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Home My WebLink About2017-11-13 Subsequent Town Meeting Minutes SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing 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 5 - 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: SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing 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. SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing 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. SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing 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 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center 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 students' 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 been—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 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial Nigh School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center 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 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center 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 Kooll 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 Carried 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 FY18: +1550.000* $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 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center $8,000 DPW garage Windows and 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: -5294,400 $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 Enterprise Funds - Water FY18: None FY19• +$105.000 $100,000 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment +$5,000 Truck number 6 -now $155,000 was $150,000 FY20+ Various changes made Enterprise Funds - Sewer FY78: None FY19: +5198.000 $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 Enterprise Funds - Storm Water FY18: None FY19• +$350.000* $250,000 Sturges Park drainage project $100,000 Downtown Infrastructure Assessment SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center F debt service in FY19 decreased by $411,250 as drainage projects are divided into two parts: Sturges Park d Main Street in FY21. anges made Background: 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 Committee Report - given by Paula Perry: 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. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: 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 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-Wages and Expenses __AGSIWA Lin Description DecreaSk Increase C99-Capital Expenses Wood End Elementary School Skylight repairs $550,000 $480,000 Fire simulator equipment$150,000 School Technology $85,000 Fire breathing apparatus -$165,000 D99- Debt Service Decrease for TILT debt service $177,000 Expenses H91 - Public Services Increased hours 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 $177,000 599 834 Net Operating Expenses 5422,834 From Tax Levy({75,000) From New Growth$341,972 From State Aid$118,736 From Excise Taxes$50,000 For State Assessments($9,874) From Free Cash- no chane 422 834 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center Finance Committee Report given by Peter Lvdeck r: At their meeting on October 11, 2017 the Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: 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 Motion to Table Carried 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 Giant Leaf vacuum 2000 2,000 Department of Public Works Ford Crown Sedan 2007 300 Department of Public Works White Utility Trailer 1989 1,500 Fire 40 Scott Breathing < $ 5,000 Apparatus Fire 27 Breathing Air Cylinders _ < $ 5,000 Background: 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 Report—aiven by Anne Johnson Landry: At their meeting on October 11, 2017 the Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: The Board of Selectmen on October 24, 2017 voted 5-0 to support this Article. Motion Carried 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. SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center Backaround: 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. Finance Committee Report — atven by Peter Lvdecker: At their meeting on October 11, 2017 the Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report Board of Selectmen Report: 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 Carried 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." Backaround: 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. Finance Committee Report: No report Bylaw Committee Report—given by Paul Sylvester: At their meeting on October 25, 2017 the Bylaw Committee voted 4-0-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Motion 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 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center 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 neutral ;;cluck the fem nine-gendef. Motion to Amend Section E Carried 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. SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center 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." I 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. 0 Delete Section 3.2.1.3 (Receipts) in its entirety. SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center 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 he 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 him the Treasurer during the preceding week or lesser period, including any sum received as interest on moneys received by him the Treasurer on all accounts committed to him the Treasurer and deposited in any bank. He The Treasurer shall give bond to the Town for the faithful performance of his 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. Motion to Amend Section P Carried SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial Nigh School November 13, 2017 Performing Arts Center Motion to adjourn - Article 9 will continue at section Q On motion by Bill Brown, Precinct B 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. Motion Carried A true copy Attest: Laura A Gemme, CMC/ CMMC Town Clerk Town of Reading RPSGUEST no password Subsequent Town Meeting I November 13,2017 ; 17 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 1 Reports Special Guest-Janice Jones, 52 Sanborn St. Home Rule Petition Update -Town Manager Bob LeLacheur Readino 37V Celebration-Phil Rushworth RMLD Report-Coleen O'Brien,General Manager of RMLD RMLD Instructional Motion Update-BOS member Dan Ensminger School Dept. Report-Dr.John Doherty,Superintendent of Schools 1 Y017 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 2 Instructions Millis!a� Pages M 017 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 3 Adds, removes or changes hems in the FY18.28 Capital Improvements Program—does not authorize any funding for these items. FY18 General Fund request is$75,000 higher 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 � � Paees a-s 17 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 3—General Fund Capital Plan FYI+$540.000 $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 Cam garage windows&doom,,$8,000 DPW windows&doors -$16,000 West Side Fire windows&doors(funds the above requests) -$165,000 Fire breathing apparatus reduces request from$1901,to$25k) FY191-5294.4001 various changes made and listed on ages 34 FY20 Various changes made Pages 3-5 017 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 3— Enterprise Funds Capital Plan FY15: none proposed FY19, various changes proposed on page 4 FY20+ Various changes made in all three Enterprise Funds 3 �ia _luw Page 5 017 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 4 Authorizes these changes to FY18 General Fund budget: Line Description Decrease Increase C99— Note the addition of$75,OW(for $540,000 Capital 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 H91—Pub Human/Elder Svc Dir$8,334 -$27 834 Syc Wages Inspectors$19,500 L92-Library Maint.contracts for RFID system $22,000 Expenses (inventory&security) Subtotals f167,000 $589,834 Net Operating Expenses $422,834 _ Page 5 017 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 4 Sources of funding for changes proposed: Line Description Decrease Increase Net Operating Expenses $422,834 From Tax Levy($75,000) From New Growth$341,972 From Property Taxes $266,972 From Stale Aid $115,736 From Excise Taxes $50,000 For State Assassments($9,874) From Free Cash-unchanged 4 _ � Page 6 17 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 6 None known-move to table niiiiinnnon Pages 17 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 6- Dispose Surplus Equipment Fee. GMFL00 Tr ,*M(IM) $500 Tittle-In DPW Giant Leaf Vac(2000) $2,000 Tretle-in DPW mite wit,trader og3g) $11500 Tre in DPW Font Cro SaJan(200]) $300 Trad.in Fire aO Scdt brwlhing aPPeiaWe 45,000 TM n Fire 27 breaftag air gllntleie -$5,000 Trade-at 5 Pages 6-7 017 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 RMHS7RT litigation Because of premium prices received we only needed to sell$6.645 million.Fifth Third lad 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 bonowing,which has technically been granted previously by Town Meeting but is no longer needed. In the future,debt authonzations will include newly approved language so this technical correction should not be required, NINE is_ Pages 7-8 017 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 0rre for violation of this bylaw shall be Three Hundred($300)Dollars for each offense.Any penalty imposed under this bylaw shell be in addi0on 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 dlspositonpureuantto MGLChapter40Secton21D. Thegne for violation of this section shall be One Hundred($100)Dollars for each offense pursuant to MGL Chapter 94G Secgon r 13(c)and(g),and MGL Chapter NC Section 3211. 6 iniiiii miiiin Pages 7-a 17 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." MENNINE Pages 9-11 17 November Subsequent Town Meeting Article 9 —General Bylaws various sections 7 � � 17 November Subsequent Town MeetingPaeea n-is Article 10 —General Bylaws 8.13 Regulation of Retail Checkout Bags 8 12/17/2018 RMLD " awnAE xrnoaT rrmn STRATEGIC VISION Reading Municipal Light Department run RELIARIE FY 2017 017ExAT1nN5 Annual Report �t \F� wrx f mnx4 CReading Municipal Light Department LIAxLE rowxx con cEx RxATloxs ` F / )f 1" Place Laura Busceml e North Reading High School Grade : 10 ON Title : Electricitree (/ NIGN / WLTAGE z 1 12/17/2018 Reading Municipal Light Depanmem i Neem Ree rowEx Fax cE x eNnr�oxs f. r' 2^d Place . Megan Coram Reading Memorial High School Grade : 11 Title : Shred the What? 3 Rading eMuo�cipal Light Depertmem R ding E P ER FOA t EN Oxy PUBLI OWER 3rd Place Sophia Bonaccorsi Wilmington High School l Grade : 11 �n Title : Public Power 4 2 12/17/2018 Reading Municipal Light Department i RILIAtI.6 R04RR TOR GENI"T10n5 '�� ' I� SIA J fLL '1 1 A! /-fh 1 4u^ Place ✓\\ � Patrick Au cella dA Reading Memorial High School " Grade : 9 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(I MW) Accepting subscriptions for project 2(660 customers) a140 50 Fordham Road.Wilmington (MW) 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 ant, implementation of Organization and Reliability Study 6 3 12/17/2018 Efficiency and Peak Reduction Measures Rgbafe con"' Based on Amo of f Peak Reduction • Commercial Energy Initiative Program(CEIPI • Commercial Lighting Rebate Program(CLRPi • Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program • RMLD held a Lunch and Leam for commercial,industrial,and municipal customers participating in Peak Demand Reduction Program(PDRP) • Residential Appliance Rebates Residential Energy Assessments Resitlential RMLD Qn-Line Store offer 50%off theretail price on an assortment of LED light bulbs and advanced powerslripe New,in Customer Rebate Portal Shred the Peak Educational Campaign with C 'N ommunOutreach Installed 2.5MW natural gas powered distributed generator at North Reading Substation to Shred the Peak Applied for state funding grants to explore the efficacy of energy storage in Shredding the Peak RMLD continues to encourage its customers to sign up for paperless billing to further its Get Greener,Go wed,9e Efficient initiptive Solar Choice Program Overview • Community Solar—Solar Choice allows RMLD customers the opportunity to share in the benefits from large solar systems installed within the four towns that RMLD serves • Low Upfront Cosh—Monthly charge of$5 for first year • Savings Over Time—Customers can save an estimated $300 over the first ten years • No Hassle of Installation—None of the expense, maintenance or risk associated with purchasing and installing solar equipment on your property • Clean, Local Power—Customers support and benefit from zero carbon, green, renewable solar energy produced locally Call Customer Service of 781-944-1340 or email enerayRMLD@rmld.com to sign up for the Solar Choice Program today! 4 12/17/2018 Economic Development Attract New Customers and Retain Existing Customers Benefits of Receiving Electric Service From RMLD • Locally Owned and Operated • Reliability Exceeding Regional and National Averages • Response Time • Customer Service Programs • 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) • 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 • Secondary Main and Service Upgrade Program i0 5 iz/17/i018 LED Streetlight Program (on target) ➢ Pilot Program(FY35)-300 Lights Installed Lynnfield 41 • North Reading 61 Reading 114 • Wilmington 82 Total 3ao ➢ Full Implementation Over Three Years(FY16.FYi8)-Approximately 8,aoo Lights System-wide FY 16 FY.7 FY 18 Lynnfield 199 177 gl • North Reading 581 535 308 Reading 961 741 158 • Wilmington 980 704 196 Total 1,831 1,157 854 ➢ 6,232 LED Light Fixtures Installed through October 22,2017 x 78%complete 31 LED Streetlight Program ram. .nm..0 n o IED miMmes.i eoem moDaxwn ' e"e'b' .n xwn aoD.mxwn Tw.ir.,.,n * WMT'r•uvn,[oum uzm laamnnl re axne u&CM wee I�mnnl IPm.naM1iep zm.n unzmnnl{1 IW.mI Ib.bba IWaDI SLW NPs iN.euW xb bf H bJBb bb {1B 03J � b YXb NPS iC {9 91N p,iN ]6 ry �Oue RaW Ip,1b WMV B HO ry,WO {1 Y� e b 1 . 35a B.tW nQ1 W.& W.3 11 6 iz/v/2018 Double Poles Snapshot -[w TRANSFER aNuseRF N5FE0. 6 NP3PMA B NonWMdPadng 3rd PRM AM6V- -MnsaNusNO TRANSFER B RONG(O 6 -Reedln,RMOperrmmt TRANSFER 6 RAIM 92 RNdlq MunId W 10&OR'. A, TRANSFER E] PULL POLE 65 MESA i0 VeR11.MPSseFNumm TRANSFER 00 As of Otto be r 30,]037 33 6lMNTobI -35i.. Strategic Vision • Secure land for new Substation 5,Wilmington • Implement power supply risk mitigation plan • Educate customers on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the availability of RMLD rebates for EV Charging Stations • Implement technology roadmap including new outage management system • Expand community outreach in school programs • Complete Strategic Vision for each RMLD division Continuation of RMLD's Get Greener,Go Paperless, Be Efficient campaign • Continue talent management succession planning • Economic development opportunities ur 7 12/17/2018 Thank you and don't forget to SHRED the PEAK L C I]B'G aX1ECOMPGK I,, ", G ", Follow us on Twitter at Lal ReadingLight RMLD E5 ending Municipal Light Depnnmena RELIABLE POGE0. F00. GENF0.ATIONS 8