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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-28 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center April 28, 2016 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:40 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said by all in attendance. Motion made by John Halsey, Board of Selectmen to dispense of the reading of all motions in their entirety. Motion Carried ARTICLE 8: Move that the Town vote to approve an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan pursuant to Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 entitled 'SAN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF READING TO ESTABLISH AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND", or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 authorized the Town of Reading to establish a separate fund known as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The AHTF requires Town Meeting approval of an annual allocation plan submitted by the Board of Selectmen. AHTF expenditures require approval by a majority vote of the full combined membership of the Board of Selectmen and the Reading Housing Authority. AHTF uses include: Create or preserve affordable housing; ♦ Maintain or operate affordable housing; Develop new or rehabilitate existing housing as affordable homeownership or rental units; The purpose of the Affordable Housing Allocation Plan is to provide a framework for the Town to expend funds on affordable housing. The current AHTF balance of $261,391.75 reflects revenue generated through the actions of the CPDC, as well as proceeds from the loss of an affordable unit. There are no Town tax generated funds in the AHTF. The only expenditure to date from the AHTF, in the amount of $200,000, was to assist Oaktree development with financing affordable housing at 30 Haven Street. At the 2012 Annual Town Meeting, approval was given for funding to hire a consultant to assist a staff initiative to update the Town's Housing Plan, including the five-year "Housing Production Plan". This effort is important as a defense against unfriendly 40B developments in the community, and requires the Town to develop a phased plan to produce housing to reach the 10% threshold as required by MGL Ch. 40B. Reading's Housing Production Plan has been approved by the Board of Selectmen and by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Town commissioned and received a supplemental report on how the AHTF can best be used to support the "Planned Production" goals of the Housing Plan. This report was received in late winter 2012, and a presentation was made in April of 2013 to the Board of Selectmen and the Reading Housing Authority. The report recommends a significant restructuring of the Town's AHTF efforts. The Board of Selectmen considered these recommendations two years ago, but decided against any changes. Therefore, the current recommendation is to adopt the AHTF Allocation Plan as shown below as the framework for the use of Affordable Housing Trust Fund in FY2017. Note that Reading as lead community is part of a regional effort (along with North Reading, Wilmington and Saugus) to share a Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO). The RHSO monitors and administers ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center April 28, 2016 affordable housing requirements including tracking and updating the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) as well as maintaining ready buyer and ready renter lists. Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan FY2017 Pursuant to Article 8 of the 2016 Annual Town Meeting, an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan for the Fiscal Year 2017 in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 is as follows: Available Balance - Unrestricted Funds: $261,391.75 Available Balance - Restricted Funds $ 0 Unrestricted funds shall be used for the following purposes: 5% up to a maximum of $10,000 for administration of Affordable Housing Remainder for constructing affordable housing (including loan and grant programs); or for maintaining and improving affordability of existing housing stock; or for the purchase of existing housing stock to add it to or maintain it as a part of the existing affordable housing inventory Finance Committee Report - given by Peter Lydecker: At their meeting on March 30, 2016 the Finance Committee voted 7-0-1 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. One member abstained because of a possible conflict of interest. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on March 22, 2016 voted 3-0-0 to support this Article. Presentation given by: • Jean Delios - See Attached Motion Carried ARTICLE 9 Move that the Town vote to authorize revolving funds for certain Town Departments under Section 53E '/i of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts Genera/ Laws for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 with the receipts, as specified, credited to each fund; the purposes, as listed, for which each fund may be spent, the maximum amount that may be spent from each fund for the fiscal year, and the disposition of the balance of each fund at fiscal year-end. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center April 28, 2016 Revolving Spending Revenue Allowed Expenditure Year End Account Authority Source Expenses Limits Balance Consulting and Fees as engineering services provided for in for the review of Conservation Reading General designs and Available Commission Bylaws Section engineering work for for Consulting Conservation 5.7, Wetlands the protection of expenditure Fees Commission Protection wetlands. $25,000 next ear Legal, oversight and inspection, plan review, Building, initial property Plumbing, appraisals and appeals, Wiring, Gas and Public Services other permits planning and general for the Oaktree, management, curb Addison- sidewalks and Wesley/ Pearson pedestrian safety Available Inspection and Johnson improvements, records for Revolving Town Woods archiving and other expenditure Fund develo ments project related costs. $200,000 next year —Manager Clinic fees, Materials and costs Available Public Health charges and associated with clinics for Clinics and Board of third party and public health expenditure Services Health reimbursements programs $25,000 next year Charges for lost Available Library Library or damaged Acquire Library for Materials Director and Library materials to replace expenditure Replacement Trustees materials lost or damaged items $15,000 next ear Facilities Director Available Mattera Rin Utilities and all other for Cabin A.a.n0AiStFat. maintenance and expenditure Operating f Rental Fees operating expenses $10,000 next ear Director of Public Works upon the recommenda Available tion of the Sale of timber; Planning and for Town Forest fees for use of Improvements to the expenditure Town Forest Committee the Town Forest Town Forest $10,000 next year Background: The revolving funds established in this article are subject to annual renewal by Town Meeting. • Conservation Consulting Revolving Fund - These funds are used to receive payments from applicants, hire expert consultants where required, and return the balance to the applicant. The balance in the Conservation Consulting Revolving Fund as of February 2016 is $2,888. • Inspections Revolving Fund - Beginning in 2004, Town Meeting approved the Inspections Revolving Funds as a way to deposit building and other permit fees from three large projects (the Oaktree, Pulte ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center April 28, 2016 Homes and Johnson Woods developments). The balance available as of February 2016 in this fund is $772,105, and of that total $200,000 is proposed by the Town Manager as part of the FY2017 budget: $75,000 to be used to help offset some building division related activities in the Public Services budget, as has been the case for several years, plus upon the advice of the Board of Selectmen along with the support of a Financial Forum up to $125,000 is set aside to fund a new economic development planning position. The balance in this fund will allow four years of expenses at this pace at which point the results of the economic development efforts can be fairly judged and should be self -funding. Health Clinic Revolving Fund - The Reading Health Division contracts for third party payments for a number of immunizations. The funds are used to augment the influenza vaccine supply from the State Department of Public Health to insure vaccine for the homebound clients and first responders. The Division also uses these funds for materials for other screening clinics. Clinic client fees are also deposited into this fund to offset vaccine and clinical supply costs. The balance available as of February 2016 in this fund is $60,459. The State has been cutting back on the free flu and other vaccines to be distributed to cities and towns, and the Town therefore needs to purchase extra doses. The necessary amounts used for clinic vaccine, supplies and staff salaries related to the clinics each year directly from the revolving fund is therefore approximately $25,000. Library Materials Replacement Fund - During the course of a year, the Library recovers funds from patrons who have lost or damaged books or other materials. Previously, those funds went into the Town's General Fund and at the end of the year went into Free Cash. Once this Revolving Fund was adopted (beginning in FY2010), those funds recovered from patrons for lost or damaged materials were available directly to the Library for expenditure to purchase replacement materials and processing supplies. The balance available as of February 2016 in this fund is $433. Mattera Cabin Operating Fund - The log cabin on the Mattera conservation land was purchased several years ago, and was renovated by the Vocational School. Some of the use is revenue generating, and it is anticipated that over time the site will generate enough funding to pay the operating costs of the cabin - primarily utilities. This Article allows those revenues that are generated to be used directly for the operating expenses of the cabin. The balance available as of February 2016 in this fund is $1,006. In response to an instructional motion by Town Meeting, the Town Manager has moved the responsibility for both the Mattera Cabin and Cemetery garages to be moved to the Facilities department. Town Forest Revolving Fund was created in 2011. The purpose is to allow revenues from controlled timber harvesting and permit fees to then be spent by the DPW Director upon the recommendation of the Town Forest Committee, on improvements to the Town Forest, including planning efforts. The Town Forest Committee has had a forest stewardship plan created (through a grant) to make recommendations on forest management including controlled timber harvesting. The balance available as of February 2016 in this fund is $0. It is anticipated that timber harvesting on a limited basis could begin at any time, and therefore there will be future proceeds which can be used for the purposes of the revolving fund. Finance Committee Report - given by Paula Perry: At their meeting on March 30, 2016 the Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on March 22, 2016 voted 3-0-0 to support this Article. Presentation given by: • Robert LeLacheur - See Attached Motion made by Thomas J Ryan, Precinct 1 as follows: ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 28, 2016 Preforming Arts Center Mattera Cabin Operating - Delete $10,000 to $0 Motion to Amend does not Carry After some discussion a vote was taken: Motion Carried as Presented ARTICLE 10: Move that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, exchange, or dispose of, various items of Town tangible property, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine. Division Year Make Estimate Value Notes Cemetery 1999 Ford $7,500 Dump truck Highway 1994 Ford 9,500 Aerial Highway 1981 Clark 1,500 Forklift Highway 1999 Bobcat 12,500 Skid Steer Highway 1993 Bombardier 8 500 Snow Bombardier Highway Broken granite curbing Parks 1999 Giant Vac 3,750 GV Leaf Vac Parks 1999 Smith Co 3,500 new motor; unsure of hrs Parks 1994 Smith Co. 500 hr meter stopped Cemetery_1999 Skag mower Water Em to 150 Adm Svc Office Furniture Police 2011 Ford Car 14 Police 2005 Ford Car 17 Police 2011 Ford Car 11 Police 2007 Ford Car 4 Finance Committee Report - given by Vanessa Alvarado: At their meeting on March 30, 2016 the Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on March 22, 2016 voted 3-0-0 to support this Article. Presentation given by: 0 Robert Lel-acheur - See Attached ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center Motion Carried April 28, 2016 ARTICLE 11: Move that the Town vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay bills remaining unpaid from prior fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, as follows: $328.65 Canon Financial Services (copier lease) in Administrative Services expenses (source: Free Cash) or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: In December 2015 the town became aware of an outstanding invoice to Canon Financial Services in the amount of $328.65 that had been bundled into current balances due, while it was in fact for services rendered in April 2015. The services rendered were a copier lease managed through the Town Manager's office. Finance Committee Report - given by Craig Merry: At their meeting on March 30, 2016 the Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. This bill is an obligation that should be paid by the Town, with a source of Free Cash. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on March 22, 2016 voted 3-0-0 to support this Article. Presentation given by: • Robert LeLacheur - See Attached 4/5 Vote Required Declared Unanimous by Moderator 149 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion Carried ARTICLE 12: Move that the Town raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, and appropriate the sum of: $102,168,260 for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2017, beginning July 1, 2016. Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item B99 (Benefits): $15,988,500 to be provided as follows: Line B99 - $2,000,000 from Free Cash; $300,000 from Overlay and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item C99 (Capital): $2,220,000 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center to be provided as follows: April 28, 2016 Line C99 - $150,000 from Free Cash; $50,000 from the Sale of Real Estate Fund and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item D99 (Debt): $4,900,000 to be provided as follows: Line D99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item E99 (Vocational Education): $384,350 to be provided as follows: Line E99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item F99 (FINCOM Reserve Fund): $150,000 to be provided as follows: Line F99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item G91 (Administration Services Wages): $1,431,140 and Line Item G92 (Administration Services Expenses): $1,332,900 to be provided as follows: Lines G91 and G92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item H91 (Public Services Wages): $1,253,375 and Line Item H92 (Public Services Expenses): $367,750 to be provided as follows: Lines H91 and H92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item I91 (Finance Wages): $634,550 and Line Item I92 (Finance Expenses): $146,750 to be provided as follows: Lines I91 and I92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center April 28, 2016 Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item 391 (Public Safety Wages): $9,500,350 and Line Item 392 (Public Safety Expenses): $453,000 to be provided as follows: Lines J91 and J92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item K91 (Public Works Wages): $2,478,605 and Line Item K92 (Public Works Expenses): $871,050 to be provided as follows: K92 - $25,000 from the Sale of Cemetery lots to support Cemetery expenses; and the balance of Lines K91 and K92 from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item K93 (Public Works - Snow & Ice Expenses): $625,000; Line Item K94 (Public Works - Street Lighting Expenses): $180,000 and Line Item K95 (Public Works - Rubbish Collection & Disposal Expenses): $1,450,000 to be provided as follows: Lines K93, K94 and K95 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item L91 (Library Wages): $1,168,175 and Line Item L92 (Library Expenses): $317,325 to be provided as follows: Lines L91 and L92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item M91 (Core Facilities): $2,853,790 to be provided as follows: Line M91 - $100,000 from School Rental Revolving Fund; and the balance of line M91 from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item M92 (Town Buildings): $286,890 to be provided as follows: Line M92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item U99 (School Department): $40,697,666 to be provided as follows: Line U99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center April 28, 2016 Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item W99 (Water Enterprise Fund): $6,240,274 to be provided as follows: Lines W99 - $800,000 from Water Reserves and the balance from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item X99 (Sewer Enterprise Fund): $5,706,390 to be provided as follows: Line X99 - from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget as presented for Line Item Y99 (Storm Water Enterprise Fund): $530,430 to be provided as follows: Line Y99 - $250,000 from Storm Water Reserves and the balance from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY2017 Budget, exclusive of State and county assessments: $102,168,260 • Representing the total of all motions made under Article 12 • Funds are to be provided as set forth in said motions Background: Please see the yellow pages of this document for the full details of the FY2017 budget. Finance Committee Report - given by Paul McNeice: Please see the yellow pages - Spending Scorecard of this document for the votes of the Finance Committee online items in the FY2017 budget. The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of Article 12 as explained by these votes at their meeting on March 30, 2016. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on March 22, 2016 voted 3-0-0 to support this Article as presented to the Finance Committee. Presentation given by: • Robert LeLacheur - See Attached • John Doherty - See Attached After some discussion a counted vote was taken: 2/3 Vote Required 129 Voted in the affirmative 3 Voted in the negative 149 Town Meeting Members in Attendance ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center Motion Carried April 28, 2016 ARTICLE 13: Move that the Town vote to accept and expend such sum of money as may be available to the Town pursuant to Chapter 90, Section 34 of the Massachusetts General Laws as reimbursement for the costs of repair, construction, maintenance or preservation of the Town's roads and bridges and other related costs that qualify under the State Aid Highway Guidelines adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; and to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow said sum in anticipation of such reimbursement, in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 6 of the Massachusetts General Laws., or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: After a one-time increase in FY2015 to $900,000, Reading has settled back into the $600,000 range - $595,949 is expected for FY2017 for Chapter 90 (local road repairs). The motion made at Town Meeting will be to accept the Chapter 90 state assistance at whatever level is ultimately available, a trend in other communities in order to avoid any uncertainty of the timing of the final state budget process. Finance Committee Report - given by Paul McNeice: At their meeting on March 30, 2016 the Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on March 22, 2016 voted 3-0-0 to support this Article. Presentation given by: • Robert LeLacheur - See Attached Motion Carried ARTICLE 14: Move that the Town vote, pursuant to Section 2.6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one-half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year or take any other action with respect thereto. Background: The Reading Home Rule Charter provides for the removal by Town Meeting of Town Meeting Members who did not attend at least half of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 28, 2016 Preforming Arts Center Total of 2 Town Meetings resulting in 6 nights to attend I icteri ht -low are thnse whn attended less than 3 nights Finance Committee Report: No report Bylaw Committee Report: No report Motion made by Tony D'Arezzo, Precinct 2 Chair to accept to list as presented. Motion made by Angela Binda, Precinct 5 Chair to amend the list of Town Meeting members as shown in chart above. Motion made by Greg Selvitelli, Precinct 6 Chair to amend the list of Town Meeting members as shown in chart above. Motion Carried as Amended John Halsey, Board of Selectmen moved to adjourn the 2016 Annual Town Meeting sine die at 9:59 PM with 149 Town Meeting Members in attendance. Motion Carried A true copy Attest: A44_1_� Laura A Gemme Town Clerk Remove Keep as From Town Total Town Meeting Nights Meeting Member Precinct 1 First Name MI Last Name I Term Attended -Yes - No 2 Walter J Carroll 2017 0 X 2 Carol Sampson 2017 0 X 5 Patrick P O'Sullivan 2018 2 X 6 Jacqueline MK Petrillo 2017 2 X 6 Drucilla Wood -Beckwith 2018 2 X Finance Committee Report: No report Bylaw Committee Report: No report Motion made by Tony D'Arezzo, Precinct 2 Chair to accept to list as presented. Motion made by Angela Binda, Precinct 5 Chair to amend the list of Town Meeting members as shown in chart above. Motion made by Greg Selvitelli, Precinct 6 Chair to amend the list of Town Meeting members as shown in chart above. Motion Carried as Amended John Halsey, Board of Selectmen moved to adjourn the 2016 Annual Town Meeting sine die at 9:59 PM with 149 Town Meeting Members in attendance. Motion Carried A true copy Attest: A44_1_� Laura A Gemme Town Clerk