HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 Annual Report Appendix C COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Town of Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I Thomas H Freeman Jr, on October 26, 2017 notified and warned
the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the
place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in
the following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 3 Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 , Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 6 Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7 Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive
Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 13, 2017, the
date set for Town Meeting in this Warrant.
I also caused a posting of this Warrant to be published on the Town of Reading website on
October 26, 2017.
v
C
A true copy Attest:
----------&--.
Laura A Gemme, Town Clerk
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TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and
warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in the Local Elections and Town
affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, 62 Oakland
Road, in said Reading, on Monday November 13, 2017 at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at
which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by
Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, School
Committee, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee,
Town Manager, Town Accountant and any other Town Official, Board or Committee.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 2 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Boards or Committees
and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Boards or Committees, and to
see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or
otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Boards or Committees to carry out the
instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2018-28 Capital
Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and
as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town's Operating Budget for
the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2017, as adopted under Article 16 of the Annual Town
Meeting of April 4, 2017; and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or
transfer from available funds, or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the
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amounts appropriated under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its
government, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will 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, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will 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; or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a portion of the premium paid
to the Town upon the sale of bonds issued on June 30, 2017 to pay costs of capital projects and
to reduce the amounts appropriated for such projects by the same amount; or to take any other
action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw as follows:
A. Amend Section 8.9.7 (Public Consumption of Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol) by
deleting the second paragraph thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the
following:
The Police Department may enforce the provisions of this section through any
lawful means in law or in equity including enforcement by noncriminal disposition
pursuant to MGL Chapter 40 Section 21 D. The fine for violation of this
section shall be One Hundred ($100) Dollars for each offense pursuant to
MGL Chapter 94G Sections 13(c) and (g), and MGL Chapter 94C Section 32N.
and
B. Amend the Table set forth in Section 1.8 (Non-Criminal Civil Disposition of Certain
Violations of the Bylaw and any Rule or Regulation of a Town Officer, Board or
Department) by deleting the figure "$300" wherever it appears on line 8.9.7, and
inserting, in place thereof, the figure"$100."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
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Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw as follows:
A. Delete Section 1.9 (Severability) in its entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
If any provision of this bylaw shall be found invalid for any reason in a court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall be construed as narrowly as possible,
and the balance of this bylaw shall be deemed to be amended to the minimum
extent necessary, so as to secure the purposes thereof, as set forth in Section
1.1 hereof.
B. Delete Section 1.10.3 (He, His, Himself) in its entirety and renumber Section 1.10.4
(Inhabitant) as 1.10.3
C. Insert a new Section 1.10.4 as follows:
Local News Medium
A newspaper or other means or channel of information communication to which
the general public has access within the Town.
D. Delete Section 1.10.9 (Precincts) in its entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
Precinct
Each of the areas into which the Town is divided for the purpose of conducting
elections.
E. Insert anew Section 1.11 as follows:
Number and Gender
Words contained in this bylaw that import the singular number may extend and
be applied to several persons or things; words that import the plural number may
include the singular; and words that import the masculine gender shall include
the feminine gender.
F. Insert anew Section 1.12 as follows:
Computation of Time
In computing time under this bylaw, if seven (7)days or less is specified, only
days that Town Hall is open to the general public shall be counted; if more than
seven (7) days is specified, every calendar day shall be counted.
and delete Section 4.1.5.3 (Computation of Time) in its entirety.
G. Delete the words "local newspaper"from Section 2.1.6 (Posting of the Warrant) and
insert, in place thereof, the words "Local News Medium."
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H. Amend Section 2.2.1 (Conduct of Town Meeting) by:
1. Deleting the words "the bylaw or Charter" from Rule 4 and inserting, in place
thereof, the words "this bylaw or the Charter."
2. Deleting the word "therefore"from Rule 4 and inserting, in place thereof, the word
"therefor."
3: Deleting the word "money" from Rule 14 and inserting, place thereof, the word
"funds."
4. Inserting, in Rule 19, a comma (",") after the word "Time."
I. Delete the words "some newspaper"from Section 2.2.4.3 (Posting and Advertising) and
insert, in place thereof, the words "a Local News Medium."
J. Amend all provisions of Section 2.2.7 (Removal of Town Meeting Members) by deleting
the words "Section 2-6 of the Charter," wherever they appear, and inserting, in place
thereof, the words"Section 2.6 of the Charter."
K. Delete the first two sentences of Section 2.2.7.2 (Precinct Recommendation) in their
entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
At a Precinct meeting held prior to consideration by Town Meeting of any warrant
article submitted pursuant to Section 2.6 of the Charter, Town Meeting Members
from each precinct shall adopt a recommendation to Town Meeting on whether
each member from the precinct listed in such article should be removed from
Town Meeting.
L. Delete the first sentence of Section 2.2.9 (Rules Committee) in its entirety and insert, in
place thereof, the following:
The members of the Rules Committee, established under Section 2.12 of the
Charter, shall meet no less than once every two (2) years.
M. Delete the title of Section 3.2.1 (Town Treasurer-Collector) and insert, in place thereof,
the following:
Town Collector
N. Delete Section 3.2.1.1 (Duties) in its entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
Duties
The Town Collector shall be responsible for the collection and receipt of all sums
and accounts due, owing or paid to the Town, including taxes and fees.
O. Delete Section 3.2.1.3 (Receipts) in its entirety.
P. Insert a new Section 3.2.4 as follows:
Town Treasurer
3.2.4.1 Duties
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In addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed upon Town
Treasurers by the Massachusetts General Laws, the Town Treasurer shall:
- Supervise and be responsible for the prompt deposit, safekeeping and
management of all monies collected or received by the Town;
- Be the custodian of all funds, monies, securities or other things of value
that are or have been given, bequeathed or deposited in trust with the
Town for any purpose, including the preservation, care, improvement or
embellishment of any of the Town's cemeteries or burial lots therein;
- Invest all sums held in trust as he determines to be appropriate after
consultation with the Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds; and
- Distribute the income therefrom on the order of said Board.
3.2.4.2 Receipts
The Town Treasurer shall, at least once in each week, pay over to the Treasurer's
accounts all money received by him during the preceding week or lesser period,
including any sum received as interest on moneys received by him on all accounts
committed to him and deposited in any bank. He shall give bond to the Town for
the faithful performance of his duties in a form approved by the Commissioner of
Revenue and in such sum, not less than the amount that may be established by
said Commissioner, as shall be fixed by the Selectmen.
Q. Amend the first sentence of Section 3.3.2.2 (Recommendation to Town Meeting) by:
1. Deleting the first word "The" in the first sentence and inserting, in place thereof,
the words"Unless otherwise stipulated in the Charter, the."
2. Inserting the words "or Subsequent" after the word "Annual."
R. Amend Section 3.3.3 (Bylaw Committee) by
1. Deleting the word "bylaw"from the first sentence, and inserting, in place thereof,
the words "Charter, this bylaw, Special Acts or local acceptance of State
statutes."
2. Inserting, at the end of the first sentence, the words "and may also report on
proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw."
3. Deleting the words "included in the Finance Committee report"from the second
sentence, and inserting, in place thereof, the words "made available in the same
manner."
S. Delete the title of Section 3.3.5.2 (Selection of Audit Firm), and insert, in place thereof, a
new title, "Duties."
T. Delete the words "Section 6-4 of the Charter"from Section 5.2 (Resolution of Legal
Matters) and insert, in place thereof, the words"Section 6.4 of the Charter."
U. Amend all provisions of Section 5.3.1 (Procedure for Adoption) by deleting the words
"Section 8-7 of the Charter" wherever they appear, and inserting, in place thereof, the
words "Section 8.7 of the Charter."
and
339
V. Amend the second sentence of Section 5.3.3 (Filing of Approved Rules and Regulations)
by deleting the words "Section 8-8 of the Charter," and inserting, in place thereof, the
words "Section 8.8 of the Charter."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw as follows:
A. Insert a new Section 8.13 as follows:
Section 8.13 REGULATION OF RETAIL CHECKOUT BAGS
8.13.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Section is to regulate the retail use of plastic bags and adopt the use
of reusable, recyclable and/or biodegradable bags for use at checkout.
8.13.2 Definitions
The following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the
following meanings:
8.13.2.1 "Checkout bag," a carryout bag provided by a store to a customer at the point
of sale. Checkout bags shall not include bags, whether plastic or not, in which
loose produce or-products are placed by the consumer to deliver such items
to the point of sale or check out area,of the store.
8.13.2.2 "Compostable plastic bag," a plastic bag that: (1) conforms to the current
ASTM D6400, the ASTM International "Standard Specification for Labeling of
Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial
Facilities"for compostability; (2) is certified and labeled as meeting the ASTM
D6400 standard specification by a recognized verification entity; and (3)
conforms to any other standards deemed acceptable by the Director.
8.13.2.3 "Director," DPW Director or the DPW Director's designee,.
8.13.2.4 "Marine degradable plastic bag," a plastic bag that conforms to the ASTM
D7081, the ASTM International "Standard Specification for Non-Floating
Biodegradable Plastics in the Marine Environment" and conforms to any other
standards deemed acceptable by the Director.
8.13.2.5 "Recyclable paper bag," a paper bag that is: (1) 100 percent recyclable; and
(2) contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled paper content and is
clearly labeled as such.
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8.13.2.6 "Reusable checkout bag," a bag with handles that: (1) can carry twenty-five
(25) pounds over a distance of three hundred (300) feet; and (2) is either(a)
made of cloth or other machine washable fabric, or(b) made of plastic that is
durable, non-toxic, and generally considered a food-grade material other than
polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, and that is at least three (3) mils thick.
8.13.2.7 "Retail Establishment," any commercial enterprise including, but not limited to
the following: restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores,
liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses,jewelry stores, household
goods stores and any other business that offers the sale and display of
merchandise.
8.13.2.8 "Single-use plastic checkout bags," any plastic bag less than 3 mils thick,
8.13.3 Regulation
8.13.3.1 If any Retail Establishment provides plastic Checkout bags to customers, the
plastic Checkout bags shall comply with the standards for Compostable
plastic bags and Marine degradable plastic bags.
8.13.3.2 If a Retail Establishment provides Checkout bags, the Checkout bags shall
be Marine degradable plastic bags, Reusable checkout bags, Compostable
plastic bags or Recyclable paper bags. Retail Establishments are encouraged
to make Reusable bags available for free or for sale to customers at a
reasonable price.
8.13.3.3 Except as otherwise provided herein, Single-use plastic checkout bags shall
not be distributed, used or sold for checkout or other purposes at any Retail
Establishment within the Town of Reading. Existing stocks of Single-use
checkout bags shall be phased out within six (6) months following the
effective date of Section 8.13.
8.13.3.4 The following are exempt and not subject to the provisions of Section 8.13:
o Bags used by customers to:
• package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy or
small hardware items;
• contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish;
to contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where
dampness may be a problem; and
o Laundry or dry-cleaning bags or bags sold in packages containing
multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste,
pet waste or yard waste.
8.13.4 Administration and Enforcement
8.13.4.1 The Director shall have the authority to administer and enforce Section 8.13.
In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provision of Section 8.13
and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto may be enforced by non-
criminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.8 and MGL
Chapter 40 Section 21 D.
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8.13.4.2 Retail Establishments shall have fifteen (15) calendar days, after the date that
a notice of violation is issued, to pay the penalty or request a hearing in
writing to the Director. No more than one (1) penalty shall be imposed upon
a Retail Establishment within a fifteen (15) calendar-day period.
8.13.4.3 In the event that compliance with Section 8.13 is not feasible for a Retail
Establishment because of either unavailability of suitable Checkout bags or
economic hardship, the Director may grant a waiver of not more than six (6)
months upon application of the owner or owner's representative. The Director
may provide one (1) additional six-month waiver upon showing of continued
infeasibility or hardship, as set forth above.
8.13.4.4 The Director may promulgate rules and regulations to implement Section
8.13.
and
B. Amend the Table set forth in Section 1.8 (Non-Criminal Civil Disposition of Certain
Violations of the Bylaw and any Rule or Regulation of a Town Officer, Board or
Department) by adding, after line 8.12, a new line as follows:
BylawEnforcing
Bylaw Title, Firms en5e` � I enal
e ion Fren
Regulation of Director of
8.13 Retail Checkout Public Warning $50 $200
Baas Works
or take any other action with respect thereto,
Board of Selectmen
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and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1)
public place in each precinct of the Town not less#han fourteen (1 1) days prior to No embor 13,
2017, or, providing in a manner,such as electronic,submission, holding for pim kup or mailing, an
attested copy of said Warrant to aach Town Meeting Member..
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town
Clerk at or before,the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this-10h day of 5e $ bei 2017.
rana,, airman
G
harry Eder an„ Vice Chairman
Daniel Ensrn ng r, Socret ry
An eww Friedmann
John Hats
SELECTMEN OFREAIJING
� z, -� •mom .,„�
on§table
343
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
The Precincts listed below met at 7:00 PM to conduct the following business:
Precinct 2 - With a Quorum present, Laura Faye Wilson and Kaitlyn Mercurio were appointed to fill
vacancies until the next election
Precinct 3 - With a Quorum present, Michael J Barry and David B Tuttle were appointed to fill vacancies
until the next election - Sandra Kosta was reappointed to fill her vacancy until the next election
Precinct S - With a Quorum present, Wade J Willwerth and Lorraine Willwerth were appointed to fill
vacancies until the next election
Precinct 6 - With a Quorum present, Robert R Lynch was appointed to fill a vacancy until the next
election.
Precinct 8 - With a Quorum present, Daniel Ross was appointed to fill a vacancy until the next election
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:35 PM, there being a quorum
present. The Invocation was given by Philip Pacino, Precinct 5 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag. All new members of Town Meeting were sworn-in. The Constables return of the Warrant was read by
the Town Clerk.
Motion made by John Arena, Board of Selectmen to dispense of the reading of the warrant and all motions
in their entirety.
Motion Carried
Point of Personal Privilege given by:
Janice Jones, Precinct 5
Janice Jones addressed Town Meeting members and thanked the Town for being so supportive of all those
affected by the fire at 52 Sanborn Street. Janice stated that a lot of people have been very generous in
help and support and the residents are very thankful.
Russell T Graham, Precinct 4
Russell Graham addressed Town Meeting members to recognize two Town Meeting members for their
service to the Town as Town Meeting members for many years, as well as many other positions and tasks.
Jack and Margaret Russell will be resigning from Town Meeting, Thank you for your many years of service.
Mary Ellen O'Neill, Precinct 4
Mary Ellen O'Neill addressed Town Meeting members to recognize Ronald D'Addario, Precinct 6 for his
years of service to the Town as a Town Meeting member for many years. Thank you for your many years
of service.
ARTICLE 1: To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Library
Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee, Town Manager, Town Accountant
and any other Town Official, Board or Committee.
Reports given:
344
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
Robert W LeLacheur, Jr, Town Manager
Over a year ago Town Meeting agreed to do everything needed to disallow commercial marijuana in
Reading, including a Home Rule Petition. The Legislators have since asked the Town of Reading to
withdrawal the Home Rule Petition as it is not needed with some of the Rules and Regulations put into
place. The Home Rule Petition is also at odds with the current Regulations.
Phil Rushworth, Executive Director of RCTV
Reading 375 Steering Committee Update, Reading will be celebrating 375 years in 2019. Need committee
members to help. First fund raiser will be Trivia Night on November 17, 2017. The Steering Committee is
hard at work planning events for the spring of 2019.
Municipal Light Board
Coleen O'Brien, General Manager
Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is committed to developing strategic visions within each of its
divisions. Visions look beyond short-term plans and aim at predictive analysis to help navigate through
areas of volatility projected for the future. Much change has and will continue to impact the electric
industry in talent management, succession and the millennial generational transition; energy, capacity
and transmission market pricing fluctuations; renewable and sustainable energy production; exponential
technology development; etc. Risk management is key.
The RMLD is working to ensure that the short and long-term plans are strategically designed and
continuously reviewed to meet the challenges of the present and future. We have successfully transitioned
to proactive cyclic maintenance scheduling, providing a solid basis to our planning efforts. To reiterate our
objectives, a quality electric utility must have the ability to be proactive in all disciplines of planning,
including system function and operation. It must integrate its proactive measures to react efficiently by
utilizing planned reaction procedures for unforeseen events such as weather and power market volatility.
Working strategically ensures that the utility remains aligned with the path to success.
Ensuring that there is sufficient generation and transmitting facilities into and around the Boston NEMA
Zone is an ongoing effort of the ISO New England (NE) grid operators. NE capacity deficiencies have
resulted in recent cost escalations. The RMLD's focus on peak reduction remains a critical factor in
offsetting these costs. A major RMLD accomplishment was the installation of a new 2.5MW gas generator
at Substation 3. Commissioned on-line this past summer, the new generator is dispatched for operation
during peak hours.
RMLD also advanced its peak reduction efforts through public education. RMLD's Shred the Peak campaign
was a main driver in this year's Elementary School Student Art Contest as well as its first annual High
School Student Art Contest. Over the past summer, more than fifteen high school students took time out
from their summer break to meet at RMLD for an educational session. This year's annual report cover
dons the first-place high school winner. Second, third, and fourth place winners are featured on page 2.
We at the RMLD are extremely proud of all the students in both the elementary and high schools for their
time, effort, and participation. We truly appreciate their support in promoting the value of conservation,
especially during peak demand times when the price of electricity is at its highest, and when most of the
more inefficient and environmental impacting generators are called into action.
The RMLD is pleased to have achieved 100% subscription to its first Solar Choice community solar project
at 326 Ballardvale Street in Wilmington, which is now operational. This type of project allows the
community to invest in the benefits of renewable energy. Generation, such as community solar projects,
reduce RMLD's peak demand when located within the RMLD service territory and lessen the costs
associated with capacity requirements. The RMLD is currently accepting enrollments for its second Solar
Choice project at 40-50 Fordham Road in Wilmington, which is anticipated to be complete by the end of
the 2018 fiscal year. The RMLD continues to work in concert with our service towns and private
commercial businesses to provide more community solar benefits to our customers within the parameters
of proper physical electric system balancing and safety.
345
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
The RMLD moves forward with a strong STRATEGIC VISION. Join us as we work to get MORE green, go
MORE paperless, be MORE efficient, and SHRED MORE PEAKS.
Daniel Ensminger, Board of Selectmen
Reporting update of an instructional motion regarding a look at the CPI payments made to the Town of
Reading by RMLD. Citizen Advisory Board, along with members of the RMLD Board of Commissioners met
in October and started discussion and exchanged ideas. They will meet again and continue the process.
Reading Public Schools
John Doherty, Superintendent
Mr. Moderator, Town Meeting Members, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee Members, School
Committee, Fellow Town Leaders and Department Heads, School Building Principals, District
Administrators, Members of the School Community, and Invited Guests. It is my great privilege tonight to
represent the hundreds of dedicated educators of the Reading Public Schools, and to deliver to you the
annual State of the Schools address.
Without a doubt, the issue that every one of our educators would probably want to communicate to you
tonight is that we are in a time of tremendous change in education. In this, the 21st century, change has
been swift, in so many different areas of life. With technology advances, social media, changing industries,
and so much more . . . we all realize of course that the future our kids are preparing for is in many ways
very different from when we were their age. To use a football analogy, over the last several years alone,
the goal posts have been moved several times. Just in the past five years there have been three new sets
of state frameworks in science, mathematics, and literacy and we have had three different state
assessments, a more rigorous SAT and AP exams at the high school level, the increased role that
technology plays in education, and an increased (and understandable) emphasis on the overall health and
well-being of our students—especially given the opioid and substance-addiction epidemic facing our
society. While all of these changes are definitely in the best interest of our students, there is no question
they have put stress and strain on our administrative team and on our staff. As a district that is
comparatively very lean in administrative leadership—one without curriculum directors or coordinators,
major changes are more challenging to navigate than for many other districts. In addition, all of this is
happening during a time in Reading of tighter and tighter budgets, where each year the level service
budget is being reduced from the previous year. On behalf of all our teachers and administrators, I say
this only because I think it's important to recognize the challenges our staff has collectively been facing—
and to express extreme gratitude for their ongoing efforts.
Retired journalist and famous broadcaster Tom Brokaw is quoted as saying, "There is a place in America
to take a stand: it is public education . . . Public education after all is the engine that moves us as a
society toward a common destiny... It is in public education that the American dream begins to take
shape."
I know it is with this type of passion that the teachers of Reading have been setting new goals for our
district and have been working tirelessly to align to the more rigorous standards from the Department of
Education. There are areas that our staff has identified as requiring significant improvement, and we are
certainly facing both fiscal and organizational challenges. In spite of these challenges, however, our staff
has also been making some significant progress in revitalizing our district, and I know they are grateful for
your continued support toward these efforts. Through this journey over the last few years, I have certainly
learned a great deal as well - some of it the hard way - but as educators, we are also great learners. As
our students know, mistakes, adversity, challenges—can make us stronger and•better (as long as we learn
from the experience). And our administrators, teachers, and staff are now profoundly moving this district
in a direction that the entire community can and should be proud of—and one that will greatly benefit our
children—who are the future of this community. To that end, this evening, I want to give you three quick
examples of where we are making significant progress in our school district—and how the educators of
this community are making sure that the Reading Public Schools is poised for the future.
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SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
First and foremost, is our schools' efforts in community building, which quite simply is creating the
foundation for everything else we do. The 21st century may have brought us all tremendous changes, but
the foundational values of our community have remained unchanged—and in fact, are actually being
strengthened, all during a time when our society seems to need it most. It is truly inspirational to see our
educators and students demonstrate such team-building, and the entire community can be very proud of
the leadership role our schools are playing and are modeling for our children. For instance, at a time when
communities all over the country are seeing an up-tick in hate crimes or in hate-related graffiti, the staff
and students of Reading have responded strongly and proactively by bringing people together, forming
new partnerships, and strengthening our community values of respect and acceptance for all. Our plan
focuses on response, communication, teamwork and education.
We are especially proud of the strong collaboration between the Reading Public Schools and the Reading
Police Department. This relationship, which is not the norm in other communities, has only grown stronger
and is built on communication, trust, and a sense of purpose to keep our students and staff safe. We have
been very fortunate in this community to have strong leadership with Chief Segalla, his predecessor Chief
Cormier and exceptional School Resource Officers who understand their role in a school setting.
In addition, we have developed a strong relationship with the Anti-Defamation League, who is providing
our teachers and administrators with on-going support and training. They have been providing student
training at our two middle schools and the high school for our A World of Difference Clubs. These clubs will
lead the student response in creating a culture that promotes respect and embraces diversity. Last year,
the student club here at the High School created an RMHS Human Rights Resolution which was embraced
by both staff and students.
Along the same lines, we have formed community partnerships with Reading Embraces Diversity, the
Reading Clergy Association, and the Human Relations Advisory Committee who are using their roles to
involve our community and help educate them that this is a community problem which requires a
community solution. To that end, in late June, Deputy Police Chief Clarke and I met with over forty
members of the Jewish Community to listen to their concerns and to better understand from them what
these incidents symbolized. The conversation we had that evening was impactful and really resonated with
me on the role our schools can play in our community. In short, through these challenges, we are bringing
people together to forge new bonds and to model the values we hold dear for all our children. All of our
schools have responded also with assemblies, activities, and curriculum that focus on the core values of
respect for each other—including for instance, the new Facing History and Ourselves program at the
middle schools, which is designed to fosters empathy and reflection, improves student's academic
performance, and helps build safe and inclusive schools for ALL students.
This leads to our second example, which is the district's commitment to closing the achievement gap
among students and providing better supports, especially to our high needs students.
Last year, our entire team of principals and administrators collectively determined that this must be an
explicit goal in our district improvement plan and that our efforts over the next several years must be
unwavering. In essence, in spite of'the inherent challenges we are currently facing, our schools have
renewed a commitment to providing an excellent education to ALL students, including and especially for
our students with disabilities. And our staff are now taking bold steps in this direction. Three years ago,
through the visionary and proactive leadership of Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, we had
Walker Associates do a thorough review of all of our special education programs and services. Through the
recommendations of that report, we have been methodically and strategically with available resources,
improving special education in our district. In the last couple of years, our special education staff have
been working hard to develop a consistency of common practices from school to school and from level to
level. Our teachers and administrators have been engaged in a significant amount of training in specialized
reading, and both Special Education and General Education have been collaborating together to provide
important professional development for staff. All of this has led not only to a more effective identification
of students eligible for special education and appropriate services, but also to a more comprehensive
understanding of effective instructional practices and to the identification of areas in which we needed to
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take steps to improve. Although we recently came to resolution with the Office of Civil Rights regarding
issues from the 2014 and 2015 school years, staff members felt their efforts were validated, as many of
the issues had already been proactively addressed prior to receiving the notice from OCR. I believe it is a
good indicator that we have staff who are striving to address issues, and view complaints or feedback as
an opportunity to better serve all kids. It's a credit to our staff, and I can't thank them enough for that
attitude, as they are truly being excellent role models for our children. We have also recently begun taking
initial steps for doing a complete review of our language-based special education program and specialized
reading services and developing an action plan focused on improving the program and services for
students with dyslexia and other language-based disabilities. Having strong in-district special education
not only benefits our students as they are given the opportunity to be educated with their peers in the
Reading Public Schools, but also it is a more cost-effective way to educate those students which allows us
to invest more of our educational funding to the general classrooms.
Over the last couple of years, to support this work—and also part of the General and Special Ed
collaboration, we have also made tremendous progress in our implementation of a multi-tiered system of
supports for students—and Reading is now seen as a leader in this area throughout the New England
region. All schools now have building leadership teams in place to monitor and review student progress,
and blocks of time (called intervention blocks) have now been established during the school day to provide
better support and targeted assistance to all students who may need it. I know that staff will still be
making improvements as we move forward and learn from experiences—but the foundation has now been
firmly built for future gains. These types of tiered supports given in a timely manner, can help all students
reach new levels of success.
My final example focuses simply on the quality of our staff and the work that they have been doing
currently in teaching and learning. First, our community can be very proud of the strength of the team we
have been assembling across all levels. Our expectations are high, and the new members of our team are
making tremendous contributions. In fact, they are being hired specifically for their strengths that will
complement and further the objectives we have set. Lisa Marie Ippolito, the new Principal of the Joshua
Eaton Elementary School and newest member to our team is a great example. She comes to Reading with
a very strong knowledge base in literacy, mathematics, special education, and data analysis. And her
leadership style, strong interpersonal skills, and knowledge of curriculum and instruction has been an
excellent match for the Joshua Eaton Elementary School Community.
My goal is always to have the highest expectations for myself, our educators, and our students...and I am
proud to say that the staff of the Reading Public Schools is made up of some of the most dedicated and
talented educators in the country, who are doing tremendous work to better prepare our children for their
future. We have been focusing our district improvement plan the last two years on updating, aligning,'and
improving our teaching and learning in our classrooms. Our schools are collaborating now and building
upon each other's strengths in new ways—both administrators and teachers. We have created new
opportunities for teachers to work, together at each grade level or content area,, and we are building new
capacities among all our staff to analyze our stu,rdents' behavioral and achievement data so that we can
identify trends and direct interventions effectively. As an example, our outstanding Data Coach, Courtney
Fogarty, explained to the School Committee at a recent meeting how staff are now engaging in the
process of "collaborative inquiry," and I have received feedback from both principals and teachers how
transformative this coaching has beery—and how they believe their students will benefit from this ongoing
work. When a staff member takes time to call or email the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent to
commend such steps and to express their gratitude for the support this work is yielding, we know that our
kids will benefit and that we are heading in the right direction.
These changes positively impact all students and if you have a child or grandchild in our school district,
you may have also noticed that we have been implementing new curriculum materials over the last few
years to support our staff and to align with recent changes in science, mathematics, and literacy. In
addition to our strong emphasis on literacy in the elementary grades, through your Town Meeting support,
we have been able to begin implementation of new science curriculum resources in grades K-12 that will
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provide us the tools to more effectively teach to the new science and engineering standards that were
recently approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
These new standards focus more on problem solving, application, and the use of critical thinking skills...all
skills that are necessary for our students to be prepared for college and career. Last year, we began
introducing new curriculum materials, and technology in grades 3-6. This year, we are fully implementing
new science curriculum and technology in grades 7-9 and it is our goal in year 3 to complete
implementation in grades K-2 and 10-12.
To better align to the state's revised standards, staff have also been establishing new K-8 curriculum
documents for both Literacy and Mathematics, have been engaging in professional development to support
the necessary instructional shifts, and are streamlining and revising report card standards to focus even
more sharply on the expectations outlined in the state Framework and assessed by the state's new, next-
generation MCAS—which was just piloted this last year. Our effort and collaboration is focused firmly on
the core issues and evidence of student learning. Student outcomes are being more clearly defined; and
student progress is being monitored more effectively. By building new structures and capacities of
systemic support, all staff share in the accountability for student learning—and they work together to
achieve results. While we still are not satisfied and have a way to go, our educators are amazing—and I
know it is their hope that the community continues to support them in this important work.
Our teachers are making an impact each and every day for our students through their hard work,
dedication, and their willingness to try out new ideas, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and
become even better educators as a result. And I am so proud of the fact that these educators have chosen
the Reading Public Schools And we are all so fortunate that they have chosen to make a difference in the
lives of our children.
To close tonight, as I do each year, I would like to take a moment to recognize a couple of these students.
As for results of the work our educators are doing each and every day, there are no better examples than
the two Reading Memorial High School Seniors who are the recipients of the Massachusetts Association of
School Superintendents Award for Academic and Community Excellence. It is always difficult to select only
two students, given how many deserving candidates we have here at Reading Memorial High School. Both
students being recognized this evening have demonstrated strong academic skills, participate in
extracurricular and community service activities, and are currently in the top 5% of their graduating class.
In addition, I have had the opportunity to meet with both students and they are genuinely great kids. It is
with honor and pride that I present this award to our first recipient who was a student at the Joshua Eaton
Elementary School and Parker Middle School and is a member of the Model United Nations Club. She
volunteers at the Reading Public Library where she serves as a Net Guide and helps senior citizens use the
library technology. A member of the RMHS Symphonic band, this student has excelled in rigorous classes
including AP BC Calculus, Physics, AP Biology, AP French, and AP Literature. In addition, this student is in
the wind ensemble at the New England Conservatory of Music. This recipient envisions a career in
biochemistry and has applied to Northeastern, UMass Amherst, Brown, Harvard, Tufts, Boston College,
and Amherst College. She dreams about a career where she can have an impact on the lives of others.
When asked which teachers had the greatest impact on her educational journey, she said RMHS English
Teacher Andrea Mooney and RMHS Chemistry teacher Frank Buono.
It is with great pleasure tonight that I recognize Erin Kwon. Erin, please come forward to receive the 2017
Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent's Award. Tonight's second recipient also attended
Joshua Eaton Elementary School and Parker Middle School and has excelled as a four year member of the
RMHS Robotics Team where he has served as a programmer and, now, the business sector president.
Academically, this student is a curious and engaged learner who is currently taking several high level
courses including AP BC Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Physics, AP French, Philosophy of Literature, and
Principles of Engineering. He is very involved in community service activities, teaching swimming to
students at the YMCA who have developmental disabilities and mentoring students in computer coding at
the Reading Public Library. Next year, he plans on majoring in Computer Science and is applying to MIT,
Carnegie Melon, Harvard, Northeastern, UMass Amherst, and RPI. The teacher who has had a significant
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impact on this student's journey is Chemistry Teacher Frank Buono who turned a difficult class with a
dense amount of information into a class he could freely enjoy.
It's a great honor to introduce to you, Mathias Kool! Mathias, please come forward and accept the MASS
2017 Superintendent's Award for Academic Excellence. Congratulation, Erin and Mathias!
This evening, I have focused on three themes on how the Reading Public Schools is poised and prepared
for the future. All of this is connected to the value that strong public schools can have in a community.
About 20 years ago, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (or ASCD, as it is called)
a leading educational, nonprofit organization, published a memorable publication on the connection of
public education and democratic society. In a Town Meeting such as this, a strong symbol of democracy
itself, there is perhaps no better place to echo their sentiments. In that publication, ASCD spoke of the
origin of public schools in the 1800s as "the necessary expression of democratic society." They wrote . . .
"Democratic life requires critical inquiry, collective decision making, civic participation, and a commitment
to the common good" . . . and therefore "educational excellence for all children, through collectively
supported schooling, must be a goal." And they emphasize "Children are our living link to the future."
It is widely known that communities that have strong public schools strengthen a community, build family
values, contribute to lower crime rates, and enhance property values. In addition, public schools give the
promise of equal educational opportunity for all students by creating a safe and supportive school culture,
committing to high standards and high expectations, and teaching democratic principles and values. I take
pride in the fact that we have made that type of contribution to our community.
We have faced many challenges together and one of our biggest challenges is looming on the horizon...the
fiscal constraints that are facing our community. However, each and every time our community has faced
a challenge, we have worked together as a team, persevered, and eventually succeeded. That is why the
educators of Reading are proud to serve this community as dedicated stewards of its future—and of the
future of our democracy.
They would want you to know their goal is to make you all proud—and to thank you for the privilege. . . as
together, we continue to make Reading a place where all students are supported, a place where we
develop the leaders of tomorrow, and a place where our schools continue to provide the strong foundation
for the future of this great community.
Motion made by John Arena, Board of Selectmen and Article 1 was tabled
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 2: On motion made by the Board of Selectmen it was voted to table Article 2.
Motion Carrie
ARTICLE 3: Motion made by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to amend the FY 2018-
28 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7.7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as
previously amended, by making these changes:
General Fund
$480,000 Wood End Elementary School skylight repairs -new
$150,000 Fire and EMS Simulation Training equipment -moved up from FY23
+$85,000 School Technology -wireless access points
$8,000 Cemetery garage Windows and Doors -new
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Windows and m____
$8,000 DPW garage Doors -new
($16,000) West Side Fire Windows and Doors -project completed with a surplus
($165,000) Reduce Fire Breathing apparatus to $25,000 local share from $190,000 because of FEMA grant
*Projected debt service to decline by $177,000 because some of TLT was funded inside the levy and offset by reduced
tax revenues
FY19 -X24,400
$575,000 RMHS High Efficiency Boiler -moved up from FY20 and increased from $350,000
$200,000 DPW School site improvements -Joshua Eaton - new
$100,000 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment -new
$50,000 DPW Parking lot improvement program -new
$50,000 Senior Center Fire alarm repairs -new
$45,600 DPW Truck number 3 -moved up from FY20
+$25,000 DPW Fence Replacement Program -to $50,000 from $25,000
$15,000 Police equipment -new
$10,000 Birch Meadow Windows and Doors -new
$10,000 Joshua Eaton Windows and Doors -new
+$10,000 DPW Windows and Doors -moved up from FY20
-$10,000 Library shelving and equipment
-$35,000 Police video vehicle integration -moved out to FY22
-$40,000 DPW Wood chipper -reduced to $175,000 from $215,000
-$125,000 Town Hall generator -moved out to FY20
-$150,000 RMHS Stadium Turf-moved out to FY21 as $1.75 million debt
-$475,000 Parker Middle School roof-moved out to FY20, increased from $462,000
-$550,000 RMHS Turf 2 -moved to FY21 as $2.25 million debt
FY20+
Various other changes made
Enter rise Funds - Water
F
FY19: + 105.009
$100,000 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment
+$5,000 Truck number 6 -now $155,000 was $150,000
FY20+
Various changes made
Enterprise Funds - Sewer
FYI. : None
FY19c + 1'9 .
$140,000 Backhoe 430D -move up from FY20
$100,000 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment
-$42,000 Pickup number 6 -move out to FY20
FY20+
Various changes made
Enterplise Funds - Storm Water
------
EYALN"Ift
fy
0*
$250,000 Sturges Park drainage project
$100,000 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment
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*Projected debt service m FY19decreased by $411,250 as drainage epro'ects are
.... .. .._
g projects divided into two parts: Sturges Park
in FY19 and Main Street in FY21.
FY2 +
Various changes made ......
Bac gr` y d: This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. The Reading General Bylaw
Section 6.1.3 states ... No funds may be appropriated for any capital item unless such item is included in
the Capital Improvements Program, and is scheduled for funding in the Fiscal Year in which the
appropriation is to be made." Bond ratings agencies also want to ensure that changes to a long-term CIP
are adequately described.
Finance Co w tee o °t - i n b P Prr„ : The Finance Committee recommends the
proposed amendments to the FY 2018 - FY 2028 Capital Improvements Program by a vote of 7-0-0 at
their meeting on October 11, 2017. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite
but in itself does not authorize spending funds towards these items. Finance Committee again on
November 13, 2017 and voted 7-0-0.
0 l ittee_Report: No report
CO rd of Sel mega rt: The Board of Selectmen on October 24, 2017 voted 5-0 to support this
Article
After some discussion a vote was taken
Motigp&pirried
ARTICLE 4: Motion made by the Finance Committee that the Town vote to amend the Town's
Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2017, as adopted under Article 16 of the Annual
Town Meeting of April 4, 2017; and to utilize the sum of $115,736 in state aid; raise and appropriate the
sum of $266,972 from property taxes; raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 from excise taxes and
set aside $9,874 for state assessments for a total of $432,834, to be added to the amounts appropriated
under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its government, as follows:
General Fund ' 'a es and Fx enses
e school Skylight re repairs
es tlon C creaese
C99.- Capital Expenses Wood End Elementaryp 550,000
$480,000
Fire simulator equipment$150,000
School Technology $85,000
Fire breathing apparatus -$165,000
D99 - Debt Service Decrease for TLT debt service - .. - -
$177,000
Expenses
H91 - Public S _
.� Increased hours
Services rs for Human Elder Services Director $27,834
Wages from 20 to 24 hours per week$8,334
Increased hours for Building, Plumbing and Gas,
and Electric Inspectors from 88 to 96 hours per
week$19,500
L92 Library Expenses Maintenance contracts for automated equipment - $22,000
_. ... RFID, securitY.. .... .
Subtotals _ $599834
... mm .- ..Net ..
Operating Expenses w � ��- � �� 00�� $422,834
.._.,._ From Tax Levy ($75,000...... . ..
From New Growth $341,972
From State Aid $115,736
From Excise Taxes$50,000
For State Assessments ($9,874)
......... _ From Free Cash- n3change 6422,834 „
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Finance Committee Re ort lyen by P_gtgr L ecker: At their meeting on October 11, 2017 the
Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
mi ee 'Re ort: No report
8—ggrd of eI m n e Ort: The Board of Selectmen on October 24, 2017 voted 5-0 to support this
Article.
After some discussion a vote was taken
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 5: Motion to table the subject matter of Article 5
oti red,
ARTICLE 6: Motion made by the Board of Selectmen 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; as listed below:
Item Year Estimated
Value
Facilities GMC 400 Truck number 86 1999 $ 500
Department of Public Works.�. � �._.� �........� �_._�.�_ .....
ks Giant Leaf Vacuum 2000 $ 2,000
Department of Public Works Ford Crown Sedan 2007 $ 300
Department of Public Works White Utilitv Trailer 1989 $ 1,500
Fire 40 Scott Breathing < $ 5,000
Apparatus
Fire 27 Breathing Air Cvlinders L < $ 51000
Backaround:: The following items are requested to be designated as surplus. They will either be
sold competitively online, or included as part of a trade-in for a new purchase of equipment.
Finance Committee Re 3ort,-- iven by Anne Johnson, Landr At their meeting on October 11,
2017 the Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
B IaW Committee Report: No report
Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on October 24, 2017 voted 5-0 to support this
Article.
otion aril
ARTICLE 7: Motion made by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to appropriate a portion
of the premium paid to the Town upon the sale of bonds issued June 30, 2017 to pay costs, on a pro-rata
basis, of the water and sewer projects financed with proceeds of such bonds; and to reduce the amount
authorized to be borrowed for such projects, but not yet issued by the Town, by the same amount.
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AAckgrQurL As has happened on two other recent occasions, this Article is for financial
housekeeping only. MA DOR requires that Town Meeting must vote to reduce the original debt
authorization when bonds are sold at a premium (above $100 for $100 par value). Happily we now have
new language when we seek future debt authorization that has been approved by MA DOR and Bond
Counsel, so this should be the last time we need Town Meeting to do this financial technical correction.
Finange Committee RgpprL—Alven by Peter ecker: At their meeting on October 11, 2017 the
Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
BylgW ComMitige Ree oar : No report
Boras el ctm rt: The Board of Selectmen on October 24, 2017 voted 5-0 to support this
Article.
2/3rds Vote Required
Declared Unanimous
155 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion ri+ d
ARTICLE 8: Motion made by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to amend the General
Bylaw as follows:
A Amend Section 8.9:7 (Public Consumption of Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol) by deleting the
second paragraph thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the following:
The Police Department may enforce the provisions of this section through any lawful means in
law or in equity including enforcement by noncriminal disposition pursuant to MGL Chapter 40
Section 21D. The fine for violation of this section shall be One Hundred ($100) Dollars for each
offense pursuant to MGL Chapter 94G Sections 13(c) and (g), and MGL Chapter 94C Section
32N.
and
B Amend the Table set forth in Section 1.8 (Non-Criminal Civil Disposition of Certain Violations of the
Bylaw and any Rule or Regulation of a Town Officer, Board or Department) by deleting the figure
"$300" wherever it appears on line 8.9.7, and inserting, in place thereof, the figure "$100."
Back round: This correction will bring the General Bylaws into compliance with state law. Town Counsel
has advised the Town to follow state law regardless, until this change is made.
inanc+a Cornrnttee lie ort: No report
B Iiaw Corr�rnittee Re ort iv+ n b Paul S Ivester: At their meeting on October 25, 2017 the Bylaw
Committee voted 4-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
otiorn Carried
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw as follows:
A Delete Section 1.9 (Severability) in its entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
If any provision of this bylaw shall be found invalid for any reason in a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity shall be construed as narrowly as possible, and the balance of this
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bylaw shall be deemed to be amended to the minimum extent necessary, so as to secure the
purposes thereof, as set forth in Section 1.1 hereof.
B Delete Section 1.10.3 (He, His, Himself) in its entirety and renumber Section 1.10.4 (Inhabitant) as
1.10.3
Section B created some discussion
C Insert a new Section 1.10.4 as follows:
Local News Medium
A newspaper or other means or channel of information communication to which the general public
has access within the Town.
Section C created some discussion
D Delete Section 1.10.9 (Precincts) in its entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
Precinct
Each of the areas into which the Town is divided for the purpose of conducting elections.
E Insert a new Section 1.11 as follows:
Number and Gender
Words contained in this bylaw that import the singular number may extend and be applied to
several persons or things; words that import the plural number may include the singular; and
words that import the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender.
Section E created some discussion
Motion to amend Section E made by Linda Snow Dockser, Precinct 1 as follows:
Number and Gender
Words contained in this bylaw that import the singular number may extend and be applied to
several persons or things; words that import the plural number may include the singular; and
words that import the masculine and or feminine gender shall be interpreted as gender
neutralnel 4 --the�f- m-ifl4 -gender.
it n to A ctlon Car
F Insert a new Section 1.12 as follows:
Computation of Time
In computing time under this bylaw, if seven (7) days or less is specified, only days that Town Hall
is open to the general public shall. be counted; if more than seven (7) days is specified, every
calendar day shall be counted.
and delete Section 4.1.5.3 (Computation of Time) in its entirety.
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G Delete the words "local newspaper" from Section 2.1.6 (Posting of the Warrant) and insert, in place
thereof, the words "Local News Medium."
H Amend Section 2.2.1 (Conduct of Town Meeting) by:
1 Deleting the words "the bylaw or Charter" from Rule 4 and inserting, in place thereof, the words
"this bylaw or the Charter."
2 Deleting the word "therefore" from Rule 4 and inserting, in place thereof, the word "therefor."
3 Deleting the word "money" from Rule 14 and inserting, place thereof, the word "funds."
4 Inserting, in Rule 19, a comma (",") after the word "Time."
I Delete the words "some newspaper" from Section 2.2.4.3 (Posting and Advertising) and insert, in
place thereof, the words "a Local News Medium."
J Amend all provisions of Section 2.2.7 (Removal of Town Meeting Members) by deleting the words
"Section 2-6 of the Charter," wherever they appear, and inserting, in place thereof, the words
"Section 2.6 of the Charter."
K Delete the first two sentences of Section 2.2.7.2 (Precinct Recommendation) in their entirety and
insert, in place thereof, the following:
At a Precinct meeting held prior to consideration by Town Meeting of any warrant article submitted
pursuant to Section 2.6 of the Charter, Town Meeting Members from each precinct shall adopt a
recommendation to Town Meeting on whether each member from the precinct listed in such article
should be removed from Town Meeting.
L Delete the first sentence of Section 2.2.9 (Rules Committee) in its entirety and insert, in place
thereof, the following:
The members of the Rules Committee, established under Section 2.12 of the Charter, shall meet no
less than once every two (2) years.
M Delete the title of Section 3.2.1 (Town Treasurer-Collector) and insert, in place thereof, the
following:
Town Collector
N Delete Section 3.2.1.1 (Duties) in its entirety and insert, in place thereof, the following:
Duties
The Town Collector shall be responsible for the collection and receipt of all sums and accounts due,
owing or paid to the Town, including taxes and fees.
O Delete Section 3.2.1.3 (Receipts) in its entirety..
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P Insert a new Section 3.2.4 as follows:
Town Treasurer
3.2.4.1 Duties
In addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed upon Town Treasurers by the
Massachusetts General Laws, the Town Treasurer shall:
• Supervise and be responsible for the prompt deposit, safekeeping and management of all
monies collected or received by the Town;
• Be the custodian of all funds, monies, securities or other things of value that are or have been
given, bequeathed or deposited in trust with the Town for any purpose, including the
preservation, care, improvement or embellishment of any of the Town's cemeteries or burial
lots therein;
• Invest all sums held in trust as he determines to be appropriate after consultation with the
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds; and
• Distribute the income therefrom on the order of said Board.
3.2.4.2 Receipts
The Town Treasurer shall, at least once in each week, pay over to the Treasurer's accounts all
money received by him during the preceding week or lesser period, including any sum received as
interest on moneys received by him on all accounts committed to him and deposited in any bank.
He shall give bond to the Town for the faithful performance of his duties in a form approved by the
Commissioner of Revenue and in such sum, not less than the amount that may be established by
said Commissioner, as shall be fixed by the Selectmen.
Section P created some discussion
Motion to amend Section P made by Bo Garrison, Precinct 5 as follows
Town Treasurer
3.2.4.1 Duties
In addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed upon Town Treasurers by the
Massachusetts General Laws, the Town Treasurer shall:
• Supervise and be responsible for the prompt deposit, safekeeping and management of all
monies collected or received by the Town;
• Be the custodian of all funds, monies, securities or other things of value that are or have been
given, bequeathed or deposited in trust with the Town for any purpose, including the
preservation, care, improvement or embellishment of any of the Town's cemeteries or burial
lots therein;
• Invest all sums held in trust as -ie the Treasurer determines to be appropriate after
consultation with the Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds; and
• Distribute the income therefrom on the order of said Board.
3.2.4.2 Receipts
The Town Treasurer shall, at least once in each week, pay over to the Treasurer's accounts all
money received by 44m the Treasurer during the preceding week or lesser period, including any
sum received as interest on moneys received by the Treasurer on all accounts committed to
the Treasurer and deposited in any bank. ++e The Treasurer shall give bond to the Town for
the faithful performance of 449 the Treasurer's duties in a form approved by the Commissioner of
Revenue and in such sum, not less than the amount that may be established by said
Commissioner, as shall be fixed by the Selectmen.
Motio end tion cried
M........................ w ...........Ae 357
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Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
Motion to adjourn - Article 9 will continue at section Q
On motion by Bill Brown, Precinct 6 It was voted that 2017 Subsequent Town Meeting stand adjourned to
meet at 7:30 PM at the Reading Memorial High School Preforming Arts Center, on Thursday November 16,
2017.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 PM with 155 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
o ion Ca rri
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme, CMC / CMMC
Town Clerk
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The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:35 PM, there being a quorum
present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said by all.
Motion made by John Arena, Board of Selectmen to dispense of the reading of the warrant and all motions
in their entirety.
Motion Carried
Personnel Privilege was made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 - 100 years ago today the Town of Reading
established Memorial Park.
ARTICLE 9: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw as follows:
Starting at section Q from adjourned November 13, 2017 session
Q Amend the first sentence of Section 3.3.2.2 (Recommendation to Town Meeting) by:
1 Deleting the first word "The" in the first sentence and inserting, in place thereof, the words
"Unless otherwise stipulated in the Charter, the." '
2 Inserting the words "or Subsequent" after the word "Annual."
R Amend Section 3.3.3 (Bylaw Committee) by
1 Deleting the word "bylaw" from the first sentence, and inserting, in place thereof, the words
"Charter, this bylaw, Special Acts or local acceptance of State statutes."
2 Inserting, at the end of the first sentence, the words "and may also report on proposed changes
to the Zoning Bylaw."
3 Deleting the words "included in the Finance Committee report" from the second sentence, and
inserting, in place thereof, the words "made available in the same manner."
S Delete the title of Section 3.3.5.2 (Selection of Audit Firm), and insert, in place thereof, a new title,
"Duties."
T Delete the words "Section 6-4 of the Charter" from Section 5.2 (Resolution of Legal Matters) and
insert, in place thereof, the words "Section 6.4 of the Charter."
U Amend all provisions of Section 5.3.1 (Procedure for Adoption) by deleting the words Section 8-7
of the Charter" wherever they appear, and inserting, in place thereof, the words "Section 8.7 of the
Charter."
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V Amend the second sentence of Section 5.3.3 (Filing of Approved Rules and Regulations) by deleting
the words "Section 8-8 of the Charter," and inserting, in place thereof, the words "Section 8.8 of
the Charter."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Oack roun : The Bylaw Committee has suggested a series of small changes to the General Bylaws to
bring them into compliance with the revised Town Charter. No substantive changes are suggested in the
various sections cited above or below.
Finance CoMrnitt Report: No report
Bylil—w Comljnlittee Report: At their meeting on October 25, 2017 the Bylaw Committee voted 4-0-
0 to recommend this Article (as amended) to Town Meeting.
Motion Carried as Amended
David Zeek recognized Ronald D'Addario, Precinct 6 for his service on the Climate Committee and his
contributions the work of Article 10
ARTICLE 10: Motion made by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to amend the General Bylaw
as follows:
A Insert a new Section 8.13 as follows:
8.13 REGULATION OF RETAIL CHECKOUT BAGS
8.13.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Section is to regulate the retail use of plastic bags and adopt the use of
reusable, recyclable and/or biodegradable bags for use at checkout.
8.13.2 Definitions
The following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following
meanings:
8.13.2.1 Checkout Bag, a carryout bag provided by a store to a customer at the point of sale.
Checkout bags shall not include bags, whether plastic or not, in which loose produce or
products are placed by the consumer to deliver such items to the point of sale or check out
area of the store.
8.13.2.2 Compostable Plastic Bag, a plastic bag that: (1) conforms to the current ASTM D6400,
the ASTM International "Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be
Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities" for compostability; (2) is certified
and labeled as meeting the ASTM D6400 standard specification by a recognized verification
entity; and (3) conforms to any other standards deemed acceptable by the Director.
8.13.2.3 Director, DPW Director or the DPW Director's designee.
8.13.2.4 Recyclable Paper Bag, a paper bag that is: (1) 100 percent recyclable; and (2) contains
at least 40% post-consumer recycled paper content and is clearly labeled as such.
8.13.2.5 Reusable Checkout Bag, a bag with handles that: (1) can carry twenty-five (25) pounds
over a distance of three hundred (300) feet; and (2) is either (a) made of cloth or other
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Preforming Arts Center
machine washable fabric, or (b) made of plastic that is durable, non-toxic, and generally
considered a food-girade material other than polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, and that is
at least three (3) mils thick.
8.13.2.6 Retail Establishment, any commercial enterprise including, but not limited to the
following: restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal
and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, household goods stores and any other business
that offers the sale and display of merchandise.
8.13.2.7 Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags, any plastic bag less than 3 mils thick.
8.13.3 Regulation
8.13.3.1 If any Retail Establishment provides plastic Checkout bags to customers, the plastic
Checkout bags shall comply with the standards for Compostable plastic bags.
8.13.3.2 If a Retail Establishment provides Checkout bags, the Checkout bags shall be Reusable
checkout bags, Compostable plastic bags or Recyclable paper bags. Retail Establishments
are encouraged to make Reusable bags available for free or for sale to customers at a
reasonable price.
8.13.3.3 Except as otherwise ' provided herein, Single-use plastic checkout bags shall not be
distributed, used or sold for checkout or other purposes at any Retail Establishment within
the Town of Reading. Existing stocks of Single-use checkout bags shall be phased out within
six (6) months following the effective date of Section 8.13.
8.13.3.4 The following are exempt and not subject to the provisions of Section 8.13:
o Bags used by customers to:
* package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy or small
hardware items;
contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish;
contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where dampness may be a
problem; and
o Laundry or dry-cleaning bags or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags
intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard
waste.
8.13.4 Administration and Enforcement
8.13.4.1 The Director shall have the authority to administer and enforce Section 8.13. In addition to
any other means of enforcement, the provision of Section 8.13 and any regulations adopted
pursuant thereto may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with the
provisions of Section 1..8 and MGL Chapter 40 Section 21D.
8.13.4.2 Retail Establishments shall have fifteen (15) calendar days, after the date that a notice of
violation is issued, to pay the penalty or request a hearing in writing to the Director. No
more than one (1) penalty shall be imposed upon a Retail Establishment within a fifteen
(15) calendar-day period.
8.13.4.3 In the event that compliance with Section 8.13 is not feasible for a Retail Establishment
because of either unavailability of suitable Checkout bags or economic hardship, the
Director may grant a waiver of not more than six (6) months upon application of the owner
or owner's representative. The Director may provide one (1) additional six-month waiver
upon showing of continued infeasibility or hardship, as set forth above.
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8.13.4.4 The Director may promulgate rules and regulations to implement Section 8.13.
and
B Amend the Table set forth in Section 1.8 (Non-Criminal Civil Disposition of Certain Violations of the
Bylaw and any Rule or Regulation of a Town Officer, Board or Department) by adding, after line
8.12, a new line as follows:
I=MalS
a
Regulation of Director of
8.13 Retail Checkout public Works Warning $50 $200
Baqs
Ba karound: On May 4, 2017, Reading's Annual Town Meeting passed this instructional motion:
"Move that Town Meeting direct the Climate Advisory Committee to explore options and to draft a
bylaw to regulate the use of single-use, thin-film plastic bags in Reading in accordance with similar
practices across Massachusetts and in consultation with stakeholders in Reading and to present the
proposed bylaw for consideration at the next Subsequent Town Meeting."
This proposed new bylaw is offered by the Climate Advisory Committee (CAC) in response to that motion.
F
ease note that the CAC with thea roval of the Moderator will re uest that the main motion reflect the
PP qllowing changes to the wording formally closed by the Selectmen as part of this Warrant:
Delete section 8.13.2.4 in its entirety, and renumber subsequent sections
Delete related wording in 8.13.3.1 and 8.13.3.2 as shown below:
8.13.3.1 If any Retail Establishment provides plastic Checkout bags to customers, the plastic
Checkout bags shall comply with the standards for Compostable plastic bags affd44af4ne
degradable plastic bags.
8.13.3.2 If a Retail Establishment provides Checkout bags, the Checkout bags shall be MaFine
degfadeble--plastie---bags Reusable checkout bags, Compostable plastic bags or
Recyclable paper bags. Retail Establishments are encouraged to make Reusable bags
available for free or for sale to customers at a reasonable price.
The production and use of single-use, thin film, plastic bags have significant effects on the marine and
land environment, including but not limited to:
• Killing marine and terrestrial animals through ingestion and entanglement
• Polluting the land and coastal environment through improper disposal
• Clogging storm drainage systems
• Adding to our solid waste and entangling recycling equipment
American families take home 1,500+ plastic bags a year. Americans throw away more than 100 billion
plastic bags a year. Plastic bags don't decompose. Over hundreds of years, they break into smaller and
smaller pieces.
The stated purpose of this bylaw is, "to regulate the retail use of plastic bags and adopt the use of
reusable, recyclable and/or bio-degradable bags for use at checkout." The underlying purpose is to
encourage shoppers to bring their own bags for use at checkout and, in support of that, to encourage
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businesses to provide or sell reusable or recyclable bags in lieu of single-use, thin-film plastic, checkout
bags.
The specific requirements of this proposal were developed through an analysis of similar plastic bag
bylaws adopted by other municipalities across Massachusetts. At the time of the Annual Meeting, 52
Massachusetts municipalities had passed bylaws or ordinances addressing plastic, checkout bags. Today,
61 municipalities have done so.
The intent of this bylaw was shared with retail establishments in Reading. The typical response was that
establishments are not especially concerned about adapting. Many customers already bring their own
bags. Some retail establishments use paper bags exclusively, and so, would see no effect. A few of the
chain businesses deferred to their corporate offices, but those businesses have already had to deal with
similar bylaws in other communities.
The bylaw has been shared with Reading residents through the Web, contact with community groups, and
especially at an informational meeting held on October 24.
The proposed bylaw prohibits the use, by retail establishments, of checkout bags less than 3 mil thick.
Instead it provides that if a retail establishment provides checkout bags, those checkout bags will be
reusable or compostable plastic bags or recyclable paper bags. Retail establishments are encouraged to
make reusable bags available for free or for sale to customers at a reasonable price. Reading residents
should be prepared to pay for reusable checkout bags that they don't bring on their own accord.
The proposed bylaw addresses checkout bags. It does not regulate all plastic bags; it does not solve the
whole "plastic" problem; and it has no effect on the bags that residents bring for checkout. For example, it
does not regulate:
• Laundry or dry cleaning bags
• Bags to package bulk items, such as fruit, candy, or small hardware items
• Bags to contain or wrap food, flowers, plants, etc.
• Bags sold in bulk for food storage, garbage, yard waste, etc.
This bylaw assigns administration and enforcement to the Department of Public Works (DPW). However,
enforcement is fairly light. The DPW can issue a 6-month waiver for businesses that need time to adapt.
The DPW can issue an additional 6-month waiver to businesses that need even more time. When
enforcement means non-criminal fines, no more than one fine will accrue in a 15-day period. This is not
typical bylaw enforcement. But, again, the underlying purpose of this bylaw is to change the behaviors
and expectations of shoppers in Reading, not to closely control businesses
Presentation given by:
David Zeek - See Attached
Finan iittee_Re ort: No report
lava Comm 't a Re o ° At their meeting on October 25, 2017 the Bylaw Committee voted 4-0-
0 to recommend this Article as presented to the Committee to Town Meeting.
Below is a complete copy of the motion as presented to Town Meeting on November 16, 2017, changes
had been made by the Climate Committee after the printing of the Warrant:
A Insert a new Section 8.13 as follows:
8.13 REGULATION OF RETAIL CHECKOUT BAGS
8.13.1 Purpose
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Preforming Arts Center
The purpose of this Section is to regulate the retail use of plastic bags and adopt the use of
reusable, recyclable and/or biodegradable bags for use at checkout.
8.13.2 Definitions
The following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following
meanings:
8.13.2.1 Checkout Bag, a carryout bag provided by a store to a customer at the point of sale.
Checkout bags shall not include bags, whether plastic or not, in which loose produce or
products are placed by the consumer to deliver such items to the point of sale or check out
area of the store.
8.13.2.2 Compostable Plastic Bag, a plastic bag that: (1) conforms to the current ASTM D6400,
the ASTM International "Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be
Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities" for compostability; (2) is certified
and labeled as meeting the ASTM D6400 standard specification by a recognized verification
entity; and (3) conforms to any other standards deemed acceptable by the Director.
8.13.2.3 Director, DPW Director or the DPW Director's designee.
8.13.2.4 Recyclable Paper Bag, a paper bag that is: (1) 100 percent recyclable; and (2) contains
at least 40% post-consumer recycled paper content and is clearly labeled as such.
8.13.2.6 Retail Establishment, any commercial enterprise including, but not limited to the
following: restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal
and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, household goods stores and any other business
that offers the sale and display of merchandise.
8.13.2.7 Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags, any plastic bag less than 3 mils thick.
8.13.3 Regulation
8.13.3.1 If a Retail Establishment provides Checkout bags, the Checkout bags shall be Reusable
checkout bags or Recyclable paper bags. Retail Establishments are encouraged to make
Reusable bags available for free or for sale to customers at a reasonable price.
8.13.3.2 Except as otherwise provided herein, Single-use plastic checkout bags shall not be
distributed, used or sold for checkout or other purposes at any Retail Establishment within
the Town of Reading. Existing stocks of Single-use checkout bags shall be phased out within
six (6) months following the effective date of Section 8.13.
8.13.3.3 The following are exempt and not subject to the provisions of Section 8.13:
o Bags used by customers to:
package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy or small hardware
items;
contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish;
contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where dampness may be a
problem; and
o Laundry or dry-cleaning bags or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended
to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste.
8.13.4 Administration and Enforcement
8.13.4.1 The Director shall have the authority to administer and enforce Section 8.13. In addition to
any other means of enforcement, the provision of Section 8.13 and any regulations adopted
61Parge
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SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 16, 2017
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pursuant thereto may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with the
provisions of Section 1.8 and MGL Chapter 40 Section 21D.
8.13.4.2 Retail Establishments shall have fifteen (15) calendar days, after the date that a notice of
violation is issued, to pay the penalty or request a hearing in writing to the Director. No
more than one (1) penalty shall be imposed upon a Retail Establishment within a fifteen
(15) calendar-day period.
8.13.4.3 In the event that compliance with Section 8.13 is not feasible for a Retail Establishment
because of either unavailability of suitable Checkout bags or economic hardship, the
Director may grant a waiver of not more than six (6) months upon application of the owner
or owner's representative. The Director may provide one (1) additional six-month waiver
upon showing of continued infeasibility or hardship, as set forth above.
8.13.4.4 The Director may promulgate rules and regulations to implement Section 8.13.
and
B Amend the Table set forth in Section 1.8 (Non-Criminal Civil Disposition of Certain Violations of the
Bylaw and any Rule or Regulation of a Town Officer, Board or Department) by adding, after line
8.12, a new line as follows:
Regulation of Director of
8.13 Retail Checkout public Works Warning $50 $200
Bags
Motion made by Jenifer Hillery, Precinct 7 to amend 8.13.4.4 as follows:
8.13.4.4 The Director may promulgate established procedures to implement
Section 8.13.
Motion to A enA.D es Not
Motion made by Nicholas Boivin, Precinct 7 to amend 8.13.2.7 as follows:
8.13.2.7 Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags, any plastic Checkout bag less than 3 mils thick.
i n Carrigd
Motion made by Nicholas Boivin, Precinct 7 to amend 8.13.4.1 as follows:
8.13.4.1 The Director shall have the authority to administer Section 8.13 and enforce against
violations thereof by a Retail Establishment. In addition to any other means of
enforcement, the provision of Section 8.13 and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto
may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of Section
1.8 and MGL Chapter 40 Section 21D.
t L1 �,a�rr'
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SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 16, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
Motion made by Jack Russell, Precinct 3 to amend 8.13.2.4 as follows:
8.13.2.4 Recyclable Paper Bag, a paper bag, preferably with handles, that is: (1) 100 percent
recyclable; and (2) contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled paper content and is
clearly labeled as such.
After a question of the Moderator call that the motion does not carry a counted vote was taken
Counted Vote
61 Voted in the affirmative
68 Voted in the negative
145 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
ft "' n to t Carr.
Motion made by John Arena, Precinct 1 to amend 8.13.3.4 as follows:
8.13.3.4 The following are exempt and not subject to the provisions of Section 8.13:
o Bags provided by Retail Establishment or used by their customers to:
package bulk items, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy or small
hardware items;
■ contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish;
contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where dampness may be a
problem; and
o Laundry or dry-cleaning bags or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags
intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard
waste.
Motion Doe Not C rr
Motion made by Jonathan Barnes, Precinct 5 to amend 8.13.3.1 as follows:
8.13.3.1 If a Retail Establishment provides Checkout bags, the Checkout bags shall be Reusable
checkout bags or Recyclable paper bags. Retail Establishments are encouraged to provide
Recyclable paper bags for free and to make Reusable bags available for free or for sale
to customers at a reasonable price.
Motion s Not Carry
Motion made by Gary Phillips, Precinct 7 to Indefinitely Postpone Article 10
t .1ndefini el Pot one sNo arr
Motion made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 to end debate on Indefinite Postponement only
2/3rds Vote Required
129 Voted in the affirmative
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SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 16, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
9 Voted in the negative
145 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
Motion made by Andrew Friedmann, Precinct 4 to amend 8.13.3.2 as follows
8.13.3.2 Except as otherwise provided herein, Single-use plastic checkout bags shall not be
distributed, used or sold for checkout or other purposes by at any Retail Establishment
within the Town of Reading. Existing stocks of Single-use checkout bags shall be phased out
within six (6) months following the effective date of Section 8.13.
motion C� r`
Motion made by Jennifer Hillery, Precinct 7 to amend as 8.13.4.1 follows
8.13.4.1 The Director shall have the authority to administer Section 8.13 and enforce against
violations thereof by a Retail Establishment. In addition to any other lawful means of
enforcement, the provision of Section 8.13 �r yw-reti Pt -mpg to
may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of Section
1.8 and MGL Chapter 40 Section 21D.
Mp ion Does Not C_a_rry
Motion made by Daniel Dewar, Precinct 3 to amend this Article to include for the following text
8.13.5 Effective Date
8.13.5.1 Section 8.13 shall not take effect until approved by the voters at a Town Election.
M t, Not Car
Motion made by Barry Berman, Precinct 4 to move the question
Counted Vote
117 Voted in the affirmative
13 Voted in the negative
145 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motio _Carried
After some discussion a vote was taken:
Main Motion CaErkdA&Amend
ARTICLE 2: On motion by John Arena, Board of Selectmen, Article was taken off the table.
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SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 16, 2017
Preforming Arts Center
To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Boards or Committees and determine what instructions
shall be given Town Officers and Boards or Committees, and to see what sum the Town will vote to
appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town
Officers and Boards or Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Instructional Motion submitted by Bill Brown, Precinct 8
Move that the Board of Selectmen instruct the Town Manager to place on the Capital Improvement Plan
the sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand dollars by debt or otherwise for the construction of a
Cemetery Building in the fiscal year 2019.
MratllorLPoes 14ot arr
Instructional Motion submitted by Demetra Tseckares, Precinct 4
Direct the Bylaw Committee in Conjunction with the Board of Selectmen to remove gendered language
from the General Bylaw and the Charter. Provide progress and projected finish date to Town Meeting in
the April 2018 session. By the April 2018 Town Meeting have a motion for changing Board of Selectmen to
Select Board or recommended gender neutral title.
Counted Vote
66 Voted in the affirmative
52 Voted in the negative
145 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
John Arena, Board of Selectmen moved to adjourn the 2017 Subsequent Town Meeting adjourn sine die at
10:45 PM with 145 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
Motion Carried
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme, CMC / CMMC
Town Clerk
10 1 P a g e
368
Town of Reading
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Subsequent Town Meeting / (�
November 13, 2017
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*017ONovember Subsequent Town meeting
Article 1 Reports
Special Guest-Janice Jones, 52 Sanborn St.
Home Rule petition Ajpdate -Town Manager Bob LeLacheur
ReadinA 375th Celebration—Phil Rushworth
RMLD Report-Coleen O'Brien, General Manager of RMLD
RMLD IBOS member Dan Ensminger
School Dept. Report-Dr. John Doherty, Superintendent of Schools
369 1
==*017 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 2 Instructions
Pages 3-5
017 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 3
Adds, removes or changes items in the FY18-28 Capital
Improvements Program—does not authorize any funding
for these items.
lFY18 General Fund request its $78,000 Ilii her than in the
printed Warrant Report due to technology needs in the
School Department for wireless access points and
associated hardware and services.
There are no other proposed changes from what is presented
in the Warrant Report.
2
370
( Pages 3-5
1'� november Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 3 — General Fund Capital Plan
+ 4
$480,000 Wood End skylight repairs
$150,000 Fire/EMS Simulation Training Equipment(move up from FY23)
+$75,000 School technology($175,000 revised total)
+$8,000 Ceirn gairage Windows&dooirs;$8,000 DPW Windows&doors
$16,000 West Siide II:::iiire windows&doors(funds the above requests)
-$165,000 Fire breathing apparatus reduces request from$190k to$25k)
FYI (-$294,400)
various changes made and listed on ages 3-4
Y20 Various changes merle
�� Pages 3-5
%overnber Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 3 — Enterprise Funds Capital Plan
FY18: none proposed
FY19. various s 4
FY20+
Various changes made in all three Enterprise Funds
3
371
Page 5
Off 7 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 4
Authorizes these changes to FY18 General Fund budget:
Line Description Decrease Increase
79ap
Note the a ition o 7 ,000(for ,000l School technology)to the printed
Warrant Report,as previously
described in Article 3
D99—Debt We can decrease debt service by $167,000
Service another$25,000 to help pay for the
School Technology
�wwwww
H91 —Pub Human/Elder Svc Dir$8,334 $27,834
Svc Wages Inspectors$19,500
1-92-Library Maint.contracts for RFID system
$22,000
Expenses (inventory&security)
Subtotals $167,000 $589,834
Net Operating Expenses $422,1334
Page 5
zm*017 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 4
Sources of funding for changes proposed:
Line Description FDecrease Increase
,...... ........
Net Operating Expenses $422,834
From Tax Levy($75,000)
From New Growth$341,972
From Property Taxes $266,972
From State Aid $115,736
From Exclse'Taxes $50,000
For State Assessments($9,874)
From Free Cash-unchanged
4
372
Page 6
+ " November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 5
None known—move to table
Page 6
0117 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 6 — Dispose Surplus Equipment
Fac. GMT400 Truck#86(1999) $500 Trade-in
DPW Giant Leaf Vac(2000) $2,000 Trade-in
DPW White Utility trailer(1989) $1,500 Trade-in
DPW Ford Crown Sedan(2007) $300 Trade-in
Fire 40 Scott breathing apparatus <$5,000 Trade-in
Fire 27 breathing air cylinders <$5,000 Trade-in
5
373
mm*01
Pages 6-7
17 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 7 — Reduce Debt Authorization
Technical financial housekeeping because of premium prices received in June
2017 debt sale,identical in form to actions taken by February 2015 and April 2016
Town Meetings after previous debt sales.
The Town required$7.37 million of debt for Water and Sewer projects,and to help
pay for the RMHS/TLT litigation.Because of premium prices received we only
needed to sell$6.645 million.Fifth Third bid a Total Interest Cost of 1.50%to the
Town, and the premium prices will reward their investors with higher annual
income but a declining par value at maturity.
The MA DOR requires us to ask Town Meeting to reduce the debt authorization to
ensure that taxpayers are protected from further borrowing,which has technically
been granted previously by Town Meeting but is no longer needed.
In the future,debt authorizations will include newly approved language so this
technical correction should not be required.
vz= Pages 7-e
017 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 8 — General Bylaws 8.9.7
PART A.
• Delete:
This bylaw may be enforced through any lawful means in law or in
equity including enforcement by noncriminal disposition,pursuant to MGL Chapter
40 Section 21D,by the Police Department. The fine for violation of this bylaw shall
be Three Hundred($300)Dollars for each offense.Any penalty imposed under
this bylaw shall be in addition to any civil penalty imposed under MGL Chapter
94C Section 32L.
• Replace with:
The Police Department may enforce the provisions of this section
through any lawful means in law or in equity including enforcement by
noncriminal disposition pursuant to MGL Chapter 40 Section 21 D. The fine
for violation of this section shall be One Hundred($100)Dollars for each
offense pursuant to MGL Chapter 94G Sections 13(c)and(g),and MGL
Chapter 94C Section 32N.
374 6
mm( Pages 7-8
017 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 8 — General Bylaws 8.9.7
PART B.
Amend the Table set forth in Section 1.8(Non-Criminal Civil Disposition
of Certain Violations of the Bylaw and any Rule or Regulation of a Town Officer,
Board or Department)by deleting the figure"$300"wherever it appears on line
8.9.7,and inserting,in place thereof,the figure"$100."
sm Pages 9-11
017 November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 9 — General Bylaws various sections
7
375
MEN Pages 11-15
(0107=November Subsequent Town Meeting
Article 10 —General Bylaws
8.13 Regulation of Retail Checkout Bags
8
376
2/27/2018
Ir
if a RMLD
ANNUAL REPORT FY 2017
'
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9Reading Municipal Light Department
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RELIABLE POWER FOR GENERATIONS wv°jf�"
Wil,^'
FY 2017
Annual Report
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Reading Municipal Light Department
REA,N/V.A.A A.E POWER FOR GENERA"r° ONS
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�1 1St Place
Laura Buscemi
North Reading High School
Grade . 10
Title : Electricitree '�
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Reading Memorial High School
Grade : 11
Title : Shred the What ?
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Reading Municipal Light Department
RELIABLE POWER FOR GENERAT�ONSf
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Reading Municipal Light Department
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Patrick Aucellaylt
Reading Memorial High School
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1 Title : Shave The Peak �
The
5
RMLD Highlights
Clean audit with no management letter
2.5MW natural gas powered distributed generator installed in North Reading to Shred
the Peak
Solar Choice Community Solar Program:
100%subscription(500 customers) of project 1 at 326 Ballardvale,Wilmington(1 MW)
(MW)
Accepting subscriptions for project 2(660 customers) at 40-50 Fordham Road,Wilmington
Tri-annual Cost of Service Study
Shred the Peak Educational Campaign
High School Student Art Contest
Updated efficiency programs and rebates including new customer rebate portal for
online submissions
ortrnued implementation of Organization and Reliability Study
6
379
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2/27/2018
l
Efficiency and Peak ReductionMeasures
RgLtZqte 5tr�rc;�ur Based on Aa�na�a �t'P��a_��c� Src Li n
Based
Commercial Energy Initiative Program(CEIP)
Commercial Lighting Rebate Program(CLRP)
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program
I' RMLD held a Lunch and Learn for commercial,industrial,and municipal customers participating in
t
Peak Demand Reduction Program(PDRP)
Residential Appliance Rebates
f Residential Energy Assessments
jResidential RMLD On-LinetoL tfe 5 ot(1h price on an assortment of LED light bulbs and advanced
power strips
Hij New Online Customer,E�plptrtz,�„
Shred the Peak Educational Campaign with ti;ptjgnqtjfty_Qgj p a ,
Installed 2.5MW natural gas powered distributed generator at North Reading Substation to Shred the Peak
Applied for statefundinca ti rt eant5 to explore the efficacy of energy storage in Shredding the Peak
RMLD tioa ptirnues to encourage its customers to sign up for pgp�rlss _fl4--U ti^ to further its Get Greener,Go
f�ae ss,Char Efficient 4-iiil atNe
7
l
Solar Choice Program Overview
r
� 1
Corvv111uu°o purity Sol01111°—Solar Choice allows RMLD customers the opportunity to
share in the benefits from large solar systems installed within the four towns that
RMLD serves
ow Ulpfiiii*iiii'r't'Co'st's—Monthly charge of$5 for first year
Soviiuii�iu,g
s euu°"'IIIIIme—Customers can save an estimated$300 over the first ten
years
No 1°°Ilassll4 of i�°°iu�si°o114111oi'i'ouu�r—None of the expense, maintenance or risk
associated Io
\I�itph urchasing and installing solar equipment on your property
euu°—Customers support and benefit from zero carbon,
green, renewable solar energy produced locally
I�T
1
Call Customer rvioo at � f
78 44 1340 or email
mby � W 1I�d d Nati,"„"V mW t
s n up for the
Sopor Choice
Program todayl
8
380
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2/27/2018
Economic Development
Attract New Customers and Retain Existing Customers
Benefits of Receiving Electric Service From WILD
Locally Owned and Operated
Iff 11' Reliability Exceeding Regional and National Averages
"'" Response Time
Customer Service Programs
f
Competitive Rates
Efficiency Incentive and Rebate Programs
Enhanced Communication
Green and Renewable Objectives
9
Proactive Maintenance Programs
Comprehensive Substation Maintenance/Testing
Developed a Cyclic Substation Maintenance Program
Created Technical Services (TS) Group Distribution System
Maintenance Program
Comprehensive System Maintenance Programs
Transformer Replacement Program (360/1866)
r
Pole Testing (10% of RMLD custodial poles annually/6500)
Manhole Inspection (961/1237)
Tree Trimming (3 year cyclic)
Porcelain Cutout Replacement (91% Completed)
Quarterly Inspection of 13.8kV/35kV Feeders
Infrared Scan of Substations and Major UG
10^ Secondary Main and Service Upgrade Program
io
381
5
2/27/2018
LED Streetlight Program (on target)
➢ Pilot Program(FY15)-3oo Lights Installed
• Lynnfield 41
• North Reading 62
• Reading 3.3.4
• Wilmington
Total 300
1 ➢ Full Implementation OverThreeYears(FY16-M.8)-Approximately 8,000 Lights System-wide
FY 16 FY 17 FY 18
• Lynnfield 299 277 92
• North Reading 581 535 3o8
• Reading 961 741 158
• Wilmington 980 704 296
Total 2,821 2,257 854
➢ 6,232 LED Light Fixtures Installed through October 22,2017=78%complete
11
fff LED
Streetlight Program
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1
_ - -- .............. ......... ...........
ExIstlne-Active Llehts Proposed LED Estimated Savinas
Energy Town Cost Energy
Town UghtTypao 13g7r1Cn4en1 Used 'Annualk'WN1 Forrnuhi tate UghtCount Used A(4000 'Wdti (Fixture
se AnnualkWhh Town Annual
f (4000 hro) (4000 hrs) (Fixture&fuel) Savings BIII Savings($)
(watts) ($0.13659) (watts)
READING
50W HPS 1377 B1 335,988: $48,804 1377 25 137,700 $46,884 1911.288 $209;
100W HPS. 892 127 453,138! $83,244, 892 25 89,200' $30,241- 363.,936 $33,003
25OW HPS 111 307 136,308 $19,025 111 2.5 11,100 $3,763 1251208 $15,261
40OW HPS 28 457 51,184 $7,1441 28 0a 10,416: $2,408 40„788 $4,736
400W MV 6 460 11,040 $1,541 6 93 2,232 $518: 8,808 $1,025,
l
...fawn TaInI.9.._ 50,046 _ 73 d.,W108 $54.234
f
12
382
6
2/27/2018
f
Double Poles Snapshot
"Next to Go"and Job e _ UTickets
-CMCTNR — — —�
Comcast Massachusetts
TRANSFER 6
�NPVMA 8
Non-participating 3rd PartV Attacher-
��
,Massachusetts
TRANSFER 8
RDNGFD__ 6
Reading Fire Department
TRANSFER 6
4
RMLD 92
y Reading Municipal Light Department
TRANSFER 27
PULL POLE 65
VZNESA 40
Verizon Massachusetts
TRANSFER 40 As of October 30,2017
�3 Grand Total 152
r
Strategic Vision
�f
101" Secure land for new Substation 5, Wilmington
0111� Implement power supply risk mitigation plan
l
0 Educate customers on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the availability of RMLD
rebates for EV Charging Stations
9 Implement technology roadmap including new outage management
system
q Expand community outreach in school programs
0 Complete Strategic Vision for each RMLD division
""" Continuation of RMLD's Get Greener, Go Paperless, Be Efficient campaign
Continue talent management succession planning
0 Economic development opportunities
14
383
7
2/27/2018
Thank you and don't forget tor
SHRED the PEAK
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WILD _...
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t �a Reading Municipal Light Department
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State of the SAddress
TOWN MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2017
eadinLy Public Schools
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"There is a place in America to take a stand: it is public
education . . . Public education after all is the engine that
moves us as a society toward a common destiny... It is in
public education that the American dream begins to take
shape. ”
Tom Brokaw
386
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2/27/2018
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Anti-Defamation League®
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2/27/2018
Iffil,NO
MEMO Reading
Embraces
Dive "sit
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District Goal
To ensure the success of all students,over the next 3 years the Reading Public Schools will
increase student engagement,improve achievement, decrease discipline referrals,and
enhance parent and community two way communication. We will address the academic,
social-emotional and behavioral health needs through a comprehensive multi-tiered system of
support(MISS)framework of data,systems,and practices.
Focus Area A
Closing the Achievement Gap(Action Plan A)-To focus our energy and effort in identifying and
implementing evidenced based instructional practices and interventions which will close the
achievement gap with our students, in particular,our students in the high needs group(special
education, English Language Learners, economic-disadvantage).
Real c Schools
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2/27/2018
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2/27/2018
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Massachusetts Association of School
Superintendents (M.A.S.S.)
Award for Academic Excellence
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Readine Public Schools
MINE=
394
10
2/27/2018
Superintendent's Award
Erin Kwon
Class of 2018
, µirr
eadine Public Schools
Superintendent's Awards
Mathias Kool
Class of 2018
eadineublic Schools
395
11
2/27/2018
"Democratic life requires critical inquiry, collective decision
making, civic participation, and a commitment to the common
good" . . . "educational excellence for all children, through
collectively supported schooling, must be a goal."
"Children are our living link to the future."
ASCD, 1998
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77
/VON a
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Thank You
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