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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-29 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 2Q.2O10 The meeting was called bo order bythe Moderator, /Uon E. FouNo, at 7:38 pm, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag stated. All newly elected and appointed Town Meeting Members were sworn inby the Town Clerk. Announcements by Moderator: Before vvebegin deliberations on the budget, let meexplain how we will proceed: VVe will start with on overall motion, to begin discussion on the budget. This will be followed bya general presentation. Following thet, each group of line items will be taken up separately — each with its own motion and presentation. After the motion is moda, discussion on that particular grouping in pemnd±ed, and motions to amend, if any, are appropriate ai that time. Once discussion ends, vve will vote on any proposed amendments. VVhenconnp\eted — orifthere ananone — vvemoveontothenextoecdon.vvithnutvotingnnaooheaction. When we have finished all of the sections, we will recess for a few minutes as the various boards reconcile any differences from the original budoet, if any. When they are ready a motion for the entire amount will bemade and voted upon. Motion made by David Greenfield, Finance Committee to take Article 12 off the table | / \ | '-- Presentation given by Pater Heohentdeiknor, Town K8anager- Municipal Services provided to the TownnfReadingReoidents - PresentaUnnAttaohed Presentation given by Bob LeLacheur on budgeting process - Presentation Attached Presentation given by David Greenfiekj, Finance Committee Bob kaLacheur explained the process ARTICLE 12 Budget Motions Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, and appropriate the sum of: $85,660.297 for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2011. beginning July 1.2O1O. Motion Carried Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Annual Town Meeting April 2g.2O10 Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item B89(Bonefito): $11.712.O81hobe provided osfollows: � Line BSQ —$Q3GUOO from Free Cash, $204827 from the Overlay surplus and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item C99 (Capital): $993,000 to be provided as follows: Line C99 — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 281B Annual Town Meeting Move -that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item D99 (Debt): $6,158,003 to be provided as follows: Line D99-$300.00from Sale of Real Estate Fund and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item EQA Vocational Education: $327.Q4Shobe provided aafollows: Line E99 — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2818 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line |ham G91 (Town Administration VVaoea ): $211.846 and Line Item G92 (Town Administration Expenses): $472,000 to be provided as follows: Lines 891 and GU2—from property bsxeo. State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 201D Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line /hem H91 (Accounting VVooea): $155,770 and Line Item. H92 (Accounting Expenses): $1.550 to be provided as follows: Lines HA1 and H92— from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts 2 Annual Town Meeting April 2Q.2O18 Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item 191 (Finance Wages): $1,137,410 and Line Item 192 (Finance Expenses): $504,800 to be provided as follows: Lines 191 and 192 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion by William Brown, Precinct 8 for Amendment reducing Line Item 191 $1,137,410 by $30,567 to $1,106,843 allowing the GIS Coordinator position to Half Time Motion for Amendment Does Not Carry Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item J92 (FINCOM Reserve Fund): $150,000 to be provided as follows: Line J92 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item K91 (Community Services Wages): $871,087 and Line Item K92 (Community Services Expenses): $215,485 to be provided as follows: Lines K91 and K92 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion by William Brown, Precinct 8 for Amendment reducing Line Item K91 $871,087 by $49,250.50 to $821,836.50 allowing the Permits Coordinator position and the Planner position to Half Time Motion for Amendment Does Not Carry Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item L91 (Library Wages): $960,861 and Line Item L92 (Library Expenses): $268,817 to be provided as follows: Lines L91 and L92 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 3 Annual Town Meeting April 29, 2010 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line |henl KA91 (Public Works Wages): $3.351.314 and Line Item K892 (Public Works Expenses): $73U.O35hobe provided aofollows: Line M91 — $80.000 from the Reading Ice Arena to support Recreation wages; Una M92 — $25,000 from the Sale ofCemetery lots to support Cemetery expenses; and the balance ofUnes� M91 and M92 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2810 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item K893 (Public Works - Snow & Ice Expenaan): $525.000; Line |bam yN94 (Pub|ioVVodm — Street Lighting Expenses): $241.500 and Line |ham K895 (Public Works — Rubbish Collection & Disposal Expenses): $1.5GU.770tobe provided oafollows: Lines M93, M94 and M95 — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion by David Talbot, Precinct 5 for Amendment reducing Line Item MQ5by$5O.UUO Motion for Amendment Does Not CarrV Motion under Article 12 2D1D Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item N01 (Public Safety VVaoon): $7.393.727 and Line Item N82 (Public Safety Expenses): $353,854 to be provided as follows: Lines N91 and NQ2—from property texeo. State aid and non-property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2O1D Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item U99 (School Department): $36,390,308 to be provided as follows: Line U99 — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Presentation given by Charles Robinson, School Committee Chairman Presentation given by John Doherty, Superintendent of Reading Schools - Presentation Attached Presentation given by Mary DeLai, Finance Manager Reading Schools - Presentation Attached 4 Annual Town Meeting April 2Q.2O1D Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item V99 (Town Facilities): $740,693 to be provided as follows: Line V99 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item W99 (Water Enterprise Fund): $5,433,291 to be provided as follows: Lines W99 — $225,000 from Water Reserves and $5,208,291 from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item X99 (Sewer Enterprise Fund): $5,412,723 to be provided as follows: Line X99 — $100,000 from Sewer Reserves and $5,312,723 from property taxes, State aid and non- property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget as presented for Line Item Y99 (Storm Water Enterprise Fund): $377,826 to be provided as follows: Line Y99 — $30,000 from Storm Water Reserves and $347,826 from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts Motion under Article 12 2010 Annual Town Meeting Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2011 Budget, exclusive of State and county assessments: $85,660,297 representing the total of all motions made under Article 12 as amended Funds are to be provided as set forth in said motions as amended Presentation given by Peter Hechenbleikner and Bob LeLacheur Motion made by Bill Brown, Town Meeting Member Precinct 8 to Adjourn - Motion to Adjourn Does Not Carry Annual Town Meeting April 29, 2010 ME i�.'�]C�.A'�3G�1 x.�U✓Jl�',n.J A- Ar?,1• ®® Fiscal 2011 Budget Guiding Principles All communication channels are open, and we work as a team • Input from'oreits, residents, state and local of 6 staff Many public budget meethgs Financ101 Forvms (Sept 6 Oct) Selectmen 6 School Committee (On • Jwuory) Finance Committee (February d March) Maintain maximum budget flexibility Uncharted economic times Unexpected m(d -year events Plan for multiyear financial difficulties Recovery for loco) government to take several years • OK to use Reserves In budgets - cautiously ($Imil in FYI I) Maintain necessary levels of: • Strong financial base Public Education, Health 6 Safety Assistance to those In need FY2010 Budget - Municipal Government Prior Objectives Maintain Our strong financial capability (using $1 million in reserves) .� Infrastructure (Capital) ability to take advantage of opportunities (Eton Devi M1 Protect Our Community Health Community Safety Local "safety net' o those affected by economic downturn lit Minimize additional financial burden on residents and businesses ge MOTION UNDER ARTICLE 12 "Move that the Town raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, and appropriate the sum of: $85.660.297 for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2011, beginning July 1, 2010:" Finance Committee Note: This $85, 660,297 total represents the combination of a $74, 436,4576eneral Fund and three Enterprise Funds which total $11,223,840 (Page 64) ®Q)® Fiscal 2011 Budget Guiding Principles Use realistic revenue forecast • FY10 local revenues will fall short of projections • Assume less FYII State Aid than Governor suggests Preserve infrastructure through continued investments • Fund buildings maintenance 4 capital budgets Recognize financial difficulties of residents d businesses Minimize additional financial burden MSBA repayment for RMHS lowers FYIO tax bills Shared commitment Honor all existing contracts • All other employees budgeted for no raise in FY11 asy ® FY2010 Budget Recap Shortfall in local Revenues despite forecast of - 10.9% vs. FY09 so Budget FY10 Projected FY10 Variance FY10 Excise Taxes $2,500,00D $2,600,000 +$100,000 Penalty/Int. 174,30D 150,000 - 24,300 PILOT 289,80D 291,000 +1,200 Fee /Lic /Pant 1,685,200 1,637,600 -47,600 Medicaid 400,00D 125,000 - 275,000 Spec. Assess 3,150 2,500 -650 Fines /Forfeits 157,50D 100,000 57,500 Misc.141me 168,000 +168,000 ,Investments 600,000 600,000 0 $5,809,950 1 $5,674,100 - $135,850 IZ= lot Z. $19,191,030 FY2011 Budget - Revenues page 64 pages 60 -63 Projected Revenues TOTAL REVENUES $75,007,769 +2.2% - Property Taxes $51,096,967 + 3.1% - Other Local Revs.* $ 5,548,000 - 4.5% - Intergovt Revs. ** $13,212,036 - 2.0% - Transfers d Avail. $ 4,214,766 - 2.2% - Free Cash * ** $ 936,000 Town Facilities (1.0 %) •Excise taxes -4%; Interest earnings -33X,: Medicaid now known too high "• Assume State /Fed Aid $700k below Governor (Tan.10); about equal to House Ways 8 Means (April '10) •••Abaut 50% of the growth in FYtI revenues (unsustainable) IZ= lot Z. $19,191,030 FY2011 Budget Overview page 64 11,712,081 Projected Revenues $ 75,007,769 +1.0% - Used for State Assessments $ 568,602 - Available for Reading $ 74,439,167 Shared Costs (25.8 %) $19,191,030 +5.6% Municipal Government (24.3 %) $18,114,426 +1.1% School Department (48.9 %) $36,390,308 +1.1% Town Facilities (1.0 %) $ 740,693 +0.0% FY2011 Budget Overview FY11 Budget Spending Scorecard (page 64) Each of these line items must be voted by Town Meeting. Motlons will be made in logical groupings when practical (for example, lines 691 and 692 Town Administration wages and expenses). After each motion Is read, a short presentation will follow. Town meeting members should ask any questions or make any comment s at this time. If there are amendments, the amendments will be voted. We will then move to the next motion on a section of the budget, and once all sections have been moved and amended as proposed, a revised main motion Incorporating any amendments will be made and voted. FY2011 Budget - State Aid pages 60 -63 STATE -.1-s ,a a6 0 AAAAAAAA±'AAAAAAAAAAAAAe FY2011 Budget Overview FINCOM FYI Budget Message (page 59) FY2011 Budget - Shared Costs pages 65 -7Z Total Shared $19,191,030 + 5.6% - Benefits 11,712,081 + 6.9% - Capital* 993,000 - 8.1% - Debt Service* 6,158,003 + 6.8% - vocat'l Schools 327,946 - 13.2% *Total $7.15 million is up from $6.85 million in FYIi This FYI1 figure is per FINCOM Policy (5% of net revenues available) plus an allowance for performance contracting energy savings. 1 FOB FY2011 Budget - Shared Costs pages 65 -72 Benefits(699) $11,712,081 + 6.9% - Retirement $2,991,956 +$186,924 + 6.7% - `Worker Camp $ 305,000 +$ 58,950 +24% - Unemployment $ 125,000 +$ 70,000 +127% - " "Health /Life $7,625,000 +$ 400,000 + 5.5% - Medicare $ 607,375 +$ 42,375 + 7.5% - Indemnification $ 57,500 +$ 2,500 + 5.0% 'FYIO budget underfunded - FYI! increase Is +7.5% ""FYJO budget overfunded - FYII Increase Is +9.7% FY2011 Budget - Shared Costs pages 65 -72; (blue) 223 -230 Debt(D99) $6,158,003 + 6.8% Excluded debt $2,798,191 - RMHS $2.707 million; Barrows A Wood End $91k (M58A pays $696,87? of this total) Finance Included debt $3,359,812 - Energy improvements $ 473,988 - School buildings $1,584,923 (M58A pays.$462,036 of this total) 19.7 unchanged - Tennis courts; artificial turf $ 184,369 - Downtown improvements $ 84,419 - Police station $ 440,000 - Fire equipment $ 300,613 - Financial systems $ 291,500 4;2011 Budget - Municipal Government pages 73 -108 Full Time Equivalents: 205.8 ( -0.6 Town Admin. 1% 2.4 unchanged Accounting 1% 2.5 unchanged Finance 10% 19.5 unchanged Comm. Svcs. 8% 16.9 ( -0.6) Library 10% 19.7 unchanged Public Works, 21% 43.0 unchanged Public Safety 49% 101.8 unchanged No FYII budgefedrais'esexcept for probationary employees FY2011 Budget - Shared Costs pages 65 -72; (blue) 216 -ZZ2 • Caoital(C99) $993.000 - 8.1% $425k roads (in addition to Chapter 90 funding) $230k Ambulance (10yr life, 50% as backup) $115k DPW sander (20 yrs old - 15yr life) $83k Killam parking lot repairs $40k General curb /sidewalk $30k Killam playground (annual program) $25k Patient care system (new mandate) $20k School security system $15k General playground surfaces $10k Street sign replacements (old mandate) FY2011 Budget - Shared Costs pages 65 -72 Vocational Education(E99) $327.946 -13.2% Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School (page 70) 12 communities: Chelsea: Malden; Melrose; North Reading: Reading; Revere; Saugus; Stoneham; Wakefield; Winchester: Winthrop; Woburn 4 72011 Budget - Municipal Government pages 73 -108 Total Costs: $18.114,426 + 1.1% Town Admin(G91 -92) 4% 683,646 - 0.0% Accounting(H91 -92) 1% 157,320 + 0.0% Finance(191 -92) 9% 1,642,210 - 0.0% FINCOM Reserves(J92) 1% 150,000 + 0.0% Comm. 5vcs.(K91 -92) 6% 1,086,572" + 4.7% Library(L91 -92) 7% 1,229,678 + 0.8% Public Works(M91 -92) 17% 3,090,149 + 1.5% Snow /Lights/Trash(M93- 95)13% 2,327,270 + 3.2% Public Safety(N91 -92) 43% 7,747,581 + 0.6% 'ref/ecrslossafp -its/ dotf r 3 am *- FY2011 Budget - School Department Ji Building Maintenance pages 109 -197 Presentation by the School Committee and School Department during the Motions for: Line U99 (Schools) Line V99 (Town Facilities) 1111=0 111121111 FY2011 Budget - Enterprise Funds pages 198 -Z15 Rates set for September 2010 billing: Water -3.9% Sewer -5.2% Storm Water -8.5% Budgets for FY11: Water(W99) $5,433,291 - 2.9%operating Water $5,208,291 0.7% net of $2251, reserves Sewer(X99) $5,412,723 3,0% operating (iacr. debt, captl) Sewer $5,208,291 3.3 %nci of $1001, raserves Storm Wtr (W99) $377,826 +29.7% operating (increase in capital) Storm Wtr $347,826 19.4% net of $30k reserves M ARTICLE 13 — On motion by George Hines, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64L, § 2(a) to impose a local sales tax upon the sale of restaurant meals originating within the Town by a vendor at the rate of .75 percent of the gross receipts of the vendor from the sale of restaurant meals to take effect July 1, 2010. Motion to Table until May 3, 2010 Motion to Table Carries ARTICLE 17 — On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to accept the gift of a sum of money to establish the following funds: 1. a permanent trust fund to be known as "Patrons for Older Adults Scholarship" with the income there from to be used to fund an annual scholarship award for a student who is a resident of Reading, Massachusetts, who is planning to enter a profession that helps senior citizens (such as, but not limited to, medicine, social work, etc.); and Estimated Amount $25,000 2. a permanent trust fund to be known as "Patrons for Older Adults Support Fund" with the income there from to be used no less frequently than annually to sponsor programs which support the social needs of Reading's senior citizens (such as, but not limited to, parties, group events, transportation to such events, etc.); to be expended as determined by the Council on Aging in concert with the Elder /Human Services Division; and that the foregoing trusts be administered by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds in accordance -- with the wishes of the donors. Estimated Amount $125,000 Presentation given by Peter Hechenbleikner - Presentation Attached FinCom Report given by Kevin Leyne to support by a vote of 7 -0 -0 Motion Carried ARTICLE 18 — On motion by Chuck Robinson, Chairman of School Committee, it was voted to accept a gift of a sum of money to establish the Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund; and that said fund be administered by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds in accordance with the wishes of the donors. Estimated Amount $26,744.00 Information presented by Mary DeLai FinCom Report given by Harold Torman voted to support 7 -0 -0 Motion Carried i ARTICLE 19 - On motion by James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman of Board of Selectmen, it was. voted to accept a gift of a sum of money from the Downtown Steering Committee to establish a trust fund to be known as the "Downtown Improvement and. Events Trust upon the following terms and 7 Annual Town Meeting April 29, 2010 conditions; "that the trust fund may accept donations which may be added to the funds to be invested and reinvested and shall be expended by the Town Manager or his designee under the general direction of the Economic Development Committee, for the sole purposes of supporting and funding improvements, promotions and community events in the Downtown area of Reading; that the trust shall begin upon the acceptance hereof by Town Meeting, and shall terminate immediately and automatically in 20 years unless the Board of Selectmen shall determine at that time that the need and purposes of the trust continue; that if the trust continues past 20 years, the Board of Selectmen shall evaluate and determine the ongoing need for the trust every 10 years thereafter; that upon the termination of the Trust, the trust assets shall be transferred to the Town of Reading to be expended on Downtown Improvements; and that the Trust be administered by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds in accordance with the wishes of the donors. Motion by Richard Schubert to dispense of further reading of Article 19 Motion to Dispense Carried Information presented given by Peter Hechenbleikner Information presented given by Jack Russell - Presentation Attached FinCom Report given by Marsie West voted to support 7 -0 -0 Motion Carried Annual Town Meeting April 29, 2010