Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-15 SB Packets1 6PR Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda Js39,1NCOn¢ °� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2018 -05 -15 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business k� try# 2010 MAY 10 PHI 2: 01 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Agenda: Meeting Called By: Caitlin Saunders on behalf of Acting Chair Barry Berman Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk's hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: 1) Reports and Comments a. Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments b. Public Comment C. Town Manager's /Assistant Town Manager's Report 2) Open Session for topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance of the meeting 3) Proclamations /Certificates of Appreciation a. Police Week Proclamation b. Public Works Week Proclamation 4) Personnel & Appointments 5) Discussion /Action Items a. Firefighter Badge Pinning 7 :20 b. Town Manager Contract 7:45 C. Select Board Policy Article 1 — Discuss Section 1.4 Communication 8:00 d. Economic Development project communication 9:00 6) Approval of Minutes 7) Licenses, Permits and Approvals 8) Executive Session a. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining 9:30 b. To discuss strategy with respect to interests in real estate 9:45 9) Correspondence a. Correspondence from Town Manager to town Businesses, re: Plastic Bag Bylaw b. Correspondence from National Grid, re: Yearly Operational Plan C. Correspondence from Arbor Day Foundation, re: 2017 Tree City d. Email from National Civic League, re:National Conference on Local Government e. Email from MA Division of Local Services, re: May is Municipal Month f. Email from Susan Costello, re: Pedestrian Signals g. Email from National Civic League, re: Community — Police Relations Spotlight h. Email from Mass Municipal Association, re: May Regional Meeting This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page 1 1 OF REA��Y 0 Office of the Town Manager 16 Lowell Street J6�D•1NCCKQ ���� Reading, MA 01867 To: Select Board From: Robert W. Lelacheur, Jr. CFA Date: May 9, 2018 RE: Agenda for May 15th 781 - 942 -9043 townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us www.readingma.gov /town - manager As a reminder, next week Board member Andy Friedmann has office hours at Town Hall 6:30pm. You will open the meeting with Firefighter badge pinning, and then two proclamations for Police and Public Works. Acting Chair Berman wants to briefly discuss the Town Manager's contract, and a process to use moving forward. The Board may use Executive Session for full board discussions should those be helpful. Next up is policy. Town Counsel ruled that the Town Manager may administratively change your policies from 'Board of Selectmen' to 'Select Board', even though they are formally adopted through a Public Hearing process. I will proceed to do that if that meets the wishes of the Board? Enclosed is all of Select Board Policy Article 1 - General Operating Procedures. Each subsection has a brief written comment — next week the Board should spend sufficient time to dispose of Section 1.4 — Communication, so that we may schedule a future Public Hearing and adopt any changes. I understand that Board members have a range of opinions on some portions of the policy, but I suggest spending some extra time next week and finding as much common ground as possible to revise the portions that are agreeable. Once Article 1 is completed through a Hearing Process, the Board will move on to Article 2 - Boards & Committees, sometime this summer. The last open session topic is a review of Economic Development project communication — a draft policy from Board member Friedmann is in your packet. Two Executive Sessions are then on the agenda: if we have collective bargaining agreements to approve, I will present those to the Board; a discussion of interests in Real Estate which will cover a couple of areas. Your next meeting on June 5th will have Board member Vanessa Alvarado holding office hours and then the following items: Hearing for non -union Classification (largely adding Override positions); Dr. Doherty requesting approval of a renewed IMA with Wakefield; a joint meeting with the Housing Authority to consider 'buydown' of the unit described at your last meeting; and an update from the Climate Advisory Committee (and possibly one or two other boards /committees). Based on feedback available from members, your summer meeting schedule will remain as projected: June 19, July 10, July 31, August 21. However, based on expected attendance we have juggled some agenda items around that would benefit from a full Board discussion, such as discussing the FY19 Town Manager goals on July 31St 2018 " DRAFT - SELECT BOARD AGENDAS 2018 May 15, 2018 Tuesday; Office Hour Andrew Friedmann 6:30 Fire Fighter Badge Pinning Burns/ Jackson 7:20 Police Week Proclamation Segalla Public Works Week Proclamation Zager Town Manager contract Berman 7:45 SB Policy Article 91 - discuss section 1.4 Communication Berman 8:00 Economic Development project communication Berman 9:00 EXECUTIVE SESSION To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining LeLacheur 9:30 EXECUTIVE SESSION To discuss strategy with respect to interests in real estate LeLacheur 9:45 June 5, 2018 Tuesday Office Hour Vanessa Alvarado 6:30 Mandarin Reading proclamation LeLacheur 7:20 HEARING Approve FY19 Classification Plan LeLacheur 7:25 POST program with Wakefield - Inter Municipal Agreement Doherty & Dowd 7:30 Reading Housing Authority - joint meeting Berman 7:45 Climate Advisory Committee 8:30 Other Boards /Committees 9:00 EXECUTIVE SESSION To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining LeLacheur June 19, 2018 " Tuesday Pesticides - joint meeting with Board of Health Delios 7:30 Other Boards /Committees Appoint Boards & Committees VASC 8:15 Board Reorganization LeLacheur 9:30 EXECUTIVE SESSION To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining LeLacheur 9:45 July 10, 2018 Tuesday Office Hour Barry Berman 6:30 Discuss Water Tank/Cell Tower Percival 7:30 Town Manager Goals - Final FY18 update LeLacheur SB Policy Article #2 - Volunteers, Boards and Committees (also section 1.5) Board July 31, 2018 Tuesday Town Manager Goals- FY19 Board Town Manager Evaluation process Board Hour Office Hour Office Hour Preview Warrant for November Town Meeting ILeLacheur Close Warrant for November Town Meeting ILeLacheur Review Senior Tax Relief Santaniello Preview Tax Classification Santaniello (Board of HEARING Tax Classification Assessors Office Hour November 15, 2018 Subsequent Town Meeting I Thursday November 19, 2018 Subsequent Town Meeting II Monday November 26, 2018 Subsequent Town Meeting III Monday November 29, 2018 Subsequent Town Meeting IV Thursday 2018 1 DRAFT - SELECT BOARD AGENDAS 2018 Future Agendas HEARING Approve BOS Policies: Article 2 Volunteers, Boards and Committees Board HEARING Review & adopt revised Personnel Policies Perkins Oct 118 Legislative Update LeLacheur Discuss Downtown Parking Segalla Discuss Memorial Park Town Counsel Discuss Liquor License policy LeLacheur Discuss Oakland Road land public process LeLacheur North Reading MWRA update North Reading Recurring Items Close Warrant: Nov 118 TM by 9/25/18 Close Warrant: Apr'19 TM by 3/5/19 Review BOS /TM Goals Dec & June Semi -ann Appointments of Boards & Committees June Annual HEARING Approve Classification & Compensation June Annual HEARING Tax Classification October Annual HEARING Approve licenses December Annual Reports to BOS Town Accountant Report Qtrly Economic Development Director Semi -ann RCTV members Report Semi -ann CAB (RMLD) member Report Semi -ann MAPC member Report Annual Reading Housing Authority Report Annual Reading Ice Arena Report Annual BOS Appointed Boards & Committees Annual 0 a a p O - Cd p N x U p O U bA U N v o bb bb o�U —o3 cd .� O bA 4V. cd O U rA W N O Ln bA U N O UO U U 'C cn Cd CIS U ° U Cd �+ c, C N bA un U ° ' O to VCj Cj 4-4 a. Huh bb —Cd ° U q cd to cn o o Z o bb m cn Cd d ~ - U En "UN" Cd v —� N N p N 'C a� x. 4 C 0 Cd 0 0 4 W N W w �9 W W F 6 co F—i LO r� l^i•I� FBI � Cd bn x o 'C ^C vUi Q'' m W O '� � U O O O th U ~ "' Q) V N N ch O U) 4° � 4 � U M I N 42 v� rA N `n 0 N 7C N > Ov cd '" 0 71 OR O N ;3 ', O 4- �-+ cd 4-i p N N � O O � C13 O O rA "C 3 Cd U cd '00 +� N Cd to �., N 4-s-, rte-+ p O O ti ti it 4. a� Q Q w W W W O x N ARTICLE I - GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES Section 1.1 — Organization of the Board�� 1.1.1 - Annual Reorganization d(�( q The Board of Selectmen will reorganize (elect officers) in the month of June for the following fiscal year. The purpose of this policy is to have continuity of Board leadership through Annual Town Meeting. Although the Board of Selectmen retains the right to reorganize at their discretion, this policy establishes the guidelines of: 1. Annual rotation of the Chair. 2. Not having a Selectman serve as Chair in the final year of a term. 1.1.2 - Chair The Board of Selectmen Chair shall: 1. Be responsible for calling regular, emergency and Executive Session meetings of the Board of Selectmen, as needed. 2. Preside over Board of Selectmen meetings, approve the Agenda and recognize all speakers including other Board members. 3. Nominate Board members to represent the Board of Selectmen at appropriate functions, events and meetings. 4. Nominate Board members for annual Liaison assignments. The final decision on Liaison assignments is by a majority of the Board members. Nominate Board members to Board Subcommittees. Final appointment is by a majority of the Board members. 1.1.3 - Vice Chair The Board of Selectmen Vice Chair shall: 1. Be responsible for stepping in to assume the duties of the Chair as may be necessary. 1.1.4 - Secreta TH-e-9—oard of e ectmen Secretary shall: 1. Be responsible for stepping in to assume the duties of the Vice Chair or Chair as may be necessary. 2. Conduct the final review and signature of Board Minutes. 3. Certify, as required by law, votes of the Board of Selectmen. 4. Sign documents upon direction of a majority of the Board members, including legal settlements on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. Alternatively, any other Board member or the Town Manager may be authorized to perform this function. 1.1.5 - Liaisons The purpose of establishing Board of Selectmen Liaisons to the various Town Departments /Divisions and to Boards and Committees is to maintain good communication and 1 -1 Board of Selectmen Policies \ effective working relationships. Liaisons are responsible for providing reports to the full Board of Selectmen at a regular meeting on an as needed basis. Liaisons shall: 1. Be established by the Board of Selectmen on an annual basis. 2. Act in a role to support the Town Departments /Divisions in their operating functions as well as longer -term Board of Selectmen Goals. 3. Attend as many meetings of the Boards and Committees as possible 4. Inform Town Department Heads of their interaction with Boards and Committees for which they have responsibility as described in the Table of Organization as approved by Town Meeting. 5. Facilitate communication between the Board of Selectmen and the Boards and Committees. 1.1.6 - Subcommittees The purpose of establishing Board of Selectmen Subcommittees is to have a mechanism for the Board to review and consider specific issues. Subcommittees shall: 1. Be composed of two members of the Board of Selectmen. 2. Follow all Open Meeting Law as if conducting a full Board meeting. 3. Recommend, but not approve, a course of action to the full Board. 1.1.7 — New Members In order to assist new Board members to be effective in their first years, the Board shall establish an on- boarding process which may include but not be limited to meetings with individual Board members the Town Manager and Town Department Heads. The Board shall also create a Board of Selectmen Guide to be distributed to new members. Section revised March 2018 Section 1.2 — Board Meetings 1.2.1— Meeting Schedule The Board of Selectmen shall meet at least once each month and publish a meeting schedule at least six months in advance. 1.2.2 — Office Hours The Board of Selectmen shall offer Office Hours to the general public at least once each month and publish the times and dates in their meeting schedule. Individual Selectmen will rotate turns with Office Hours, and make a report to the full Board during Liaison reports as needed. 1.2.3 — Meeting Agendas The purpose of the agenda is to allow the general public an opportunity to participate in a topic matching their interests. The Agenda shall: 1 -2 Board of Selectmen Policies a I . Be approved by the Chair. 2. Contain any discussion item requested by two or more Board members. 3. Be published in advance as far as is possible. 4. Contain public communication received since the last Board meeting. Some Board meetings may consider only a single agenda item. However typical Board meetings will have the following agenda items: 1. Liaison reports. 2. Public Comment. 3. Town Manager report. 4. Approval of previous Meeting Minutes. 5. Listing of next scheduled Board meeting. The regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Selectmen shall be limited by having discussion limited to agenda items taken up or tabled prior to 11:00 p.m. All remaining items will be deferred to a subsequent meeting. In order to facilitate the above policy efficiently, the Chair shall: 1. Limit the time of speakers from the floor especially during public hearings. 2. Call for votes on major issues or policy changes prior to 11:00 p.m., or defer final votes to subsequent meetings. 3. Request staff to prepare motions for Board action in advance. 1.2.4 — Deferred Aizenda Items It shall be the policy of the Board of Selectmen to conduct the business on its agenda at the meeting for which it is listed, unless a particular member of the Board is essential to the topic of discussion by virtue of special background or expertise, and is not able to be present at the meeting for which that item is listed. 1.2.5 — Public Comment Each person appearing before the Board of Selectmen who wishes to speak will, upon recognition by the Chair, identify him /herself by name and address of residence. Failure to identify him /herself may result in the Chair withdrawing permission for that individual to speak to the Board of Selectmen. When recognized by the Chair, the speaker shall (1) only address the Chair; (2) speak for only the time allocated; and (3) avoid personalities while speaking. 1.2.6 — Executive Sessions The Board shall always begin a meeting in Open Session, and may enter Executive Session only for the purposes allowed under Open Meeting Laws. Whenever possible, Executive Sessions will be scheduled at the end of an open session, and for the convenience of the public the Board will announce their intention to adjourn without returning to open session. In accordance with the provisions of the Open Meeting Law, the Town Manager, acting as clerk to the Board of Selectmen, will review approved confidential minutes of the Board of Selectmen's Executive Sessions on a regular basis. It is the intent of the Board of Selectmen to withhold minutes only for as long as the publication of the record would defeat the original purpose of a lawfully convened Executive Session. The Town Manager will review all approved minutes still in confidential status, and will release for publication those segments that need not 1 -3 Board of Selectmen Policies be confidential any longer. This action will be part of a report on the "Routine Matters" of the Board of Selectmen's meeting agenda. Section revised March 2018 Section 1.3 — Responsibilities of the Board 1.3.1 — Reading Home Rule Charter Article 3.2 The executive powers of the Town shall be vested in the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen shall have all of the powers and duties granted to Boards of Selectmen by the Constitution and General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and such additional powers and duties as may be provided by the Charter, by Town Bylaw, or by Town Meeting vote. The Board of Selectmen shall cause the laws and orders for the government of the Town to be enforced and shall cause a record of all its official acts to be kept. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint a Town Manager, a Town Counsel, a Town Accountant, not more than five (5) Constables, and any other appointed board or committee member for whom no other method of selection is provided by the Charter or by Town Bylaw. The Board of Selectmen or its designee shall be the Licensing Board of the Town and shall have the power to issue licenses, to make all necessary rules and regulations regarding the issuance of such licenses, to attach such conditions and restrictions thereto as it deems to be in the public interest, and to enforce the laws relating to all businesses for which it issues licenses. 1.3.2 — Town Manager Authorization The role of the Town Manager is established by Article 5 of the Reading Home Rule Charter. The Town Manager has the ultimate authority and responsibility for the operation and the management of the Town, under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. Except for actions contrary to decisions or written policies made by the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager is authorized to take whatever actions are required to operate and manage the Town. The Town Manager is the designated representative for the Board of Selectmen regarding collective bargaining negotiations. The Town Manager may utilize other Town personnel as needed to carry out these responsibilities. 1.3.3 — Town Manager Goals The Board of Selectmen is responsible for approving overall goals, objectives and policy setting for the Town to be discharged by the Town Manager within the constraints of the Reading Home Rule Charter, and other applicable local Bylaws and Federal and State statutes and regulations. 1.3.4 — Town Manager Contract The Board of Selectmen is responsible for approving a written contract with the Town Manager in accordance with Article 5.1 of the Reading Home Rule Charter. This contract shall be available as a public document. 1 -4 Board of Selectmen Policies (� `� 5 1.3.5— Town Collective Bargaining Agreements The Board of Selectmen is responsible for approving written agreements signed by the Town Manager and all Town labor unions, including a Health Insurance agreement signed by the Town Manager and all Town, School and Light department unions plus a Retiree representative. 1.3.6— Legal Issues The Board of Selectmen is responsible for initiating or settling litigation, in certain cases subject to Town Meeting approval. 1.3.7 — Operations The Board of Selectmen shall: 1. Operate in accordance with the spirit, as well as the letter of all laws affecting its business and its employees. 2. Act with the highest level of integrity, business ethics and objectivity in any transaction where a Selectman or employee represents the Board of Selectmen. No Selectman or employee is allowed to misuse the authority or influence of their position. 3. Operate in a businesslike and efficient manner in all aspects of operating and managing the Board of Selectmen. 4. Be supportive of a good working relationship between management and employees. 5. Advocate for the use of technology, training, personnel and flexible work and administrative processes to maintain an efficient municipal government serving the best interests of residents; 6. Operate in the best interests of the Town in all matters. Section revised March 2018 Section 1.4 — Communication 1.4.1- Board of Selectmen Communication It is important to the public and to the Board of Selectmen itself to make it clear when an �l individual member is speaking for the Board as a whole, or when he /she is speaking for him /herself as an individual. In order to ensure this clarity of communication, the following shall be the policy of the Board of Selectmen: 1. Members of the Board of Selectmen shall be given stationery in printed or electronic format for their use. This stationery shall name only that member of the Board on the masthead. Board members may use this stationery for correspondence relative to Town business or matters. Correspondence of this type shall be copied to all of the other members of the Board of Selectmen and to the Town Manager. Any such correspondence shall state that the views expressed are those of that member of the Board of Selectmen only. 2. The Board of Selectmen stationery, naming all five members of the Board on the masthead, will be used only for correspondence from the full Board of Selectmen. This will be used to communicate positions of the full Board of Selectmen based on consensus of the full Board or based upon actually voted positions of the Board. 1 -5 Board of Selectmen Policies 3. The Board of Selectmen may take votes on recommendations on Warrant Articles appearing before Town Meeting, and the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen or his /her designee will be responsible for communicating those recommendations to Town Meeting based on voles of the Board. 4. If a Board member rises to speak at Town Meeting, he /she shall identify whether he /she is speaking for the full Board or as an individual. In today's society, much of the correspondence to the Board of Selectmen is electronic, and often is copied to all members of the Board. The Board of Selectmen acknowledges that correspondence in electronic form that is made and /or received by it and its individual members are "public records ". Additionally, the Board of Selectmen acknowledges that the manner in which it deals with electronic correspondence may raise concerns relative to the Open Meeting law. The Board also feels it is important to ensure that a proper response is given to an email request. Electronic correspondence will be handled in the following manner: • Correspondence about a particular service that needs attention from town staff. The Town Manager will respond to this electronic correspondence, with an electronic copy to all members of the Board of Selectmen, and this correspondence will be listed on the next Board of Selectmen agenda. • Correspondence addressed to the Board of Selectmen expressing an opinion or comment on a matter before the Board of Selectmen. The Town Manager will respond to acknowledge this electronic correspondence, with an electronic copy to all members of the Board of Selectmen, and this correspondence will be listed on the next Board of Selectmen agenda. • Correspondence addressed to the Board of Selectmen asking the Board for action on a particular matter. The Secretary to the Board of Selectmen (or designee) will draft a form letter, acknowledging the receipt of the correspondence, outlining that the Open Meeting Law prohibits the Board of Selectmen as a whole from commenting on the matter outside of a public meeting, and that the Board will consider at a future meeting whether to schedule agenda time on that matter. • Acknowledging that it is possible that private one on one electronic communications may reach a quorum of members without the knowledge of all participants, members of the Board of Selectmen shall only comment in electronic form on any correspondence received by referring the matter to the Town Manager. • Members of the Board of Selectmen may communicate electronically on housekeeping matters such as the scheduling, cancellation and time of meetings and requests to put matters on its agenda. • Documents may be distributed via email from the Board of Selectmen to all members of the town's boards, commissions and committees to permit advance review of materials to be discussed at upcoming meetings. • Hard copies of all electronic communications will be created and immediately placed in a central file where it can be provided as a public record upon request. Revised March 9, 2004 Revised June 5, 2007 1 -6 Board of Selectmen Policies V✓ Section 1.4.2 —Access to Public Records The Board of Selectmen is committed to the philosophy that the citizens should have access to public records that are not exempt by law. To this end, the Town Clerk is hereby designated as custodian of public records for the Town of Reading (not including the School or Light Department). The custodian of public records will carry out the duties and responsibilities of a record custodian as required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 4, Section 7, and may establish and charge such reasonable fees and establish other regulations in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Supervisor of Public Records, Regulation 950 CMR 32.06, or other applicable laws and regulations. Adopted 1- 12 -87, Revised 12 -13 -94 Section 1.5 — Volunteer Board and Committee AppointmentsL� The Board of Selectmen is responsible for appointing volunteers to Boards and Committees in accordance with Article 4 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, as well as those Boards and Committees created by local Bylaw or Board of Selectmen Policy. The Board of Selectmen recognizes the following two issues related to the consideration of and appointment to the various Boards and Committees: 1. The amount of time taken by the Board of Selectmen and volunteers for this process has been extraordinary and not necessarily productive 2. The depth of interviews given time constraints does not allow the full Board of Selectmen to do a thorough job of interviewing. The Board of Selectmen hereby implements the following process in order to address these two issues: 1. Incumbents will be asked whether or not they wish to be considered for reappointment 2. Applications for potential new Board and Committee members will be solicited and received. 3. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint a two - member Volunteer Appointment Sub - Committee (VASC) at the time that Board of Selectmen liaison assignments are established. No member will serve on the VASC for two consecutive terms. 4. The VASC shall schedule meetings to interview all potential Board and Committee members, including any incumbents that wish an interview, and any incumbents that the Board of Selectmen or the VASC wishes to interview. This process will be used for the "annual" appointment process as well as any appointments that come up during the year. The meetings of the VASC will be posted and open to the public. 5. The VASC will inform all candidates for appointment or reappointment of the slate of candidates for each Board and Committee that will be recommended to the full Board of Selectmen. 1 -7 Board of Selectmen Policies 0 6. The VASC will transmit a slate of candidates for each Board and Committee to the entire Board of Selectmen along with a list of all candidates who had applied for each Board and Committee. A copy of the application form and/or resume for any new candidate will also be provided to the entire Board of Selectmen. 7. For the annual appointment process the VASC will present the recommended slate of candidates to the Board of Selectmen in early June as a "consent" item on the agenda. Any member of the Board of Selectmen or any potential candidate may ask for any recommendation to be removed from the consent item. The consent item with any remaining Board and Committee appointments will then be considered and voted in its. entirety. Any Board and Committee appointments pulled from the consent item will then be scheduled for interview during a succeeding Board of Selectmen meeting, and the appointment process LO that Board and Committee will be by the full Board of Selectmen. 1.6.1— Acceptance of Gifts and Donations It is the policy of the Board of Selectmen to encourage donations and gifts, with the clear understanding that there is no offer on the part of the Town to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provisions of services, enforcement of laws or regulations, or any other consideration by the Town. Section 1.6 — Financial Matters The Town Manager is hereby authorized to accept any such gifts or donations on the part of the Town, to see to their disposition in accordance with donor's wishes and applicable law, and to notify the Board of Selectmen of any such gifts or donations. The Town Manager shall determine if the gift and donation is consistent with Town plans, needs and resources. If gifts and donations involve equipment, programs or the construction of capital projects, it is important for the Town and the donor to have an agreement in advance of any fundraising efforts. A written agreement will describe the nature, location, design and details of any such equipment, programs and projects. If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fund raising efforts, the fundraising efforts may be approved if the proposed project is included in the Town's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), with an understanding that Town funds will not be available until those capital funds are available through the budget. In circumstances where donations are made to replace, maintain or repair portions of Town sites and facilities, including replacement of elements of parks, recreation areas, buildings, and similar equipment, the Department Head within whose jurisdiction the site or facility falls may accept such donations where: • The value of the donation is $5,000 or less • The item being replaced, maintained, or repaired is consistent with any master plan for the property in question. 1 -8 Board of Selectmen Policies Additionally, the Town must be assured that any donations that are solicited or received on behalf of improving Town facilities or operating Town programs are either solicited by properly established non - profit corporations, through for profit corporations, or by individuals making donations directly to the Town. This is important for purposes of ensuring that donor's expectations are completely met with regard to possible tax deductibility of donations, and that a fundraising group is indeed making all donations properly and directly to the Town for the purpose intended. 1.6.2 — Use of Town Staff and Resources for Gifts and Donations In order to achieve other department missions and provide essential services, the Board of Selectmen recognizes the need for staff to develop fiscal and other resources to supplement municipal funding. The policy of the Board of Selectmen regarding fundraising activities by staff is the following: 1. Such activities will not decrease staff effectiveness nor will they constitute an inordinate amount of work time. 2. In accordance with the Conflict of Interest Law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 268A), Town employees will not realize personal financial benefit from fundraising activities. 3. Employees involved in fundraising are expected to use good judgment at all times, and to be sensitive to issues such as the business climate and the ability to give. 4. In accordance with the Town's established policy on Acceptance of Gifts, it is understood that there is no offer on the part of the Town or its employees, Departments, or Agencies to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provision of services, enforcement of laws or regulations or any other considerations by the Town. 5. To ensure consistency in communication about fundraising efforts, Boards and Committees and Department Heads shall inform the Town Manager of new fundraising efforts or campaigns prior to such activities. 6. Notice of regular or ongoing fundraising activities should be given to the Town Manager through the regular channels of communication. 7. The Town Manager may establish guidelines which specifically describe different types of fundraising and appropriate actions. 1.6.3— Authorization for the Town Manager to Sign Grant Applications and Acceptances The Town of Reading from time to time makes application for grants from various State, Federal and private sources. Since the Town Manager is authorized to execute contracts for the Town, the Board of Selectmen authorizes the Town Manager to sign grant applications and acceptances for such grants as have been authorized by the Board of Selectmen or the appropriate public body. It shall be the responsibility of every Department to report to the Town Manager that all operating requirements and resources are in place to properly implement the grant, including personnel policies, labor contract provisions, availability of resources, equipment, and all other things that will be needed. This action should take place prior to application for the grant if 1 -9 Board of Selectmen Policies possible, but in all cases shall take place prior to the acceptance of any grant, unless the Board of Selectmen waives this requirement. 1.6.4— Use of Public Funds for Gifts Public funds shall not be expended by any employee, official, Board or Committee of the Town, except the Board of Selectmen, for the purchase of food, flowers or other gifts for personnel of any Town Department who are retiring or resigning from employment. Use of public areas for the purpose of Department testimonials may be approved by the Town Manager. The Selectmen representing the Town may, as they deem fit, expend public funds for the purpose of presenting personnel or members of Boards and Committees, testimony of service in the form of printed, framed documentaries or other forms of appreciation, as the Selectmen shall decide from time to time. The Selectmen representing the Town may, as they deem fit, accept and use funds donated for the specific purpose of expressing sympathy for injury or death with appropriate acknowledgment. 1.6.5— Use of Public Funds for Professional. Development The Board of Selectmen recognizes that in many instances it is desirable for staff and /or elected officials to have spouses and /or families attend conventions or seminars with them. The intent of this policy is not to prohibit or discourage such attendance but to provide that, to the extent such attendance creates an expense over and above the expense of the employee or official attending such seminar or conference, that the employee or official will personally bear that additional expense. It is not the intent, where no additional expense is generated, to have the employee bear a pro rated share of the expense for rooms, transportation or other costs. 1.6.6— Financial Oversight The Town is committed to complying with and requires its employees (which includes officers, board and committee members and other persons acting on its behalf) to comply with all applicable Town policies, State and Federal Laws and regulations and internal accounting controls. The Town of Reading will investigate any report of fraudulent acts or related misuse of Town resources or property. Any individual found to have engaged in fraudulent acts or related misconduct, as defined in this policy, is subject to disciplinary action by the Town, which may include dismissal or expulsion, as well as prosecution by appropriate law enforcement authorities. 1.6.6.1 - Definition of Fraud Fraud and related misconduct prohibited by this policy generally involves a willful or deliberate act or failure to act with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit. The following are examples of activities that may be considered fraud: - Making or altering documents or computer files with the intent to deceive; - Purposely inaccurate financial reporting; - Improper handling or reporting of money transactions; 1 -10 Board of Selectmen Policies `o Misappropriation or misuse of Town assets and resources for personal gain or for the advantage of another; Unauthorized use of Town assets and resources for personal gain or for the advantage of another; Altering or incorrectly reporting information for personal gain or for the advantage of another or the Town; Authorizing or receiving remuneration for time not worked; Authorizing or receiving compensation for goods not received or services not performed Fraud includes a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading statements, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, which deceives and is intended to deceive. 1.6.6.2 - Responsibilities The Town has a responsibility to investigate and report to appropriate governmental authorities, as required, any violations of compliance with Town policy, State and Federal Laws and regulations, internal accounting controls and questionable accounting matters. Town of Reading management is responsible for establishing and maintaining policies and controls that provide security and accountability for the resources entrusted to them. Internal controls are intended to aid in preventing and detecting instances of fraud and related misconduct. Management is also expected to recognize risks and exposures inherent in their area of responsibility and be aware of indications of fraud or related misconduct. Responses to such allegations or indicators should be consistent. Every employee has the responsibility to assist the Town in complying with policies and legal and regulatory requirements, and in reporting known violations. It is the policy of the Town to encourage the support and cooperation of all employees in meeting the Town's commitment and responsibility to such compliance. 1.6.6.3 - Reporting Suspicion of Fraud Employees should report suspected instances of fraud or irregularity to their immediate supervisor or their next appropriate management level. However, in certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for employees to report suspected instances of fraud or irregularity directly to the Town Accountant (If the alleged fraud has been committed by the Employee's supervisor.) It is the responsibility of a supervisor or relevant manager to ensure that the suspicion of fraud and /or irregularity that is reported to them is reported as soon as practical to the Town Accountant. The written or verbal report should be sufficiently detailed and inclusive to ensure a clear understanding of the issues raised. In the event that the Town Accountant is the subject of, or otherwise identified as involved in the acts underlying such report, the person making the report may notify and forward such report to the Town Manager or Assistant Town Manager who will then lead the investigation, and the Town Manager or Assistant Town Manager shall immediately report such allegation to the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. 1 -11 Board of Selectmen Policies r \\ f Town employees are not to initiate investigations on their own. However, anyone may report suspected violations or concerns by letter to the Town Accountant and should indicate that he or she is an employee of the Town. The Deport should be sufficiently detailed and inclusive to ensure a clear understanding of the issues raised. Mark the envelope "Confidential and Private ". It is the policy of the Town that anyone who reports a violation may make such report confidentially and offsite. There shall be no retaliation by the Town's employees against any employee who makes a report pursuant to this policy even if after investigation the Town Accountant determines that there has not been a violation of any applicable Town policy, State or Federal laws and regulations or internal accounting controls. However, employees who make reports or provide evidence which they know to be false or, without a reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of such information, may be subject to disciplinary action. 1.6.6.4 - Investigation Following receipt of a report, the Town Accountant shall commence an investigation, as he /she, in his reasonable judgment, deems appropriate. The Town Accountant shall be authorized to retain such other individuals, including outside legal and accounting experts, as he or she deems appropriate to assist in such investigation. Appropriate Town management, together with the Town Accountant, will constitute the Investigation Team and will determine the necessary action depending upon the nature of the allegations or suspicions. The individual being investigated shall be notified immediately of said investigation and shall have the right to an attorney and /or union representative, as applicable, during all stages of the investigation. All efforts shall be made to ensure due process in the investigative process. Law Enforcement agencies may be notified and included on the Investigation Team. In those instances where the investigation indicates the probability of criminal activity, the inquiry will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency. In an investigation, objectives include verifying the facts, maintaining objectivity and confidentiality, determining responsibility and recommending corrective action. Details of the initial response and /or investigation will remain confidential. If in the opinion of the Investigating Team fraud is probable, employees suspected of such irregularities and /or fraud shall be suspended pending investigation. Appropriate Human Resource personnel will provide .guidance to the Investigating Team related to action (disciplinary or otherwise) required as a result of any response to or investigation of fraud or irregularity. Any individual suspected of irregular and /or fraudulent activities should not be confronted prior to commencement of the investigation process. Records related to the activity may need to be seized before the suspected individual becomes aware of any investigation. All employees suspected of irregularities and /or fraud are to be treated fairly and consistently and in compliance with the collective bargaining agreements and 1 -12 Board of Selectmen Policies \ personnel policies. Employees suspected of irregular and /or fraudulent activities have legal rights that must be respected. In the event any such investigation reveals information that is either material or, in the reasonable judgment of the Investigation Team, merits immediate attention by the Audit. Committee, and in every case where the dollar impact of fraudulent activities exceeds $2500, they shall contact the Chairman of the Audit Committee to discuss the matter, and shall inform the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. The Investigation Team shall make the final determination of whether a violation of the Town policy, State and Federal laws and regulations or internal accounting controls applicable to the Town has occurred. 1.6.6.5 - Reporting Results The Town Accountant will prepare a report of the results of any review of fraudulent or irregular activities. The report will contain the disciplinary taken, if any. As applicable, it will also contain details of the systems weaknesses that did not prevent or detect the fraudulent or irregular activities and provide recommendations for improving systems controls to prevent or detect similar events. It is recognized that management investigating the incident may share information with senior management, the town's audit committee, town counsel, and /or law enforcement agencies as deemed necessary. The Town Accountant will include a statistical summary of the fraud reports in the annual report. 1.6.7- Purchasing Card Policy Use of purchasing cards will expedite Town and School purchasing and payables for isolated one -time purchases along with payment for smaller dollar items. Purchasing cards may be issued to one or more employees at the discretion of the Town Manager or Superintendent of Schools as applicable, and with the names of all users to be filed with the Town Accountant. Issuance of a purchasing card under the name of the Town of Reading or the Reading School Department is a privilege and every reasonable effort shall be made to ensure that cards are used responsibly and in a manner consistent with Town and School Department policies, guidelines and applicable laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Town Accountant will authorize the type of items that can be purchased on the card and the maximum single transaction limit. In any event, the purchasing card shall not be used for purchases of travel, lodging, food, or beverages, for employees or Officials. The procurement card may be used for travel, lodging, and food and beverage (but not alcohol) expenses from student activity accounts for student travel. The Procurement card may be used to register for conferences or seminars. If the use of purchasing cards is extended beyond the one year trial period, the Town Accountant will periodically establish and issue guidelines to purchasing card users. It is the responsibility of each purchasing card user to ensure that their respective card is stored in a secure place and that the account number is protected. A card number may be used in a secure internet transaction but shall never be written out and transmitted via email. Each purchasing card user is responsible to reconcile every transaction made within the month. 1 -13 Board of Selectmen Policies \ Purchasing cards may be issued to individual users at the discretion of the Town Manager or Superintendent of Schools as applicable. Each user will sign for receipt of the card. Cards are to be stored in a secure location. If a purchasing card is lost or stolen the purchasing card user will notify the Town Accountant who will notify the bank, local police department and (lie Town Manager or Superintendent of Schools as applicable. Replacement of a lost or stolen card will be at the determination of the Town Manager or Superintendent of Schools as applicable. Failure to adhere to purchasing card policy and guidelines will result in revocation of card use, and the user may be subject to disciplinary action. An individual who is found to abuse the use of a purchasing card will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment along with potentially criminal charges being filed against them. In addition the Town will seek restitution for any inappropriate charges made to a purchasing card. The Town Accountant will establish procedures to be followed regarding the reconciliation processes. All relevant records are to be included with each statement and retained with applicable voucher records. Section 1.7 — Non - discrimination The Town does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability, or any other protected status defined by law. Section revised March 2018 Section 1.8 - Use of the Town Seal The Town Seal was adopted by the Town in 1890, and constitutes a symbol to the general public of the Town of Reading. In order to control and regulate the use of the Town Seal so that it is used only to represent official uses by the Town, this policy is adopted as follows: 1. The Seal of the Town shall be used on all letterhead, forms, legal notices and other official papers of the Town of Reading, in a form and format to be approved by the Town Manager. 2. The Town Seal is to be placed on municipally -owned or operated vehicles as may be determined by the Town Manager. Any other use of the Seal of the Town of Reading will require prior approval by the Board of Selectmen. Section 1.9 — Severability 0�� Should any provision of this Policy be held unlawful by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions of this Policy shall remain in full force. Section revised March 2018 1 -14 Board of Selectmen Policies `� Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2685 f�'r"rrNCOnp��` FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942 -9043 May 9, 2018 Dear Business Operator, I am writing to inform you that the Town of Reading has adopted new rules governing the use of plastic bags at retail establishments. In November of 2017, Town Meeting adopted General Bylaw 8.13 to promote the use of reusable checkout bags. The effective date of this new bylaw is September 10, 2018 and is included on the back of this letter. Under the new Town of Reading bylaw the following restrictions apply: • Retail stores are prohibited from using thin -film single -use plastic bags at checkout or for other purposes. • Thin -film single -use plastic bags refer to bags with plastic handles, a thickness of less than 3 mils, intended for single -use transport of purchased products. • Thin -film plastic bags used for dry cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, bulk foods, wet items and other similar merchandise, typically without handles are still permissible. • The Bylaw has been posted on the Town Website www,readin ma. ov and has been • highlighted on social media through the Town's Facebook Page. The effective date of the new bylaw has been delayed until September 10, 2018 to allow retailers time to deplete their existing bag stock. We fully encourage and expect all retail businesses to comply with this new regulation to avoid any enforcement efforts that could result in fines. Please contact me at the above number if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Robert W. LeLacheur, ,Ct Town Manager Town of Reading General Bylaw Article 8 - Public Order 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 machine washable fabric, or (b) made of plastic that is durable, non - toxic, and generally considered a food - grade material other than 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 Checkout 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 by 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: • 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 • 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 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 21 D. 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, n lJa r • L 3 O • N H W .N v1 MINIM ■c m rl u a c H mm MINIM CL3 wL W Q■ 'r■ H O L C■ i■ O va c O H �3 ■ ■Id 3 V O t v �H v ■1111 H tv i FA IM-1 V •y ch cc C O C.) O. H C Cu cm O J ad CO) y CM cn O O .0 � O � Q m o Q. -a � o a O U) 7 _O y cn O C m y 0 7 y O O a L ca V m 6J c cu a� .= O Ci .R U Y CO O ) @ N d � r0+ ca E E ca E d N r•+ R O E o o C9 = cc c � .a 4- cB R O = N N 4- a4-+ N E 0 0 4 v CU E i 0 O . C � N Q O .- E cu L E U- U Saunders, Caitlin From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2018 8:26 AM To: Saunders, Caitlin; Miller, Jayne Subject: FW: Plastic Bag Ban infographic and blurb Attachments: Plastic Bag Lcttcr.pdf Caitlin, please include this email and the letter attached in the SB packet. Also, Jayne would you please send the infographic so we can include that as well? Thanks, Bob Hobert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager, Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 townmanaaer(d)ci. reading. ma. us (p) 781 - 942 - 9043, (F) 781 - 942 -9037 www.readin ma.gov Town Hall Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m.;Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Friday: CLOSED From: Delios, Jean Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2018 8:24 AM To: David Zeek; Miller, Jayne Cc: Kinsella, Jane; Zager, Jeff; LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: Plastic Bag Ban infographic and blurb Good Morning The attached mailing was completed by myself and 4 staff people. The letter including the new bylaw went in the mail yesterday to a database from the Assessor's office of over 500 entities. Also, we distributed this electronically to over 100 food permit holders (mostly food establishments). This may be included in the Selectboard's packet as an fyi. Best, Jean Jean J. Delios Assistant Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2685 p. 781 -942 -6612 1 f. 781 - 942 -9071 Town Hall Hours: M, W, Th — 7:30 a.m. — 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY CLOSED jdelios arci.reading.ma.us www.readingma.gov From: David Zeek [ mailto: readingclimatecommittee @gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 8, 2018 6:37 PM To: Miller, Jayne Cc: Delios, Jean; Kinsella, Jane; Zager, Jeff Subject: RE: Plastic Bag Ban infographic and blurb This is great, Jayne! I will share this with the Committee which is meeting tomorrow night. Do you also have the packet that is going out to the businesses? Regards, David Zeek, Chair Reading Climate Advisory Committee From: Miller, Jayne <jmiller@ci. reading. ma. us> Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2018 1:52 PM To: David Zeek <davidazeek @gmail.com >; David Zeek < readingclimatecommittee @gmail.com> Cc: Delios, Jean <idelios @ci.reading.ma.us >; Kinsella, Jane <jkinsella @ci. read ing.ma.us >; Zager, Jeff <izager @ci.reading.ma.us> Subject: Plastic Bag Ban infographic and blurb Hi David, I just wanted to send you the infographic I developed and the blurb that is going out in the DPW and the Senior Center newsletters. Thanks, Jayne Bring Your Own Ba Reading approved a new bylaw in late 2017, joining more than 70 other Massachusetts communities eliminating single - use, throw -away plastic bags. Beginning September 10, 2018 Reading businesses will no longer provide shoppers with single -use plastic bags. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags for their purchases. Stores may provide, or sell, recyclable paper bags or reusable cloth and /or plastic bags with handles at checkouts. Please check the DPW page on the Town website (ReadingMA.Gov) for more information on this new bylaw. Keep Reading Clean & Beautiful Jayne Wellman Miller Business Administrator Department of Administrative Services 0 April 20, 2018 Board of Selectmen Chair Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Board of Selectmen Chair: Mariclaire Rigby R i -. Lead Vegetation Strategy Specialist �, Vegetation Strategy 939 Southbridge Street Worcester, MA 01610 508- 860 -6282 rnariclaire.rigby@itationalgi id.com In a letter sent in December 5, 2017, you received notification that National Grid would carry out late winter - spring mechanical control, cut surface (CST) or basal treatment; a summer selective foliage treatment; and, as necessary, summer and fall CST and basal treatments on rights -of -way, which pass through your municipality. Information on National Grid's approved Yearly Operational Plan (YOP) and maps showing the rights -of -way to be treated were included with that letter. The current Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) and approved 2018 YOP are posted at the following websites (hard copies available upon request): http://www.nationalgridus.com/non html/ National %20Grid %20VMP %202014 %20- %202018.pdf https: / /www9.nationalgridus.com /non html /2018 %20YOP.pdf Although you already received and reviewed copies of the YOP map(s) with the original notification please let us know if there are any additional sensitive areas located on or near the rights -of -way. Please advise us as soon as possible so we can establish permanent records and implement appropriate field protective actions. We particularly rely on this process to collect corrections to the public wells and to record the location of private wells. Commonwealth of Massachusetts recommended herbicides for use in sensitive areas listed in Section 7 (pages 13 -15) of the YOP will be selectively applied to target vegetation by experienced, Massachusetts' licensed /certified applicators that walk along the rights -of -way using backpack equipment. Copies of the manufacturers' herbicide labels and fact sheets are also included in the YOP, Appendices 8 and 9. Treatment Periods* January 29, 2018 — May 31, 2018 May 31, 2018 - October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018 — December 31, 2018 CST Foliar CST Basal CST Basal Basal * The exact treatment dates are dependent upon weather conditions and field crew progress. E In compliance with 333 CMR 11.06- 11.07, no herbicide applications will occur before the conclusion of the 45 day YOP review period, the 21 day treatment notice and the 48 hour newspaper notice. At the end of these review periods, which can run concurrently, no application shall commence more than ten days before. nor conclude more than ten days after the treatment periods listed above. The work will be performed by one of the following companies: Vegetation Control Service, Inc. Lewis Tree Service, Inc. 2342 Main Street 300 Lucius Gordon Drive Athol, MA 01331 West Henrietta, NY 14586 (978) 249 -5348 (585) 436 -3208 Lucas Tree Experts Stanley Tree 12 Northbrook Drive 662 Great Road Falmouth, ME 04105 North Smithfield, RI (800) 339 -8873 (401) 765 -4677 This informational 21 -day notification is in compliance with Chapter 132B, section 6B of the Massachusetts General Laws,, 333 CMR 11.05 -11.07 Rights of Way Management and Chapter 85, Section 10 of the Acts of 2000. National Grid's vegetation management program is subject to federal and state regulations only. By statute, local permits or rulings are not applicable. For inquiries concerning safety of the herbicides, please contact: Director of Rights -of -Way Programs Massachusetts_ State Pesticide Bureau Department of Agricultural Resources 251 Causeway Street, Suite 500 Boston, MA 02114 -2151 Telephone: (617) 626 -1781 Please contact me if you have any questions about the application and monitoring of the vegetation control program. Sincerely, L Mariclaire Rigby Lead Vegetation Strategy Specialist cc: Board of Health Conservation Commission Lewis Tree Service or Vegetation Control Service or Lucas Tree Service or Stanley Tree Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau Municipal Water Supplier(s) Municipality: Reading ROW #(S): 1245 a 0 Arbor 1, r. Town Manager Robert LeLacheur 16 Lowell St Reading, MA 01867 Dear Tree City USA Supporter, On behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation, I write to congratulate Reading on earning recognition as a 2017 Tree City USA. Residents of Reading should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority. Reading is one of more than 3,400 Tree City USAs, with a combined population of 140 million. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well - being, and energy use. Reading is stepping up to do its part. As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you are helping to provide a solution to these global challenges. We hope you are excited to share this accomplishment. Enclosed in this packet is a press release for your convenience as you prepare to contact local media and the public. State foresters are responsible for the presentation of the Tree City USA flag and other materials. We will forward information about your awards to your state forester's office to coordinate presentation. It would be especially appropriate to make the Tree City USA award a part of your community's Arbor Day ceremony. Again, we celebrate your commitment to the people and trees of Reading and thank you for helping to create a healthier planet for all of us. Best Regards, Dan Lambe President cc: Michael Hannaford enclosure 0 For more information, contact: Danny Cohn, 402 - 473 -9563 dcohn @arborday.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: �Je'(Arbor. Dja Foundatiow arborday.org Arbor Day Foundation Names Reading Tree City USA Reading, MA, was named a 2017 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Reading achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. "Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education." Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. More information on the program is available at arbordqy.org/TreeCityUSA g /TreeCityUSA. About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org. Saunders, Caitlin From: National Civic League <aac @ncl.org> Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2018 11:31 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Calling All U.S. Community Champions to the Conversation on June 22 in Denver, CO ister for r.. /; .,181 • Guarantee your spot to work with civic leaders from across the country to ensure that our communities are inclusive, equitable and thriving. • Ensure that your entire group can attend -buy 5 tickets and receive 2 free with our group discounts! View Conference PEggram Join Us tt n ' s e Thank you to our sponsors: u .,, see KAISER PFRIVIANEWE, Session Tracks: • Health Equity • Youth & Education • Community - Police Relations Location: • Hilton Denver City Center • 1701 California Street • Denver, Colorado, 80202 Keynote Speakers: • Honorable Hilda Solis • Honorable Fred Harris • Jandel Allen -Davis MD • Manuel Pastor PhD Join us for the 50th Anniversary of the report on Civil Disorder to look at ways of building community to achieve equity. National Civic League 1 190 E. 9th Ave., Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203 Unsubscribe selectmen @ci.reading.ma.us Update Profile I About our service provider Sent by aac @ncl.org in collaboration with GmsontOntacto, Try it free today q 6a Saunders, Caitlin From: DLS Alerts <dls_ alerts =dor. state .ma.us @mail205.atl2l.rsgsv.net> on behalf of DLS Alerts <dls_ alerts @dor.state.ma.us> Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2018 5:32 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: City & Town May 3rd, 2018 t A Publication of , X� '`' the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services "Iw - Jq% k L S w sa `� DIVISION OF LOCAL SERVICES R�'b„ 3?�cel MA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE May 3rd, 2018 In this issue: ® May is Municipal Monthl ® Ask DLS: Personal Property Taxes • • IT The Division of Local Services is offering a seminar for recently elected or appointed officials on Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. This course is designed to foster a team approach by developing an understanding of the responsibilities of local offices and a Co Mon W"Ith of Communities May is Municipal Month! Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito Today, Governor Charlie Baker and I participated in the signings of the final 3501h and 351 s` Community Compacts with the Town of Wilbraham and the City of Boston. We also kicked -off and proclaimed May as Municipal Month in the Commonwealth which will serve as a platform for underlining the relationship between state and local governments through a series of grant announcements and community events. Travelling across Massachusetts to meet, learn and partner with officials from each of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns has been a tremendous experience and I am excited about our progress toward building stronger communities. I was thrilled to sign our final Community Compacts with Boston and Wilbraham and look forward to I C)li-ci\ duties as well as their creating more opportunities, developing broader connections and bringing additional interrelationship. Please note that success to municipalities across the state as we kick off May as Municipal Month. preregistration is required. Registrations must be received by The Community Compact Cabinet's three grant programs — Best Practices, Efficiency Monday, May 21st. and Regionalization, and IT — have served as engines for improving local services in all 361 cities and towns across Massachusetts. The 351 municipalities have chosen a Click here for the registration form. If total of 835 best practices, which include financial management, climate resiliency, you have any questions regarding and sustainable development and land protection. Over 50 municipalities have applied this event, please contact DLS for a 2nd round Compact. The IT grant program focuses on driving innovation and Training Coordinator Donna Quinn at transformation at the local level via investments in technology, and in the last two quinndador.state.ma.us or (617) years, 99 grants totaling $4 million were awarded to 134 municipalities. The Efficiency 626 -3838. and Regionalization grant program provides financial support for governmental entities interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long -term sustainability, and over the last two fiscal years, $4 million in grants have MON Ibeen awarded to more than 220 municipalities and school districts. ata ba ftk These programs have led to more than: [1 1 • 120 municipalities that will strengthen their financial operations • 100 municipalities that will be better prepared for economic success " ° „'"'1ti 1� �' Vl'' ”' • 100 municipalities that will enhance their IT systems and use IT to improve transparency and service delivery • 80 municipalities that will explore regionalizing and /or sharing services • 80 municipalities that will become greener communities • 70 municipalities that will improve local transportation • 20 municipalities that will modernize various human resources components As part of May as Municipal Month in the Commonwealth, today I hosted a meeting of city mayors and town managers to discuss the Community Compact Program. We will also convene a meeting of the Community Compact Cabinet, participate in the Local Government Advisory Commission Meeting and the Government Finance Officers Association Annual Meeting. During Municipal Month, we will make an announcement Other DLS Links: relative to the Housing Choice initiative and its first round of designees, an announcement regarding the Administration's trails program, award the new round of Local Officials Directory Community Compact IT Grant, and I will visit communities involved in the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program. Information Guideline As always, I want to thank you for all that you do for our cities and towns. I hope to see Releases (IGRs) you soon! Bulletins Ask DLS: Personal Property Taxes Publications & Training Center This month's Ask DLS is another in a series of frequently asked questions about Tools and Financial personal property taxes. Please let us know if you have other areas of interest or send Calculators a question to cityandtown()-dor. state. ma. us. We would like to hear from you. What personal property tax exemptions do financial institutions, insurance corporations and telephone corporations receive in Massachusetts? M_ Generally speaking, incorporated landline telephone companies subject to M.G.L. c. 166, incorporated financial institutions subject to excise under M.G.L. c. 63, §§ 2 or 2B, and incorporated insurance companies taxed under M.G.L. c. 63, $� 20 -29E receive local property tax exemptions on all personal property except poles, wires, underground conduits, wires and pipes and machinery used in manufacture or in supplying and distributing water. M.G.L. c. 59, §5, cl. 16(1). An insurance company incorporated in another state is entitled to the exemptions only if the state in which such company is incorporated or, if incorporated in another country, has its principal place of business in the United States, offers similar exemptions from personal property tax for Massachusetts insurance companies. Corporations providing cell phone service and cable television are not considered telephone companies and are not entitled to this exemption. However, the Supreme Judicial Court has determined that a company with bundled services including cable service may qualify as a telephone corporation if it provides "substantial' landline telephone service. Whether the landline telephone service is substantial will depend on several factors, including the revenues from telephone services, proportion of telephone revenues to total income, percentage of capital invested in telephone services, number of telephone service employees compared to total work force, and ratio of telephone services to overall business activities. See RCN- BecoCom, LLC v. Commissioner of Revenue, 443 Mass. 198 (2005). Unincorporated telephone companies, financial institutions and insurance companies are NOT entitled to the incorporated telephone company, financial institution or insurance company exemptions, unless they file federally as corporations. How is personal property valued in Massachusetts? Like real estate, all personal property must be assessed at fair cash value. M.G.L. c. 59, § 38. Generally, personal property is valued using the cost approach method. The particular cost approach will vary, depending on the specific property. In some cases, such as highly regulated utilities, net book value may be used, which is original cost less depreciation; although changes in the regulatory environment have allowed for greater flexibility. Boston Gas Co. v. Assessors of Boston 458 Mass. 715 (2011). In most cases a reproduction or replacement cost new less accumulated depreciation method is used. Ordinarily the market and income approaches are not used to value personal property. However, if a specific property or type of property has a demonstrated resale value in the market or a specific earning capacity as leased property that can be distinguished from business earnings, a market or income approach to valuation may also be considered. Generally, the local board of assessors in the city or town where the personal property is situated is responsible for valuing taxable personal property. However, the Department of Revenue centrally values (1) the taxable personal property owned by landline telephone companies and used to provide telephone service and (2) taxable pipeline property used to transmit for 25 miles or more in Massachusetts natural gas, petroleum or their products or by- products and not owned by gas or electric utility companies. The Department certifies the values to the companies and the local boards of assessors, which then assess taxes using those values. See M.G.L. c. 59, 38 A (pipeline companies) and 39 -42 (telephone companies). 0 Do cities and towns in Massachusetts use fixed depreciation schedules for valuing personal property? Massachusetts does not prescribe specific depreciation tables, either by statute or regulation. Property in use is considered to have some residual value, even if it has exceeded its useful life. However, the exact amount of depreciation and residual value is dependent on the specifics of the property and its use. Assessors should apply physical, functional and economic depreciation, if applicable, in order to arrive at a fair cash valuation. Depreciation must be documented. What are the procedures and timelines for central valuation of telephone company property? Landline telephone companies are required to file returns of taxable telephone personal property with the Department of Revenue. The Department values the property and certifies the values to the companies and the boards of assessors in the communities where the property is situated. There is no statutory definition of what constitutes a telephone company for central valuation purposes, and the Department looks to a variety of criteria to make that determination. Factors include how the entity is regulated by the Department of Telecommunications and Cable TV, whether voice transmission services are provided, local or long distance, whether the company owns taxable telephone infrastructure, and whether the landline telephone service provided is substantial. As stated in an earlier question, the Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that a broadband landline provider of telephone service that also provides high speed Internet service and cable telephone service may qualify as a telephone company if the telephone service provided is substantial. However, the SJC has also ruled that wireless cellular providers are NOT telephone and telegraph companies and are therefore not subject to central valuation. Bell Atlantic Mobile of Massachusetts Corporation, Ltd. v. Commissioner of Revenue, 451 Mass. 280 (2008). Telephone company returns (Form 5941) are due March 1 before the beginning of the fiscal year to which the tax relates. For example, for Fiscal Year 2019, beginning July 1, 2018 and concluding June 30, 2019, the return was due March 1, 2018. The Department must value the property and certify the values on or before June 15. Telephone companies and local assessors have the right to appeal the Department's values to the Appellate Tax Board on or before July 15. M.G.L. c. 59, § 39. If a company or board of assessors did not appeal by the July 15 date and then receives notice the other party timely appealed, it may appeal in response. However, it must do so by July 30, or 15 days after receiving the notice, whichever is later. Local boards of assessors must assess taxes to the telephone companies using the valuations certified by the Department unless revised on appeal. Editor: Dan Bertrand Editorial Board: Sean Cronin, Anthonia Bakare, Linda Bradley, Deb Joyce, Theo Kalivas, Patricia Hunt and Tony Rassias Contact City & Town with questions, comments and feedback by emailing us at cityandtown&dor. state. ma. us. To unsubscribe to City & Town and all DLS alerts, email dls alerts dor.state.ma.us. This email was sent to selectmen @ci.reading. ma. us why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services • 100 Cambridge Street • Boston, MA 02114 • USA r'i' Saunders, Caitlin From: vtsdmailer @vt -s.net on behalf of Contact form at Reading MA <vtsdmailer @vt- s.net> Sent: Friday, May 04, 2018 1:17 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: [Reading MA] Pedestrian walk signals (Sent by Susan Costello, mary54louise@gmail.com) Hello Board of Selectmen, Susan Costello (mar 541ouise mail.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https: / /www.readingma.gov /user /475 /contact) at Reading MA. If you don't want to receive such e- mails, you can change your settings at https: / /www.readingma.gov /user /475 /edit. Message: On March 2nd I contacted SeeClickFix and reported my concern stated below: The pedestrian signals at the intersection of New Crossing Rd & Walkers Brook Dr in Reading are not functioning efficiently. They are either missing or are askew so they are very difficult to see. In addition there is no audio sound to alert you that it's safe to cross. I'd appreciate it if this issue could be resolved quickly . Thank you. I was advised that the issue had been resolved yet when I was at that intersection on April 28th it had yet to be fixed. There are still missing signals. That intersection has 4 poles, one on each corner. Am I wrong to expect 2 signals on each pole, easily visible ? I'd appreciate any assistance in resolving this safety concern. Thank you, Saunders, Caitlin From: National Civic League <aac @ncl.org> Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2018 4:04 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Community - Police Relations in the Spotlight Community - Police Relations in the Spotlight Police relations with communities of color seem to constantly be in the news, whether it's the death of Stephon Clark in Sacramento or Starbucks. Our conference this summer will examine this issue from all angles, with speakers ranging from the police departments of Norfolk and Dallas to community organizers from New York and Denver. Join us on June 22 at the National Conference on Local Governance! President, National Civic League Need more reasons to register now for #NCLG2018? Learn About Health Equity in U.S. Communities May Promising Practices Webinar: Building Community Trust Using Police Data and Dashboards Win 4 Free Registrations for Your Community to Attend the Conference in Beautiful Denver, CO this June Waiting for Health Equity - Workshop Spotlight: Healthy, thriving communities use all sectors to make better health possible for all residents. This track will be facilitated by Dana Kennedy and Chris Lyttle with the Center for Health Progress. They will focus on creating a complete picture of health, from physical environments and planning to strategies for... Read more. Webinar will be Thursday, May 24 at 1 p.m. Pacific /2 p.m. MST /3 p.m. CST /4 p.m. EST. Description: Police officers' use of force can become a source of friction between law enforcement and communities. In this webinar, attorney Bob Scales and San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia will discuss the challenges of collecting use of force data and successes... Deadline: May 15. Enter photographs of your community that showcase civic engagement. The winning community will get 4 free registrations to the National Conference on Local Governance on June 22 in Denver, CO. The contest is open to nonprofit organizations, U.S. cities, U.S. counties, journalists, media outlets, government staff and elected officials. 1 0� W.K. Kellogg Foundation Releases The Business Case for Racial Equity The W.K. Kellogg Foundation recognizes that advancing racial equity exerts a powerful positive influence on the lives and futures of children. Children who grow up in a society where their health, education, and well -being are considered valuable and important have higher achievement in school and more opportunities for employment... View report. Read more. Lee's Summit, MO is the 200th SolSmart Designee. Can you #BeSolSmart, too? SOLSMART CELEBRATES Z� ``raSMaK'i CI I Y AND COUNTY DESIGNEES! llCf � �© .,"our community on the map with no -cost f o t.fAiNral ttsz stPnre from nxnunxl aolnr exprrls. The 200 SolSmart designees are in 35 states and the District of Columbia and represent over 59 million Americans. The newest designees range from small towns such as Fairfield, Iowa; to cities such as Asheville, North Carolina and Shawnee, Kansas; to county governments like Suffolk County, New York. Major cities such New York... Read more. Additional Information & Upcoming Events The National Civic League is now on Instagraml Follow us D_nationalcivic. The League Welcomes New Membership Development Coordinator About Rebecca Trout. 109th National Conference on Local Governance June 22, 2018 in Denver, CO More information. All- America City Awards Competition & Event June 22 -24, 2018 in Denver, CO More information. GFOA's 112th Annual Conference May 6 -9, 2018 in St. Louis, MO More information. Read more. Interactions Between Police and Residents Continue to Draw Attention Last month, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross apologized to two black men who were arrested last week at Starbucks, to the officers involved and others "who I have failed in a variety of ways." The Wall Street Journal, which said the incident renewed a national discussion on how police and businesses treat African - Americans... Read more. q9a National Civic League Headquarters 1 303 - 571 -4343 1 www.nationalcivicleague.org, 190 E. 9th Ave. Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203 SafeUnsubscribeTM selectmen@ci.reading.ma.us Forward this email I Update Profile I About our service provider Sent by aac@ncl.org in collaboration with is Y, Try it free today 0 Saunders, Caitlin From: Mass. Municipal Assoc. <dwilliams @mma.org> Sent: Monday, May 07, 2018 8:01 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Can You Join Us On May 16? Programs and Events R inter Now Massachusetts Municipal Association : The Voice okities and Tuns mma.org Dear Member, The Massachusetts Municipal Selectmen's Association will have their May Regional Meeting on Wednesday, May 16 in Boston at the MMA Office (1 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110) with registration beginning at 11 a.m. The meeting is free of charge but registration is required - you can register online here. 'Marijuana in Massachusetts: What Now ?' will include a panel discussion and interactive breakout sessions where selectmen will have the opportunity to speak with panelists in small groups and discuss the current challenges their communities face with recreational marijuana moving forward. Featured speakers for this program are: • David Lakeman, Director of Government Affairs, Cannabis Control Commission • Margaret Hurley, Municipal Law Unit Director, Office of the Attorney General The program will begin with registration and networking from 11:0o a.m. -11:3o a.m. and include an MMA legislative update from MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith and welcoming remarks from Jim Lovejoy, MSA President and Mount Washington Selectman. The meeting will conclude with a brief presentation from the Massachusetts Municipal Manager's Association and adjourn by 1:15 P.M. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Best, Devon M Devon Elizabeth Williams Member Services Coordinator Massachusetts Municipal Association One Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110 Phonc: 617- 426- 7272 x104 Administrative Services "Current" Berman Ensminger Alvarado Friedmann Halsey Board of Selectmen VASC Berman, Ensminger 1 3 1 3 2 3 2 3 School Committee Friedmann, Halsey 3 3 Regional School District Alvarado 1 3 3 3 3 RMLD Commissioners Ensminger 2 2 RMLD CAB RMLD Payments Subcommittee Bylaw CornruilLee Ensminger Ensminger Alvarado 2 __-J 2 1 2 2 1 - 3 Finance Committee Alvarado, Berman 2 2 2 Permanent Building Committee Alvarado, Berman 2 3 2 Community Groups /Communication RCN Board of Directors Alvarado, Ensminger 2 2 3 1 Cultural Council Climate Advisory Friedmann Friedmann 2 2 3 3 3 3 Reading Ice Arena Authority Halsey 2 2 1 Walkable Reading Friedmann 2 3 3 Celebration Committee Friedmann 2 3 3 Other Animal Controls Appeal Comm. Friedmann 2 3 3 Moderator Rules Committee Board of Registrars Alvarado Alvarado Friedmann 2 2 2 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 Constables Friedmann 2 3 2 Finance Audit Committee Berman 2 3 2 Retirement Board Berman 2 3 3 Commissioners of Trust Funds Berman 2 3 2 Veterans Memorial Trust Fund Comm. Friedmann 2 2 2 Public Services CommunityServices 2 1 -- 2 1 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 *1 Council on Aging Ensminger, Halsey - _ -- Mystic Valley Elder Services Ensminger, Halsey Board of Health Ensminger Recreation Committee Halsey Cust. of Sold iers &Sailors Graves Ensminger Community Development 1 2 CPDC North Suburban Planning Council Berman, Alvarado Berman 2 2 2 3 2 Metro Area Planning Council Berman 2 3 1 �- - 2 2 - 2 Zoning Board of Appeals Berman, Alvarado 2 3 Historical Commission Ensminger 2 2 Historical District Commission Friedmann 2 2 3 Conservation Commission Halsey 2 2 1 Reading Housing Authority Friedmann 2 2 2 3 Public Safety Fire department Halsey 2 2 1 *1 1 *1 3 3 1 Police department Human Relations Advisory Committee RCASA Halsey Friedmann Halsey 2 2 2 2_ 3 3 Public Library — -- — - - -- — — -- Library Trustees - — Berman - -- 2 3 3 Public Works Board of Cemetery Trustees Berman 2 3 3 MWRA Advisory Board Halsey 2 2 1 Trails Committee Friedmann 2 3 3 Town Forest Committee Friedmann 2 1 3 2 Liaisons to Neighborhoods Impacted by Economic Development The Select Board recognizes the need for elected officials to represent neighborhoods that might be impacted by mid -large development projects.' To meet this need, for each project, the Board will appoint one of its member to serve as liaison between the neighborhood, developers, and the Town. The goal of each liaison will be to act as a central point of contact for neighbors at various points in the development project. Prior to fulfilling their goal, each liaison will need to become familiar with the initial plans of the project. This will include, but is not limited to, meeting with the relevant town staff member responsible for the project in order to understand the type of development that is being proposed and to learn the processes and general timelines for the proposed development. The liaison will inform the neighborhood organization of opportunities for involvement in the planning process (e.g., attend DIRT meetings) and facilitate interactions with relevant Town entities. During the project development, including demolition and construction, the liaison will support the work of the town in communicating with the neighborhood and vice versa, as needed. ' Or "multi- residential development projects" or "large residential or commercial /industrial development projects "?