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Home My WebLink About2016-01-19 Board of Selectmen HandoutDRAFT MOTIONS BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING JANUARY 19, 2016 Ensmineer, Halsey, Sexton, Arena, Berman Lelacheur 5a) Move that the Board of Selectmen close the hearing on the alteration of premises for Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza. Move that the Board of Selectmen approve the alteration of premises to include the patio area as shown on plan A1.01 for Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, 48 Walkers Brook Drive. Move that the Board of Selectmen adjourn the meeting at _ p.m. RCT V STUDIOS November 10, 2015 Jill Reddish HOS TV 6 Bowdoin St, Boston, MA 02114 Dear Jill, Reading Community Television (RCN) has been working over the past year to upgrade our entire video workflow to High Definition (HD). Recording, editing, and archived shows have been in HD for the past two years, but we recently upgraded our playback system which now gives RCTV the ability to play out to providers in HD. Currently we are still sending a composite standard definition video signal with analog audio to Comcast, but as soon as possible, RCN would like to switch our outputs on all three channels to be HD -SDI with embedded audio. RCN is not the first local access center in Massachusetts to go all HD, but because of this we are excited to know that the groundwork and infrastructure already exists for you as a cable provider for Reading, to switch our channels to HD. Currently all of our locally produced programs, and all live government meetings exists in HD, so the benefits for your customers who rely on RCf V for their local government and programming content of switching to an HD cablecasl will be immediate. This letter is to serve as a formal request to switch our channels to HD as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We look forward to correspondence from you as to how to proceed with this process. Sinmely;' Kathi trod[ Neaidmt of RCN 5S7 Maio St. Reading. MA 01867 a. RCN BOD, Reading Board of Selectmen c/ RCT V STUDIOS November 10, 2015 Jane M. Lyman Sr. Manager of Government & Regulatory Affairs Comcast 12 Tour Road Bevedy,MA 01915 Dear Jane, Reading Community Television (RCN) has been working over the past year to upgrade our entire video workflow to High Definition (HD). Recording, editing, and archived shows have been in HD for the past two years, but we recently upgraded our playback system which now gives RCN the ability to play out to providers in HD. Currently we are still sending a composite standard definition video signal with analog audio to Comcast, but as soon as possible, RCN would like to switch our outputs on all three channels to be HD -SDI with embedded audio. RCN is not the first local access center in Massachusetts to go all HD, but because of this we are excited to know that the groundwork and infrastructure already exists for you as a cable provider for Reading, to switch our channels to HD. Currently all of our locally produced programs, and all live government meetings exists in HD, so the benefits for your customers who rely on RCN for their local government and programming content of switching to an HD cablecast will be immediate. This letter is to serve as a formal request to switch our channels to HD as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We look forward to correspondence from you as to how to proceed with this process. Sincerely, Kathi Crook President of RCTV 557 Main St. Reading, MA 01867 cc. RCTV BOD, Reading Board of Selectmen DAre Is ! MHPxuFmNTAa: MASSAcHUSfTEs HOUSING PARTNERSHIP Community Housing Initiatives Ch. 40B Technical Review Assistance Application Please speak to Community Housing Initiatives staHto discuss your project before requesting an application. Be sure to identify the contact you spoke with in the space provided above. CONTACT INFORMATION MON01N001FM1.TFORnPPOGTION: TITLE: MORNER: On. ELECTED DnIOU: T., JULIE MEBOERCOMMUNnVDENELOPMEMDIREROR ROSS. REDFERN DANIEL ENEMINGER, NINA, BOARD OF SELECTMEN AUDRESE: ADDRESS: AREA.: 16LO."TREET 161AWELLSTAW 16ED.U.STREET Cm/TOMN/ZP ORD/TOWN/ZIP OTY /TOWN/PP RENDING, MA 01867 REAIHNC, MA 01867 RMING,MAOM7 PHONE: FAR: PHONE: F. PHONE: FAX: 781 - 942 -6648 781 -942 -9071 781 - 943.6630 781- 902 -9071 781 - 9429043 781 -9a2 -9071 EMAIL: EMAIL: EMAIL: JwROER @(JAEUGA..MAUE EOEREDDERN46111EGMAIL.COM .11NSMINGERIND>MCRST.NET PROJECT INFORMATION PMM NAME: REPMNG vuEAOE DEwLOPER: MKM READING, LEE PRINCIPAQU MATTHEW 2UKER &KEN CHASE ATTORNEY: I RFORMA70N NOT PROVIDED CONSULTANTS: GEOFF ENGLER -SEB LLC EHGINEERIS):JIM BURKE, P.E. & JIM DECELLE- DECEAE BURKE &A$$oCNTES, INC. DEVELOPMENT SITE & ZBA MEETINGS: 1. Number of Units Proposed: Total: 77 Affordable: 20 2. Project type: Rental_% Homeownership 3. What is the size of the site? 0.83 acres 4. Date Permit Filed with ZBA: January 7. 2016 S. What are the dates and times of regularly scheduled ZBA meetings for this project? The Public Hearing will open on February 4 2016 at 7:00 PM The Zoning Board typically meets on the 1" and 3W Thursdays of the month. 6. Have hearings already been held for this To speak to Community Housing Initiatives staff about your project prior to submitting this application, call 617- 330-9955 160 Federal street, 2-1 Floor, Boston, MA 02110 1of3 SITE APPROVAL/ELIGIBILITY LETTER: 7. What is the source of the site approval letter? Mass Housing Finance Agency If NEF, please provide the name of the bank: Walpole Co- operative Bank (provided a letter of interest) Date of site approval letter: August 11, 2015 Please include a copy of the site approval letter with your application. See attached Project Eligibility Letter. 8. Please describe the proposed development of the site including site description, surrounding area and adjacent uses, unique characteristics of site, design or building configuration. Feel free to attach supporting material. See attached Project Data Summary , which was Provided by the Applicant with the Comprehensive Permit aonlication. 9. What are the main municipal concerns with the project? Sewer Capacity: The existing MWRA service to the site is not sufficient to accommodate the proposed use. Public Safety / Fire: The 6 -story building may exceed the Fire Code in terms of maximum height for a Group R building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, and may also exceed the reach of the Fire Department's ladder truck, thus posing a public safety concern. Fire trucks would be unable to access the structure from the rear of the site, which, coupled with the proximity of the proposed building to abutting structures, causes concern about the potential for fire spreading. Further, the proposed height of the ground level parking garage is not tall enough to accommodate fire truck access. Height / Density / Setbacks- The proposed height of the building (63' -7 ") is out of character with the area, would be the tallest building in Reading, and may cast shadows on neighboring properties. The proposed density (93 units /acre) is very out of character with the 5 -15 (single- family residential: 15,000 SF minimum lot size) Zoning District, and is significantly higher than the surrounding uses, which include a recently -built 4011 development across the railroad tracks from the site. In addition, the proposed building does not meet the front, side, or rear setbacks for the 5 -15 zone, and it exceeds the maximum lot coverage of 25 %. The overall massing of the structure, considering its proximity to abutters, is a concern. Parking / Traffic The project includes just 83 parking spaces, which is less than the 1.5 spaces per unit required by the Zoning Bylaw, and does not include parking for visitors. Due to the nearby train station, on- street and off - street parking in the area are already limited. There are also concerns with the amount of traffic (and vehicle fumes) that will be generated by the project, and with the availability of existing roadways and intersections to handle it. The Town foresees specific issues on Prescott Street, where there is a proposed ingress /egress to the parking area.. Landscaping / Lighting: The project does not provide an additional buffer or landscaping to screen the building from abutting single and two - family residences. There are also concerns with building lighting spillover onto abutting properties. 30. What specific review issues would you tike assistance? Many of the current ZBA members have not reviewed a 40B project during their terms. The Town is seeking Technical Assistance to provide guidance to the Board in their review — in terms of understanding exactly what their purview entails; what types of requests can be made of the Applicant; which of their concerns can be negotiated or are worth pushing back on; how to handle abutter comments that may or may not be actionable; how to craft substantial, legal, and defensible conditions, etc. The Board will also need guidance on technical issues such as timeframes and legal requirements. 11. Do any municipal staff or ZBA members have prior experience reviewing comprehensive permits? Staff: Julie Mercier, Community Development Director (exclusively "friendly" 4085) / lean Delos, Assistant Town Manager / Tony Fields, Staff Planner ZBA: Robert Redfern (Chair), John Jarema 12. Does the municipality have a Master Plan or a Housing Plan that addresses affordable housing? yes: ® No: ❑ a. Is the plan DHCD certified? Yes: ® No: ❑ To speak to Community Housing Initiatives staff about your project prior to submitting this application, call 617-330-9955 160 Federal sbee[, 2n °Floor, aoston, MA 02310 / 1 2 of -/l 13. Has the municipality adopted Comprehensive Permit review rules? yes: ❑ No: 14. Who is the counsel for the ZBA on this project? Mivares & Harrington. LLP — Raymond Mivares and /or Chris Heep What comprehensive permits have been submitted to the municipality in the last 10 years? NAME Or PROJECT FUNDING SOURCE APPRONOVDENIED DATE Greystone, 23 George Street FHLBB Approved 2005 (3 ownership units) Maplewood Village, 201-275 Salem Street DHCD Approved 2005 (9 ownership units) Archstone, 40-42& 70 West Street FHLBB Approved 2006 (204 rental units) Governor's Drive DHCD Approved 2007 12 ownership units) s:qurURE OF Cain Brcrco OFFI DATE: WwArua[azaACww: Dan: To speak to Community Housing Initiatives staff about your project prior to submitting this application, call 617- 330 -9955 160 Federal Street, 2n° Floor, Boston, MA 02110 1 3 of3 1'r LEC*L NOTICE. -- `s TOWN OF READING, is W To the Inhabitants of thp, &V of Reading: ;T4Ki Please take notice that;Ioe.. Board of Selectmen it: the Town of Reading will ha..a - Public hearing on Januq 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in,4hs Selectmen's Meeting F{,epfn, 16 Lowell Street, ReiWtnq, Massachusetts on the,alt4r- ation of premises! ,flor Anthony's Coal Fired.171iRa of Reading, LLC at 46 WWNers Brook Drive. . (-4.9 "C'. A copy of the proposed deou- ment regarding this topic is available in the .Towp Manager's office, 16 Lowell _ Street, Reading, MA, M -W- Thurs from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 P.m., Tues from 7:30 a.m.; 7:00 p.m. and is attached to the hearing.notice on the website - at www.r adinarrma aov ' All interested parties are invit- ed to attend the hearing, or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to .6:00 p.m. on January 19, 2016 to twomanagerC ci reading ma . AM By order of Robert W. LeLacheUr Town Manager 12.29.15 Reading Public Library Budget Narrative Fiscal years 2017 - 2019 A NEW LIBRARY The New Reading Public Library will open in the summer of 2016, kicking off its first fiscal year in the long- awaited new facility. Community expectations are high that the new library will combine the warm comfort of the old building with advanced technologies and modern conveniences. We share the community's anticipation for the completion and successful beginning of this dramatically transformed 19't century school building for a new era. We are dedicated to balancing "high tech" with "high touch" and providing the citizens of Reading with the innovative technology and expert customer service they seek. The New Reading Public Library is brimming with potential for lifelong education, exploration, and enjoyment for everyone in Reading. Welcoming all ages and interests, it is, at its core, a deeply democratic keystone of American education and citizenship. It can become the center for cultural life and civic engagement and at the same time enable us to network across global boundaries. Anew Plan of Service based on extensive community Input will help us respond to community expectations with customized services that reflect emerging national trends and local priorities. The New Reading Public Library continues to reinvent itself. While we explore and develop new educational avenues for Reading residents using new technologies, digital learning products, and online services, we will also provide space, tools and guidance for group learning and collaboration. We will continually strive to be the Place in Reading for individuals to access a broad variety of resources to discover and to create new knowledge. A NEW PLAN In May, 2015, the Library contracted with Alan Kirk Gray and Stephanie Anderson to conduct a community survey, run a series of focus groups, meet with local town and library officials and staff, and develop a new Plan of Service to help the library match its services with community expectations and fulfill the potential presented by the new library facility. Here's their executive summary —the full report was accepted by the Library Trustees and distributed in December. (It's available in the policy section of the library website - www.readingpl.org) January 14, 2016 1 1 P a g e Sb if Reading Public Library PLAN OF SERVICE 2016 -2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iGmIAnderson consultontsJ This Plan for Service for 2016 -2021 is based on an analysis of survey responses by more than 1200 adult citizens of the community, together with input from several public forums and focus groups attended by teens, parents, and those aged 55 +. Additionally, discussions were held with employees of and elected officials of the Town, employees of the Reading Public Schools, and Library staff and administration as well as the Library Board. Then; is widespread agreement that the expansion and renewal of the Reading Library provides an opportunity to strengthen the already strong role the Library plays at the center of the fabric of the community. Respondents called for a range of expanded services and new initiatives to address their beliefs about the present and future needs of the community. 1. Provide year -round access to educational programs and materials, with an emphasis on early literacy. 2. Support lifelong education for adults with programs and Gasses that entertain, educate, and supplement the Library's book collections_ 3. Embed community outreach in staffing for ongoing feedback and partnerships with Town organizations and institutions. 4. Showcase twenty- -first century technology and enable citizens of Reading to keep up with chances in accessing information. 5. Provide neutral community spaces for all sizes and types of gatherings and meetings, whether planned or impromptu. 6. Invest in continuous staff development to support a well- trained and high- achieving staff. The implementation of these initiatives will place additional demand on the Library's staff resources, and we outline three additions to the staff. 1. A full-time Digital Services Manager to be implemented as soon as possible to meet current services and staff development needs that cannot be addressed by current staff. 2. An increase in adult programming staff time, based on growth in the adult programming schedule over the next rive years. 3. An increase in children's staffin g. as much as one FTE, as programming increases to meet demand over the next five years. January 14, 2016 2 1 P a g e �� 56 z Reading Public Library Library Budget Three Year Forecast January 14, 2016 3 1 P a g e FY17 FY17 FY18 FY19 Manager Year One Year Two Year Three Administration 239,050 234,450 242,071 249,933 Circulation 240,150 243,630 250,939 215,270 Children's Services 243,900 256,721 292,423 329,195 Reference Services 302,175 317,606 327,134 368,220 Tech /BibliographicServices 142,900 142,900 147,187 151,603 Digital Services Manager - 58,764 59,939 61,138 Thursdays 0 0 52,000 53,700 Sundays 0 0 0 15,960 Books (15 %) 216,440 238,262 268,000 283,500 Network, Supplies, Software 98,885 98,885 131,852 134,889 Programming 0 0 13,000 26,000 $1,483,500 $1,591,218 $1,784,545 $1,889,408 January 14, 2016 3 1 P a g e Reading Public Library Year One : Fiscal Year 2017 Administration $ 234,450 Circulation $ 243,630 Children's Services $ 256,721 Reference Services $ 317,606 Tech /Bibliographic Services $ 142,900 Digital Services Manager $ 58,764 Thursdays 0 Sundays 0 Books (15 %) $ 238,262 Network, Supplies, Software $ 98,885 Programming 0 $ 1,591,218 Major Features Budget Year One (FY 2017) The Year One (FY37) plan • Provides funding for full range of direct public services while opening the new library. • Keeps current leadership and staffing structure in place during major transition to a more complex, larger, and more demanding environment. • Prioritizes service improvements commensurate with the new facility such as: • a new fully- staffed service desk on the lower level • training in the new technologies • programming to fully utilize new classroom, community and meeting rooms • formal and informal instruction of individuals and small groups • lending materials using new automated systems • responsibly managing collections through RFID technology and new security system • providing research services • offering expert help for reading and technology guidance. \ January 14, 2016 4 P a g e Reading Public Library Fiscal Year 2017 for the library will be a year of learning and adapting, insuring a safe and well -used building for the community to enjoy Our simple goal in year one Is to keep service levels high while we learn to use and implement the new tools that will make the library more efficient and user - friendly in the long term. We hope that the new meeting, conference, and study rooms will be in use at least up to 50% of the time in the first year and that many Reading residents will discover — and re- discover — their Reading Public Library! Staffing for Service Support for upgrading librarians, adequate substitute coverage, and filling the new Digital Services Manager are key to providing sufficient and fairly- compensated staff to meet the potential for services in the new library and keep pace with increases in demand. We will be asking library staff to master countless new tasks and acquire new skills while maintaining their welcoming, professional approach to every public interaction. Library staff have been given top marks from the public in the 2015 survey (1200 responses) and the 2008 survey (1800 responses) for their professionalism, knowledge, and ability to teach complex concepts and technologies and share their expertise in childhood education, reading levels, early literacy and in addressing social, cultural, and informational needs of the community through programs and classes. As the library moves into its new home, we acknowledge that the successful implementation of a new plan for a new library depends entirely on the outstanding staff. Reference and Children's Librarians Specifically, the FY2017 budget proposes to compensate librarians (Grade E) at an appropriate level for work performed, recognizing increased expectations, and continuing education requirements. Programming, public outreach services, early literacy work, continuing growth in public technology instruction and sophisticated electronic formats, expanded services to senior citizens and more teaching than ever before have changed the core tasks of the ten librarians at RPL. ($6719 children's librarians, $11,664 reference /adult services librarians from Grade E to Grade F) Digital Services Manager Additional specialized leadership and instruction will be provided by a Digital Services Manager who will become part of the division management team and direct a dramatic technological transformation to enable full staff and public use of new advanced and emerging technologies, including professional grade creation technology in the new Innovation Studio. ($60,000) (Third year requesting position) January 14, 2016 5 (Page Reading Public Library Substitutes Provides minimum level of substitute coverage at public service desks — circulation, reference, children's. ( +5877) Substitute coverage is crucial particularly since support staffing level was slightly reduced (pages and Saturday children's department) while the library has been in a smaller temporary space. In addition to the clear necessity to provide minimum staffing levels in the new library, new and renovated libraries throughout Massachusetts consistently report increases of 30% in visits and circulation with on reopening. The implementation of new circulation automation technologies and introduction of some self- service options will help us offset some increased demand with current staffing, provided substitute funding is adequate to cover normal absences. January 14, 2016 6(Page Reading Public Library Year Two : Fiscal year 2018 Administration 242,071 Circulation 250,939 Children's Services 292,423 Reference Services 327,134 Tech /Bibliographic Services 147,187 Digital Services Manager 59,939 Thursdays 52,000 Sundays 0 Books (15 %) 268,000 Network, Supplies, Software 131,852 Programming 13,000 1,784,545 Major Features Budget Year Two (FY 2018) .5 FTE Children's Librarian This is in line with the recommendations of the Planning Consultants Gray & Anderson (2015). The addition of one half -time children's librarian would begin to address the growth in early childhood literacy activity and research, parenting consultations, outreach activities, and overall increase in services to children and families of varying needs and ages. We are recommending phasing in a position over years two and three to minimize the budget impact. Programming Programming is central to the library's core mission, and a key component of its efforts to broaden its reach through all sectors of the community by developing educational and cultural activities related to reading, literacy, and education. The new Plan of Service consistently reported that the community is Interested in more programs. For example, the Summer Reading program enrolls upwards of 1000 Reading students of all ages every summer and helps children maintain their reading skills during the summer break. However, the library relies almost entirely on the Friends and Foundation of the Reading Public Library to pay for programs and they have maximized their contributions in the past few years. $13,000 would comprise approximately one -third of the program budget. January 14, 2016 71 Page Reading Public Library MENEENEENE Thursday Mornings. The library has been closed on Thursday mornings until 1 p.m. since about 2001. This four -hour gap in the weekly schedule of 63 hours was initiated as a cost - saving measure during a particularly lean time. It continues to bean inconvenience for the public and, even after 15 years, many people express frustration about it. The cost to restore a 9 am opening time on Thursdays is $52,000. In addition to the enhancement of extending library services by four hours for all, children's librarians would provide an added morning preschool class for parents and young children. New Technologies Our estimate of new maintenance and contract costs associated with new circulation hardware and software, self -check system, and security gates, etc. is $30,000, depending on individual vendors selected. This increase is in Network, Supplies, Software budget line. �� January 14, 2016 8 1 P a g e Reading Public Library Year Three budget (FY2019) Administration 249,933 Circulation 215,270 Children's Services 329,195 Reference Services 368,220 Tech /Bibliographic Services 151,603 Digital Services Manager 61,138 Thursdays 53,700 Sundays 15,960 Books (15 %) 283,500 Network, Supplies, Software 134,889 Programming 26,000 $1,889,408 Major Features Budget Year Three (FY 2019) Major Features: Librarians Two .5 FTE positions = 1.0 FTE at Librarian Grade We recommend some Important additions to the FY2019 budget to forward the goals of the New Plan of Service, making the public service staff whole and building the model of "embedded librarianship" with a .5 FTE School Liaison and a .5 FTE Librarian for programming and outreach. ($28,000 +$28,000) Circulation Services The third year of the new library should open up possibilities for major reorganization and restructuring. The library should begin to realize some new efficiency as automated and self- service systems take hold and gain Popularity. This will make it possible to slightly reduce the staff associates' weekly schedules (- $35,669) and increase professional staff for additional outreach, programming, and teaching on site and in January 14, 2016 9 P a g e �_ sb9 Reading Public Library remote locations. At this time, we are forecasting as much as a 20% decrease in circulation division funding. There may be additional opportunities available for streamlining materials handling functions such as daily interlibrary deliveries, overnight returns, and staff involvement with lending books and media. Library administration and Trustees may want to consider restructuring materials handling and public service divisions as work flows change as a result of technological advances, enhanced materials delivery methods, and new staffing patterns. Sundays ($15,960) Sunday openings should be extended in Year Three to enable fuller community use of the library and coincide with the school calendar. We recommend adding an extra hour to the Sunday schedule (opening an hour earlier at 1 p.m.) ($8400) and adding seven Sundays to the schedule to be open from September through June, instead of October through May. (cost seven additional Sundays = $7560) January 14, 2016 101 Pa g �� SvlO Reading Public Library Library Budget Request FY17 -FY19 Trend $400.000 $350,000 ervices $300,000 n s Services Boo $250,000 d Circulation $200,000 $150,000 Tech /Bibliographic Network, 5 , o are $100,000 Thursdays $50,000 Programming 1 2 3 January 14, 2016 111 P a g e �b it Reading Public Library �\ January 14, 2016 12 1 P a g a 5 z January 14, 2016 h Reading Public Library 131 Pa g ,5� /3 Reading Public Library Network, Supplies, Digital Services Software Programming Manager FY19 Year Three 6% 1% 3% Administration 14% Books 15% Sundays 1% Circulation Thursda 12% 3% Tech /Bibliographic Services 8% hildren's Services 18% Reference Service 19% January 14, 2016 14 1 P a g e S6�Y