641,153 66
Laurel Hill 291,710 445,752 100 52,223 20,399 291,810 47
Wood End 486,650 41,556 68,950 39,129 15,387 555,600 6
1,41
Total Cemetery Funds 1,813,162 1,284,859 90,260 221,830 86,859 1,903,422
Hospital Funds
Stephen Foster 3,872 79,216 - 5,902 - 3,872 8
Anne S. Grouard 75,000 1,785,718 - 130,596 46,491 75,000 1,86
Gilman L. Parker 35,000 1,841,760 - 131,421 53,779 35,000 1,91
3,87
Total Hospital Funds 113,872 3,706,694 - 267,919 100,270 113,872
Library Funds
Endowment - - 4,000 93 - 4,000
Appleton/Mansfield 11,000 135 - 791 - 11,000
Edward Appleton 5,000 4,554 - 679 - 5,000
R/M Babcock 3,598 44 - 259 - 3,598
Stephen Foster 12,000 125 - 861 - 12,000
Charles Torrey 1,000 11 - 72 - 1,000
Donald Tuttle 500 1,461 - 139 - 500
James/Freda Rawstron 1,613 22 - 116 - 1,613
Elaine & George Long 5,000 66 - 360 - 5,000
Barbara Hewitt 8,952 93 - 643 - 8,952
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Total Library Funds 48,663 6,511 4,000 4,012 - 52,663
Scholarship Funds
James E. Biller - 363 - 27 390 -
Kenneth Brown 1,000 5,585 - 467 25 1,000
Nathaniel Hill 1,500 53 - 109 125 1,500
No. Residents Assoc. 11,370 1,104 - 834 800 11,370
Gilman L. Parker 5,000 3,183 - 542 600 5,000
Torre - 5,648 - 401 - -
Carl B. Sawyer 5,000 1,691 - 475 - 5,000
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500,8 318,5 264,1 108,9 684,1 184,5 549,6 777,4 222,1 323,6 231,4 054 034 180,1 155,1
Scholarship Funds (Continued)
Hal Croft 5,687 128 - 410 400 5,687
Florence Nichols 16,680 1,472 - 1,279 1,200 16,680
Dennis Lehane 29,357 930 300 2,150 2,000 29,657
James Klepeis 15,000 348 - 1,082 1,000 15,000
Joan Clifford Award 1,000 824 - 126 500 1,000
Exemplary Teacher
Award
Arnold Berger 6,856 3,404 - 729 - 6,856
Education Loan Fund
Winthrop Parker 19,449 - - 1,382 - 20,831
Total Education Funds 117,901 24,733 300 10,012 7,040 119,583 2
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial 81,210 15,565 455 6,873 1,330 81,552 2
Elder Services
Avis E. Schroeder 10,000 13,506 257 1,669 654 10,000 1
Dorothy Burbank - 261,567 - 17,983 22,604 - 25
Celebration
General - 46,167 - 3,164 3,850 - 4
400th - 10,724 - 762 - - 1
Historical Preservation
General - 30,331 1,293 2,177 4,000 - 2
400th Celebration - 10,702 - 760 - - 1
Historical Commission - 24,101 - 1,712 - - 2
5,74
Total Trust Funds 2,184,809 5,435,459 96,565 538,873 226,608 2,281,092
10
TOWN OF READING
REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR
12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, 2007
2007 REAL ESTATE
Committed 2006-2007 45,721,261.93
Refunds 140,581.00
Interest and Costs Collected 53,883.31
Abatements & Exemptions 179,997.23
Paid to Treasurer 45,222,914.39
Subsequent Tax Title 126,728.28
Deferred Taxes 22,357.19
Uncollected June 30, 2007 363,729.15
45,915,726.24 45,915,726.24
2006 REAL ESTATE
Balance June 30, 2006 496,196.68
Refunds 1,604.08
Interest and Costs Collected 44,438.95
Abatements 0
Paid to Treasurer 508,836.52
Tax Title Taking 33,403.19
Uncollected June 30, 2007 0
542,239.71 542,239.71
2007 PERSONAL PROPERTY
Committed 2006-2007 213,786.48
Refunds 990.60
Interest and Costs Collected 356.95
Abatements 29.93
Paid to Treasurer 211,356.15
Uncollected June 30, 2007 3,747.95
215,134.03 215,134.03
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2006 PERSONAL PROPERTY
Balance June 30, 2006 2,420.07
Refunds 0
Interest and Costs Collected 155.42
Abatements 0
Paid to Treasurer 897.80
Uncollected June 30, 2007 1,677.69
2,575.49 2,575.49
2007 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
Committed 2007 2,614,410.34
Refunds 15,544.22
Interest and Costs Collected 10,847.76
Abatements 102,141.96
Paid to Treasurer 2,351,179.81
Uncollected June 30, 2007 187,480.55
2,640,802.32 2,640,802.32
2006 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
Balance June 30, 2006 114,202.48
Committed 2006-2007 360,076.51
Refunds 32,401.98
Interest and Costs Collected 11,806.57
Abatements 46,943.50
Paid to Treasurer 442,189.12
Uncollected June 30, 2007 29,354.92
518,487.54 518,487.54
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2005 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
Balance June 30, 2006 29,996.84
Committed 2006-2007 6,752.63
Refunds 1,481.67
Interest and Costs Collected 6,154.00
Abatements 2,179.59
Paid to Treasurer 30,224.18
Uncollected June 30, 2007 11,981.37
44,385.14 44,385.14
2004 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
Balance June 30, 2006 22,397.54
Committed 2006-2007 214.38
Refunds 2,295.51
Interest & Costs Collected 1,663.93
Abatements 2,295.51
Paid to Treasurer 6,213.94
Uncollected June 30, 2007 18,061.91
26,571.36 26,571.36
2003 MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE
Balance June 30, 2006 14,241.49
Committed 2006-2007 0
Refunds 0
Interest & Costs Collected 589.22
Abatements 13,296.90
Paid to Treasurer 1,533.81
Uncollected June 30, 2007
14,830.71 14,830.71
OLD EXCISE PRIOR TO 2003
Balance June 30, 2006 138,328.56
New Blanket Abatement 13,263.05
Interest & Costs Collected 2,909.15
Paid to Treasurer 5,689.36
Uncollected June 30, 2007 148,811.40
154,500.76 154,500.76
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WATER CHARGES
Balance June 30, 2006 787,483.40
Committed 2006-2007 4,533,912.54
Charges 100.00
Refunds 1,881.34
Abatements 26,498.36
Paid to Treasurer 3,834,345.67
Discount for Timely Payments 359,516.75
Added to 2007 Taxes 103,790.28
Uncollected June 30, 2007 999,226.22
5,323,377.28 5,323,377.28
SEWER CHARGES
Balance June 30, 2006 916,159.88
Committed 2006-2007 4,308,387.91
Refunds 1,636.65
Abatements 32,311.54
Paid to Treasurer 3,772,522.63
Discount for Timely Payments 356,374.14
Added to 2007 Taxes 120,472.00
Uncollected June 30, 2007 944,504.13
5,226,184.44 5,226,184.44
STORM WATER FEES
Committed 2006-2007 452,742.15
Refunds 29.41
Abatements 4,966.86
Paid to Treasurer 331,998.25
Discount for Timely Payments 32,795.76
Uncollected June 30, 2007 83,010.69
452,771.56 452,771.56
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ADDITIONAL WATER CHARGES
SPCS, SPMS & SPRS
Balance June 30, 2006 3,291.65
Committed 2006-2007 27,737.30
Paid to Treasurer 29,851.69
Added to 2007 Taxes 615.53
Uncollected June 30, 2007 561.73
31,028.95 31,028.95
AMBULANCE FEES
Balance June 30, 2006 369,478.61
Committed 2006-2007 1,093,600.28
Refunds 3,238.04
Abatements 605,146.65
Paid to Treasurer 605,837.50
Uncollected June 30, 2007 _____ 255,332.78
1,466,316.93 1,466,316.93
CERTIFICATES OF MUNICIPAL LIENS
Certificates Issued 21,251.78
Paid to Treasurer 21,251.78
21,251.78 21,251.78
BETTERMENTS ADDED TO TAXES
Committed 2007 5,606.08
Paid to Treasurer 5,606.08
5,606.08 5,606.08
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TOWN OF READING
REAL ESTATE ABATEMENTS
FOR PERIOD 01 JAN 2007 TO 31 DEC 2007
22 5 AMICO JOSEPH C SR CHAPEL HILL DR 103.80 27Mar2007
83 7 BLAKE JOAN H PINE RIDGE RD 87.50 25Jan2007
93 1 BOOTH LORRAINE R FIELDING RD 439.95 20Mar2007
113 6 BRINGOLA THOMAS J TRACK RD 111.04 01May2007
168 2 CARVALHO DUARTE ETAL HAYSTACK RD 1,385.64 06May2007
214 5 CONNOR JEFFREY P PRISCILLA RD 231.74 01May2007
217 3 CONTE DESMOND HIGH ST 85.70 01May2007
239 6 CROCKER ROBERT D DEAN RD 20.52 01May2007
251 1 CURRAN JEAN M PRESCOTT ST 519.01 04Apr2007
270 6 DAVIS THOMAS M DIVIDENCE RD 725.41 01May2007
334 2 DUGAN ROBERT C MAIN ST 400.72 24Apr2007
370 6 FAY THOMAS H GROVE ST 514.1824Apr2007
379 3 FINIGAN ROBERT F JR WOBURN ST 663.85 04Apr2007
409 3 FULLER EDWARD F COUNTY RD 272.78 04Apr2007
415 5 GALLO MATTEO TRUSTEE MAIN ST 482.80 24Apr2007
446 6 GOMEZ RICHARD A FRANKLIN ST 884.73 20Mar2007
464 2 GRESH GARY W LAWRENCE RD 662.81 04Apr2007
604 6 KRAMER ERIK J LINDSAY LN 399.52 04Apr2007
624 4 LATHAM JEAN JOHNSON WOOD 155.70 11Apr2007
649 2 LINCOLN ELMER B MINERAL ST 400.00 03Jan2007
690 2 MALLETT MARY F MIDDLESEX AVE 126.74 01May2007
695 7 MANZELLI GEORGE A SUMMER AVE 172.60 13Feb2007
699 7 MARCINKOWSKI WILLIAM SUMMER AVE 60.3504Apr2007
715 4 MATTERA RICHARD A MAIN ST 1,295.29 02Jul2007
715 5 MATTERA RICHARD A ETAL MAIN ST 1,145.14 02Jul2007
756 5 MELLEN ANNIE HAVERHILL ST 505.73 01May2007
800 6 MURPHY WALTER J BORDER RD 189.50 01May2007
801 1 MURRAY DAVID TRUSTEE PONDVIEW LN 36.21 01May2007
836 3 O’NEILL GERALD F JOHNSON WOODS 118.29 24Apr2007
841 4 ODONNELL PAUL R VAN NORDEN RD 197.95 01May2007
856 3 PALMER WYN T PASTURE RD 555.22 24Apr2007
1,040 4 SORENSON WALTER R PENNSYLVANIA AVE 115.87 20Mar2007
1,060 2 STRAZZERE GUY F RIVERSIDE DR 377.79 01May2007
1,116 7 UNKNOWN OWNER OFF WALNUT ST 526.25 18Jan2007
1,122 2 VAN MAGNESS RAYMOND GROVE ST 220.88 24Apr2007
2007 ABATEMENTS: 35 AMOUNT: 14,151.21
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
Board of Selectmen
Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert were re-elected to three year terms.
James Bonazoli was elected Chairman, Stephen Goldy was elected Vice Chairman and Ben
Tafoya was elected Secretary.
Personnel and Volunteers
Major changes in personnel included:
• Health Administrator Jane Fiore retired;
• Public Health Nurse Trish Faulkner left the employ of the Town;
• Larry Ramdin was hired as Health Administrator;
• Leslie Carabello was hired as Public Health Nurse;
• Dianne Luther was hired as Nurse Advocate, a new position with the Town;
• Carol Kowalski was hired as Town Planner/Community Services Director.
In addition, the Board of Selectmen:
• Approved the creation of a combined Town Planner/Community Services Director
position;
• Approved the creation of a Staff Planner position with the salary and benefits being paid
out of the Inspections Revolving Fund;
• Approved the creation of the Community Outreach Coordinator/Program Coordinator
position, and the Project Director position for the Reading Coalition Against Substance
Abuse;
• Re-appointed Brackett & Lucas as Town Counsel;
• Approved new labor contracts with several of the Town’s labor unions.
In the area of Boards, Committees and Commissions, the Board of Selectmen:
• Established the ad hoc Tax Classification Study Committee. The Committee met, and
completed a detailed report for the Board of Selectmen to advise the Board on whether or
not to create a split tax rate.
• Established the ad hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee. The Committee has worked to
develop a detailed plan for the Birch Meadow area, and the term of the Committee has
been extended to mid-2008.
• Abolished the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Advisory Committee in light of the Water
Treatment Plant being no longer in service.
• Due to the low demand for Constable services, the Selectmen agreed to limit the number
of Constables to three. This will go into effect in July of 2008 through attrition.
• Established the Northern Area Greenway Committee to evaluate the possibility of creating
a trail system and recreation opportunities along the Ipswich River from Strout Avenue to
Haverhill Street. The Committee has made a preliminary report, and has been asked by the
Board of Selectmen to continue their operation until the end of March to address some
additional details of the plan.
• The ad hoc Community Preservation Act Committee completed its work and made a
report to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
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Community Services Department
The following individuals were either newly appointed or re-appointed by the Board of
Selectmen to the following Boards, Committees and Commissions:
• James Bonazoli to the Animal Control Appeals Committee;
• John Jarema and Peter Tedesco (Associate) to the Board of Appeals;
• Frank Golden to the Board of Assessors, appointed by the Board of Selectmen and Board
of Assessors acting as a “committee of the whole” filling Tom Ryan’s seat since Tom
resigned;
• Ronald Stortz and Elise Ciregna to the Board of Cemetery Trustees;
• David Singer to the Board of Health;
• Krissandra Holmes to the Board of Registrars;
• Michele Benson, Gina Snyder, Joan Boegel (Associate), Daniel Blodgett (Associate) and
Ray Porter (Associate) to the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection
Program;
• Neil Cohen and John Daly to the Commissioners of Trust Funds;
• Nicholas Safina, John Weston, Israel Maykut (Associate), Christopher Nolty (Associate)
and George Katsoufis (Associate) to the Community Planning and Development
Commission;
• Mark Wetzel and Annika Scanlon to the Conservation Commission;
• John Della Paolera and Alan Ulrich as Constables;
• Steve Oston, Sally Hoyt, Carole Scrima and Charles McDonald (Associate) to the Council
on Aging;
• Lorrain Horn and Elizabeth Whitelam to the Cultural Council;
• Leslie McGonagle, Meghan Young-Tafoya and Michelle Williams (Associate) to the
Economic Development Committee;
• Mark Cardono, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Karen Herrick (Associate) and Susan Patterson
(Associate) to the Historical Commission;
• Karen Flammia to the Reading Housing Authority;
• Lori Hodin, James Cormier, Nancy Najmi and Randall Jones (Associate) to the Human
Relations Advisory Committee;
• Ben Tafoya to the North Suburban Planning Council;
• Michael DiPetro, Francis Driscoll, Catherine Kaminer and Beth Claroni (Associate) to the
Recreation Committee;
• Benjamin Ream, C. Pitt Crandlemire and Douglas Reid to the Telecommunications and
Technology Advisory Committee;
• Thomas Connery to the Town Forest Committee;
• Rick Nazzaro and Susan Patterson to the West Street Historic District Commission;
• Karen Herrick, Matthew Wilson and Patricia Lloyd to the ad hoc Community Preservation
Act Study Committee;
• Chris Caruso, Ben Ream, Shannon Fratto, Gary Gresh, James Bonazoli, Jamie Maughan,
Robert Frechette, Robert Hunt and Mary Ann Kozlowski to the ad hoc Birch Meadow
Planning Committee;
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Community Services Department
• Camille Anthony, Doug Greene, Barbara Stewart, Frank Driscoll, Pat Lloyd, Mike
Collins, Gina Snyder, Heather Clish and Derek Cribb to the ad hoc Open Space and
Recreation Planning Working Group Committee;
• Neil Cohen, Karen Gately Herrick, Ben Tafoya, Ken Rossetti, Leslie McGonagle and
Richard McDonald to the ad hoc Tax Classification Advisory Committee;
• Matthew Wilson to the ad hoc Northern Area Greenway Task Force.
Community Development
Pearson selected National Development to partner with the Weiner Group to re-develop
the Addison-Wesley/Pearson site. In August 2007, the Selectmen voted to approve submitting a
Smart Growth 40R Application, and the Town hired Concord Square Development Company as
a 40R Consultant for the project with funds provided by National Development. Re-zoning of
the Addison-Wesley/Pearson property for mixed-use development, including a 40R
development, was approved by Town Meeting in December.
The long-awaited Downtown Improvement Project was awarded by the State in 2007
with construction beginning in early 2008.
The Route 128/I-93 Interchange Project completed its work and will be moving on to the
Environmental Impact process. In May 2007, the Board of Selectmen approved a position paper
on the Route 128/I-93 Interchange Project.
The Downtown Parking Task Force conducted a survey which showed that there is a
shortage of 280 spaces for employees, and a shortage of 120 customer spaces. The Task Force
recommended that the Board of Selectmen seek professional help in seeking structured parking.
The Town received a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the amount of $50,000
to proceed with this study.
In May 2007, the Board of Selectmen approved a Purchase and Sales Agreement for the
purchase of 1481 Main Street with funding coming from a $400,000 State grant, and the
generosity of a donor who donated $400,000. The property was purchased, and a dedication of
the property was held on April 14, 2007.
A Memorial Park Master Plan was developed and approved by the Board of Selectmen.
A cy pres petition was filed with the court regarding Memorial Park uses. Proposed
improvements to the park included reshaping the ice rinks and adding lights to them, add bocce,
horseshoes and volleyball, public parking along Harrison Street, additional shade trees and
plantings, a handicapped accessible bucolic pathway through the park, and reconstruction of the
tennis court and basketball court. The cost was estimated at $740,000 and a donor was willing to
fund the majority of the work.
The ad hoc Northern Area Greenway Committee was charged with ways to improve
public access to the Northern Area Greenway. They developed a plan that includes a main route
and an alternative route if the boardwalks do not come to fruition. Spurs would allow access
from neighborhoods. They recommended benches and picnicking in the Town Forest area.
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Community Services Department
The Water Treatment Plant is the headway and should have kiosks. They recommended
the construction of a boardwalk to connect the Town Forest to Mill Street, and a pier at the Lobs
Pound Mill site along with handicap accessibility. A grant application was submitted to Mass.
Riverway to do a feasibility study. In the Mattera Conservation area, they suggested
construction of a 400 foot trail ending at Bare Meadow. The Committee also recommended that
the Town acquire Lot 245-5 and Lot 235-4. The need for sign standardization, kiosks and new
trail maps were noted.
The ad hoc Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee was charged with developing a master
plan for recreational use of the Birch Meadow Area. A survey was sent out and the results
showed that residents of the Town enjoy big open areas, desire to rebuild Imagination Station,
want more fields and a pool. There was discussion about reconfiguring the fields and putting an
open air pavilion near the batting cage area with picnic tables, concession stand and restrooms.
The Committee recommended using the Imagination Station site in the same spirit in the same
location. The Committee suggested that a splash park would be more viable than a pool, and
there was discussion about putting the splash park next to Imagination Station for the whole
community to use since it would be the only one in Town.
An outcry from the residents for an “early cup of coffee” resulted in a change of the
Town’s Bylaws regarding hours of operation for retail businesses. The Selectmen adopted a
policy regarding a waiver of the hours of operation to allow retail businesses to open before 6:00
a.m. The first application to the Board of Selectmen was denied in July, and the applicant was
advised to re-apply after six months.
In an effort to help revitalize the Downtown area, the Board of Selectmen discussed
putting an Article on the 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant to allow restaurants with less than
100 seats to have an All Alcoholic Liquor License.
The ad hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee recommended that the
Selectmen place the Community Preservation Act on the Warrant for Town Meeting
consideration, to recommend that the first $100,000 on residential properties be exempt, to
exempt low-income housing and low or moderate income senior housing, and to propose a 2%
surcharge.
The efforts at combating substance abuse in Reading lead to the formation of a non-profit
group – Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA). This organization was formed
in September 2006, and was the recipient of a $10,000 planning grant. The 21 member board
met monthly and has made great strides in organizing to combat substance abuse.
The Town applied for and was awarded a very competitive $100,000 a year, five year
Drug Free Community grant which allows the Town to hire staff and move the RCASA agenda
forward. Staff was hired in early 2008.
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Community Services Department
Infrastructure
In October 2007, the Selectmen approved the Water Supply Continuation Agreement
between the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Town of Reading with a term
expiring June 30, 2016. The Town is now completely dependent on the MWRA for water
supply, and has suspended the use of the local water supply.
The following road resurfacing projects were completed in 2007: Bancroft Avenue
(Lowell Street to Middlesex Avenue), Cumberland Road, Franklin Street (Main Street to
Haverhill Street), Franklin Terrace, Governors Drive, Hampshire Road, Hillcrest Road,
Lawrence Road, Locust Street (Main Street to Highland Street), Maple Ridge Road, Wells Road,
Wentworth Road, Woodland Street (John Carver Road easterly), Tennyson Road – partial
overlay/repair, Coolidge Road – partial overlay/repair, Springvale Road – partial overlay/repair,
Milton Road – partial overlay/repair, Barrows Road (Lowell Street northerly) – full overlay,
Longview Road – full overlay, Vine Street (High Street to Mineral Street) – full overlay.
Granite curb and sidewalks were installed on the following streets in 2007: Franklin
Street (Main Street to Grove Street – westerly side), West Street (Enos Circle to Catherine
Avenue – westerly side only). Granite curb only was installed on Bancroft Avenue (Lowell
Street to Middlesex Avenue), Franklin Street (Main Street to Partridge Road – northerly side
only), Governors Drive (westerly side only), Hampshire Road at Main Street, Hillcrest Road
(Scotland Road to 56 Scotland Road and Ellis Avenue to Oak Street), Locust Street (Main Street
to Beacon Street), Lawrence Road (Main Street to 42 Lawrence Road), Woodland Street (John
Carver Road easterly).
The following improvements were made and equipment purchased in 2007:
April 2007
• School building improvements - $85,000
• Town building improvements - $70,000
• Library furnishings - $16,500
• Public Works equipment - $277,000
• Recreation improvements (playground) - $25,000
• Roadway improvements - $341,100
• Debt authorized for:
Downtown improvement - ($650,000)
o
Financial systems - ($1,250,000)
o
Fire engine - ($410,000)
o
Artificial turf field - ($650,000)
o
November 2007
• School building improvements - $90,000
• Town building improvements - $70,000
• Technology - $117,000
• Library - $10,000
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Community Services Department
November 2007(Continued)
• Public Safety - $35,000
• Public Works equipment - $445,400
• Roadway improvements - $165,000
• Debt authorized for
A new Fire Department ladder truck - ($800,000)
o
Tennis courts at Birch Meadow - ($485,000)
o
Financial
The ad hoc Tax Classification Task Force studied the notion of shifting the tax rate. The
Task Force voted to recommend adopting a shift of 10% of the residential rate the 1st year, 0%
the 2nd year and 15% the 3rd year, and if the Board should shift the tax rate to implement the
maximum commercial tax exemption available under law. After input from business owners and
much deliberation, the Board of Selectmen voted to not shift the tax rate.
The Town’s financial situation continues to be excellent, with appropriate cash reserves
and the ability to continue supplemental capital projects. This is due to consistent, sustainable
and conservative budgeting, and the establishment by the Finance Committee of sound financial
policies and goals.
The Town’s bond rating by Moody’s was upgraded from A1 to Aa3 thanks to the hard
work of the Town Accountant Gail LaPointe and Assistant Town Manager /Finance Director
Bob LeLacheur, and building on the previous strong financial base built by the retired Town
Accountant Richard Foley and retired Finance Director Beth Klepeis.
CONSERVATION DIVISION
The Conservation Commission was established in 1960 under Section 8C of Chapter 40
of the Massachusetts General Laws for the promotion and the development of the natural
resources, and for the protection of watershed resources in Reading. The Commission has
worked since that time to acquire and maintain hundreds of acres of conservation land within the
Town for public enjoyment and resource protection.
In 1972, the Conservation Commission was given regulatory authority to administer the
new Wetlands Protection Act, Section 40 of Chapter 131 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Over the years, the Commission’s role in the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act has
been further defined through regulations and policies issued by the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection.
In 1980, the Town adopted Section 5.7 of the Reading General Bylaws, the Wetlands
Protection Bylaw. The Commission subsequently promulgated the Reading Wetlands Protection
Regulations under the bylaw. From time to time, Town Meeting has amended the bylaw, and the
Commission has amended the regulations most recently in July of 2006. The amendments serve
to clarify the language, to make it consistent with recent changes in the State law and regulations,
and to assure revenues from filing fees.
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Community Services Department
Wetlands Protection Activities
During 2007, the Conservation Commission reviewed 41 permit applications for
proposed work and wetlands delineation. The Commission held 127 public hearings and public
meetings, and performed 128 site inspections regarding the permit applications and construction.
The Commission also issued 85 decisions including permits, resource area delineations,
extensions and amendments. The Commission made final site inspections, and closed 49 project
files in a concerted effort to update records. The Commission identified 30 violations and
resolved most of them, and successfully defended its position in two appeals to DEP. The
Administrator reviewed and signed off on 677 building permits, 26 minor projects and performed
424 site inspections. The Commission collected $4,460.50 in filing fees under the Wetlands
Protection Act, and $16,059.95 under the Wetlands Protection Bylaw.
Major projects under permitting review and/or construction oversight by the Commission
in 2007 included:
• Three multi-family developments that include affordable housing, two of which were
fully occupied by the end of the year;
• Two single-family Habitat for Humanity houses also occupied by the end of the year;
• Three subdivisions under construction;
• Major construction and renovations of the Reading Memorial High School including final
grading and drainage improvements and resolution of erosion problems;
• Final certification of work at the Wood End Elementary School;
• Final work at the Barrows Elementary School, and proposed playing field at Parker
Middle School;
• Commercial property improvements at 10 sites on Walkers Brook Drive and New
Crossing Road including two grocery stores, a health care center, two restaurants, an auto
dealership, an office building, a gas station, a bank, other retail uses, hazardous waste
clean-up projects, and resolution of flooding by a beaver dam;
• Mitigation and wetlands restoration work to correct impacts of the hazardous materials
releases at three other commercial sites;
• An addition to Quannapowitt Theater with storm water management improvements;
• Town improvement projects including: Park improvements in Hunt Park, Bancroft
Avenue, Memorial Park and Wood End School, paving and storm water management on
Woodland Street and drainage improvements off County Road;
• Preliminary designs by the Mass. Highway Department for replacement of the Ipswich
River Bridge on Main Street, landfill capping at the Causeway Road Depot, and
improvements in the I-93/I-95 Intersection.
The Commission and the Administrator worked with Town Counsel to defend the appeal
of two Commission decisions to pursue a significant violation in court, and to resolve other
violations with the land owners. The Administrator worked with other Town staff on the
implementation of the Petroleum Storage Bylaw, with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency on updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps, with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council
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Community Services Department
on a Hazard Mitigation Plan, with the Town Planner on updating the Commonwealth Capital
Rating, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on wetland and waterway improvements, and
with website managers on posting information and links on the new Town website.
Natural Resources Conservation Activities
With the help of State funding and a generous private donation in 2007, the Commission
completed purchase of 1481 Main Street as an addition to Bare Meadow and headquarters for the
Ipswich River (“Northern Area”) Greenway. The Commission worked with the Recreation
Division, Board of Selectmen, legislative representatives, the Public Works Department and
others to demolish a building, provide a parking lot and sign, and to dedicate the property as the
Mattera Conservation Area last Fall. We hope to find a tenant and begin programs in 2008.
Commissioner Mark Wetzel served on the Community Preservation Act Study
Committee. Will Finch served on the Northern Area Greenway Study Committee which
presented recommendations to the Board of Selectmen in December. Jamie Maughan served on
the Birch Meadow Study Committee which also presented preliminary plans to the Selectmen in
December. Doug Greene and Barbara Stewart served on the Open Space and Recreation Plan
Study Committee which presented a draft plan to the Massachusetts Division of Conservation
Services in August.
Other open space and natural resource achievements in 2007 include:
• Working with the Reading Open Land Trust on the dedication of the land given by Ben
Nichols to the Land Trust. This parcel provides an important trail connection between
Sledge Woods and Kurchian Woods.
• Inviting a number of Reading organizations who take an active interest in trails and other
pedestrian and bicycle paths to a “summit” meeting to learn from each other, and begin to
coordinate their efforts. This led to an “Adopt-A-Trail” training session by instructors from
the Appalachian Mountain Club, and plans for additional work in 2008 to create standards
for trail marking, construction and volunteer activities, and to improve signs and maps.
Anyone interested in joining this effort should contact the Conservation Division Office at
Town Hall. The phone number is 781-942-6616.
• Joining other environmental organizations in the celebration of Earth Day hosted by the
Reading Municipal Light Department.
• Working with a number of Scouts on trail improvement projects in Bare Meadow, the Town
Forest and Higgins Conservation Area, and also the installation of bluebird nesting boxes in
Bare Meadow.
• Working with the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Army Corps of Engineers on
the installation of a stream gauge at the Mill Street Bridge.
• Receiving a Riverways Adopt-A-Stream Grant to study the feasibility of a boardwalk along
the Ipswich River to connect the Town Forest trails to Conservation areas on Mill Street and
Main Street.
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Community Services Department
• Entering an agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game Access Board
for design and construction of an accessible fishing dock at Lobs Pound Mill.
• Supporting preliminary plans for decommissioning the Water Treatment Plant and creating a
park in its place.
Membership and Office Management
During 2007, Doug Greene, Will Finch, Bill Hecht, Mark Wetzel, Jamie Maughan,
Barbara Stewart and Annika Scanlon continued in service on the Commission along with Leo
Kenney, our consultant. Mark Wetzel served as Chairman and Bill Hecht served as Vice
Chairman.
Fran Fink continued as Conservation Administrator, and Ann Gentile began service as
the Recording Secretary. The Commissioners and the Administrator attended various workshops
and courses during the year to stay current with open space protection and wetland regulation
practices.
The Commission’s Office is located in the Community Services Department on the first
floor of Town Hall. The phone number is 781-942-6616.
Respectfully submitted,
Fran Fink, Conservation Administrator
ELDER/HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION
The Division of Elder/Human Services provides social services, advocacy, activities,
transportation, educational programs, and a meal site for Reading residents aged 60 and over.
Home delivered meals are available for homebound elders through the Mystic Valley Elder
Services’ Meals on Wheels Program.
In addition, the Division offers information, support and referrals to seniors and their
adult children, and friends and caregivers about a variety of aging concerns. For those under age
60, the Division provides social services and holiday programs.
The staff currently consists of an Administrator (37.5 hrs./wk.), a Social Worker (37.5
hrs./wk.), a Senior Center Coordinator (35 hrs./wk.), a Van Driver (32.5 hrs./wk.), a Coordinator
of Volunteers (21 hrs./wk.), a Nurse Advocate (21 hrs./wk.) and a Clerk (19 hrs./wk.).
This year, highlights for the Division included the following:
• In September, a Nurse Advocate was hired. This new position, approved by Town
Meeting in the Spring of 2007, responds to an important need within the community. The
Nurse Advocate is dedicated to helping Reading seniors manage their health care needs.
She helps seniors understand their medical conditions, medications and treatments, and
also assists seniors in developing strategies for living safely and in planning for their
future needs.
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Community Services Department
The Nurse Advocate is available to advocate and help seniors navigate the complex
health care system. She is especially focused on reaching out to seniors who live alone,
and do not have someone nearby for support.
• Delivery of a new 14 passenger van from the State (80%) and the Burbank Trust Fund
(20%).
• Development of a resource notebook for first responders with a list of after hours phone
numbers for shelters, hot lines, financial assistance, emergency food supply, etc. Seventy
booklets were distributed to fire and police personnel.
• With funds from the formula grant, the former computer lab at the Senior Center was
converted into three cubicle office spaces. The Nurse Advocate, the Van Driver and the
Senior Center Coordinator now share this space. The computer lab has been relocated to
the lower level.
• In a beginning effort to help seniors prepare for potential emergencies, the Division
developed a form to gather information about what preparations seniors already had in
place, what options and obstacles they would have if told to evacuate their homes, and
their personal health challenges. In October, the forms were mailed within the newsletter
to every senior (60+) household in Reading. The first round of distributed forms brought
back a return of 2%.
• Through a generous private donation, the Division was given a one year RCTV
membership. To date, a few seniors and one staff person have been trained to operate
RCTV’s recording equipment. Our goal is to videotape some Senior Center programs for
homebound seniors.
• The following new volunteer positions were developed in response to community and
staff needs: Shopping Escort, Medical Companion and Senior Center Decorators.
• In December 2006, the local taxi company closed its doors. The medical rides the taxi
company had been providing were transferred to MassTran, a specialized transportation
service. This service is funded by the Hospital Trust Fund, and available to those who
meet the established income qualification.
• The Division acquired six “newer” computers through a lease agreement with Mystic
Valley Elder Services. Five of the computers are being utilized in the Senior Center
computer lab and one is being used by a staff member.
Social Service
Our Social Worker addresses the needs and concerns of Reading residents of all ages.
Assistance for those under age 60 often involves crisis intervention, goal setting, information and
referrals about financial, housing, mental health and disabilities-related concerns. For those age
60 and over, assistance includes crisis intervention, EAP-model of case management, addressing
housing concerns, mediating intergenerational disputes, intervening in cases of neglect,
loneliness or depression, coordinating appointments with area medical and social service
agencies, as well as providing information and referrals with regard to nursing home placement
and eligibility screening for State and Federal programs. Assisting relatives and friends of
seniors with all the above concerns is another important service our Social Worker provides.
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Community Services Department
During 2007, our Social Worker had over 2,921 contacts with approximately 1,243
people who required assistance of some kind. In addition, she leads occasional
discussion/support group at the Senior Center. Our Social Worker provides eligibility screening
for, and assistance with, applications for Fuel Assistance, the Reading Food Pantry and various
transportation programs. In 2007, she completed these tasks for 78 individuals/families to the
Reading Food Pantry, 149 certifications for medical transportation, and assisted 111 households
with their Fuel Assistance applications. Our Home Heating Financial Assistance Program
provided $690.00 in assistance during 2007.
Senior Center
The Senior Center Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to manage the daily operations
of the Senior Center including the care of the facility and the coordination of activities. Our
Senior Center is a hub of activity, Monday through Friday, as can be seen from the following
chart:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Cribbage Bingo Billiards Bingo Chess
Movies Motion to Knitters Motion to Music- Strength Training
Music - aerobics aerobics
Open Computer Computer Computer Lessons Book Discussion Party Bridge
Lab Lessons
Tai Chi Officer Jim* Quilting Congressman* Open Computer
Tierney’s Office Lab
Hairdresser* Open Computer Line Dancing Open Computer AA
Lab Lab
Birthday Lunch* Shred-dit Lunch & Trivia* Scuttlebutt* Shred-dit
Money Matters* Low Vision* Podiatry Clinic*
Legal Clinic* Open Computer Rogers Hearing*
Lab
Cholesterol Shred-dit Blood Pressure
Screening** Clinic**
Shred-dit Visit with the*
Town Manager
Use it or Lose it –
Game Day
Shred-dit
Selectman Steve
Goldy*
* Meet monthly
** Provided by the Reading Health Department
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Community Services Department
New programs added during 2007 include: Reiki, Lunch & Trivia, Line Dancing;
Ballroom Dancing Lessons, Practice Ballroom Dancing, six-week Arthritis Self-Help Group
Fashion Show, Community Puzzle, Shred-dit, Use it or Lose it – Game Day, visit with
Selectman Stephen Goldy, Roger’s Hearing Screenings and visit with Officer Jim.
Support groups like Low Vision and Scuttlebutt provide participants with an opportunity
to express their feelings, and gain insights from other participants’ experiences. Guest speakers
are often invited to present differing views.
The Elder/Human Services Division strives to provide Reading seniors with the tools and
information they need to self-advocate, and make informed decisions about their lives.
Accordingly, we have arranged for the following free consultations to be available at the Senior
Center on a monthly basis:
• Financial – EdwardJones and Union Trust Mortgage Corp.
• Legal – Elder Law Attorney Karol Bisbee
• Hearing –Roger’s Hearing Solutions
• SHINE - Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders - Health Insurance
The Division also coordinates a variety of educational and social programs throughout
the year, and is committed to providing quality, up-to-date information to our residents on
matters important to their lives. In 2007, the Division sponsored a variety of lectures and
educational programs.
Examples of the educational seminars and programs held at the Senior Center include:
• Register of Probate sponsored by Register of Probate Middlesex County
• Estate Planning sponsored by Attorney Brian Snell
• Stroke Prevention sponsored by LifeLine Screening
• Home Care vs. Long Term Care sponsored by ABC Home & Healthcare Professionals
• Active Adult Housing Seminar sponsored by Boardwalk Realty
• Meter Tune-ups for Diabetics sponsored by Neighbor Diabetes
• Health Screenings sponsored by LifeLine
• Reiki sponsored by Jan MacKay, local Reiki practioner
• Property Tax Relief sponsored by State Department of Revenue
• Estate Planning and HIPPA sponsored by Attorney Brian Snell
• Jump Start Your Day sponsored by Mystic Valley Elder Services
• The Link Between Trans Fats & Heart Disease sponsored by Winchester Hospital
• Estate Planning, End of Life Issues & Pre-planning Funeral Seminar sponsored by Douglass,
Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home
• Debtor’s Rights sponsored by Attorney Dan Bartley
• Healing After Loss sponsored by the Center for Grief and Healing
• Programs and Services of the BBB sponsored by Better Business Bureau
• New CharlieCards sponsored by MBTA
• Arthritis Self-Help sponsored by The Arthritis Foundation
• Hit the Road sponsored by AAA Travel
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Community Services Department
• Healing Arthritis with Acupuncture sponsored by Winchester Hospital
• Preventing Falls in the Home sponsored by Hallmark Health VNA
• Alert Response Systems sponsored by Alert Response Systems
• Weight Management Seminar sponsored by Dr. Keith Briggs
• Humor and Health sponsored by Hallmark Health and VNA
• Are you ready for an emergency? sponsored by Greater Medford VNA
• Reverse Mortgage Workshop sponsored by Financial Reverse Seminars
• Protecting Your Nest Egg sponsored by New York Life Retirement Plan Services
• Omega-3s: Why are they good for your heart? sponsored by Mystic Valley Elder Services
• Long Term Care sponsored by Karol Bisbee, Elder Law Attorney
• Hallmark Health Medical Center sponsored by Hallmark Health VNA
• Mindfulness Exercise Program sponsored by Stacey Morris, LSW
• Maintaining Bone Health sponsored by Walgreens
• Downtown Changes sponsored by Town of Reading
Examples of social programs held at the Senior Center include:
• Monthly Special Lunch sponsored by Mystic Valley Elder Services
• Monthly Birthday Lunch sponsored by Reading Elder Services
• Red Hat Tea sponsored by The Red Hat Society
• Sing-a-Long at Lunchtime sponsored by Junior Girl Scouts
• Fashion Show sponsored by The Corner Closet
• Gift Wrapping with the Girl Scouts sponsored by the Girl Scouts
• Buddy Club sponsored by Coolidge Middle School Peer Leaders
• Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
• Annual Lion’s Italian Dinner sponsored by Reading Lion’s Club
• Mason’s Annual Cookout sponsored by Reading Masons
• Annual Ham and Bean Supper sponsored by Reading Police Department
• Halloween Party sponsored by Wingate
• Winter Solstice Celebration sponsored by First Baptist Sunday Morning Women’s Group
• Annual Barbecue sponsored by Mystic Valley Elder Services
• Ballroom Dancing sponsored by a State grant
Examples of programs held off-site include:
• Container Gardner sponsored by Reading Garden Club
• Italian Dinner sponsored by Coolidge Middle School Peer Leaders – School
• Elk’s Summer Cookout sponsored by the Wakefield Elk’s – Wakefield
• Monthly Breakfast Out Club – Raphael’s, North Reading
• Senior Tea sponsored by Joshua Easton School – School
thth
• Lunch at Birch Meadow School sponsored by 4 and 5 grade students
• Movie Theme Dinner sponsored by Coolidge Middle School Peer Leaders – School
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Community Services Department
The Division provided joint programming for the seniors with several Town Department
including the Veterans’ Agent, the Public Library, the Health, Fire and Police Departments,
Coolidge Middle School, Birch Meadow School, Joshua Easton School, Reading Memorial High
School, RMLD and RCTV. We also collaborated with several civic clubs, scout troops, local
businesses and social service agencies.
Volunteers
The Division recognizes the importance of volunteers. Few of our programs would run
smoothly without volunteers from the community. The volunteers themselves learn new skills,
meet new people, and enjoy an increased sense of self worth. For these reasons, the Division
places great emphasis on offering a variety of volunteer opportunities for a diverse set of skills,
abilities and interests.
Our Coordinator of Volunteers matches volunteers to various community service
positions, many of which specifically aid Reading’s older population. This year, an average of
178 seniors per month benefit from our volunteers’ efforts. Some of the positions filled by
volunteers include a Senior Center Receptionist, Adopt-An-Island Gardeners, Book Discussion
Leaders, Bingo Callers, Income Tax Preparers, Computer Instructors, COA Board Members,
Repairman, Friendly Visitors, Office Workers, Newsletter Editor, Kitchen Helpers, Shoppers for
Homebound Seniors and Shopping Assistants.
Volunteer opportunities created in 2007 include Senior Center Decorators, Medical
Companions and Shopping and Medical Escorts. In total, 722 volunteers gave 7,200 hours of
service during the year. If the Town had to pay for these services, it would cost approximately
*
$130,230.
*According to volunteer hourly rate set by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Intergenerational projects continue to be an important teaching tool for cooperation
among the generations. Students served the seniors lunch, and helped with yard work and snow
shoveling. They created a Pen Pal Program, performed at the Senior Center, and prepared dinner
and entertainment for the seniors at their schools. They also made cards, cookies and tray favors
at holiday times and even helped wrap gifts. These events are becoming increasingly popular
with the seniors and the middle school students.
Lunch Time Meals
The Senior Center’s Daily Nutrition Program is provided by the Mystic Valley Elder
Services, Inc. (MVES). In an effort to increase attendance at lunch, we often offer concurrent
games, programs and/or entertainment.
There are 20 meal site volunteers who help serve and clean up after the noontime meal at
the Senior Center. Socialization is an important component of this program. In 2007, a total of
5,016 lunches were served at the Senior Center.
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Community Services Department
In FY 2007, the MVES’ Meals on Wheels Program delivered a total of 21,483 meals to
166 participants. The roster of participants changes as people become well enough to prepare
their own meals or move to other levels of care. A variety of meals are delivered: Lunch meals,
evening meals, clinical diets, and frozen meals for the weekend. A variety of “clinical diet”
meals are also available including no concentrated sweets, diabetic, low fiber, high fiber, low
lactose, renal or pureed.
Van Transportation
The Van Transportation Program provides a vital service for those seniors who don’t
drive. Transportation is provided in town for the following purposes: Banking, grocery shopping,
voting, medical appointments, personal appointments, pharmacy needs, going to breakfast and
visiting the Senior Center. For younger residents, the van services offer transportation to and
from the Food Pantry and other vital destinations. In 2007, the van made 7,916 one-way trips
transporting an average of 72 unduplicated passengers per month multiple times.
The Division was awarded a grant from the Executive Office of Transportation for a new
van. The grant covered 80% of the cost of the new van ($44,233.60) and the Burbank Trust
Fund, with the Council on Aging’s approval, provided the remaining 20% ($11,593.40).
The new van seats 14 passengers and, if needed, two wheelchair passengers. It is also
equipped with a wheelchair lift. The new van was delivered in March 2007.
Newsletter
The Pleasantries Newsletter is a monthly publication created by the Division and
published by Senior Citizen’s Publishing, Inc. (SCP). There is no cost to the Town for this
arrangement. SCP’s revenue is derived from selling advertising space in the Newsletter.
The newsletters are delivered to approximately 3,060 senior households in Reading three
times a year. The Burbank Trust Fund provides the funding for postage. During the other nine
months, 850 copies of the newsletter are available at several locations around town. The goal of
the newsletter is to increase awareness of the programs and services available to Reading’s
seniors and their caregivers.
Property Tax Worker Program
The Division coordinates the Property Tax Worker Program which allows Reading
seniors to perform various tasks for Town Departments in exchange for an abatement on their
property taxes. The program is open to Reading residents age 65 and over or disabled who own
property and have a household income that does not exceed limits set by the program. There are
currently 21 positions available, and each participant can earn a maximum of $750 per year. In
2007, participants were compensated at a rate of $7.00 per hour from January – June 2007, and
$7.50 per hour from July - December. As of January 2007, the program has been funded through
the Assessor’s Overlay Account.
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Community Services Department
Burbank Trust Fund
In 2007, the Council on Aging approved expenditures from the Dorothy L. Burbank Trust
to pay for the following: Three full-page advertisements of our programs in the Reading
Recreation Community Guide, three months of postage cost for bulk mailings of the newsletter,
20% of the cost of the new van, a new DVD/VCR player, monthly entertainment for the Senior
Center’s Special Lunch Program, birthday cake, gift certificates, and lunch for the monthly
birthday celebrants were paid from this Trust Fund until February 1, 2007 when the cost was
transferred to the Schroeder Trust Fund.
Schroeder Trust Fund
In 2007, funds from the Schroeder Trust were used to purchase and deliver flowers for
seniors who experienced an extended illness. Hot Thanksgiving and/or Christmas meals were
also purchased for those seniors who were going to be alone for the holidays. Thirty meals were
provided for each Thanksgiving and Christmas. All meals were delivered by COA Board
Members. Beginning February 1, 2007, the cost of the monthly birthday cake, lunch and gift
certificates were funded from the Schroeder Trust Fund.
Donations
Many individuals and organizations have generously supported the Elder/Human
Services’ efforts by providing money, gifts and in-kind services. Some of the donations have
included sponsorship of an event or programs, Senior Center decorations, baked goods, gift
certificates from local businesses, an umbrella stand, a karaoke system, paper cups and plates, a
microwave, a low-vision magnifying machine, six “newer” computers, a voice amplification
system, RCTV membership, flowers, plants, art work, refreshments and more.
In 2007, the Hitching Post, in conjunction with Shop the Block Night, raffled a basket of
gift items with all the proceeds benefiting the Adopt-A-Family Program.
Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program
Each year, Elder/Human Services coordinates the Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program
which matches low-income Reading families with confidential donors of food and gifts for
children. Reading residents, businesses, out-of-town businesses that employ Reading residents,
youth organizations, school groups, nursery schools, churches and municipal departments join
together to make this program a success.
This past year, 91 donor groups, families and individuals made donations of food and
gifts to the Adopt-A-Family Program.
Recipients Households Adults/Children
Thanksgiving Food 52 93+111 = 204
Christmas Food/Gifts 64 64+131 = 195
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Community Services Department
COA Hot Meals
The Social Worker supplies the Council on Aging with a list of 30 seniors who would
welcome a Thanksgiving meal and a visitor, and another 30 for around Christmas time. (This
task is more difficult than it sounds as many seniors are uncomfortable accepting assistance.)
The meals are purchased from Boston Market using Schroeder Trust Funds and are delivered by
COA Board Members.
Christmas Gifts
The Social Worker gathers gift wishes from 25 seniors. The Young Women’s League
purchases and wraps the gifts, and the Elder/Human Services’ staff delivers the gifts.
Christmas Baskets
The Social Worker supplies the Wakefield Elks with a list of 10 seniors who would
welcome receiving a basket of uncooked holiday food.
Emergency Funds
The Division has two revolving funds - the Elder Services Revolving Fund covers
emergency situations for persons age 60 and older who lack financial resources to cover basic
needs or emergencies, and the Human Services Revolving Fund for persons under age 60 who
lack financial resources for emergency situations.
Council on Aging Board
During 2007, the Council on Aging experienced some changes. Steve Oston joined us as
a board member and Betty Cronin resigned.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Folopoulos, Elder/Human Services Administrator
HEALTH DIVISION
The Health Division provides public health services to the residents of Reading through
the concept of protection, promotion and prevention, and by employing a variety of complex
scientific principles. In providing core public health services to the residents of Reading, we
utilize a variety of skill sets that are specific to a variety of professional disciplines on a daily
basis.
The Health Division seeks to ensure that the residents of Reading are not only protected
from public health hazards but are also prepared to respond, if and when the need arises. This
requires a wide knowledge base, technical skills and use of specialized equipment such as the
following:
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Community Services Department
Epidemiology Food Chemistry
Microbiology Plumbing, Electrical and Building Science
Pathophysiology Heating and Ventilation Science
Pharmacology Environmental Sanitation
Soil and Water Pollution Sound Physics
Soil Science Radiation Physics
Solid Waste Disposal Veterinary Science
Water Chemistry/Analysis Pest Control
Light Physics All Hazards Response
Board of Health
The Board of Health continues to provide strong leadership and guidance in developing
public health policy for administering public health in the Town under the able leadership of
Chair Barbara Meade, Secretary Colleen Hennessey-Seferian and MemberDr.David Mitchell-
Singer. The Board met with the Board of Selectmen to promulgate Animal Control Regulations,
and has held a number of hearings on a variety of public health concerns.
Staffing
There was a major transition in the Health Department in the last quarter of 2007. Jane
Fiore, BSN, RN CHO,the long-standing Health Administrator, retired after 21 years of
dedicated service to Reading. Mrs. Fiore had served the Town diligently by ensuring that the
public health services were well provided. Her foresight and planning has prepared the Health
Division and the Town of Reading to respond to future public health challenges in an ever
changing environment. We wish her well in her retirement, and offer our gratitude for the many
years of unstinting service and dedication to public health in Reading and Massachusetts as a
whole.
RN Patricia Faulkner, Public HealthNurse, terminated her employment with the Town to
further her education as well as pursue other endeavors. We wish her well in her endeavors for
the future.
Larry Ramdin, MA, REHS, CHO, joined the Health Division on October 1, 2007 as the
new Health Administrator. Mr. Ramdin has over 30 years in the public health field, and he brings
a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience to the Health Division which will be an asset to
the Town as it provides public health services to residents.
RN Leslie Carabello, BSN, Public Health Nurse, also joined the Health Division team in
January 2008. Ms. Carabello was previously a Public Health Nurse in Danvers, and most
recently an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator in the Town of Amesbury.
Environmental Health
The Health Division is charged with administering State public laws and regulations. The
Environmental Health unit enforces a variety of Federal, State and local public health and
environmental laws and regulations.
34
Community Services Department
Joan Vitale, the Health Inspector, inspects restaurants, housing, swimming pools, massage
establishments, tanning establishments, and responds to public health complaints. She is a
Certified Food Manager and a Certified Pool Operator. She is required to display skill sets
utilized by a variety of specific scientific and professional disciplines in her daily routine.
Additionally, she is also required to work in a high stress environment where she is involved in
conflict resolution and dealing with personality challenges. She is diligent, skilled and seeks to
achieve compliance through education in a cooperative, courteous and professional manner.
The duties of the Health Inspector include the following:
• Food establishment inspections
• Food borne illness investigations
• Swimming pool inspections and sampling
• General nuisance complaint investigations
• Housing inspections
Community Health/Public Health Nursing
The Public Health Nurse is a 32.5 hours/week position; however, the dedication of the
Nurse has allowed for provision of extensive services including:
• Tuberculosis screenings
• Preventative immunizations
• Communicable disease investigations
• Wellness Clinics - Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings
• Emergency preparedness including pandemic flu and medical response to bio-terror
events
• Summer Camp inspections
• Wellness/Health lifestyle training and presentations
During this period, RN Patricia Faulkner was actively involved in setting up the regional
Medical Reserve Corps. (MRC) to provide volunteer medical/clinical services to the
communities in the region in the event of an emergency. Through Jane Fiore’s and Patricia
Faulkner’s outstanding guidance and efforts, the Greater River Valley MRC covering the
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Lynnfield and Reading was
established.
During this period, the following services were provided:
• 168 wellness clinics
• 1415 preventative immunizations
• 380 preventative screenings
During the period that the Health Division was without a Public Health Nurse, Dianne
Luther, Nurse Advocate, provided interim public health nursing services so the essential PHN
functions could continue. Unfortunately, wellness clinics had to be suspended but were resumed
in January 2008 when PHN Leslie Carabello assumed her duties.
35
Community Services Department
Emergency Preparedness
During the year, under the leadership of Jane Fiore, the previous Health Administrator,
the Town of Reading entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other towns in
the Regional Public Preparedness Coalition where the communities of Andover, Lawrence,
Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Lynnfield and Reading will provide/complement
public health services in the member towns during emergencies.
Other Services
The Health Division participates in the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project
(EMMCP). Reading faces the challenges of dealing not only with the West Nile Virus threat but
also has to be concerned with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The EMMCP employs
control methods for the mosquito vectors of these illnesses both in the adult and larval stages.
Dead animals are collected and disposed of under contract to prevent the spread of
disease and fouling of the environment.
The Health Division continues to administer the Weights and Measures Program which is
currently contracted to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Consumer Affairs.
Also, we continue to support the Riverside Mental Health and The Eastern Middlesex
Association of Retarded Citizens who provide invaluable health services to the Reading
community.
We worked with the School Department to develop Methycillin Resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus (MRSA) guidelines before the Department of Public Health issued similar guidelines.
Also, the Board of Health continues to participate in the Reading Coalition Against Substance
Abuse (RCASA).
Statistics:
Inspections 1863
Re-inspections 654
Immunizations 1415
Wellness Screenings and Tests 380
Wellness Clinics 168
Licenses and Permits Issued 496
Dead Animals Collected 254
Burial Permits Issued 199
Animal Inspections 20
Revenue:
Licenses, Permits and Fees $35,680.00
Grants $10,000.00
Revolving Clinic Fund $31,167.36
TOTAL $76,847.36
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Community Services Department
We look forward to the coming year as we employ scientific principles, and we
implement mandated public health requirements. During the upcoming year, we will be reaching
out to the community to educate them on public health risk, and provide strategies for dealing
with those risks. Specifically, we will be working with volunteer organizations to promote the
principles of safe food handling, personal hygiene by conducting a series of “Basic Food Safety”
training seminars as well as educating the community on strategies to prepare for emergencies.
We will seek to enhance volunteer participation in the emergency response teams.
We also look forward to enhancing health lifestyle choices, and providing support to
allow residents to achieve those goals through clinics, seminars and working with internal and
external partners.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Ramdin, Health Administrator
INSPECTIONS DIVISION
The Inspections Division is responsible for carrying out inspectional services on
commercial and residential construction in the areas of building, gas, plumbing and wiring. In
addition, the Division is responsible for enforcing the Town’s Zoning By-laws and providing
staff to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Statistics: Year End 2007 Previous Year End 2006
Building Building Permits issued 754 907
Inspections 1,255 2,026
Fees received $410,365.44* $346,909.55*
Occupancy Permits 162 193
Fees received $5,880* $6,890*
Wiring Wiring Permits issued 578 680
Inspections 1,028 1,330
Fees received $54,414* $42,082*
Plumbing/Gas Gas Permits issued 238 295
Gas Fees received $8,958* $10,653*
Plumbing Permits issued 378 467
Plumbing Fees received $20,524* $18,230*
Combined Inspections 815 1,352
Gas/Plumbing
$500,141.44* $417,874.55*
TOTAL FEES
*
Totals do not include permit fees for Walkers Brook Crossing, Johnson Woods and
Archstone-Reading deposited in revolving building account.
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Community Services Department
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals met 19 times in 2007. The ZBA voted on 25 petitions for
Variances, Special Permits and appeals.
ZBA Members are Chairman Robert Redfern, Susan Miller, John Jarema, Paul Dustin,
Peter Tedesco and Clark Petschek. The Town Planner and the Commissioner of Buildings Glen
Redmond provide primary support to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
PLANNING DIVISION
After 38 years served collectively on the Reading Community Planning & Development
Commission (CPDC), Jonathan Barnes (17 years) and Richard Howard (21 years) resigned from
the Commission in 2007. Richard Howard was a founding member of Reading’s CPDC. Many
thanks to Mr. Barnes and Mr. Howard for their countless hours of service to the Town.
John Sasso served as CPDC Chair in 2007, establishing systems for tracking progress and
implementing the recommendations of the Reading Master Plan. Nick Safina was appointed to
the CPDC after having served as Associate Member. John Weston was also appointed to the
CPDC in 2007. Mr. Safina and Mr. Weston joined members Brant Ballantyne, David Tuttle and
John Sasso.
The scope of the Town Planner position was expanded in 2007 to include Community
Services Department Head duties in 2007. Carol Kowalski was hired in May as Town
Planner/Community Services Director. A Staff Planner position was also created in 2007.
The Planning Division is responsible for advising the public, property owners, Reading
Boards, Committees and Commissions, contractors and architects on land use, zoning, economic
development and planning concerns. The Planning Division advises the Community Planning &
Development Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Economic Development
Commission. Planning Division staff work closely with the Building and Inspections Division
especially the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the Permits & Licensing Coordinator.
Planning Division Activities
For the first quarter of 2007, day-to-day planning functions were handled on an interim
basis by Permits & Licensing Coordinator Mike Schloth and by Town Engineer George
Zambouras.
In 2007, the Planning Division reviewed 45 applications for planning, land use, site work
and development including Site Plan Review, Design Review Team (preliminary meetings with
developers and all relevant Town staff), subdivisions, special permits, Chapter 40B
comprehensive permit applications, signage design review in Downtown and the Salem Street
business areas, and the Smart Growth Overlay District at the former Addison-Wesley site (which
was approved by Special Town Meeting in December 2007).
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Community Services Department
Economic Development Committee
In economic development work, the Town Planner worked with the Economic
Development Committee (EDC) Members Chairman Russell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Leslie
McGonagle, Jack Russell, Meghan Young-Tafoya and Associate Member Michele Williams.
The Town Planner compiled data on 157 Downtown businesses for the Downtown Market
Analysis prepared by Barringer Associates.
With the Economic Development Committee, the Town Planner coordinated a business
breakfast for Reading business owners, and assisted the committee in preparing a business web
page on the Town of Reading website. The EDC was advised by economic development
professional Adam Baacke through a Peer-to-Peer grant early in 2007. This grant produced two
reports: The Reading Downtown Revitalization Observations and the Reading Economic
Development Committee Strategy. The EDC also conducted a survey of Reading business
owners in 2007.
Projects reviewed by the Planning Division and CPDC in 2007:
Subdivisions
Kylie Drive (Lot release)
Benjamin Lane (Minor modification)
Site Plan Review
163 Main Street (Dynamik Sports)
39 Walkers Brook Drive (Longhorn Steak House and Bertucci’s Restaurant)
1 General Way, (128 Marketplace) five Minor Modifications
1 Haven Street Minor Modification
345 Main Street (Sherwin Williams)
87 Walkers Brook Drive (gas station)
214 Main Street (Londi’s)
101 Willow Street (Austin Preparatory School)
Walkers Brook Crossing (Home Depot) Minor Modification
30 New Crossing Road (Hallmark Health)
55 Hopkins Street (Quannapowitt Players)
25 Walkers Brook Drive (Stop & Shop - request not to build a sidewalk denied)
156 Main Street (Café Bella) waiver
345 Main Street (Busa Liquors) Minor Modification
580 Main Street (Christopher’s Restaurant) waiver
143 Main Street (Ciano Realty Trust) Minor Modification
1349 Main Street (White Hen Pantry)
12 Woburn Street (Yoga East) waiver
643 Main Street (Latham, Latham & Lamond) waiver
191 Main Street (Hakanson Accounting) waiver
88 and 98 Walkers Brook Drive (Honda)
18-20 Woburn Street (Cornerstone Square LLC)
39
Community Services Department
Sign Review (Certificate of Appropriateness
)
583 Main Street (Pizza World)
15 Bolton Street (Rite Aid)
25 Haven Street (Rite Aid)
159 Ash Street (Just Right Alterations)
239 Woburn Street (Unitarian Universalist Church) Minor Modification
12 Woburn Street (Yoga East)
CPDC Special Permits
312 Gazebo Circle (Summit Village) Minor Modification
80-100 Main Street (Atlantic Tambone)
ZBA Comprehensive Permits
49-75 Pleasant Street (Reading Housing Authority Comprehensive Permit)
Zoning Workshops/Public Hearing for Zoning Amendment
16 Sanborn Street zoning change
Johnson Woods PUD-R
Accessory structures
Smart Growth Overlay District for former Addison-Wesley site
Zoning definitions, lot coverage
Business C zoning amendment for former Addison-Wesley site
Endorsement of Subdivision Approval Not Required Plans
22 Whittier Street
38 Cross Street
29-33 Shackford Road
Filing fees from the Planning Division activities totaled $30,350. The Planning Division
is located at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, and the telephone number is 781- 942-
9056.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Kowalski, Town Planner/Community Services Director
VETERAN’S SERVICES DIVISION
The Veteran’s Services Division office is responsible for the needs of all the veterans in
Reading. It is the Veteran’s Services Officer to whom the unemployed, the indigent, the
disabled, the ill or veterans otherwise in need first apply for assistance. The Veteran’s Services
Officer interviews the applicants, determines their eligibility, and assists in filing for all veteran’s
benefits including the Massachusetts Chapter 115 program for indigent veterans and their
dependents. The Town of Reading receives 75% reimbursement from the State for all the money
expended by the Town of Reading under Chapter 115.
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Community Services Department
The Veteran’s Services Officer also assists Reading veterans with applying for all other
State benefits such as tuition waivers, grants, student loans, annuities, bonuses, outreach centers,
counseling, veteran’s license plates and many more.
Under the category of Federal aid, veterans are assisted in processing applications for
benefits including service-related compensation, disability pensions, personal aid, pensions,
social security benefits, medical, education, employment, medals, death benefits, and retrieving
military records for veterans who without would not be eligible for any benefits.
Federal benefits include filing for compensation and pension, life insurance, burial and
survivor’s benefits. Additional benefits expended by the Veteran’s Affairs Administration
benefits directly to the veteran’s population in Reading were $2,173.200 for the Fiscal Year that
ended June 2006.
The Veteran’s Services Division also works with other committees to coordinate public
events such as last year’s Veteran’s Day ceremony held on the Town Common.
The Veteran’s Services Division office hours are Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the office phone
number is (781) 942-6652.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Driscoll, Veteran’s Agent
TOWN COUNSEL
During 2007, Brackett & Lucas as Town Counsel addressed various and diverse issues on
the Town’s behalf. At present, the Town is involved in a fairly minimal amount of litigation, the
most significant of which is the recent complaint filed by the general contractor relative to the
construction/renovation of the Reading Memorial High School.
Other pending litigation matters involve a challenge to the Town’s adoption of a storm
water utility fee, continuing representation relative to a cy pres petition which seeks to expand
park and recreational uses for Reading Memorial Park, construction litigation by two
subcontractors to the Reading Memorial High School project and four zoning appeals. Of the
zoning appeals, only one requires the active participation of this office as the others involve what
may be characterized as abutter disputes. There are pending appeals to the Appellate Tax Board
for which we provide advice and representation to the Board of Assessors.
In the past year, I have provided legal assistance to most Department Heads, Town
Boards, Committees and Commissions including the Board of Selectmen. Attorney Judith
Pickett is working with the Conservation Commission on various matters including the
negotiation of conservation restrictions.
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Community Services Department
The legal services provided included the provision of advice and legal opinions in the
areas of land use to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Community Planning and Development
Commission, and the review of contracts and bidding documents. Attorneys Gary Brackett and
James Masteralexis have provided advice and representation to the Police and Fire Departments
relative to labor and employee issues.
We continue to advise the School Department on various non-litigation issues related to
the construction of the Reading Memorial High School, and to provide review and comment on
contracts and bid documents.
Brackett & Lucas also assisted in the preparation and review of bylaws, and the review
and drafting of Warrant Articles for Town Meetings during the year. We attended all Town
Meetings in order to address any legal issues or concerns raised by Town Meeting Members.
It has been our pleasure to serve the legal needs of the Town of Reading this past year,
and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Callahan Doucette, Town Counsel
THE ARC OF EAST MIDDLESEX
Listed below is a detailed analysis of the number of individuals serviced during FY 2007
by The Arc of East Middlesex in Reading as well as the surrounding cities and towns:
Program Statistics for FY 2007:
Program Reading Other Total
Day Services 21 110 131
Recreation 94 190 284
Residential
Range Heights Road, Lynn 4 4
Cliffside Commons, Malden 6 6
Lebanon Street, Melrose 8 8
Main Street, Melrose 8 8
Haven Street, Reading 8 8
Hopkins Street, Reading 4 4
Pitman Drive, Reading 4 4
Newcomb Avenue, Saugus 4 4
Albion Street, Wakefield 6 6
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Program Reading Other Total
Residential (Continued)
Nahant Street, Wakefield 7 7
Spruce Street, Wakefield 4 4
Water Street, Wakefield 5 5
Independent/Supported Living 7 16 23
TOTAL RESIDENTS 23 68 91
Day Services
The Arc’s Day Services Division includes East Middlesex Industries (EMI), School to
Work Transition Services and, as of June 2007, Life Choices, a federally funded day habilitation
program. EMI provides workshop services and training as well as follow-up case management
to clients placed in gainful employment worksites within the area. The goal of EMI is to provide
individuals with the vocational skills and training to become independent, tax-paying members
of their communities. Additionally, EMI provides vocational opportunities through the Center
for Emerging Artists (CEA). Products produced by many of the individuals attending CEA are
featured in several exhibitions in the area each year. Many items produced are for sale and the
artists receive commission income for each piece sold.
Recreational Programs
The Arc of East Middlesex provides recreational services throughout the year for children
and adults with developmental disabilities. The funding to run these programs is raised through
fundraising efforts and individual attendance fees. Although these programs are staffed by
employees, not all of them could be run without the assistance of volunteers. Several dances and
swim programs are held throughout the year, and it should be noted that approximately 50
Reading residents have volunteered to assist in these very successful programs.
Journey to Independence
Journey to Independence has proven to be a very successful program that teaches teens
and young adults with developmental disabilities necessary skills such as personal health care,
money handling, cooking, cleaning, employment, leisure and personal safety at an offsite
location called the Real World House. This program operates on weekends and school vacations
and provides a safe, fun, overnight learning environment for individuals to learn the skills they
will need to succeed in the future.
Residential Services
Residential services are currently provided at several sites throughout the area to 91
adults who have developmental disabilities. Residential programs are funded primarily by the
Department of Mental Retardation (DMR). Room and Board fees charged to the residents are
used to offset DMR funding. The goal of residential services is to provide individuals with an
opportunity to live and participate in the local communities that we serve.
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Community Services Department
Additional Services
• Advocacy services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
• Parent Resource Counseling
• Information and Referral Services
• Internships and Work Study Programs for students
• Various Support Groups
• Resource Library
• Family Education and Training
• Individual Centered Planning
• Supported Living
• Sib-Shop groups for siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities
• Respite Services
• Building Community Bridges
The Arc of East Middlesex is grateful for the continued support that the Town of Reading
has provided to its residents with developmental disabilities.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Ann Simons, Executive Director
DOWNTOWN STEERING COMMITTEE
The Downtown Steering Committee is proud to announce that the Main Street
Revitalization Program has been funded and is underway. The Committee will remain intact
until the project is completed. The ad hoc group has reported to the Selectmen and worked with
various Town Planners and engineers over many years. The group has run many open forums
for both the business community and the citizens of Reading.
The Committee is to be commended on its perseverance over the last 13 years.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Simms, Chairman
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The Historical Commission’s work in 2007 included regular meetings, site visits, and
presentations to school children and senior citizens. In addition, a good deal of time was spent
researching and documenting historic structures – in some cases, prior to their demolition, and in
others to create a record or provide information on an extant structure. The Commission also
continued its effort to convert historically important Town records to formats that may be
accessed electronically.
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Community Services Department
In 2007, two historic building were demolished. Sailor Tom’s well-known ship home was
razed as was the home at 30-32 Elliot Street. In both cases, new construction has taken place.
A number of citizens and various entities requested the assistance of the Historical
Commission in 2007 including requests for input on redesign, renovation, restoration and
gathering artifacts. Projects included an addition to the Quannapowitt Playhouse, restoration of
windows at the Library, helping to gather significant items from the Reading Memorial High
School prior to its demolition, and assistance in dating a Salem Street home.
In the first half of 2007, the Commission worked with the new homeowners of 420
Franklin Street to understand and approve their proposed renovations. In 2006, Deed restrictions
had been placed on the property which allows oversight by the Commission.
As work had begun on the restoration and renovations, the Commission was afforded the
opportunity to visit the structure, and learn a good deal about its probable structural life. Experts
and students from Boston University Preservation Studies spent two full days at the site, and
prepared a 40 page document outlining its structural history.
In October, members of the Historical Commission prepared and presented two programs
to Reading’s citizens.A slideshow entitled, “Remember When” was presented at a Rotary Club
Dinner held for senior citizens. A Reading History Program was developed for an elementary
audience as well. This presentation was given to third graders at the Joshua Eaton Elementary
School as part of their history curriculum.
In June, the Historical Commission re-elected its current officers to a new term for the
following 12 month period.
Members at year-end 2007 Associates at year-end 2007
Kathryn M. Greenfield, Chairman Karen Herrick
Sharlene Santo Reynolds, Secretary Susan Patterson
Roberta Sullivan, Treasurer
Virginia Adams
Mark Cardono
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Greenfield, Chairman
45
Community Services Department
LAND BANK COMMITTEE
During 2007, the Land Bank Committee provided assistance with identifying and
documenting Town-owned property. The Committee provided the historical documentation to
the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, the Town Planner and the GIS Coordinator.
The Land Bank Commitee provided assistance in the purchase of the 1481 Main Street
property for the Town in April 2007.
We look forward to working with the GIS Coordinator and the Assessors Department to
coordinate all Town records into a single database for all Town departments to utilize.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward G. Smethurst, Chairman
Daniel Blodgett, Secretary
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
Created in 1963, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) promotes interlocal
cooperation and advocates for smart growth by working closely with cities and towns, State and
Federal agencies, non-profit institutions, and community-based organizations in the 101 cities
and towns of Metropolitan Boston. MAPC strives to provide leadership on emerging issues of
regional significance by conducting research, building coalitions, and acting as a regional forum
for action.
MAPC provides technical assistance and specialized services in land use planning, water
resources management, transportation, housing, environmental protection, economic
development, public safety, geographic information systems (GIS), collective purchasing, data
analysis and research, legislative and regulatory policy, and the facilitation and support of inter-
local partnerships. More information is available at www.mapc.org.
MAPC is governed by 101 municipal government appointees, 21 gubernatorial
appointees, and 13 appointees of State and City of Boston agencies. An Executive Committee
comprising 25 elected members oversees agency operations. The agency employs approximately
40 professional staff under the leadership of an Executive Director. Funding for MAPC activities
is derived from governmental contracts and foundation grants, and a per-capita assessment on
member municipalities.
To better serve the people who live and work in Metro Boston, MAPC has divided the
region into eight subregions. Each subregion is overseen by a council of local leaders and
stakeholders, and a staff coordinator provides organizational and technical staff support.
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Community Services Department
Advancing Smart Growth
MAPC’s MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region initiative is planning for Metro
Boston’s growth and development through 2030. In 2007, the project involved nearly 1,000
people (on top of the 4,000 who participated in previous years). MAPC presented the
MetroFuture plan at a May 1st Boston College Citizen Seminar where participants
overwhelmingly voted to ratify it and work for its implementation.
MAPC is now developing an implementation strategy, addressing public policy, public
funding priorities, and changes in practice within the private sector. By mid-2008, MetroFuture
will transition from a planning initiative to an advocacy program, uniting the efforts of MAPC,
partner organizations, and the thousands of “plan-builders” in an effort to alter regional priorities
and growth patterns consistent with the new plan.
As a member of the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance, MAPC helped form the
Transportation Investment Coalition. This group of business, environmental, public interest, and
planning organizations is pressing for savings, efficiencies and new revenues to address the State
transportation finance deficit.
The Alliance joined with others to advocate successfully for an increase in the
Commonwealth’s Bond Cap, increasing the resources available to address the State’s capital
needs. Through the Alliance, MAPC is also working to reform the State’s arcane zoning laws
through a new and diverse commission chaired by Undersecretary for Economic Development
Gregory Bialecki.
MAPC provides planning assistance and expertise to communities on a wide range of
issues, helping them envision the future and evaluate alternatives within a smart-growth
framework. Residents of Malden are taking a long-range look at their city through the Malden
Vision Project which kicked off last year with a city-wide visioning workshop attended by 250
participants.
MAPC helped the Town of Arlington deal with housing and economic development
issues with a visioning workshop and resident survey, and helped develop new bylaws and other
strategies. MAPC also assisted Walpole and Norfolk in developing and analyzing alternative
growth scenarios along a shared stretch of Route 1A.
Working with the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, MAPC produced a WaterSmart
Indicators Report that details trends in water supply, wastewater and stormwater for each city
and town in the study area.
MAPC also completed water resource strategies for three towns in the Assabet Watershed
to evaluate the environmental impacts of alternative growth patterns relying in part on
hydrologic modeling conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Community Services Department
Collaboration for Excellence in Local Government
Through its Metro Mayors Coalition, MAPC helped 21 communities secure over $2
million in Shannon Grant funding over the past two years to implement multi-jurisdictional,
multi-disciplinary strategies to combat youth violence, gang violence and substance abuse.
In 2007, Governor Deval Patrick and more than 240 Mayors, Police Chiefs, Safety
Officials and Violence Prevention Workers participated in the Coalition’s Third Annual
Community Safety Summit to advance strategies to curb youth violence. Through its newly
created North Shore Coalition, MAPC is facilitating discussions to develop a regional,
comprehensive mutual aid system.
Cities and towns now have the option of joining the Massachusetts Group Insurance
Commission (GIC) with a new law drafted by MAPC and the Municipal Health Insurance
Working Group. This option will help communities save millions of dollars each year by taking
advantage of lower insurance rates available through the GIC. MAPC facilitated the Working
Group, and helped to build consensus for the proposal. We are now providing technical support
to cities, towns and regional entities who are interested in joining the GIC.
MAPC has convened Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford and Somerville to
develop a shared strategy for the Mystic River Corridor. The river, which runs through dense
urban communities, has long been an underutilized asset. The communities will develop a
comprehensive picture of activities along the river, and will seek to build a shared strategy for
future development and use of the waterway.
MAPC collaborated with the Commonwealth’s 12 other regional planning agencies,
municipal officials and other local leaders to help produce “A Best Practices Model for
Streamlined Local Permitting.” The result of dozens of focus groups and a statewide permitting
survey, the document provides an array of recommendations that municipalities can consider to
create a more clear, efficient and predictable permitting process without compromising local
standards of development review. The guide is available at www.mass.gov/mpro.
Collaboration for Public Safety
MAPC performs fiduciary, planning and project management duties for the Northeast
Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC), a network of 85 cities and towns
north and west of Boston. In 2007, MAPC helped to develop the School Threat Assessment
Response System (STARS), an emergency planning toolkit for each school district in the region.
With the assistance of MAPC, NERAC provided portable radios programmed for the Boston
Area Police Emergency Radio Network, enabling real time radio communications among police,
fire and other first responders during major emergencies.
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Community Services Department
In the past year, NERAC established an online information clearinghouse for Police and
Fire Departments, and began planning for emergency evacuations from a regional perspective.
MAPC also helped NERAC to set up three regional crime mapping centers that use GIS to
visualize crime data through maps.
MAPC completed Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) plans for nine communities in 2007, on
top of the 20 completed in recent years. Each plan includes an inventory of critical facilities and
infrastructure, a vulnerability analysis, and a mitigation strategy with recommended actions.
MAPC will continue working with 46 cities and towns in 2008.
Collaboration for Municipal Savings
MAPC’s Regional Purchasing Consortia administered six procurements for 42 cities and
towns, saving communities up to 20% on purchases such as office supplies, paving services and
road maintenance. Similar savings were realized by the 300 agencies that participate in the
Greater Boston Police Council (GBPC) which is administered by MAPC.
In Fiscal Year 2007, MAPC conducted seven procurements for various types of vehicles
including police cruisers and heavy-duty trucks. Overall, 187 municipalities purchased 329
vehicles at an estimated cost of over $20 million.
Reliable Data, Available to All
Since its official launch in February, MAPC’s Metro Boston Data Common online data
and mapping tool has been used by dozens of constituents to create customized maps for
developing grant applications, analyzing development proposals or improving services. You can
create maps, charts and graphs on the Data Common by accessing
www.metrobostondatacommon.org.
In addition to supporting this online tool, the Metro Data Center at MAPC responds to
data requests from member communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, residents,
students and other State agencies.
In the past year, MAPC used visualization tools that combine GIS technology,
photography and graphic design to help increase community awareness about proposed Zoning
By-Laws in Bellingham and Dedham, and to illustrate what different parts of the region would
look like under MetroFuture.
Charting a Course to Regional Prosperity
MAPC developed its Annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
for the region in partnership with the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The report
contains an analysis of trends and conditions in the regional economy, highlighting challenges
and opportunities. The economic analysis in the CEDS is targeted to front-line economic
development staff working in the public and community-based sectors.
49
Community Services Department
Working for 12 contiguous urban communities in the Metro Mayors Coalition, MAPC is
developing an inventory of potential development sites near municipal boundaries to support
coordinated planning. MAPC also developed the Smart Workplace Project, a GIS map of smart
growth friendly sites for commercial and industrial development throughout the region. In
collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Boston, MAPC is taking a regional look at
the space needs of the Life Sciences industry.
Working with the Immigrant Learning Center and the Commonwealth Corporation,
MAPC convened academic, institutional and non-profit researchers to develop an immigration
research agenda.
Getting Around the Region
MAPC produced a Regional Bicycle Plan, assessing current conditions and identifying
the improvements necessary to create a more comprehensive regional bicycle transportation
system. The plan establishes updated goals based on previous plans, and identifies key strategies
and priority projects.
Under its new Regional Bike Parking Program, MAPC negotiated discount group
purchasing contracts with three leading vendors of bicycle parking equipment. This allows
MAPC municipalities and other public entities to purchase discounted equipment and, in some
cases, to receive State or Federal reimbursement for the cost. Communities around the region
have used the program to put new racks at schools, libraries, parks and shopping areas. The
program will continue in 2008.
In 2007, MAPC also began work on the Regional Pedestrian Plan. This plan will identify
policies to make walking a convenient, safe and practical form of transportation throughout the
region. Proposed solutions will include best practices for local jurisdictions as well as steps that
could be taken by the State, or by the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
MAPC has developed a web-based Parking Toolkit that addresses common parking
issues. Cities and towns can learn how to do a parking study, how to reduce parking demand and
manage supply, how to make use of existing parking, and how to finance parking improvements.
The Parking Toolkit is the first in a series of Sustainable Transportation Toolkit products that
MAPC will develop over the coming years. Visit http://transtoolkit.mapc.org to access these
tools.
Large portions of Massachusetts Avenue and Route 2A from Arlington to Concord are
now a Massachusetts Scenic Byway due to the efforts of MAPC, the Minuteman National
Historic Park, and the Towns of Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln and Concord. MAPC is now
preparing a Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan, the first step in protecting the historic,
scenic and cultural qualities of the byway.
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Community Services Department
In 2007, MAPC worked with developers and communities to evaluate the transportation
impacts of dozens of projects including the South Weymouth Naval Air Station redevelopment
(South Field), Westwood Station and Harvard University’s new Allston campus.
On Beacon Hill
Municipal Health Insurance
•
MAPC and the Municipal Health Insurance Working Group built consensus, and drafted
the new law allowing cities and towns to save millions of dollars each year by joining the
Group Insurance Commission.
Shannon Community Safety Initiative
•
Over the last two years, MAPC’s advocacy and grant development services have helped
nearly two dozen communities to secure over $2 million in funding for interdisciplinary
programs that focus on youth violence, drugs and enforcement against gangs.
Statewide Population Estimates Program
•
A $600,000 line item in the 2008 Budget will provide the State Estimates Program with
more resources to prepare for the 2010 Census. This program will help correct the
deficiencies of recent population estimates, and to prevent similar deficiencies from
occurring in 2010.
Surplus Land
•
MAPC continues to advocate for passage of a new policy on the disposition of surplus
State land. Specifically, we continue to build support for our proposal that encourages
smart growth development on surplus land while giving municipalities a meaningful role
throughout the disposition process.
Community Preservation Act
•
In 2007, the Metropolitan Mayor’s Coalition and Community Preservation Coalition
reached consensus around legislation to help more communities participate in the
Community Preservation Act (CPA). The legislation, filed by Senator Cynthia Creem (D-
Newton), would also secure adequate funding over the long term for the State’s CPA
Matching Fund.
Zoning Reform
•
The new Zoning Reform Commission, initiated by the Massachusetts Smart Growth
Alliance and chaired by Undersecretary for Economic Development Greg Bialecki, is
now working to draft legislation dealing with such matters as “approval not required,”
grandfathering, consistency between master plans and zoning, and incentives to expand
housing production.
51
Community Services Department
North Suburban Planning Council
(Burlington, Lynnfield, No. Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington,
Winchester and Woburn.)
The North Suburban Planning Council began in 2007 with a briefing session on the
Metro Boston Data Common which is a new MAPC tool that allows communities to easily map
a variety of data for a wide range of applications.
During the course of the year, there were several meetings devoted to briefings on the
MetroFuture project with an emphasis on implementation strategies.
The major areas of concern in transportation planning were the annual review of the TIP
and the UPWP, the regional transportation plan and the MPO Elections. Members also had a
presentation on the recently completed Parking Toolkit, and were briefed on the opportunity to
purchase bike racks through an MAPC Purchasing Program.
MAPC began working with Burlington, Lynnfield, Reading, Stoneham, Wilmington and
Woburn to develop natural hazard mitigation plans. This work continued throughout the year.
MAPC invited representatives from the Department of Housing and Community
Development to make a very informative presentation on Business Improvement Districts. The
NSPC Coordinator also developed a subregional map showing current and potential development
areas for use in discussing regional trends and in reviewing transportation projects.
Respectfully submitted,
Marc D. Draisen, Executive Director
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
52
Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc.
19 Riverview Business Park
300 Commercial Street
Malden, Massachusetts 02148
Title III-B (Social Services) and Title III-C (Nutrition Services) provided to Reading elders in FY 2007.
Title III-C Meals Value of
Served Services
Nutrition Program
Home Delivered Meals 21,483 $105,822
Congregate Meals 5,122 $30,478
Site Managers (Wages/Benefits) $8,805
Home Delivered Meals Drivers $24,941
(Wages/Benefits)
TOTAL TITLE III-C VALUE $170,046
Title III-Supportive Services
Clients Total Value of
Legal Services Served Value Services
Greater Boston Legal Services, Inc.
Total Cases/Consults 196
Total Reading Residents Served 8
Budget 10/06-09/07 $49,000
% in Reading = 4.08%
13.5%
Reading's Cost (Budget x 4.08%) $2,000
Clients Total Value of
Served Value Services
Medical Transportation
Total Residents Served 90
Total Reading Residents Served 3
Amount Spent on Reading Elders $ 3,484
Services to Blind Elders
Massachusetts Association for the Blind
Total Residents Served 73
Total Reading Residents Served 27
Budget 10/06 - 9/07 $7,000
% in Reading = 3.6% 36.99%
Reading's Cost (Budget x 36.99%) $2,589
53
Minority Outreach
Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
Total Residents Served 161
Total Reading Residents Served 0
Budget 10/06 - 9/07 $14,000
% in Reading = 3.6% 0.00%
Reading's Cost (Budget x .00%) $0
Title III E Family Caregiver Program
MVES Caregiver Support and Elder Care Advice
Cost 10/06-09/07 $183,999
% in Reading = 26.53% 9.28%
Reading's Cost (Budget x 9.28%) $17,075
Title III Health Promotions
Title III Health Promotions Funding Subgrants for managing Osteoporosis and Arthritis
Cost 10/06-09/07 $5,874
% in Reading = 19% 10.57%
Reading's Cost (Budget x 10.57%) $621
Friendly Visitor Grants
Awarded to Council on Aging during FY 2007 $2,597
Money Management Program
Total Residents Served 63
Total Reading Residents Served 4
Budget 10/06 - 9/07 $30,924
% in Reading = 20.6% 6.35%
Reading's Cost $1,963
SHINE Program
Total Residents Served 1170
Total Reading Residents Served 77
Budget 10/06 - 9/07 $117,620
% in Reading = 7.2% 6.58%
Reading's Cost $7,741
TOTAL OF TITLE III AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM $208,116
SERVICES PROVIDED TO READING ELDERS
STATE HOME CARE PROGRAM $1,269,077
248 Reading residents received home care services for the year ending
June 30, 2007. These services included intake and referral, case
management, chore, transportation, social day care, adult day health,
personal care, home health aides, laundry, personal emergency
response, companionship, homemaker and respite care
TOTAL SERVICES PROVIDED TO READING ELDERS $1,477,193
54
Community Services Department
WEST STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
The purpose of the West Street Historic District Commission is to administer the
regulations that apply, by bylaw, to the West Street Historic District. The District was
created to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics and architecture of the West
Street area. Through its required review of all construction projects in the Historic District,
the Commission seeks to maintain and improve the settings of the buildings within the
District, and to encourage building design that is compatible with the buildings existing in
the District so as to preserve the historic character of the area.
In 2007, the Commission received eight (8) homeowner applications for Certificates
from the Commission for projects such as deck or porch replacement, erecting a fence and
replacement of windows. No public hearings were required (for example, several projects
were not visible from the public way and, therefore, not subject to a full review by the
Commission). No applications for Certificates in 2007 were denied.
More complete information about the West Street Historic District and the
Commission, including our bylaw and construction guidelines, can be found on our
webpage through the Reading Town site. Homeowners in the District, or anyone with
questions about the District or the Commission, should feel free to contact the Chairman at
wsh@ci.reading.ma.us.
The Commission is currently composed of five (5) voting members: Chairman
Susan Patterson, Vice Chairman David Kruh, Secretary Dorothy Casolaro, Kathy
Greenfield and Rick Nazzaro.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Patterson, Chairman
55
READING HOUSING AUTHORITY
“Equal Housing Opportunity”
22 Frank D. Tanner Drive
Reading, MA 01867
(781) 944-6755
From the Chair
It is with great pleasure that I share with you the activities and accomplishments of
the Reading Housing Authority over the past year.
The start of the new year has seen a continued growth in our economy and
somewhat stabilized but nonetheless high values in real estate. The pressure on the real
estate market has continued to create a critical challenge for poor and lower income
families to find, keep and maintain their housing. As the real estate values escalated over
the past few years, it was certainly felt most dramatically at the low-income levels. Rental
units had been at a greater premium in this area; however, we continue to see an increase in
availability. Previously, landlords had been able to ask for and receive high rents, which
historically prices the poor and lower income families out of the rental market. Again, we
are beginning to see a slight change in the rental market area with increase inquiries from
landlords who are experiencing more difficulty renting units.
The Reading Housing Authority (Authority) strives to assist these families to seek
and obtain housing that is decent, safe and sanitary. In an effort to ameliorate this impact,
the Authority continues its efforts to develop new units, and purchase affordable units when
the opportunity arises. The Authority is moving forward with its plans to expand affordable
housing by building a four-unit structure on a present site and possibly renovating a two
family structure. That process has been extremely slow. We continue to support private
developers and the Town in their efforts to set aside units for low/moderate income families
in their proposed developments. We reach out to owners of multi-family units who would
like to work with us to serve our clients.
As always, the Authority goes beyond the bricks and mortar, and provides
assistance to families, elderly and handicapped persons to obtain the services they need.
We work closely with Mystic Valley Elder Services and other home care agencies to meet
the needs of the elderly residents as they strive to remain independent and age in place.
With budget cuts affecting all of us, we strive to maintain our programs, work with other
supportive agencies and still offer a safe and decent place for our seniors, disabled and
families in need.
On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Executive Director Lyn Whyte and her
staff for their continued dedication, commitment and service to the Reading Housing
Authority. We look forward to working with them as we meet the new challenges that lie
ahead.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy J. Kelley, Chair
56
Reading Housing Authority
Organization
Organized in 1963 to address the housing needs of the Town’s low and moderate
income residents, the Reading Housing Authority (Authority) is “a public body politic and
corporate” duly organized and authorized by Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), Chapter
121B, s.3. The Authority receives its funds from the State and Federal Government to
assist our clients with their housing needs. Although the Authority does not receive any
local funding, five unpaid Reading residents compose the Board of Commissioners. Four
of these Board Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and one is the
Governor’s appointee. Each member serves for a five year term. The Board is responsible
for the overall operation of the Authority. The day to day responsibility is delegated to the
Executive Director.
The Board meets regularly and has scheduled their monthly meetings for the first
Monday of each month. The Annual Meeting of the Board is currently scheduled for the
month after the Selectmen make their annual appointment of a Board Member. Currently,
the Board Members and their term of office are as follows:
Timothy J. Kelley Chair
84 Woburn Street Term expires 6/30/2009
Mary Connors Vice-Chair and Tenant Representative
52 Sanborn Street Term expires 6/30/2012
John A. Coote Treasurer
332 Summer Ave Term expires 6/30/2008
Karen L. Flammia Assistant Treasurer
19 Vista Avenue Term expires 6/27/2010
Diane Cohen Member and State Appointment
51 Redgate Lane Term expires 5/03/2011
Lyn E. Whyte Secretary and Executive Director
41 Shore Road, Saugus
Administrative Staff
The Board contracts an Executive Director who manages the day-to-day operations
of the Authority. Within State and Federal guidelines and other budgetary limits, the
Executive Director hires the supporting staff necessary to achieve the goals and
responsibilities of the Reading Housing Authority’s programs. The Executive Director Lyn
Whyte is in a five year contract that expires August 29, 2010.
Administration
Lyn E. Whyte Secretary and Executive Director
Catherine Sutherland Office Manager
Kathleen Rolli Federal Program Coordinator and Assistant
Executive Director
Michelle Hudzik State Program Coordinator
57
Reading Housing Authority
Maintenance
Frank Veglia Maintenance Supervisor
Joseph Costello Maintenance Staff
Kevin Boyle Maintenance Staff
Supportive Services Affiliations
Home Care
Jacqueline Carson Sanborn Home Care Director
Daniel J. O’Leary Director, Mystic Valley Elder Services
Dawn Folopoulos Town of Reading, Elder Services Administrator
Financial Institutions
Reading Co-Operative Bank
MassBank
BankNorth
Mass. Municipal Deposit and Trust – State Street Bank
Affiliations
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
Massachusetts Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
(MassNAHRO)
New England Regional Council of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment
Officials (NERC/NAHRO)
Section 8 Administrators Association
North Shore Housing Executive Directors’ Association (NSHEDA)
Adult Literacy Committee of Reading/Wakefield YMCA
Consultants
Accountants: Fenton, Ewald & Associates
Legal: John L. Greco, Esquire and DHCD Legal Counsel, Lori McBride
Contractors
Hiltz Waste Disposal Woodbury Electrical
Wilwerth Plumbing John’s Sewer & Pipe Cleaning
Hodson S. M. Co., Inc Powers Plowing Service
Roberto Bros. Landscaping Atlas Alarm
Automatic Laundry Home Depot
Maintenance
We do it all – from the beautiful paint job to the new appointments before you move
into your new apartment. The maintenance staff meets the challenges on every occasion
and has done an excellent job.
With the four seasons here in New England, maintenance has to be ready to take it
all in stride. They do the Spring clean up and plantings; the Summer mowing, watering,
weeding and trimming; the Fall leaf pick up, and the Winter snow and ice removal. The
maintenance staff works tirelessly to keep our developments looking beautiful.
58
Reading Housing Authority
We have been lucky enough to have the assistance of the Work Release Program
from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department. They have been exceptional in the work that they
have done with our landscaping and painting projects. These programs are cost effective
and have become a critical component to maintaining our properties. During the course of
this past year, this program enabled us to maintain the grounds of our properties with a Fall
and Spring clean up. This project changed the look of these properties, and it greatly
enhanced their appearances.
Our plan to extend the kitchen area of the resident community room at Frank D.
Tanner Drive was completed in December 2007. Additional plans are underway to repair
walkways, and install new curbing at our Tannerville development in Spring 2008. This
project will be funded with capital funds through the Department of Housing and
Community Development.
The Authority is responsible for 108 individual units located on 10 different sites. It
is no easy task to keep each one looking in its top form. The maintenance staff is also
responsible for the daily work orders, and any emergency work that has to be done. The
Authority has an extensive preventative maintenance program for all major components,
and has a cyclical paint schedule for all units.
2006 Grants Received
Each year, the Reading Housing Authority applies for several grants to improve our
properties and better serve our residents and the community. The following were included
in this year’s awards:
Modernization Of State Housing
No funding available.
Supportive Services Grant – HUD
No funding available since we no longer administer an FSS Program.
Supportive Services Grant – State
The funding of the Resident Service Coordinator to address elderly/non-elderly
needs for Frank D. Tanner Drive residents was approved; however, it is now categorized as
an administrative expense.
Audits
The Reading Housing Authority has a Single Audit of all programs by an
independent Auditor each year. Walsh and Associates, PC of Concord, MA were engaged
to perform the latest review of the Reading Housing Authority’s programs for Fiscal Year
end June 2007. The audit was completed in December 2007, and final submissions
expected to be completed by mid-January 2008.
The Authority had no findings or additional recommendations as a result of this
latest audit. The Authority’s financial position is adequate to meet the needs of the
operation and development of the programs, and we are fortunate to maintain a retained
revenue agency status.
59
Reading Housing Authority
A compliance audit was also conducted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State Auditor’s Office in October 2007, and completed in November 2007 with no findings.
This audit is conducted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts every two years.
Management Review
The Authority has had a current Management Review done of all State programs.
The Asset Managers from the State’s Department of Housing and Community
Development reviewed all the operations of the State programs to insure compliance in the
daily operation of the Authority’s budget, occupancy, administration, maintenance, services
and tenant participation. The Authority received an excellent review with minor comments.
With regard to our Federal Program, the Authority submitted its annual Section 8
Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) reports for Fiscal Year end June 2007 to HUD
for review and subsequent scoring. The purpose of SEMAP is to measure public housing
authority performance in key areas of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Management. It is a tool used by HUD to effectively monitor and assist PHA’s.
It is our pleasure to report that the Reading Housing Authority received an overall
score of 86% for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2007. As a result of this score, the
Authority is designated by HUD as a “standard performer” with credit going to Section 8
Program Coordinator Kathy Rolli for her continued efforts in administering an ever-
changing federal program. We will not submit additional SEMAP reports until Fiscal Year
June 2009. These assessments are now performed every two years for an agency of our size
per latest HUD changes.
State Programs
The Authority currently manages the three programs under the State’s Department
of Housing and Community Development: 667 Housing (elderly/handicapped housing),
705 Housing (Family housing), 689 Housing (Special Needs Housing).
All of our wait lists are open at the present time. We encourage applicants to
apply for our elderly/handicapped (667) housing, and our State family developments
by contacting the Reading Housing Authority at (781) 944-6755.
Housing For Elderly/Handicapped Persons (667)
80 units Frank D. Tanner Drive Complex
Eligibility: 60 years of age or disabled
Income: 1 person - $46,300
2 persons - $52,950
Housing For Families (705)
6 units Waverly and Oakland Road (six 3BR units)
4 units Pleasant and Parker Street
(two 2BR units, one 3BR unit, one 4BR unit)
Eligibility: Family of two or more depending on bedroom size
Income: 2 persons - $52,950 6 persons - $76,750
3 persons - $59,550 7 persons - $82,050
4 persons - $66,150 8 persons - $87,350
5 persons - $71,450
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Reading Housing Authority
Federal Programs
The Authority manages 125 subsidies for persons of very low income under the
Federal Section 8 Program. Currently, the RHA participates in a centralized waiting list
administered by the MASSNAHRO organization. Applications for this wait list are
available at the administration office building at 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, Reading, MA.
The income limits are:
Section 8 Rental Assistance
Income limits: 1 person – $29,450 5 persons - $45,400
2 persons - $33,650 6 persons - $48,800
3 persons - $37,850 7 persons - $52,150
4 persons - $42,050 8 persons - $55,500
RHA-Owned Properties
The Authority presently owns and manages 18 family units located in various
locations throughout the Town of Reading. We continue to pursue opportunities to expand
low income housing units within the Town whenever possible.
Plans are now in development and bid stages to add four three-bedroom units to our
present housing stock.
Applications
Elderly/Handicapped Housing (667)
The Authority manages 80 one-bedroom units of housing for elderly/handicapped
persons at our Frank D. Tanner Drive complex in Reading. To qualify for this housing, a
single person or couple must meet the eligibility guidelines and be 60 years of age or older
orhandicapped.The Authority sets aside 13.5% of these units for non-elderly handicapped
persons.
The wait list is currently open for all seniors 60 years of age and older
. We
encourage Reading residents to apply, and are making special outreach efforts to elderly of
minority representation. The 13.5% non-elderly handicapped requirement has been fulfilled
but applications are still being accepted for our wait list. Non-elderly applicants will be
served after the Authority has placed all qualified applicants if the 13.5% requirement has
been met.
You may obtain an application at the office of the Reading Housing Authority,
22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, Reading, MA 01867.
Family Housing – State (705)
The Authority operates the State’s Family Housing Program with two different
developments. The first family housing development that was built by the Authority is
located at Oakland and Waverly Roads and is called Waverly Oaks. There are six three-
bedroom units. Our wait list is currently open.
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Reading Housing Authority
Section 8 Federal Housing Assistance Program
Currently, the wait list for our Section 8 Program is open. We now participate in the
centralized wait list program initiated in December 2002 and administered by Mass
NAHRO. Applications are available at our administrative office or online at
www.mnahro.org. An application can be downloaded from that site and submitted to any
agency participating in the centralized wait list program. There are currently over 70
member agencies taking part in that joint process.
The State maintains a wait list for its programs through the Metropolitan Boston
Housing Program (MBHP). Anyone seeking an emergency application should contact
MBHP at (800) 272-0990 to obtain an application. The local area service agency for
emergency applicants is Community Service Network. You may contact them at (781) 438-
1977.
Summit Village First Time Homebuyer’s Program
The Authority continues to oversee the maintenance of the wait list for qualified and
eligible applicants for the affordable units at Summit Village through the First Time
Homebuyer’s Program. We presently have nine potential buyers on our wait list. During the
past year, no affordable unit was made available and subsequently sold at an affordable
price to a family on our wait list. The “affordable” owners must have a fair market
appraisal done, the Authority reviews the appraisal and, if accepted, provides the owner
with the maximum resale price for the affordable unit.
If the owner has a friend who would be eligible and income qualified, then the
Authority reviews their qualifications and provides them with an “Eligible Purchaser
Certificate.” If the owner wishes to select an applicant from the wait list, the Authority
would send the next available and eligible buyer’s name to the owner to negotiate the sale.
Interested applicants may pick up applications packets at the Town Clerk’s Office in
Town Hall, at the Reference Desk at the Reading Public Library, or at the office of the
Reading Housing Authority, 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive. When making an application, a
$10.00 fee made payable to the “Reading Housing Authority” must be included along with
all pertinent documentation.
If the family applying for the affordable unit is headed by two persons, both parties
must execute the application as applicant and co-applicant. Income from all family
members age 18+ is included in family income for eligibility. However, if the income of
one of these persons is from a dependent (not spouse) who is a full-time student, then a
deduction for out of pocket expenses for books, tuition, fees and/or travel is allowed.
Documentation from the school must be provided, and verification for employment
and expenses must be provided with the application. All persons must sign a “Release of
Information” to have their documentation verified by the Reading Housing Authority.
The highlights of the program are listed below:
First Time Homebuyer
Cannot have owned a home within the last three years,
divorced persons cannot currently own home but three
year restriction is excused.
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Reading Housing Authority
Maximum Family Income
Currently, the maximum family income cannot exceed
80% of FY 2007 Medium Family Income presently set at
$82,400 (effective March 20, 2007) for all persons in the
family from all sources (wages, interest, dividends, etc.)
Family Housing
The two bedroom units must have a minimum family size
of two persons. The maximum number of persons that
can qualify for a two bedroom unit would be four persons.
The three bedroom units must have a minimum of three
persons with two being minor children living in the
household. The maximum number of persons that would
qualify for a three bedroom unit would be six persons.
Affordable Price
The affordable price is based on a 20% discount from the
current fair market appraisal of the unit which must be
verified by the Reading Housing Authority.
Deed Restriction
Anyone wishing to purchase an “affordable” unit should
be aware that a permanent deed restriction would be
recorded with their deed. This restriction states that the
unit must be sold to a qualified and eligible purchaser at a
20% discount from the fair market value as approved by
the Reading Housing Authority.
Single Persons
Applications are accepted from single family households
but persons on the single person wait list will be chosen
only after all the eligible family applicants have been
served.
Local Preference
Applicants from the Town of Reading are given
preference over other applicants if their application is
made on the same day. This local preference is given if a
person is employed in the Town of Reading, has a
business or enterprise in Reading which has been
established for one or more years, if they are parents of a
school child in Reading, persons who were residents of
Reading for five or more years.
Conclusion
The Reading Housing Authority is proud to provide this information to you.
Anyone interested in obtaining an application for any of our housing programs -
elderly/handicapped housing, State family or the Federal Section 8 Rental Assistance
Program - should contact the Reading Housing Authority at 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, or
by calling the office at (781) 944-6755.
63
READING PUBLIC LIBRARY
A center for the community
The Reading Public Library is at its heart a place of education. It is essential to an
informed, literate, self-governing society. People need public libraries for many reasons
throughout their lives, and libraries must be open, free and available. Libraries need people
as much as people need libraries! We count on our friends and neighbors for our daily
business, for the questions and special requests, for the good company and good will, and
for the support we enjoy everyday.
Reading residents showed their support for the Library in many ways in 2007 with
gifts, memorial donations, legacies, volunteer activities, through membership in the Friends
and contributions to the Foundation, and service on Boards and Committees. To every one
of you, Trustees, Foundation Board, Friends, volunteers, to all our “regulars,” from the
gentleman who donates $1.00 every time he comes in, to the folks who bring cookies and
more, to our corporate sponsors, neighbors, friends, benefactors large and small, governing
bodies and good citizens of Reading, we thank you for making the Library the heart of this
community!
Services
Circulation of books and a-v materials in 2007 were 380,293 – that’s over 16 books
for every person of every age in Reading.
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Reading Public Library
88% of Reading residents visited the Library within the past year.
Of those 17,930 registered borrowers:
• 75% visit at least once a month or more;
• 93% borrowed a printed book;
• 50% read a magazine or newspaper in the Library;
• 57% of people without children under 18 used reference materials in the Library;
• 23% used a computer in the Library, for some use other than the Library catalog.
In 2007, attendance at children’s programs at the Reading Public Library was
16,992. Children came to story hours, writing programs, reading-based activities, science
workshops, singing and nursery rhyme sessions, and 1236 of them read books during the
Summer Reading Program.
134 students joined the Teen “Get Graphic” Summer Reading Program and collectively
read 562 books. Our sixth Annual Summer Reading Program for adults garnered 500
entries!
65
Reading Public Library
Lifelong Learning
English at Large Award for Community Languages
Our librarians are engaged everyday in adult life-long learning activities, advising
adult readers on good tools to meet their personal and educational needs. The Library
presents author visits and film discussions and programs for adults to help people plan for
retirement, use the Internet effectively, and figure out how their new “gizmo” works.
Invited speakers discuss topics in health care, travel and personal finance. Librarians
provide onsite one-on-one computer assistance, and run a highly successful ongoing
program that matches teen volunteers with adults seeking help with computers. This
innovative program provides teens with community service opportunities, and adults and
senior citizens opportunities to get to know individual
teens in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Teaching
Our librarians are teachers! Every librarian
employed by the Reading Public Library holds an MLS
degree and is engaged in one form of teaching or another
– showing people how to use Library resources and do
research, instructing in technology, helping parents
develop skills to work with their toddlers on reading-
readiness, and continuing parent and student support
through elementary, middle and high school.
Homework Help
The Library offers a large selection of homework
help for students both in the Library and online.
Librarians know it’s not enough to offer a service, they
spend hours each day teaching people of all ages how to
use the resources available in our information-rich world.
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Reading Public Library
Our librarians use every day ongoing teaching and outreach opportunities like PTO
visits, Library tours, programming and, most of all, the “I need it now” opportunities to
teach. They create finding aids and pocket postcard guides on selected subjects for people
to take home for simple future reference.
Our librarians know it’s not all about the homework. We teach students how to
locate and use the best information for maintaining a full healthy life style, dealing with
challenging situations and looking at future opportunities.
Cooperation with Schools
Our librarians work with school librarians throughout Reading schools to develop
cooperative programs such as author visits and provide curriculum support. Reading school
and public librarians collaborate on student reading lists, creative writing and essay
contests, and special reading events.
Our librarians also teach the teachers through in-school demonstrations and tutorials on
Library resources.
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Reading Housing Authority
Digital image projects
The Digital Commonwealth is a statewide project that will ultimately serve as a
gateway to collections of digital images provided by libraries, museums, archives and other
cultural institutions. In 2007, we cataloged and entered 79 historical Reading photographs
into our web catalog. The Reading Public Library received a grant to digitize the Library's
photograph collection from the Reading Celebration Trust, as a follow onto the successful
project with the Murphy Postcard Collection completed in late 2006. Recently, the Murphy
Collection has become part of the Digital Commonwealth. The photograph collection will
follow, as will all of our digital collection, as it is cataloged.
Reading Theatre in the Square, 1914
Children’s Division Highlights – 2007
To provide better public service, we added extra convenience to the Library
experience for busy parents. These innovations included:
• Drop-in Storytimes Series – A new popular option which takes away the need
for customer pre-planning and registration.
• The Backpack Express – Backpacks full of pre-selected picture books on
popular themes like Princesses and Trucks. Thanks to the Reading Co-Operative
Bank who helped make this project possible.
• Children’s Book Review Blog - Find out about the latest titles recommended by
the Children’s Room staff through this new link on the Library’s website.
Reserve the title online and submit your thoughts on the blog!
To provide better access to popular media, there’s a new more inviting area for the
DVDs and CDs, and we have increased selections in these areas. Thanks in part to the
popularity of Harry Potter and our MAGIC Summer Reading Program, children’s material
circulation increased 3% this year to a record 142,805 circulations!
“Extreme Makeover” – Library Style: Our low-budget, energy conscious makeover
project began this year with the installation of cellular shades, painting of reusable
bookshelves, some new computers and monitors, new wooden chairs and computer stools,
and work toward repainting of the entire room with low-VOC paint plus re-carpeting with
low-VOC carpet which utilizes a less toxic adhesive and reuses the old carpeting as
padding.
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Reading Public Library
313 children’s programs (storytimes, singalongs, science and theater presentations) were
presented throughout the year - that’s more than one for every day that the Library was
open in 2007!
Community Survey
The Reading Public Library contracted with Library Survey Consultants of
Highland Park, Illinois to conduct a comprehensive communitysurvey of Library
satisfaction and services in May 2007. The survey was mailed to every resident in Reading.
1,734 usable questionnaires were returned – a 20% response rate that guarantees a high
level of validity and reliability to the information gathered.
Mailing the Community Survey
Findings
The consultants concluded, based on comparative data, that the community holds
the Reading Public Library in high regard:
• High level of users (almost 90% of residents);
• High opinion of Library (over 90% positive);
• Patrons have high levels of satisfaction (99% satisfied).
Features
When asked to rate 19 different Library features, the most highly rated features
were: Staff, Interlibrary Loan and Children’s Programs.
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Reading Public Library
Another conclusion drawn through the survey is that residents with children are the
key segment to address in the long-range plan. These patrons
• Use a variety of services at high levels (books, AV, children’s program);
• Have high interest in using online Library services;
• Strongly interested in convenience features, children’s materials, all AV selection,
family/child oriented programming.
“Meeting their needs is critical for
continued satisfaction with and
support of the Reading Public
Library.”
Families
The survey emphasized that parents of young children will increasingly drive usage
of the Library, and are a major audience for all Library services, especially those related to
broad educational objectives.
• 58% of families participated in a children’s program within the year;
• 55% of Reading residents with younger children are strongly interested in attending
information programs on parenting;
• 45% are interested in Saturday story times (not currently offered);
• 46% in an after-school library club that would meet weekly or monthly (not
currently offered).
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Reading Public Library
This data demonstrates increasing demands for Library programs. (In fact,
children’s program attendance was 16,992 and children’s circulation was 136,250, both the
highest in NOBLE network per capita. Source: MBLC reports FY 2006)
Time-pressed families also expressed interest in convenience features like a drive up
book drop that they could use to return Library materials when the Library is closed, and
self-check out stations that would supplement, not replace, staffed service desks. (Funding
for these items is requested in the latest capital plan.)
Adults
Adults, particularly people who use the Library heavily (33+ visits year), expressed
strong interest in Library programs. The Library requested a program budget from the
Town for the first time in FY 2009 to begin to fully integrate programming for all ages into
the strategic plan.
The Reading Public Library serves a broad spectrum of Reading’s citizens. Many
of the 17,930 Library card holders visited the Library more than once a month last year,
and 93% of them borrowed at least one book in 2007! Most borrowed more.
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Reading Public Library
Hours
Residents were asked to evaluate the importance of the Library being open
Thursday morning and/or Sunday afternoons, both times the Library is currently closed.
Reading residents want the Library to be open on
The results were loud and clear -
Sundays
. The Trustees have made Sunday afternoon openings a priority, and are requesting
funds for two different Sunday options in FY 2009. (Re-opening the Library on Thursday
mornings remains an important goal.)
Would Visit More Often if RPL Open Sundays
100
90
80
70
56%
55%
60
50
43%
40
30
20
10
0
Total residentsResidents ages 40 to 59Residents with children
under 18
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Reading Public Library
Reading Public Library Personnel
Director – Ruth S. Urell
Assistant Director – Elizabeth Dickinson
Technical Secretary – Nancy Smethurst
Reference Division
Division Head – Lorraine Barry
Adult & Elder Services Librarian – Nancy Aberman
Local History Librarian – Rachel Baumgartner
Young Adult Librarians – Susan Beauregard, Amy Lannon
Promotional Services Librarian – Kathleen Miksis
Techie Librarian – Andrea Mercado
Reference Librarian – Eileen Barrett
Technical Services
Division Head – Jamie Penney
Senior Library Associate – Allison DaSilva
Senior Technician – Dawn Colford
Pages – Mary DeSisto
Matthew O’Donnell
Circulation Division
Division Head – Michelle A. Filleul
Technicians – Donna Beaulieu Mary Kraft
Dawn Didham Colford Carol Macomber
Maureen Conwell Patrice A. O’Donnell
Mary Ellen Downey Joanne H. Penta
Madeleine Gillis Christine Rutigliano
Susan R. Haggerty Danielle Kimerer
Pages – Neftali Gonzalez
Lisa Li
Nancy Hunt
Amy Shaw
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Reading Public Library
Children's Division
Division Head – Corinne Fisher
Children's Librarians – Brenda Wettergreen
Rachel Baumgartner
Ashley Waring
Library Associate – Mary McIntire
Pages – Rekha Basra
Meaghan F. Kinton
Sofia Commito
Judy A. Newton
Custodian – John Davis
Reading Public Library Board of Trustees
Richard H. Curtis, Susan Hopkins Axelson, Victoria Yablonsky, David Hutchinson,
Karyn A. Storti (Chairman), Cherrie Dubois
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Urell, Library Director
74
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Reading Fire Department is responsible for fire suppression, fire prevention, the
emergency medical system and emergency management. The trend for an increased
demand for our services has continued in the year 2007. The trend of an increased volume
of significant structure fires has also continued in 2007. This year, of the 71 reportable
structure fires we responded to, five were significant fires that required mutual aid
assistance from neighboring communities.
World events and Federal requirements continue to shape our Emergency
Management System. The emergency management function identifies hazards to the
community. Plans are then developed and tested to create a coordinated response to any
type of disaster. This Department is also responsible to coordinate and apply for all
reimbursement for State and Federal disaster declarations.
The Reading Fire Department provides emergency medical care and treatment at the
Advanced Life Support level (ALS) to sick and injured patients. This is the highest level of
pre-hospital care available.
In 2007, the high volume of construction continued and this has placed a strain on
the administrative areas of the Department. This development is occurring in commercial
properties, multi-family residential properties, the Reading Memorial High School project
and the Austin Preparatory School.
Due to the age of our fire apparatus, we have been experiencing a very high rate of
mechanical breakdowns. This has required us to regularly place reserve equipment into
service that is beyond its service life. This year, we began a significant effort to replace our
aging and unreliable fire apparatus. We have received funding and awarded contracts for
the purchase of a replacement engine and ladder truck. When these new apparatus are
placed in service, it will allow us to retire a 1986 engine and a 1991 ladder truck.
Emergency Activity
In 2007, this Department responded to 5,276 incidents. A brief overview of
emergency activity reveals the following: 71 structure fires, 11 vehicle fires, 17 outside
fires and four Hazardous Materials incidents. The Department responded to 1,958 requests
for emergency medical treatment and transported 1,063 patients. Of the patients
transported, approximately 50% required Advanced Life Support treatment.
Below are some examples of the major fire incidents that the Department responded
to in 2007:
• On Thursday, January 25, 2007, a structure fire broke out in the kitchen of an
occupied home located at 167 Green Street. The fire began in the dishwasher and
spread to the kitchen cabinets and counters. Firefighters were able to confine the
fire from spreading beyond the kitchen.
• On January 26, 2007, a structure fire broke out at an unoccupied house located at
259 Main Street at approximately 7:15 p.m. The fire was reported by a person who
saw smoke issuing from the house. When Firefighters arrived on the scene, they
encountered fire on the first and second floor of the home. A second alarm was
transmitted for additional assistance, and Fire crews from Wakefield, Stoneham and
Woburn responded to the scene.
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Reading Fire Department
• On February 2, 2007 at approximately 11:15 a.m., fire broke out in an unoccupied
house located at 15 Avon Street. When firefighters arrived on the scene, fire was
visible burning inside on the first floor of the home. A second alarm was transmitted
for additional assistance, and Fire crews from Wakefield, Stoneham and North
Reading responded to the scene to assist Reading Firefighters.
Emergency Medical Services
The Reading Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Program is coordinated by
Firefighter Joseph Lapolla and Firefighter Eric Blackman. The Fire Department provides
an Advanced Life Support Level (ALS) of care which is the highest level of pre-hospital
emergency medical care available to sick and injured patients. The ALS level of care allows
Reading Firefighters to treat patients with a wide variety of medications and sophisticated
treatment techniques. This level of care is essential to patients who are experiencing a
medical emergency that is an immediate threat to their lives.
In 2007, the Reading Fire Department responded to 1,958 medical incidents and
transported 1063 patients. Approximately 50% of the patients transported required
Advanced Life Support treatment. The five highest categories of medical conditions
requiring advanced treatment are: Cardiac events, respiratory emergencies, neurological
emergencies, unable to ambulate and injury by trauma.
To improve the medical care we provide to the public, we have introduced a new in-
service clinical rotation training program with the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. The
program was introduced with the assistance of our Medical Director Dr. Walker. In an
effort to gain advanced knowledge and training, the program rotates our on duty
Paramedics through the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital’s Obstetrics’ Department, Emergency
Room and Operating Rooms. Furthermore, we have also begun a program to train and
certify all Paramedics in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and introduced several new
medications.
As a result of State law, every city and town in the State is required to develop and
submit a Service Zone Plan. A Service Zone plan is required to describe local EMS
resources, detail how the local EMS resources are used, and coordinate the use of all pre-
hospital resources within their community. The Reading Fire Department has submitted the
Town of Reading’s Service Zone Plan to the Department of Public Health Office of
Emergency Medical Services, and it was accepted and approved on Wednesday, December
5, 2007.
In May of 2007, Firefighter Derek Loftus completed his paramedic training program
on his own time and became a licensed Paramedic. He has completed an in-house
orientation period and has been assigned ambulance duty.
Fire Prevention
Lieutenant Paul Jackson is assigned the position of Day Officer. The Day Officer is
responsible to ensure all life safety systems for new construction and renovations are
designed and installed properly. This requires pre-construction meetings, plan review, code
research, and continual site visits to ensure proper installation.
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Reading Fire Department
For existing buildings, the Day Officer is responsible to ensure all life safety
systems are maintained properly. Other areas of responsibility include ensuring the safety
and code compliance of flammable and combustible product storage, coordinating the
maintenance of Department vehicles and equipment.
New construction developments and other large-scale projects have been a
considerable undertaking. This year, several major projects came online. Examples
include: The Unitarian Church, portions of Johnson Woods, and the Reading Memorial
High School project. Bertucci’s Restaurant, the Longhorn Steak House Restaurant, Danis
Properties, Market Basket and Austin Preparatory School are ongoing.
Lieutenant Paul Jackson has also become very involved in school safety initiatives.
He is a member of the NEMLEC (North East Metropolitan Law Enforcement Counsel)
Stars Program. This program is designed to assist school systems to prepare and respond to
a wide variety of threats to the school environment.
SAFE and Community Education
Firefighter John Jenks coordinates the Reading Fire Department’s S.A.F.E.
Program. This fire safety education program is delivered in the Reading Public School
System, and continues to receive a high level of support from School Administrators and
children. This program is funded by a $4,784 grant provided by the State.
Our SAFE Program features an in-house developed age appropriate curriculum for
each grade level K through Grade 5. Reading Firefighters trained as S.A.F.E educators visit
each school classroom of Kindergarten through Grade 5 to deliver the fire prevention and
anti-smoking message.
Firefighters use a new specially designed trailer that is shared by the Metrofire
District to present a very real fire scenario to the students. Using this training aid, the
children are taught life saving skills in a controlled setting that is not possible to duplicate
in the classroom. The S.A.F.E. Trailer is available to the Reading Fire Department and 33
other communities in the Greater Boston Area free of charge.
Fire Alarm
The Municipal Fire Alarm System in Reading is in excellent condition. This is a
direct result of the planning, care and maintenance given to the system by our dedicated
Fire Alarm Technicians Michael Holmes and Brian Ryan. When appropriate, we are
connecting new and remodeled buildings to the Municipal Fire Alarm System to ensure a
rapid response to an incident.
Reading Emergency Management Agency
As a result of recent world events, Emergency Management has become more active
than ever before. Housed within Reading’s Emergency Management Agency are two
separate functions, Emergency Management and the Local Emergency Planning
Committee.
The primary goal for Emergency Management is to identify threats to the
community, and to prepare for all disasters whether natural or manmade, coordinate the
response of a wide range of agencies, and assist in the recovery phase.
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Reading Fire Department
A secondary goal is to ensure that the Town of Reading is in compliance with all
Federal and State requirements to enable the community to remain eligible to receive
reimbursement for Federal and State disaster declarations. The Town of Reading is and has
always been in full compliance with all Federal and State requirements. For the Town of
Reading, the Fire Chief is the Emergency Management Director.
Federal and State legislation requires every community in the country to have a
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC identifies areas where the
population is most at risk from a hazardous materials release, facilities and transportation
routes that contain hazardous materials and resources that would be used to mitigate an
incident. The Reading Fire Department has developed a Hazardous Materials Emergency
Plan to meet both Federal and State statutory planning requirements. For the Town of
Reading, the Fire Chief is the Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairman.
To pool resources, the Town of Reading has joined with 11 other communities and
formed the Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee. This association permits each
member community to share resources in the event of an emergency. The Mystic Regional
Emergency Planning Committee has attained Full Certification Status by the Massachusetts
Emergency Management Agency.
Reading is also part of the North East Homeland Security Region (NERAC).
NERAC is one of the five Massachusetts homeland security regions created by the
Executive Office of Public Safety.
As a result of a grant from the NERAC, we were able to purchase and install
additional radio equipment to improve Fire and Police communications in the Route 128,
Route 93 and Haverhill Street area.
Fire Apparatus
Due to the age of our fire apparatus, we are experiencing a significant amount of
mechanical problems. This has caused considerable expense to the DPW, required us to
place reserve equipment in service that is far beyond its service life, and at times requires us
to borrow fire apparatus from neighboring communities.
The purchase of a new fire engine and a ladder truck has been approved by the
Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting to address these issues. We have developed
specifications and ordered the new fire apparatus, and it is anticipated that the new
equipment will go into service in calendar year 2008.
Training
The President of the United States signed a Presidential Directive that required all
cities and towns in the nation to train a significant portion of their staff in the National
Incident Management System (NIMS). The purpose of the requirement is to provide a
framework and system for all levels of government to work together in an emergency. This
year, all senior command staff received the NIMS 300 training program, and the Fire Chief
received NIMS 400 and NIMS 800. Reading has now met all Federal incident command
training requirements.
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Reading Fire Department
A new in-service training program was instituted under a single Training Officer
this year. The program is designed to improve Firefighter safety, enhance performance and
to unify the four groups.
Currently, Firefighter Scott Dole serves as the Department’s Training Officer. Each
month, Firefighter Dole develops and delivers an in-depth training program to each of the
four groups which has proven to be highly successful.
Conclusion
Over the last year, we have made significant advancements in all areas of the
Department. This has been achieved through higher levels of training for our personnel and
the addition of new technology and equipment. Through the active pursuit of public safety
grants, we have been able to upgrade and expand radio communications. The Advanced
Life Support Program has continued to surpass our expectations on every level, and
represents a significant upgrade in the quality of emergency medical services provided to
the community. The replacement of our aging fire apparatus will significantly improve our
day to day and emergency operations.
I would like to thank all Town Officers, Boards, Departments, members of the
Reading Fire Department, and especially the citizens of Reading for their continued support
and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory J. Burns
Chief of Fire Department
FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER
CHIEF:
Gregory J. Burns
FIRE PREVENTION:
Lieutenant Paul D. Jackson
CAPTAINS:
Philip B. Boisvert
Kenneth N. Campbell Jr.
Paul F. Guarino
Peter L. Marchetti
LIEUTENANTS:
David T. Ballou
Mark Dwyer
Richard L.S. Nelson
Richard A. Puopolo
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Reading Fire Department
FIRE FIGHTERS:
Mathew McSheehy Michael Belmonte Sean Devlin
Daniel Cahoon William Van Horn ~Chris Finnegan
Michel Holmes Lisa Palermo Scott Myette
David Roy Michael Wood Bruce Ayer
Robert McCarthy Scott Dole ~Tricia Richard
Patrick Wallace John Jenks Paul Dalton
Brian Ryan Erick Blackman Ryan Buckley
Stephen Pelrine Paul Roy Joseph Lapolla
Robert Beck Derek Loftus Daniel Pouliot
Stephen Murphy Dana Ballou Paul Damocogno
~Robert Jutrus Linda Polcari *Garret Antanavica
David Robidoux Tom McCarthy Anthony DelSignore
David Gentile
Cynthia M. Keenan, Secretary
~Resigned position
*Hired to fill vacancy
Statistics for 2007:
Permit Fees Collected……………………… $18,093
Ambulance Fees Collected………………… $590,656
Bell Alarms………………………………... 367
Still Alarms………………………………. 2,951
Emergency Ambulance Calls…………….. 1,958
Inspections………………………………… 597
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mission and Value Statement
The Reading Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of
public safety and service to the citizens and business people within the community. The
members of the Department are empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and Bylaws of the Town of Reading to ensure that the peace and tranquility
of our neighborhoods are maintained, and that crime and the fear of crime are reduced. We
emphasize and value integrity, honesty, impartiality and professionalism from our members
in order to create an environment that values differences and fosters fairness and flexibility
in our mission. We encourage citizen input and interaction that will assist us in developing
sound partnerships between the community and police. Working together, we can protect
our future and enhance the quality of life for everyone within the town.
The Police Department experienced another year of extensive personnel changes.
The demand for service on the department continues to grow with the added development
in the community. This report summarizes the participation, activities, sponsorships,
enhancements, accomplishments, and other notable events of the Reading Police
Department in calendar year 2007.
The Reading Police Department’s Strategic Plan – 2007
In the Spring of 2007, Chief James W. Cormier initiated a process to create a long-
term strategic vision and action plan to guide police practice in the Town of Reading. The
Chief is seeking a deeper sense of commitment from the members of the Police Department
toward the ever-present challenges and opportunities for change that are facing our
community on a regular basis. By designing and tailoring a strategic planning process, the
Chief has enabled the Police Department to focus clearly on such a commitment.
First, a consultant conducted interviews with 23 stakeholders of the Reading Police
Department and Town Government officials. Second, a one-day planning retreat on June 8,
2007 was held with the command staff and senior management team members. The retreat
culminated with the establishment of five strategic goals for the department.
Chief Cormier initiated strategic planning to:
1. Create a vision and operational plan that ensures that the Department is expanding
its resources, money, time and expertise “in the most strategic, efficient manner;”
2. Create the new strategy from the ideas and insights of the command staff members;
3. Institute a long-term vision for the Police Department that elicits its members to
become “true stake-holders and contributors” in the community. Through this finely
tuned strategic plan, members are able to measure their progress through successful
attainment of the strategic goals they themselves have collectively established;
4. These goals lay the foundation for the successful implementation of the
Department’s future success by working closely with our residents, Town officials
and business community.
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Police Department
Five Goals of Strategic Planning - 2007
1. Increase Department knowledge through professional development and training;
2. Increase staffing to support sector-based, problem-oriented police;
3. Enhance community partnerships to address critical problems;
4. Create a more supportive Departmental environment to enable greater job satisfaction;
5. Promote law enforcement initiatives through the effective use of information
technology.
The next challenge is to effectively implement the plan. The development of these
objectives and implementation plans now rest with the Command Staff of the Reading
Police Department.
Personnel Changes
The Police Department experienced the following significant personnel changes and
adjustments in 2007.
♦ On January 12, 2007, Sgt. Detective Pat O'Brien (32 years), Detective Robert
Flynn (32 years) and Officer Larry Frederick (31 years) retired.
♦ In February of 2007, Lt. Detective Kevin Patterson retired after 32 years of
service.
♦ In February of 2007, Officers Robert MacHugh Jr. and Eric Drauschke
graduated from the M.B.T.A. Police Academy.
♦ In February of 2007, Lt. Richard Robbins was assigned to the Criminal
Division as Division Commander.
♦ In April of 2007, Lynda Sousa and Debra Haynes were hired for the positions
of Dispatcher. Lynda Sousa was hired for the part-time position and Debra
Haynes was hired for a full-time position.
♦ In May of 2007, Detectives John McKenna and Mark Segalla were promoted
to the rank of Sergeant effective July, 2007.
♦ In June of 2007, the Chief, Business Manager and Supervisory staff met for an
all day retreat to devise a strategic plan outlining future goals for the Police
Department.
♦ In July of 2007, Sgt. David Stamatis was promoted to Lieutenant.
♦ In July of 2007, Officer Michael Lee was selected as the new Safety Officer.
♦ In July of 2007, Officers Jack Kyle and Derek Holmes were assigned as
Detectives.
♦ In July of 2007, Officer James Collins was selected as the new Community
Service Officer.
♦ In September of 2007, Officer Christopher Picco took over the responsibilities
of firearms permitting and licensing duties as well as solicitor permitting.
♦ In October of 2007, part-time Dispatcher Lynda Sousa resigned.
♦ In December of 2007, Sergeant Mark Segalla was assigned as Sergeant
Detective of the Criminal Division.
♦ In December of 2007, Lt. Michael P. Cloonan, the Reading Police
Department’s Executive Officer submitted his letter to retire effective June,
2008 which will culminate over 33 years of service to the Department.
♦ In December of 2007, Christopher Finnegan was hired for the position of part-
time Dispatcher.
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Awards and Recognitions
♦ In March of 2007, the Police Department was recertified by the Massachusetts
Accreditation Commission.
♦ In April of 2007, the Board of Selectmen recognized the Public Safety Dispatchers
during National 911 Telecommunicators Week.
♦ In May of 2007, the Board of Selectmen recognized National Police Memorial
Week.
♦ In May-June of 2007, the Police Department conducted their annual Buckle-Up
Pledge Week and Driver Safety Campaign in conjunction with the Governor’s
Highway Task Force.
♦ In May of 2007, the Police Department’s Business Manager Andrew Scribner-
MacLean received certification as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing
Official from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after attending 80 hours of
training with the Inspector General's Office.
♦ In August of 2007, Crossing Guard Ernie Gisetto was recognized for 25 years of
service as a Crossing Guard.
Community Policing
The Reading Police Department continues to work closely with the community
and other Town Departments as well as State and Federal Agencies. The Police
Department strongly promotes the philosophy of “working with the community.” The
Department sponsors or participates in a number of community events and programs.
The following are some examples:
• The Police Department is represented on the Reading Coalition Against Substance
Abuse (R.C.A.S.A.). Its members are Chief Jim Cormier and School Resource
Officer Richard Abate.
• The Police Department is represented on the Human Relations Advisory
Committee. (HRAC) by Chief Jim Cormier.
• The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program which is a self defense course
designed specifically for women. Sgt. David Clark, Officers Pat Iapicca, Michelle
Halloran, Salvi Lavita, Ian Nelson, Richard Abate, Christine Agnone and Kristen
Stasiak are the instructors lending to the success of this very popular program.
• The Citizens Police Academy has been very popular and will continue to be a base
program for the Department. Lt. David Stamatis continues to organize and
coordinate the program eliciting the assistance of many Department staff members
who instruct the classes during the course.
• In March of 2007, the Police Department successfully met the requirements for re-
certification by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. Certification is
a self-initiated evaluation process by which a Police Department strives to meet and
maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession.
These carefully selected standards reflect critical areas of police management,
operations, and technical support activities. They cover areas such as policy
development, emergency response planning, training, communications, property and
evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit, prisoner transportation and
holding facilities. The program not only sets standards for the law enforcement
profession but also for the delivery of police services to the residents of Reading.
Participation in the program is strictly voluntary. Reading is one of 14 certified
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Police Department
police agencies in Massachusetts. Lt. Richard Robbins is the Certification Manager
and attends the standards meetings on a continuous basis.
• In May of 2007, School Resource Officer Richard Abate represented the Police
Department at the Senior Prom in Boston and the all night party at the High School.
• In June of 2007, the Department’s Honor Guard, as well as Police Officers and their
families, participated in the Challenger Softball game where they are afforded an
opportunity to interact with children with special needs in a relaxed and fun
atmosphere. The Honor Guard also participated in the Memorial Day and Veterans’
Day celebrations.
• Also in June of 2007, the Department participated in Friends and Family Day held
at Birch Meadow Park. Detective John McKenna, Officers Derek Holmes, Michelle
Halloran and Jack Kyle participated in this event.
• On August 7, 2007, Lt. Detective Richard Robbins gave a talk on identity theft at
the Reading Public Library.
• In August of 2007, Lt. Detective Richard Robbins assisted Arlington and Burlington
Police Departments in their pursuit of certification by serving on the Massachusetts
State Commission Assessment Team.
• The Department participates annually in the Library’s Vehicle Day in August where
children of all ages get to enjoy the display of vehicles from all the Town’s
departments. Officer Derek Holmes coordinated this event.
• In collaboration with the Reading Adult Education Office, we sponsored a parenting
workshop that was very successful and was received by 40 parents.
• Throughout the year, the Department participated in the Governor’s Highway Safety
Bureau “Click-it or Ticket” Program. Lt. David Stamatis, Lt. Michael Cloonan and
Sgt. John McKenna coordinated these initiatives.
• In October of 2007, the Department in conjunction with its labor unions organized
its annual Senior Ham and Bean Supper at the Senior Center. Officer James Collins
organized this event.
• Throughout the year, Community Service Officer James Collins meets on a monthly
basis at the Senior Center to share information and concerns that our community
seniors may have, and to keep them updated on ongoing police tips and criminal
issues that may affect seniors.
th
• In December, the Department in conjunction with its labor unions organized the 26
Annual Children’s Holiday Party at Austin Preparatory School. Citizen turnout was
one of the largest in its history. Again, collaborating with the Free Masons (Reading
Lodge) and the Massachusetts Dental Association, we were able to offer the Child
Identification Program (CHIP), a videotape interview and a dental impression of the
child. We provided over 100 identification kits at this event. Officer James Collins
organized all the events for this very successful day.
• The Police Department in conjunction with the Woburn District Court continues its
participation with the H.E.A.T. Program. This program was developed by the
Woburn Courts Probation Department and seven local Police Departments including
Reading. The Heroin Education Awareness Task Force (H.E.A.T.) targets the
growing problem of heroin abuse among youngsters in area communities.
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Police Department
In addition to warning parents of the signs and symptoms of heroin abuse, the
program is also focusing on getting youngsters the necessary help once it is
determined they need help. Detective Michael Saunders represents our Department
as a member of this Task Force.
• The Department’s Web Site www.ci.reading.ma.us/police is very successful and
offers a variety of contemporary information and resources to all who visit. Lt.
David Stamatis has put a great deal of time and effort into making this a very useful
site for our residents.
• The Police Department certified its newest Command Staff member in Incident
Command Training. Lt. David Stamatis attended a two day course taught by the
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in Boston, MA. All agencies
throughout the Commonwealth are forging forward by training and utilizing this
system of managing any incident involving public safety concerns. The goal of the
ICS is to provide a nationwide template for all levels of government and private
sector organizations to effectively work together in preparation, response and
recovery from domestic incidents.
• Throughout the year, the NEMLEC Rapid Response Team (RRT) participated in
several requests for mutual aid call-outs in Boston, Stoneham, Salem and
Somerville. Most notable was our members participating in the 2007 Boston Red
Sox World Series celebration events that drew large crowds and called for
tremendous planning and resources. All these events were planned and organized
through the Incident Command System’s (ICS) methodologies.
Detective Division
The Detective Division is the liaison of the Police Department with the Reading
Public Schools as well as the Northeast Regional Vocational School in Wakefield. School
Resource Officer Richard Abate is the Division's primary liaison. He works diligently with
all the schools to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. It is important to point out
that at all levels of both the School Department and the Police Department, the degree of
cooperation and unity to bring the absolute best level of services to the community has
rarely been better.
Outlined for 2007 are a number of the Detective Division’s activities and
involvements:
♦ Actively participated in the Criminal Based Justice System, this system brings
together multiple Town agencies with the District Attorney’s Office and the
Probation Department to share information.
♦ Member organization of Project Alliance, this is a program sponsored by the
District Attorney’s Office that provides educational opportunities for law
enforcement, schools and other professionals in the areas relative to school and
juvenile issues.
♦ Member organization of the Woburn Court Substance Abuse Initiative, linking the
seven communities that fall under the jurisdiction of Woburn District Court to
combat the substance abuse issue in the area. Member of the NEMLEC Detective
Group, a regional detective group incorporating over 40 cities and towns in the
region, that freely exchanges information of interest.
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Police Department
♦ Participating member of the Domestic Abuse Roundtable, a meeting of the District
Attorney’s Office and the seven Woburn District Court agencies to exchange and
update information regarding domestic violence.
♦ Participating member of the Juvenile Fire Setters, an educational program for
juvenile fire setters.
♦ Many personnel changes occurred in 2007: Lt. Detective Kevin Patterson, Sgt.
Detective Mark O'Brien and Detective Robert Flynn retired from the Department.
Detectives John McKenna and Mark Segalla were promoted to the rank of
Sergeant and were assigned as Patrol Supervisors. As a result of these changes, Lt.
Richard Robbins took command as the Detective Division Commander. Officers
Derek Holmes and Jack Kyle were appointed to the rank of Detective. In
December of 2007, Detective Jack Kyle was reassigned to patrol and Sgt. Mark
Segalla was brought back into the Unit as Sergeant Detective.
♦ The Unit is now working with four officers, so structural changes within the Unit
have occurred as well: Lt. Detective Richard Robbins remains the Division
Commander, Detective Michael Saunders is the Court Prosecutor and Evidence
Officer. Sgt. Detective Mark Segalla and Detective Derek Holmes conduct the
majority of the criminal investigations.
♦ Working highly sensitive, complicated criminal investigations in a small unit
requires the officers that work for that unit to have the utmost integrity and to be
beyond reproach. These philosophies are the backbone of the Reading Police
Detective Division.
Public Safety Dispatch
The Reading Public Safety Dispatchers provide through communications a lifeline
for the community, Police Officers and Firefighters. There are eight full-time Dispatchers
and one part-time Dispatcher who are under the immediate supervision of the Patrol
Division Commander and a Head Dispatcher. Dispatchers receive requests for information
and services, they triage those requests based on available resources, and disseminate those
requests to the emergency personnel in the field. Dispatchers greet the public entering the
Police Station and provide a valuable service to our community.
Dispatchers recorded 27,618 calls for service in 2007 and issued 3,964 Community
Access Stickers. We are grateful for the professional service provided by the Reading
Public Safety Dispatchers.
The Communications Center has received upgraded “911” equipment. This
improved technology is very exciting for those who handle emergency calls. It comes with
all the benefits of the previous system but now has better information pertaining to the
location of cell phone calls received by way of the new mapping capabilities. This aspect of
the enhanced system should enable the Reading Public Safety Dispatchers to have a better
opportunity to assist a distressed caller who is uncertain of their location. It will not always
pinpoint the caller’s whereabouts but it may narrow the search area, and that alone is a
major advantage to emergency personnel and the person in distress. Our Dispatchers do an
outstanding job and deserve recognition for a position that is extremely important and when
done well is often overlooked.
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Police Department
Three Dispatchers attended the State Emergency Training Board (SETB) Dispatch
Academy through a grant provided by SETB. More Dispatchers will be sent each year so
that all have received initial certification training and ongoing professional development.
Crossing Guards
The School Crossing Guards are part-time civilian personnel. Currently, there are
17 permanent Crossing Guards and two spares that fill in when a regular Crossing Guard is
unable to cover their post. They are under the direct supervision, coordination and control
of Safety Officer Michael Lee. Each Crossing Guard plays an essential role in ensuring the
safe commute of children to and from school. They also serve as an extra set of eyes and
ears for the Police Department and the community as well. These Crossing Guards have
proven to be devoted to their duties and are a great asset to the Town of Reading.
ANIMAL CONTROL
The Animal Control Officer is Ronald Burns who works 13 hours per week and
is on call for emergency situations. There were more than 500 calls for service received by
the Animal Control Officer. There were 11 dog bites over the year resulting in injuries to
humans. There were 12 bites over the year resulting from animal of unknown origin to dogs
and 14 cats. Those that tested negative for rabies were quarantined for 10 days. There were
eight cat bites to humans reported. There were three bat bites, two to humans and one to a
dog. There were over 100 coyote sightings and cat missing calls reported. Over 300 fines
and citations were issued to residents for failure to keep their dog on a leash, failure to
license their dog and for biting.
The Animal Control Officer is authorized to isolate and confine domestic animals
suspected of being exposed to rabies. Acting according to State regulations and guidelines,
Animal Control Officers must:
• Investigate reports of domestic animals exposed to rabies;
• Determine if the domestic animal has or may have been exposed to a rabid animal,
and if the domestic animal has been properly vaccinated;
• Make an evaluation of the exposure of the vaccinated animal, and prescribe the
appropriate action according to State regulations;
• Obtain permission to euthanasia exposed, unvaccinated animals from their owners
or from the MDFA;
• Carry out euthanasia permitted by the owner of MDFA;
• Collect the head of the euthanized animal, and deliver or send it to MDPH State
Laboratory Institute, if the animal has bitten or otherwise exposed a human or
domestic animal;
• Ensure that vaccinated domestic animals receive a booster vaccination if needed,
and that the animal remains under appropriate strict confinement or isolation;
• Contact local officials when exposed domestic animals have exposed humans.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The Parking Enforcement Officer is Ronald Burns who works 18 hours per week,
covering four days in the work week.
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Police Department
The major responsibilities of the Parking Enforcement Officer are:
• Identify and cite motorists who violate Reading’s parking regulations and reduce
opportunities for violations to be committed through preventive patrols of all
parking areas;
• Tally and inventory tickets daily;
• Identify parking problem areas within the Town, and forward this information to the
Safety Officer.
• Total citations issued by the Parking Enforcement Officer in 2007 were 2,321.
• Total income from parking citations was $52,220.00.
• 86% of the citations were paid.
• 8% of the citations were marked for non-payment.
2007 POLICE DEPARTMENT ROSTER
CHIEF:
James W. Cormier
EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Lieutenant Michael P. Cloonan
CRIMINAL DIVISION COMMANDER:
Lt. Detective Richard W. Robbins
PATROL DIVISION COMMANDER:
Lieutenant David M. Stamatis
SERGEANTS:
David J. Clark John T. McKenna
Frank G. Duclos Mark J. O’Brien
Peter C. Garchinsky Bruce F. Russell
DETECTIVE DIVISION:
Lt.-Detective Richard W. Robbins
Michael Saunders
Derek Holmes
Sgt.-Detective Mark D. Segalla
School Resource Officer Richard Abate
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Community Service Officer: James P. Collins
Safety Officer: Michael Lee
Armorer: Chris Picco
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Police Department
PATROL OFFICERS:
Pasquale Iapicca Joseph Belmonte Ian Nelson
Christopher Voegal Michael Lee Christine Agnone
James P. Collins Keith Hurley Kristen Stasiak
Anthony F. Caturell Kevin Brown Corey Santasky
John Kyle Michael Fitzgerald Eric Drauschke
Matthew C. Edson Michelle Halloran Robert MacHugh
David Savio Salvi Lavita
Christopher Picco Sean Wilson
2007 ANCILLARY PERSONNEL
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR:
Andrew Scribner-MacLean
ANIMAL CONTROL/PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER:
Ronald Burns
CLERKS:
Administrative Assistant Victoria Cummings
Principal Clerk Joanne Power
DISPATCHERS:
Head Dispatcher Victoria Avery
John Rawcliffe Regina Benoit-Saunders Susan Tapley
Matthew Vatcher Ryan Mahoney Chris Jones
Joseph Pagnotta Deborah Haynes Christopher Finnegan
SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS:
Cindy Ashi Cheri Costa Lucy Intonti
Fred Dyment Gerry Intonti Robert DeWolfei
Ernie Gisetto Tina Lantz Linda Burns
Joseph Lopiccola Louann MacKinnon Matthew McNamara
Marsha Leighton Dick Stosez John Watson
William Fisher Reggie Benoit Edward Whitcomb
Mildren Barton
SPARE CROSSING GUARDS:
Arthur Dickinson
Peggy Faulkner
Kris McNeill
The following are Arrests and Services performed during Calendar Year 2007:
Arrests: 190
Persons held in protective custody: 46
Detective criminal investigations: 163
Parking Violations: 2898
Motor vehicle violations: 5613
Auto accidents investigated: 521
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Police Department
Fees Collected during Fiscal Year 2007:
License to carry: $3625.00
Firearms ID cards: $737.50
Police reports copied: $1,931.50
Parking fines: $74,696.00
Court fines: $2,170.00
MV lease or surcharge: $2,324.40
Administrative fees for Details: $20,058.72
Community Access Stickers: $81,595.00
Parking space rentals: $46,830.00
Civil infractions: $57,620.00
Rent for Community Room: $1,240.00
Total Fees collected:$292,828.12
Conclusion
To summarize our Mission Statement, we are empowered to enforce the laws of our
land but in order to do this appropriately and adequately, we have to work with the
community. Providing the community with the highest level of police service is a goal that
will require dedication, hard work and a strong commitment to and from our community.
The year 2007 presented many unique and difficult challenges for the Police
Department. We experienced significant personnel changes and adjustments and operated
understaffed due to retirements, injury and illness. Moving forward, the Department is
anxious to continue working closely with our fellow Town employees and the citizenry to
provide the highest quality of life in Reading.
I want to thank the citizens of our community for their support and cooperation.
Working with the community, your Police Department will accomplish its mission.
Respectfully submitted,
James W. Cormier, Chief of Police
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Director’s Comments
Department personnel were actively involved as members, or liaisons, of many
Boards and Committees. We have also assisted other Departments throughout the year on
many projects and programs, and have been fortunate to have the cooperation and support
of the Town Manager, the Assistant Town Manager and other Departments within the
Town.
The Department has developed long-term capital improvement plans to upgrade and
maintain the important infrastructures in the community through local and State funding.
This would include the water distribution system, roadway and sidewalk, sanitary sewer
system, equipment, parks and playgrounds, cemeteries and storm water systems.
As highlighted in DPW Division reports, the Department had an extremely busy
year in 2007 with our many projects, ongoing maintenance work and assisting other
departments. Through Capital funding at the April and November 2007 Town Meetings,
we were able to complete many roadway improvements, sidewalk construction, playground
improvements, and replace a substantial number of our vehicles and equipment, some
approaching “antique” age.
Roadway improvements were completed on all, or portions, of thirteen (13) streets.
Highway Division staff resurfaced all, or portions of, an additional seven (7) streets.
Sidewalks and/or curbing were installed on nine (9) streets. Two (2) Main Line Sanitary
Sewer projects were completed. We completed installation of new playground equipment,
paving and improvements to a garden area at Birch Meadow Elementary School. We began
the process of replacing water meters which is a multi-year program. Staff is using GIS
water distribution and sewer distribution information from equipment installed in the
emergency vehicles. This has improved our response time immensely and given staff the
tools they need. It is important to note that all of these projects and those identified in the
Division reports require a tremendous group effort to accomplish. It is a credit to the staff
for their hard work and effort, dedication and cooperation that these quality projects were
completed in a timely and cost-effective manner while performing their “regular” and
important every day work.
We have been fortunate to welcome the following employees to the Department:
Arthur Marcos and Dominique Impemba in the Engineering Division, Thomas Zwicker in
the Highway/Equipment Maintenance Division, and James Sullivan in the Recreation
Division.
There continues to be a good cooperative effort on planned and emergency projects
by the Divisions within the Department. Because of the efforts of the staff, we are able to
provide good quality service to other Town Departments and to the general public. It is a
pleasure working with the dedicated and devoted staff in the Department of Public Works
and the appointed Committees. I thank them all for their support and effort.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward D. “Ted” McIntire, Jr.
Director of Public Works
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Public Works Department
ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
The Administration Division supported the Department with procurement
administration, water and sewer billing, budget preparation and coordination, departmental
personnel and payroll services, accounts payable processing, cemetery administration
services and responses to public inquiries and concerns over all Public Works areas of
responsibility. Significant projects included:
• Procurement and project support for various water and sewer main projects,
including sewer system rehabilitation and construction and water main construction.
• Water Meter Installation bid awarded to Troupe Water Services. Anticipated meters
changed for FY 2008 is 2488 meters.
• 2007 was the second of a five year contract for our Town-wide refuse collection and
curbside recycling.
• Coordination of the acceptance and approval process to the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority as a main source of Town water.
• We have completed two years of our three-year water meter and transponder
replacement program.
• Coordination of cooperative Household Hazardous Waste Day collection events
with the Town of Wakefield.
• Providing procurement assistance to other Town Departments and Divisions
including a contract for new Triple Combination Pumper, a lease of surplus property
at 1481 Main Street and a DPW Management Study.
• Overall facilitation of the Water Conservation Rebate Program: Appointment
scheduling, rebate processing and tracking of high-efficiency washing machines,
low-flow toilets, irrigation system rain sensors and rain barrels.
• Coordination of the Street Sign Lottery – a unique opportunity to sponsor, purchase,
or take a chance on a piece of Reading memorabilia.
• Increased recycling efforts have resulted in additional condominium and school
groups joining the program.
Emphasis continued on providing public information, responding to inquiries and
concerns, and improving all areas of public communications.
CEMETERY DIVISION
To the Board of Cemetery Trustees
The following is from office records for calendar year 2007:
Interments – 115 Interments for all years – 13,885 Monuments reset - 22
Markers set – 35 Foundations – 31
Sale of Lots
Forest Glen
– 6 lots, 2 single graves – Total for all years – 2045 lots, 798 single graves
Charles Lawn
– 3 lots, 5 single and veteran’s graves – Total for all years – 469 lots,
233 single and veteran’s graves
Wood End
– 32 lots and 1 single grave – Total for all years – 305 lots, 23 single graves
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Public Works Department
Cooperation from other divisions of Public Works was outstanding and much
appreciated. The Board of Cemetery Trustees has been very supportive of all the numerous
programs and goals of this Division. I thank them for all their assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert L. Keating, Supervisor
CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS’ AND SAILORS’ GRAVESCalendar Year 2007
–
Interments: WWII – 13 Korea – 5 Vietnam – 0 Peacetime - 1
Total of all veterans’ interred – 1676.
As has been the custom for many years, all veterans’ graves were decorated with a
flag and a potted flower for Memorial Day.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Driscoll, Custodian of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Graves
ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division provides engineering services to all Departments within
the Town of Reading. The Division is responsible for: preparation of plans, specifications,
estimates, survey layout, inspection and supervision of Town construction projects, review
of subdivision plans and site plans for accuracy and conformance with the subdivision rules
and regulations, review of conservation submittals, preparation of subdivision and
conservation bond estimates, inspection of subdivision construction, and the administration
of the Pavement Management Program and Chapter 90 Roadway Improvements Program.
The Division also provides technical assistance and guidance on various Town
projects, performs traffic studies, regulates and inspects private construction activities
within Town roadways, and is responsible for the maintenance of all records concerning the
subdivision of land, roadway, water, sewer and drainage construction, Town maps and the
issuance of various permits.
Construction projects the Division designed and provided construction management
for in 2007 consisted of the sewer main extension on Fairview and Sunnyside Avenues,
completion of the Franklin Terrace sewer extension, drainage improvements for Summit
Village on Hopkins Street, roadway reconstruction on Bancroft Avenue (Lowell Street to
Middlesex Avenue), Franklin Street (Main Street to Haverhill Street), Governors Drive
(Salem Street to end), Hampshire Road (Main Street to Lawrence Road), Hillcrest Road
(Prescott Street to Oak Street), Lawrence Road (Main Street to Hampshire Road), Locust
Street (Main Street to Highland Street), Wells Road (Forest Glen Road to Irving Street),
and Wentworth Road (West Street to Lewis Street), roadway repaving on Cumberland
Road (Melbourne Avenue to Victoria Avenue), Franklin Terrace (Franklin Street to end),
and Maple Ridge Road (Pine Ridge Road to Ash Hill Road).
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Public Works Department
The Division also designed and performed construction management for the
installation of sidewalks and granite curbing on Franklin Street (between Main Street and
Grove Street) and West Street (Enos Circle to Catherine Avenue), and the installation of
granite curbing on Bancroft Avenue (Lowell Street to Middlesex Avenue), Franklin Street
(Main Street to Partridge Lane), Governors Drive (westerly side from Salem Street to end),
Hampshire Road (at Main Street only), Lawrence Road (Main Street to 42 Lawrence Road),
Locust Street (Main Street to Beacon Street), and Hillcrest Road (Scotland Road to Oak
Street).
Additional projects accomplished by the Division include the design and
construction layout for the Woodland Street roadway betterment project, survey,
engineering and contract preparation for the reconstruction of the Bancroft Avenue tennis
courts and sewer main extension on Fairview and Sunnyside Avenues, survey and
engineering for the new synthetic turf athletic field at Parker Middle School, survey of and
preparation of conceptual designs for the rehabilitation of the Birch Meadow complex and
Memorial Park improvements, performed field surveys for roadway improvements on
Gould Street, Ash Street and Colburn Road, and initiated a Town-wide study for the
mapping of existing sidewalk and curb locations.
Traffic studies were also performed on High Street, Ash Street, Walnut Street,
Forest Street, Charles Street, South Street, Summer Avenue and Grove Street.
Specifications were also prepared and contracts awarded for the 2007 roadway, sidewalk,
curb, loam and seed construction projects and annual traffic markings.
Engineering reviews were performed for the Community Planning and
Development Commission, Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals on the
major site developments at the Longhorn Steak House/Bertucci’s Restaurant on Walkers
Brook Drive, 80-100 Main Street, 89 Walkers Brook Drive, 16 Sanborn Street, 1349 Main
Street, and the Montessori School at 453 West Street and numerous other smaller projects.
The Division, with the assistance of consultant engineers, performed a review of the
adequacy of the Town’s infrastructure for the proposed 40R redevelopment of the Addison-
Wesley site.
Significant progress was finally made on the Downtown Roadway Improvement
Project on Main Street and West Street roadway reconstruction projects: Bids were received
by Mass Highway Department on May 30th for the Downtown Roadway Improvement
Project. The contract was awarded by Mass Highway Department to the low bidder in the
amount of $5,490,864. A pre-construction meeting was held in October, and construction
is scheduled to start in the Spring in 2008.
Following their review of the West Street Improvement Project’s 25% design plans,
Mass. Highway Department scheduled the 25% design public hearing which is to be held
on January 30, 2008.
The House to House Illicit Connection Inspection Program was completed with the
preparation of the final report by the Town’s consultant Camp, Dresser and McKee. The
program resulted in the inspection of 91% of the properties within the Town, and the
discovery of 167 improper connections to the sewer system. To date, 62 connections have
been removed from the system, and 29 additional are awaiting removal.
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The Engineering Division will continue management of the program for the
discovery of future connections, and the removal of connections by property owners.
In cooperation with GIS Coordinator Kim Honetschlager and consultant Camp,
Dresser and McKee, the GIS mapping and database of the Town’s water and sewer system
was completed. The mapping enables the Water and Sewer Divisions to have direct access
to plans, tie card and other pertinent information in the field through the use of portable
computers.
The NPDES Phase II Storm Water Annual Report was submitted to the
Environmental Protection Agency demonstrating continued compliance with the permit
issued to the Town in 2003. The continuation of education flyers, improved maintenance of
storm water facilities funded through the Storm Water Enterprise Fund, mapping of the
storm water outfalls and the establishment of the Town’s operation and maintenance
procedures, the Town will continue to meet the goals established under the permit.
The Division spent significant time on the inspection of private development
projects including the Johnson Woods off West Street, Archstone Properties on West Street,
Danis Property on General Way, Stop & Shop and Longhorn Steak House/Bertucci’s
Restaurant on Walkers Brook Drive, Hallmark Health on New Crossing Road, Montessori
School at 453 West Street, and subdivisions Kylie Drive, Benjamin Lane and Sailor Tom’s
Way.
The Division issued permits and performed construction inspection for 23 new
sewer connections, 19 permits for the disconnection, repair or reuse of existing sewer
connections, 61 street opening permits to Keyspan Energy for repairs and new gas services,
and 35 street opening/occupancy permits within Town right-of-ways. The Division also
held six public hearings for utility installations or relocations, witnessed 18 soil evaluations,
and performed numerous site reviews of properties for the issuance of storm water
abatement requests.
The Division welcomed the new addition of Engineer Arthur G. Markos in
November. His presence will be greatly appreciated due to the Division’s ever increasing
work load and responsibilities.
HIGHWAY AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE DIVISION
The Highway Division at the Public Works Facility consists of 17 employees, four
are Mechanics, one is a Dispatcher, and the 12 that are left maintain the infrastructure of the
Town of Reading.
HIGHWAY DIVISION
The regular projects such as street sweeping, catch basin repair (68), roadside
cutting, sidewalk and street maintenance, tree lawn repair, mixing and sifting loam and
compost, traffic control, and cleaning of catch basins and ditches continued by priority and
need. Street sweeping was started on April 2, 2007 and finished on June 29, 2007.
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Miscellaneous
The Division placed and filled planters for the Adopt-An-Island Program, placed
mosquito control tablets in the catch basins and detention areas for the Health Department,
held Hazardous Waste Day, had an Adopt-A-Family in November and December, held
Equipment Day at the Library and Town Day, and picked up appliances once a month.
Vehicle Maintenance
The Division repaired and serviced the equipment from Police, Fire, School,
Building Maintenance, Council on Aging and Public Works Departments. They continued
to take waste oil from the public during the week and on Saturdays.
Snow and Ice
During the Winter season of 2006-2007, the Division plowed three storms and
sanded 10 times.
Special Projects
Installed drainage and constructed Woodland Road.
Paved the back playground area at Birch Meadow School.
Repaired the grounds and installed a parking lot at 1481 Main Street.
Skim coated Longview Road, one side of Barrows Road and Springvale Road.
Installed and paved the walkway at Wood End School down to Fox Run Lane.
Patched the parking lot at Imagination Station for Town Day.
Installed concrete pad for generator at Parker Middle School.
Helped the Water Department pave Vine Street from High to Mineral Street.
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
This was an active year at the Reading Town Forest. We had many requests to use
different areas of the forest. Some of the activities were bird watching, hiking, cross
country running and camping.
The scouting groups completed trail maintenance, board walks and stairway projects
for which the Committee is grateful.
This year’s Committee Member Ben Nichols moved out of State after more than 40
years of service. During his tenure, many acres were added to the forest. His presence will
be missed.
The Committee thanks the Department of Public Works, the Reading Fire and
Police Departments, the Conservation Commission, and the citizens of Reading for their
support.
Respectfully submitted,
George B. Perry II, Chairman
Louis D. DeBrigard, Jr., Vice Chairman
Thomas W. Connery, Secretary
Joan Hoyt
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FORESTRY - TREE WARDEN’S REPORT
Seventy-three hazardous trees were removed. These trees were dead or in a
dangerous condition as to be a threat to public safety. Seventy hazardous tree stumps were
removed from the tree lawns, parks, schools and playgrounds for public safety. One
hundred and one trees were trimmed. Dead wood and low branches were removed from the
public trees as requested or observed. Sixty trees were planted. The varieties included
Sugar Maples, Zelcova, Sweet Gum, Gingko and Elms. Trees were planted at schools,
cemeteries and as street trees.
The Compost Center on Strout Avenue continues to accept brush and leaves from
residents. 43,006 cars entered the Compost Center in 2007. Residents are required to
purchase stickers for use of the Compost Center.
The holiday lighting put up by the tree crew in the Town Square was once again
very successful. There were 20,000 colored bulbs installed on the Common.
The Town of Reading was awarded “Tree City USA” for the 22nd consecutive year
by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Five hundred Colorado Spruce trees were
purchased and distributed to all the fifth graders. Thanks to the Reading Rotary Club who
have sponsored and assisted in this program to make “Arbor Day 2007” a success in
Reading.
A special thanks to all the Committees and Commissions working toward the
preservation of Reading’s public shade trees.
PARKS DIVISION
The Division continues to maintain 80 acres of grassed area throughout the Town,
and also the facilities within the parks and schools. This includes the renovation as well as
continued maintenance of all the ball fields on school or parks grounds. The Division
maintains 16 tennis and basketball courts, the tot lots and the skating rinks, and also
maintains the grounds for all municipal and school buildings.
The Division assists all Town Departments, Committees and Commissions with tree
maintenance, snow and ice removal and Election set-up.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert L. Keating, Supervisor-Tree Warden
RECREATION DIVISION
The mission of the Reading Recreation Division is to provide the community with
year round recreational activities. Recreation programs are broad based to meet the
recreational needs of all segments of the population. The Division must continually update
and modify its programming to meet the current needs of the community. As the
community’s participation and awareness of local recreational programs increase, so does
their expectation of Recreation Division programs. The Division must be ready to anticipate
and adapt to these growing expectations and trends.
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The Division continues to look at trends and pop culture to produce programming
that is innovative and exciting.
The Division offers a variety of programs to residents of all ages. A direct
programming emphasis has been placed on Reading Middle School and Elementary School
aged youth. The Recreation Revolving Fund continues to fund all programs for 2007. The
Recreation Committee, with nine members and three associate members, provides guidance
and support to the Division.
The Division has also created a close working relationship with a non-profit
organization, Friends of Reading Recreation. FORR presented over 25 programs throughout
the year to supplement recreational offerings as well as co-promotes programming with the
Division from time to time.
Projects
The Division saw many major projects take shape in 2007. The year started off with
the acquisition of a log cabin and 2.5 acre parcel that abuts Bare Meadow. This area will
serve as a hub for plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
At Town Meeting in April, two major projects received support and funding. The
first is a synthetic field at Parker Middle School. Once installed, this will make Reading
one of the few communities with three synthetic fields. The installation is slated for
Summer 2008.
The other major project that was approved at Town Meeting was the construction of
six new tennis courts at Bancroft Avenue. The courts will be state of the art including
brand new light fixtures. This was the course of action that was decided after the tennis
courts were in disrepair. The courts are expected to be completed by June 2008.
In August, the Birch Meadow Playground got a significant face lift. The portable
classroom that monopolized some of the open space was removed in favor of brand new
asphalt. The entire playground area was renovated leaving some of the existing equipment,
and supplementing that with equipment chosen by the students at the school.
Finally, the Town received a generous donation to fund the Memorial Park Master
Plan in November. The plan includes newly renovated tennis courts and basketball court
and the following:
• Reshaping the skating area to be non-symmetric
• Addition of passive activities; i.e., Horse Shoe Pits, Volleyball and Bocce Courts
• Paved and defined parking on Salem Street entrance
• ADA accessibility from Charles Street and Salem Street
• Additional trees for shade
• Meandering path around the park with marked distances for walkers/bikers
The plan is scheduled to begin in March/April 2008.
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Programming
Winter/Spring
Reading Recreation held the following programs for the Winter/Spring season:
• Spring Soccer Doctor Clinic
• “Spring Ball” Basketball Clinic with H.S. Basketball Coach Kim Penny
• Reading Baseball School – Pitching and Hitting with Coach Pete Moscariello
• Spring Tennis Clinics for Youths and Adults
• Challenger Biddy Basketball for Children with Special Needs
• Saturday Morning Sports Series
• Challenger All-Sports
• Inaugural Season of Itty Bitty Baseball
• Kids Just Love Crafts
• Reading Recreation Egg Hunt
• Baby Sitting Course
• Crafts Programs for Adults
• Puentes Spanish Program for Kids
• Fencing for Youth-Adults
Winter/Spring is the lightest season for programming as it is the bridge between
very busy Fall season with the facilitation of Travel Basketball game scheduling, and the
planning of Summer programs. It is also the season where time is allocated to field
scheduling for the many youth and adult sports organizations. Itty Bitty Baseball was
developed to compete as a T-Ball Program geared towards pre-school to first grade
children. The first season was very successful with over 125 participants. The Spring
season saw many successful programs including the popular Reading Baseball School
which is run by Peter Moscariello. The Egg Hunt was again a huge success with close to
200 kids on hand.
The Recreation Division continues to offer programs such as a baby sitting class
from the nurses of Winchester Hospital as well as Fencing for all ages. The Division
believes that recreation is more than just the typical four major sports and can include
enrichment type programs. We continue to explore other “art” activities and new programs
that might be of interest to members of the community.
Summer
The Summer Camp Program averaged approximately 85% capacity in Summer
2007. This number is down about 10%. The recreation industry as a whole saw a drop in
camp numbers. The average across the industry was estimated to be close to 30%. Just
four years ago, this percentage was down to as low at 78%. The continued use of Coolidge
Middle School has made a significant difference on the perceived cleanliness of the
program. Jamie Walsh took over as Camp Director, and Lauren Dodge served as the
Assistant Director. This year’s camp staff saw approximately 75% returning staff. Also, a
strong Summer Camp staff had kids coming back week after week.
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On the sports clinic front, the Recreation Division saw strong numbers in all of the
sports clinics. The Division was happy to be back home in the Field House after a two
Summer hiatus due to construction. The Field House serves as an excellent facility to run
camps as it is equipped with all the amenities that are needed to run a quality camp. The
Division was happy to add Reading Football Camps with Head Coach John Fiore to the
Summer line-up.
Other successful clinics and programs included:
• Challenger Little League Baseball
• Volleyball Clinics
• Tiny Tot Soccer
• Basketball Clinics for Boys and Girls
• Reading Baseball Clinics
• Super Sports (three Sessions)
• Kids Crafts
• Tennis Clinics
• Track and Field Clinic
The Recreation Division also had some very successful trips in conjunction with our
travel company Celebration Tours. The trips for Summer 2007 included Martha’s Vineyard,
Red Sox vs. the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yard, The Tall Ships and a trip to “Cabbage
Island.” The Division continues to run these trips through this travel company at a very low
profit.
The Division was pleased to bring back the “All Comers” Summer track meets on
Wednesday nights.
One of the great traditions in Reading continued this past Summer with the “Theater
on the Green” and “Touch of Class” concert series. “Theater on the Green” had a
successful turnout this Summer each Wednesday afternoon, five concerts highlighted by
“Wayne from Maine,” a children’s sing-a-long, and an exciting presentation by Curious
Creatures with all sorts of great animals. These concerts are very well attended by
anywhere between 75–125 people each Wednesday. The “Touch of Class” concerts
included Reading’s staple “Bob Bachelor’s Totem Pole Orchestra,” “Overdrive” and
Reading’s own “Steven Savio” among the seven concerts.
Between donations that were collected during each of the concerts and sponsorships
from local businesses and organizations, the Division is able to run these concerts at
minimal cost. These concerts take place at Memorial Park which is believed to be the
oldest park in Reading.
Aside from the concerts, Reading Recreation ran a family movie series, and all
events were very well attended. We enlisted help with these programs from the Friends of
Reading Recreation and Selectmen James Bonazoli and Stephen Goldy.
th
Finally, the Recreation Division held its 17 Annual Reading Tennis Open. The
Tournament was a success once again this year with over 100 players participating. All
proceeds go back to the RMHS Tennis Program and new equipment for the Town courts.
Gregg Luongo again served as the Recreation Tennis Professional for the fifth year, and he
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did an outstanding job working with kids and adults. Tennis enrollment was consistent
with the numbers of the year before. Many kids enjoyed the clinics so much that they
signed up for more than one week.
Fall/Winter
The very busy Fall/Winter season for the Recreation Division produced many
opportunities. The Division again offered a Jr./Sr. Volleyball Program for fourth to eighth
grade students. The program was run by Michelle Hopkinson and several High School
volunteers, and went very well in its second year with close to 35 participants. We will
continue to look for ways to enhance this program, and possibly branch out into a travel
program.
The Division continued to offer a Fencing Program with Olympic Coach Michael
Tarascio which was open and populated by students from third grade to adults. The
program is offered on Mondays and Fridays allowing students who own their own
equipment to participate on both days.
The Division continued the Fall sections of the Saturday Morning Sports Series.
This program is a compilation of different introductory sports including T-Ball, Soccer and
Basketball. These programs are for four and five year olds, and has been a huge success.
The classes are run by Recreation Program Coordinator Jim Sullivan and student workers
from RMHS.
Recreation again offered Field Hockey in the Fall. Once again, this program was
very successful and was run by Christine Gallagher. Other successful programs included
Challenger Soccer run by Ralph D’Amico and Kids Just Love Crafts.
The Travel Basketball Program in 2007 featured over 180 participants with 15 travel
teams competing in three different leagues. These teams are selected by coaches with input
from the Recreation staff after a two day competitive try out. Teams are coached by
volunteer parents and friends of the Recreation Division. Supplementing this program is
the rebirth of the middle school in-town Basketball Program which is an intramural
program that features kids of all abilities. The in-town program is staffed by various High
School students and is supervised by Lauren Dodge and Rachel Pothier.
The Sunday Basketball Program is open to second grade players through fifth
graders. Rachel Pothier and Lauren Dodge were hired to be the supervisors of Sunday
Basketball. They have done an outstanding job showing the ability to run clinics, work
with kids and supervise the referees. Over 20 High School basketball players were hired to
work this program. The idea was to try to create a basketball community in Reading.
Sunday Basketball had approximately 285 participants this year, and continues to be one of
the most important programs for the Recreation Division.
The After School Learn to Ski Program will be run again this Winter starting in
January. The elementary program had 45 participants. Coolidge and Parker Middle School
continue to be successful with the Middle School program. The Coolidge side of the
program had 28 kids this year, and the Parker side had 14 kids participate. One major
change to the program this year was the reduction in length of program. The program we
reduced from six to four weeks in an effort to reduce the price and commitment.
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Special Needs Programming
Special Needs programming this year was offered by The Arc of East Middlesex
Recreation in conjunction with the Recreation Division. Programs such as aquatics, social
club and social dances were offered. The Arc offered successful programs such as Special
Olympic training, bowling, teen groups, and social clubs to name a few. The participants
are asked at the end of each session to fill out an evaluation form to give feedback.
Margaret Veronelli ran the Challenger Little League and the Bowling Programs this past
Summer and Fall, and both programs did very well with participation. The Division also
continued offering Special Skates at the Burbank Ice Arena. This program is headed by
Karen Ghirardi. The Division continues to look for other programming areas to expand
into.
Brochure and Advertising
Reading Recreation continues its mailing of the Community Guide to every
household in Reading three times a year. The Division began working with a new
publishing company called Turley Publications. With a new printing company, the Division
was able to introduce a glossy full color cover at a lower price then in year’s past. The
name of the community guide has been officially changed to Reading Recreation Magazine.
The magazine also features Adult Education programming in the back. Participating
agencies include Recreation, Police Department, Fire Department, Library Services, Elder
Services, YMCA, Creative Arts and various in-town organizations.
Reading Recreation continues to post all of its programming and important
information on www.ci.reading.ma.us/recreation. There is information on all current
programs as well as upcoming events, contact information including links to many of the
sports organizations websites. The site is maintained by the Recreation Division Clerk and
is updated on a daily/weekly basis.
The Division continues to have success with “Notes from the Reading Recreation
Division” that is placed on Ed-Line to the schools bi-monthly. These flyers have received a
positive response from the community. We will continue with this undertaking as well as
continue to send press releases to our local media outlets.
Personnel
Dan McGrath completed his tenure as Program Coordinator in February 2007. Dan
has proven to be invaluable to the Recreation Division as he has helped with the
administration of Summer Camp, Sunday and Travel Basketball and the Learn to Ski
Program as well as the development of the Saturday Morning Sports Series and Recreation
Sports and Games. Dan’s four plus year’s service to the Town was appreciated by the
public he serviced.
Jim Sullivan was hired as the new Program Coordinator in March 2007. Jim came
to the Town of Reading from the Arc of East Middlesex where he was Co-Director of
Recreation. His education background is in Recreation from Bridgewater State College, and
he has already asserted himself as a hard worker and strong programmer. Jim’s main
responsibility of his position is to create, organize and supervise recreational programs.
With the assistance of the Program Coordinator, the Recreation Division was able to
increase the amount of programs run by the Division staff.
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Principal Clerk Sandra Beninati has left the Recreation Division in January 2008 to
pursue a career change.
Administration
John Feudo begins his sixth year as Recreation Administrator. John, under the
direction of the Recreation Committee, continues to manage the scheduling of all Town
fields and oversee the every day operation of the Recreation Division. Permits are issued
for every field in Town. Reading Recreation will continue to work with the local youth and
adult sports organizations in maximizing field space.
Reading Recreation is continuously looking for available land for the development
of new recreational facilities. A comprehensive capital plan has been developed to include
tennis courts, basketball courts and backstop replacement over the next few years.
The issue of the use of Memorial Park has been sent to probate court for a ruling on
clarification of the Deed. Currently, the Deed places restrictions on use for games of
baseball, football and soccer. The Town Manager and Recreation Administrator had
several meeting with neighbors to try to come up with an amendment to the Deed that
would satisfy some of the current issues called into question. The Town should have
clarification sometime in mid-2008.
The Recreation Division and the Recreation Committee continue to develop policies
that will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of each Reading Recreation program.
Reading Recreation has been glad to offer the public over 180 recreational programs
throughout the past year. The Division hopes to meet the communities changing
recreational needs while providing them with a combination of safe, fun and educational
programs. Suggestions of new programs are welcomed and encouraged.
Respectfully submitted,
John Feudo, Recreation Administrator
WATER DISTRIBUTION DIVISION
A total of 14 new water services were installed, the Water Division replaced 26 old
water services, repaired 28 water service leaks, repaired 17 broken water mains, replaced 4
old fire hydrants, repaired 9 broken fire hydrants, rebuilt 49 fire hydrants, a total of
approximately 7,370’ of new water mains and 25 new fire hydrants were added to the
distribution system, disconnected 11 water services for house demolition, replaced 3 water
main gate valves, replaced 24 old water services from the water main to the sidewalk shut
off for Chapter 90 road reconstruction, inspected the installation of water mains at Johnson
Woods, Camp Curtis, High School, Benjamin Lane, Hallmark Medical, Danis Properties,
Austin Prep. School, Stop & Shop, MWRA control valve, Longhorn Steak House and
Bertucci’s Restaurant projects, continued cross connection control program, performed
hydrant flow test for Austin Prep. School, Stop & Shop, Fraen Corp., # 80 Main Street and
MWRA control valve projects, all drinking fountains and Town irrigation systems turned
on in Spring and turned off and winterized in Fall, two seasonal laborers painted and
lubricated hydrants over 1/4 of Town, completed annual water inventory, loam and seed on
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all water jobs, hot topped water and sewer trenches, checked and maintained two water
booster stations daily, cleaned and maintained the grounds, cutting grass, etc. at the Auburn
Street tank site, lowered and raised water gate boxes for construction jobs, conducted a leak
detection survey, assisted Highway Division during snow plowing operations, removed
snow from business district, churches and schools, shoveled snow from fire hydrants. The
Town’s Water Conservation Program awarded rebates for 243 energy efficient washing
machines, 49 water saving toilets and sold 102 rain barrels.
The Water Distribution Division is developing a distribution system layer for the
Town’s GIS system.
Meter Room
The regular quarterly water meter reading cycle was supported, 510 work orders
were received and completed, 268 bill to date readings were taken, 8 meters were removed,
approximately 4,000 new outside radio units were installed, 6 meters were reset, 13 meters
tested correct, 18 meters tested incorrect. The Water Division will continue installing a new
radio reading system and new water meters.
SEWER DISTRIBUTION DIVISION
Approximately 8500’ of sewer mains were cleaned and TV inspected, 40 sewer
manholes were sealed and lined, 1692 sewer main joints were tested and 1198 sewer main
joints were sealed, 4 sewer laterals were sealed, replaced 8 sewer manhole frames and
covers, cleaned wet wells at all sewer stations, checked and maintained 12 sewer stations
daily, cleaned approximately 1/4 of the sanitary sewer main system, cleaned and maintained
the grounds, cutting grass, trimmed bushes, etc. around the sewer stations, completed work
orders re: leaks, broken gates, etc., exercised emergency generator weekly, completed the
annual sewer inventory, assisted Highway Division during snow plowing operations,
removed snow from business district, churches and schools, shoveled snow from fire
hydrants.
The Sewer Distribution Division is developing a collection system layer for the
Town’s GIS system.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
General
A total of 650.693 million gallons of water was purchased from the MWRA and
delivered to the distribution system in 2007.
The highest single day’s consumption was 2.89 million gallons on June 27, 2007.
The highest week’s consumption was for the period June 24, 2007 to June 30, 2007 with an
amount of 18.37 million gallons, and the highest month was August with an amount of
69.623 million gallons.
Average daily usage for 2007 was 1,787,272 gallons. The average daily per capita
use (use by each individual) for 2007 was 54 gallons per person per day.
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The MWRA mailed the ninth annual drinking water report to all customers in June.
This was the first full year of the Town receiving 100% of its drinking water from
the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Transitioning from a groundwater supply to
a surface water supply was the most prevalent adjustment necessary for the Town.
Under the conditions required by the August 6, 2006 Administrative Consent Order
(ACO), the Town entered into, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), a
plan submitted to DEP addressing the decommissioning and deconstruction of the Water
Treatment facility, converting the water supply wells to emergency status and steps to
maintain them for use in an emergency situation with the ability for disinfection,
maintaining ownership and control of the Zone I (400’ radius) and protection of the Zone II
(well recharge area).
As a condition of the DEP ACO, the Water Treatment Plant was decommissioned
with all treatment chemicals and water removed from the facility. The wells were placed in
emergency standby mode. Both the Treatment Plant and wells were maintained to pump
water to the distribution system with disinfection capabilities in the case of a dire
emergency for fire protection. Upon all appropriate approvals, the plan is for the demolition
of the Treatment Plant. The wells will continue to be maintained as stated above.
Construction and installation of the control valve, piping and related SCADA to
automatically control drinking water flow from the MWRA into our distribution system and
storage tanks was 95% completed.
CDM and the Water Department continued the $1 million Water Conservation
Program, which incorporated emphasis on rebates for low flow washing machines, toilets,
irrigation rain sensors and rain barrels. There has been over $220,651.00 in rebates to
residents since the program’s inception. The programs school educational phase was
implemented. Meg Tabasco, Education Coordinator for the MWRA, continued her
program and made presentations to all third grade classes in Town focusing on water supply
and conservation. Additionally, irrigation system audits were provided as well as home
water saving devices were made available at the DPW Office all of which were funded
from the program.
Supply
Weston & Sampson, consulting engineers and the Town began the process of a
possible settlement with the AGFA Corporation on the low levels of chlorinated volatile
organic contaminants found in the Revay Well, which have been attributed to the AGFA
facility on Industrial Way in Wilmington. Revay Well was voluntarily taken out of service
in 2001 when the contaminants were detected.
Work continued to convert the water supply system to an emergency back up
system with the ability to provide disinfection.
Water Treatment Plant
The Water Treatment Plant was maintained as an emergency back up system with
the ability to provide disinfection as required under the DEP Consent Order issued relating
to the 100% MWRA supply.
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2007 MWRA Water Purchased
Average Day
Days
Million Gallons
Month
January 45.35 31 1.46
February 42.72 28 1.53
March 46.93 31 1.51
April 46.86 30 1.56
May 60.90 31 1.96
June 68.16 30 2.27
July 67.84 31 2.19
August 69.62 31 2.25
September 61.21 30 2.04
October 50.22 31 1.62
November 43.93 30 1.46
December 46.95 31 1.51
TOTAL650.69 365 1.78
2007 Rainfall Records
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/rainfall/
PrecipitationAccumulatedDCR Posted
Month
Measured Measured Total Normal
in InchesPrecipitationPrecipitation
January 2.47 2.47 3.63
February 2.00 4.47 3.22
March 4.53 9.00 3.98
April 8.09 17.09 3.70
May 5.34 22.43 3.57
June 2.23 24.66 3.49
July 3.40 28.06 3.43
August 1.11 29.17 3.60
September 2.48 31.65 3.57
October 2.97 34.62 3.68
November 3.71 38.33 4.03
December 5.12 43.45 3.81
TOTALS43.45 43.45 43.71
Total rainfall in 2007 as measured at the Louanis Water Treatment Plant was 43.45" which
is .26" below the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) composite normal for
the northeast region as posted on February 1, 2007. Monthly normal values computed by
DCR are based on averages for the entire period of record for northeast region stations
having the longest period of record and are located in Concord, Lawrence and Waltham.
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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. John Doherty
SuperintendentAssistant Superintendent
Mary DeLai
Director of Human Resources and Finance
School Department
This report represents the activities, accomplishments and events of note that
occurred in the Reading Public Schools during the 2007 calendar year.
Leadership Change
• Lisa F. Gibbs was elected Chair of the Reading School Committee for the 2007-
2008 school year.
• David C. Michaud was elected Vice Chair of the Reading School Committee.
• Cathy Giles was appointed Principal at the J. W. Killam Elementary School.
• Colleen Dolan was hired as the Director of the Pupil Services Department.
Notable Events
• In 2007, the Reading School Committee continued to move forward with the
renovation and additions to the Reading Memorial High School (RMHS).
• The Reading Memorial High School construction and renovation of the existing “C”
building, new Library and Auditorium were completed in the Fall to allow the move
into the newly renovated spaces to occur over Winter break in December. Our
students began 2007 in a newly renovated building with cutting edge technology
and facilities.
• The Reading Public Schools is in the second year of the Federal American History
grant totaling $998,084 over three years. The district is in partnership with Danvers,
North Reading and Lowell. The district, in partnership with the Reading Police and
Fire Departments and the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, secured a
grant totaling $1,500,000 to develop strategies to combat substance abuse in our
Town. We also secured a $100,000 School Safety grant.
• The Class of 2007 experienced an extraordinary level of success in their efforts to
matriculate into our Nation’s most academically challenging programs. The
following is a report on their plans:
85.4 % - Four Year Colleges 3.8% - Work
6.9% - Two Year Colleges 0% - Armed Services
3.5% - Business/Technical/Prep Schools 0.4% - Other
• Once again, the Reading Memorial High School students have attained scores that
place the school within the top echelon of all high schools in the Commonwealth,
and all of the seniors in the Class of 2007 met the MCAS graduation requirement.
• Coolidge Middle School is renewed as a NELMS Spotlight School, and is named a
Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School.
• Parker Middle School and Joshua Eaton Elementary School were named as Blue
Ribbon Lighthouse Schools.
• A group of teachers/administrators traveled to the Blue Ribbon Conference and
participated in several presentations.
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• The Parker faculty is in their second year of focusing on Core Values with a two-
fold goal, to revise the Core Values that have been in place for some time (honesty,
integrity and critical thinking), and practice the Core Values when we do
collaborative work.
• Using a template called “Understanding by Design” developed by Wiggins and
McTighe, the Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools continue to work on a common
curriculum to assure that all students at each school will leave the middle schools
having the same understandings and skills.
• Last year, the last major component of our Language Arts Curriculum Initiative was
implemented with the introduction of the Wilson Language “Fundations” Phonics
Program in all of our Kindergarten and first grade classrooms. This Fall, it was
expanded to the second grade level.
• The District’s Elementary Editing Checklist was also introduced as a pilot program
in conjunction with the John Collins Writing Program.
• The Language Arts Program enhanced teaching strategies this year by incorporating
the LINKS graphic organizers into student writing. A greater focus on non-fiction
reading was also an emphasis at all grade levels. Grades four and five began the first
year of a Social Studies initiative through the use of the Harcourt Horizons Social
Studies Program.
• The district continues to upgrade technology with the addition of 15 SmartBoards.
• The Birch Meadow School is focusing on school, family and community, holding
several events including a Pancake Breakfast, Painting Day, Arts Night and Family
Game Night.
• The Barrows School implements the “STARS” Program (Students That Act
Responsibly Shine).
• Several schools implement Curriculum Initiatives – Open Circle and Differentiated
Instruction with many teachers participating in professional development activities
and workshops.
• The Joshua Eaton Clock Tower Preservation Committee is established to restore the
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Clock Tower, and celebrate the 250 Anniversary of the birth of Joshua Eaton.
• The Killam School conducted Mathematics workshops for parents designed to
familiarize parents with the program.
• The Wood End School continues to focus on character development and positive
student decision through consistent positive reinforcement.
• The Wood End School pilots the Grade 3 Wilson Fundations Phonics Program.
• The ongoing Killam Pillars of Character Program conducted six successful
assemblies during the school year.
• All elementary schools implement Allergy Guidelines.
• The Pupil Services Department continues to work, in conjunction with regular
education, in the creation of internal programs and supports to assist students access
to the curriculum, and on their goal of controlling out of district costs by developing
new programs.
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Reading School Committee
Lisa F. Gibbs, Chair
Leadership
There were several changes in leadership of the Reading School Committee. Elaine
Webb was re-elected for a three-year term. Committee Member Harvey “Pete” Dahl
decided not to run for re-election. Charles Robinson was elected to a three-year term.
At the Committee’s annual reorganization in June, Lisa Gibbs was elected Chair and
David Michaud was elected Vice Chair. Other members of the Committee are Chris
Caruso, Carl McFadden, Charles Robinson and Elaine Webb.
School Construction Projects
In 2007, the Reading School Committee continued to move forward with the
renovation and additions to the Reading Memorial High School (RMHS).
The RMHS construction and renovation of the existing “C” building, new Library
and Auditorium were completed in the Fall to allow the move into the newly renovated
spaces to occur over Winter break in December. Our students began 2007 in a newly
renovated building with cutting edge technology and facilities.
Budget
The School Committee engaged in a comprehensive process of establishing the FY
2008 Budget. Numerous meetings were conducted to discuss the various priorities, and
how the budget should support the District Improvement Plan. The final budget, while
below the initial recommended budget put forth by the Superintendent, met the guidelines
as proposed by the Finance Committee, and was presented at the Annual Town Meeting on
April 23, 2007.
Reading Public Schools
Budget Summary
Fiscal Year 2008
Recommended Budget
Administration $910,914
Regular Day $20,548,755
Special Needs $8,593,437
Other School Services $1,058,021
Custodial/Maintenance $3,676,408
TOTAL $34,787,535
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Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
Reading’s Statewide prominence in the MCAS rankings continued in 2007 as
Reading placed in the top 20% of all Massachusetts districts in MCAS performance. This
represents a significant accomplishment for a system that continues to spend almost $1,500
below the State average on per pupil spending. This achievement continues to define
Reading as a school system that always gets more performance for less money. We
continue to be a frugal district that sets high expectations, and achieves these goals through
a collaborative effort of the administration, the teachers, the students and the parents. This
is certainly a model to be envied throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The
School Committee is very proud of our accomplishments in this regard, and sees this as the
standard for accountability….high scores, low cost.
Student Enrollment
As students returned to school in September of 2007, it is apparent that with the
construction done, our students are staying in the school system. We have seen increases at
all levels this year. Student enrollment in the Fall of 2007 (FY 2008) stood at 4,354
students. See chart below.
Reading Public Schools
Student Enrollment FY 2008
Elementary Schools K-5 2,062
Middle Schools 6–8 1,032
High School 9–12 1,260
Special Education *22
TOTAL 4,354
_____________________________________________________
* This is the number of enrollees in our “substantially separate”
Special Education classrooms. Reading students who receive
full-time Special Education services outside of Reading are
not counted in this chart.
Achievements
Reading Memorial High School graduated 260 young men and women in 2007.
While many of our graduating seniors are attending some of the most prestigious
universities in the country, all are moving into the future with a solid portfolio of skills
which will help their success in any environment they choose. While we naturally point to
acceptances at schools like Tufts and George Washington University as an indication of our
system’s success, it is the goal of the School Committee and a better measure of success
that we find appropriate placements for all of our students that will further prepare them to
be productive, contributing citizens of our country.
In addition to the success of our graduates, we can continue to take pride in the
success of our students at all levels. Our athletic programs continue to be one of the best in
Massachusetts with our student athletes demonstrating athleticism, intelligence and, above
all, sportsmanship.
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Our students take part in a number of Statewide competitions including the Science
Olympiad Program, National History Day, Drama Fest and numerous Band competitions.
Our success at all levels is almost too numerous to repeat but continues to reflect on the
efforts of the students, staff and parents. We are always indebted to those in the community
who provide the additional support when the School Department cannot. It is this support
from our PTO’s, the Boosters, the Band and Drama Parents support organizations, the
Technology Fund, just to name a few, that provide the added support and encouragement
that fosters a sense community and promotes participation and success.
Reading Memorial High School
Joseph L. Finigan, Principal
Reading Memorial High School enjoys a strong reputation among high schools in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The richness of our curriculum, the preparation of
our faculty, the achievement of our students at levels well above State and National
averages on standardized tests, and the record of college admissions at the Nation’s leading
universities confirm a pattern of excellence. Education has historically been the focus of our
Reading community. The combination of highly motivated students, supportive parents, a
talented faculty, and the outstanding support of the community reflected in the construction
of the new building suggests that the Reading Memorial High School is a model of what
quality public education can be.
In addition to preparing students for college study and for productive adult lives, we
emphasize student participation in the broader community. Our extensive roster of athletic
opportunities, the drama program, music offerings, club activities and service options
promotes a commitment to others through teamwork and dedication to principle. There is a
vitality of spirit at this High School that underpins all that we do, and we value community
interest in our school.
The culture at the Reading Memorial High School makes it a special place. It is an
incredibly exciting time to be at RMHS. We are setting the course for a future that will
expand and increase the opportunities and resources for our students.
RMHS students continue to achieve above State averages on the MCAS with 100%
passing rate. Our students also scored above the National average on the various SAT tests.
Last Spring’s graduating class, as is expected, distinguished itself with many acceptances at
outstanding colleges and universities. The professional development of RMHS has been
focused on the incorporation of new technology into the instructional and administrative
facets of the classroom; however, other opportunities for teachers supported the district’s
instructional emphasis in delivering strong curriculum and creating small learning
communities.
Finally, with all the changes and challenges of an ambitious construction project, all
parties to the educational process, including Town Departments, are to be commended for
their understanding, cooperation and perseverance in making this past year a successful one
for RMHS students.
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RMHS Building Project
Members of the RMHS community express a heartfelt thanks to the Reading
community for their support in the construction of the new school building. Clearly,
Reading taxpayers recognized the value which the new building adds to the community but,
more importantly, how it adds value to the lives of each and every student who comes
through the doors of the school today and in the future. January 2007 marked the “move-
in” in the final phase of the building project. As the students, faculty and community settled
into the new building, an overwhelming sense of excitement and promise for the future has
been shared by young and old alike. It is with the deepest gratitude and pride that RMHS
students, faculty and administration share this facility with the greater Reading community.
While the move into the new building cannot be understated, we are most proud of
how our students and faculty maintained a positive and constructive learning environment.
Our students were extraordinary in their flexibility and understanding throughout this
project. The RMHS custodial staff and the Reading Public Schools Maintenance
Department were critical in the building project. Special thanks are extended to Director
Joseph Huggins and Assistant Director Donald Johnson for their assistance in the
management of the “The Moves.” RMHS Technology Specialists Joe Cain and Matt
Wilson coordinated the installation of computers and other technology in the classroom and
office areas.
Building Overview:
High School renovation and addition
1420 student capacity
151,000 square feet
$54 million project cost
In the district’s largest project ever, the 1953 building and the 1970 addition
received new construction and renovation to accommodate the school’s growing
enrollment. Design centered around three public zones that make up the learning
community - (1) Entrance Lobby: Plaza and lobby defined by the Veteran’s Memorial, an
inspirational celebration of liberty and opportunity, (2) Atrium or “Student Commons:” A
connecting space that encourages openness and inclusion among different peoples and
programs and (3) Main Street: A celebration of school spirit and links to the community.
Sixty-five classrooms exhibit flexible design for varied instructional approaches, all
outfitted with SmartBoards technology, Internet and computers. University quality Science
Labs and a new Media Center which serves as a hub for a variety of means for students to
access technology, support the strong curriculum at RMHS.
A new 900 seat Performing Arts Center supports the RMHS Drama and Music
Programs with state of the art lighting and sound systems. Renovations to the second largest
Field House in the State of Massachusetts incorporated a synthetic floor, climbing walls and
a fitness center which will be utilized by all students to promote positive life choices. Two
synthetic turf athletic fields, running track and press box are additions to the exterior
athletic facilities. Appropriate technology and safeguards for student safety and security are
included in the new building.
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The new Reading Memorial High School reflects a building that is preparing our
young people for the world in which they will live. Members of the community are
encouraged to visit the school, and share in the enthusiasm of the impressive atmosphere
for learning.
Staffing
There were 19 additions to the RMHS faculty and staff this year. Seventeen of the
faculty positions are full-time teaching assignments and four are part-time. These include
replacements for the Department Chairperson roles in the areas of Special Education and
Wellness and Physical Education as well as the School Nurse position. Of the 19
assignments, 15 are full-time and four are part-time. These positions emanated because of
retirements from the 2006-2007 school year, some were due to staff personnel seeking other
career pursuits, and others were created due to previous staff members not being rehired.
Listed below are the names of the new faculty and staff members of RMHS for the
2007-2008 school year:
Pamela Girouard, Dept. Head of SPED Thomas Zaya, Dept. Head of Wellness and P.E.
Jennifer Baskin, English Paul Mahoney, Wellness and P.E.
Stephanie Bejtlich, Special Education Andie Merkowitz, Special Education
Geeta Barde, Science John Nolan, Foreign Language
Elizabeth Clerc, Foreign Language Fiona Schuette, Science
Mary Christine Dion, Foreign Language Laurie Smith, Foreign Language
Lynn Dunn, Director of Nurses Henry Skehan, Mathematics
Michael Guarino, Special Education Richard Trakimas, Science
John Harrison, Mathematics Audra Williams, English
Angela Merrill, TV Production
It should also be stressed that veteran teachers have mentored each new teacher in
order to help the protégés make the transition to RMHS as smooth as possible.
Class of 2007
The Class of 2007 experienced a very successful year in their efforts to matriculate
into some of the most academically challenging programs. Our top students were accepted
at many institutions of higher learning including American University, Bates College,
Boston College, Boston University, California Institute of Technology, Case Western
Reserve University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Fordham University, George
Washington University, Mount Holyoke College, Oberlin College, Purdue University,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Skidmore College, Smith College, Tufts University,
Vassar College, Villanova University, University of Rochester, Worcester Polytechnic
Institute and many others.
A complete breakdown of post-graduate plans for the 260 graduates are as follows:
Four year colleges (222) 85.4% Work (10) 3.8%
Two year colleges (18) 6.9% Undecided (1) 0.4%
Prep School (2) 0.8% Armed Forces/Service (0) 0.0%
Technical School (7) 2.7% Academy
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RMHS School Improvement Initiatives
The Steering Committee for School Improvement (SCSI) was formed in the Spring
of 2007 to allow for shared leadership, information and decision making among teachers
and administrators at RMHS. Members of the Committee represent the administration,
Science, Social Studies, Business/Technology, Mathematics, Special Education and Library
Departments. The Committee generally meets on a bi-weekly basis, and chairs a Monthly
District Committee Meeting for 15 RMHS staff.
Following a cycle of continuous improvement based upon best practices, research,
and school self-assessment, the Committee aims to: Take stock of existing practices,
identify gaps between existing practice and best or desired practice, generate and study
strategies to adapt, create an action plan and implement the plan.
The best practices resources that the Committee utilizes include: Breaking Ranks II,
the Small Learning Communities Program of the U.S. DOE, the Blue Ribbon School
Improvement Process and the School/Principal’s Vision.
Based on our data collection and research, the Committee has determined to focus
on the following goals:
1. Ensure a rigorous curriculum for all students
2. Increase personalization for all students
3. Provide all students with the skills needed for success in post-secondary education
and careers.
In November of 2007, RMHS underwent the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
Assessment. The Blueprint for Excellence is a comprehensive school assessment designed
to assist schools in self improvement. The process assesses the quality of academic and
instructional programs, and assists in developing a school-wide action plan to ensure
measurable student achievement. The information gathered from the assessment will be
used to support RMHS work in the development of the five year New England Association
of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) mid-cycle report which will be completed in June 2008.
The NEASC process does much to recognize the school’s strengths, and make specific
recommendations to enhance future goals.
In the coming years, our focus will be on supporting our students on many levels as
they mature as students and people during their years at RMHS, and to provide them with
st
the 21 Century skills which will be critical to ensure future success for all of our students.
MCAS Testing
The sophomore class performed exceptionally well on both the English Language
Arts and Mathematics tests compared with other sophomore students throughout the
Commonwealth. In addition, it should be noted that every member of the Class of 2008, the
current senior class, has met the State requirements of passing both the MCAS English
Language Arts and Mathematics tests either during their sophomore year, or by means of
the MCAS Retest format during their junior or senior year.
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Most assuredly, the commitment and dedication of the faculty and staff, the diligent,
conscientious effort on the part of the students, and the high quality of the academic
programs both at the High School and throughout the Reading School District are all factors
in helping the students surpass the goals for improvement established by the Massachusetts
Department of Education.
2007 MCAS Grade 10 Results
Math English
State RMHS State RMHS
Advanced 42% 57% 22% 34%
Proficient 27% 30% 49%
50%
Needs Improvement 22% 11% 24%
14%
Failing 9% 2% 6% 2%
RMHS Proud Highlights: Honors and Departmental Achievements
Graduation 2007
Valedictorian: Samuel Lawton
Salutatorian: Kristin J. Finigan
English
First Annual RMHS English Department Poetry Contest (in April, National Poetry Month)
Theme: “New Beginnings”
Contest Winner: Megan Cadden “New Beginnings”
Honorable Mention for Sound Quality: Nate Fisher “War Is Over”
Honorable Mention for Humor: Hannah Owens “A New Beginning”
RMHS Shakespeare Competition (Boston Branch of the English Speaking Union)
Winner: Hannah Owens (performed monologue and sonnet at The Museum of Our
National Heritage, Lexington)
Key Department Clubs/Advisors:
The Orbit, Mr. John White
Impressions, Mrs. Sabrina Blair and Ms. Katherine Crosby
Foreign Language
Installed new language lab in March, won many medals in National Latin Exam
(under guidance of Mrs. S. Fritz and Mrs. S. Hennessy), participated in day of French
activities at Milton High School sponsored by French Embassy, successful College Board
audits completed for AP French and AP Spanish, supported members who presented
workshops at Teachers Sharing Day in April (Mrs. Danja Mahoney, Mrs. Nancy Irons, Mrs.
Susan Fritz and Mrs. Joanne Alvarez), acknowledged the retirement of Department Head
Dr. Anthony DiSanzo and had appointed Department Head Mrs. Joanne Alvarez, had
members attend Mass Bay American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
(Mrs. J. Alvarez), Harvard Peabody Museum (Mrs. J. Alvarez and Mrs. S. Hennessy),
Northeast Consortium (Mrs. S. Hennessy), and the American Classical League’s Annual
Institute (Mrs. N. Irons).
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Mathematics Department
Initiated AP Statistics course, created new curriculum for courses 212 Algebra and
210 Algebra Support so that almost all incoming freshmen would be enrolled in an Algebra
or Geometry class, pleased that AP Calculus and AP Statistics scores were very high,
obtained new computer software, Autograph, which has the potential to use technology to
enhance student learning in most Math courses.
Science Department
Added courses CAD I - Computer Aided Design (Dr. A. Ballantyne), AP Biology
(Mrs. M. Moore), developed curriculum for new ninth grade College Preparatory Biology.
Social Studies Department
Sponsored our participation in National History Day. The students who qualified
for the Finals at the University of Maryland were:
Students: Brian Castelluccio, Catherine Gregorowicz and Kerry Lynch
Project: Stranded At Sea: The Tragic Loss of the USS Indianapolis and the
Triumph of Her Crew
Award: First Place
Also, National Archives Award for Best Use of Primary Sources in a Group Exhibit
Students: Kathleen Lenox and Christina Mastrocola
Project: From Sea to Shining Sea: The Triumph and Tragedy of the
Transcontinental Railroad
Award: Second Place
Also, National Archives Award for Best Use of Primary Sources in a Group
Documentary
Students: Catherine Carey, Maria Pandolfo, Julia Rafferty and Alison Stager
Project: Long Live Freedom: The Triumph and Tragedy of the White Rose
Award: Second Place
Fine Arts
Drama
Massachusetts High School Drama Guild
State Award for Set Design - First Place: Jessica Hegarty
State Monologue Competition - Second Place: Kimberly Pomerleau
RMHS Theatre Arts Awards 2006-2007
Excellence in Acting: Kimberly Pomerleau
Excellence in Acting: Sarah Hunt
Excellence in Acting: Benjamin Gass
Excellence in Dance: Kathleen Burns
Excellence in Stage Direction: Emily Andrews-Rice
Excellence in Stage Management: Benjamin Trites
Excellence in Play Writing: Daniel Hanson
Excellence in Technical Direction: Delia Harrington
Theatrical Stage Lighting: Taylor Swyter
Theatrical Set Design: Jessica Hegarty
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School Department
Drama (Continued)
Theatrical Make-up Design: Amanda Janowski
North Shore Music Theatre Spotlight Award 2007
Best Set Design: Mr. Bill Endslow
Young Playwrights Honors 2007
(Auspices of Boston University, North Shore Music Theatre, Boston Playwright’s Theatre)
Dan Hanson, Jessica Hegarty and Delia Harrington
Music
Northeast District Jazz Band Competition Outstanding Musicianship Awards: Chris Bye,
Mike Oehmen and Alison Melkonian
Central District Jazz Band Competition Outstanding Musicianship Awards: Miranda
Sachetta, Mike Barrasso and Greta Asgeirsson
IAJE State Finals Outstanding Soloist Award: Mike Oehmen, Sam Lawton and Nick Russo
Northeast Senior District Orchestra: Alison DaCosta, Greta Asgiersson and Ben Owens
Northeast Senior District Concert Band: Matt O’Donnell
Lions All State Band: Chris Bye and Christina Caiazza
All State Concert Band: Alison DaCosta
All State Orchestra: Greta Asgeirsson
All State Jazz Band: Kirk Roffi and Kevin Solwoski
UNH Jazz Festival Outstanding Soloist Award: Mike Oehmen
Berklee Jazz Festival Judges Award: Miranda Sachetta
Northeast District Jazz Band Competition MVP Award: Mike Oehmen
Central District Jazz Festival Competition MVP Award: Miranda Sachetta
Massachusetts Instrumental Conductors Association Marching Band Championship:
Finals Gold Medal
New England Scholastic Band Association Marching Band Championship: Finals
Gold Medal
Northeast District Jazz Band Competition: Gold Medal
International Association of Jazz Educators State Finals: Gold Medal
UNH Jazz Festival All New England: Top three Finalists
Athletics
Middlesex League Championships: Volleyball (G), Track (G) Indoor, Gymnastics (G), Ice
Hockey (B), Ice Hockey (G), Track (G) Outdoor, Track (G) Outdoor, Baseball, Volleyball (G)
- Division I Finalist, Track (B) Indoor - Mass State Indoor Relays Class B Champs, Softball -
North Division 1 Champs, Ice Hockey (G) - Division Sportsmanship Award
Athletic Director: NIAAA State Award of Merit
th
Overall Program: District B Sportsmanship Award (4 award)
The Boston Globe’s Ames Award 2007, Highest Winning Percentage in Division II
MIAA Sportsmanship Summit Essay Contest:
Brian Castelluccio: Honorable Men
Jeff Arena: Finalist
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Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School
Craig Martin, Principal
Introduction
The mission of the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School is to create a challenging and
respectful environment for all students, and to provide the varied experiences necessary for
becoming confident, independent learners. The Coolidge Middle School continues to
strengthen this mission by fostering a “learning community” for all, including staff,
students and parents. Such a school is often defined as having a shared mission and vision,
valuing the collective inquiry that accompanies a constant striving to improve, working
within the structure of collaborative teams who share a common purpose, maintaining a
willingness to try new approaches and assessing efforts by examining results.
As we continue to strive to always be a school that successfully addresses the social,
physical, intellectual and emotional needs of all its students, we look forward to
accomplishing the new goals set forth in our School Improvement Plan while, at the same
time, we celebrate our successes of the previous year. Below are just a few of the
highlights…
Science Olympiad Team
Coolidge Middle School was once again very proud of its Science Olympiad Team
who earned first place in the 2007 Massachusetts Science Olympiad last March, and went
on as State Champions to represent Massachusetts at the National Science Olympiad
Tournament at Wichita State University Kansas. Nationally, the team earned 10th place,
making it the fourth Top Ten finish in the last four National Tournaments Coolidge
attended (6th - 2003, 8th - 2004, 9th - 2006 and 10th - 2007).
MICCA Band
The MICCA Band received a Bronze Medal at the Annual MICCA Festival. At the
MICCA Small Ensemble Festival, students were awarded one Gold medal, three Silver
medals and one Bronze medal.
Jazz Band
The Middle School Jazz Band, comprised of both Coolidge and Parker students,
received a Gold medal at the IAJE competition.
Student Poets
Several Coolidge students had their poems chosen for publication by Pine Tree
Poetry, and the school will be getting a free copy of the book for the Library.
New Technology
Coolidge received several RTEF grants, enabling the school to acquire several new
instructional tools including software programs, a document camera and a “Writer” cart.
With the help of our PTO, Coolidge has also been able to equip three more classrooms with
SmartBoards and LCD projectors.
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School Department
Visiting Authors
Coolidge students benefited from two author visits during the year – Ruby Bridges
and Mitali Perkins. Both authors provided inspiring enrichment programs for both staff and
students.
Helping Others
Coolidge students again participated in several charitable efforts throughout the
year, benefiting such organizations as “Doctors Without Borders” and Shriner’s Hospitals.
After-School Activities
With the help of our PTO, Coolidge has been able to begin several new after-school
student activities to benefit our students. A few examples include chess and cribbage club,
boys’ chorus, girls’ chorus, fitness, field hockey, Scrabble club, flag football and cross
country.
Career Day
The school hosted its first annual “Career Day” for students last Spring with over 30
parents and community volunteers. The day was very successful and received very positive
reviews from both students and parents.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
Coolidge Middle School was proud to be featured again this year at the National
Blue Ribbon Schools “Blueprint for Excellence” Conference. As a National “Lighthouse
School,” Coolidge was invited to present at the Conference, and four staff members (Sarah
Doane, Marcia Grant, Geri Kelley and Megan Nelson) accompanied Principal Craig Martin
to the Conference. Coolidge staff members also had the opportunity to attend numerous
workshops, to visit exemplary schools in the area, and to connect with professional
colleagues from outstanding schools across the Nation.
New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS)
As a New England League of Middle Schools “Spotlight School,” Coolidge was
again proud to participate in the NELMS Annual Conference last Spring. Several staff
members, including Principal Craig Martin, Assistant Principal Marie Pink, School
Psychologist Mark Burton, Math Teacher Charlie Smith and English Teacher Liz Geraghty
also presented at the Conference which is held each year in Providence, RI.
French Consulate Award
Coolidge eighth grader, Morgan Bruzzese, was honored by the French Consul
General of Boston. Her illustration “Champlain meets the American Indians” was chosen as
th
the winning entry in their greeting card drawing competition. To commemorate the 400
Anniversary of the creation of Quebec City, the French Consulate in Boston offered this
competition to New England middle school students who are taking French. The winning
illustration was chosen from almost 200 applicants from across New England, and was
printed on the official holiday greeting card for both the Consulate General of France in
Boston and the Quebec Government Office in Boston. The French Consul General (M.
François Gauthier) and the Québec Delegate (Mme. France Dionne) came to Coolidge to
make a formal presentation and to present the award.
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School Department
Educational Forum in China
Coolidge Principal Craig Martin was among a small group of American educators
invited to present at the Eighth China International Forum on Education held in Beijing,
China. Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Inc. coordinated the invitations for the U.S.
delegation, and these delegates had the opportunity to observe classrooms, present to an
international audience, and to discuss topics with experts from such countries as China,
Britain, Spain, Italy, Singapore and Australia. More than 30,000 visitors representing 600
colleges, universities and K-12 schools from 41 countries and regions attended the Forum.
Principal Craig Martin’s presentation at the Forum was titled “Student Focus and Support:
Helping All Students Succeed.”
MAPERD Teacher of the Year
Coolidge recently received word that the Massachusetts Association of Physical
Education, Recreation and Dance (MAPERD) has selected Coolidge Teacher Paula Graham
as their Massachusetts Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Graham will actually be receiving the award at a banquet in her honor in
March, and she will then go on next Fall as the Massachusetts nominee for the selection of
the teacher from the entire Eastern region. We should soon be receiving further details
regarding this from MAPERD and at that time, we will pass on all the information so the
entire community can congratulate Mrs. Graham on this great honor.
W. S. Parker Middle School
Linda Darisse, Principal
Introduction
The W. S. Parker Middle School continually works to improve through a process
which addresses three main areas of need: Curriculum, instruction and assessment, school
climate and shared leadership. Staff, parents, students and community members are
working together to build a school community which focuses on the needs of pre-
adolescents and adolescents, educationally, socially and emotionally. Part of this process is
to reach out to the Reading community and beyond as we continue the Parker tradition of
being a school which values life-long learning and service to the community.
School Improvement Plan
The School Improvement Plan (SIP) was written by the School Site Council in the
Spring of 2007. The plan correlates to the District Improvement Plan (DIP) written in
August of 2005, and revised and updated by the Administrative Council in 2006 and 2007.
The focus areas of the SIP are: Improving Learning, Teaching and Assessment for All
Students, Building Leadership Capacity and Professional Collaborative Culture, and
Creating a School Culture to Support High Achievement. The goals are: To continue to
develop and teach lessons/units that engage students and address the learning needs of all
students, to continue to train staff in the use of effective teaming/collaboration strategies to
support improved student achievement, and to continue to cultivate ‘Core Values’ among
students and staff. The School Council, comprised of five parents, three teachers and the
Principal, meet regularly to provide the structure and direction for the accomplishment of
the goals outlined in the School Improvement Plan.
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Turning Points and National School Reform Faculty
Turning Points 2000 (TP) is a report from the Carnegie Foundation that is a result of
over 10 years of research done in middle schools on how pre-adolescents and adolescents
learn best. The report has a list of recommendations that middle schools should adhere to if
they are to address the needs, educational, social and emotional, of students who are “in the
middle” between elementary school and high school.
Parker Middle School is in its fourth year of membership in the National Turning
Points Network located at the Center for Collaborative Education in Boston. Some of the
changes that resulted from this work include addressing the needs in the areas of student
achievement, school climate, classroom culture, communication and staff development.
In addition, a coach from Salem State College worked with the whole faculty to
implement strategies developed by the National School Reform Faculty, a movement
developed at Brown University with Annenberg monies. This coach is teaching
collaborative skills to all faculty through the use of protocols. These structured
conversations help increase skills in the areas of looking at student and teacher work,
building relationships, examining research and data and solving dilemmas. Two of our
school leaders have matriculated in a CAGS Program, run by the school coach, in the area
of facilitative leadership. As a result, these teachers have started a Critical Friends Group at
the school consisting of 11 teachers and one administrator.
New England League of Middle Schools
As a member of NELMS, the Parker community has had many opportunities to go
to conferences and workshops to increase the knowledge in our building around research
pertaining to middle schools, and teaching and learning. In 2006, Parker became a NELMS
Spotlight School. As a result, we have had many visitors to our school to meet teachers and
students and exchange ideas.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
During the Fall of 2007, the Parker community took the Blue Ribbon Schools of
Excellence (BR) survey. Participants in the survey included all teachers and educational
assistants, office staff, administration, parents and students. The content of the survey
included questions from all nine of the BR Categories for Improvement: Student Focus and
Support, School Organization and Culture, Challenging Standards and Curriculum, Active
Teaching and Learning, Technology Integration, Professional Community, Leadership and
Educational Vitality, School, Family and Community Partnerships, Indicators of Success.
The Parker community is proud to announce that we have been named a 2007 Blue
Ribbon Light House School by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. This is the highest
designation and was based on the assessment process mentioned above. A team of visitors
were onsite throughout the week of November 4-8, 2007 to meet with staff and students,
observe classrooms and meetings, analyze survey results and peruse documents and test
data. We are very grateful to the staff, students and parents who participated in the survey,
and/or interacted with the site visit team. We would like to especially thank the students
who took the time (and made up missed work) to tour the visiting team, and answer
questions about student life at the Parker School.
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A group of teachers from Parker accompanied the Assistant Principal Mr. Lyons to
the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference in South Carolina in December to
receive our award.
Professional Development
There are many opportunities for staff to develop new skills in both new and
existing initiatives. Besides the initiatives mentioned above, other areas of opportunity are:
Facilitative leadership, Critical Friends Group, inquiry Math, differentiated instruction,
engaged learning, data analysis, literacy, numeracy, SmartBoards technology, blogs, wikis,
podcasting, Excel, Inspiration, MassOne, United Steaming, health and wellness,
pragmatics, alternative assessment, Lab Classrooms, Edline, Gradequick, drug awareness,
curriculum mapping, restraint, safety, Junior Great Books and John Collins Writing
Program.
Differentiated Instruction with Gerry Goldberg
For the second year in a row, staff members are taking advantage of a course offered
through the district. What teachers learn during these sessions is brought back to the school,
implemented in the classroom and shared with other teachers. Ideas from this course are
used to stratified standards so that all students are challenged at their own level around a
particular concept. This work will continue throughout the year to develop teaching and
management strategies to use in classrooms and on teams.
Middle School Curriculum Development (Coolidge and Parker)
District-wide, grade level department teachers have been working to coordinate
curriculum. This is done through a procedure called “mapping.” After completing a chart
which gives an overview of the content and skills covered monthly, teachers are completing
curriculum maps that include key terms, essential skills, core knowledge, common
assessments and correlation to the State framework. Teachers have a chance to discuss their
maps with their teams and administrators at key points throughout the year and revise them
as necessary.
In addition, departments from both middle schools have been meeting regularly with
elementary and high school teachers in vertical teams with consultants to increase their
knowledge base in pedagogy. Science teachers have been working in several areas
including inquiry-based instruction. The Math Vertical Team implemented several new
courses including an Algebra II VHS course. The sixth grade reading teachers have begun
an initiative to address the needs of struggling readers. The Social Studies teachers have
been trained in many content areas through the Byrd grant. Other departments that meet
regularly to improve pedagogy include Math, Art, PE, ELA, Music and Foreign Language.
The middle school Teacher Share Day was expanded in 2007 to include the entire
district. This was run as a conference where each teacher attended three workshops each,
either as a presenter or attendee. Workshops included many different areas of interest
including Technology, Health, Reading, Math, Children’s Literature, Writing and many
other subjects.
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Leadership Team
The Parker Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) is in its fourth year advising the
school in areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment and collaborative work. Every
working team in the school has a representative on the ILT. Sixteen staff members, the
coach and both Principals are on the team which meets monthly to deepen knowledge of the
TP Principles, plan staff development, and come to consensus on school change. They have
raised questions about current situations or practice, reviewed data to clarify situations and
re-frame questions, and identified problem areas or questions to be investigated.
They are currently learning many protocols for improving relationships, solving
dilemmas and looking at student and teacher work. They then bring this information back to
their teams to facilitate sessions on a smaller scale. They also network with other schools,
have difficult conversations with each other about change, do analytical work in the areas
of curriculum, instruction and collaborative culture, and will present an overview of their
work at the Annual NELMS Conference held in Providence, RI every Spring.
The ILT has helped us reach our goal of increasing leadership capacity within the
building. In addition to the ILT, we have a Team Leader for every team and department in
the building. An off-shoot of the ILT is a new Critical Friends Group facilitated by a
teacher who meet monthly to help one another increase their knowledge of educational
theory and research, and use protocols to help put what they know into best practices.
Team Leaders meet monthly and, as needed, address issues of school and team
management. Students are put into leadership roles by becoming Peer Leaders and Core
Value advisors. The School Site Council, made up of parents, teachers and the Principal,
has worked to implement goals pertaining to nutrition, physical activity, safety,
communication, public relations and school climate.
Core Values
We are in our fourth year of focusing on our Core Values of Kindness, Community
and Personal Best. The 2007 goal was to create a year-long curriculum that would be
implemented during monthly, school-wide sessions where we could discuss and practice
our Core Values as a community, using lessons designed to teach children the language of
conflict resolution. The Core Value teams consist of teachers, counselors and students who
develop activities, analyze data, make suggestions for speakers, and reflect and revise
activities as needed.
Special Education and Guidance Procedures and Services
Much work has been done analyzing data pertaining to our Special Education
students in order to provide the best services possible. After all pull out programs were
disbanded last year, teachers and assistants used data from MCAS and other standardized
and diagnostic tests to address individual students’ needs. Additional classes and electives
were scheduled and designed to impact learning in both Math and Reading. Service grids
on Individual Education Plans were revised to further meet the needs of each student. All
sixth Special Education faculty met with their counterparts at the elementary level several
times to assure a smooth transition for incoming fifth graders. And, finally, a plan was
created and implemented to train Educational Assistants in Special Education research and
strategies, and the use of technology in the classroom.
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The Guidance Program continues to offer the best services available for our
students. The Student Support Center is in close proximity to the School Psychologists, and
is staffed with an Educational Assistant who provides both scheduled and emergency
services to students with social, behavioral and emotional issues. Using an inclusion model
for these students has resulted in an increased amount of academic accountability.
There are also scheduled group sessions for students with special issues such as
recently divorced families, sickness and death and social issues. In addition, two part-time
interns from Tufts University assist in the guidance suite to help students and families.
Technology Plan
A school-wide technology team, led by the school’s Technology Integration
Specialist and Librarian, makes key decisions about the purchase and use of technology at
Parker. A prioritized list of needs was developed and shared with the district and the PTO.
Our faculty has been integrating the use of the computers into the curriculum, and has
created a curriculum document that outlines sequential skill development in Grades 6-8.
We have also provided staff development in the use of new technologies, communicating
effectively with parents and each other, and purchasing more hardware and software.
We have obtained through the regular school budget, RTEF grants and money from
the PTO, nine SmartBoards, several document cameras, and a class set of digital cameras.
We applied for grants to upgrade our TV studio, purchase a class set of iPods, and increase
hardware and software in many classrooms. We continue to train each other and students in
the use of these new technologies. Staff and students have learned skills including computer
research, databases, Microsoft Office, Inspiration, VHS, blogs, wikis, podcasting, United
Streaming, Advanced SmartBoards, etc.
Improved Home/School Communication
With the help of the Team Leaders, School Council and the PTO, we have improved
communication within the school and with parents. The Parent Handbook was revised by
the School Council and completed in time for it to be included in the Summer mailing. For
the second year, all teams held Parent Coffees, a chance for teachers to talk informally with
parents. Student schedules were mailed to all homes and uploaded onto Edline during
August.
The PTO and School Council worked together to communicate safety issues to
parents particularly in the areas of pick-up, drop-off and speed limits. We have expanded
our listserv to more than 95% of our parents who receive the school newsletter and other
notifications by email. Edline, a piece of software that provides opportunities to
communicate with parents, has been expanded to include daily homework assignments,
monthly calendars, teacher webpages, mid-quarter progress reports, schedules, notices and
report cards.
Increased Educational and Enrichment Activities
Summer programs were held at Parker this Summer, some created and implemented
by Parker staff, others as part of the Reading Summer Academy. One was Pragmatics Camp
where students learned social skills for classroom use. Another was the Introduction to
Parker, an activity based program where incoming sixth grade students learned about the
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school and its programs. Also, staff and parents met regularly to provide enrichment and
health assemblies for students, and to plan and revise the annual overnight, science-based
field trip for the Spring of 2006. The French teachers planned a trip to Montreal and
Quebec and took the students during the Spring of 2007.
Grade 7 attended a field trip to CT to visit Mark Twain’s home. The SIMCity
Engineering Club won the Regional Competition and traveled to Washington, D.C. for the
National Competition where they came in third place in the country.
Peer Leaders and Student Council continued to work as key members of the school
community who work to improve school climate and do community service. The After-
School Enrichment Program expanded this year and includes Anime Art, Art Studio,
Basketball, Board Games, Clay Club, Color Guard, Crocheting Basics, Field Hockey, Flag
Football, Flash Animation, Floor Hockey, French Club, Gymnastics, Hip Hop Jazz Club,
Homework Club, Knitting, Math Team, Science Creativity Club, Scholastic Art
Preparation, Science Club, SIMCity Science, Spanish Club, Stamping & Scrap Booking,
Talent Show Preparation and Whiffleball.
New Staff
We would like to welcome our new eighth grade Math teacher Brian Cormier who
replaced Bob Ohlson who became the Title I Math teacher. Kerry Gallagher is an eighth
grade Social Studies teacher. Beginning her first full year as the seventh grade LLD teacher
is Lisa Baranowski. Tanya McDonald is the new Grade 8 Special Education liaison moving
from her position as Special Education Assistant. Maureen Ryan is a new part-time Special
Education teacher at Grade 6. Eric Hiltz, a former student teacher at Parker, became the
new PE teacher when Tom Zaya took a leave of absence to work as the PE Department
Head at RMHS. We also have two new Special Education Assistants who will be working
in the classroom assisting teachers - Michelle Anderson, Maria Arthur and Michael Wien.
Diane Finigan, an Office Assistant, became the Secretary to the Principal in the Spring
replacing Helen Pelley who resigned to relocate to GA. Carol Lane took over for Diane
Finigan, and Reading resident Sue Cotter replaced Carol Lane.
Alice M. Barrows Elementary School
Karen Callan, Principal
Throughout the 2007 calendar year, the Barrows Elementary School continued on
their quest towards excellence. The students, led by a highly qualified staff, were
challenged daily to a curriculum that was derived from high standards and accountability.
“STARS” Program
“Students That Act Responsibly Shine” (STARS) is our cultural initiative this year.
Weekly awards, monthly assemblies and Shining Star banners encourage the STARS
attitude that is prevalent throughout the school. Children show responsibility in their daily
work and interaction with others, and are rewarded through earning Shining Stars.
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The children have expanded the idea of responsibility by reaching out to the greater
community. Our ‘Wishing Tree’ for the Festival of Trees yielded $200.00 for Globe Santa,
the Student Council Food Drive helped to fill the shelves of the Reading Food Pantry and a
Mitten Tree contributed keeping others warm. Looking more global, the students and staff
are participating in school-wide recycling on a weekly basis.
Finally, Barrow’s generosity in our Adopt-A-Family Program showed the care and
compassion the students have for those less fortunate in our own community.
Blue Ribbon
In June, the Barrows’ community participated in the Blue Ribbon Assessment. The
assessment provided us with an overall picture of the Barrows’ community. This picture is
helping to guide us in improving our school. In December, staff members attended the
Blue Ribbon Conference in South Carolina where we were honored with a Points of Lights
Award. This award illustrates our commitment to the Blue Ribbon Standards and our quest
for excellence.
Facilities
Although Barrows is one of the newest buildings in Town, upkeep is essential
towards keeping it in top-notch condition. The painting of various areas throughout the
school, repainting of the playground ‘games,’ replacement of ice-damaged gutters, and
replacement to water saving toilets allowed for a well maintained school.
Our second Annual Beautification Day occurred last May when the students, staff
and parents cleaned, raked and planted flowers and bushes outside the school. This Fall, the
Bulbs for Barrows Program will benefit all of us when a variety of flowers bloom in the
Spring.
School Improvement Plan
Three new members joined the Barrows School Council this Fall to help implement
the School Improvement Plan (SIP). This year’s goals are focused on the standards as set
forth by the Blue Ribbon Standards. The Council has reviewed the goals, oversaw the
Barrows Budget, reviewed health and safety guidelines, and is beginning work on a new
Barrows Student Handbook. The council members are also advocates for our school by
attending various meetings, and contributing to the overall improvement of the school.
Technology
At this point, Barrows is proud to announce that upgraded computer systems and 15
SmartBoards have been installed in Grades 2–5, the Library, one Kindergarten classroom
and a Special Needs classroom. The staff continues to attend various courses and training
improving their skills in using SmartBoards technology as a tool for teaching and learning.
The SmartBoards have allowed the use of streaming software, Smart tools and
interactive lessons to take place on a daily basis. Barrows continues to increase its use of
Edline as a means of communication with the parents and the larger community.
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Instruction and Professional Development
All staff has been involved in the town-wide literacy initiative by attending
trainings, and implementing the various strategies into their teachings. The Response to
Intervention Program, which assists struggling readers, has grown to Grades K-2. This
initiative, which involves regular education and Special Education, allows needed
instruction to be given to students prior to frustration or failure levels. The decrease in
Special Needs referrals illustrates the success of this program.
A Family Math Night and a Literacy Night assisted parents in learning more about
our programs, and how best to assist their children. As mentioned before, various staff
members are participating in a variety of technology training, including SmartBoards,
Internet, Lexia and Test Wiz training. Implementation of the new edition of the Everyday
Math Program, along with the implementation of Fundations in Grade 3, are new initiatives
taking place at the Barrows School.
Staffing
Barrows increased their Kindergarten program this year by adding an additional
full-day classroom. Ms. Ashley LeBella was hired for this class. Mrs. Doris MacLeod,
Barrows Secretary for 35 years retired in June, and Mrs. Donna Walsh was hired as the new
Barrows Secretary. Mrs. Barbara Hendricks, fourth grade teacher retired, and was replaced
by Mr. Jake Eberly. DLC teacher Cathy Giles moved to Killam as their Principal, and Ms.
Jenette Tempesta joined the DLC Program. Ms. Tricia Harbour replaced Ms. Michelle
Kurchian as a new fifth grade teacher. The School Nurse Mrs. Lynn Dunn moved to the
High School, and Mrs. Christine Rose has taken her place. As in the past, Barrows hosted a
variety of student teachers and interns from local colleges.
This Fall, seven students representing Endicott College and Tufts University worked
alongside our teachers in the classrooms.
Parent, Teacher Organization
The continued commitment of the parent organization has afforded the Barrows
School with added educational enrichment programs. Programs such as storytellers,
musicians, scientists, geologists, cartographers and meteorologists have given the students a
real life perspective to the curriculum. The annual events, including Monster Mash,
Reading Night, Run for Fun, Ice Cream Social and the Craft Fair allow families to become
socially involved. Plans are underway for a Spring 2008 Auction which will support
technology and a new playground structure.
As 2007 came to a close, the Barrows School looked back on an educationally,
culturally and socially successful year. Our continued involvement in our initiatives and the
overall improvement in instruction and learning are embraced by the entire Barrows’
community, and will continue to lead us towards excellence.
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Birch Meadow Elementary School
Tom Daniels, Principal
Curriculum
Our literacy curriculum components are Scholastic’s Literacy Place, Junior Great
Books, John Collins Writing, Fundations Phonics and Scholastic’s Guided Reading
Program. The Fundations Phonics Program is now being fully implemented in
Kindergarten, first and second grade, and is in a pilot phase in all third grade classrooms.
Our wonderful Library/Media Specialist led students and staff in a remarkably
successful school wide America Reads celebration with the theme “Go Hog Wild Over
Reading!” At the end of the six weeks, students had achieved their goal of reading over
2000 “pounds” of books and were rewarded by the Principal kissing a pig! Students were
treated to a visit by Farmer Minor, a traveling farmer who goes around the country
promoting reading through programs like ours with Principals kissing pigs. The school’s
annual celebration of student writing through Young Authors’ Days continues to be a
favorite event of students, staff and parents.
Professional Development
Blue Ribbon
Once again, this Fall, five staff members joined educators from around the Nation
and the world in participating in the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference in
Charleston, SC. They saw powerful images at site visits to absolutely outstanding
elementary schools. Outstanding teachers and Principals gave informative and inspiring
hour long workshops, and each meal included beautiful music performed by excellent
student music groups. Every educator left the Conference with both ideas and visions of
what excellence looks and sounds like in actual practice.
The Conference was also extremely validating in that many of the practices in place
at Blue Ribbon Schools are now in place at Birch Meadow. Birch Meadow was honored at
the Conference as an “Aspiring School of Excellence” for having participated in the Blue
Ribbon Assessment last Spring. This involved parents, teachers and students answering a
set of questions related to all aspects of school improvement including school organization
and culture, professional community, technology, indicators of success, school family and
community partnerships and many more. The result of the assessment and the large
number of staff members in attendance at the Conference were a new commitment on the
part of the school to become a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence.
Open Circle
Our extremely effective school-wide Anti-Bullying Program is now being
augmented by a comprehensive social competency program called Open Circle. Now many
teachers at Grades K, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are currently engaged in training to implement Open
Circle in their classrooms. Open Circle, a program developed at Wellesley College,
involves twice weekly class meetings in which students work to establish non-negotiable
classroom rules and compliment each other.
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The students learn to breathe calmly, avoid teasing and deal with annoying
behavior. Strong research supports the helpfulness of Open Circle in developing both
emotional and academic intelligence.
We look forward to all teachers being trained in the program in the coming years.
Technology
Birch Meadow is well on its way to its goal of a SmartBoards in every classroom.
We now have eight and a majority of teachers are serving on a school based “SmartBoards”
Committee. There they share best technology practices and plan to present to parents about
the need to fundraise for more boards so every student can access the SmartBoards for
excellent technology integrated instruction every day. As many more teachers use
SmartBoards on a regular basis, they are struck by the much higher level of engagement
that this new technology offers. Images on the boards are large, clear, rich and colorful,
and teachers and students have access to all of the terrific things the internet has to offer.
These include engaging lesson plans, graphics and educational videos.
After School Activities Program (ASAP)
Birch Meadow is now in its 12th year of offering After School Enrichment
Programs for students. Courses are offered in six-week periods and range from active
physical education games, to computers, to drama, to science, to karate, to chess and to
several experiences in the arts.
Parent Involvement
Parents are proud and happy that they were able to successfully advocate for the
removal of the portable classrooms, and to raise money and plan and prepare for a
completely renovated playground. The new playground boasts wonderfully engaging new
climbing structures including a climbing wall as well as an enormous colorful painted map
of the United States. In addition, the courtyard has been completely redone, and students
are thoroughly enjoying the new painted four square, hopscotch and kickball diamond.
One of the major strengths of Birch Meadow continues to be its extremely high
level of parent involvement and support. The PTO is an outstanding organization which
contributes to the quality of Birch Meadow life in many ways.
Parents raise large amounts of money for enrichment programs, field trips, Library
enhancement, and they also enhance the instructional program by their involvement in their
children’s classrooms. Parents readily help on committees such as fundraising for a new
playground, keeping students safe, and offering to support teachers whenever the need
arises.
Some of the many community building and fundraising events held by the PTO
include an Annual Pancake Breakfast, the community favorite Spooky Fun Fair, and the
incredibly successful Adult Social which raised over $10,000 last Spring.
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In addition, parents pitched in to paint much of the inside of the school, and
beautify the outside on two landscaping days last year. As a result of their efforts and
stepped up building cleanliness efforts on the part of our Facilities Department, the inside
of our building has never looked better!
Parents also fund incredible enrichment opportunities for our students. These range
from a visiting Native American man named Dan Cripps who leads second graders in
constructing a full size tipi in the gymnasium, to a wonderful woman who leads students in
“ArtQuest,” an extremely engaging higher order thinking and discussion curriculum based
on paintings from a variety of periods and artists. Once again, the PTO funded visiting
dancer named Nikki Hu and her husband Guy Van Duser. They led fourth graders in
learning a wonderful dance related to the theme of respect which they then performed for
the entire school. Both fourth graders and the entire student population were riveted by the
performance.
Open Invitation
Members of the Reading community are invited to the Birch Meadow School. Our
Library Media Center continues to be a great place to volunteer and work with children.
Please feel free to call Principal Tom Daniels at 781-944-2335 with any questions,
comments or to arrange a visit. Thank you for your continued support.
Joshua Eaton School
Patricia A. de Garavilla, Principal
The Joshua Eaton School is proud of its accomplishments during 2007. Most
noteworthy was the recognition as a “Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School” by the Blue Ribbon
Schools of Excellence at its Annual Conference in Charleston, SC. Mrs. de Garavilla and a
group of teachers (Lauren Fusco, Christopher Heath, Liz Kasprzyk and Bill Lewis)
represented Joshua Eaton, and also presented highlights of the school’s accomplishments at
the Conference. Teachers, support staff and parents were able to make great gains in many
areas in 2007.
Curriculum and Instruction
All teachers participated in a variety of professional development opportunities that
supported school goals. A group completed training in the Open Circle social awareness
curriculum. Others participated in the Differentiated Instruction course offered by the
district. During the Summer, over 15 teachers and Special Education Assistants attended
SmartBoards training to become familiar with the new technology available in the school.
The literacy assessment tool DIBELS was expanded to use in Grade 2 after its
successful implementation in Kindergarten the previous year. The information gained from
this assessment allows classroom teachers and the Reading Specialist to design specific
instruction to assist students at risk in the area of reading. Reading Specialist Debra
Kwiatek facilitated a study group on non-fiction reading strategies. Participants gained new
expertise in supporting this area of the MA English Language Arts Framework.
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Teachers Jennifer Mercer and Michelle Callan coordinated the Summer program for
students in Grades 3-5. This program offered students in regular and Special Education an
opportunity to maintain academic skills within a camp-like atmosphere.
This year’s group of students painted a beautiful mural of the Statue of Liberty that
is proudly hanging in the Cafeteria to illustrate our role as community members of our
Nation. We also introduced a new Summer Skills Maintenance Program “Stay on Track”
taught by Marie Kiley, Jaime Quinn and Susan Wilkinson that was very successful.
Community Outreach
Our 9th Annual Veteran’s Day Assembly was a wonderful tribute to our special
guests. Over 75 veterans enjoyed the performances of the Joshua Eaton students and singer
Dan Clark. The students sang several songs and recited poems in honor of the veterans.
Students Hannah Trapeni and Paul Sanford served as emcees, and Cameron Dieselman and
Taylor Morris sang solos during the program.
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Over 200 grandparents and local senior citizens attended the 10 Annual Senior
Tea. Almost 150 students performed for the audience with an entertaining selection of
songs as directed by our Music teachers Mr. Al Mosier and Mrs. Alicia McKenney.
Through the efforts of our PTO, students support the less fortunate in the
community through contributions for Thanksgiving Food Baskets. The entire school
community is proud of the wonderful spirit of giving present at the Joshua Eaton School.
We also supported our troops with a collection to be sent to Iraq for a relative of teacher
Nichole May-Gilchrist.
Parental Involvement
Joshua Eaton is most fortunate to have many dedicated parent volunteers. The PTO
under the leadership of Presidents Mary Hart (2005-2007) and Priscilla Hollenbeck (2007-
2008) raised thousands of dollars to support enrichment activities for student learning, and
provided many fun social events for families. They sponsored family activities such as the
new Back to School Family Picnic, the Halloween Howl and the Ice Cream Social which
were all positively received by the many Joshua Eaton families who attended. Special credit
goes to Greta Malstrom and Marita Lanzilotta as fundraising chairs. A special program
featuring Ruby Bridges was a most inspirational one, also sponsored by the PTO.
Our school was able to add an incredible amount of new technology equipment
through the “Media Madness” Auction held in March. Parent Coordinators Amy Greco and
Mary West, with amazing support from both the school community and the community at
large, contributed to the success of the evening with a total of $42,000 raised for
technology. Joshua Eaton students now have additional SmartBoards in classrooms, a
portable cart with laptops, and other items that have supported the integration of technology
and learning.
The School Advisory Council (Principal, Parent and Teacher Representatives)
focused on the district’s new nutrition guidelines, technology, the school’s culture and
professional development.
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The following members are in their second year of service: Parents Chris Downey
(past co-chair), Kathleen Maffa-Krailo, Angela Binda (current co-chair), and teachers
Jennifer Mercer and Kathleen Ammendolia.
A group of parents and community volunteers led by Chair Mary Richards
succeeded in raising sufficient funds to restore the school’s Clock Tower. Work will be
completed during Winter of 2008. The “Walk for the Clock” involved students and their
families in an historic walk with a visit to Parker Tavern as part of the fundraising efforts.
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On Memorial Day, an impressive ceremony was held to honor the 250 birthday of
Joshua Eaton. Students sang and also played their recorders to entertain the many people
who attended. A group of colonial re-enactors set up camp on school grounds to allow
students a firsthand look at life in the 1700’s.
Students
Many new activities were introduced at the Joshua Eaton School as part of the Blue
Ribbon school improvement process. JJ the Jaguar was selected as the school’s mascot, and
a new student recognition program was implemented to our “Community of Caring” as part
of our new all school assemblies.
Parent Lori Hodin again coordinated the National Math Olympiad Program at the
Joshua Eaton School. Over 60 students participated in the weekly team meetings and
competitions. Student Leah Ayer was the first place winner for the school with Alexandra
Sahagian finishing second. The Joshua Eaton School finished in the top 20% of all schools
participating in the country. Teachers Debi Kinton, Lauren Fusco, Linda Lydecker and Bill
Lewis served as coaches for the third, fourth and fifth grade teams respectively.
Students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 also had the opportunity to participate in the weekly
school chorus conducted by Mrs. McKenney. Teachers Anne Manna, Karen Feeney and
Debi Kinton oversaw the new Student Council. Our students were involved in school-wide
projects such as buddy reading and fundraising, and taking on leadership roles within the
school.
This Fall, over 75 students participated in the new Lego Robotics Program that was
coordinated by parent David Ventola. They enjoyed designing projects to meet the team
challenge they received.
Faculty and Staff
The Joshua Eaton teachers and support staff have continued to identify areas to
improve their students’ educational experience. This year, a new schedule was introduced
to better support the Grade 5 specialty teaching model where students change classes. It
also allowed Grade 1 teachers to pilot a flexible reading group model to better meet
students’ needs.
All teachers participated in building committees who address various aspects of
school improvement such as school culture, indicators of success, and challenging
standards and curriculum. The Joshua Eaton School is proud of its students, teachers and
staff and parent community! Together, we have created a wonderful learning environment
for our students.
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J. W. Killam Elementary School
Catherine A. Giles, Principal
The J. W. Killam Elementary School has enjoyed a very exciting and successful
2007 school year. Our school has had many changes during this past year which included a
change in administration, in personnel, and our physical appearance as well as in some
school-wide programs. The Killam School community has welcomed and supported these
changes. We are continuing with our journey on the road to excellence as we know that
through collaboration, the possibilities are endless! Listed below are some of the major
highlights and successes of 2007.
Administrative Change
After serving as Building Principal for 22 years, Mr. Paul Guerrette announced in
March his plan to retire at the end of the school year. His announcement took the Killam
community by surprise. Although all were sad to see him leave Killam, the Killam
community planned many celebrations to honor him, and the successful years he served as
the Building Principal. Mrs. Catherine Giles, Assistant Principal at the Barrows School and
elementary school teacher in Reading for 15 years, was hired as the new Principal of the
Killam Elementary School.
Personnel Changes
There were a few new hires this year at the Killam Elementary School. Ms. Stacey
Sherpe was hired as the School Psychologist for the year to cover a leave for Mrs. Vivian
Su. Additionally, due to large class size numbers, Ms. Jessica McKenzie was hired as a
third grade teacher. The Building SPED Chair moved into an administrative position at the
Reading Memorial High School, and Ms. Kara Mauro, the K-2 Learning Center teacher at
Killam, was hired to be the new Building SPED Chair.
Building Improvements and Changes
During the Summer, the maintenance staff, under the direction of Mr. Joe Huggins,
worked many hours to improve the physical appearance of the Killam School. Some
projects included painting several classrooms, repairing/replacing the damaged front gutters
and downspout system, painting the front entrance into the school, and replacing all of the
student desks in Grades 2 and 3.
We also had many parents and student volunteers to assist with the beautification
efforts as well. One mother volunteered her time to repaint the sign in front of the school.
Two High School students worked many hours to clean up and redesign the W.O.W. Center
in the center courtyard. We had four additional SmartBoards installed, and were able to
replace 15 computers in various classrooms.
School Council
Our School Council continued to meet on a monthly basis. Our tasks were many and
are ongoing. We began to rewrite our school’s Mission and Vision Statement as well as
update our school’s student and teacher handbook. Additionally, at each meeting, we
reviewed our SIP to be sure that we are obtaining our yearly goals. The information
obtained from our school-based committees was presented at each meeting.
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Parent Education
This year, the Killam PTO and the Killam staff joined forces to provide monthly
workshops for parents. The series of workshops began with Math Night. This interactive
workshop provided ways parents can support their children at home. The next workshop
focused on literacy. Debra Kwiatek, the K-6 Literacy Specialist for the district, facilitated a
workshop based on the six components of literacy. The workshops were well attended. In
addition, the Title 1 Program at Killam offered a Summer program for students. The
program offered students the opportunity to spend a week in the Summer reviewing and
practicing mathematical skills and concepts.
Professional Development
Killam teachers were very active in the area of professional growth and
development by engaging in a variety of courses and workshops. Several Killam teachers
were trained to use Open Circle which is a program designed to teach students vital social
and emotional skills. Some teachers took the course Differentiated Instruction offered by
the district as well. This course is designed to help teachers understand and reach the varied
learning needs of their students by making instructional modifications in the classroom.
Most recently, with all of the SmartBoards installations, many teachers are active
participants in the newly offered SmartBoards workshops. In December, four Killam
teachers attended and presented at the National Blue Ribbon Conference.
Student Council
This year, we began a Student Council at the Killam School. Student Council
meetings were held monthly on Mondays beginning in November from 2:45 - 3:15. Two
students were selected from each third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms to represent their
class. In order to promote equity and fairness, once a student has served as a Student
Council representative, he/she will not be selected to serve again in the upcoming years.
Any student who was interested in running for Student Council wrote a short paragraph.
This paragraph included reasons why the candidate felt he/she would make a good class
representative. The paragraphs were returned to teachers by November 2nd. The
paragraphs were read to the class by the teacher with no student names mentioned, and
classmates then selected the paragraph that they felt was the best representation of what a
Student Council member should be. The classroom teacher then tabulated the results and
the Student Council representatives were announced the week of November 12th.
Pillars of Character
The Pillars of Character Program continues to be a very important part of our daily
lives here at the Killam School. We began our school year with a TRRFCC Walk-For-
Character Day for the Killam community. There were so many wonderful community-
building activities which the children were able to participate, thanks to the amazing efforts
of all our dedicated volunteers. It is a district-wide goal to better unite the schools and the
community together, and to share all of the wonderful programs that are happening within
our schools… this event did just that! It was so nice to see students interacting with and
supporting each other.
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We also began our new school-wide Koala Character incentive plan. Teachers and
staff members were on the lookout for students showing extra special positive behaviors.
Students were recognized when they display these positive life-skill traits
Our students continued to participate in monthly Pillars of Character school
meetings. These were teaching and learning opportunities, and also served as a way for us
to foster school spirit. During the year, each grade level adopted one of the Pillars of
Character and hosted a meeting. Their goal was to teach the rest of the students about that
specific Pillar. Most often students shared ideas through readings, art work, music and
community service projects. Sometimes, they even honored a “Pillar of our Community”
who is a person who inspires and empowers our children through example. We view these
meetings as extensions of the classroom where students are learning important life lessons,
and making connections across all curricula – Social Studies, Language Arts, Music, Art,
Science and Mathematics.
In December, as part of our TRRFCC initiative, we helped to make the holiday
season one that was filled with love, joy and fun for everyone! As a school community, we
“adopted” five families to support by donating holiday gifts. Each grade level was assigned
a family with specific information about the family and their holiday gift “wishes.” We
collected over $1,000 in just a few week’s time. It was a reminder to all of us as to what the
holiday season should truly be about!
As the 2007 year comes to a close, it is so nice to look back and celebrate all of the
wonderful activities which occurred at the Killam School during the year. Yes, it was a year
of many changes… and we look forward to seeing what the New Year brings!
Wood End Elementary School
Richard E. Davidson, Principal
Wood End Elementary School “officially” opened its doors in September 2005 for
the first time as the fifth elementary school in Reading. It is hard to believe that we are now
well into the middle of our third year as a new elementary school. Perhaps the adjective
“new” no longer applies. However, observation that has not changed is the fact that we
remain very proud of and thankful for the very generous parent and community support that
made our “new” school possible.
Transition to New School
While this will be the last year that I highlight the transition to our new school, I
want to recognize the enormous amount of preparation that was involved in the transition to
our fifth elementary school. Many meetings and detailed planning sessions were necessary
to begin to provide parents and students with their own sense of identity. In order to reach
this goal, a transition team was established of parents from both the former Birch Meadow
and Killam districts. Teachers and administration also lead this transition team which
focused on establishing specific activities that involved students, parents, staff and
community. All who were involved in this process deserve recognition and thanks for their
dedication and involvement.
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Essential procedures and schedules were written and established, giving safety and
security the highest priority. All staff were oriented and trained with the school’s new
emergency protocols and procedures.
Bullying Prevention Program
As a school, we continue to be committed to enhancing the physical and mental
health of all children which includes the prevention of any type of bullying and teasing. In
order to hold true to this commitment, we have formed a “Sustainability Committee” at our
school with Principal, teacher, specialist, assistant and parent membership. Our goal is to
develop and oversee a program that supports, educates and celebrates positive decision
making by students in a climate that practices zero indifference to bullying and teasing.
Our responsibility is to keep the focus fresh and meaningful for all who work and learn here
at the Wood End School.
This year, we have continued to expand our use of the Open Circle Program in
almost all of the classrooms. With the help of central office, all but one teacher has now
been trained in the Open Circle curriculum. Our goal in providing training for all classroom
teachers is to provide a common language, and a common set of expectations for all
students and adults.
Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Recognition Award
In November, the Wood End School received the “Points of Light” designation
award from the BRS of Excellence Program. It recognizes our high standards and our
commitment to continued growth and improvement.
Curriculum
As a district and as a school, we continue to be pleased about our continuing
curriculum enhancements. This year, at the K-2 level, we are entering our seventh year of
the Language Arts Program, Scholastic’s Literacy Place and our third year of the Wilson’s
Fundation Phonics Program have proven to be helpful to beginning readers. The John
Collins Writing Program continues to provide consistency in terms of expectations, and a
common language and common framework for writing.
In support of current research regarding the development of reading skills, we have
implemented the Response to Intervention Program (RTI) at the first grade level where
struggling students are identified through assessments, and a focused direct method of
delivering needed skills is taught to them every day.
Our Math Program continues to provide appropriate challenges for all students. It
encourages students to think mathematically and recognize applications of Math concepts
to every day life. It is also closely aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks.
Three years ago, we implemented a new Social Studies Program from Harcourt
School Publishers called Horizons at the fourth and fifth grade level. It is a text-based
program for these grade levels, and is rich with resources and supplemental materials that
strongly recognize the importance of technology in every day learning.
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School Department
Our Science Program is a hands-on “kit” based curriculum which teaches important
concepts of physical, earth and life sciences. The program, at all levels, stresses
observations, measurement, journal writing, teaming and hands-on experimentation.
In an effort to continually review and improve our curriculum last year, we began a
system of review through a mapping of our Math Program and this year, we began a similar
effort with the Language Arts Program. The district has also recently formed a K-12
Vertical Science Team that will review our current Science Program and instructional
practices.
Library Media
As a new school last year, we were very excited about the startup of a new Library
Media facility. It is beautiful and located in a central place in the school. Indeed, the
Library Media Center is seen as the hub and heart of our school setting. Reading is
fortunate in that each school has its own full-time Library Media Specialist and at Wood
End, we have continued the use of flexible scheduling which allows all students and faculty
access to the Library when they have the need.
At any time of the day, upon entering the Library, you will see students, Library
staff, teaching staff or parent volunteers interacting and supporting each other in various
research projects, reading a story to children, completing supervised internet searches,
children reading books, or simply checking books in or out. It is a very busy place and
quickly has become a central hub of learning at our school. We are also very proud of the
technology that has been added to the Library Media Center. We currently have a very up-
to-date computer lab and last Fall, we added SmartBoards as a central focal point for
integration of technology into the curriculum.
Technology
In April of 2006, the Wood End School received a very generous donation from The
Pfizer Corporation of over 25 used computers, monitors and related peripherals. The
computers were used to establish a much needed computer lab for students in our Library
Media Center.
In addition, we received a small grant from the Reading Technology Foundation
which allowed us to purchase a digital camera and one SmartBoards which was placed in a
fifth grade classroom. At the end of last year, we also received funding from the district for
technology which allowed us to add additional computer systems to the fourth and fifth
grade classrooms.
In the Spring of last year, our PTO raised funding to support the purchase of three
additional SmartBoards and dedicated computers to be used in the two remaining fifth
grades and one placed in the Library Media Center. In the Fall of this year, funding was
provided by the central office to purchase three additional SmartBoards that were placed in
our fourth grades, and the PTO funded the purchase of three dedicated laptops for each of
the new SmartBoards. We are very excited about the continued support of technology by
the central office and our very generous PTO.
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School Department
Professional Development
As a district and as a school, we are committed to the concept of continued learning.
We are also committed to supporting our professional staff at all levels. Consequently, an
enormous amount of energy, planning and in-service is provided for teachers in Reading.
The mentor program, for example, provides support for new teachers, and is an essential
requirement if new teachers are to succeed in Reading. In-service is also provided in all
areas of the curriculum to all teachers on a regular basis throughout the year as well as
during the Summer months.
In December, over 20 K-12 members of the teaching staff and administration
attended the Blue Ribbon Schools Conference in Charleston, SC. The purpose of
participating in the Conference was to visit other schools that have received that
designation, and talk with teachers from many different parts of the country. Our district
has set a goal of having all our schools go through the Blue Ribbon School Assessment
Program, and also having the district named as a regional site for future Blue Ribbon
School Conferences. In November 2007, our school received the “Point of Light” award
for its high standards and commitment to excellence. The award was received by two of our
teachers at the Conference.
Parent Involvement
One of the major strengths of the Wood End School, as it is with all the schools in
Reading, is the extremely high level of parent involvement and support. Our PTO is an
outstanding organization which contributes to the quality of life in so many ways here at
Wood End. While they do raise significant funds for enrichment programs, field trips,
Library enhancements and technology, they also enhance our instructional program by their
involvement in their children’s classrooms, and by volunteering to be a part of our School
Council and other important school-based committees. They readily offer support to
teachers whenever the need arises.
New Community Playground
Last year, significant time and effort was put into the fundraising and planning for a
new community playground here at Wood End. Through the wonderful generosity of
parents, community and business, our Planning Committee raised close to $100,000 in less
than a six-month period. These efforts and contributions came to fruition on October 21st
and 22nd when over 150 volunteer parents and community members came together to build
the structure which, when completed this Spring, will be over 85% handicap accessible. It
is one of only three playgrounds in the State that allows children with significant learning
and physical disabilities to play alongside peers in a setting that is safe, challenging and
fun.
This year, through a grant from the National Society of Dermatologists, shading was
added to the new playground structures, and a patio of inscribed bricks was completed
recognizing the many generous parents and community members who helped in the
creation of this outstanding playground for the community.
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A Celebration of the Arts
Last May, the Wood End School celebrated our second Annual Art and Music
Night. Together, over 300 children, staff, parents and the School Committee enjoyed an
evening of program, song and a display of student artwork that represented all the students
in the school.
Mr. Mosier and Ms. Durand and a small army of volunteers began in February to
collect and organize student artwork from across the school. It was a wonderful celebration
and tribute to the importance the arts play in the education of young children.
Second Young Authors’ Day
Our second Annual Young Authors’ Day was held last June where students from all
grade levels shared their original stories and poems that they had written during the year.
Parents joined staff to create small groups of primary and intermediate age children in
which the children shared their original and creative writings with peers. It was
outstanding to the importance of writing and creativity.
Open Invitation
In closing, I would like to extend an open invitation to members of the Reading
community to visit our/your school. Please feel free to call me, Principal Richard E.
Davidson at 781-942-5420, with any questions, comments or to arrange a visit.
Thank you for this wonderful school and for your continued support.
Pupil Services Department
Colleen Dolan, Director
The Pupil Services Department, including Special Education, guidance, nursing and
English Language Learners continues to strive to provide excellent services in a fiscally
responsible manner. The achievements of the department are categorized below in the areas
of program development, professional development and budget.
Program Development
Beginning in the Fall of 2007, the Department commenced a review of Special
Education programs. Service providers from the Language-Based Program, Developmental
Learning Center, Integrated Learning Program and Student Support Program offered input
into current challenges and goals for the next several years.
As a result, changes were recommended for the 2008-2009 school year including
consolidation of programs, and the development of a new program to meet the needs of
students with behavioral challenges.
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School Department
Budget
Thus far in the 2007-2008 school year, the Special Education Budget is in the black.
Circuit Breaker relief, changes in transportation vendors, and the new Northeast
Collaborative transportation initiative have resulted in significant savings.
The Pupil Services Department continues to pursue funding from outside resources
while operating in a fiscally responsible manner.
Professional Development
Professional development has been offered to Special Education Assistants for the
first time this year. Training topics include IDEA 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act, the Individualized Education Program, civil rights, health issues and facilitation of
appropriate behavior, language and social skills.
Our occupational therapy team and our speech and language therapists were
afforded the opportunity to attend national conferences held locally.
Our School Psychologist’s team has worked together to plan workshops geared to
current issues of concern such as self-abuse, behavior management, anxiety and depression.
Larry Berkowitz of Riverside Community Care has hosted after school brainstorming
sessions for interested staff to discuss and address mental health issues. Mr. Berkowitz has
also assisted in providing parent workshops dealing with behavior management.
Through monthly department meetings, Special Education liaisons have had
opportunities to collaborate on IEP development and assessment.
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NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
100 Hemlock Road - Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880-3597
Outstanding Student Award
Erin Flores, a senior from Chelsea, was chosen as Northeast's nominee at the State
Awards Dinner for Outstanding Vocational Technical Students. The event is co-sponsored
by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators and the Massachusetts
Vocational Association.
National Technical Honor Society
The Northeast Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society held its Annual
Induction Ceremony in March. At the ceremony, 12 seniors and 35 juniors were inducted.
These students joined the previously inducted members to bring the Technical Honor
Society Chapter to 69 members for the 2006-2007 school year.
National Honor Society
The Annual Induction Ceremony to the Northeast Chapter of the National Honor
Society "Artisans" was held in March. At the ceremony, 37 seniors, 17 juniors and nine
sophomores were inducted for the 2006-2007 school year bringing the total membership to
53.
National Skills/USA Awards
Thayara Moura of Malden participated in the National Skills USA Conference held
in Kansas City during the Summer of 2006.
Student Advisory Rep to the School Committee
Wendy Barrientos, a senior from Chelsea, was elected as the Student Representative
to the School Committee for the 2006-2007 school year.
Scholarship Committee
The Northeast Awards and Scholarship Committee awarded individual scholarships
to 89 deserving students at the Eighth Annual Senior Recognition Night. A total of $31,250
was given in scholarships and awards.
Northeast students working in their vocational field or entering trade apprenticeship
programs were included in the above awards. These awards provide students the
opportunity to purchase tools and equipment as well as assisting with entry level expenses
toward trade education programs.
SCORE Peer Mediation Program
In September, Northeast began its 12th year affiliated with SCORE, a Peer
Mediation Program. The SCORE Program was developed by the Office of the Attorney
General of Massachusetts to help reduce the violence in schools. The mediation process is
successful in resolving conflicts of all types.
Northeast has a full-time Coordinator, 35 trained students and three trained staff
members. A trained mediator is a neutral person not involved in the dispute and, through
the mediation process, helps people come to their own agreement about how they want to
resolve their conflict.
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School Department
Professional Development
Professional Learning in 2006-2007 focused on “Literacy and Getting Students to
Proficiency.” The following activities took place:
• Joseph Fullerton of MAX Teaching presented demonstration Classrooms in MAX
teaching Literacy strategies in August of 2006.
• Shore Collaborative presented Restraint Training in September. All staff members
received mandatory annual instruction in restraint techniques and alternatives.
• Joseph O’Brien disseminated and analyzed MCAS results with the entire staff.
• High Schools That Work in Louisville, Kentucky where the topic was Building
Effective School and Leadership Teams. Session 1 was in October and Session 2
was in February.
• Joseph O’Brien presented Literacy Across the Curriculum: Part 1 was in December,
Part 2 was in January, Part 3 was in February and Part 4 was in April. This was a
full staff workshop on a teacher’s role as facilitators to develop a school-wide
literacy plan.
• In January, Lynch School Education presented ELL: Strategies for Instructors
Dealing with Transitioning Students. All academic and CTE teachers were
instructed in successful methods to instruct students transitioning from Sheltered
English Immersion classes to regular Ed Academic and CTE classes.
• In January, High Schools That Work in Atlanta, GA, the topic was “Arriving at
Proficiency” by Looking at Student Work and Assessments – seven academic and
CTE teachers explored strategies to having students attain proficiency through local
assessments.
• In April, the High Schools That Work January Team presented to the full staff
training implementing the “Getting to Proficiency” concepts by Heather Boggs
Sass.
• High Schools That Work Summer Conference in New Orleans, LA in July, 15 staff
members attended a variety of national workshops geared at increasing student
achievement.
Summer Enrichment Program
Two hundred twenty students participated in the Summer 2007 support program.
Three categories were involved:
The Summer Transition Programhad its most successful year to date. The three
week program ran from July 16th through August 3rd. During that time, the program
serviced 190 incoming freshmen supported by a 40 member team of teachers and support
staff. Ably directed by Mr. John Carroll, the students participated in a condensed version of
the Northeast school experience.
The program for each day consisted of a period of Mathematics and one of English
followed by a double period in a career/technical shop area. Additional academic support
was provided for incoming English Language Learner students. Auto Body/Collision
Repair was offered for the first time which helped round out the career technical program
offerings of Automotive Technology, Baking, Cosmetology, Culinary, Drafting and Design,
Graphic Communications and Plumbing.
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School Department
Student participation in the program was voluntary. The large number of students
attending speaks highly of the eagerness of the members of the Class of 2011 to be a part of
Northeast. Additionally, five of our newly hired teachers worked in the program. They
received mentoring and support from the veteran teaching staff while experiencing new
academic and career/technical programs and working with their future students.
This year, the Academic Enrichment Program supported over 40 Grades 10, 11 and
12 students in their efforts to improve their academic skills with the hopes of increasing
their MCAS scores. These students, capably supported by five veteran teachers and
directed by Ms. Sarah White, voluntarily participated in the program and received support
in Mathematics, Social Studies, English and team building skills. Each week had a specific
theme that was supported by all areas of the program.
An end of the week field trip to a related site helped tie the daily lessons together.
This program continues to provide the type of support that has enabled Northeast students
to reach new heights in MCAS achievement. These programs were fully funded by grants
from the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Support Services
The Northeast Guidance Department staff offers support counseling through
individual and group counseling, and specialized workshops and presentations. All faculty
Guidance Counselors are certified as School Adjustment Counselors, and have either social
work or school psychology backgrounds to equip them to handle the wide range of student
issues that come forth. One School Adjustment Counselor is bilingual (Spanish-speaking).
A school psychologist supports the counseling staff, provides psychological testing,
supports the Special Education Program, and maintains a small individual and group
caseload. In addition, a Career Counselor and a non-traditional counselor (Spanish-
speaking) round out the support staff with their focus on career awareness and vocational
development.
Support groups are established each year based on student needs. Counselors may
establish teen issues groups in each grade to support students who have difficulties with
peer issues. An anger management group that is linked to the discipline system is offered
after school in an effort to provide students with an understanding of their own anger, and
an opportunity to develop new tools to use to manage anger more appropriately.
Support groups for pregnant and parenting teens, substance abusers, grieving
students, Latino students, Asian students, gay students and others have all been offered at
different times depending on the need and student interest. Individual counseling with
students requires that counselors coordinate with doctors, psychiatrists, outside therapists,
social workers and counselors, court personnel, police and others.
The Peer Mentoring Program provides educational assistance to students having
difficulty with one or more academic subjects. Students who have been successful in
specific subject areas and who have participated in training volunteer their time to assist
others in the Library two afternoons per week.
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School Department
The Mentoring Program is designed to supplement after school assistance provided
by the academic and vocational teachers. The program benefits go beyond the student
achievement as the relationships formed by the mentors and students help to break down
barriers between different grade and age groups, and develop friendships that would not
have had a chance to form. The Mentoring Program is coordinated by a counselor and a
Math teacher with other teachers offering support and assistance.
Career counseling and the college application process are a large part of all of the
counselors’ roles but specialized support is provided by a Career Counselor and a part-time
non-traditional support counselor. The Career Counselor manages a Career Development
Program for all students that prepares the students for chosen career paths.
The curriculum focuses on career assessment, career information and requirements,
interviewing skills, portfolios and resume preparation. By providing assessments to
evaluate skills, interests and work values, the Career Counselor assists freshmen in their
vocational selection process, and upper class students with linkages to post-secondary
education and employment opportunities.
The non-traditional support counselor provides specialized support to those students
who are enrolled in career areas that are considered non-traditional for their gender. By
providing support groups, specialized presentations and field trips, students are prepared to
understand the benefits of non-traditional choices, and to appropriately handle any
difficulties that they might confront.
Special workshops and presentations are offered through the year for different
groups of students. Each year, all freshmen participate in group workshops focusing on
harassment, bullying and gender equity issues. Large group assemblies and presentations
have been offered focusing on substance abuse, drunk driving, teen dating violence,
tolerance, character building and others.
Grants
Title I – Economically Disadvantaged Districts
– Funding from this grant provided for
six Grade 9 and six Grade 10 English Language Arts classes for 180 students who exhibited
Reading comprehension difficulty based on their Stanford 9 diagnostic testing, and
Algebra/Geometry classes designed to address the needs of 180 students identified as “at
risk,” or not passing the State Assessment test. Instruction in both the English Language
Arts and Mathematics were enhanced by the use of technology in the Title I rooms as well
as by support provided by the teaching assistants in these classes.
Title 2A – Teacher Quality
– This grant provided for the hiring of an MCAS Preparation
Instructor, the implementation of a teacher mentoring program to allow experienced
teachers were assigned to work with non-professional status teachers as advisors, and the
funding for the two workshops that the district provides as part of the two whole staff
professional development days in accordance with the teacher contract.
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School Department
Title 5 – New and Innovative Programs
– Funds from this grant were used to hire two
support staff members for the Summer Transition Program. These individuals worked with
the incoming ninth graders to develop a publication that represented the efforts of the
Summer program. The 60 page document is available upon request at the school.
Perkins Occupational Education Grant
– Funds from this federal source provided for:
One Design and Visual Instructor Staffing for Summer Transition Program
MCAS Remediation Teacher MCAS Tutors for Remediation
50 Computers for Drafting One MCAS Lab Specialist
Non-traditional Support Counselor Contract for “High Schools That Work”
Support of Professional Develop. Activities One Behavior Modification Specialist
Three ELL Paraprofessionals
Secondary School Reading Grant
– This grant allows for the continuation of a school-
wide Reading team to study the literacy needs of students at Northeast. A plan of action
calling for two 30 minute periods of Reading and Writing to occur in Grade 9 Exploratory
was developed.
Summer Programs
Northeast Metro Tech Summer Programs enjoyed another successful campaign
since its inception in 1988. Over the years, both the Summer School and Computer
Program have experienced remarkable growth. This year, the Summer Programs serviced
nearly 400 students combined.
The Northeast Summer School serviced High School students in five different
academic areas including Math, Science, English, Social Studies and Vocational Related
while continuing to expand into the vocational enrichment and certification program areas.
The goals of promoting a positive learning atmosphere, retention and promotion as well as
providing skills to assist each student at the next grade level are paramount objectives
behind the philosophical make up of our Summer School.
The popular Northeast Summer Computer Program completed a successful 19th
year. Its objective of making learning fun had the counselors teach the participants skills
that they can use during their school year while enjoying doing it.
These programs can help strengthen Reading and Math skills, and expand their
general knowledge of the computer. Continued use of “Smart Board” technology along
with some outstanding Power Point presentations were an exciting part of this year’s
computer program along with swimming and diving instruction.
Adult Education
Our goal is to provide as many educational services as possible to the 350,000
residents of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District. In pursuing
this goal, the Adult Education staff maximizes utilization of the Northeast facilities,
offering an extensive selection of stimulating and practical programs on Monday through
Saturday during the school year, and Monday through Friday during the Summer months.
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Northeast offers a State Approved Auto Damage Appraisal Program as well as
Journeyman’s and Masters’ Programs in Electrical, Plumbing, Sheet Metal, Carpentry and
Gas Fitting.
As the Number One apprentice training center in New England, we guide hundreds
of young men and women annually as they prepare for their journeyman’s or masters’
license in their trade. For the many senior citizens enrolled, we offer a wide variety of
programs designed to satisfy their interest in crafts, hobbies, physical fitness, etc.
During the 2007 school year, the Adult Education agenda is the focus on
strengthening the core curriculum and frameworks of our trade based areas. This is being
accomplished by the standardization of each of the trade area curriculum. Our intent is to
guarantee that all of our Adult Education students are being exposed to identical high
quality career tech education in each of our classes.
2007 Graduates
The 2006-2007 school year represents the 37th class to matriculate at Northeast
Metropolitan Regional Vocational School. Northeast graduated 268 students in the Class of
2007. The following is a breakdown of the graduates’ status after graduation:
Employed - 122 Attending 4 year college - 67 *
Entering Military Service - 2 Attending 2 year college - 60 *
Other - 4 Apprentice school - 13 *
* It should be noted that 52% of the graduating class went on to further
their education either in a two or four year college or in an apprentice
program. 264 members of the graduating class either entered military
service, are employed, or seeking further education – that figure represents
99% of the Class of 2007.
Special Needs Enrollment
Special Needs enrollment for the 2006-2007 school year continued to represent a
fair share of the total school enrollment with students. The 342 Special Needs students
represent 27% of the school population.
Athletic Records
The Northeast Girl’s Varsity Soccer Team qualified for both the MIAA State
Tournament and the Massachusetts Vocational Tournament. In the State Tournament, they
were eliminated in the Division III North Semi-Finals. They finished third in the State
Vocational Tournament.
The Northeast Boy’s Varsity Soccer Team again qualified for the MIAA State
Tournament. They advanced to the quarterfinals.
The Northeast Golf Team qualified for both the Massachusetts Vocational and State
Tournaments. They finished eighth in the Massachusetts Vocational Tournament.
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The Northeast Cross Country Team had three members qualify for the States. They
finished fifth in the State Vocational Championship.
The Northeast Swim Team won the State Vocational Championship for the fourth
consecutive year. They also qualified for the MIAA Tournament and placed two swimmers
in the State in individual events.
Boys Basketball qualified for the MIAA Tournament.
Northeast had two wrestlers qualify for the State Competition.
The Northeast Hockey Team was eliminated from the MIAA Tournament in
Division III North Semi-Finals. They won the first State Vocational Championship.
The Outdoor Track Team had three participants qualify for the State Competition.
The team finished fifth in the State Vocational Championship.
District School Committee Election of Officers
At the Annual Organizational Meeting of the District School Committee on January
11, 2007, the following members were elected Officers of the Northeast District School
Committee:
Chairman Deborah P. Davis of Woburn
Vice Chairman Henry A. Hooton of Melrose
Secretary Peter A. Rossetti, Jr. of Saugus
Treasurer Paul L. Sweeney of North Reading
Assoc. Treasurer Anthony E. DeTeso of Stoneham
Conclusion
As Northeast celebrates its 38th year of Vocational/Technical Excellence to its 12
member communities, its aim is to continue to offer the latest in vocational/technical and
academic education by maintaining a high level of performance. This high level of
performance also encompasses continued improvement in academic achievement with
regard to MCAS. The Northeast Class of 2007 had a 99% pass rate of the MCAS test by
graduation.
Northeast is continually updating curriculum, and continues to offer MCAS
Enrichment Classes for those students who need additional preparation for the MCAS
which now includes Science beginning with the Class of 2010.
Northeast also provides a Summer Enrichment Program for the incoming freshmen.
The school continues to offer students the finest education with which to build a successful
career through the latest in equipment, software and technology offered in all vocational
programs no matter which career path they have chosen.
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This year, the addition of a Career Center where students have access to laptops to
develop career plans, learn of all business aspects of their industries, prepare
comprehensive portfolios, resumes and college plans has Northeast a step ahead of all other
schools in Career Technical Education.
Evidence of our past success is reflected in the students who have graduated from
Northeast Metro Tech. The Alumnus stories of success and their readiness and willingness
to help school officials by speaking at recruiting sessions at the local schools, as well as
recruiting graduates for employment, is proof of their dedication to Northeast. Northeast
currently has 20 alumni employed at the school. Testimonials as to the success of our
graduates continue to be received which makes us proud to have contributed in some small
way to their accomplishments.
Once again, I am proud to have represented Reading as a member of the Northeast
Metropolitan Regional Vocational District School Committee, not only to serve as the
guardian of funds allocated from the community to this educational institution but also to
assist in and provide counsel to the school in maintaining the highest standards of
educational excellence possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Maura A. Looney
Northeast School Committee
Reading Representative
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